RELIGION IN PORTUGAL by George R. Witte

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 22, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 51.

RELIGION IN PORTUGAL.

By George R. Witte

LISBON has quite a colony of British people, who sustain two churches, one an Episcopal, the other Presbyterian. The latter carries on a very interesting work among the Portuguese, supporting a Portuguese minister, and having both a day and a Sunday-school. The Presbyterian Church is located in an old convent. The British Bible Society also has a depot here.

The work among the Portuguese is, in some respects, very encouraging. Their services are well attended, and their singing especially is always quite inspiring. Even before I understood their words, I used to enjoy hearing the old familiar tunes, such as, “Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,” “I gave My life for thee,” and others. When, some time ago, the Rev. George C. Grubb and Mr. H. Maxwell Wright were here—the latter speaks Portuguese like a native—and conducted a two weeks’ series of special meetings, the Portuguese turned out in such crowds every night that the room was barely able to furnish even standing room.

An even larger work than at Lisbon is done among the natives at Oporto, where the Wesleyan Methodists also carry on a flourishing mission. Space does not permit to speak of the many strange and interesting sights of Lisbon, a city which is set on many hills, and which presents a very striking appearance from the river. Nor do I feel competent to give judgment of the character of the people. They are not as licentious as I had anticipated; dirty they certainly are, and religiously supremely indifferent. One rarely sees a priest on the street, and no one shows them the slightest respect; in fact, a year ago they were repeatedly mobbed in the streets. The Jesuits are said, however, to be secretly gaining in power, as the queen and the high aristocracy are greatly influenced by them.—George R. Witte.