p. 12 | Untitled article by D. T. BOURDEAU

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · December 17, 1867

A SHORT TRIP IN VERMONT.

By D. T. BOURDEAU

THURSDAY evening, Nov. 28, just as I was closing up a job on my house, preparatory for winter quarters, which had called forth extra physical exertions on my part, and as I was expecting to take things easier, and immediately devote a period to rest and to the enjoyment of the society of those from whom I had been separated for quite a length of time, a letter came to us from Stowe, Vt., informing us that Sr. Edwin Churchill was very sick, and greatly desired to have us call on her in her affliction.

Accordingly, the next morning, in company with my brother A. C. and my companion, we started for Stowe, and came as far as Morrisville, where we stopped over night at Bro. Bingham’s (one of our best Advent homes in Vermont). We were made welcome, not only by himself, but also by Mrs. B., who though she has not made a profession of the present truth, has ever treated us kindly, and deserves our respect and gratitude. Here, also, we met with our aged and beloved Bro. A. Stone, who was on his way to Stowe.

On the Sabbath, we had a profitable meeting with the church at Stowe. We spoke twice, and the words spoken were appreciated. We hope that this church will not be backward in moving forward in every branch of the health reform. Though the health reform does not take the lead in the message, and should not be urged rashly, yet it comes in as a mighty help to develop character. And if God has spoken in regard to it, it is important to act accordingly; else God does not mean what he says, and he has spoken in vain, and it would have been as profitable to the cause for him not to have said what he has said. We hope none are disposed to trifle with God.

We found Sr. Churchill quite low, having had a bilious fever, followed by a relapse, from lack of knowledge in regard to hygienic treatment, the whole covering about three months. We rejoice that the Reformer devotes more space for instructions on the proper treatment of disease. This will doubtless save many from protracted illness and untimely graves. We had special seasons of prayer with Sr. C., in which we enjoyed holy calmness and the presence of the comforting Spirit. The Lord alone can raise her up. And we still pray that if it can be for his glory, she may be spared to her family and to the church. If she recovers it will be gradually.

On our way home, we called at Bro. Loveland’s, and found Sr. L. and her son recovering from a siege of typhoid fever, caused by over-exertion, in watching over and attending to the wants of others who were sick of the same disease. But they were doing well under the use of natural and simple remedies, such as plenty of pure air, careful applications of water, rest, etc. They were not hindered by poisonous drugs, and had not wholly lost their relish for food. Yet Sr. L.’s past exertions and age are against her, and she will need to be very careful, else it will be difficult for nature to rally and perform the work of restoration.

It was a feast to us to visit with this dear family, who were among the first that received the truth in Vermont, and have freely sacrificed of their means to advance it. Such are in danger of doing too much for the relief of others, at the neglect of their own wants in their old age. To such we would say, with all respect to age and experience, Hold on. God wants you to live on and enjoy, as well as to lavish on others.

We spent last Sabbath in Quarterly Meeting with the church in this place, and had a good degree of freedom in dwelling on the proper use of the tongue. We are a numerous church, enjoy many privileges, and a good degree of union; yet we are in greater danger of erring on some points than smaller churches. We can be more shut up to each other than is meet; and unless we keep very near the Lord, there is danger of giving way to worldly-mindedness and worldly aggrandizement. If we all keep consecrated we can have a mighty influence for good, but if we suffer ourselves to backslide on any point, then will our united influence tell against us individually, and tell against the cause in a corresponding degree.

We pray that the coming of Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Andrews among us may prove a blessing to us as a church, as well as to the cause in Vermont and Canada East. To this end we should labor for ourselves, and suffer the servants of the Lord to move forward in their work untrammeled, exercising their own judgment with regard to their health and the wants of the cause.

In regard to entertaining the brethren from abroad, we would say, We are able and willing to do it. Yet let a proper regard to age, health, etc., and to giving all our good brethren in this church the privilege of cheerfully bearing a part in entertaining you. My brother tells me that at our last Conference, some of our good members felt grieved that they had none from abroad to call on them.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

West Enosbury, Vt.