A Word from Brazil by F. W. Spies

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 5, 1907

A Word from Brazil

By F. W. Spies

In these Catholic countries one meets with strange incongruities. Observing the people, he sees on one hand a superstitious reverence for some things supposed to be sacred, while on the other hand really sacred things are utterly prostituted. For instance, people will be seen who, when passing a church, a graveyard, a crucifix, or a funeral procession, lift their hats, and make great demonstrations of reverence.

But as the stranger who is just beginning to understand the language begins to comprehend the meaning of some of the business signs he meets, he wonders not a little at the professed reverence for some things, while others more sacred are treated as if they merited no consideration whatever.

In one of our Rio suburbs a person is edified with the following signboard: “Açougue de Sao Salvador” (Butcher shop of the Holy Saviour). In one of our northern coast cities they sweep the garbage and dirt together into the streets, then place it into a lighter (a kind of boat), taking it out onto the ocean, and dumping it overboard. This garbage conveyance bears the dignified name of Espirito Santo (Holy Ghost). The steamer on which I am now embarked bears the same name; the province to which I am going likewise. The entire name of the city of Bahia is Bahia de Sao Salvador (Bay of the Holy Saviour). About two years ago I baptized a brother whose name was Raphael Archangio dos Santos (Raphael, Archangel of the Saints). The name Salvador (Saviour) is met daily. But after becoming converted, many of our brethren drop these names.

I might multiply these examples indefinitely, but these suffice to show that the Church of Rome is nothing more than paganism. Outward ceremonies are multiplied, and the “faithful” suppose that religion consists in a close observance of these rites, while the real meaning of the Scriptural terms are not to the faintest degree comprehended or experienced. Brazil has twenty-two million souls chained to this pagan superstition. but, thanks be to God, the third angel’s message is bringing light to some of them.

May the Lord of the harvest send more reapers to speedily gather many other sheaves for the heavenly garner. Since writing a week or so ago, I have received another letter, in which those who for some time have been keeping the Sabbath in Bahia ask to be baptized.

I am now on my way to the province of Espirito Santo, to make a brief visit

to the churches and companies in that field, who have not had a visit since a year ago; while Mucury, a section in the northern part of the province of Minas Geraes, has not had the pleasure and benefit of a minister’s visit for two years, and Bahia is waiting. Then here in Rio we have sufficient work for six laborers.

But we are of good courage in the Lord, for he is blessing us; and in the name of Israel’s God, we go forward unto certain and final victory.

F. W. Spies.