Among the French in Kankakee Co., Ill.
By D. T. Bourdeau
At the date of my last report, I was speaking to large audiences in the First Presbyterian church in this place, which I had consented to occupy at the repeated request of two trustees and one of the local elders. I spoke in this church for over a week, and had appointments out for all this week, and over next Sunday. But last Tuesday night, at the close of my discourse, and after the people had left, the preacher called the local elders, the deacons, and myself aside, and informed me that I could occupy the house no longer. The reason assigned was a fear of division and of seeing another church raised up in the place. The preacher said I had not taken advantage of the liberty granted me to work against their church, and that all had been pleased and interested. I replied that I had left my hall reluctantly and at their urgent request; that I had come to unite the people on the message of Christ's near coming, and preach a thorough preparation to meet him; that this message was as timely as was that of John the Baptist at the first advent, and was world-wide in its application, and was not sectarian, i. e., of a nature to build up a party or sect for personal aggrandizement, and at the exclusion and sacrifice of truth, etc. I then asked the privilege of speaking in the church once more, not to disappoint the people, who expected to hear me the next night on the subject of the Restitution, and that I might appoint for the hall. This privilege was refused me. Of course my congregation was small the next night, and the prospect seemed dark. But there has been a strong reaction in our favor with our friends, and I spoke to a fair audience last night. God helped. A number wept. It is now a very busy season, and my health has been feeble this spring. But I wish to trust God more fully, do my duty, and leave the result with the Lord. I also expect some will obey the truth. Pray for us. D. T. BOURDEAU. St. Anne, Ill., May 8, 1874.