"The more perfect man becomes, the more he sees his own imperfections. Humility is man's true knowledge."—Tommaseo.
ONE of the most fertile and picturesque plains of Italy is that in which lies the ancient and historical lake Thrasymene, the Roman Lacus Trasimenus. By its shores in 217 B.C., Hannibal gained his famous victory over the Roman Consul C. Flaminius; and the local rivulet, Sanguinetto, still recalls the sanguinary battle. The entire district is agricultural, and life is natural and simple.
Domenico's native town is situated on one of the Apennine spurs, and commands an imposing view of the plain. Here, three centuries before him, was born Rome's great controversialist, Bellarmine. Down the same hill slopes were to run these two Tuscan boys, and then play such a different part in their after lives: one a renowned casuistical Jesuit, the uncompromising defender of papal right and power, the other a simple son of the soil, the leader of the little flock of Christ there in the last days.
Like many Italian Christians, Domenico owed his conversion to the reading of the Scriptures, which spoke to him of Christ, and contained the Divine controversy against Rome and all other error and evil. But he did not content himself with merely searching the Scriptures about Christ. He had read His words: “Ye will not come unto Me, that ye might have life” (John 6:1010And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. (John 6:10)). So he “came," not to a new creed or church, but to Him, the life-giving Son of God. His life was rural and isolated, and he was not distracted by the rush of the city throngs. His working hours were long, from sunrise to sunset, and his limited leisure time he occupied in reading God's Word. His delight was in the law of the Lord, therefore he meditated upon it day and night.
Domenico had no commentaries, but he compared Scripture with Scripture, and found that it became its own commentary. Speculative questions had no attraction for him, but he looked well to the foundations of his faith, and the doctrines of the Gospel found a fertile soil in his regenerate heart.
Thus the first period of his Christian life was one of personal, private cultivation. His was not the aggressive character which impels the young disciple to become at once a courageous preacher: his more retiring nature found its satisfaction in the calm of reflection. But it was not lost time. Domenico had planted many olives and vines, and he knew that they had to take root before they could bear fruit.
The time came for his spiritual life to manifest itself: it was not to remain a solitary plant. It was to spread its branches into two spheres; fellowship and testimony. Domenico heard of some Christians living in a village some miles off, and he visited them, thus beginning a Christian local fellowship which was to last for nearly half-a-century.
Those long miles seemed shortened by that brotherly love which attracted him to the assembly of " two or three " gathered together in the name of Christ. His visits to that little native Italian Church greatly confirmed him in the faith, and kindled in his soul the desire to become a worker as well as a worshipper. But how was he to begin his testimony for Christ I He was a humble dependent, and all his social superiors were more or less under the influence of Rome.
While he was thus considering the wisest method of beginning his Gospel testimony, a very natural plan occurred to him. During the long winter months these peasants are wont to spend their evenings around the friendly hearth of a neighbor, and discuss the simple affairs of daily life before the soft light of a tiny olive oil lamp. So Domenico invited his companions of the soil to spend their evening hours with his young wife and himself. These familiar gatherings are generally characterized by passing in review the local gossip, but Domenico endeavored to give them a higher tone, and soon the Gospel became the one absorbing theme of conversation. His knowledge of the Scriptures became taxed to its utmost by the numerous and varied questions put to him on all points of religion. But the questions and answers were perfectly simple and practical. Domenico aimed at the spiritual welfare of his friends rather than at a controversial victory over Rome; he desired to see them possess saving faith in Christ rather than merely protest against the errors of their Church.
This good work was going on peacefully when the enemy made his first attack upon it. One day Domenico was called by the factor of the estate, who informed him that he had heard of his propaganda.
“What is this I hear about you, Domenico! " inquired the genial agent.” You have become a theologian I hear! Is this so?”
“No, sir, I know nothing about theology," replied Domenico with characteristic simplicity.
“But I hear you are teaching the people new doctrines," continued the factor.
“No, sir, they are old doctrines," the humble servant assured his master.
“Well, personally, I do not know anything about them, but the priest has complained that you have become the bishop of the protestants!” Saying so the agent smiled, and Domenico with a smile exclaimed: “A poor bishop indeed!”
“Well, Domenico, you know that you have gained my confidence, and I have built you that little house on the estate. You have planted most of the olive trees and vines on the estate, and you have never been reproved for any fault. So, now, take my advice: cease this propaganda and so this opposition to you will cease. Personally, I have nothing against you, but the priest is making it rather hot for me at home. In fact I have been asked to lay it down as a definite condition that you either cease this propaganda or leave the estate."
“Well, sir," replied Domenico with perfect calm,” you yourself must judge the question. I have made no propaganda of doctrines that in any way can affect your interests, save for the better. The conversations I have had with the people around my hearth have been informal and hostile to no party."
“I shall make further inquiry into the matter and call you again if necessary," concluded the factor, and Domenico left the office and returned to his field.
The social position of the agent, being manager of several large farms on the estate, gave him great influence, and in fact the priest, the doctor and he formed a kind of recognized quorum on all local affairs. He was, however, liberal in his ideas, and thought that the priest needed to remember the wise counsel audi alteram partem. His reverend friend was a frequent visitor at his villa, and he soon found a convenient occasion to state Domenico's case in its true light. He began by extolling the moral qualities of his trusted employee, and then recounted the conversation he had with him on the question of his propaganda.
“And what did he say for himself? “interrupted the priest.
“Well," replied the honest factor, “he assured me that it is a question of his own private opinions, and of familiar conversation with his neighbors. Surely you would not force him to think as you do! "
“I thought you were not the man to deal with him. You are too liberal. Let us leave the matter for the present." Saying so the priest at once turned the conversation to other topics, but the subject did not end there!
In a few days the factor's wife complained to him that she had heard that one of his chief peasants was a protestant, and was actually propagating his doctrines in his house which belonged to the estate.
“Who informed you?” inquired the husband.
“Well," she answered, with an outburst of latent feeling, " I have it on good authority and I ask you to get rid of that man at once, unless he promises to give up his opinions and propaganda."
The factor now understood all. His Reverend friend could not gain the case directly, but he thought he could and would indirectly. As a man the land agent resented this interference of his wife, influenced by the priest, but he knew not the peace of God which passes all understanding, and which keeps the heart and mind through Christ Jesus, and so he thought to himself: I better enjoy peace at home!
The next day he called Domenico again to his office, and presented to him the ultimatum: “Domenico, you must either give up your religion or your position. You know I have treated you well, and you have merited the trust I have placed in you. I have no fault to find with you: it is only a question of your religion, a question which I do not raise personally, but which is causing me some trouble in my social position. Now, Domenico, you must decide. You will not easily find a position like the one you now occupy."
“I have no choice to make, sir," calmly replied Domenico. “I made it when I became a Christian. I cannot deny Christ."
The factor rose from his chair, and Domenico left the office. The few simple and humble words with which he had declared his decision, made a profound impression upon the agent. He felt that he could not dare to treat his faithful servant so unjustly, and he determined to deal with the matter in a just manner. He therefore told his wife and informed the priest that he had no fault to find with Domenico, and that the question of his religion must not be mentioned again.
Domenico was not elated by his victory. He continued humbly and faithfully to attend to his duties, and gained the esteem of all the people. He was soon raised in his position on the estate, and under his skilful care it became an ideal olive and vine plantation. His duties called him to direct the work of several gangs of laborers, and he acted with such integrity that seldom was there any trouble between master and men. He was a true friend. He counseled the erring, he helped the needy, he cheered the faint-hearted. The young felt they could go to him for instruction, and the aged for sympathy.
What his enemies called him in derision, “the bishop," he proved to be in the truest, noblest sense. He fed the flock of God, he cared for the spiritual welfare of each brother and sister; and nothing afforded him greater joy than the godly walk of those in communion with him, and nothing caused him greater sorrow than manifestations of backsliding on the part of any who had once named the name of Christ.
But for many years Domenico's Christian testimony was unknown to nearly all the native Italian Churches. He was brought into their happy fellowship in a very remarkable way. An evangelist was traveling through Italy, and reached a town eight miles from Domenico's village. The people told the evangelist that in that hamlet there was a holy man who preached the Gospel simply to his neighbors. Although entirely out of his route the evangelist made the two hours' walk, and reached the little village as the sun was setting. He inquired of a group of peasants whether they knew where Domenico lived. He could not describe him, and he thought it prudent not to mention that he was a protestant. So he had to content himself with rather equivocal generalities: in fact one of his informers told him that there was a certain Domenico who lived in a hamlet four miles off, and that he believed he was the friend sought after.
The evangelist was wearied; the winter night was fast approaching, and the road was lonely; but the joy of meeting his Christian brother reanimated him, and he was about to start on another hour's journey when one of the group called him aside and whispered: “Are you seeking Domenico the protestant?”
“Yes," replied the evangelist, much relieved. "I thought so,” suggested the cautious informer, as he invited the stranger to follow him.
When they were free from the curiosity of the people, the evangelist asked his guide whether he was a Christian, and received the evasive reply “There are few Christians in the world like Domenico."
The path to Domenico's cottage was rough and muddy, and the guide proved a most opportune leader, especially as several fierce dogs contested the right of passage. It was dark when they reached their destination. The guide waived all ceremony, and opening the door, called: " Domenico, there is a Signore wishing to see you."
In a moment Domenico was at the door, and the guide was curious to witness the meeting of the stranger and " the bishop of the protestants "; but the evangelist considered it wiser to be alone before he said anything to his Christian brother; and so, having settled with his informer, he took leave of him, thanking him for his kindness.
“Come in, sir, come in," said Domenico with a smile that cheered the weary traveler. “I see you are a stranger to these parts. Please be seated."
The reception took place in Domenico's spacious kitchen, where around the welcome hearth was gathered his little family, which arose and respectfully made room for the visitor. The evangelist at once began the introduction: “Domenico, I believe you are a Christian, and—"
Before he got further he was embraced by his brother in Christ, and a hearty greeting took place such as formality cannot bring about.
“My brother, my brother “exclaimed Domenico, with a clasp of his hand, a smile on his face and an accent in his voice that evinced the love of his heart. The evangelist continued: “I heard of you when traveling on the main road, and I am glad that your testimony is so widely spread."
Thus began the conversation. Domenico recounted his story, and the evangelist told his, and their interesting narratives were interrupted only when Domenico's wife invited the Lord's messenger to partake of the frugal supper she had prepared for him. During the simple meal the evangelist informed Domenico about the native evangelical Churches in Italy which he had visited, and the news he gave of the Gospel testimony in his country greatly rejoiced the heart of the solitary witness of Christ.
“I had often prayed that the Lord would send one of His servants to visit me. I had no idea that my testimony was known beyond this little isolated neighborhood, and you are the first brother who has ever visited me from other parts."
The last hour of that memorable day was passed in praise and prayer, and the wearied evangelist was shown to the humble and welcome bedroom.
Thus was formed with Domenico a link of Christian fellowship which extended far and wide. He was given to hospitality, and many well-known servants of God in Italy and England passed very blessed days under his brotherly roof. Some of these Christian friends belonged to much higher social classes, but they considered it one of the highest honors to share the loving fellowship of this poor and pious “bishop."