In November 1880, Rev. John H. Eager and wife, appointed as missionaries to Italy, reached Rome, where they have since resided and labored, realizing more and more that mission work in Papal Rome presents peculiar difficulties and discouragements. Yet each year finds them more resolved to make it their life work, assured that they preach the same gospel which wrought such wonders in pagan Rome, and believing the Scripture which saith, “Be not weary in well-doing, for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not.”
While results have not corresponded with the sanguine expectations of earlier years, still God’s people have not labored in vain. The present working force of the American Baptist mission consists of two missionaries, thirteen native preachers, and three colporteurs, who are preaching the Gospel in more than thirty cities and towns, extending from the snow-capped mountains of the North, to the vine-covered plains of the South. Among the thirteen native preachers are men of more than ordinary ability. One, educated in Geneva, is a fine linguist, being acquainted with six or seven languages, and able to preach in three of them. He is said to be one of the best Hebrew scholars in Italy. Another was once a priest in high standing, the director and father-confessor of a monastery, and a friend of the present Pope. One, though uneducated, is deeply versed in the Scriptures, and can quote almost any passage at will, giving book, chapter, and often verse. This knowledge he uses most effectually in public and in private. Two were educated at Spurgeon’s College. One is perhaps the only native Sardinian who ever became an evangelical minister. These brethren preach to thousands during the year, for people are coming and going during every service. Some enter by accident, or through curiosity, drawn in by the singing or speaking, then pass on to be heard from no more. But who can tell what influence such a visit may have upon their future life?
Churches have been organized at all the principal stations, and in addition to the mission property in Rome two other chapels have been secured, one in Torre Pellice, about thirty miles above Turin, and the other in Carpi, not far from Bologna. At all other stations services are held in rented halls. Two churches have been organized on the Island of Sardinia, where the work is peculiarity interesting and promising, but greatly in need of other laborers to sow the seed and reap the harvest.
(Persons wishing further information about Sardinia or Italy, can write to Rev. John H. Eager, via Arenula, Palazzo Gualdi, Rome, Italy.)
BAPTIST CHAPEL, TORRE PELLICE, ITALY.
English Baptists have long had a mission in Italy. In 1866, Mr. Clark established himself in Spezia, where he has succeeded in building up an excellent school, a good church and an orphanage. He has associated with him eight Italian evangelists, who occupy about twenty stations. This mission is independent, being supported by private contributions. The mission force of the Particular Baptists of England consists of four missionaries, Rev. James Wall and Rev. J. C. Wall, of Rome, Rev. W. K. Landels of Turin, and Rev. Robt. Walker of Naples, assisted by nine native preachers. They have two medical dispensaries, a religious journal, printing-press and other auxiliaries to mission work. The General Baptists of England also have two mission stations in Rome, under the superintendence of Rev. N. H. Shaw, who brings to bear upon his work Anglo-Saxon energy, and the varied experience acquired in a successful pastorate at home.
Besides these, several individual Baptists are consecrating their private means to the evangelization of Italy. Among them may be mentioned Count Papengouth, who expends large sums annually in Naples and vicinity; and Miss Emery, an English lady of fortune, who devotes the whole of her time and income to Christian work in Italy, especially the publication and distribution of tracts.