IN the morning meeting, September 18, there was quite a large gathering of French, Germans, Italians, and English; and prayers were offered in all these languages. The Lord was near to bless his people. My heart was drawn out in earnest supplication that this meeting might be the beginning of better days for the laborers in these fields and for all here assembled; that heavenly wisdom might be given to every one engaged in the work; and that at this important Council the Spirit of Jesus would soften and subdue hearts. I had the assurance of his word and Spirit that the Lord would hear and answer our prayers.
I spoke from James 3: 13-18. I felt urged by the Spirit of God to speak to this people of the necessity of love and unity, and to keep it before their minds that it is entirely out of place for the servants of Christ to be self-sufficient and independent. Great and noble-minded men are teachable; those of selfish and narrow minds are not willing to be taught. It is the privilege of men in their intercourse with others to lay every man's mind under tribute, absorbing all that can be gained from the experience and education of others. If there are things of no value, they can be cast aside. If the heart is humble and the purpose true, there will be sanctified perception to distinguish between the true and the false. The word spoken went home to hearts.
September 19, in the afternoon, I spoke from Col. 1:24-29. I was followed by three interpreters, in German, French, and Danish, but this did not embarrass me in the least. I felt great weakness before going into the desk, and prayed earnestly that God would help me, and bless the people in a special manner. Heavenly angels were in our meeting, and I was blessed in speaking, and the people in hearing. My message seems to be making a better impression here than on the minds of my American brethren and sisters.
After the discourse, we had a most precious social meeting. Our brethren of the different nationalities expressed themselves as being greatly blessed, and very grateful to God for the word spoken. One brother who had been laboring in Naples had been unwilling to come under the control of the Conference, and yet683had depended on the Conference for means to carry on the work in his own way. With deep feeling he confessed his unconsecrated state. Said he, “I have heard and read about the mission of Sister White; but now I see myself. I acknowledge that the power of God has come to my heart through her testimony. I receive it as from God, and humble my heart before him.” Many said with tears that this was the best meeting they ever enjoyed. Our American brethren, with brokenness of heart, bore excellent, humble testimonies. We could say with Jacob, “Surely the Lord is in this place.”
We had a very precious season in the early morning meeting, September 22. I gave a little talk on faith. It is our unbelief that is offensive to God, and withholds us from good. If we have faith according to our light and privileges, Heaven is open before us. The rich promises of God will be fulfilled, and nothing will be wanting to us. Christ requires that the experience and character of his followers shall be in accordance with the talents received; that obedience, faith, and love be developed in accordance to the light and grace given. If there is not an increase of faith, there will be a decrease of light and blessings. If there is not an improvement of the talents given us of God, our condemnation will be in proportion to our neglect.
Through the translator, many acknowledged that they were seeing new light, and could now understand why it was that they had not advanced more rapidly in Christian experience. They had wanted to walk by sight, and not by faith. Some then urged that the meetings continue a week longer. They said the lessons they were receiving from Sister White were of great value to them, and that they were gaining much knowledge from the Bible-readings and the instruction given upon the work of canvassers and colporters. The decision was in accordance with the proposition.
From Brother Malan, of Italy, we learned many facts in regard to the Italian field. It will require a strong, determined, persevering effort to introduce the truth there; but when once it has gained a foothold, numbers will be gathered into the ranks of Sabbath-keepers. Many honest souls are buried up in the rubbish of superstition and error,—doctrines which they have received from their preachers, to whom the people are educated to look as the true teachers of righteousness. At some time, I know not how soon, there will be a disturbance in the valleys of Italy. The confidence of the people in their teachers will be shaken, the eyes of many will be opened, and the truth will be proclaimed among them.
September 26 was set apart as a day of fasting and prayer. In the morning meeting for ministers, the Lord poured upon me the spirit of supplication for my ministering brethren. With many tears I spoke to them of the solemn work of the watchman and the necessity of faithfulness. The presence of the Lord was in the meeting. His power rested upon me and upon those that heard. Prayers and tears were mingled, and every testimony borne was characterized by the deepest feeling.
This has been a season of taxing labor for me; but the Lord has given me strength for my day.