Report from Bro. Bourdeau.
By D. T. Bourdeau
BRO. WHITE: I left the eastern-mission field for Vermont the 11th of August, and reached home the 15th, after an absence of nine weeks, during which I enjoyed many sweet seasons with brother and sister Cornell and brother Gage, and had an opportunity of seeing the cause of truth steadily advance notwithstanding the efforts put forth to hinder it in its onward course. On my way home and when at Kendall's Mills, Me., the third volume of Spiritual Gifts came to hand. It proved to be meat in due season to my soul. I felt thankful to God for his wisdom and love in causing light to shine on his word, and in preparing his people to meet objections urged against the authenticity of the Bible. Sabbath the 13th, met with the church at Brownington, Vt., where I was refreshed by the presence and testimonies of brother and sister Hutchins and other tried friends of the cause, and spoke on walking with God. Sabbath the 20th, worshiped with the church at home, and had a refreshing time while contemplating the power, love, and care that God manifests toward his children through the ministration of good angels. The 24th, Bro. Pierce and myself called on the Governor of Vermont to attend to the subject of the draft and had a pleasant and favorable interview. He said he had heard of our people before, and promised to do what he could to aid us in securing the benefits of the law concerning those conscientiously opposed to bearing arms. Sabbath the 27th, being the day appointed for fasting and prayer, had a solemn and we trust profitable time with the church at home. We dwelt on the subject of fasting, and believed that God would have a special care for those who put their trust in him and try to please him. The 12th inst., we received an urgent invitation from sister Ruiter, Dunham C. E., to go and pray for her husband, who was dangerously sick with a fever. We immediately went to Dunham, and found brother Ruiter very feeble, insomuch that he could not walk or speak aloud. He had been under the doctor's care without receiving any benefit, had not been able to walk for about two weeks, and was growing worse. He was prayed for, the power of disease was broken, and he arose and dressed and returned thanks. The next morning he walked to the table and ate breakfast with us, and after breakfast he accompanied us on our way home as far as Cowensville, a distance of one mile and three quarters. I have just received a letter from sister Ruiter in which she states that brother Ruiter has been growing stronger and stronger, that though he had to return home in a shower, yet he did not receive any harm; that his neighbors were astonished to see him ride out, for they did not believe he would ever recover; that he went to a meeting the next day, and is now laboring with his hands. To God be all the praise. From Dunham we went to Potton, C. E. and attended a quarterly meeting of the Troy and Potten church and spoke twice. The interest among friends outside was good, and we expect that some will yet obey the truth. West Enosburgh, Vt., Sept. 26th, 1864.