Report from Eld. D. T. Bourdeau.
By D. T. Bourdeau
SINCE reporting last, I have spent my time in writing, translating, and holding three or more meetings a week. Two weeks ago, by sudden and unexpected exposure, I took a severe cold and had an attack of fever; but I am now better, and am prepared to labor as Providence shall direct. I greatly desire to move aright. I have read the last testimony with interest, and intend to be profited by its reproofs and instructions. How encouraging is the thought that we can get right by humbly confessing our wrongs. Here is where the blessing of God comes to the soul. Let us try it, dear brethren and sisters. I know this is a mortifying duty; but it will do us good to die to self. How exceeding sinful our wrongs are in the light of our special privileges. How merciful God has been to us as a people. What has he not done for us that he could do? How wicked it would be in us not to respond to his great goodness by hearty repentance and thorough reform. But there is danger of being indifferent and losing our strong impressions and convictions. The least sin unconfessed and unrepented of, will shut us from Heaven. We cannot afford to pass over this work carelessly. I intend not to do this. Why not make a thorough work, and have God's purpose respecting us carried out, that we may enjoy the fullness of his blessing and the help we so much need to do his will. I realize in a measure the solemnity of the times and the importance of the work in which we are engaged. One encouraging feature to me is, that the time has come for the message to go to other nations. Praise God, we are nearing the end and the work will soon wind up. Are we as a people prepared to meet the claims God has on us in the light of talent or means to advance his cause? Are we awake to our duty? I receive encouraging letters from Kentucky. Two have recently embraced the truth. The friends there are anxious to have help. Has Bro. Osborn received my letters? My P. O. address, until further notice, will be Barton Landing, Vermont. Irasburgh, Vt., Feb. 21, 1873.