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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 16, 1872

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 40, No. 5.

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Canada and Vermont.

By A. C. Bourdeau

ABOUT two months have elapsed since I have reported in the REVIEW. During this time I have tried to do what I could for the furtherance of the cause of truth. I feel more than ever before to appreciate the meaning of the words of Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing,” and of the words of Paul, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The first week in May I spent in visiting the French in Canada. Have reason to hope that some good will result from the labors which were bestowed there then. May 11 and 12, held meetings with the new friends of the cause in West Bolton, Vt. Bro. Hutchins and Bean were present. Our meetings were interesting to all present. On Sunday, gave a discourse on church order and organization. Seventeen united together in church fellowship (others have joined the church since then, and more are expected to join soon), the church officers were appointed, and at the close of the meeting eight souls were buried with Christ in baptism.
The 18th, held meetings at the house of Bro. Loveland, in Johnson. Two preaching meetings in the daytime, followed by cheering testimonies from the brethren and sisters; and a business meeting in the evening. Systematic Benevolence was arranged for the present year, and the church was brought into working order relative to the Tract and Missionary Society. One thing I will mention here: While our aged Bro. and sister Loveland have borne heavy burdens in connection with the cause from its rise, in their worn condition their burdens are not eased in having to prepare and set a large table for those who attend meetings in their house each Sabbath. A word to the wise is sufficient.
The following week, wife and I visited several families in Jericho, Huntington, and Starksborough, and the next Sabbath and Sunday, held meetings with the brethren and sisters in Bristol. Organized a Tract and Missionary Society, arranged their S. S., and after the meeting, Sunday, at 5 P. M., we drove ten miles to the Sweet’s school-house, where I gave a discourse the same evening to a large and attentive audience.
The first Sabbath in June, I attended the first quarterly Tract and Missionary meeting for the first district, held in Bordoville, Vt. The discourse given in the morning by Bro. D. T. Bourdeau, who had just returned from Kentucky, was received as meat in due season. He dwelt on the importance of being active in the service of God. In the afternoon, we spoke on the importance of working while the day lasts, “for the night is coming when no man can work.” In the evening, we had a business meeting for the Society. Some interesting reports were made by the members of the Society. One lay member reported getting ten new subscribers for Reformer; another, getting five subscribers for the Review, three for the Reformer, and two for the Instructor, &c. As soon as we hear from all the districts in the State, we shall prepare a report for the REVIEW.
The following week, I held several special meetings with the church at home, which proved a success beyond our expectation. To God be all the praise. The next Sabbath, as it was arranged to have Bro. Bean, Hutchins, and D. T. Bourdeau, attend the first quarterly Tract and Missionary meeting for the second district, held with the church at Frasburgh, Vt., I met with the church at home, spoke with usual freedom from Matt. 6:14, 15, and the hearty confessions which were made, and the cheering testimonies given by the brethren and sisters, in response to the truth spoken, evinced that the Lord was in our midst by his Spirit on that day.
On Friday, June 15, we drove thirty-four miles to Wolcott. Sabbath, held two preaching meetings with the church, followed by a good conference meeting, and the evening following held a business meeting. As the members of the Tract and Missionary Society in that (the third) district had had only a few weeks to work in since their organization, they had not accomplished much in carrying out the object of the Society.
On Wednesday, the 19th, at 4 P. M., my brother and I started with the tent from Bordoville, accompanied by Bro. M. N. Cross, and came to this place, a distance of sixty-five miles, and pitched the tent before the Sabbath. We know not what there is before us in regard to our labors here. Brethren, pray for us.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
Lincoln, Vt., June 30, 1872.