Scotland by W. A. Westworth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 23, 1905

Scotland

By W. A. Westworth

In reading Brother Spicer’s article “The Sabbath in Ancient Scotland,” REVIEW AND HERALD, No. 6, page 5, and noting the conditions that prevailed at that time, we could not help comparing those times with the present time, and drawing a parallel with things as we find them to-day.

The ardor of Queen Margaret in turning the Scottish people from the simplicity of their former religion, and in introducing Roman rites and ceremonies, together with the observance of the first day as the Sabbath, was successful to a very great extent, so much so that the whole country yielded, and, till the time of the Scottish reformation, Rome held full sway. But the light of the gospel was too bright for the darkness of papal superstition, and Scotland produced a noble array of martyrs, whose blood gave strength to the growth of the glorious seed of faith. Then from the labors of men like Knox the liberty of the gospel filled the heart of Scotland, and history shows how boldly she cut herself from the intrigues of Rome. But now, alas! again the scene is changed; no longer can we proudly call her “Protestant Scotland.” As we reach the time when the message of the third angel is to sound with its mighty shout, we find that again Rome, with bold front, is forcing her way with masterly cunning into the heart of Scotland.

True it is that there is a British law, unrepealed, which forbids a Jesuit to set foot on British soil, and yet here, in the capital of Scotland, each Sunday we find the Jesuits on the prominent corners of the streets, holding forth in open air services, the year round, and loudly proclaiming the infallibility of the Romish church and doctrine.

And more than this, it is no strange sight to see here, within one-half mile of Knox’s home and church, a procession, headed by the priests and acolytes, bearing aloft the “host,” while in the gutters kneel the blinded worshipers, humbly crossing themselves, and muttering their Ave Marias, etc.

Thus, as in the time of Margaret, when she set her influence against the Sabbath of the Lord, we now find, as the message is entering this country, Rome zealous for her claims and her counterfeit institutions.

And still we praise the Master that in spite of it all the work is going. The glorious message is finding a place in honest hearts. Fifty more were added to the small beginning during the past year.

The prospects for the coming season are brighter than ever before. By earnest endeavor on the part of all and the kindness of the brethren in America, we have now a fair equipment for summer work, and go forward with hearts full of courage, expecting nothing but victory. Scotch reserve is notorious, and this, together with their reliance on the experiences of their ancestors, makes it a difficult field to work, but still we know our Leader is with us, and our only sorrow is that there are not many workers where there is but one. The calls for help are legion, and how sad it is to have to say “Wait” to any hungry soul. But it is all in the hands of the Lord, and we know he is caring for his own work. We thank him for the evidences of his love in the past, and press forward with greater zeal as we see the advances of the enemy. Pray for the work in Scotland, brethren and sisters, that this land, which in the past has stood so nobly for God and his truth, may yet send forth a mighty witness for the closing message.

W. A. WESTWORTH.