p. 10 | FRANK S. BOND by FRANK S. BOND

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 29, 1910

FRANK S. BOND

By FRANK S. BOND

Spain

FRANK S. BOND

RECENTLY, in company with my wife and little boy, I came from Valencia to Rubielos, to spend a few days with our brethren and other interested persons. It did our hearts good to hold Bible studies and meetings with these simple-hearted people. They seem to have dedicated their lives to this message, and from them we hope to see several consecrated and efficient laborers enter the work of God. Two young men of Rubielos are attending our school at Gland, Switzerland, and we have received encouraging reports with reference to their advancement.

Last Sabbath we had the privilege of holding quarterly meeting with the little company at Rubielos, fourteen believers taking part in the ordinances.

From Rubielos we came on to Villarroya, where we have spent five days at the home of Brother Cruz Sanguesa, who is the only Sabbath-keeper in this place. His wife, children, and other relatives and friends listened attentively to the message as we endeavored to present it to them; but thus far none of them seem to have decided to walk in the light. This brother, however, has two daughters at Rubielos who are Adventists, and we trust that by his and their influence, the other members of the family may be won to the truth.

The province of Teruel, in whose territory the above-named towns are situated, is a wild, mountainous region. Comparatively little of the soil is tillable, and most of the inhabitants have a hard struggle to gain a livelihood. One railway traverses the province, but we find that many inhabitants of those mountain towns have never seen a railroad or a train. There are elderly people living in Villarroya who have never seen an ordinary wagon or cart. All traffic is carried on by pack-animals over mountain trails.

Our trip from Rubielos to Villarroya required about thirteen hours, and much of the scenery through which we passed is grand and beautiful. Large pine forests on every hand, with here and there a beautiful meadow, upon whose fragrant grasses sleek cattle are grazing, with living springs and streams of pure, sparkling water gushing from the hillsides,—all tend to inspire one to greater faithfulness in the service of his Creator.

By his Holy Spirit the Lord is working upon hearts in Spain. Only the other day I received an excellent letter from a man in the town of Fortuna, province of Murcia, who has recently learned the truth. Our canvassers carried the message to his home, and later I had the privilege of studying with him, and holding one meeting in his house. In his letter he says: “Brother, I tell you that I am persuaded that this is all the work of the Lord; because I ask him in prayer that he may give me his light to be able to understand the truth; and the study of the paper [referring to the paper we circulate here] is very precious. It gives much and very new light with reference to the law, the prophecies, His second coming, the day of rest, alcohol, and everything; and consequently I have pulled up more than half of my vineyard, and sowed it to wheat, because I believe it will be more pleasing to God.”

There is power in God’s Word to transform the life of the vilest sinner. When that Word enters the heart of the man of vice, the cords which hold his evil habits are severed, and he becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. Heb. 4:12; 2 Cor. 5:17. When a man gets to the point where he can pull up more than half his vineyard, it is a pretty good indication of his sincerity. No ordinary influence will cause one who is addicted to the use of wine to leave off that beverage. God’s truth alone is able to bring about such a change.

Valencia.