SOUTHERN FRANCE by D. T. Bourdeau

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

SOUTHERN FRANCE.

By D. T. Bourdeau

Last week we moved to the city of Valence, which is the capital of the department of La Drôme, and has 25,000 inhabitants, 2,000 of whom are Protestants. This city is on one of the principal railroads of France, and is a point at which center several stage lines leading to places that I must visit.

Before leaving Barcelone, I watched the effect of the sheet and tracts I referred to in my last report, and obtained four subscribers for LES SIGNES DES TEMPS. One of those who read the sheet and tracts wrote me from the city of Crest, stating that he had embraced our views on the Sabbath and on the second coming of Christ, and that he wished to proclaim them among the common people of the mountains (the Alps), and distribute our tracts. I immediately visited this man, and spent last Sabbath (yesterday) with him, giving him counsel and important instructions.

We see more and more the importance of having our tracts stamped for France. We cannot be deprived of liberty of speech and the privilege of circulating our works. Thus far I have through the authorities of this city taken the ordinary steps to get our tracts stamped, but have had no returns. If it is because the leading minister at Paris and his officials were partial to the Roman clergy, we may yet succeed; for since we made our first application these leading men have resigned, and have been replaced by men of more liberal sentiments. We are now advised to appear personally before the Minister of the Interior at Paris, with proper testimonials, which we are inclined to do. Thus far we have endeavored to use the greatest prudence. Pray for us, that God’s blessing may attend us in this important enterprise.

My P. O. address is Rue du Parc, No. 10, Valence, Drôme, France.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Feb. 4, 1877.