LETTER FROM BRO. BOURDEAU.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
Bro. Smith : I am still encouraged to press my way on to mount Zion, and to do what I can in my sphere for the advancement of the cause of truth among my fellow-men. Since I have fully embraced the truth, I have realized in a measure that my progress in the way of life is proportionate to the efforts I make to reveal to others what the Lord has revealed to me; and therefore I have endeavored to act my part in proclaiming the message that is so precious to God's people in these last days of peril. During the past Summer I have made some efforts to disseminate the sanctifying truths of the Third Angel among my own people; but my plans have been somewhat frustrated by a certain Eld. Letourneau, formerly from France. This individual has become the pastor of the French Baptist church of Enosburgh, to which I once belonged, and he has done all he could to influence the members of his church against those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. But thank the Lord, his folly is being known! There are many of our old Baptist friends that are not disposed to receive all of Eld. L.'s testimony; and they visit us occasionally for the express purpose of conversing with us on the doctrines that we advocate. We bid them a hearty welcome, and gladly lead their minds in the channel of present truth. For a few weeks past I have been laboring with Bro. Evans; and truly the Lord has blessed and strengthened us while we have endeavored, in our weakness, to proclaim the Third Angel's Message. We have held meetings in the following places: Samsonville, Sutton, Canada East, East Richford, Richford Mountain, (among the French,) and Jay. At Samsonville we gave one lecture for the special benefit of a few honest souls who had been in the Advent movement, and still retained their integrity; and we firmly believe that the truths spoken will have their desired effect. At Sutton, we had intended to give several lectures; but the inclemency of the weather prevented us from accomplishing our design. We held but one meeting in this place, and spoke on the signs of the times. When we had got through speaking, we remarked that the time was at the disposal of our hearers; and immediately Mr. Akins, a Methodist preacher, who had been bitterly opposed to Sabbath-keepers, arose and subscribed to the sentiments that we had advanced, and in his closing remarks said, "I did not expect to hear the truth, but I have heard it." This man is a fair sample of many that yet remain with the churches. If the truth was only presented to them they would heartily subscribe to it, and exclaim, "I have been disappointed: I did not expect to hear the truth, but I have heard it!" The Lord help us to exert such an influence by our deeds and words, that the many honest souls that now grope their way in darkness may see the light and be led to walk in it. At East Richford, we had much freedom in speaking on the conditions of eternal life, and on the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and in opening our hearts to Mr. Chase, a Baptist minister, who has preached one year to the French of Enosburgh and Montgomery, and who has for some time past lectured in favor of Sunday-keeping. He acknowledged that we presented ideas that were entirely new to him. My prayer is that the Lord may put in his heart to weigh well what he has heard, and lead him to see the error of his way. At Richford Mountain, we had the pleasure of speaking to several French Baptists who understand both the French and English languages; and they paid the very best of attention to the truths that we advanced, and said that they would long remember what they had heard, and requested that we should remember them in our prayers. Previous to this meeting, my brother and myself had given several lectures in our own language to the people of this place, and given them quite a number of our French tracts. I believe there are a few jewels here who will divest themselves of their errors and traditions and decide to suffer a while with God's people, that they may be prepared to stand when Jesus shall appear. At Jay, we gave a course of seven lectures, and the interest of our meetings increased till our lectures closed; and four decided to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Others acknowledged that we had the truth. We trust that the churches of Enosburgh and Richford will not forget that there is a little band of Sabbath-keepers in Jay that need their help. Come, brethren, remember what it has cost the poor messengers to carry you the truth, and make efforts to help those who are trying to help themselves. When I consider the pit of awful darkness and confusion in which I wandered before the Lord showed me the bright and straight path that the Israel of God are traveling in these perilous times, and when I also consider what the Lord has done for me since I have decided to follow with God's dear saints in the way of life, I can heartily say with David, "Praise the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." And I also feel like saying, What can I do for the Lord in return for his great lovingkindness to me? I have many things to do for my kind heavenly Father. We all have important duties to perform. The Lord has done much for us as a people, and he requires much at our hand, that he may be glorified through us, and that he may consistently help us to prepare for the scenes through which we shall be called to pass, and finally stand when the Saviour comes in his glory. I know that the conflicts which are before us are great, and that our foes are formidable; but I also know that great and mighty is our Captain! He has never lost a battle; and those who have followed his directions have ever come off victorious over all their foes. The directions of Christ are plain: all can understand them. The christian armor is perfect; and all those whose hearts are subdued by divine grace, can wear it, and with it fight successfully the battles of the Lord. Brethren, we can be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might; for he who is the chief Head of the church has promised to impart strength to all his followers. We should be strong in the Lord; (Eph. vi, 10;) for it is the strong that cause their enemies to tremble and flee, and thus glorify Him who shall destroy all those who hate righteousness, and take pleasure in iniquity. We must be strong and courageous, in order to stand in the time of trouble that shall try men's souls. Let us then lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us; the sin that prevents us from taking God at his word, and claiming his promises as ours, and that deprives us of so many blessings that we might enjoy, if we only were willing to believe that the Bible is our book, that the blessings it contains are our blessings, and that the Saviour it brings to our view is our Saviour, brother and friend; and that we are heirs with him to that inheritance which is in reserve for them that truly love the appearing of Christ. I thank God for the christian's hope. It rejoices and comforts my heart when I am called to wage war with the foes of God, and when I am called to part with those that are dear to me. I shall try to fight the good fight, and lay hold on eternal life, that when He who is my life shall appear, I may with all the dear saints plant my glad feet on Mount Zion.
DANIEL T. BOURDEAU.
West Enosburgh, Vt., Jan. 7th, 1859.