D. T. BOURDEAU by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 10, 1873

D. T. BOURDEAU

By D. T. Bourdeau

Vermont.

From April 30 to May 3, I took a trip on horseback through Westmore and Charleston, visiting nearly all the families of Sabbath-keepers in those places, and spent one Sabbath at East Charleston. Found all the friends holding on to the truth but one, and some ripening for the grave that I feared would go back.

The first day of May, in a part of Westmore facing the north, I found the snow at least two feet deep on a level. Had to leave my horse and go on foot. The same day, six men broke the roads before me with two yoke of oxen at a point between Westmore and Charleston.

Sabbath, May 10, I spoke to the church in Enosburgh. Found them somewhat freer from petty trials than formerly; but some were far behind on Systematic Benevolence. The Scriptures represent this system as a test of the sincerity of our love for God and his cause. Many are deceived in claiming inability to take part in it; for they will invest large sums in other directions for selfish purposes; perhaps in carrying on lawsuits on points of trivial importance. We should try our motives, and not deceive ourselves in this solemn time. But we are glad that, in the main, the church of Enosburgh have been forward in sustaining the cause in all of its branches. May this, also, be their experience in the future, and may their example provoke others to good works.

Sabbath and Sunday, the 17th and 18th, I labored for the church in Jericho and Bolton, and was cheered by their appreciation of the truth, their readiness to improve the time in the social meeting, and by the gracious influences of God's Spirit. My brother's labors on the Sabbath were appreciated. Twenty months had passed since I had met with this church on the Sabbath. Though their experience in enduring hardships and sacrificing for the truth may be limited, when compared with that of older churches, we were much encouraged in seeing them in the enjoyment of their first love. God grant that this love may never abate, but that it may rather abound more and more. Several who saw the truth at the time of our lectures in Bolton, but did not carry out their convictions, are embracing spiritualism.

Last Sabbath, on my way to this place, I spoke with freedom to the church at East Richford. Owing to the short notice of the meeting, some were not present whom we had hoped to see. The officers of this church are desirous to have Bro. Bean or Eld. A. C. Bourdeau hold a business meeting to arrange S. B., etc. Till their desire is met, they need not be backward on S. B., but can pay for this year in harmony with last year's pledges.

We hope to be able to commence tent labors next week. We go out to-day to decide on a location. As the way for tent effort has seemed to be hedged up at times, I have suffered much in spirit. When we make the cause of God first and shape our temporal affairs to meet its wants, as to labors and means, then may we expect to see the work move forward as it should.

D. T. BOURDEAU

Burton Landing, Vt., May 27, 1873.