Baptism in San Geronimo, S. A
By Arthur Fulton
SAN GERONIMO is a station on the Central Argentine Railway in the province of Santa Fe. Two years ago there was not a single person there who knew of the precious truths that we all hold so dear; but our faithful canvassers and Bible workers came that way, and one man, with his family, began to keep the Sabbath. A year and a half ago the annual conference was held there. From the first, the rougher element did all they could to oppose the work; but the truth triumphed, and this family went forward in baptism. As the man had been a strong drinker, and otherwise rough, the good work was prophesied of short duration by the scoffers. The truth has worked a wonderful change, and even the most prejudiced must admit its transforming power. Little by little, others have stepped out to obey. During the past year, this brother has maintained a church-school in his home, with good success and influence. Sabbath, November 25, was a happy day for the church. Five sisters were received by baptism into its membership. Dr. Habenicht administered the rite. At the morning service it was decided to leave the village at two o'clock, for the river, a distance of seven or eight miles. It was a beautiful day. Some in coaches and carts, others on horseback, started out for the river. At first we passed between fields of corn, that here and there showed a tassel. Next we passed ripening fields of wheat or pasture lands. But soon we entered the large gates of an estancia, as a stock-farm is called. This one consists of forty-eight thousand acres. Like the rest of the province, it is a beautiful inclined plain, stretching away in the distance as level as a thrashing-floor. In its many pastures are more than one hundred thousand head of cattle and horses, and about eighty thousand sheep, the greater part mestizos—the common stock crossed with thoroughbred. Nearing the river, we went by the cheese factory of the estancia, a large building. Until late years, the estanciero, or the man who runs the estancia, thought it beneath his dignity to make use of the by-products. Now, however, all is changed, and the greater number of these men have their stock divided among different persons, who live here and there over the estate, each one milking from fifty to one hundred cows. This is no mean source of profit to the owner. It is pleasant to drive past the contented herds, quietly feeding in their alfalfa and clover pastures. But suddenly we are at the river. There are no trees on its bank to tell us we are nearing it, but on the other side the seemingly endless plain stretches on as before. The beautiful baptismal service over, we return the way we came, our hearts rejoicing that the truth has made an advance move, and that the accompanying angels have rejoiced to see the work of God prosper in this dark land. San Geronimo, Santa Fe, Argentina.