p. 14 | SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 10, 1878

SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND.

By D. T. Bourdeau

We have now reached the third message. I have obtained permission to sell tracts, and the people must have time to read. Many follow me strictly with their Bibles, and take notes, and several call on me to ask questions on points that are not clear to them. This is a good sign. We have many warm friends, who pray for us, and bid us God-speed. Several have taken great interest in my wife, and have sent her things to make her comfortable. Thus the Lord takes care of us in our pilgrimage, and verifies his promise to those who leave home and friends for his sake. Matt. 19.

Last Saturday night I offered our tracts for sale to a company of about sixty persons, I had them prepared in one-franc packages. I had twenty of these, which were taken in two minutes, and I had to immediately prepare several others for the occasion. Some took four. I then lent tracts to the poor. Several have come to my residence after tracts to send to their friends in other places.

Among my most interested hearers is a Roman Catholic who has studied two years with the intention of being a priest. He is an intelligent and sensible man. He visits me regularly, and has not lost one meeting. The first time he called on me he said, “The first time I went to the hall, I went from curiosity, but the second time I went from conviction, and I believe all I have heard.” Last night I showed how we become and continue to be children of God. To-day this man has called on me, and on leaving me he said feelingly, “I mean to be thoroughly converted to God.”

Very encouraging news from France, just received, has greatly revived us. Two had given up the truth in Valence, and were threatening to ruin the work in that place; but these are being replaced by others, and courage is increased in those that are true. A little hall is being fitted up for meetings. The president of the French republic is submitting to the people in some important matters; and our dear Bro. Gabert will soon go out to labor where doors are opening before him. His daughter, the teacher and poetess in Germany, is firm, and his other daughter has faithfully stood by us in our affliction and labors. We feel to praise the Lord for his care, and for blessings received and victories gained.

We expect Bro. Andrews to-night. Receipts thus far, about 170 francs.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Morges, Switzerland, Dec. 17, 1877.