p. 269 | D. T. BOURDEAU by D. T. BOURDEAU

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 14, 1867

D. T. BOURDEAU

By D. T. BOURDEAU

[Since the foregoing was in type, Bro. Bourdeau has arrived from Iowa, and handed us the following additional particulars of his labors in that State.—Ed.]

Since closing my last report, I have spent two Sabbaths, and first-days with the church at Pilot Grove. At our first meeting, we found many of the church pretty well jaded down by hard labor, as could be seen by their countenances, and by the inclination of some to sleep. We found that it was next to an impossibility for those who had thus overworked to appreciate the truth, and having given a discourse on self-examination, we spoke over one hour on labor and rest. Our testimony was appreciated and received, as appeared from the difference in the countenances of the brethren and sisters the next Sabbath, and from a greater interest in the word spoken.

At this busy season of the year, just before Conference, there is great danger of our industrious brethren and sisters overdoing. They may think that they must do as much again as they usually do to get along. But this is a mistaken idea. For what gain is there in doing two days’ work in one for a month or two, and then break down and have to lay up three or six months or longer, as many have been obliged to do? And as you thus overdo, you lose patience, become worldly-minded, and lose your appreciation of divine things. And some in this condition may want to go to the Health Reform Institute, and find fault because their brethren do not raise means to send them there. But be it understood that our Health Institute is not gotten up to receive, and our sacrificing brethren will not be encouraged to support, those who overlook and ride over what they already understand of the Health Reform. It would be squandering means to no profit. Let invalids first show a willingness to reform as far as they have light, and then it may be right to consider the propriety of their going to the Health Institute. And if it should be duty for them to go to the Institute, it would be a saving of time and means to commence correcting their wrong habits previous to their going.

Our meetings last Sabbath and first-day were more interesting and encouraging. We dwelt on the suffering part of religion, which led the brethren to take courage, and manifest a willingness to suffer more for Christ’s sake. Our social meeting was lively and soul-reviving. Sunday morning I spoke an hour and a half on our business deal with God and man, and arranged Systematic Benevolence for the coming Conference year, raising the figures from $263.42 to $342.28. And we might have done better if all had been present.

Some think that a business meeting is not as important as other meetings, and for this reason stay away; while others do not attend such meetings because they think their business is so important that they cannot afford to lose time. Bad excuses these. Suppose all would say this, what would become of business meetings? And which is the most important, our business or God’s? How easy it is for the Lord to suffer affliction to come upon us, and make us to lose far more than we should by attending a business meeting. It is not correct to say that business meetings are not important. They are some of the most important meetings to the cause, and often prove to be moistened by the rich and approving blessing of the Lord. At this meeting four shares were pledged for the Health Reform Institute, in addition to what had been previously pledged by this church.

We intend spending next Sabbath with the church in this place, after which, the Lord willing, we start for General Conference. Our labors in this State thus far have been a source of encouragement to ourselves, and we hope also to others. We have formed many dear acquaintances, and received many prayers, sympathizing words, and other favors, for which we are thankful. Our prayers will follow this dear people and they will live in our hearts, whether we return among them or labor elsewhere.

D. T. BOURDEAU

Washington, Iowa, May 1, 1867.