Waldenses
199
it is not so surprising that people resort to almost any means to keep
warm without fire.
Long-established custom has made living in stables quite popular.
Many people in prosperous circumstances adopt this way of living.
While in Torre Pellice, we visited a stable, in the center of the town,
which was occupied by a rich lady who owned and rented the whole
[248]
building. In one end of the stable stood two noble-looking Jersey
cows; in the other end, on a plank floor about six feet-square, stood a
bench, two stools, and a table, with a few dishes. Here the woman of
the house had taken up her winter quarters, and ate, cooked, and slept.
At night when it is very cold, it is customary to take a bundle of
straw or leaves, and lie as close to the cattle as possible. One small
window furnishes light for the apartment, while the bodies and breath
of the cattle and the stack of smoking manure, afford the only means
of warmth. It is astonishing to see how little knowledge of the laws of
life and health the people have. And yet if one should attempt to teach
them, they would feel very much offended. We can only hope that
the truth may take hold upon the hearts of some, and that they may be
elevated and sanctified through it, “The entrance of Thy words,” says
the psalmist, giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”
Although the people show signs of having endured toil and hard-
ship, many bear a noble, intelligent countenance. How my soul went
out for these, that they might have the truth presented to them! But
there are many difficulties to be met in doing this work, that our Amer-
ican laborers do not have to encounter. It is impossible to obtain either
churches or school-houses in which the truth can be presented with any
degree of freedom. Both are placed under the control of the resident
minister. In many villages it is almost impossible to secure even a hall.
The only alternative seems to be to visit the people at their homes,
and hold meetings in private houses. Here another difficulty presents
itself. In summer those who live near the foot of the mountains go
much higher up, and are scattered where it is almost impossible to find
them. In winter they descend and live in stables. Here is the only place
where our colporteurs can find them with any degree of facility.
During the past season, Bro. Geymet has been visiting and holding
Bible readings with the people in these stables. At the time we were
there, he was holding two meetings a week in a stable in the Angrogna
valley, about seven miles from Torre Pellice. The interest was good,