Meetings in Vt by D. T. Bourdeau

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 3, 1863

Meetings in Vt.

By D. T. Bourdeau

Bro. White: Since our labors closed with the tent, I have, by request of the Committee, attended quarterly meetings at Wolcott, Roxbury and Johnson.

At Wolcott the church were edified, and we trust benefited, while contemplating the subject of brotherly love, and while listening to a discourse by Bro. Hutchins from Heb. ii, 1-3. Most of the brethren and sisters readily backed up the word with their testimonies. Especially were we interested in Bro. E. Churchill's testimony, which evinced that he intended to be zealous in the worship of the Lord, and overcome with God's people.

On my way to the Roxbury meeting, my horse took fright at the sudden approach of the cars, and ran over me with the wagon, bruising my back and right hip badly. My wife was with me, and was left alone in the wagon, to ride after the horse, who ran with full speed over logs and through bushes, till he got to a rise of ground. My wife there seized her only opportunity to throw herself out of the wagon, and did not receive any serious injury. The horse then ran about a rod and took a leap about sixteen feet down a steep ledge (twelve feet perpendicular) without hurting himself or materially injuring the wagon. One of those who witnessed the whole scene said that an angel must have preserved my wife.

But to return to my case. I suffered extremely from acute pains in my back and hip, and moved with great difficulty. A physician was sent for, and said that I should be weeks and perhaps months in recovering. But I felt it duty to have recourse to the great Physician. I was prayed for at Bro. Pierce's, and was greatly blessed in body and in mind, insomuch that I walked through the room praising God for his goodness. A death blow was given to my difficulty, the fever was removed instantly, and a healthy feeling restored. I was enabled to speak to the church the next day. A Congregationalist preacher, and his mother, were present and endorsed our position on the moral law, and said that the Spirit of the Lord was with us. At Johnson the church, the youth, and some not identified with us, were greatly blessed. A backslider was reclaimed, and two persons for the first time gave in their testimonies.

Last Sabbath my brother and I met with the church at Bro. Wm. White's, Fairfield, and had a good meeting. Bro. Gregory from Ohio, and some of his relatives who reside in this section, were with us. Bro. G.'s warm testimony was appreciated by his friends, and the church. One of his relatives spoke in our meeting, for the first time.

I am now usually well. Praise the Lord! I would thank God for afflictions, knowing that they give me an insight into my character, and that they will, if rightly improved, help me in the attainment of every virtue. D. T. Bourdeau.