“IN PERILS BY LAND,” IN URUGUAY.
By L. Brooking
A FEW weeks ago Brother Bonjour, of Uruguay, while canvassing, called at the house of an Englishman, Mr. Lindsay, who, when he learned that Brother Bonjour was an Adventist canvasser, gave him three dollars to give to me in payment for a book left with him three and a half years ago. In company with Brother Nowlen, I had canvassed him, and delivered my books. As he had no money then, Brother Nowlen left the book with him. Mr. Lindsay asked Brother Bonjour to stay overnight, and preach. So Brother Westphal and I went there to hold meetings, believing that God was leading us. The passage across the river was made in safety, and we left Carmelo by stage, which was drawn by seven horses. The stage was nearly capsized several times, and was stuck in the mud twice. Arriving at Mr. Lindsay’s, meetings were held by Brother Westphal, mostly in the German language. He and I also spoke some in Spanish. After about ten days, two families accepted the truth, Brother Lindsay and his brother-in-law, Enrique Ripke. Last Tuesday Brother Westphal returned to Carmelo by stage. He writes that they were again stuck in the mud, and some of the passengers crawled out through the window, and over the wheels, to get on to firm ground. Many times they nearly tipped over, and the baggage was thrown out; he says, “They talk of perils by sea when the ship rocks in a storm, but all that is only child’s play compared to this ride in perils by land.” In our visits from house to house and from hut to hut, we have waded through mud and water over our ankles. One devout Argentine Catholic family are much interested in the word of God, and are thankful to have it explained to them. They asked me to stay overnight with them, which I did. The Lord is working upon hearts, and we are glad that another light is kindled in this dark land. September 10 I returned by stage. One man had closed the road which passed through his farm. The main road being impassible, three stages with mail and passengers, as well as other teams, were detained about forty-eight hours before the authorities tried to open the way. Such things are good to develop patience. I was kindly entertained by a Spanish farmer’s family, who refused to receive any pay. I gladly gave them a copy of “Steps to Christ,” in Spanish. The plague has been raging among the cattle at Palmira, Sister Ramsay’s being the only ones in the neighborhood that have escaped. One Catholic said he would not go any more to church, as they who worshiped God only, were protected, while the others suffered loss from the plague. Surely, God is good to those who trust in him. Another young man has begun to keep the Sabbath in Palmira. We had a good meeting there, and all are of good courage in the Lord. Pray for us. L. BROOKING.