p. 13 | F. W. SPIES by F. W. Spies

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 18, 1909

F. W. SPIES

By F. W. Spies

Brazil

F. W. SPIES

After spending nearly two months at Maceio, we had our first baptism, on the evening of December 3, four persons being buried with their Lord in the watery grave; December 7 two others were baptized, and on December 8 these, with two others who had formerly been Baptists, were organized into a company of eight members, and the Lord’s supper was celebrated with them. Thus there has been made a definite beginning in the province of Alagoas, Brazil.

Not one half of those who were keeping the Sabbath were baptized and received into membership at this time. Of those remaining, some were engaged in what a Seventh-day Adventist must ever consider an illegitimate business, such as the selling of whisky and tobacco. A number were not married according to the law of the country, that is, by civil marriage (for although they had been married by the Catholic Church, this is regarded by the law as living in concubinage); and others were sick, and for this reason could not be baptized. Still there is a good spirit manifested on the part of all, and all are studying so to shape their affairs that they can soon be received as members.

The work here has in many respects presented some peculiar features, but this judgment message has again revealed its power over the lives of the people, and has shown that it can bring into line all who are willing to let it influence their lives.

One of the first men to keep the Sabbath was selling whisky at wholesale. He has tried several other things, but has not found another business that will support his family. Still I believe he will yet succeed.

Our strict discipline in not receiving as church-members users and venders of tobacco and alcoholic drinks, stands out in sharp contrast with the usage of other Protestant missionaries, who, as a rule, wink at these things, paying little or no attention to them. But as these missionaries become more and more slack in

their attitude to the law of God, teaching that it has been fulfilled by Christ, and that the believer is under no obligation to obey it, surely no one need wonder that many who were once really awakened by the gospel, sink back into their old vices, practising the same wickedness they formerly did, yet claiming to be saved by the grace of Christ.

The more the law is rejected, the more we shall see of this; and to reject the law entirely is the only course left to those who refuse to walk in it. As religious teachers put away the sin detector, what must inevitably be the result? A sad state indeed is being ushered in all over the world.

It looks as if the great arch-rebel was about to triumph. But we know that where his triumph seems certain, that very fact is the sure sign of his sudden and entire defeat; for then the Lord will come and will vindicate his truth and his law. Let us therefore press on courageously, ever following the Captain of the Lord’s host; for he is leading to quick and certain victory.

Maceio.