Further Labors
The next afternoon, while I was speaking, he came into the hall
again. If I said anything that he agreed with, he would nod his head
in approval, and if, on the contrary, I said anything that he did not
approve, he would shake his head, and begin to talk in an undertone to
those near him. I kept right on as though we did not hear his words
of disapproval; but when I began to read the words of Christ in his
memorable sermon on the mount, “Whosoever, therefore, shall break
one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so,” etc., he
jumped to his feet, and with the most frantic gesticulations cried out
to Eld. A. C. Bourdeau, who was acting as interpreter, “Do you
keep the commandments any better than the Pharisees? Answer me.”
Notwithstanding his repeated demands for an answer, we kept right
on with our work just the same as though nothing had happened,
determined that this meeting should not be broken up as the other had
been. This was too much for him, and grasping his hat, he rushed out
of the hall in a rage. We were then permitted to continue our meeting
in peace. The few who were present, instead of being disturbed by
what had happened, seemed much strengthened by the words spoken.
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The Lord has a people here, and if faithful they will yet see others
added to their numbers.
When we came to Italy, it was with the desire that we might not
only learn something of the habits and customs of the people, and
the best means of reaching them, but that we might be the means of
strengthening and encouraging the brethren and sisters, and that we
might also obtain a little much-needed rest. In the latter we were
somewhat disappointed, although we did enjoy some features of our
stay very much. The climate is healthful, the air clear and bracing.
Throughout our stay of three weeks the weather was delightful. Al-
though it was December, most of the time we had the doors open as in
summer. Several days we spent some time in riding. This was a great
luxury to me, especially as I was suffering much with a lame hip and a
broken ankle, and was able to walk but little.
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