On January 1 of the present year, the church was divided into three organizations, and we left the house that we have occupied for four years, having secured another nearer the center of the city. Meetings have been held three times a week, as well as on the Sabbath, and the attendance has nearly always been all that could be desired. Sometimes we cannot well accommodate with seats all who come. A goodly number attend regularly.
We notice a great difference in the people as to the amount of time and instruction necessary to prepare them for baptism. Some listen for only a few weeks and decide to obey, while others continue coming for as many months without making a decision.
At the same time that the work has been carried on in the center of the city, meetings have also been held in a private house with good results, so that we were able to hold a baptismal service on April 19, nine being baptized. The illustration shows seven of these.
A few words in regard to the army officer might be interesting, for it was in his house that the meetings were held. When a young man he began studying for the priesthood, but after a time, seeing and protesting against the evils that were committed, he was treated so brutally12that he abandoned that profession. He then entered the military service, and was actively engaged under the great Argentine general, Martin, the idolized military man of the country and one of its liberators from Spanish rule. In course of time he married the general's daughter. He saw much service in war with Paraguay, and rose to the rank of captain. He is now nearly eighty years old, is the last survivor of San Martin's army, and is the guardian of the general's tomb and the souvenirs of his military career. He receives a liberal government pension, and now in the closing days of his earthly pilgrimage has enlisted courageously for the finishing of the advent message. He has shown his courage and love for the truth in conquering a lifelong companion,—but a foe,—the cigarette. He testifies to having better health since abandoning the habit; and we know it is true, for his brightened countenance demonstrates to us what that victory is worth to him.
RECENTLY BAPTIZED BELIEVERS IN BUENOS AIRES
The baptism took place in the patio, or enclosure, between the union conference office and the printing-office, in Florida, in the presence of the brethren and sisters of both churches. Others have expressed a desire to be baptized and to unite with us. Last week two sermons were given on the Sabbath question, and when the question was asked, “How many believe the seventh day ought to be kept?” twelve or fifteen new ones raised the hand, and several of them have begun to observe it.
The workers are four in number, and we earnestly desire that the truth may win its way to the hearts of the longing ones in this great and wicked city.
