East Charleston, Vt by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 29, 1872

East Charleston, Vt.

By D. T. Bourdeau

We are still laboring to save souls here, and are glad to report some progress. Yesterday (Sabbath), was a good day to the cause in this place. Bro. Hutchins was with us in the absence of my brother to attend to important matters connected with the interests of the cause; and his testimony was appreciated. In the afternoon we had a good social meeting, at the close of which we called for an expression, to know how many desired to be Christians in the fullest sense of the term, and several arose, some of whom had never made a profession of religion. One was an old man aged eighty-four years. The scene was affecting. Several were in tears. But we realize that the work is only commenced, and that there is much to be done for those who have taken a stand on present truth.

Sunday, Sept. 29, Eld. Spencer, a Methodist preacher, opposed us on the Sabbath question. He was replied to after a short intermission. His positions were: 1. The seventh-day Sabbath is abolished. 2. There is no holy time. Yet with the next breath he quoted, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Question. How can we keep a day holy that is not already sanctified? 3. “I shall take a broad view of the subject. Every day is kept. If all agree to keep one day holy, they will be acceptable unto God.” 4. The Sabbath has been changed by divine authority, and we should keep the first day. That is, God has changed the Sabbath and wants us to keep the first day; yet we are acceptable to him if we all agree to keep any day, whether the seventh day or the first. In other words, we can obey God or not, just as we please; or God is changeable, and we cannot obey him in one particular without disobeying him in another! He regretted very much that Eld. Smalley, a Free-will Baptist, who heard us on the Sabbath, said that we had the Bible argument favoring the seventh day. In the reply, we stated that we were glad for the frank admission of Eld. Smalley, and that would to God every preacher was with us on this question, with the exception of the unpleasantness of meeting opposition.

To-day (Sunday), we had an appointment out for Eld. Hutchins at 1 o'clock P. M., which interfered with no other appointment. Eld. Spencer spoke in the forenoon, and at the close of his discourse gave out a notice for another man to speak at the same hour. He soon saw he had gone too far; for most of the congregation were against his course, and many were leaving. He withdrew his appointment, stating that the man who had the greatest share in the meeting-house, and others, were dissatisfied, and that henceforth he would speak no more in the church. Eld. Hutchins spoke to a large audience on repentance and faith.

Last Sunday, Eld. Smalley pursued a wiser and more honorable course. He recommended our work, said he had cheerfully given way to us, because he knew his people were well entertained, and that the crowded house showed we were doing good. He spoke on the rest that remains for the people of God, and we followed on seeking the Lord. And in the evening he passed over his social meeting into our hands, stating that as we had been laboring here, we knew best where the people stood; and he was cheered to hear testimonies from some who had never served the Lord. May God bless this man and guide him and others into all truth.

We have labored very hard, having visited nearly every day for six weeks. But Providence is favoring us. We see the hand of God in the work. Praise the Lord.

D. T. BOURDEAU.