Opposition from the Italian Evangelical Church
By Giuseppe Rupp
DEAR BROTHER: I hasten to write you that what we had foreseen has taken place. Yesterday evening, Thursday, we attended the meeting of the "Italian Evangelical church," where we found Dr. Yule and Sig. Monnet, just arrived. They excommunicated us, they would not allow us to speak, in addition to which "as Christians" they slandered us, calling us robbers, dissenters, seducers, and deceivers. May the Lord not impute to them their iniquity, but enlighten them by his grace. Meanwhile we invited them to discuss the question with the Bible in their hand; but they would not accept our invitation. We think ourselves honored in being calumniated for the name of Christ and for his sacred truth. All those who were not on our side have abandoned us; but our dear baptized brethren are strengthened in faith and are prepared to continue the good fight. We have a good prospect of victory along the whole line. Pray, and pray continually for us. Our dear Brother Bertola, in the affair of yesterday evening, laying aside all personality and not rendering insult for insult, did honor to our cause; so also did all our brethren, who conducted themselves at the same time with firmness and humility. May God bless them! Send us tracts on baptism as quickly as possible, and whatever hymns you can that explain the "present truth." Many thanks for the tracts already received, which I can promise you will all be used to good advantage. Brother Bertola salutes you in much love.
Your Brother in Chirst,
GiUSEPPE RUPP.
Alexandria, Oct. 4.