Spain by Walter G. Bond

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

Spain

By Walter G. Bond

ZARAGOZA.—Yesterday I came here to help one of our canvassers secure permission to canvass in this province. Zaragoza is a city of about eighty-five thousand inhabitants, located in one of the most fertile vegas of the kingdom of Aragon. According to the monkish historians, Zaragoza was founded by Noah’s grandson Tubal, in the year 242 post diluvium. The former name of the city was Salduba, and is said to mean, in Chaldaic, “the property of Tubal,” or “the city of the sun.” Be this as it may, its strategical importance did not fail to attract the eye of Cæsar Augustus, who walled the city, and quartered here several legions of his soldiers. It then took the name of Cæsarea Augusta, which was converted by the Moors into Saracosta, to become finally Zaragoza.

In both ancient and modern times, it has been the scene of strife and destruction, and its name is associated, in the annals of the Peninsular War, with one of the most celebrated sieges ever sustained by any city. In 1808 a French general besieged the town, asserting that he would soon reduce it; but all his military skill proved of no avail against the headstrong Aragonese. A second siege, begun on December 21 of the same year, has few parallels in history. During this siege, La Virgen del Pilar was proclaimed captain-general of the Spanish forces. A centennial exposition, in honor of the event, is now in progress here. Last week the king and queen and prime minister came to the exposition. During their visit they again proclaimed La Virgen del Pilar the captain-general of the Spanish army. Accordingly, three silver cords, the ensign of the captain-general, were placed on the arm of the image. How different from this is the Leader of the soldiers of the cross! Instead of an image of stone, we have as captain the true and living God, who made heaven and earth.

One hundred years ago a French army of eighteen thousand men bombarded the city, and terrible were the results. To-day, one lone colporteur is beginning a far more important campaign, by scattering tracts and papers, filled with the third angel’s message. During the siege, several proposals of capitulation on honorable terms were made to the Spanish; but they always responded, “Zaragoza no se rinde” (Zaragoza does not surrender). So to-day, though this whole country is filled with idolatry and superstition, and though the battle goes hard and slow, by God’s help the soldiers of the cross will never surrender until the battle is won, and the Life-giver comes to give the victor’s crown. We earnestly ask the prayers of God’s people for this needy field, that more laborers may be found to help in carrying the message to its waiting millions. WALTER G. BOND.