Editor's note.--Lorenzo writes.--Leaves Geneva.--Over the hills.--Over
the Alps.--A heavy snow storm.--Only two passengers in the coach.--Ten
horses barely sufficient.--"Houses of Recovery" erected by the
government for lost travelers.--Reaches Turin.--Meets Elders Woodard
and Toronto.--Interesting "re-union."--Visions.--Healings.--Condition
of Italy.--Brother Woodard's course commendable.--The Waldenses.
With all due respect to whatever romantic enthusiasm a lively
imagination may clothe "over the Alps" in the dead of winter, it
certainly must be anything but a pleasure trip to those who encounter
it. To say nothing of the thrilling aspect and the hazardous adventure,
the sudden transition from the heat of summer to the depth of winter
is calculated to produce a telling effect on the constitution of the
traveler. This my brother experienced for several subsequent years.
Italy, February 18, 1852.
_Dear President Richards_:
Bidding farewell to Brother and Sister Stenhouse and the Swiss Saints,
I left Geneva on the 9th inst. by _malle poste_, and commenced winding
my way over a rough, hilly and mountainous country that formed a
strange contrast with the beautiful, undulating _pays_ of southern
France. As we approached the towering Alps, there came a heavy snow
storm, which made our journey very gloomy, dreary and altogether
disagreeable. About six o'clock in the evening of the following day, we
commenced the ascent of Mount Cenis, and reached its cloudy summit, six
thousand seven hundred feet in height, at one o'clock the next morning.
Though but one passenger beside myself saw proper to venture over the
mountain, it was found that ten horses were barely sufficient to carry
us forward through the drifting snow, which had fallen to nearly the
depth of four feet since the last post had passed, a circumstance that
rendered it very dangerous making our way up the narrow road and short
turnings. One stumble or the least unlucky toss of our vehicle would,
at very many points of our path, have plunged us a thousand feet down
rocky precipices.
It may be noticed to the credit of the government that "houses of
recovery" are now erected in the dangerous portion of this route, for
the preservation and benefit of travelers that may lose their way or be
caught in a storm, and their progress hindered by the drifting snows.
In going the distance of a half mile, six or eight of these benevolent
buildings may be seen. We descended the mountain with much more ease to
our horses, and more comfort to ourselves; and I felt thankful that my
passage over these rocky steeps was completed, and hoped it might never
be my lot to cross them a third time at night in the winter season; but
regarding these matters, we need seek to exercise no anxiety, inasmuch
as over them we hold no control.
On reaching Turin, I had the happiness of meeting Elders Woodard and
Toronto, and the day following of paying a visit to the Saints in
Angrogna.
I could see and feel that the brethren here had all been baptized into
the same Spirit. At a very interesting "re-union," one sister said,
"Mr. Snow, it is the first time I see you with my bodily eyes, but the
Lord gave me a manifestation a few weeks ago, in which I saw you as
plain as I see you now." Another bore testimony of an open vision which
she had a short time before. A brother also testified of several cases
of healing which had occurred in his own family.
I feel to commend the course pursued by Elder Woodard, whose operations
have been directed by wisdom and prudence. Here a branch of the Church
has been raised up under circumstances which would have paralyzed the
efforts of any one not in possession of the most unshaken confidence
in the power of the Lord. We published books at the risk of coming
in collision with the government. The Catholic priests called on
the ministers of state to prevent their sale; but in spite of every
obstacle, we have disposed of nearly all we printed. We are not
permitted to preach in public, and at every step find ourselves far off
from the religious liberty enjoyed in England. But Italy is not silent
under the shackles of spiritual despotism. Many noble sentiments, and
liberal ideas, have been spread through the country by the speeches of
honest-hearted men in Parliament, who have called loudly for religious
freedom, and we trust they will not always call in vain.
The mission, up to this time, has been necessarily carried on in
a narrow sphere, but more favorable openings now seem to present
themselves, and the Book of Mormon will lend its powerful aid in
building up the Church. After many anxieties with regard to that work,
it was no small pleasure to find it welcomed by the Saints in Italy as
a heavenly treasure, and the translation so highly approved. Nor can I
express the delight which I experienced in gazing upon Mount Brigham,
on whose rocky brow we had organized _La Chiesa di Gesu Christo dei
Santi degli Ultimi Gioni, in Italia_.
The Waldenses were the first to receive the Gospel, but by the press
and the exertions of the Elders, it will be rolled forth beyond their
mountain regions. At this season they are surrounded with snow from
three to six feet deep, and in many instances all communication is
cut off between the villages. Our labors in such countries will be
eminently blessed when we can have persons in the Priesthood who are
not under the same disadvantages and liabilities as foreign Elders, and
such are rising up here.
Elder John D. Malan, president of the branch, is a man of God, and
having labored faithfully under the counsel of Elder Woodard, I think
it wisdom that he should take charge of the work here, while Elder
Woodard opens the mission in the seaport of Nice. Italian states are
well known as being the most hostile upon earth to the introduction of
religious truth, but as their subjects are in constant communication
with many countries that are washed by the Mediterranean, they will
have facilities for hearing the Gospel as we come into connection with
their maritime relations; and being acquainted with all the languages
around that central sea, the thousands of Italians who perform business
upon its waters will furnish some faithful men to speed on the Kingdom
of God, through the south and east of Europe. At Nice we shall be able
to keep up connection with the Waldenses on one hand and the Maltese
on the other. Malta will be an important field of labor, not only for
Italy, but also for Greece, where, according to ancient tradition, a
branch of the House of Israel long remained.
The Turkish and Russian empires may also be reached through the same
medium; and I hope to see the day when the countries I have named will
all be cut up into conferences of Latter-day Saints. Brother Obray will
join his labors with those of Brother Woodard, for both Nice and Malta,
and for the extension of the mission into other parts of Italy.
As soon as circumstances permit, I shall be moving forward to other
realms, and from whence my next communication will proceed, I cannot
say; perhaps from Malta, or the crumbling monuments of ruined Egypt, or
the burning climes of India.
Praying that the Lord may always be with you, granting you His richest
favors,
I remain, as ever, yours affectionately,
Lorenzo Snow.