EMERY P. AUGER by Emery P. Auger

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 9, 1903

EMERY P. AUGER

By Emery P. Auger

Quebec

MONTREAL.— Returning home from a trip of one hundred and fifty miles, visiting isolated and lonely French Seventh-day Adventists, I have only words of courage and cheer to write. Personally, the truth is more real and glorious to our souls than ever. The good reports from the General Conference and through the REVIEW, of the progress of the message, have given us much comfort. I am seeking always to have that daily experience with God which will give the right ring to my testimony.

I was much blessed in my work here this winter. Not so much has been done in the way of selling books, as in Bible readings and health lectures. I met bitter opposition from some ministers. There are many people who acknowledge the truth, but it seems as if French Protestants are in as deep ignorance of the Bible as the Catholics are. In many Catholic homes I am received as well as among Protestants, and with no more prejudice.

A year ago the husband of one of our French sisters was working very hard to discourage her from attending the services and from keeping the Sabbath. I went to see him many times, but never discussed doctrinal points, but talked of the passing events fulfilling the prophecies and confirming the truthfulness of the Scriptures. I loaned his wife "Great Controversy," and now he likes to have her read it to him. He is not the same man. Among Catholics there are some who are reading in spite of the priests' protests.

There are many perplexing phases to the work here. We have no hall to which to invite people to attend meetings, and it seems like only a drop in the bucket, going from house to house, giving tracts. I tried very hard to sell large books, but without success, on account of the high price of coal, the strikes, etc., but mostly on account of the priests. Elder Ostrander and two English-speaking Bible workers were with us till the first of March, but now only two lady workers and myself do house-to-house work. One lady and two girls, sixteen and eighteen years of age, have taken their stand for the truth. Many are convicted, and some of them are seeking to arrange their business so as to keep the Sabbath. How much is being done only God knows.

We hold meetings Sabbaths and Sundays, and also give Bible readings to interested parties, so it leaves very little time to canvass. My wife is doing some nursing, but her strength will not permit her to do much.

I love the people and the work here. Some who keep the Sabbath are suffering great persecution and trials, and need encouragement. Some of these who have recently accepted the truth need our special care and instruction, that they may be established.