The New York herald., 1879-02-10
EVANGELISM IN ITALY.
LECTURE By sIGNoR ANTONIO ALRIGHT ON THE
ITALIAN FREE CHURCH.

LECTURE By sIGNoR ANTONIO ARRIGHI ON THE
ITALIAN FREE CHURCH.
In response to an invitation signed by number Of
gentlemen interested in the spread of evangelstic
religion Rev. Antonio Arrigh ectured last evening,
1T the Broadway Tabernacle, on the spread of the
''Free Christian Church of Italy" Rev. DIR. Taylor
introduced the lecturer with few remarks to the
interest that ought to be felt In this country con-
cerning the country of Columbus ana Vespucci
In commencing his lecture Mr.. Arrigh said he
wished to correct a mistake that prevails con-
cernng the different evangestic agencies in Italy.
idea has gained prevalence, he said. that the diff
ferent sects that labor to spread Gods word are
quarreling In Italy; but this rs not the case. No
ecclesiastical differences exist but some slight per-
sonal ones between members of the Waldensian sect
aud the Free Church Even these are now happily
settled. All the preachers work in harmony, but he
thought tho audience would coincide with him when
he said that the "Free Church, built
the people by native Italians. had .
much better chance OF success than any
was. In its very foundation, identif with some Of
those principles that the Italian people hold dearest
namely the unity and independence OF their coun-
try. Among the Carbonari, those noble patriots who
did much for the realization of these principles,
certain men who added to their patriotism a
sincere and deep religious belief and who thought
the redemption of the nation could not be
effected until . complete religious reformation
were made. Giuseppe Mazzini formulated this prop
ostion speech long before the door open for
the reform movement to come in. Casour took up
the idea Garbald fought for it and Gyazz preached
it and spread it among the people. "a free church in
= tree state the dream of these early
patriots, and when Mazzini became pres
aside his priestly vestments and offered Christ
to the people. Austrian arms, however, speedily
overthrew the young State and Gavazz had to fec to
America where he studied the evangelistc churches
and formed definite plan to be offered in the future
to his compatriots. The opportunity soon came.
Victor Emmanuel, triumphant at Solterino and Ma
gent proclaimed the field of battle religious free
dom and liberation to the whole nation
THE WORK PROGRESSING.
At o convention held in Florence in 1870 Gavazzi
presented u code of doctrine and plan OF govern
congregation called itself the Free Christian Church
OF Italy," and ut once commenced earnest search
for converts. 1t now possesses twcnty-seven esab-
hshments in various cities Ninety preachers SOW
the seed, and their harvest far amounts to
1850 communicates and 5000 children at
tending their day schools They pos
. fine establishment in Rome, just
by the Vatican, where sixteen theological students
preparing for the ministry. The members of
the sect, said the lecturer in conclusion, are
rapidly increasing. and various towns appealing
to the governing council for teachers The King and
Queen of Italy have also expressed friendly senti
mentS toward the reformers and converts
Rev. c. s. Robinson made short address after the
lecture. explaining that Mr. Arrghi the agent OF
the Italian Church this city for the collection OF
sum of $1,000 needed for the spread of the doc
trine. A collection then taken and the appeal
literally responded to by the large audience.