Labors in Vt by D. T. Bourdeau

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 7, 1865

Labors in Vt.

By D. T. Bourdeau

Bro. White: We have returned from a pleasant and interesting six weeks' tour south with our dear, aged, respected and much-loved Bro. Pierce. We enjoyed the blessing of the Lord at every meeting, and have reason to believe that the churches were encouraged and built up in the faith, and that in some instances the children and youth were benefitted, and favorable impressions were left on unbelievers.

Especially were we interested in seeing Bro. Pierce's son and daughter manifest a willingness to identify themselves with the people of God. We had felt an interest and Christian attachment for these dear youth and believed that they were children of God; but crushing influences which had been brought to bear upon them, and other youths in Roxbury, had prevented them from moving along with the church. When the church had taken a stand against these influences, these dear youth felt free to take their position with them. May this be the case with other youths in Roxbury.

Yesterday (Sabbath,) being the day appointed for prayer and fasting, we met with the church at home, and had a solemn time in contemplating the circumstances that call for prayer and fasting at the present time. How plain it is that we have reached the perils of the last days which we have anticipated, and that the testimonies on the present war given through the gift of prophecy are of heavenly origin. And it is equally plain that God, our Father, rules the nations, and will have a special care for the salt of the earth—for those who fear and love him, and put their trust in him, and press together in the sweet bonds of brotherly love.

We now have an opportunity of seeing whether we love our brethren as we love ourselves, and of showing our Bible loyalty to this government, and to the laws of God, which we have advocated and which we profess to love. May God give us wisdom and grace that we may not bring his cause into disrepute by any injudicious move.

D. T. Bourdeau.

West Enosburgh, Vt. Feb. 12, 1865.