To the Brethren in Vermont.
By A. C. Bourdeau
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: When I left home and the church at Enosburgh, four weeks ago, to attend the session of the General Conference which was held at Battle Creek, Mich., May 16, 1866, I expected to return to my family immediately after the Conference; but contrary to our expectation, and to the arrangements that I had made to labor in Vermont and Canada East during the ensuing year, my brother and I were appointed to labor in Iowa. It was a great sacrifice for me to absent myself so far from my family and friends in Vermont; but I cheerfully submitted for the Lord's sake, and for the sake of the cause of precious truth.13 Since the General Conference I have spent several days among the brethren in Battle Creek, and as this is my first visit to this city, it may not be amiss for me to say a few words through the Review relative to the Publishing Department, and to the prosperity of the cause in this place. Since I embraced the Sabbath, and have identified myself with the Seventh-day Adventists, I have always had implicit and unwavering confidence in the management of affairs in Battle Creek. During my visit here my confidence has not lessened; on the contrary, I am thankful for what my eyes have seen, and my ears have heard, and feel to say, "The half was not told me." 1. The hands connected with the Publishing Department are not partial, or sectional in their feelings; but their hopes and aspirations are the same for the good of the cause in every part of the field. 2. The low wages they receive, and their plain manner of dress, evince to all that they do not seek for worldly gain, or to "eat the fat; and clothe themselves with the wool." 3. Though nearly all the brethren in this church have to work out by the day to get a living, yet they are industrious and economical, and always ready to give a lift in benevolent enterprises. Since I came here these liberal souls have been called upon to donate largely in six different enterprises, and have heartily responded in every case. In the course of twenty-four hours they pledged $4800.00, toward building a new house of worship; and in three hours they pledged nearly $2000.00 to apply on the enterprise of the Western Health Reform Institution. To-day we start for our new field of labor. Brethren pray for us, that the sustaining hand of God may attend us in our labors in Iowa. My prayer to God is that you may all continue steadfast and immovable in the faith whereunto you have attained. Battle Creek, Mich., June 5, 1866.