WHILE many redeeming features have come into South American life, there is no lack of evidence here, as elsewhere, of a decay that forbodes a rapidly approaching end. In religious persecution there is still a redeeming feature, as many engage in it thinking that they are doing right. “The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” Paul is an example of this. God regards this principle, and seeks to use the zeal, turning it into right channels. But when from motives of hatred or personal gain the lives of others are taken, there can be no excuse. And this is coming to be the condition here. Murder and other crimes are rapidly on the increase. In the Buenos Ayres Standard of Jan. 1, 1902, in a series of articles giving a history of that city seventy years ago and comparing it with the present, we find the following statements: “The truth is that armed vigilance was not so necessary as it has become later on; crimes of every class were infinitely less numerous. We do not mean to say that absolutely none were committed; but the truth is, they were very rare. As regards premeditated robbery and assassination, the most of the violent deaths were exceptional, and resulted from fighting.” “Suicide was almost unknown. In the space of many years only now and then a case occurred, and the suicides were always foreigners.”
The principles of liberty in government seem also to have reached their zenith. Governments, as men, follow bad examples more readily and quickly than good ones. It took many years of demonstration to prove to the world that it was best for both the government and the people to grant to all the fullest possible liberty. And even then they were slow to follow. One misstep on the part of the ideal is quickly followed; and so, following the example of the people of the United States, many of the people of the Argentine Republic have petitioned their congress for Sunday laws. This has created much discussion; and being supported by so many people, it is a certainty that Argentina and other South American republics will very soon follow the example of the United States, and turn their backs upon the principles that have made them what they are. Scarcely are they turned away from the Papacy and her principles, when the United States, by her imperialistic policy, swings them back to a course of religious despotism.
An Argentina Delivery Man.
It is evident from the foregoing that this is the favorable time to work in South America. God has had a hand in developing things in a way that is favorable to the progress of His work. Many years ago the countries of South America, always with clerical opposition, and despite its decided and determined action, began to exercise a more liberal policy. Parallel with the development of the Third Angel’s Message, they have, one by one, granted the assurance of liberty of worship to all. Thus they opened their doors to hear the last call of mercy. Was this without any meaning? Was it not intended that as each door was opened, God’s people should step in? But because of a lack of appreciation of this message and work, and a failure to recognize God’s opening providences, we have let the golden opportunities pass. Where thousands might be rejoicing in the truth, there is still midnight darkness. God’s providences are far in advance of us. All the fields are now thrown open to us, and the mute appeals of this needy people are still calling imploringly, “Come over and help us.” Will not God’s people arise and enter them all?
In the providence of God the message of truth first entered all Protestant lands from the United States, and is it not possible that God intends that from these South American countries, the youngest children of the Papacy, and the ones most advanced in their professions of liberty, the present truth, with its standard of soul and civil liberty, shall yet invade the creed-bound mother countries—Spain and Portugal? The importance of the work in these countries may be much greater than we appreciate. At all events it must not be longer delayed. “Now is the time to work in foreign countries.”
