Portugal by C. E. RENTFRO

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 26, 1912

Portugal

By C. E. RENTFRO

C. E. RENTFRO

The last census, taken in 1911, shows there are over six million inhabitants in Portugal and its islands. We have four workers. This year our membership was increased to forty-five. Eighteen were baptized and four were admitted by vote. We expect to see others enter by the end of the year.

The work at Lisbon, under the charge of Brother Paul Meyer, has had interesting results. Last year we heard of some persons who were keeping a sabbath on each quarter of the moon's phases. Not long after, Brother and Sister Meyer received an invitation to go and visit these persons. They did so, and were well treated; but one man could not be moved from his position. However, other persons there were impressed that we have the truth. The way soon opened to give Bible studies in their home, and one person began keeping the Sabbath. At the end of the year, Brother Meyer began meetings in a new hall, not far from the home of this interested family; and they invited their friends and the members of their church to come and hear, and to study in their home. The family consisted of an old gentleman and his wife and their son and daughter-in-law. The father was treasurer of the church, being one of the oldest members; and the son was deacon, and worked in a factory where war material is made. Many of their friends did all they could to prevent the spread of this so-called heresy, but in vain. Some men even threatened to assault Brother Meyer, but these also saw their error and surrendered. Their weapons were laid down, and quite a number began to ask for baptism. Several became interested, and in the month of June fifteen were baptized. One old lady wept because she could not be baptized at this time.

Before the day chosen for the baptism, in order to avoid any conflict with the authorities, I made application for a license to hold a public meeting on the beach, first to the civil governor, who sent me to an administrator of a certain ward. At this place he and his secretary asked me questions and read to me an article in the law of the separation of

church and state, prohibiting public worship in places where it was not the custom of the majority of the inhabitants of the place. Some of the questions asked were: “Do you use a habit, or certain garb?” “Do you go in procession?” “Do you have prayers?” “If so, do you kneel or stand?” “Why don't you baptize these persons in some house?” I explained the matter as best I could, so the administrator said:—

“Now, I can not give you a license, but you go ahead anyway. Don't go all together; go in groups of four or five; stand during your prayers, in order to avoid attracting attention, and people will think it is merely a sort of bath you are taking. You did well in informing me about the matter. If any one complains, simply drop things, and I am here to help you, if needed.”

I thanked him for his kindness, and we had the baptism, utilizing the bathhouses on the beach for the changing of clothing. Some thirty or more persons were present.

In Porto, three persons were baptized in a small stream just outside the city. Upon our return from camp-meeting we organized a church in Lisbon, with twenty-nine members, and ordained the elder and deacon on Sabbath, August 31. At our Latin Union Conference gathering a mission committee was chosen, and we had our first meeting soon after returning home. We hope and pray that God may help us find many more honest souls.