WALTER G. BOND by Walter G. Bond

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 15, 1907

WALTER G. BOND

By Walter G. Bond

Spain

BARCELONA.—Yesterday, March 28, was “Holy Thursday,” and to-day is “Holy Friday.” The holy part began yesterday at twelve o’clock. At that time all business was suspended,—even the street-cars stopped,—and will remain so until to-day at noon. During this time great companies of children, armed with hammers and mallets, are running in every direction through the city, pounding on almost everything within their reach. A few minutes ago I met a crowd of about one hundred boys pounding on an old sheet-iron fence. I asked one of them what they were doing. He said, “We are killing the Jews.” On being questioned as to who taught them to do it, he responded: “The priests tell us to do it, because the Jews have done so many bad things.” Thus, instead of planting seeds of love in the hearts of the children, the same spirit of hatred and murder that persecuted the Jews and the Christians in this country in times gone by, is encouraged in their lives from very infancy—and that, too, by those who profess to be teachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

No wonder that the land is filled with bloodshed and crime! In this country nearly every one carries a weapon of some kind, and on the least provocation it is used. The favorite weapon is a large knife. As all classes have the same teachers, all have the same spirit. Among

the higher classes, duels are not uncommon. During the last year, among senators and congressmen, several took place.

We are glad to have part in proclaiming the everlasting gospel, which saves from all such things, and teaches love and respect for God’s holy law. As we think of the scores of cities in this country containing millions of souls deluded by this “mystery of iniquity,” with no one to warn them of the wrath to come, we can not refrain from praying the Lord of the harvest to raise up more laborers for this field. We are thankful that a few are finding the light. This month four dear souls have been baptized who come directly from the Catholic Church. The baptizing was done in a public wash-house, behind closed doors, as it is against the law to hold a public religious service of any kind outside of our authorized place of meeting. The proprietors of the wash-house seemed very much impressed with the service, and asked us to come and study the Word with them. We thank God for this addition to the small number of believers in this country. We love this cause, and rejoice to see it advance. We are glad to be in this field, even though it be overflowing with difficulties, and earnestly ask an interest in the prayers of all God’s people that we may be faithful in holding up the standard of truth.