ACROSS THE BORDER

Next morning we were in Smolensk, an old fortified city noted for the victory gained here by Napoleon I. in 1812, by which his way was opened to Moscow. A twenty-four hours’ ride brought us to Brest, an important railroad center. Just beyond it are some of the strongest fortifications of Russia. Here we entered ancient Poland, and instead of the Greek churches we now saw those of the Roman Catholics. The country became more thickly settled and better cultivated. About noon we reached Pragga, one of the suburbs of Warsaw. Passing many factories and some strong fortifications, we crossed the Vistula, getting a partial view of Warsaw, a city of four hundred thousand souls. Arriving at the main depot, we took our tickets on the fast train for Berlin. Warsaw disappeared from view, and by evening, Oct. 6, we had reached Alexandrow, the border station.HSFM 271.1

Here our passes had to be given up to the police for examination, and while they looked them over I went to a restaurant for supper, as I had had nothing to eat all day. Hardly had I commenced my meal when an officer called out some name; I listened-it was mine. For a moment I grew pale, wondering why I should be singled out among so many passengers, after all the care that I had taken to get my pass in order. Could it be that I was to be again arrested, when almost beyond danger? Once more he called, and this time more sharply. I arose and told him that I was the person. In a harsh tone he bade me follow him, and we entered a room where a number of officers were recording the passes of the passengers. There I was informed that the officials in Saratov had neglected to affix the stamp to my pass. I never paid thirty cents more cheerfully in my life. I went back to the restaurant, finished my supper, and then entered the German cars. A few moments later the officer returned our passes, the engine whistled, gave a few good puffs, and soon we crossed a little stream,-thank God, in Germany!HSFM 271.2

The Russian Mission has been opened. Not without cost, it is true. Dangers and difficulties are still in the way. Imprisonment and persecution threaten the laborer. The preacher is not at liberty to present the message. But as it is God’s cause, who can hinder? As little as men could prevent the spread of the gospel in its earlier stages, or stay the progress of the Reformation, so little can this truth be held. Satan is fully aware that there is a vast field opened in Russia, and he uses every means to bar the entrance. But could the vail be lifted, we would see hundreds and thousands of Germans in Russia, yes, and Russians also, who are investigating the truths of the last message. Many are deeply convicted. Some begin to yield. About eighty are already obeying. Some of these begin to feel a burden to labor for others, and notwithstanding all the dangers, a few are nobly dedicating themselves to the work. All over this vast empire the believers are scattered, and through them the light circulates. It extends even to far-off Asia, and some there already know of present truth. The truth has found an entrance, the seed is firmly planted, and, God giving the increase, it will undoubtedly grow and prosper, so that a number from this nation also may be among the 144,000.HSFM 271.3