An Interesting Letter by A. C. BOURDEAU

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 11, 1866

An Interesting Letter.

By A. C. BOURDEAU

BRO. WHITE: While attending the French School at the Grand Ligne Mission Institute, in Canada East, fifteen years ago, I became acquainted with Mr. I. R. Lamoureux, a French Baptist, who was a student in the Institution at that time. After I left school I did not see Mr. L., till about one year ago, when he came and spent a few days at my house in West Enosburg, Vt. During his stay with us, he attended several of our meetings, and heard our views for the first time. I have recently received the following letter from him, which shows the impressions he received during his visit with us, and how his mind is being exercised in regard to our position. A. C. BOURDEAU.

I. R. Lamoureux to his friend A. C. Bourdeau.

DEAR FRIEND:

I ought to have written to you long ago; and I meant to do it many, many a time. But since I left you I have been so unsettled both in body and in mind, that I have neglected my best friend. I crave your pardon for this long neglect; whilst I should certainly have said, at least, a few words of acknowledgment and thanks for your hearty welcome, and all the attention and kindness you showed me during my stay with you! Nevertheless I can say that I was very sensitive to all those tokens of brotherly love and Christian charity, and assure you of my gratitude and good feeling for you all. Whatever may be the difference of our views in certain respects, I entertain the highest regard for your moral character, and the fullest confidence in the sincerity of your religious profession.

I do not wish to flatter you by any means; but I must say that I found among you more practical and living religion than in all other denominations put together. Most Christians, so-called, can hardly be known in daily life, from people of the world. Their ways and conversation do not differ materially from those of the world. But with you, religion seems to be the main topic of conversation, and you speak of the promises of God as something real, and that will soon be accomplished. Moreover, your manners and habits are certainly a beautiful example of reason, temperance, and simplicity, to this present, perverse, and foolish generation. I say this because I was struck with the vast difference between you and other denominations.

I have a sort of idea, or feeling, that when the Lord cometh, I would feel safer with you than with any other sect, if I may use that word. For you long after his coming with such eagerness and assurance. You talk of the dear Redeemer and his kingdom as no fictitious things; while other Christians (except the Adventists), speak of them almost as fables. How cold, how cheerless, their sermons are! The second advent of Christ seems to them far off still, and how few seem to realize it! Christ is coming to deliver his children, and finally to renovate this earth which is now polluted with sin. What sweet consolation such an idea is calculated to afford to every true and sincere believer! And still Christians remain cold, indifferent, as though they were quite unconcerned with that great event! Is that religion? Is that the way we should accept the word of God? Oh, no, no, no!

I must confess that I am myself too cold, and not engaged directly enough in the great cause. Still I can say that religion is something sweet to my heart, and that now, in my present circumstances, it is my best and only consolation. The subject of religion has greatly occupied my mind since I left you. I have read with interest several of the works you gave me on the Sabbath, and although I am not fully convinced, I agree with you on several points. That a day of rest is necessary to our moral and physical economy, I am fully convinced. All the question lies with me now, whether we should strictly observe a particular day, and that day the seventh still.

The question whether the church of Rome had any right to substitute the first day for the seventh is too contemptible to have any weight in my mind. The fact that the keeping of Sunday was a Romish institution would be a sufficient reason for me to abandon altogether its observance. I have such an abhorrence of anything that is Romish, such a contempt for the “mother of harlots,” that as soon as I am fully convinced that Sunday keeping is one of her laws, I shall forsake it altogether as a day of sacred repose.

But I want more light on the subject, and I mean to study it too. I am, you know, of a studious turn of mind, and I want to be fully convinced before admitting anything. I should like very much to have the pleasure of remaining some time with you, in order to examine further your views, and study those great questions pertaining to the everlasting kingdom. I sincerely wish to have an opportunity of seeing you again.

Will you be so kind as to write to me about your family. Where is Daniel? What is he doing, etc.? My best regards to you and yours; also to your parents and sister. I. R. LAMOUREUX.