Canary Islands by W. W. E.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 28, 1914

Canary Islands

By W. W. E.

THE following extract is taken from a letter received from Brother Bert B. Aldrich, who is our pioneer missionary in the Canary Islands, and shows how the way is already open for the introduction of the printed page:—

“The first part of February was occupied in some duties at the home. I was not well—was suffering somewhat from neuralgia of the stomach, and felt the necessity of rest and treatment, which I took, and also gave treatment to Brother French. We made a treatment table which was needed here in our new quarters. I also delivered a few books which had been ordered, and did some canvassing for tracts.

“The last two weeks were busier ones. The third week I went out in the south of the island and in forty-two hours took orders for forty-two copies of ‘Practical Guide,’ besides selling some tracts. ‘Practical Guide’ is a good seller. Three days in the last week were carnival feast days, and I could do nothing canvassing. Accordingly I made some missionary visits and gave a Bible reading far out in the country, and studied the prospectus of ‘Los Videntes’ (‘Daniel and the Revelation’).

“I felt that I ought to try to get the governor’s verbal permission to canvass for this book; so I called on him first. He took me to see several other officials, who each examined the prospectus quite fully, and finally I was taken to the secretary of the provincial government, who told me that I might go ahead, but they would neither give me permission nor refuse to tolerate the work with the religious books. They desired to remain neutral, unless forced to take issue against my work because of clerical interference. They advised me to purchase a license as venta de libros nuevos ó usados en ambulancia (a colporteur of new books or books used). I accordingly made my application; and on presenting the written application to the collector of the government contributions, I was told that he had not yet received the proper blanks and receipts, but that I might go ahead. Accordingly I began to work among the merchants, and in two days (about eleven hours of actual work) took, with God’s help, eleven orders amounting to 89 pesetas for this truth-filled book. Better still, I found a merchant who, after critically examining the prospectus, said that he had been reading ‘Videntes’ in the municipal library of Santa Cruz, and enjoyed it very much and believed its teaching to be the truth.

“My talk with this gentleman was a feast to my soul. He said he went nearly every evening to read that book in the municipal library. I talked with him on the certainty of sacred prophecy and the Eastern Question. He listened attentively, and when I spoke of his not being a good Catholic he replied, ‘I am not a Roman Catholic, but I am an apostolic catholic.’ I replied that I also was an apostolic catholic, and shook hands with him. It did me good to have a Spanish gentleman tell me so decidedly that he was a true catholic. I believe truly that God is preparing the way for a great and a quick work in these darkened fields. I believe that the time is here to sell these truth-filled books. We can sow the seed of the kingdom, but God alone can give the increase.

“I am still enjoying the privilege of studying God’s Word with some individuals in Santa Cruz and in the country near by from time to time. Romanism has brought darkness on this country, but the Lord of the harvest is preparing the way for the finishing of his work. Pray for the ignorant, superstitious people of the Canary Islands.”

W. W. E.