p. 12 | THE WORK IN PORTUGAL by C. E. Rentfro

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jul 19, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 29.

THE WORK IN PORTUGAL.

By C. E. Rentfro

BY C. E. RENTFRO.

AS I go from place to place in this city (Lisbon) I am reminded of the scripture, Rev. 6:12: "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake." Many marks of the great earthquake reveal the fact that the approaching "time of the end" was near in A. D. 1755. The tidal wave immediately following left its marks great distances from the River Tagus, up in the hills where the city is built. It is all the more remarkable, because the ocean is two or three miles from the main part of the city, which shipping approaches by way of the large river.

We are slowly making friends with the Portuguese, and English as well. Of the latter there are about a thousand living here. There are missionaries representing the Episcopalian, Scotch Presbyterian, Methodist, and Plymouth Brethren. They carry on school work among the people, and have quite a following. I was told that one mission was established in 1866, but such is the character of the people that it is not self-supporting yet. The people need as much training as the very heathen. I have had quite a number of interesting talks and Bible studies with the missionaries; some did not want anything to do with our ideas, while others were willing to talk, and listen to truth.

As showing the inharmony between them all on the Sabbath question, one says he is "not under the law;" another says the Sabbath is done away; another says one-seventh of time is sufficient, and if the majority kept Friday, he would. One noble Bible student, however, the minister of the Church of England, is not inoculated with "higher criticism," but reads the Bible as literal unless symbols are used; at such a time the Bible is its own dictionary. He also understands the two laws, saying the keeping of the moral law is a proof that we are God's children. For the latter I ask all the readers of the SIGNS to pray, that he may accept present truth.

The Young Men's Christian Association in Lisbon have a nice hall, and are carrying on services. They are continually increasing in numbers.

I may mention the heavy trade between Portugal and the United States, and their friendly relations with Great Britain as well. Just now there is a great desire in many Portuguese minds to learn English, and they are glad to have assistance. Taking all these things into consideration, I am convinced that right now more workers, who may be citizens of the United States of America or England, could do good work; and, while Protestants are not allowed to proselyte from the state religion, yet the moral backing these two countries may give will forestall trouble, while native workers are often hindered.

For example, a few weeks ago a colporteur selling Bibles was arrested, and saw the inside of a prison for five days; but he was turned loose without a trial, because they did not desire prominence given to the incident. If a citizen of the United States or England were arrested, he could demand a trial; and, as they know it would bring the persecution into prominence, they would be slow about carrying the law into effect just now. Of course we know that, sooner or later, such protection will not be afforded.

I have been told that about four or five years ago the Jesuits were dismissed from this territory; and they are hated by the Portuguese in general.

Our need now, I believe, is literature on the "second coming of Christ," the "signs," etc., to be published here; because a large duty is charged on literature in the national language published outside the country.

Another thing needed is workers. About one Protestant missionary to every 50,000 or 100,000 persons leaves a large field for more; and, as there is myself and wife to 5,000,000 people, too great a task to be accomplished in this generation, I believe God has laid the burden on some strong, faithful persons to come to our help, and to the help of a poor, blind people.

Elder L. R. Conradi will be here in a few days, and we hope to plan, with his counsel, so the cause may be furthered.

As so many Portuguese are desirous of learning English, this opens a field for almost self-supporting missionary work, so we will be glad to correspond with any who are called of God to help us.

Means for publishing tracts will be acceptable, if sent through the regular channels.

May God bless the world-wide field, and hasten the coming of the King. Remember this field in your prayers.