REPORT FROM BRO. D. T. BOURDEAU.
By D. T. Bourdeau
It was my privilege to be at our late General Conference, and to attend all its business sessions and religious meetings; and I can say that what has been written relative to this general gathering has not been overestimated, every word of it is pure, unvarnished truth. Such a Conference must necessarily leave a favorable impression on all the friends of the truth respecting the various branches of the cause, and give a new impetus to the work of the third angel’s message. Especially should we be encouraged by the measures which were taken in forming the “Benevolent Association.” To see such important truths developed, and our people so ready to come up to them in their practice and sacrifice, is indeed cheering, and should inspire, in all, additional confidence in the work, and certainly in regard to its speedy and glorious accomplishment. The minister’s meetings which followed the Conference were the most profitable meetings of the kind I ever attended. They offered me an opportunity to engage more fully in the work of self-examination, and preparing to more successfully preach the truth to others, which I earnestly endeavored to improve upon, in common with my ministering brethren. The result was, that we were more sweetly and strongly united to each other and to the Lord than ever before; we saw the nature and magnitude of the work as we never saw it before, and realized God’s willingness to help us; and I trust I experienced a fresh conversion in the message which I had greatly desired. And among the blessings that the Lord is graciously bestowing upon us, is Testimony to the Church, No. 15, which, as far as I have perused it, is of the same nature, and has the same sanctifying tendency, as those that have been previously given. I heartily endorse what it says on “the gold.” If we get “faith and love combined,” we shall be truly rich. Oh! that we may labor as earnestly and perseveringly to obtain these heavenly graces, as most of us do to get an earthly treasure. Then shall we have no occasion to complain of our poverty. I trust that we shall read the various epistles contained in this testimony, not simply as applying to those to whom they were originally given, but also as having a bearing on our own characters. They would not have been published in their present form if they had been merely local, if they had not contained principles general in their application. We should also learn lessons of wisdom from the faults of others. We are now busily engaged in preparing for our long journey to California. We appreciate the assistance received from the Battle Creek church. This dear people will live in our memory and affection. We spend next Sabbath with them, after which we leave for the State of New York, in which we will remain over two Sabbaths. We now expect to take the boat for California, at New York City the 24th inst. The work before us is great, and the idea of separating, for so long a time, is painful. But we are consoled by the thought that we are not left to perform our work alone. We believe the Lord will go with us, and many prayers will follow us; yes, brethren, pray for us. We also have a rich hope to sustain us, a hope which alleviates the sting of separation, reaches beyond the grave, and unites us together amidst the realities and glories of the kingdom of God. With this hope we can toil and sacrifice, and even die in distant lands, if it is the will of our Heavenly Father. I can also say that I am settled on the truth, and have not been troubled with objections for a long time. The truth is a reality to me. I feast upon it. It is my life, and I want to labor to have others saved by it. I wish to have this my highest ambition. Brethren pray for us. My P. O. address will be, Minnie St. near corner of Sixth St., San Francisco, California, care of B. G. St. John. Battle Creek, Mich., June 5, 1868.