Turkey by C. D. McMOODY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 19, 1907

Turkey

By C. D. McMOODY

CONSTANTINOPLE.—The authorities are after us again. Our public meetings are closed entirely in Brusa—even the meetings held in a most quiet way in the private houses. Of course we are practically closed up here. We have our Sabbath meetings in the open fields, on the Asiatic side, under English walnut- and cypress-trees. But God is blessing, in spite of all. Last Sabbath I baptized seven precious souls in the Marmora Sea—two Jews, two Greeks, and three Armenians.

To perform this rite, we all took steamer to a remote suburb of Constantinople, on the Asiatic coast. After a service under a large tree, I, with two of the brethren, proceeded to find a good spot for the baptism. We found one about half a mile distant. I had waded into the water, and found the right spot, when a brother came up with the word that two policemen were taking all their names, and desired to search my satchel. The satchel contained my change of clothing. I returned nearly the whole half mile, and met the brethren and the police. I opened my satchel, and showed my teskereh (Turkish passport), etc. He forbade the baptism, and started to take four of the brethren off with him. I quietly interfered, and after fifteen minutes' reasoning and arguing with him, to the astonishment of the brethren, he let us baptize.

As three of the four brethren whom he was going to take were candidates, he let them off. He held one brother. We did some praying and careful manipulating, and God gave the victory. The brother who was taken was released on

bail Sunday evening. His trial is this afternoon. Of course we do not know how it will come out. Other brethren whose names were taken may also be called upon. C. D. McMOODY.