Labors Among the French and Americans.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Most of the time that has elapsed since we reported last has been occupied in defending the truth against the attacks of opponents. This we have done in replying to two opposition discourses by Eld. Chiniqui, and in engaging in a discussion of nine evening sessions with Eld. Auger, a Baptist preacher, on the immediate coming of Christ and on the Sabbath question. As opposition had to come, we felt it duty to meet our opponents face to face before our friends, that no advantage might be taken against us during our absence. A few feeble ones went back before the discussion, but their deficiency has been more than made up by others coming into the ranks. There are now about twenty keeping the Sabbath, and calls for labor are coming in from other neighborhoods. These we intend to respond to at the close of tent season. Yesterday a Bible-class and Sabbath-school were organized, and Systematic Benevolence was organized with those who were prepared to appreciate the subject, amounting to $107 a year. Bro. Andrews has added greatly to the interest by speaking quite often in English in the tent, and by laboring in the country. Last evening, by the request of some who were in for the first time, he spoke on the Sabbath question. At the close of the discourse a call was made for all to rise who believed that the commandments of God should be observed just as they were spoken, and all the congregation arose but three or four. Then an invitation was given for all who believed that the first day should be kept, and could produce one text in favor of its observance, and notwithstanding the Baptist preacher was present, not one arose. St. Anne, Ill., July 20, 1874. P. S. I heartily indorse Bro. White’s suggestion in regard to my brother’s joining me in the work. We could accomplish far more together in speaking and translating. And there is a large field before us West. Catholic communities that are half dissolved from the Romish church must be entered. French Protestants must be helped by seeing that there is power in present truth to convert honest and good-hearted Catholics. As a general thing, Catholics treat us better than Protestants; for they see that we are true Protestants in following the Bible on the Sabbath question. D. T. B.