“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” And truly the Lord deserves all recognition on our part, for the innumerable benefits we are constantly receiving. How can one fail to realize the power of the gospel, when he sees so many incontrovertible evidences of its power wherever he may turn.
Speaking from personal experience, we remember when we first came up to the Chaco, we found a very small company of believers,—five or six, if I remember right. Brother Vuilleumier had labored faithfully up here, but against great difficulties, since at that time he was unable to speak the Spanish language. Brother Brooking, too, had manifested great zeal in his canvassing trips, doing some real, substantial missionary work in this great Chaqueño field.
Full well we remember Satan strove to destroy Brother Westphal, Brother Brooking, and myself, upon our first trip to the Chaco, by overturning our cart into a large river; and it is only the goodness of God that preserved us in that dangerous circumstance.
Satan knew that there were many thirsting souls longing for the water of life. He knew many were panting after the truth as it is in Jesus; and so he contrived to annihilate those who were bearers of the message of truth. But the angels of God were encamped about them, and they were safe. Ps. 34: 7; Deut. 33: 27.
We have spent the principal part of the last two years laboring in the different parts of the Chaco. And we can in truth testify that we have seen manifested in a remarkable way the power of the eternal gospel. Throughout a large stretch of one hundred and fifty miles, from Malabrigo to Las Toscas, we now see those who are rejoicing in the knowledge of the present truth. Eighty-five per cent of these believers were Roman Catholics, and those of the most superstitious type. Twelve different nations are represented in them. So heterogeneous by nature, yet made homogeneous by the power of this last, great message; thus beautifully illustrating the truth of Christ's sublime prayer. John 17: 20-23.
Of late, however, the Catholic priests, realizing how great are the losses they have incurred, have begun to stir themselves. Severe methods have been recommended by them to their adherents, with the object of extirpating the “heresy” which has pervaded their ranks. Not long ago they made a collection of all the Bibles, “Steps to Christ,” and “Gospel Primers,” that they could get hold of, and tore them in the church, before the whole congregation. Thus we see that the Spirit of the Council of Constance is not by any means extinguished, it is only latent, awaiting the occasion to present itself with all the horrid intolerance of the Dark Ages.
However, the Lord is keeping our brethren faithful amid the persecution which has arisen; and although they are boycotted on every side, they are still rejoicing in being participators in the suffering of Jesus Christ.
There is room for ten workers in the Chaco alone, while now there is only one. The interest in the truth is increasing, and we have our hands full, in responding to the various calls. Would that many more would take hold of the gospel plow to break this fallow ground. We can assure such of hard, difficult work, but the results will more than recompense the labor expended therein. Work, brethren, while it is day, for the night comes, when all opportunities to work for God shall have flown into the past. JUAN McCARTHY.