FRANK S. BOND by Frank S. Bond

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 30, 1909

FRANK S. BOND

By Frank S. Bond

Spain

FRANK S. BOND

We have been much encouraged by the cheering reports from the General Conference. We are thankful for the plans to send a large corps of new recruits into the great heathen lands, such as China, India, and Africa. We are glad to be able to send in a report of advancement from this land, which for so many centuries has been bound by the iron bands of Rome.

A VIEW IN THE CITY OF SAGUNTO, SHOWING A PORTION OF THE ANCIENT FORTIFICATIONS

Spain to-day has more than her share of trouble on hand. While she is engaged in what bids fair to be a drawn-out and bloody war in northern Africa, her internal difficulties are also occupying the serious attention of the cabinet. There is great dissatisfaction on the part of the Spanish people. They feel that the war with Morocco is wholly uncalled for, and that the government should adopt measures at once to bring it to a close.

In several of the provinces, during the past few days, the militia has been called out to quell uprisings, strikes, etc. The streets of Barcelona have been turned into a battle-field, heavy artillery being called into action. Quite a number of officials and citizens have been killed or wounded. This general unrest may be the forerunner of a civil war.

In the midst of these turbulent conditions the seed-sowing of God’s truth is going right ahead. We are conducting a series of meetings here in Paterna, with a fair attendance. One man manifests much interest in the message. He has read “Steps to Christ” through, and thinks it a grand little book. He thinks every one should read it, and I quite agree with him.

I spent some time last week in the ancient city of Sagunto, in company with three of our canvassers. The Lord helped us in selling a goodly number of papers. Near Sagunto is a fortified mountain, which is of much interest. That city was besieged by the Carthaginians, under Hannibal, and there one of the bloodiest battles of that famous general was fought. From Sagunto Hannibal marched northward, and then through southern France and northern Italy, and then on down to Rome. Last week four humble soldiers of the cross entered the strongholds of Sagunto. The warfare of the Carthaginians and Romans was carnal, but we carried only “the sword of the Spirit,” God’s Word.

About three weeks ago a young man of Valencia began to obey the truth. He is a tailor, and on account of the Sabbath he has lost his position. We let him begin to sell papers, and he is having excellent success as a beginner. A married sister of this young man, and another woman of Valencia, are much interested in the truth. We hold a study with them each week, and they also are now attending our Sabbath meetings regularly.

The parents of our young brother, upon learning of his decision, became much enraged. They live in the province of Tarragona. They decided that the son should go home, and wrote, offering to send his railway fare. They further wrote that unless he gave up this truth, they would disown him. I am glad to say that thus far he has shown no disposition to recant, but rather a determination to learn God’s truth. We feel that these people should be frequently and earnestly remembered in the prayers of God’s faithful children.

While Spain is, comparatively speaking, a small country, having only about eighteen million inhabitants, we believe the time is near when more help should be sent this way.

Paterna.