Once again the great reaper, Death, has invaded the ranks of the pioneer laborers in the cause of the third angel's message, and another noble soldier in the army of the Lord has fallen at his post of duty.
Elder Daniel T. Bourdeau fell asleep in Jesus at Grand Rapids, Mich., June 30, 1905, aged 69 years, 6 months, and 2 days. His last illness was the result of gall stones that caused perforation and hemorrhage. The deceased was born at Bourdeauville, Franklin Co., Vt., Dec. 28, 1835.
When he was three years old, his parents were converted, and united with the Baptist Church. Some years afterward they became staunch and zealous believers in present truth, and died triumphant in that faith. In bringing up their children they taught them to be very conversant with the Bible, and to accept Christ as their Saviour. At the age of eleven years Daniel, with his only brother and twelve others, was baptized, and united with the Baptist Church. Although reared upon the farm, the two brothers always attended school in their youth, being very studious and having their books, especially the Bible, close at hand as their constant companions. They perseveringly endeavored to secure a true education, such as would fit them for the highest degree of usefulness in life.
At the age of sixteen years Daniel joined his brother in acquiring an education in the French language at a Baptist institution at Grand Ligne, Lower Canada.
In the year 1861, at Bakersfield, Vt., he was united in marriage to Miss Marion E. Saxby, who has stood faithfully by her husband's side, sharing in his extensive travels and labors. She has always taken a deep and careful interest in his work, whether preaching or writing, and has greatly aided him by her sympathy, her constant care, and words of counsel. She still lives to bless her children and humanity. To them were born two children, both of whom are honoring their parents by living useful lives. The daughter, Dr. Patience S. Bourdeau, is successfully conducting a sanitarium at Grand Rapids, and is superintendent of the Medical Department of the West Michigan Conference. The son, Augustin J. S. Bourdeau, is missionary secretary of the California-Nevada Conference, and is also connected with the Pacific Press Publishing Co., of Mountain View, Cal. The only brother of the deceased is Elder A. C. Bourdeau, of Battle Creek, Mich. A very large circle of relatives, residing in the States of Michigan, Illinois, Vermont, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Louisiana, Colorado, Oregon, California, and in Canada also mourn his death.
The manner in which Elder Bourdeau became convinced of the truths of the great advent message and of the Sabbath of the Lord, was quite interesting. In the year 1855 he was engaged in teaching in the eastern townships of Lower Canada, and in missionary work in the interests of the Baptist Church. His parents and brother, residing at their home in Vermont, learned of the message, and fully accepted it. This caused Daniel great distress of mind, for he believed they were being deceived. In his endeavors to fortify himself and to become able to rescue his parents and brother from what he believed to be a delusion, he chanced to have a conversation with a Catholic priest regarding the matter. This priest assured him that the Catholic Church changed the day of the Sabbath, and that it had power and authority to do so. This claim aroused Daniel's suspicions, and caused him to look into the question very carefully. He received letters from his brother in which he gave the reasons for his newfound faith, and in a short time Daniel saw the beautiful chain of present truth, and, true to his regard for the Word of God, fully accepted it, and with joy allied himself with its adherents.
ELDER D. T. BOURDEAU
Soon after this event he became acquainted with Elder James White and his wife, and spent some time at Battle Creek, studying and writing. He wrote several pamphlets upon themes of present truth, which were published in the French. Some of them were also published in the English. He also translated several volumes from the English into the French, and wrote quite largely for our periodicals, and always with much acceptance. He soon engaged in public labors, and in 1858 was ordained as a minister of the gospel in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He held credentials as such continuously until his death. For several years before his death he received credentials from the General Conference.
For many years his labors were in close association with his brother. They labored very successfully in the New England States and in Canada, raising up many companies and churches of believers. He also labored in the State of New York. In California he labored in connection with Elder J. N. Loughborough, and in several of the Western States with his brother. He was twice sent to Europe as a missionary, laboring there for seven years. Upon his first visit he was a colaborer with the late Elder J. N. Andrews in editorial work and in conducting public meetings. On his second visit to Europe he was joined by his brother. They labored unitedly in France, Switzerland, Rumania, Corsica, Italy, and in Alsace-Lorraine. Their labors were greatly blessed in the raising up of a goodly number of companies and churches of believers. In some instances the entire membership of a church, including the pastor, accepted the faith of the third angel's message after three or four weeks' labor of these pioneer foreign missionaries.
Since returning to America, Elder Bourdeau has continued his activity as a minister and writer, having labored in several States and in Canada. During later years he has been unusually active in the study of the Bible, and in preparing manuscript for publication. He has studied deeply into some very important subjects, and before his death he had completed the manuscripts for two books of six hundred pages each. They are carefully prepared, being typewritten, in both French and English. In addition to this he had also prepared the manuscript for several smaller publications and articles for periodicals upon important and interesting themes, all of which he left in excellent order,—all brought to completion.
Of him it can truly be said, He has fought a good fight, has kept the faith, finished his course, and henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Saviour himself will place upon his immortal brow in the glad morning of the resurrection of the just.
During his last illness he had a deep concern for his manuscripts, and dictated a carefully worded letter of instructions to his brother regarding them.
Elder Bourdeau was an energetic, whole-hearted man, and whatever he engaged in received his entire energies. He knew no such thing as "half-way" work or service. He had a powerful intellect, and had trained it to act systematically, logically and always for God and his truth. From the date of his acceptance of the third angel's message to the time of his death he was profoundly loyal to its principles, and always sought by voice and pen and means to further its interests. He and his wife were among the very first to accept the light on health reform, more than forty years ago, and he was always an earnest and consistent advocate and exemplar of that cause.
As indicating the influence for good of himself and brother and their companions (for they were quite inseparable in their labors), it may be noted that at one time there were seventy-five of their relatives who were active, consistent believers in the advent message. Elder Bourdeau himself had labored, as a pioneer, in the establishment of the message in more than seventy different localities.18
He attended the last session of the General Conference at Washington, which he greatly enjoyed, and returned home full of zeal, hope, and courage. About two weeks after reaching home he was prostrated with the disease that proved fatal. The loving and skilful ministrations of his wife and daughter, of his brother, together with dear friends and able physicians, were accorded to him without reserve, all of which he heartily appreciated. He very greatly missed his son, for whom he had a deep and tender affection. It was also a source of much grief to the son that he could not be at his father's bedside. But the long distance that intervened, together with the further fact that he had heavy responsibilities in connection with a camp-meeting at that time, rendered it quite impossible for him to be present, or to attend the funeral. The end came so soon after the verdict of the physicians that there was not time for him to come across the continent and reach his father before death came to him.
Elder Bourdeau's mind was clear, and he calmly and intelligently gave instructions regarding financial and business affairs. At the beginning of the last Sabbath before he died he requested that the usual service of song and prayer be held, remarking that he might not live to see another Sabbath. He was especially interested in the hymns that were sung, and, although he had been able to speak only in a whisper for some time, he joined with his clear, tenor voice in singing one line each of three different hymns. As the members of the family engaged in prayer, his responses gave conclusive evidence that he was being especially blessed of the Lord. His own prayer, although uttered only in a whisper and in great feebleness, was very expressive of perfect confidence in the Lord, complete resignation to his will, unwavering faith in his acceptance by God and in the assurance of eternal life. At the conclusion of words of loving benediction spoken by his third brother, he said, with much emotion, “Thank you.” These were the last words that he was heard to utter. His last hours were calm and peaceful and free from physical suffering. The Lord abundantly sustained him to the end, graciously fulfilling his blessed promise, “For so he giveth his beloved sleep.”
Elder Bourdeau was a man of strong faith in God, and had an unwavering confidence in prayer. Upon many occasions the Lord has given signal answers to his prayers for the restoration of the sick. He was a loving and exemplary husband, father, and brother; a kind and generous friend and neighbor. In the counsels of his brethren he always gave acceptable admonitions of hope, good cheer, and of harmonious action. His life-work is ended, so far as his personal activity is concerned, but it will never cease to bless humanity and glorify God. May we who still live emulate his godly life and example, and ever have the testimony that he had, that our ways please the Lord.
On Sunday, July 2, the remains were brought to Battle Creek, and the funeral held at the Tabernacle, being largely attended by the friends and relatives.
The services were conducted by Elder A. G. Haughey, president of the West Michigan Conference, assisted by Elders I. D. VanHorn, W. D. Parkhurst, and the writer. The discourse by Elder Haughey was especially comforting and appropriate. The burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery, where our brother awaits the resurrection call of the Master.
