Trinidad, West Indies by S. A. WELLMAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1908

Trinidad, West Indies

By S. A. WELLMAN

DURING the past month, since the meeting of the West Indian Union Conference Committee at this place in December, it has been the writer's privilege to be much among the country churches of this island, holding the quarterly services and annual meetings. A privilege indeed it has been. As we have met together, harmony has prevailed, and with the celebration of the ordinances and the partaking of the Lord's supper has come in an influence from the Master that has made the after-meetings and the business sessions of the churches seasons of continued blessings. We are thankful for this, and feel sure that the blessing of the Lord will follow these churches during the year.

An evidence that the Lord has been working among them lies in the fact that at several places there are others accepting the faith, and a number of these have signified their wish to be baptized. Where there are additions to the fold, and the Lord is calling such as must be saved, there is of a surety an abiding Presence.

Excellent interests are reported in unentered portions of the country, and we plan to begin operations with the tent at the town of Arouca during the second week of February. We hope, ere the dry season is over, to answer at least one more call out of the many that have come to us.

At the first session of the legislative council for the island this year a petition for the Sunday closing of shops of all classes was presented by the Portuguese shopkeepers. As this would affect one or two of our people, and would be an entering wedge for further legislation, it was deemed best to meet the issue by presenting the principles connected with the question, for the consideration of the public. This was done through correspondence in the public press and by the publication of a small, sixteen-page paper entitled "Liberty." Three thousand of these were sold throughout Trinidad, and the minds of the people have been awakened to the meaning and final outcome of these things. Copies were also sent to the governor and to members of the legislative council. The governor very kindly thanked us for the copy sent.

What the outcome of this present agitation will be, we know not. There has been some bitter animosity shown, and from all quarters, both Catholic and Protestant, there has been considerable opposition to the truths presented; yet many have been kind in their attitude on the question, and a large number are convinced of the trend of these agitations.

On the whole, the work in Trinidad has opened well for the new year, and it promises to be full of blessing, hard work, and results for the kingdom. For this we are thankful to God, and have set our faces to go forward with the last message. S. A. WELLMAN.