Spain by Frank S. Bond

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 10, 1904

Spain

By Frank S. Bond

Barcelona.—As we read in the Review, from week to week the live reports from different parts of the great field, how the Lord is leading out in the establishment of our work in Washington, etc., we are able to appreciate the fact that soon this message shall have been heralded to earth's remotest bounds. The one desire of our hearts is that we may know the part the Lord would have us act in the great drama just before this people.

Thus far we have seen no extraordinary demonstrations in the advancement of the work here; but we are thankful to be able to announce that a few dear souls have accepted the message for this time. A house-to-house canvass with tracts has been started here in Barcelona, and we are conducting public services five evenings each week, in the best part of the city. Very few, however, attend these meetings. We have put out handbills inviting the people; but the enemy has such complete control that, comparatively speaking, no thought is given to spiritual things.

Last Thursday I returned from a short visit to Valencia, a coast city of one hundred and seventy thousand inhabitants. It is about one hundred and seventy-five miles south of Barcelona. Most of the city is very ancient, but it is not without interest to the foreigner. Quite a number of gardens, or small parks, here and there through the city give a very pleasing effect. Valencia has one of the most important cathedrals in Spain, and its art gallery contains paintings by some of the most famous Spanish artists. The scenery that interested me most is that to be found in the country near that city.

The province of Valencia is, without doubt, the most fruitful spot of all Spain. Oranges, bananas, grapes, and almost all other fruits are here produced in abundance. Watermelons and muskmelons are very plentiful. The Valencian declares that he sees three uses in a sandia (watermelon)—eating, drinking, and washing his face. Valencia produces a very superior quality of rice. I enjoyed watching several of the country people thrash rice, and later visited a rice mill. Is there not some one in the home land who would like to come to so fruitful a place, to assist in heralding this saving truth to those who know it not?

One morning I went out with a few tracts. The first person to whom I sold one was a young man, who, after looking at it for a moment, tore it up. Before noon I had sold fifty. The following morning I returned to the same neighborhood. The first place I entered was a fonda (restaurant), where I sold fourteen tracts. One of the fourteen who purchased here also destroyed his tract. It seemed that the devil was trying hard to discourage me, in order that the message might not be given in that place. I continued fighting under the banner of Prince Emmanuel, and before eleven o'clock had sold fifty tracts. How good the Lord is! How blessed it is to be able to appreciate the verification of the promise, “Lo, I am with you all the days.”

The Baptist minister, who is a Swede, was visited several times, and it was my privilege to talk with him on the coming of Christ, the Sabbath question, and other points. He believed in the second coming of Christ, and presented but little objection to the truths on the Sabbath question. He promised to read literature that I might send him. Thus the seed is being sown. The Lord only is able to give the increase.

We shall be glad to hear from any who may wish more information with reference to opportunities for missionary work in this country.

FRANK S. BOND.