CAMP-MEETING IN DIAMANTE, ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
By Juan McCarthy
MANY have been the blessings which we have enjoyed while it has been our privilege to labor in these Platine republics; but the best blessings awaited our coming to the Diamante camp-meeting. Many had opposed our having our tent-meeting in Diamante, on account of its being somewhat isolated, and of our having no brethren resident there. But the Spirit of God indicated this as the best place, so without hesitation we pitched our tents. The meetings began on Friday, September 28, and continued until October 8. Day after day the Holy Spirit poured out blessing after blessing, notwithstanding the weakness of the instruments who proclaimed the message of salvation to a hungry multitude. Day after day the congregation increased in number, until the climax was reached on Sunday evening, October 7, when more than five hundred Spanish-speaking people pressed in and around the tent to hear the preaching of the everlasting gospel. In view of the interest manifested, it was decided to prolong the camp-meeting for another week, and then to hire a house in which to continue the meetings. Brethren Leland and Town will remain. From six to seven meetings were held each day, Brethren Westphal, Leland, Town, and Brooking, and the writer, having charge of the preaching. Five persons were baptized by Brother Westphal in the River Parana, in the presence of about three hundred and fifty or four hundred persons. Many are deeply interested in the truth, while three or four have already been converted, all Argentines. Among them is a young man, very intelligent, who, until two months ago, accompanied the Roman Catholic bishop of the province, as chief cook, and attendant. He became so disgusted with the deceits and hypocrisies, which he saw practiced by the very highest ecclesiastical dignitaries, that he turned away in disgust from all religion, knowing nothing of present truth. He came to our meetings, and by personal labor with him, we found out his needs. We talked and prayed with him, and finally he found peace in Jesus, such as the world cannot take away. We hope this young man will become a useful laborer in the cause of the gospel. All our laborers were present at this meeting, with the exception of Brother Vuilleumier, who failed to join with us on account of the very serious condition of his wife's health. May God place His healing hand upon her, and restore her to perfect health. The work here is onward, although surrounded with difficulties on every side. Our confidence is in the Almighty One. Israel's God is our God, and He who led His people of ancient times from victory unto victory is also leading us by strange paths to the heavenly Canaan, where crowns of glory await those who, by the help of our blessed Saviour, succeed in conquering sin in every shape and form. Let us then, brethren, fight the good fight, and press on toward the mark of our high calling.