REPORT FROM BRO. A. C. BOURDEAU.
By A. C. BOURDEAU
My last report closed with the series of meetings held at Jamaica, Vt. On our way to Braintree, Tuesday, Feb. 18, Bro. Orcutt and myself held another meeting at the house of Bro. Pierce, in Andover. We had a good time in speaking to the few on dwelling in unity. The responses made by the brethren and sisters proved the subject to be in time. Especially were we interested by the testimony given by Sr. Butterfield, aged about eighty-six years. We have reason to believe that although she compares herself to a mere cypher in the cause of truth, her conversation and practice show that she tries to occupy a right position relative to the truth, so that in the comparison, the cypher is placed on the right side of the figure, and thus the relative value of the figure is increased by the cypher. This comparison has force. It is easily seen that however limited our capacity may be, and however small we may feel that we are in the church of Christ, if we strictly adhere to the principles of truth, and practically carry them out in our lives, we can occupy a position where our influence will tell on the side of truth, and for the cause; and thus we may be helped in leading others to love the Lord and his truth. From Andover, we were two days in traveling to Braintree, where we spent three days, and held five meetings. The church here had hardly recovered from their disappointment in not having a call from Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews, last December, on their way from New Hampshire to West Enosburgh, Vt. Though they did not feel to find any fault in the matter, knowing that these servants of the Lord would gladly have held a meeting with them as they had appointed, had not other important duties elsewhere prevented. Having not had any ministerial labors among them for several month, they felt like hungry sheep, starving for the bread of life. They gladly heard the word spoken Sabbath through the day, and Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon we held a special meeting for the church, in which we felt a drawing out in our remarks for certain ones present who had kept the Sabbath, and had been friendly to the cause for several years, but they had not as yet united with any church. One was received into the church, and it is hoped that others may make an effort to get in a place where they can fully identify themselves with the people of God. Following this meeting we had a refreshing season in attending the ordinance of the Lord's house. While we were at Braintree in the evening after the Sabbath, where several of the brethren and sisters who had come from other parts to attend the meetings were stopping at the house of Bro. Cobb, where we were also stopping; with other mail matters, the Review was brought from the Post Office. We at once called on a brother to read to us “Life Incidents,” by Elder James White, chapter two. And while the article was being read, all seemed to be much interested in the reading, and they were so affected by it that several gave vent to their feelings in shedding tears.269May we not believe that these articles of Bro. White, and the forth coming work which will contain them, will be instructive to some, and be the means of strengthening the faith of many in the great truths that have been brought to light under the proclamation of the three angel's messages? For a few weeks in the past, my brother and myself have been attending to important matters at home, with which we are both connected, and which also concern the cause. A week ago we spoke to the church in this place, calling on them for help with their pledges and means on the book fund. Since then, several have responded, and pledges by this church have amounted to $115.44, much of which has been paid into my hands. This is an important work. It is truly cheering to see the effort that is made by the chosen servants of God to keep the good work moving on in all its branches. We often see that balance wheels are necessary in machineries to keep all the parts moving in harmony, and thus they are made to work accurately. This well represents the instruments or means that are necessary in the hands of God in connection with the cause to keep it in motion in all its departments. May the good work go on, and we all put our shoulders to the wheel, that when all the saints are gathered home, we may also share with them in the rich reward that awaits the righteous. Amen. West Enosburgh, Vt., March 23, 1868.