Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)

The Test Comes to Daniel Bourdeau

On Wednesday, September 23, a small group met to consider certain moves that should be made to advance the cause. In the group were Ellen White; Daniel Bourdeau and Marian, his wife; A. C. Bourdeau and his wife, Martha; B. L. Whitney and his wife; and H. W. Kellogg. The fields of labor for certain of the workers was discussed, and then Daniel Bourdeau came forward with an interesting and potentially explosive proposition. Ellen White's diary gives the picture: 3BIO 306.4

Daniel then presented his plans that France and Italy be not encouraged to unite with Switzerland but become a separate conference and use their means among themselves to build up their own conference. This I earnestly opposed, for the influence would be bad. It would not lead to union and harmony in the work, but to separate interests, and they would not labor for that oneness that the Lord demands.—Manuscript 16a, 1885. 3BIO 306.5

Bourdeau argued that each one of the national groups was jealous and independent and therefore would resent being a part of the Swiss Conference. Ellen White suggested that this was a strong reason why each group should learn to blend with other nationalities. As she reported the experience to the president of the General Conference, she said: 3BIO 306.6

I told Brother Daniel that this would not be in accordance with God's will.... The truth is one. It will take people from France and Italy, and, mingling them with other elements, soften and refine them through the truth.—Letter 23, 1885. 3BIO 307.1

She pointed out that the cause was still in its infancy in the European countries and that to follow this suggestion would result in weakness. In the face of this dissent, Bourdeau grew excited and declared that he had been abused as he had labored in the cause, and cited examples. Ellen White walked out of the room. When she next wrote in her diary, she declared: “I will not give sanction to any such spirit.”—Manuscript 16a, 1885. 3BIO 307.2

As she reported the conference in the Review and Herald, she told of her emphasis given through the council: 3BIO 307.3

I felt urged by the Spirit of God throughout the meetings to impress upon all the importance of cultivating love and unity. I tried to present the danger of building up separate interests between nationalities. We are all bound together in the great web of humanity, and all that we do has a relation to others.—The Review and Herald, November 3, 1885. 3BIO 307.4

She spoke Thursday morning at the devotional hour. With the meeting in which Bourdeau had taken such a strong position clearly in her mind, she again directed her remarks to the unity that should exist between the different nationalities. She stated: 3BIO 307.5

Some who have entered these missionary fields have said, “You do not understand the French people; you do not understand the Germans. They have to be met in just such a way.” But, I inquire, does not God understand them? Is it not He who gives His servants a message for the people?—Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 136. 3BIO 307.6

She employed the illustration of the Jewish temple. Its stones were quarried out of the mountains, but when they were brought together they formed a perfect building. Then with great candor she declared: 3BIO 307.7

Let no one think that there need not be a stroke placed upon him. There is no person, no nation, that is perfect in every habit and thought. One must learn of another. Therefore God wants the different nationalities to mingle together, to be one in judgment, one in purpose. Then the union that there is in Christ will be exemplified.—Ibid., 137. 3BIO 307.8

She stated that she had been almost afraid to come to Europe because she had heard so much about the peculiarities of the various nationalities. But then she realized that God could bring people where they would receive the truth. She urged: 3BIO 308.1

Look to Jesus, brethren; copy His manners and spirit, and you will have no trouble in reaching these different classes. We have not six patterns to follow, nor five. We have only one, and that is Christ Jesus. If the Italian brethren, the French brethren, and the German brethren try to be like Him, they will plant their feet upon the same foundation of truth; the same spirit that dwells in one, will dwell in the other—Christ in them, the hope of glory. I warn you, brethren and sisters, not to build up a wall of partition between different nationalities. On the contrary, seek to break it down wherever it exists.... 3BIO 308.2

Labor for unity, labor for love, and you may become a power in the world.—Ibid., 137, 138. 3BIO 308.3

The counsel was quite in line with the theme she had kept before the council. She made no reference to any individual. But Daniel Bourdeau jumped to his feet and declared that the remarks had been directed to him personally, and he tried to vindicate himself. Writing of it to Butler, Ellen White explained: 3BIO 308.4

I had, during the meeting, spoken upon general principles.... Now I had overturned his imaginary castle that he was building, and he acted as though he had received his death blow.—Letter 23, 1885. 3BIO 308.5

Bourdeau absented himself from the meetings through the day and began to pack his belongings, planning to leave the next morning. Ellen White was greatly distressed. She wrote in her diary that Daniel had been “taking counsel with Daniel and the adversary of souls” (Ibid.). She pleaded with God for the man, and she felt urged to speak to him again. As she paced the floor of her room in great agony of mind, she kept saying to herself, “I cannot talk with him; I cannot meet his defiant, stubborn spirit.” But she knew she must, so she sent for him and his wife to come to her room, along with his brother and Whitney, Lane, and White. 3BIO 308.6

As she began to talk directly to Daniel, he interrupted, saying he would rather see her alone because of the things he had suffered from his brethren in the past. She told him she wished him to be silent, for she had the word of the Lord for him. He quieted down. Then she gave him “such a message as I wish never to speak again to mortal man” (Ibid.). 3BIO 309.1

It seemed to her that Bourdeau was in a life-and-death struggle, and she must warn him of his danger. He complained that she had hit him with her talk that morning, but she reminded him that he had stood where he could easily be hit. She reported to Butler the admonition she gave to Bourdeau: 3BIO 309.2

The arrows of the Almighty must wound you so sorely that you will feel that you need a physician. “I have torn,” saith God, “and I will heal; I have smitten and I will bind you up.” When you come, meek and lowly, then Jesus will pardon your transgressions.—Ibid. 3BIO 309.3

She charged him not to leave the house till the power of the enemy was broken. Then they all knelt and prayed. “He prayed for himself rather faintly,” wrote Ellen White. She prayed, as did others. She recognized that a terrible struggle was going on with Daniel. He made some concessions, but not full surrender. “His face,” she said, “looked as though soul and body were rent asunder.”—Ibid. But the Sabbath was drawing on. 3BIO 309.4

That Friday evening a meeting was planned for the ministers alone. The down-to-earth discussions of the past few days had brought to the front several sore spots, as cherished positions held by some had failed to gain approval. A. A. John, from the British field, was still upset because he received no encouragement to proceed with his plans to make large efforts at the “watering places,” where the wealthy would assemble in the vacation season. To labor in these circumstances was costly and promised but little in returns. Others also had injured feelings. Ellen White faced the meeting with some trepidation. She feared Daniel Bourdeau would not be there. Her diary tells the story: 3BIO 309.5

There were present about seventeen ministers and their wives. Brother Daniel Bourdeau was present. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I prayed for light and grace from heaven. My faith laid hold upon the promises of the Lord, and His Spirit came into our meeting in large measure. Hearts were broken before Him. 3BIO 310.1

Brother Daniel Bourdeau wrenched himself from the shackles of Satan, and surrendered his will to the Lord. Satan had thought to gain the victory over this brother, but he was signally defeated. Angels of God were in the meeting, and the power of God was felt. 3BIO 310.2

Brother Albert Vuilleumier prayed in French, but we understood the spirit that inspired it. Brother Matteson's petition was indited by the Lord, and was offered in brokenness of heart. I felt the peace of Jesus in my soul. I had carried a heavy load, and now I rolled that load upon the great Burden Bearer. I could do nothing; Jesus could do everything; and I felt the peace of Christ in my heart.—Manuscript 20, 1885. 3BIO 310.3