Missionary Work for the Italian People of America by Chas. T. Everson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 17, 1907

Missionary Work for the Italian People of America

By Chas. T. Everson

CHAS. T. EVERSON

FREQUENTLY in our work here at Rome we find those who manifest much interest in the truth; but when confronted with the difficulties that are involved in its practise, they turn their eyes toward the western sky and look for a way of escape in “the promised land” of America. As a consequence many whose consciences have begun to be stirred by the truths of the Bible go to America with the thought of finding there a country more in harmony with the principles taught in the Sacred Volume.

Others, with no thought of religion, embark for the New World in search of a place where they can make a living, and lay by something for the future. Among both of these classes there are those who can be helped religiously and influenced for the truth.

When they are here in Italy, they are compelled to work early and late, seven days in the week, in order to eke out a mere existence. These grinding economical conditions are not calculated to give them much time or disposition to study the truths of the Bible. And even if they were disposed to do so, there is the ever-vigilant priest following closely in their wake from the cradle to the grave, to see to it that they do not imbibe anything but the doctrines of Catholicism. The people dare not call their souls their own, and of the Bible they are totally ignorant, generally speaking. Should a Bible by chance fall into their hands, it is quickly confiscated and destroyed by the priest. Consequently the poor priest-ridden people are slaves to the church and to their industrial conditions. When we think of these facts, it is not to be wondered at that so many thousands emigrate every year to America. Their friends who have preceded them, write glowing letters of the country, describing it as flowing with milk and honey. And the poor oppressed Italian who is working for a mere pittance will sacrifice his last farthing in order to reach that land of plenty.

Once in America, their financial condition begins quickly to improve, and they feel more like men than beasts of burden. The parish priest also is thousands of miles away; and the superstition and iron hand of priestcraft that previously held them in subjection has largely lost its hold. Surely under these new conditions, surrounded by Protestant influences on every hand, the work of reaching their hearts by the truth ought to be greatly facilitated.

Here it is difficult for them, on account of their poverty, to spend even two cents for a tract; while in America, with a great change in their financial condition, there is no reason why something could not be done in circulating our literature among them.

Why could not the churches that are situated in the cities where there are large numbers of Italians, do something to help this poor priest-ridden class of people? You may question the possibility of benefiting them. But I wish to say that some of the Italians who have gone to America as Catholics have been converted there, and have returned to their country, and become centers of influence for the propagation of the gospel. I have heard of one man who was converted in America—an ordinary working man—who built a church in his home community, and obtained a splendid following for the gospel.

If there are those who would like to take up work among the Italians in America, Italian literature upon the leading points of the message, in the form of small books and tracts, can be procured of any of our regular State tract societies.

Do not let us forget that under the blue skies of Italy many a martyr has shed his blood for the love of the truth. Rome is full of the monuments and records written in blood, that speak stronger than words, telling us what those who lived here in the past centuries did for the cause of Christ. Why can not we expect other just such faithful witnesses for the last great message, also, from this same country?

Rome, Italy.