D. T. BOURDEAU by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Sep 11, 1900

D. T. BOURDEAU

By D. T. Bourdeau

FROM THE FRENCH TENT IN NAMUR, QUEBEC.

We have had a rainy season, which has been unfavorable to the holding of tent-meetings. However, since reporting last, we have held Sunday meetings in our tent, and by visiting much from house to house, and occasionally holding a meeting among the France French at another place, have largely made up for the drawbacks resulting from the inclemency of the weather. Since haying has begun, I have gone into the field and engaged in work with those interested in the truth, setting them the example of discontinuing work on Friday in time to begin the observance of the Sabbath at sunset. I have found this an excellent way to initiate them into Sabbath-keeping. My helper, Brother Bourbeau, has done the same. Two France French families, whom I have thus assisted by manual labor, have begun to keep all God's commandments. These have many relatives, and, if faithful, will lead others to walk in the glorious way of present truth.

To know that even old ministers, after many years of hard missionary work in different fields and climes, can, by physical exercise and proper diet, together with other healthful habits, fully compete with strong young men in performing heavy work in the hay field, is a source of no small satisfaction to me. This also adds physical, mental, and moral health. Further, it sets a proper example of industry; and here relieves feeble and overtaxed women of some of the outdoor work which they usually do by the side of their husbands, and says to all that the habit of our Saviour and his apostles in honoring physical work is even now worthy of imitation. It is a blessed means of winning souls to Christ, and teaching them the truth as it is in Jesus. Brethren in the ministry, let us never disgrace the religion of Jesus Christ, nor go against God's original plan, by being ashamed of and neglecting physical exercise.

Soon after we reached this place, several of the France French who had been reading our literature asked for a discussion on points of difference between us and others, the two leading speakers to be myself and the French Presbyterian pastor in Namur, who had been boasting that he was prepared to meet us. A meeting was held, the pastor was present, and I spoke on a very practical subject, inviting him to take part. At the close of the discourse a leading Frenchman, representing several others of his nationality, asked that the points of difference between the minister and myself be discussed in a Christian way, that it might be known who had the truth. I gave all to understand that I had not asked for this discussion, but having been notified that it would be demanded, and that I must be one of the speakers, I had prepared regulations to be observed should such a discussion be called for. These held the speakers strictly to the Bible. I read my paper; the minister refused to go on, and said that God had sanctified no particular day, and if all kept Monday, he would keep it.

Of course I showed that God had sanctified the day of his rest, the last day of the New Testament week, that the Jews keep it to this day, and that the minister had virtually admitted that God had not ordained Sunday; for certainly he would not disobey God's express order to keep Sunday, by keeping Monday instead, if everybody kept Monday. All saw the point, and a glorious victory was gained for the ancient Sabbath.

But now the same minister announces that he will speak next Sunday on the importance of a better observance of Sunday; for the Sunday following a recent celebration of the day of France French liberty and independence (the 14th of July), most of his church-members joined with the world's people in dancing, drinking, racing, and shooting at marks for prizes. We wait to see how this minister will try to get out of his dilemma. Pray for the work among the French.

I would express gratitude to correspondents who have written us encouraging words.