Portugal by C. E. RENTFRO.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jul 20, 1905

Portugal

By C. E. RENTFRO.

CARCAVELLOS.—We are living in a small villa about twelve miles west of Lisbon, where an English submarine cable station is located. We are studying the language, and when we are able to preach, we shall go back to the field of conflict.

Now I am at work on some articles for the Brazilian paper. These will be kept for future use in tracts, when we are able to publish. I have the first Bible study of The Family Bible Teacher, translated by our former teacher, which I will also send to Brazil for publication. Our stay here will enable me to prepare literature, which would have been much more difficult to do in the city where there are many distracting influences.

Yesterday we organized a Sunday-school among some of our English friends, which was asked for by them. Thirteen were in attendance, counting ourselves, and we may have twenty or more soon, when it becomes better known. We enjoyed Elder Conradi's visit, and his counsel was timely.

I have had my first experience with avowed “higher critics” in Lisbon; many others who do not lay claim to that title have the subtle reasoning, instead of a “Thus saith the Lord.”

Some one ought to come here who can preach. I am convinced that our work will be in that direction mostly, for where eighty out of one hundred can not read, canvassers will not be of much use. There is not a great amount of danger in public work just now, because there is among the Portuguese a desire to do like the English. So a citizen of either the United States or England runs no great risk of being stopped, because the authorities fear the results of an open trial, such as Englishmen could demand. We can publish almost anything, provided we keep out of politics. Just now there is a high feeling concerning liberty of the press. The journalists are working hard for freedom in that line.

Some one familiar with the French or the Latin language could soon be ready for work here. A great many of the Portuguese know French. With some one to assist, by the end of a year we ought to be ready for public work in a substantial way. I know you will have many difficult problems to work out, so I am loath to plead very hard for help. I will do what I can by God's help. May our Heavenly Father direct affairs so that the outward and forward movement of this message will encircle the world soon, end the conflict, and save many souls from ruin.

C. E. RENTFRO.