p. 18 | In Bonds for Christ

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 11, 1904

In Bonds for Christ

The following letter from Brother Baharian, addressed to Elder Curdy, tells the story of the progress of the message in the old field of Asia Minor, where the apostles once raised up churches and suffered for the cause of Christ:—

“CONSTANTINOPLE PRISON, Dec. 15, 1903.

“Dear Brother Curdy: November 20 I was called to the police court and detained. The second night thereafter I was examined about a letter I wrote three years ago, just after the decree of the Sublime Porte against us. In that letter, sent to one of our brethren, I had mentioned the prohibitive law against our work, and stated how we must now carry forward the task given us of God, and recommended the organization of tract societies for the distribution of our literature. I stated that the government can prohibit only our large meetings, and not the preaching of the message; that, if we are persecuted in one place, we should separate in smaller divisions, and meet in several places, and so on. The police secured this letter from one of our brethren who was spreading the message in Angora (Galatia), and who, for this crime, had been taken prisoner. The letter was then sent here.

“Understanding that we were still continuing our work, the president of police asked me many questions. I told him the truth. I said: ‘We obey the government, and must obey Jesus Christ, too. This prohibitive law is against the gospel, and we can not keep it.’ They tried hard to have me promise not to teach this religion, but I refused. The president was angry, and sent me back to prison.

“Next day my sister-in-law visited me. Through her I sent a petition to the minister of police, stating that my answer was already given five years ago: ‘I can not keep back from preaching the gospel.’ Three days later, at midnight, he called me again. After some conversation, he asked me to give bail that I would not preach. I replied: ‘This is impossible; I can not be disloyal to Jesus. It is better for me to be punished by you than for me to be punished at the judgment by him.’ He then said he would write this matter to the Sublime Porte. He sent me back to stay in prison until he receives an answer from the minister of the interior.

“I have sent a petition to the Sublime Porte, also, stating that we do not desire to be a separate nation, as others; but that we must preach the message, especially at this time when the end is so near, and the second advent of Jesus, and the hour of God's judgment is come. This message must be preached, that all may have opportunity to repent and have forgiveness of sin through the blood of Christ.

“The question has now come before the Porte for the fifth time. I have committed myself into the hands of our Father, and feel willing to bear anything that may happen. The minister would have me banished. This would also be good, if the Lord permits it. The answer from the Sublime Porte will hardly return within a month. Until then, I am detained. At present my place is good enough—the bedroom of the police. Every day I come in touch with many, and have interesting talks with them. A Bulgarian teacher is with me; though he is an infidel, he is studying the Bible. Pray for the cause. Let the name of Jesus be glorified. Salute the brethren. You may write this news to the REVIEW AND HERALD, that all may write in prayer.’

In sending the letter, Brother G. Dail, of Hamburg, Germany, adds:—

“The preceding letter has just been received here at Cologne. Feeling that it would be of general interest, I have copied it, and forward it for publication. We may read these things now; but there is a day coming when we shall more generally experience them in our lives. Nothing in this world is so urgent and so important as that we stretch our powers to the utmost, and put to good investment our abilities and our liberties and our means, in carrying the truth to all nations. What will be the value of our silver and gold, our houses and lands, our cattle and merchandise, when the true believers are cast into prison by the hundred, or driven from the cities, towns, and villages by the thousand? The year 1904 is the time for us to work; and we can never make a beginning any sooner than to-day. While some are imprisoned, and others are hunted like wild beasts, what are you doing now in the Master's vineyard? Solemn question! more solemn its reply.”