Portugal by C. E. Rentfro

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 22, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 46.

Portugal

By C. E. Rentfro

The Beginning of the Republic

We have watched with interest the turn of affairs in the new republic. Certainly the nations may applaud the determination of the republicans to form a good government.

For many years the people have felt the oppressive hand of the clerical party. The powerful Jesuits and other orders robbed the state as well as people.

Large inheritances were captured by them. At birth, in the christening, marriage, death, burial, and even after death, many tell me, it was the continual grasping and greed for money.

Since 1759 the presence of Jesuits in Portugal has been contrary to law. Since 1834 all other orders of monks and nuns had no right to operate. While these laws were never repealed, yet arbitrational decrees permitted them to enter and remain. Colleges were conducted for girls and boys, but the teaching was of such a nature that good citizens were not produced. For these reasons the monarchial government already had begun to inquire into these things, thus obeying the clamors of the people.

Since the proclamation of the republic the people have demanded the enforcement of the old laws for the banishment of these orders, and the provisionary government adopted this same program. All foreign monks and nuns and Jesuits were to be immediately sent from the country; while the Portuguese were to separate at once, and never-more to congregate more than three in a place. This was done.

In a fort near us about 150 priests or monks were placed for safe-keeping. In Lisbon over 300 nuns of various nationalities were taken to the marine arsenal to await the disposition of the minister of justice and ecclesiastical business. Among these were said to be two Chinese women. All of them are questioned by the minister, who has been working almost continually night and day. Some of the testimonies given by fanatical persons moved him to exclaim, "This is the reason why these Jesuits shall no more enter Portugal!"

A Barricade and Cannon of the Republican Forces

The condition of some nuns, and other things which came to light, moved the people to great indignation, yet were a cause of sport to many.

Spain is making preparations to order all foreign monks and nuns to move on. Italy talks of prohibiting the Portuguese Jesuits and other orders. So to the countries where they are not known they will carry their baleful influence.

On October 14 a committee of brethren delivered to the president a message and a declaration of some of our principles, written on parchment; and on Sabbath was published a telegram from the minister of the interior to the civil governors about the respect for each one's religion as follows:

"I beg your excellency to give instructions to all administrators and the respective governors of your district so that the worship be respected in all the churches and other places to it destined, prohibiting any manifestation against exercise of that worship of whatever worship it may be. The government of the republic respects the religion of each citizen, as a mere case of conscience, against which no one may attempt, and only proceeds against the clericalism and the reaction for being contrary to human liberty, peace, and social order."

We had the news as a great cause of rejoicing in our first Sabbath meeting after the revolution. We are sure of what God says in His Word, "The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men." We felt no fear, but confiding in the sure word of prophecy, simply awaited the turn of affairs to a bettered condition of liberty. To our God be praise, honor, and glory forever and ever.

C. E. RENTFRO.