To the Brethren and Sisters in Hardin Co., Ky.
By D. T. Bourdeau
THE time has come for me to leave you. I had greatly desired to remain with you, that you might be encouraged by still greater success; but as no thorough laborer can now be sent me to help run a tent, it is my duty to labor in another field, for the present. I do this with a great sacrifice of feeling, as we have stood together when the wheel rolled hard, and in the midst of trial, much prejudice and opposition. But you have reason for encouragement. You are nearer the triumph of truth, and nearer salvation, than we were when the truth came to us. It cannot be long before a thorough effort will be made in your State. The last generation is almost past. The Lord is near, and all the honest must soon be searched out. You will have your trials. But these will do you good if you wisely improve upon them. They will show you your lacks, and as you overcome, the Christian graces will shine more brightly to the glory of God. Some will look upon you with contempt, and some with pity, thinking that you have degraded yourselves in taking hold of unpopular views. But remember that in the eyes of God the stand you have taken is honorable. The honor that comes from God will last when all worldly honor shall have passed away. Those who pity you, need your pity. Be patient with them. Do not cast them off as being beyond the reach of mercy. There are but few in Kentucky who have fully seen the force and importance of present truth. Some will tell you, It will not pay to hold on to your peculiar views all alone, without a preacher, and this excitement will soon die out. Let your perseverance teach such that there is power in the truth to sustain you, even without the aid of a preacher; and that you have taken hold of the strength of God. By this experience you will realize that your strength is in God, and will be enabled to help the lonely ones, and stand alone in the time of trouble. As God views things, it is no small honor or privilege to be pioneers in this cause. As such great responsibility rests upon you, you will be watched closely. You can now, by consistent lives, do what a preacher could not do. There are some who cannot be reached by preaching, who, by seeing your good deeds, may be led to glorify our Father who is in Heaven. Especially will you be watched in your business deal. Be strictly honest, and let your example be a reproof to the covetousness of this age. You profess to keep the Sabbath. Observe it strictly, without yielding to the persuasions of friend or foe. Some will take especial pains to throw obstacles in your way. Be decided. Be wise. Remember that God sees you. Do not neglect family prayer. Pray in secret. Keep up your little meetings at Locust Grove. Come together to labor for God and for each other, and God will meet with you. Neglect not the Bible-class and Sabbath-school. Neglect not the children. Interest them, and help them to keep the Sabbath. It would also be well for all the Sabbath-keepers in the county to meet once at Nolin, and once at Locust Grove, the coming summer. This would have an encouraging influence. Do not meet to chit chat, but to worship God and help one another in the narrow way. There is an excellent assortment of our works at Locust Grove. Let these be faithfully and judiciously circulated. Be faithful in all things, and when more labor is bestowed in this county, even more good can be accomplished than can be done at present. D. T. BOURDEAU. Nolin, Ky., May 27, 1872.