Meetings in New Hampshire by D. T. & A. C. Bourdeau

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1863

Meetings in New Hampshire.

By D. T. & A. C. Bourdeau

Bro. White: On our way to New Hampshire we spent Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 24 and 25, with the church at Roxbury, Vt. We here dwelt on the proper observance of the Sabbath, and some of the gracious invitations and promises that God extends to his people for their encouragement. On first-day we spoke on the subject of baptism, and Bro. Donpier, a French brother, was buried with Christ by baptism. After baptism, the church met to transact business, and attend to the ordinances. Four were added to the church, and the meeting closed with a refreshing season in attending to feet-washing, according to John xiii, and in commemorating the sufferings and death of the adorable Saviour. We were glad to see Bro. Pierce free in the Lord, and greatly encouraged to labor on for perishing souls.

Jan 29, we reached Washington, N. H., where we were happy to meet Bro. and Sr. Hutchins, who had been holding meetings at Lempster, near Washington. The burden of our remarks was in regard to the children. We felt that the Lord was about to work for the young among us; and the church gladly received our testimony, which was a source of great encouragement.

At this meeting we ascertained that the way had opened to give a course of lectures at Peterborough, N. H.; but as this place was about thirty miles from Washington, and as we had but one week before us before the conference, we judged it advisable to hold meetings at Lempster, where some labor had been bestowed. We gave four more lectures at Lempster, and visited a few families, who were convinced that we have the truth. May God give them courage and grace to obey it.

Sabbath and first-day, 7th and 8th inst., we held a conference at Washington, agreeably to appointment. Notwithstanding the bad roads, we had a good gathering. Sabbath forenoon a discourse was given on the trials of the Christian; and in the afternoon Bro. Hutchins gave an interesting and encouraging discourse on the ministration of angels. At this meeting, as well as at the previous one, we enjoyed the greatest amount of freedom while dwelling on our duty to children. Here was the right vein in the mine of truth. Here God gave light and strength, and waited to be gracious; and the children unanimously requested a Sabbath-school.

First-day morning the church met and organized a Sabbath-school. Bro. Hutchins heard the children recite their first lesson. We felt as though Jesus and holy angels smiled upon his people while trying to benefit the young. At this meeting the church felt the necessity of State organization, and expressed a strong desire to concentrate their strength and means, and bring them to bear upon the one great leading object among us; namely, the advancement of the glorious cause of present truth. They adopted the following resolution:

Resolved, That we invite Bro. and Sr. White to aid us in organizing in that manner that will prove most conducive to the good of the church, and to the advancement of the cause in the East.

We are now in Peterborough where we have given three lectures in a Baptist meeting-house. We have quite a large attendance. Prejudice is being removed, and the people pay the strictest attention to the truths spoken.

D. T. & A. C. Bourdeau.

Peterborough, N. H., Feb. 13.