Italy by Chas. T. Everson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 29, 1906

Italy

By Chas. T. Everson

ROME.—We have again entered with renewed zeal upon our winter’s work. On our return from our good camp-meeting held at Gland, Switzerland, we found that our clerical friends had not forgotten us. During our absence they had posted on the door of the hall a sign upon which was depicted a cross with two palms, underneath which was written the words, “Closed on Account of Bankruptcy.”

But we did not allow them to remain long in this delusion, for we quickly opened up meetings with a good attendance and interest, and preached the message with more vim than ever.

We have a number of people inquiring into the truth, and studying it earnestly with us. We have some young men who are especially interested, and who give promise of becoming fully identified with the message. We have a young man this year at the school at Gland, Switzerland, who seems to be doing a good work, from the reports that I have received, and we hope that he may become a worker for his people. Also this year a young man is canvassing in the Italian part of Switzerland, and seems to be doing well. We are interested in the Italian people, no matter in what country they may be, and wish to see them gained for present truth.

I have just received a letter from Florence from a young man who is a teacher, to whom I have sent some literature. He writes that he is convinced of the truth as far as he has learned it, and wishes more reading-matter.

Of the interested ones here at Rome, I might speak of one case in particular. It is that of a gentleman who comes from a

high position in the church of Rome. He was passing the hall one evening, when, led by curiosity, he entered and stood at the door, listening to the words spoken by one of our workers. Becoming interested, he sat down and stayed till the end of the service. At its close he came forward and said that he had been impressed with the truth we taught, and with the method that we employed of letting the Bible explain the Bible. I made an appointment with him for Bible study. We have now been studying the truth together for some weeks, and he is pleased with what he is learning, and finds that we have a great truth and a good method of presenting it.

He told me not long ago that he is beginning to feel a peace and tranquillity in his soul that he has never known before. Since coming among us and studying the truth he finds a change taking place in his life. He said to me, ‘This change is not sentiment or fancy, but it is something real. I feel a peace that I never knew before; it is a kind of music in my soul. Before I came here, I did not feel it, and therefore could not say that I did; now I feel it, and therefore I tell it.’

When God begins to work upon a heart, then there is hope; for without the intervention of his grace we can do nothing. We stand helpless before the soul that is struggling toward the light. We may teach, pray, and work, but if God does not come in and touch the heart, all is in vain. The best sign that something will be accomplished is that the heart is beginning to experience a change. God’s power is sufficient to touch and change a heart that has been molded and fashioned for a lifetime under the crafty and astute system of the papacy. CHAS. T. EVERSON.