QUEBEC by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 26, 1901

QUEBEC

By D. T. Bourdeau

SINCE closing my last report, I have labored at places where more or less of our French literature had been sent. Among these were Scotstown, Indian Lorette, Quebec, and Chambly. At each of these places our literature had done good work, and I aimed so to labor as to deepen the favorable impression made by the printed page. This I did by supplying interested parties with literature on more advanced subjects, and by leaving with them extra copies of certain tracts to lend to their friends, thus helping in the dissemination of the light of precious truth for these times. I also visited much, talked the truth in families, and in public. Moreover I placed a few copies of our bound books, both in French and in English.

At Scotstown I had precious seasons with France-French families who had come from a part of France in which I labored after they left France, and who had been recommended to me by a colporteur and evangelist who received the message at the time of my last stay in Europe. These gave me a hearty welcome, having been personally acquainted with the colporteur referred to, who had recommended me to them, the latter having also read tracts and pamphlets bearing my signature. By special invitation, I spoke twice in their Advent chapel. They had light on only a part of the First Angel’s Message. I dwelt on practical themes growing out of the closing work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.

Here I made a most pleasant acquaintance with, and talked the truth to, three ministers, one of whom was a priest of the Church of England, who indeed treated me after a godly sort. A short time before this, I had had several hours’ talk on the leading subjects of our faith with another priest of the same church, who rejoiced to learn of our prosperity, and bade us Godspeed. These experiences encourage me to sow the seed of truth by the side of all waters, and draw me in fond affection to God-fearing ministers of other denominations.

At Indian Lorette I had the privilege of visiting some of the remnant of the Hurons,—the most intelligent and best-looking Indians I have ever met in America. I found them to have a fair complexion

and well-developed physiques, and I do not wonder that Champlain, a noted French explorer, who was born in 1567 and died in 1635, said of them that they were as white as the French in southern France, and were the best and most peaceable tribe of Indians he had seen in America.

I stopped with a prominent character among these Indians, who speak good French, and found him and his family eager after the message for these times. I found with him “Great Controversy” in English, which he said a Mr. Taylor (formerly a Seventh-day Adventist Canadian canvasser), had sold him. He seemed to prize it very much, although he could not read much in it. But he brought it out readily in confirmation of what I said on the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, pointing to the very pages of that work on which these signs were described. Of course, I left with this man French works covering these and other subjects. Never have I found people more interested in our prophetic chart. For hours they would listen to an explanation of this chart, interrupting me occasionally with statements like these: “Do not fear to speak; we are not weary. Our memory is good; go on.” It was good to be there, and I encouraged these dear souls with the promise that a course of lectures would be given in their locality by some French laborer at a more favorable season of the year, when the bread of life could be broken to them in a place suitable to accommodate all who would desire to hear.

I was favorably impressed with the appearance of persons and things in the city of Quebec. This is the oldest city in Canada, its foundation having been laid by Champlain twelve years before the English Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. It was this French explorer who discovered Lake Champlain, the Great Lakes, etc. He had been a major-general and a God-fearing man under the reign of Henry IV, the king of France who issued the edict of Nantes, granting religious liberty to all. The following words engraved on a stone roll connected with Champlain’s monument in Quebec, show the noble spirit that actuated this French explorer and founder of Quebec: “Que Dieu par sa grâce et à son honneur fasse prospérer cette entreprise.” (May God, by His grace and to His honor, cause this enterprise to prosper.) Had the principle couched in these words been regarded in Canada, or New France, in early times, more religious liberty would have reigned in this French province, and a wise Providence never would have brought Canada under British rule. May we improve upon the pleasant relations now existing between French and English in this province, and may the city of Quebec and other cities in this province soon be entered by devoted French canvassers and evangelists.

I am now at Chambly, visiting one of the relatives of the France-French families I have recently visited at Scotstown. He is a missionary teacher, and is doing a good work in shedding the light of the gospel among Roman Catholics. He believes in the soon coming of Christ, has enjoyed the explanation of our prophetic chart, and given me the privilege of speaking twice in his hall, the theme treated being the proximity of Christ’s return. Both Catholics and Protestants were deeply interested. Here, too, we have utilized our French tracts and pamphlets, which are appreciated.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

November 11.