Spain by FRANK BOND

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1907

Spain

By FRANK BOND

At present we are having lively times here in old Spain. One of Valencia’s best dailies, in yesterday’s issue, says: “It is very difficult to picture the social and political state of Barcelona at present. The crisis which exists there is very severe, so much so that we do not remember another like it in the picturesque history of Spanish regions.”

Just last Sunday there was a great demonstration between the Carlists, headed by armed priests, and the Liberals. Quite a number in both parties were wounded.

How clearly these armed priests in politics demonstrate the character of many of those who profess to be Christ’s representatives on earth! It reveals the terrible results of the union of church and state. Jesus declared, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, . . . but now is my kingdom not from hence.”

On account of a recent raise of taxes on various taxable products, Valencian customs officials went on a strike. Twenty-five men were brought in from Andalusia, southern Spain, to fill the vacancies. This enraged the Valencians, and as a result, just yesterday the principal custom-houses of this city were burned to the ground.

Strife, commotion, and unrest are the principal characteristics of these times. I am so thankful for that promise, “Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end of the world.”

Another of our readers, a Baptist, expects to begin to keep the Sabbath this week. He has given up the use of tobacco. He will lose his present position. Pray that he may prove faithful. Two more of my gentlemen readers told me yesterday that they are determined to obey the truth. May the Lord help them to begin to do so soon, is my prayer.

We are more than ever persuaded that now is the time to herald this message to the eighteen millions of Spain. Who will help us? FRANK BOND.