How the Truth Made its Way in Russia by H. J. LOEBSACK

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 23, 1908

How the Truth Made its Way in Russia

By H. J. LOEBSACK

Reminiscences of the Days of Our Imprisonment—No. 4

How the Truth Made its Way in Russia

H. J. LOEBSACK

WHILE imprisoned in Bessarabia, new accusations were brought against us,—in Crimea, on account of the baptism of a family, and also in Volhynia we were accused. In 1898, Brother Jurickson, one of our Bible workers in Estland, was in prison three times for holding services, and at Lodz, in Russian Poland, the prison furnished a means of introducing the truth. Three of our ministers, who had worked in the Caucasus among the Russians, were in prison about six months; but having soon gained the confidence of their guards, they were placed by them as wardens over the prisoners of the different divisions. All members of the parishes of Holstein and Warenburg, “took joyfully the spoiling of their goods,” being compelled to pay fines for attending meetings. Brother John Perk and others have often escaped death only through the use of the rustic costume of the Russians.

Under such circumstances the Lord has blessed his work, and spread the truth throughout the whole of European Russia. Now, even in Siberia and in Tashkent, on the Chinese frontier, parishes have been organized by Elder H. K. Loebsack. In six fields, our number of members reaches three thousand, with about seventy parishes and nearly sixty preachers, Bible workers, nurses, and canvassers. This fall, a Russian union conference, including three conferences and three mission fields, has been organized. The religious freedom, assured us by law, is to be used for the propagation of this last message of warning.

We do not want to regard lightly those days of small beginnings, but remember that in the future as well, any mountain can become a plain before God in the onward progress of his truth and work.

All our brethren and sisters, who suffered with the bound ones, or who “took joyfully the spoiling of their goods,” know, “that they have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” Some have already passed away, but many are still living. All these experiences will make up a part of the song of Moses and the Lamb. Those who wrote the Scriptures, those who printed them, those who sent them out, and those who also taught them, all these will have a reward, and all will shine as bright stars in our Father’s kingdom forever and ever.

Brethren and sisters, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. . . . For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Heb. 10: 35-39.

Caucasus.