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The Work in Spain

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 28, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 4.

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The Work in Spain

By FRANK S. BOND

FRANK S. BOND
SINCE April 1 we have conducted two series of meetings in the city of Valencia. Some of the seed sown seems to have fallen upon stony ground, and some of the fruit which appeared so quickly, and seemed so favorable, is now withering. I am thankful, however, to announce that several of those who have recently accepted the truth in Valencia are continuing steadfast in the faith. One man, twenty-four years of age, has been awaiting baptism for several weeks, and a number of others have acknowledged the truth. Experience has taught us that it is well to give those who are desirous of uniting with us plenty of time to prove their faithfulness to the message, before receiving them by baptism. The few brethren in Valencia are now holding their Sabbath-school in the home of one of the sisters. Brother Vicente Garcia, one of our colporteurs, who is now canvassing in that city and its vicinity, takes charge of the Sabbath-school.
A SCENE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
A SCENE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
With my family I came to Barcelona three weeks ago yesterday (November 2), to assist my brother Walter in holding a series of meetings in a new part of this great city. We have a good hall, centrally located and well lighted. With the help of some of our canvassers, we have distributed thousands of invitations, but thus far the attendance has been small. We have five night meetings each week, and there are some who attend regularly, and seem interested in the truth.
Week before last, the king and queen were visiting for several days in Barcelona. This was the queen's first visit here. Extensive preparations were made for their reception. The city was beautifully lighted for the occasion. Men, women, and children came out attired in their very best apparel. Hundreds of thousands thronged the wide, shady streets of beautiful Barcelona, all bent on getting at least one look at the king and queen. By this demonstration we were compelled to think, How different is the interest manifested by the people in the soon coming of the King of glory! How few care to learn the truth with reference to that glorious event! How few are putting on that inward adornment of Christ's righteousness, which will admit all those who are thus clothed into the presence of the Lamb and his holy angels!
We have been encouraged by recent reports of reinforcements sent into Mexico. When we see so much done for that field, which has a smaller population than Spain, we are encouraged to believe that additional help will soon be provided for this country. We need ministerial help, and also a good corps of American canvassers. Spain has more than forty provinces which have never been touched with our literature. Here are numerous large cities and towns where the sound of the message has never been heard, with eighteen million people to whom this truth must be carried. To make this message known to these millions who have for so many centuries been steeped in the superstitions of Roman Catholicism, is a task of large proportions. We are thankful, though, that the battle is not ours. He who has commissioned us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, has also promised, “Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end.”
My brother is spending a few days this week in the ancient city of Zaragoza, which is about three hundred fifty kilometers [two hundred seventeen miles] inland from Barcelona. His object in going there is to purchase a canvassing license for one of our colporteurs, and to help him get started in the work there.
Recently I received a good letter from a Baptist gentleman. This man lives in the mountains of Aragon, in the province of Teruel. It was my privilege to visit with him and his family a little more than a year ago, for a few days. We had several good studies together. He says, in part, as follows: “I am very thankful for having known more of the Lord's Word, and I desire that my family may become willingly convinced. When I have time, I read to them some with reference to the promises which God has made to those who love him and keep his commandments, and the punishment with which he threatens those who are unfaithful to his Word.”
He heartily invites us to go to his town, and offers us his home in which to hold meetings.
Thus we can see that the good work is gradually extending in the land of the “Don.” Our health and courage are good. We ask an interest in the prayers of God's people for the work in Spain.
Barcelona.