The masonry work proceeded rapidly during the warm and dry summer of 1862. Giovanni began to look forward to the day when he would turn his steps toward home. He had managed to save a precious sum of money from his labor. At last November came with its short days. The Italian workers were anxious to leave, and on one of the early days of November they set off. Our friend, Giovanni, could hardly wait for the day when he would again see his dear wife and children.
Snow storms had already arrived in the mountains. That made crossing them dangerous. The danger only added to Giovanni's joy when he reached home safely. To the delight of his children he carefully removed from his bundle a small gift for each one.
Sorrow mixed with joy at Giovanni's reunion with his family. His loving wife, Gina, had suffered a severe fall and broke her arm during his absence. She had slipped as she carried a sack of chestnuts down the steep hill into town. Because the village had no doctor to set and care for Gina's broken bone, the poor woman's arm hung useless by her side. It remained useless for the rest of her life.
This was a bitter cup for Giovanni. He was saddened by his wife's injury. However, he still remembered with thanks that the Lord had prospered his labor that summer. The money from his work would buy a goat and provide for the family all winter. His family had harvested an abundant crop of hay and chestnuts during his absence. With God's blessing they would suffer no want.
During the long winter evenings Giovanni had many things to tell to his family and friends. He talked about the fire of Glarus and God's wonderful providences. He told how God had helped many to escape danger. He told of God's providing hand in many instances for the people of Glarus. He told them about the manners and customs of the Swiss people. He told stories about his dangerous journey over the mountains and how God spared him.
The most important story this father told his family was the strange tale of the Bible's discovery. Giovanni never tired of telling it. All the neighbors came to hear the wonderful story with their own ears and to see this strange Book with their own eyes. Most who came wanted to hear something read out of the Book, and Giovanni gladly read the Bible to them.
Soon these simple people began to feel that what was read to them was most beautiful. They learned, and more easily understood the Word of God, through Giovanni's direct reading from the Bible than from the Latin mass and the dull sermons of their priest. It was no wonder that Giovanni's small house filled every evening with neighbors and friends. These people longed and thirsted for salvation! Jesus says in Matt. 5:66Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6),
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."
One day a visitor, whom Giovanni had expected, knocked on the door. It was the priest. He wanted to see this much-talked about Bible without delay. "Certainly you shall, Sir," answered Giovanni, "but under one condition: you may not take the Book from me, for God Himself has given me this Bible."
"Blockhead," cried the priest. "You don't know the harm such a Book does when it falls into the hands of people in your station in life!"
This time Giovanni stood firm. Remember, dear reader, he had given in to the priest once before, and by doing so he had lost his New Testament. The people of Italy had full religious liberty now, and Giovanni knew this. The priests couldn't make the people obey the rules of the Catholic Church anymore.
The priest threatened Giovanni with excommunication from the church. Giovanni's wife and children became terrified as the priest threatened him with all the horrors of eternal damnation. This time Giovanni refused to give up his Bible. He knew that God had given him the precious volume. The priest left without Giovanni's Bible.