Literature Work in Uruguay
By JAMES T. THOMPSON
In order to acquire the language more quickly, and become acquainted with the people and country, I am selling literature, going into the country far from railways, where I hear and speak nothing but the Spanish. With horse and cart the long distances between the estancias (ranches) are covered, and the people visited in their homes. Some of the large estancias have large, well-built houses. The more ordinary houses are built of sod, with thatched roof, and the bare earth for floor, while the peon often lives in a place that in the homeland would be deemed poor shelter for animals. When not at work, the peons spend their time largely in gambling and drinking, and it is very rare to find one who can read. Even among them the stranger is cordially received. We have long looked upon South America as the stronghold of Catholicism in the Western Hemisphere; and so it is. But here it cannot be said that Catholicism has a very strong hold on the people. Instead, we have a situation that is a result of Catholicism, and much more difficult to meet; namely, infidelity, and antagonism to everything religious. Nevertheless, events taking place in the world today lead many to ask, “What do these things mean?” A few days ago I stopped at a pulperia (grocery store), and canvassed the proprietor for my book. He listened respectfully until I had finished, and then asked, “This is Protestant propaganda, is it not?” “Its principles are believed by all Protestants,” I answered, “for it is all founded on the Bible.” “What is the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism?” was the next question. “To tell all is more than I can do with my limited knowledge of the language,” I answered; “but here are some of the fundamental differences,” and I proceeded to explain. “Well, I want to know,” he said, “so bring me one of those books and I shall read it.” His neighbors expressed surprise that he ordered the book, and are unanimous in saying that he is a bad man. Later I delivered the book, and he seemed anxious13to know if the end is near. A conviction that it is seems to have filled his heart with fear. May the presentation of Jesus the Saviour lead him to repentance and give him peace. By what means shall the message be brought to these people, who seem to be too indifferent to attend a meeting, and who live so far apart that it would be out of the question to get them together? No other way seems possible than through personal visits to their homes, and leaving the message with them in books and papers.