Portugal by C. E. Rentfro

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 13, 1906

Portugal

By C. E. Rentfro

CARCAVELLOS.—In a paper edited by a Portuguese preacher, a letter was printed from the island of Bermuda, where Elder Morrow is working, saying that the devil is greatly aroused in that place, working in the form of a certain Sabbatista, who taught that all who did not believe in the modern ideas of the chief of their sect would be annihilated; that the law is a complement of salvation, and denying the divinity of Christ.

I visited the editor, and called his attention to the untruth he was circulating. He said he learned of our doctrine from Canright, who, having been in our ranks twenty-eight years, ought to know. I told him I was a representative of this people, and that we taught no such thing as a denial of the divinity of Christ. Then he said that we taught that Christ was divine, but is not now. “That does not pass for the doctrine that we preach,” I replied. “But,” he said, “you must circulate a book or pamphlet refuting his, and we will accept it.” The same tricks played in other countries are furthered here by persons who know better. But I am sure that some will study the truth for truth’s sake. We pray that God may awaken hearts among the English as well as the Portuguese.

Our singing-school still continues with increasing interest. A few come regularly to hear me preach from the Word of God, and others are inquiring the difference in the religion of the Protestants and the Catholics.

The lady mentioned in my former report is growing in the truth. Her two nieces, although in a village out from Lisbon, are being taught by her, and expect to keep the Sabbath. They will soon move to Lisbon, where they hope to attend the Sabbath-school. So with our help from Brazil, we shall make a company of nine.

Elder Schwantes, with his wife, grown son, and daughter, arrived in Lisbon, May 6. The next day we were surprised by their appearance at our door. Friday we spent the day hunting a house. Late in the afternoon one was found, but they could not enter until the end of June. So they are staying with us until after the meeting in Gland, which Elder Schwantes will attend, where he will present our plans for Portugal. His son will be our colporteur for a while, perhaps until September, when he will enter the college at Friedensau, for a two-years’ course.

Sabbath we had a good meeting at the home of our new Sabbath-keeper, where we studied the sanctuary question, in Portuguese. Elder Schwantes is not only the right kind of help in the language, but he also knows the customs of the Portuguese, and can teach me these. So we rejoice much in having him here, although poor Brazil has to suffer the loss. Last night he preached to friends in our house, and the sermon was quite well received.

We pray for a new baptism of God’s Holy Spirit, and more help for this and other needy fields. C. E. RENTFRO.