ILLINOIS by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · January 15, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 3

ILLINOIS

By D. T. Bourdeau

Kankakee, Jan. 5.—Since reporting last, I have been laboring for churches and scattered brethren in Iroquois and Kankakee counties. I have celebrated the ordinances with three churches, and organized three health and temperance clubs, embracing about seventy members, most of whom have signed the teetotal pledge and become full members. One interesting feature at one point was, that of eight persons not of our faith who became members, seven signed the teetotal pledge. Of course, this fact was used to stir up our brethren to emulation. Books were purchased, and prepared to keep the records of these clubs, and care was taken to put the first report in shape. By commencing right, habits of order are contracted, and the painful duty of re-organizing societies is avoided.

Although I have labored largely for the French, most of whom cannot read English, yet I have done something in encouraging families to obtain the works recommended in the recent Appeal. More books will be taken as the children learn to read English. Our American brethren have no excuse. Is it not an offense against God, and doing violence to our conscience and better judgment, to knowingly and selfishly deprive ourselves of knowledge which we believe God mercifully offers us for our spiritual advancement? I heartily approve of the plan proposed.

While the young converts have done well in taking hold of different branches of the work, and attending our late camp-meeting, we urge upon them, in the line of giving, the importance of first rendering unto God what he justly claims. To pay our tithe is an easy duty, if we give God the first place in our affections, and give him the first-fruits of all our earnings and income.

D. T. BOURDEAU.