Report from Bro. Bourdeau.
By D. T. Bourdeau
BRO. WHITE: Sunday, October 14, from the excellent meeting at Pilot Grove, my brother and myself went to Washington, where we met a good reception, and were made comfortable at Bro. Kilgore's. The 16th being a pleasant day, Bro. R. W. Kilgore, who was getting good wages for his labor, left his work, and took us with his own team to Fairfield. This was an agreeable trip, and added to our happiness while separated from our homes and friends. In our interviews that day, we were reminded that a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things that he possesseth, as the Saviour says, and that many who labor hard might be abundantly repaid for throwing off the pressure of their arduous labor and cares at times, with lawful cheerfulness and real enjoyment, though it might at first appear like making a great sacrifice. The 17th, we held two meetings at Fairfield, during which we enjoyed freedom. The church were strengthened, and fifteen promptly presented their figures on S. B., amounting to $73.58. The 18th, we went by cars to Pella, and thence by stage to Knoxville, which we reached late in the night, feeling much fatigued; but found rest at Bro. Hornaday's peaceful and quiet home. Sabbath and first-day, the 20th and 21st, we held five interesting meetings with the church at Knoxville, during which we gave four discourses, one of which was a funeral sermon by my brother, occasioned by the death of our aged Bro. Topping. Systematic Benevolence was arranged, and two united with the church. From the freedom we enjoyed in preaching, and the interest which was manifested in all the meetings, we have reason to believe that the cause is coming up in Knoxville. The 23d, Bro. Conroy kindly took us with his team to Sandyville, where we spent the next Sabbath and first-day in laboring for the church in that place. We were here happy to learn that former difficulties in the church were permanently settled, and that a good feeling exists among the brethren. If they will forget the things that are behind, and press forward toward the mark of perfection, they cannot fail to grow in grace, and receive the prize of their high calling in the end. At Sandyville we found Bro. J. H. Rogers prepared to take us to Altovista, Mo., a distance of one hundred and thirty miles. It took us five days to reach this place. On our way here we held profitable meetings at Osceola and Decatur. The brethren and friends at Osceola were eager to receive the truth, which encouraged us in our weary condition to preach to them. The result was that at the close of our last meeting from fifteen to twenty endorsed the truth, as far as they had seen it, by arising upon their feet. At Decatur we enjoyed freedom in speaking on the dangers of backsliding as illustrated by the history of Lot's wife. We have now held five meetings at Altovista, and though we have had liberty in preaching, yet we regret to see in some the result of preachers dwelling on the mere theory of the truth by way of displaying self and exulting over others, and thereby encouraging a spirit of debate to the neglect of vital piety. Some have felt more anxious for unbelievers than they have for themselves, not realizing that the work should begin at home, and that the most effectual way to help others at this stage of the message, is to get alive to our present duties, preparatory for the latter rain and the loud cry of the third angel's message. Last evening my brother introduced the message to the Laodiceans, upon which hangs the destiny of the church. We expect that some will receive it with readiness and deep humility, in imitation of churches in other parts of the field. Last Sunday we had the privilege of speaking to a large and attentive congregation on practical subjects, which were intended to help the church, and serve as a stepping-stone for a more thorough effort for those without at a proper time. To-day my brother and I separate, he to return to Vermont, and I to remain in Iowa, where we have enjoyed each other's society and counsel in laboring pleasantly and mutually for the upbuilding of the cause, for which we have been willing to deny ourselves and suffer for Christ's sake. We thank God we can see that some good has resulted from our efforts. To him be all the praise. We hope to meet again. But if we should not be permitted to meet in this life, oh that we may unite again, when the whole family of God meet to enjoy the reward of those who have sacrificed for their Master here. To the brethren in Iowa I would say, I feel that as my burdens and responsibilities are now greater than before, I need your especial co-operation. I do not here refer to pecuniary aid; for you have shown a readiness to do your duty in this direction by adopting the plan of Systematic Benevolence, by which the cause is sustained in a pecuniary point of view. But I want your aid in spiritual things. I want you to help me in laboring for yourselves and for your children; in getting where God can consistently use us all to his honor and glory. And one great help to me will be to know that you are reconciled to my following my own convictions of duty in regard to my health. Can I use my liberty on this important point, that I may be enabled to build up and be more useful while among you? I have had but two or three day's rest in all since coming to the West, and would have gained more rapidly if I could have rested more. Shall I have rest when I need it without seeing dissatisfaction on the part of any? Altovista, Mo., Nov. 6, 1866.