The Cause at St. Anne, Illinois.
By D. T. Bourdeau
THE WAY OPENING FOR MISSIONARY WORK AMONG OTHER NATIONS.
Since the close of our late discussion, six more have taken their stand on the third message; so that there are now about seventeen keeping the Sabbath. Among these are the Baptist preacher’s wife, and an intelligent Italian by the name of François Urgos, who speaks French and Italian, and knows something of the English. His mind was settled in favor of the Sabbath by hearing the discussion. The Sabbath after the discussion he committed himself on the truth in the following words: “The argument in favor of the Sabbath was clear, connected, straight forward, and convincing, while the argument against the Sabbath, was characterized with priestcraft. I have had three great conversions; the first was a political one in fighting the pope; the second was a floating one in trying to get good from the Protestant churches; and the third is in this great message. Will you receive me to go with you?” Of course, we could but answer, Come with us, and we will do thee good. This man is a nephew of the prime minister of Italy, and belongs to the highest ranks of the Italian aristocracy. He has a brother in the body-guard of Victor Emanuel. Three of his uncles belonged to the sacerdotal caste, one of them being the ablest cardinal of this century. He studied to become a priest, but changed his mind after reading the Bible. He served under Garibaldi and Victor Emanuel’s father in fighting against the king of Naples, and lost one of his eyes in a most terrible conflict, when his army numbered only 6,000, while the opposing army numbered 60,000. But his army gained a signal victory, although meeting the anathemas of the pope, who had blessed the king of Naples with his large army. Because of his religion and political views he was banished to this country, where Catholic spies were sent from Italy to kill him. In one conflict in Illinois, in which he and one of his friends were attacked, two of these spies lost their lives. They were justified by the United States authorities in defending themselves thus. Shortly after this, his enemies put arsenic in water that he was to use. He washed his face with this water, and in a few moments lost the use of his other eye. He had gathered quite a little property, but spent all in doctoring his eye with no good result. He can discern the light a little. Victor Emanuel has written him three times, promising him a passport, and means to take him back to Italy. He chose not to return to Italy, as he is blind and would be dependent on his mother and Catholic relatives, who would sustain him only on condition that he return to the Catholic church. He has composed and prepared over three hundred pages of interesting matter on his country, mostly from a religious standpoint, with the design of helping his countrymen in the way of Bible truth. I have most of his manuscript, which contains many interesting facts that would help minds in connection with the message. He designs to have this work published in Italian, in French, and in English, but submits the whole to us, expressing a willingness to waive it to help in translating our works from French into Italian, to teach, or act any humble part the providence of God shall assign him. He is competent to prepare matter for the press in his tongue with the aid of a copyist, whom he can qualify for the work in a short time. He truly has the cause at heart, though needing to learn as others have done. One of the Illinois tents is pitched in this place. A conflict with Eld. Chiniqui commences next Sunday. Am thankful for the aid of Brn. R. F. Andrews and Adam Rudd. We do not expect a large interest in this place; but this effort is very needful to conclude the work. Pray for us. D. T. BOURDEAU.