SOUTHERN FRANCE by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 26, 1877

SOUTHERN FRANCE.

By D. T. Bourdeau

When we wrote our last report we were near Neuchatel, Switzerland. There we had a good meeting with Bro. Andrews and some of our Swiss brethren and sisters. We were thankful that Bro. Andrews had so improved in health as to be able to accompany us to Paris and to this place, to assist in matters to which we have already alluded in previous reports. Though the main difficulties relative to the distribution of tracts and public speaking were not removed, yet important objects were gained, and Bro. Andrews' counsels and instructions were appreciated.

When we left for this journey, an important victory had been gained, and during our absence Mrs. B. succeeded in holding the ground we had taken. After our return, we had the privilege of speaking once more to the people, who had invited us to occupy their hall. Three speakers were then sent for to oppose us. We met them one night, and defended the truth till near midnight. They were enraged because they could not accomplish their object, which was to regain those who were inclined to follow the truth. Their rash and wicked course toward us made the breach still wider, and gave us the sympathies of many. Sunday another preacher from L’Eglise Libre (the Free Church), who had always opposed the Darbyists, was added to the list. Herod and Pilate made friends. At the close of the forenoon meeting we were rashly ordered out of the hall, that the whole force of our opponents might be brought to bear upon the elder of the church, to persuade him to give up the Sabbath. But the effort was in vain. The elder was more than a match for them all. He stood like a giant for the despised Sabbath of the Lord, combining prudence with firmness and dignified manners. The abuse he received led several to leave the hall, weeping, and as they passed by us they either kissed us or gave us a warm shake of the hand.

At 3 P. M. another meeting was held. We were present. Our elder was also present, but was gagged when bringing out strong points. We could only look on, and pray that God would bring in confusion by leading some one to stand for his law. God heard prayer. The minister of L’Eglise Libre, with great prudence, defended the law of God. We responded, Amen, from grateful hearts, and our opponents were defeated without our assistance; and thus closed this meeting. The man who defended the law of God promised to read our journal with candor.

Yesterday the brother who has taken a stand on the Sabbath, with three others, was excluded from the church, not on account of immoral conduct, but for the following reasons: (1) that he had offered me the communion (when all desired to have me join with them in this ordinance, and bade me God speed); (2) that he had visited families with me; (3) that he had sent our works to several of his friends. The elder had in a manly manner justified himself for pursuing this course.

We have been engaged day and night in visiting and speaking to small companies. The law permits us to speak to nineteen persons besides the members of our family. The elder who has embraced the truth has been a teacher for thirty-five years. His wife has also taught with him. He was the principal speaker of the Friends in this city, and is widely known as an upright man among his people. He now proposes to aid me, and test his calling to act as colporteur, and preach among us, asking the privilege of accompanying me for awhile, to learn the truth and our ways more perfectly. I have set forth our principles on the subject of young preachers, and as I see in him humility and moral stamina, I venture, with proper counsel, to give him a chance to help me in the work; for I have to do the work of two men on many occasions.

My health is better than it was when the battle commenced in this city. But oh! the greatness of this work! Infidelity and coldness reign in the church; the battle must be fought on baptism, and we have to meet serious restrictions of cruel and oppressive laws gotten up to favor the Romish Church. But our trust is in God. We shall aim to do those duties that lie the nearest to our path, and trust God for the future.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Rue du Parc, No. 10, Valence, France, Apr. 4.