THE APPEAL FROM OUR ITALIAN BRETHREN
By S. N. Haskell
It may be thought by some, as they view the rapid progress of the work in this country, that the Italian mission is expensive. Let such consider the following facts:— 1. The brethren in Italy labor under the greatest difficulties, and persecutions, as the following extract from a postal card from Dr. Ribbon, dated April 28, will show; yet they are of good courage: “The persecution against me is inconceivable. No one will admit me into his house; every door is shut in my face where I am known. If I am not left out upon the street it will be owing to the special interposition of God. Hope to have good news to send you in a day or two.” 2. Those embracing the truth partake largely of the missionary spirit, and commence at once to send light to others. The letter this week from Egypt concerning a company there shows something of the result of their labors. 3. None of them have ever heard a course of lectures by an experienced S. D. Adventist minister; but their work has commenced, and is being carried on, so far as our people are concerned, by publications. 4. Through this mission in Italy we are already seeing fruit in Egypt, Greece, and the islands of the Mediterranean Sea. In short, it is the only door the providence of God has opened for us to reach many dark portions of the globe. 5. Those embracing the truth give the greatest proof of sincerity. They not only sacrifice all their earthly prospects, but they are ready to give their lives for the promulgation of these truths, and go to any part of the world to carry them, without a promise of support from any Conference of S. D. Adventists. This is a worthy example. We believe that the appeal from Italy in this week’s paper will reach ten thousand hearts, and that they will respond in a practical manner. Especially to our brethren who can give their hundreds we would say, Now is the time to help the struggling cause in Europe.