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SOUTHERN FRANCE

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 28, 1877

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 50, No. 1.

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SOUTHERN FRANCE.

By D. T. Bourdeau

We are now laboring on entirely new ground, hence our progress is slow. But we have had from time to time encouraging omens, indicating that God was opening the way before us. We have given between seventy and eighty discourses at our home and in other private dwellings. Have explained the immortality theme to the satisfaction of all, and have given the Bible doctrine of spiritual gifts, which has been a source of great encouragement to all. No other subject has helped us so much as this in inspiring confidence in the truth.
We have just had a great exposition in this city. Doubtless there were twenty-five thousand persons present on some occasions. I have formed some pleasant acquaintances, and have sent some of our works into many parts of these two departments, especially among the friends of Bro. Gabert. This brother has been very thorough in studying the truth, not only to satisfy his own mind, but also to be able to give a reason of his hope to others. He starts to-day with tracts, papers, and a chart, on a tour among his brethren, hoping to remove prejudice. He sent “The Sufferings of Christ,” to prepare minds to receive his testimony. We regard this an excellent tract to answer the objection that because we keep the law of God we neglect Christ as a Saviour. Let us pray for this dear brother.
Very unfavorable changes have been made in the French government of late. Mr. Jules Simon, the Minister of the Interior, and a staunch republican, has, in consequence of ill treatment, resigned his office, and has been replaced by a man who is not so favorable to liberty of speech and liberty of the press. I see from to-day’s paper that this new Minister is about to address a circular to all the prefects of France on the press and on religious meetings, which, we fear, will be very arbitrary. Most of the officials at the capital are partial to the Catholic clergy, and we expect hard times in France; but we feel more than ever determined to push on the work.
Last week one more was gained to the cause of truth in this city, and to-day a friend from a neighboring city leaves us with a strong inclination to walk in the light of the message.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Ru du Parc 10, Valence, France, June 3.