p. 149 | SOUTHERN FRANCE by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 9, 1876

SOUTHERN FRANCE.

By D. T. Bourdeau

Dear Readers of the Review: I arrived here with my family last Thursday and spoke in the evening to a large and attentive congregation. I spoke to a few in another neighborhood Sabbath afternoon and evening after the Sabbath, and the next day, yesterday, I spoke three times in this place. I have the privilege of occupying a temple, and have received urgent invitations to preach in other meeting-houses. Of course there will be a change when the people come to the cross. But at present the prospect seems rather flattering. As the message is entirely new, and as the influences that bind the people are stronger here than in the New World, we expect to see the work advance by a slower process than in America. We propose to take time to move cautiously, gain the hearts and confidence of the people, and lay a foundation for a permanent work. We commenced with practical subjects. Our last discourse was on the second coming of Christ, and was appreciated, as appeared from the eagerness with which the people listened, and from the warm greetings and expressions of gratitude at the close of the meeting.

The people here are generally poor. Their main dependence is making wine, and their vineyards are nearly ruined by a dearth, and especially by a worm that works on the root of the vine. The farmers here depend as much on the fruit of the vine as Western farmers do on their corn crops and as the people of New England do on their dairies.

Mrs. B.'s health is feeble. Pray that God may give us each strength, wisdom and consecration for the work. D. T. BOURDEAU.

Oct. 16, 1876.