Mexico's Awakening by A. Allen John, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 22, 1909

Mexico's Awakening

By A. Allen John, M. D.

THE work of bringing the third angel's message before the Mexican people has been one of great difficulty. It is useless to dwell upon the causes which have hindered, further than to confess and deplore our weaknesses. Our organization is even yet incomplete; and the natural indifference is so characteristic as to be easily ranked as a sign of the times.

Little by little, changes for the better have taken place; a feeling of unity prevails; our organization is shaping more perfectly; and there is manifested, in different places, an interest to hear and obey the truth, which has attracted the attention of the Catholic clergy and the secular press. For some time the efforts have centered on the publishing work, and the results are encouraging. The clipping from the Mexican Herald shows how our paper, El Mensajero, is rated by the clergy—condemned with the Holy Scriptures:—

“CATHOLICS FORBIDDEN TO READ PROTESTANT BIBLES

“Special Dispatch to The Herald.

“MORELIA, MARCH 27.—Circulars issued by the higher church authorities of this state, in which all Catholics are forbidden the reading of Protestant Bibles and certain other Protestant literature, including a paper called El Mensajero de la Verdad, have been circulated throughout the various parishes of the state and read from all Catholic pulpits. “The immediate cause of this circular is the presence here of a Protestant missionary, who has been distributing Bibles and copies of El Mensajero de la Verdad. It appears that many good Catholics were reading both the paper and the Bibles until the matter reached the knowledge of the priests, followed by the above result.”

In Guadalajara recently the same paper speaks of a ban which the Catholic clergy has put upon all publications, secular and religious, which in any way reflect on the teachings of that church; and many families have placed notices on their doors, saying that such papers will neither be received nor read.

These reports indicate that an awakening has begun, that many are seeking for truth and light; and, at the same time, that the Catholic Church feels that it would not be helped by the circulation and reading of the Holy Scriptures, nor by periodicals and literature which are set in defense of religious truth; also, that the Seventh-day Adventist paper has the honor to be named and proscribed with the Holy Bible. We should thank God and take courage, while redoubling our efforts to shower the country with literature, and should see to it that our work is organized so that it will be representative on every point.

The educational work is barely started among us. Other denominations are far in the lead. A woman of the Catholic faith informed me, a few weeks ago, that she had sought a school in which to educate her son, a mere child. She went to a general inspector of schools, who told her that the Methodist schools gave the best training of any. And on his recommendation, she placed her boy in the Methodist boys' school in Puebla, although she lives in Cuautla.

Our medical work is more generally represented. An open door is found everywhere for blending the healing of body and soul, and less serious opposition is experienced.

There are openings for all. Several brethren and sisters are giving real force and character to the work by operating different kinds of business in an honorable and successful manner. The government respects and encourages all such; and so does the Lord. Mexico will furnish her quota for the church triumphant in the new earth home. She is enrolling them now in the church militant. Now is her day and opportunity—and ours! A. ALLEN JOHN, M. D.