ARGENTINA by F. H. Westphal

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 4, 1900

ARGENTINA

By F. H. Westphal

In my visit to the school in Entre Rios I found that the Lord is blessing the work there. Several of the students are preparing themselves to engage in the Master's work. They are glad for the privilege of studying the truth, and for the benefits of the school. I am sure that we did not build our school too soon. From one brother, about twenty-five years of age, I received a letter, in which he said that he had looked for work, but the way was hedged up so that he did not succeed. He accepted this as an evidence that the Lord wished him to go to school, and to prepare himself for usefulness in the Master's work. He said that he could not rest day nor night, as the conviction was growing stronger that he ought to prepare himself for usefulness in spreading the truth. It is a source of encouragement to us to see that the Lord is putting upon some a woe if they preach not the gospel.

The church in Entre Rios is also growing. Last Sabbath six members were added to it. The Lord blessed the church. Most of those who have lately come into the church were well grounded in the message before taking that step. For two weeks I held meetings with the church each evening. The meetings were greatly blessed of the Lord. A fund for the poor was raised. Each third Sabbath in the month they will take up a collection for the poor. The church also contributed liberally toward the special work in Buenos Ayres. We hope to see this church send out, very soon, many laborers into the wide harvest field. Some are thinking of entering upon a course of study in the school.

From Entre Rios I came to Santa Fé, and while passing through the city was suddenly stopped by a man who began to make crosses and pray to me. At first I could not understand why this was, but afterward learned that he thought I was a Catholic priest. My rain-coat had somewhat the appearance of a priest's robe. It made me feel much ashamed to think that one of my fellow men would pray to me. Surely there is a crying need for the preaching of the gospel, that men may not seek of man that which God alone can give. The Lord will lead many souls to himself if men will co-operate with him. The longing desire for the Lord's blessing planted in each heart is the work of the Holy Spirit. If men would step aside and let these souls come to Jesus, there would be joy in heaven.

I met Brother Vuilleumier at Las Tunas. He had just come from San Cristobal, where he had been preaching the truth. Ten or more had decided in favor of the truth, and others were deeply interested. The merchants, however, thought that it was their duty to interfere. They circulated and signed a petition, and delivered it to the commissario, demanding that Brother Vuilleumier leave. The commissario came to command Brother Vuilleumier to leave the place. Our brother stated that it was contrary to the constitution, and to the principles of liberty of speech guaranteed by the constitution, of Argentina. The commissario said that they followed the constitution as far as they could, but when it was necessary, they would have to resort to other means. It seems as if the principle of imperial domination is in the very air. When the republican constitutions will not serve to sustain this spirit of domination, they must be passed by to give place to the tyranny of the Dark Ages. Brother Vuilleumier followed the example of the Saviour, and left the place. In a few weeks I shall again visit San Cristobal.

It was my privilege to visit the Malbertina church. This church was called into the truth several years ago by the labors of Brother McCarthy. Some had moved away, and others were somewhat discouraged when I came here, but most of them are now full of courage and hope. Nearly all of them understand Spanish. The Lord's presence was felt in a marked manner. We celebrated the ordinance of the Lord's house, in which nearly all took part. There was rain but three times last year, so their harvest did not amount to much. The rainfall of the entire year amounted to only about three inches. While I am writing this, the rain is falling gently but continually. It may continue raining for two or three days. The farmers are greatly encouraged by this blessing. San Francisco is not far away, and is the market-place for the people here,

The intolerance of Catholicism is felt in a marked way in Cordoba. A class of religious preachers called The Brethren had secured a hall in San Francisco, and were holding meetings. Their hall was generally filled with interested listeners. When no other way offered itself to break up the meetings, the hall was filled with chloroform, or something of that nature, and thus the audience was scattered, and the meetings were broken up. We can see that there is a work to do in this country, as the people become interested in the truth of the word of God in spite of the opposition of the priests. Pray for the work here, that many souls may be led to the Lord and converted to the glorious Third Angel's Message.

F. H. WESTPHAL.