VISIT TO ITALY

Immediately after the first number of the second volume of Les Signes had been issued, Eld. Andrews started on a tour to Italy. This visit had been in contemplation for several months, and he had been in correspondence with a little company in Naples who had accepted the truths of the message. Some months previous to this time Dr. H. P. Ribton had become interested in the question of the Sabbath, having received his first light upon this subject, through reading the Sabbath Memorial. He received this journal from Dr. Zimple of Naples, to whom it had been sent by Eld. Wm. M. Jones of London. Through the same source he also received Adventist publications which Bro. Andrews had sent to Dr. Zimple. As the result of his investigation, he began to observe the Sabbath, and accepted also the doctrine of the advent. Dr. Ribton was a graduate of the University of Dublin. In addition to a knowledge of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, he was able to speak readily in the English, French, and Italian languages.HSFM 28.2

After Dr. Ribton commenced the observance of the Sabbath, he began also to present the subject to others, and as the result of his efforts, some were already observing the Sabbath with him. As he was desirous of laboring publicly for the promulgation of these doctrines in Italy, Eld. Andrews was advised by the General Conference Committee to visit him and ascertain the situation in that country.HSFM 28.3

On his way to Naples, Eld. Andrews visited Eld. Bourdeau at Valence, whom he found laboring under great difficulties on account of the extremely oppressive laws relative to preaching and the distribution of publications. Notwithstanding this, there were nearly twenty keeping the Sabbath as the result of his labor.HSFM 28.4

Eld. Andrews found Dr. Ribton in a most unpromising field. Naples is a city of six hundred thousand inhabitants, and with perhaps the exception of Rome itself, no city affords a better illustration of the degrading, demoralizing influence of the papal system. The laws of Italy are not oppressive. In fact, under the present government the people enjoy a good degree of liberty so far as the civil laws are concerned; but the power of the Romish system still continues, and the authority of the priests is almost absolute. The people are ignorant and superstitious, and the priests understand well how to make use of this to control them according to their will. If a man dares to act independently in matters of conscience or religious faith, the priests have the power to put him under anathema, and to cut off his social and business relations. By means of the confessional they exert a tremendous influence to retain this control which ignorance and superstition and the prestige of centuries has given them. Thus they are able to make it exceedingly difficult to reach the people. Should the owner of a hall rent it to any one who would preach in it doctrines displeasing to the priests, they have the power to destroy his business.HSFM 28.5

Dr. Ribton had made great efforts to obtain a hall in which to hold meetings, but had not been able to secure one, and although Eld. Andrews remained here for three weeks he was able during that time to hold but one public meeting. But even these things do not present the most serious obstacle in the way of the progress of the truth in Italy. It is found in the moral condition of the people. In Italy is to be seen the legitimate fruit of the moral despotism which the church of Rome exercises over the consciences of those in her communion. Its result has been to stifle all convictions of right, and to leave the people in a great measure destitute of moral sentiment. The lower classes, that constitute the great mass of the population, are to a large degree destitute of truthfulness, honesty, and chastity. In the estimation of these people it is but a light thing to violate the commandments of God. Falsehood, theft, and unchastity are sins so common that people do not seem ashamed of having committed them. It does not seem reasonable to expect that a great proportion of these people will ever be reached by the message; and yet there are some honest souls desirous of knowing the truth, and zealous in obedience to it when they have learned the right way.HSFM 29.1

The superstition of the people seems astonishing; and it is surprising to see how general it is, even in spite of the efforts which have been made for their enlightenment since the absolute control of the priesthood has been in some measure broken. During the fall of 1884, when the terrible scourge of the cholera made such fearful ravages in this city, its streets were literally thronged with people bearing images of their saints, to whom they were offering the most frantic supplications for deliverance from the plague. In these senseless superstitions they were encouraged and led on by the priests. Such demonstrations are not uncommon in cases of any sudden danger or calamity.HSFM 29.2

As regards the knowledge of the word of God, the common people are in the most profound ignorance. Although great efforts have been made to circulate the Bible since the permission to do this has been granted by the existing government, many families do not possess a copy or even a portion of it, and many of those who do have it in their houses are as practically ignorant of its simplest truths as though they had never heard of this sacred book.HSFM 29.3

Among the higher classes,-and Italy has no inconsiderable number of refined, intelligent, and cultivated people,-infidelity and skepticism abound. The shallow hypocrisy and pretense of the priests, the unscrupulous means to which they resort to extort contributions from even the poorest of the poor to maintain in idleness and dissipation this army of privileged mendicants of whom the number is legion, the personal corruption and depravity of these very priests, notwithstanding the high profession which they make,-all these things have had a tendency to create on the part of many of the cultured class an intense disgust toward all religion, and have fostered a strong and deep-seated skepticism which is disposed to regard with little favor anything that purports to come in the name of religion.HSFM 29.4

It is greatly to be regretted that the work which has been accomplished by Protestants in this country, since the changes favorable to religious freedom have allowed them the opportunity to extend their work here, has not been of a character to remove this feeling of distrust toward religion; but has rather increased it. Instead of doing a work of real religious reform by which men would be truly converted to Christ,-a work which under the conditions we have described is exceedingly difficult,-they have generally been satisfied with the appearance of success in securing the adherence of such persons as could be induced to accept the new religion. To accomplish this result, and to secure such numbers as would make a favorable report of the progress of their work, and encourage those in foreign countries to continue their liberalities for its support, unscrupulous means have been resorted to. Men are even hired in different ways more or less direct to make a profession of religion, to become members of the church, and to attend religious service, in order that there may be the semblance of an encouraging progress and a growing work.HSFM 30.1

This has naturally contributed to a spirit of jealousy and competition among the various societies which have undertaken the work of evangelization in Italy. Instead of the generous desire for the real advancement of the work of Christ, and the elevation of the people from the depths of moral degradation into which centuries of this absolute predominance of error have plunged them, the representatives of the gospel have indulged in a narrow, party spirit, which has caused division of interest and placed them in an attitude of antagonism to one another, as each has sought to advance the interests of his own particular sect. The gospel has thus been presented, not only as divided against itself, but in the manifestation of a narrowness and bigotry little worthy of the religion of Christ. It would be supposed that the intolerance of Rome witnessed here in so marked a manner would lead Protestants to cherish a spirit of Christian liberality and union; but, on the contrary, a most marked party spirit prevails.HSFM 30.2

The most earnest efforts of Dr. Ribton failed to secure an opportunity for Eld. Andrews to hold meetings in any of the several Protestant places of worship in Naples. They finally succeeded in obtaining permission to use a private hall for one month, with the understanding that the people who came were to do so as though attending the music lectures which had been held in this hall. But on the occasion of the first meeting, four persons took their place in the street in front of the building, and announced publicly the nature of the meeting. They also went through the corridors, placing Protestant tracts under the doors of each Catholic family. Such indignation was raised by this that it was impossible for them to hold another meeting. Most of the time of Eld. Andrews’ stay was spent in visiting from house to house, and in the study of the word of God with Dr. Ribton. After a long and diligent search he was able, just before leaving, to secure a hall which he rented for nine months. It was thought that by this means Dr. Ribton would be able to publicly present the doctrines of our faith to the people of Naples, some of whom had already become deeply interested by reading.HSFM 30.3

One of the most interesting incidents of this visit was the baptism of Bro. and Sister Ribton, their daughter, and another sister. This baptism took place at Puteoli, a few miles west of Naples. The beautiful and retired spot in the harbor of Puteoli in which the ordinance was administered was doubtless near the very spot where the apostle Paul landed on his journey to Rome. The circumstances under which the baptism took place, and the associations of the spot, made the occasion one of most solemn and joyful interest.HSFM 31.1

On his return from Naples, Eld. Andrews visited the Piedmont Valleys. It was here that the Sabbath truth in connection with the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, first took root in Europe. Sister Catherine Revel, who embraced the Sabbath through the preaching of Eld. Czechowski, had remained steadfast to the faith she had received, and faithful in the observance of the fourth commandment. There were also some others interested in the truths of the message, and the visit of Eld. Andrews was a source of great encouragement to them, after having stood for years with no association with those of the same faith.HSFM 31.2

It is just to say that these valleys are in some respects an exception to the general condition of Italy as heretofore described. Indeed, they have always stood in a measure separated from the corruptions and contaminations of Rome. In the days of degeneration and apostasy which led to the terrible moral darkness of the middle ages, the people of these valleys retained longer than the people of any other locality in Europe the knowledge of the word of God, and a reverent regard for its sacred truths. It was in these valleys, centuries ago, that noble men had pledged themselves by solemn oath to be true to their allegiance to this sacred word. From here, even in the hour of the greatest darkness, the light had gone forth, carried by faithful missionaries to different countries of Europe.HSFM 31.3

The impress of this reverent regard for the word of God has not been wholly obliterated. Without doubt the descendants of these noble defenders of the truth have in great measure lost the faith and integrity of their ancestors; and yet they have retained in some degree their love for the word of God, and their respect for its truths. There is not such destitution of the Bible here as in many parts of Italy. In many households it is studied with diligent care, and its sacred teachings are regarded as an inestimable treasure. Without doubt the time will come when the truths of the message will revive anew among this people the love of the word of God and obedience to its great truths.HSFM 31.4

The next annual meeting of the Swiss brethren was held at Bienne, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 1877. Previous to this time, Eld. Bourdeau had returned to Southern Switzerland, where he had commenced labor. Up to this time considerable progress had been made in issuing French publications. The paper had nearly four hundred subscribers, and nineteen tracts had been printed, seventeen in editions of five thousand each,HSFM 31.5

[Illustration] The Vaudois Taking their Oath.
and two in editions of ten thousand each.

In December of this year, Bro. Wm. Ings and wife and Sister Maud Sisley arrived at Basle to assist in the publishing work. Eld. Andrews met them in England; and while in London he and Bro. Ings selected the additional material necessary in order that the entire work on the papers and tracts might be done by our own compositors. The arrival of these friends and workers gave new courage to those already engaged in the mission, and they rendered valuable assistance in the work of publishing already commenced.HSFM 32.1

In the early part of the next year, the publication of German and Italian tracts was commenced. A portion of the building which had been rented, No. 68 Müllerweg, was occupied as a type-room, and with an additional stock of French type and a quantity of German type, the facilities were provided for doing everything in our own office except the press-work. In his work in Germany Bro. Erzenberger had found an imperative demand for publications to meet opponents who had employed the press against him, and had thus hindered the work which he had commenced. As it did not seem possible to commence the publication of a journal in that language, it was decided to be absolutely necessary to print an assortment of tracts. To assist in this work, the German brethren sent a donation of 250 francs.HSFM 32.2

Dr. Ribton, who was pursuing his work in Naples in the hall which had been rented, was also very anxious to be provided with Italian tracts. He had already translated quite a number into this language, and they were now published. In his work at Naples he had met with very violent opposition, not only from Catholics, but also from Protestants. Notwithstanding this, some had embraced the truth, and were doing what they could to extend it to others. There are some things which are favorable to the proclamation of the Sabbath truth in Italy. The only name for the seventh day in Italian is “il Sabato,” the Sabbath. It is not difficult therefore to make the people understand that this is the day that should be observed as the day of rest. It is the custom with them also to begin the day when the sun sets, and at that time the bells ring to indicate the commencement of the new day.HSFM 33.1

When the time had expired for which the hall was rented in the city of Naples, the question arose as to what was to be done for the future. Those who had embraced the truth were mostly very poor, so that they had not the means to provide another hall. Under these circumstances these friends joined in a petition to the General Conference Committee for help in renting another hall, and also for the publication of a paper in the Italian language of the same size as Les Signes des Temps. Twenty-two persons signed this petition.HSFM 33.2

In the fall of this year, Eld. Andrews received an invitation from the General Conference Committee to attend the annual session of that body which was to convene at Battle Creek Oct. 4. In accordance with this invitation, Eld. Andrews, accompanied by his daughter Mary, and by Eld. D. T. Bourdeau and wife, sailed from Havre for New York, arriving at Battle Creek, Sept. 26, 1878.HSFM 33.3

For some time previous to this visit, the daughter of Eld. Andrews had been failing in health, and it was feared that her lungs were becoming seriously affected. It was hoped that this journey, and a period of treatment at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, might check the progress of disease, and restore this young girl, who gave so much promise of being a useful helper in this foreign work. But although every attention which medical skill and loving care could bestow was given, the disease, tuberculous consumption, made steady and rapid progress,, until she fell asleep Nov. 27, 1878, at the age of seventeen years.HSFM 33.4

This sad providence fell like a heavy blow upon Eld. Andrews, who had placed great hope upon his daughter as an assistant in the French work, as she had already made good progress in this language. For several weeks he was unable to perform mental labor. He remained in America during the winter, taking part in the special session of the General Conference which was held at Battle Creek in the month of April. He also preached the sermon at the dedication of the new Tabernacle, and after laboring in different localities set sail again for Europe, May 29, accompanied by his niece, Miss Edith Andrews, and by Miss Anna Oyer.HSFM 33.5

He was, however, at the time when he started on his voyage, still in a condition of great feebleness, and on reaching England he was seized with chills and fever which continued for quite a length of time, and were followed by great prostration, so that he was not able to continue the journey to Basle until the 11th of August.HSFM 33.6

During the interval while he was in America and England, the paper had been published, and mailed to its regular subscribers. Bro. Erzenberger, having returned from Germany, had labored in different localities in Switzerland; and Sabbath, Aug. 16, he baptized thirteen persons in the lake of Geneva at Morges, and later quite a large number at Tram-elan.HSFM 34.1

Eld. Andrews still remained very feeble, so much so that he was confined to his bed during the session of the World’s Evangelical Alliance, which was held that year at Basle, Aug. 31, and continued eight days. He had greatly desired to attend this meeting, and make it the occasion of forming the acquaintance of many of those who should be assembled from the different countries of Europe.HSFM 34.2