FRANCE AND ITALY by Daniel T. Bourdeau

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 13, 1887

FRANCE AND ITALY.

By Daniel T. Bourdeau

I HAVE of late been engaged in confirming the faith of the brethren at Nimes. I have spoken seven times a week, besides rendering assistance to our colporters in villages situated from twelve to twenty-five miles distant. The little company at Nimes have all received the Bible view of baptism, and they will be baptized at an early day. They are still doing well in pushing forward the missionary work, and in contributing of their means for the support of the cause. Since October they have raised 50 francs for preparing and lighting their hall, 150 francs to meet the hall rent for the first quarter, and 100 francs for the missionary work. This makes a total of 310 francs, or about $62. These few brethren and sisters are in very moderate circumstances. But while our American brethren are sacrificing for them, and to advance the work in France, they are willing to show their gratitude by doing what they can.

I have visited Vergeze, and spoken once to a few there, who are progressing in the knowledge of the truth. They beseech us not to neglect them. I have also made two trips to Moussac and Brignon, visiting much and speaking nine times. The work at the last two points was commenced about four weeks since, by Brother Badaut, who soon called for help, as opposition was coming from a man who is a minister and an editor. This man came where we were, but treated us so unkindly that most of his hearers turned against him. At the close of his remarks he said that when those who did not belong to the place nor to the meeting had left, he would deliver a testimony to the people. As he saw we did not leave, he said: "Mr. Bourdeau, don't you know that you neither belong to Brignon nor to the meeting? Why don't you leave?" I replied: "I thought that two ministers of the gospel should not be in each other's way. But if I must leave, to go out in the cold, not knowing where to rest, or to walk several kilometers in the dark to find a resting-place at this late hour, I shall leave."

The owner of the house was insulted and disgusted at this strange demand made in his house, without his permission, and said: "Mr. Bourdeau, stay in my house." The minister, perceiving that his plan had failed, invited the people to follow him to another house. Only the man of the house he mentioned and his wife followed him. I then had a good time in preaching the word to eager listeners. This circumstance helped the cause of truth more than a score of discourses would have done. God overruled all for good, and to him be the praise.

Another minister spoke after I was through and tried to justify the first preacher, and to lower us before the people by representing that we did not preach conversion. But the people defended us, saying they had heard us treat that subject thoroughly. Two weeks later I returned to this field, spoke twice, and visited much. Some have decided to keep all of God's commandments. We expect others will do the same.

The colporters have sold our papers and tracts, and held Bible-readings and small meetings in about twenty villages. Thus the good work of scattering the rays of light is progressing; and surely there is need of this where nine-tenths of the ministers and people in the national (Protestant) church are infidels who deny the divinity of Christ, etc. In some towns the temples are closed, and the people refuse to hear about God and religion, yet pretend to be Protestants. But there are a few honest souls, even in these dark places, who will gladly receive the truth.

I have joined my brother in Italy. He has had no ministerial help in this field, and has labored against great difficulties, to lay a good foundation. We are seeking God with brokenness of heart, feeling deeply the need of his help to make the work here a complete success. God has a people among these mountains who will be reached. Yesterday my soul was encouraged and revived while speaking at Villar Pellice to an intelligent and appreciative audience, many of whom were in tears.

God has strengthened me physically, and enabled me to walk up and down these mountains to reach souls at their homes. God grant us soon a fullness of the blessing he is waiting to bestow upon his remnant people.

D. T. BOURDEAU. Torre Pellice, Italy, Dec. 23, 1886.