SOUTHERN FRANCE by Daniel T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 1, 1877

SOUTHERN FRANCE.

By Daniel T. Bourdeau

Since the temples in this section were closed against me because consciences were being convicted on the commandments of God, I have visited much; and as I was not permitted to speak in public, or hand out tracts to counteract opposition discourses, I have been under the necessity of using the pen to meet the emergency of the case. Bro. Andrews has kindly printed what I have written on a neat sheet, which is now being read in connection with “Sufferings of Christ” and tracts on the Law and Sabbath, by those who have heard me. Thank God, the truth is not entirely bound. Papers and tracts can come from Switzerland through the mail.

There has been of late a favorable change in the president’s cabinet, the leading minister and other officials, who were partial to the Catholic clergy, having resigned because they could not have all their wishes gratified. The new minister, Mr. Jules Simon, is said to be more disposed to favor Protestants than was his predecessor; therefore we hope to be more successful in meeting some of the stern obstacles which have been in the way of the advancement of the cause than we have been in the past, and to have the privileges that the law of France allows.

As we contrast the strict laws of some of the European countries with the unbounded freedom of speech and of press enjoyed in the United States of America, we can say, Truly, Americans are a favored people, and Providence made a wise choice in selecting the freest country on the face of the earth in which to start the great work of reform preparatory to the coming of the Redeemer. Such unparalleled liberty in matters of conscience does not spring from the dust; and Heaven requires much of those who enjoy it.

Our greatest anxiety now is to bring the light of present truth to honest souls in this country. At times it seems as though we could not remove the obstacles that lie between us and the people. But we know God has ways and means whereby the honest can be reached. O, pray that we may find these, and wisely improve upon them. We feel that we must labor wisely, and must have a measure of the Spirit of God adequate to the task we have undertaken.

Owing to the prevalence of Catholicism in France, Protestants have come up under a spirit of fear, which makes them timid under opposition, especially when it comes from their own preachers. There are very few in this section who know anything of experimental religion, and who have been converted, even from their stand-point. We must therefore commence with the first principles of Christianity, and make the people feel the importance of self-denial and separation from the world, which do not seem to enter into their ideas of religion. Hence they may all acknowledge the truth on the commandments, and yet not embrace it because the tide is against it.

Thus far, what we have met in the line of opposition would only serve to raise an interest in America. God has blessed in preaching and in visiting, and though we cannot as yet report great results, yet we expect that some of the seed sown will spring up and bear fruit. Some showed tenderness at our last little meeting, and asked us to pray for them, that they might drink in of the spirit of sacrifice.

One favorable item concerning the common people of this country is, that but few use the filthy weed, or even drink tea and coffee as a beverage. Perhaps poverty may have led to this. Also the laws are very strict on drunkenness. I have not seen a person in a state of intoxication since coming to France. Perhaps it is not so in every part of this country.

I have not work enough to retain me much longer at this point, and shall soon start in search of a more favorable location for the work.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Barcelone, Chabeuil, Drome, France, Jan. 4.