Dominica, West Indies by P. Giddings

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 24, 1906

Dominica, West Indies

By P. Giddings

It being fine, dry weather, I left Roseau for a country district over forty miles from town. It was not so dry here, however; we had rain almost every day, so my plans had to be altered somewhat. I was able to hold only three open-air meetings. The rest of the three weeks was spent in visiting, selling papers, tracts, small books, and holding Bible readings.

I met a couple who were keeping the Sabbath, but still held their membership in the Methodist Church. The lady said that it was like the death of a mother to leave her church. I held Bible readings with them on different phases of the message, including health and dress reform.

The last Friday I was there was a glorious day to me. I spent it by the seashore in fasting and prayer. It was the world's anniversary of the crucifixion, and I wished it in a special sense to mark my crucifixion with Him; and as I prayed, then asked the Lord to direct me to passages that would be meat in due season, I opened the Bible and read such applicable portions that my soul was comforted and strengthened.

On Sabbath the man and his wife whom I have already mentioned came forward and desired baptism. He is the son of a local preacher, and she was superintendent of the Sunday-school, and daughter of another local preacher. They were certainly influential persons in church work. The children of the Sunday-school were very sad to lose her, but she invited them to Sabbath-school at her home.

She has not kept the knowledge of the Sabbath from children, adults, or parson, but has taught it freely to all, insomuch that many are convinced. The last time the parson spoke, he declared Sunday was not Sabbath. I left other interested ones for whom I am praying.

Instead of returning on the steamer, I walked part of the way, to see the country and the people. Now on lofty highlands, then in valleys; on tortuous roads, then, shoes off, fording rivers; meeting kind strangers, Catholics and non-Catholics; selling and giving away tracts on the Sabbath question, etc., furnished a program varied enough to beguile part of the fatigue.

Our Sunday afternoon Bible class in town continues encouragingly. Among our students is an intelligent young man, a Catholic, who is telling his friends what he learns. Some, of course, do not want to hear.

The Catholic editor continues friendly. He has offered us his columns, which we have used. Despite the proscription of the Bible by his church, he urges the people to read it. We need your prayers.

P. GIDDINGS.