Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The New Zealand Evangelist

Switzerland

Switzerland.

Wesleyan Mission.—It will be remembered that the Rev. Charles Cook and W. Ogier were both compelled to withdraw from the Canton De Vaud, in consequence of their being unable to obtain from the civil authorities a renewal of their certificates of residence, at the expiration of the terms for which they were originally granted. Considerable fears have been entertained that the Rev. Matthew Gallenne, who succeeded Mr. Cook, as the page 258 Senior Wesleyan Missionary in the Canton, would be placed in similar circumstances; and he also would have to retire from the Mission. But these fears, we are thankful to report, have not been realized. An official communication has been received at the Wesleyan Mission-House, Bishopsgate-street Within, in which Mr, Gallienne conveys the gratifying information that his “permis de sejour” has been favourably received, and that he has obtained an extension of the term of his residence in the Canton, to the end of the year 1852. It is further gratifying to learn that, although the spirit of persecution continues to manifest itself against the Free Church, and other dissenters from the Establishment, some of whom have lately been condemned to exile and heavy fines, Mr. Gallienne and his colleague, Mr. Jaulmes, are permitted to prosecute their ministerial labours at Aigle, without any interruption, and that even in Lausanne they are able, though less openly, to hold religious services with their faithful people.

Other openings for usefulness are presenting themselves in Switzerland and the neighbouring countries. At the date of his letter, June 27, Mr. Gallienne had just returned from a visit to the Waldenses of Piedmont, among whom his time was fully employed, for two or three weeks, in visiting, preaching, and administering the Lord's supper. Considering the disadvantages under which these interesting people are placed, having no stated minister, Mr. Gallienne was agreably surprised at finding so much evangelical and spiritual religion among them. They earnestly requested him to visit them regularly, every quarter, for the purpose of administering the Sacraments, and they manifested their thankfulness for the visit of the Missionary by offering him, out of their scanty means, a small donation to the Society's funds. Great is the honour which Divine Providence thus is putting upon the Wesleyan Missionary Society in the face of Europe. It is privileged to make a decided and, to a great extent, successful stand against the spirit of religious persecution in the Canton de Vaud; and the descendants of those noble witnesses who in the midst of sufferings maintained the Truth in the darkest ages of Popery, — the Waldenses of Dauphiny, and the Waldeneses of Piedmont on the Italian side of the Alps, — are now both placed under its fostering care. Surely at such a juncture, necessary funds will be provided for the prosecution of the high and hallowed enterprises to which the Society is thus so manifestly invited.