Pass None By by John L. Brown

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 11, 1912

Pass None By

By John L. Brown

ONE day while helping one of the new canvassers in his work here in Barcelona [Spain], we were tempted to pass by one family. We reasoned that to climb to the fourth story, where only poor people live, would be only vain effort; but the Lord impressed me to say, “We will pass none by.”

We reached the fourth story, and there found a doctor and her sister. They listened to my explanation of “The Coming King” with great interest, and said, “You may bring us one of those books. We have read almost everything, and are reading books on Christian Science. But we are not satisfied.” They received their “Coming King” shortly after, and immediately began studying it.

A few weeks ago one of these sisters came to our Sabbath meeting, and after I had finished speaking, she came to me to tell me of the death of her sister. She said: “She was sick only a few days, but I know that she will be saved because she believed in Jesus, and passed away in peace.” The sister that remains attends our Sabbath services, and is very much interested for her own salvation.

While helping another worker, we chanced to pass by a large Roman Catholic church. In the door of this massive structure stood a priest in all his pomp and pride, robed with the funeral dress, crowned with a little black, golden-trimmed miter, and holding in his hand the book of prayers for the dead, waiting for the hearse to drive up. I said to my companion, “I am going to canvass that priest now.” He begged me not to go, but I thought to give the man a chance to know the truth and his own lost condition.

After walking up to the door briskly and saluting him, we stepped just inside the church, and there I made known the object of my call. The native remained in the street. The sacerdote listened attentively a few minutes, and then said: “I am waiting for the hearse at this moment. I think it is coming now.” I told him, “Then please put your name down here, and I will bring you one of these fine books.” Without further hesitation, he signed for a copy of “The Coming King.”

Last week I had the pleasure of delivering this book. He examined it carefully, and then said, “The book is not authorized by the church.” I said, “Señor, it is even authorized by you. Here is your name in my list.” He then read a page in the chapter entitled “The Bible and Its Conservation,” and said, “I like it very much,” and paid me.

We can never tell where the honest in heart may be. They may be in hovel or palace, on the fourth floor or on the fortieth, or even ministering in a Catholic church.

JOHN L. BROWN.