A Baptism in Panama by B. E. Connerly

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 22, 1911

A Baptism in Panama

By B. E. Connerly

WE are glad for the privilege of devoting a portion of our time to evangelical work in so needy a place as Panama City, one of the oldest of the New World towns, and now the capital of the Isthmian republic. While our efforts have not been crowned with the degree of success for which we had hoped, we appreciate the evidence of some fruit in the baptism of a number of those for whom we have labored.

Sabbath, April 29, at sunrise, our little company, a few friends, and some curious onlookers gathered on the shore of the beautiful bay, about a mile outside the city, to see the sacred rite administered. It was a beautiful morning, such as ushers in our ideal days in the tropics. The sunrise glory tinted the sky, and the freshness of the new-born day was in the air. The melody of the hymns floating out over the placid waters while we buried these willing souls in the likeness of Christ’s death, and raised them to go forth in the likeness of his resurrection, made a deep impression upon all present.

As these converts went their way rejoicing, and as the crowd dispersed, and we returned to the city with its thousands of people still the captives of sin, our hearts were drawn out toward them. O that they might be saved from the darkness which has so long cursed this fair land! A line of history will tell the wrong beginning that has resulted in Panama’s unhappy career.

It is only a few miles farther down this same sandy beach to the historic place where, 398 years ago, Balboa planted in these same placid waters the ensign of Spain,—a standard that represented a powerful but despotic nation,—and an accompanying priest—a friar, gray-cowled and in flowing robes—placed beside that banner the insignia of the Roman Church, an emblem that meant the Papacy and the Papacy only.

The church had a free hand in this little country “beyond the western seas,” and four long centuries have fully demonstrated that the principles represented by the banner unfurled by Balboa, and by the cross erected by Anders Vara, retarded progress, restricted liberty, and sanctioned a régime hostile to both civil and religious enlightenment.

History intimates that in those early days the ambitious Balboa, who knew so much of European oppression, desired better things for the people of the New World. Just yonder, beyond the foothills only a few short leagues away, stands the towering Perri, from whose stony crest the great explorer not only gazed out on the glorious expanse of the broad Pacific, but, looking on the fertile, tree-clad plains at his feet, they dreamed of forming here a democratic government, with religious freedom for all. This boon was never realized. Tyranny gained the day, and Balboa’s dream perished with Panama’s hero.

But, thank God, a new era dawned. Freedom’s voice was heard; on these same western shores arose a nation that did respect men’s rights, and from the midst of that liberty-loving people began to be proclaimed the great advent message, which brings, not only to Panama, but to all the people of all the nations, freedom in Christ.

B. E. CONNERLY.