REPORT FROM BRO. A. C. BOURDREAU.
By A. C. Bourdreau
JULY 25 and 26, 1868, I met with the church at Wolcott. Sabbath morning I was glad to see a goodly number of Sabbath-keepers present—more than I had expected to see. I spoke cheeringly upon this point, and then read 1 John ii, 12-17, as an introduction to our subject for the forenoon. All seemed to be deeply interested in the word spoken, and the frequent responses that were made evinced that the subject was meat in due season, to the household of faith. In the afternoon we dwelt on the subject of baptism. In the social meeting which followed, several expressed their convictions in favor of the truth; others were undecided. It is expected that a goodly number in Wolcott will soon see their duty clear, and feel a willingness to bear the cross in harmony with the clear light that shines upon our pathway. While we try to communicate unto others what is taught us in the word, we would not show a disposition to drive any one into the performance of duty on any point of truth; yet we do desire to present the truth with such clearness, and to point out the way as marked out on the sacred pages, in such a manner that the wayfaring men, though fools, need not err therein. “By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.” Prov. xxv, 15. See also chapter xii, 18. Sunday morning held a business meeting, arranged figures on s. B. for the present year, and at half past 10 o’clock gave a closing discourse. The neighbors that came in heard our remarks with interest. Aug. 1 and 2 I attended a Quarterly Meeting at East Richford. Bro. Stone and Orcutt were present, and assisted in preaching. During these meetings three were received into the church; six were baptized, Eld. Stone administering the ordinance, and figures on s. B. were arranged for the present year, amounting to $109.98. Their figures now stand one-fourth higher than at any previous time. There is still room for improvement; yet I am happy to see the progress that this little church is making in this direction. On Sunday, at our last meeting, there was a general turn out of friends from without, including an Advent minister. I had good liberty in speaking, and all heard very attentively. The next Tuesday evening I held a special meeting, as I had previously appointed, with the church at home. We had a full meeting. I spoke one hour from the following words: “What must I do to be saved?” Showed that the Lord requires activity on our part in the cause; that our inquiries should not be, as it is too often seen in our words and actions, “How many duties can I leave undone, and how little can I do to be saved, and for the cause?” but we should ever inquire, as did the jailer, “What must I do to be saved?” We should always endeavor to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works; always be on hand to perform every known duty on all points, in meeting or out of meeting, at home or abroad; and thus gain strength to resist the powers of darkness, which rest so heavily upon us when we neglect known duties, and allow ourselves to go astray from God. In answer to his inquiries the jailer was taught to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This he and all his house tried to do. But the work did not close here. Then they were all baptized; and doubtless when other duties were made known to them they were ready to do them. A large number of the brethren and sisters spoke with feeling hearts in this meeting. At the close of the meeting those who were determined to make a new start in the service of God, to be on hand in the performance of every known duty, and to double their diligence in the work of overcoming, were invited to stand upon their feet. Nearly the entire assembly arose. May God help us to carry out our determinations is my prayer. On Friday, Aug. 7, myself and wife drove twenty-three miles to Bro. Wiswell’s, in Johnson. On reaching this place we received the sad intelligence of the sudden and unexpected death of Bro. James Heath, who was drowned while bathing in a stream at Wolcott; and were told that I was requested to attend the funeral the next day to preach on the occasion. Instead of having a meeting at Johnson as we arranged, Sabbath, the 8th, we all went to Wolcott to attend the funeral. Comforting remarks were made on the occasion, by Bro. Hutchins, from Rev. xiv, 13. Doubtless a full account of Bro. Heath’s death, &c., has already been sent for publication in the REVIEW. Sunday, at 5, A. M., we went one mile and a half to see our afflicted Sr. Heath; called a few moments on Bro. and Sr. Morse; and returned and took breakfast at Bro. Hutchins’. Then we drove eighteen miles to Bro. Loveland’s, in Johnson; at 11 o’clock held a business meeting, settled s. B. account book for last year, prepared quarterly reports for the treasurer, arranged s. B. figures amounting to $64.48; and after dinner drove eight miles to Bro. Wiswell’s, and at 6, P. M., repaired to the side of the Lamoille river, where I baptized our aged Bro. and Sr. Wiswell. Bro. Stone was present and made appropriate remarks on the occasion. This was an interesting scene. Braintree, Vt., Aug., 1868.