Opposition in Torre Pellice

Among D. T. Bourdeau's converts in Torre Pellice, during the winter of 1884-1885, were Mary, Mrs. Revel's daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Malan, who edited a secular newspaper l'Avvisatore Alpino.EGWE 140.1

In late February, A. C. Bourdeau came to Torre Pellice to relieve his brother, Daniel, and Ademar Vuilleumier, his assistant. He succeeded in formally organizing a church of eighteen members in May.EGWE 140.2

Ellen White did not have to wait long to observe the nature of A. C. Bourdeau's trouble. J. P. Malan, Daniel Bourdeau's most promising convert, had apostatized, and was doing all he could to obstruct the progress of the little church. Like seed planted on shallow ground, he had no root in himself and did not long endure. It seems that Malan had borrowed heavily to improve his printing establishment in Torre Pellice, but when he had become an Adventist early in 1885 his creditors had demanded their money in full. Malan borrowed from the bank to pay them off, but by the time of the European Council in September (which he attended), the note was due.EGWE 140.3

Malan owned and operated the only press in Torre Pellice. He had a good command of French and Italian. His wife could speak English, French, and German, also Dutch. It looked as though he would become the strong local leader of the Adventists. So. W. C. White and B. L. Whitney helped scrape together $1,600 to help Malan pay his note to the bank.EGWE 140.4

During the European Council, White went so far as to compliment Malan in a letter to Elder Butler noting that he was “sharp as a steel trap.” Now, two months later the steel trap had sprung!EGWE 140.5