Vermont by A. C. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 19, 1872

Vermont.

By A. C. Bourdeau

On Friday, Oct. 25, ult., I reached this place, after an absence of three weeks to attend to matters connected with the cause. Found my brother much worn, needing rest. The next day (Sabbath), we had a profitable time with the new friends in this place. They were much encouraged while we dwelt upon these words: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 4:6.

We organized a Bible-class and Sabbath-school which seemed interesting to all present. The children are all elated with their success in learning the lessons that Bro. Bell has recently prepared for children, which have been published in book form. They are just the thing that we have wanted for a long time. Hope something will soon be prepared and published in the same form for Bible-class lessons. The youth and older ones manifest a deep interest in learning lessons in the Key to the Chart. Had a profitable season in hearing testimonies given in tenderness in the social meeting. The day following (Sunday), we found that the Methodist minister, who stated two weeks ago that henceforth he would speak no more in the church because we occupied here, was bound to keep his word true. He was not present, and as we were requested to occupy the time, my brother spoke on prayer, and at 1 o’clock P. M., I spoke on our present position, and in the evening led the social meeting for the Methodists.

Last week, we visited every day. Tuesday evening, held a meeting in the house of one of our new friends three miles from here, where we found about fifty assembled together to hear the word. It is arranged to hold meetings there once a week. Wednesday and Friday evenings, and Sabbath-day, held meetings in the meeting-house in this place.

Yesterday (Sunday), the Baptist minister did not attend his meeting at 11 o’clock A. M., and his friends requested me to preach to them. My text was 1 Cor. 15:57, 58. At 1 P. M., I spoke with usual freedom on the subject of baptism. Two more decided to keep all the commandments, last Sabbath. Some are slow to decide; yet the work is progressing, and we are glad to see several rejoicing in the present truth.

A. C. BOURDEAU. East Charleston, Vt., Nov. 4, 1872.