SOUTHERN FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Since moving to the city of Valence, I have visited all the Protestant preachers in Valence, and have labored to get the good will of the authorities. My object in visiting the preachers was to correct false impressions they had received about us through our enemies, to give them an opportunity to investigate our views on prophecy and to invite us to preach to their congregations. I explained much of the chart, prayed with them, and invited them to visit us. The way was then opened to visit in families and get subscribers for LES SIGNES DES TEMPS. The preachers could not take advantage of us by saying that we took a secretive and underhanded course, and I was prepared to meet the oft-repeated interrogation, “Have you seen our pastor?” I have obtained about forty names for LES SIGNES in fifteen different communes, villages, and cities in France, Switzerland and Germany. Thus far I have secured fourteen paying subscribers. This week has been one of great labor and marked success. Sunday morning I went to a meeting of Friends or Darbyists in the city of Valence. At the close of this meeting the speaker came to me, showing friendly feelings. I handed him two printed sheets, one on my character and my desire to preach to the people of France, and the other giving my leading subjects. I was at once invited to preach at 3 P. M. I was on hand, and spoke on the most striking signs of the coming of Christ. The hall was well filled. At the close of my discourse, I opened my chart, made a few remarks on its leading symbols, then introduced LES SIGNES as the organ explaining these symbols. I handed out several sample numbers, and took the names and residences of those who accepted them, promising to call on them. Monday and Tuesday, I visited in Valence and in two communes near Valence, and obtained eight paying subscribers. Monday night it seemed as though I had labored to the full extent of my strength, and that I could not go any farther without endangering my life. My vocal organs refused to act. Just then the speaker who had invited me to speak, called on me with several of his most influential friends, and attacked me on the Sabbath question. They came determined to conquer or surrender. They spoke half an hour, and I replied. The conversation lasted till past 11. God gave strength and a glorious victory. All acknowledged that I had the truth, and thanked me for the light. Tuesday I met with these friends, and spoke all the forenoon, and started for this place to consult with Bro. Andrews on important matters. I shall return to Valence next week. I left the friends in that city reading on the Sabbath question. Mrs. Bourdeau will visit among them till my return. On my way to this place, I called on an English minister at Lausanne, Switzerland, who had been taking LES SIGNES, and with whom I had held a correspondence. I staid with him nearly two days, speaking with him and a bitter opponent on the prophecy and on the Sabbath, etc. He treated me after a godly sort, and gave me names for LES SIGNES. Neuchâtel, Switzerland, March 16, 1877.