p. 206 | A. C. BOURDEAU by A. C. Bourdeau

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 12, 1871

A. C. BOURDEAU

By A. C. Bourdeau

Vermont.

When we wrote our last report, Oct. 16, 1871, we had been in South Huntington over six Sundays, and had held about fifty meetings, and three precious souls had decided to keep the Sabbath. Now there are eight who keep the Sabbath in Huntington, and others are deeply interested. While we held a few more meetings in H., we started an interest in the town of Starksborough, about four miles and a half south, on the way to Bristol, where we held thirty meetings. The attendance was large at every meeting, and the people were very eager to hear the truth, and to read our works, and we had to work fast to visit the several families who anxiously invited us to call on them.

Monday evening, Oct. 30, Bro. D. T. Bourdeau spoke on the importance of obeying, having arranged to leave the next day to visit several families during the week, and to meet with the friends in West Bolton the next Sabbath. While he was speaking that evening, it seemed quite evident to all present that his work was nearly closed, and that he would very soon have to rest in the grave. During the past thirteen months of our labors together, and in laboring with other preachers, he has zealously done his part of the work; often going beyond his strength. But in this our state of affliction, the thought that during that time more than sixty precious souls west of the Green Mountains in Vermont have been led to embrace the Sabbath and to rejoice in the present truth, cheers our poor hearts, and we are encouraged to trust in the Lord for the future.

I continued holding meetings in Starksborough, assisted by Bro. Evans; and the 4th of November held our first Sabbath meeting in that place, which was one of the best meetings I ever attended. Five were present from Huntington, and two from Bristol, whose cheering testimonies added to the interest of the meeting. Several new converts committed themselves in favor of the truth. At the close of the meeting, those who were fully decided to keep the Bible Sabbath were invited to rise to their feet, and twenty-two arose, fifteen of whom were new converts. Bro. Evans arranged to move to that place last week.

Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 11 and 12, I held meetings at West Bolton. The weather was very unfavorable, and some of the friends did not attend; yet the meetings were very interesting, and a good start was made in organizing Systematic Benevolence. Bro. and sister Hutchins were present. As Bro. H. tried to do his part in the meeting, it was manifest that he too needs to be careful with regard to his health. Next Thursday, the Lord willing, I shall return to Huntington and Starksborough to continue the work there. It is earnestly desired that Bro. and sister White will visit these new friends in Vermont on their Eastern tour.

A. C. BOURDEAU

Bordoville, Vt., Nov. 19, 1871.