Australia by M. C. ISRAEL

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 21, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 40.

Australia.

By M. C. ISRAEL

In our last report, July 15, it was stated that seventeen meetings had been held at this place. We have now held in all forty-three meetings, and as the result of the labor thus far, forty-six have signed the covenant. Elder Corliss left here August 9 and is now in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, for the purpose of introducing the Third Angel's Message in that Colony. In order to defray the expenses of the meetings here, the plan was adopted of having one of the brethren stand at the door at the close of the service with a box and receive whatever the people were disposed to give for that purpose. These contributions, during the seven weeks' meeting, amounted to $190, enough to pay for hall rent, advertising, railroad fare to and from the place during our stay, and our board and lodging, with a few shillings over. We have sold in all $100 worth of publications and periodicals, besides getting quite a list of subscribers for the Echo. Since the meetings spoken of, regular Sabbath meetings have been kept up in a public hall, also a Sabbath-school. We have not been able to secure a suitable place to hold public meetings evenings, and on Sundays; but we have held Bible-readings nearly every evening at private residences, in different parts of the city, where from fifteen to twenty-five would be present. Last Sabbath the subject of baptism was presented, and on Sunday nine were baptized; others will soon follow and it is expected that a church and missionary society will soon be organized.

The brother mentioned in the last report as having invited us to hold readings in the suburbs of this city, went to Majorca, forty miles further in the interior, two weeks ago, where he works on "night shifts" mining, and canvassing for "Thoughts" part of the day. He has taken fourteen orders for the book. He writes that a family of Wesleyans are interested in the truth and offer me a home with them if I will come and hold readings with them and their friends. If they accept the truth they will always be glad for having given the invitation.

If it was ever more important at one time than another, that we should pray to the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest, now is that time. A school is very much needed here to educate laborers for the different parts of the work. Schools have been a very efficient means in America, for multiplying laborers, and there is no doubt but that the same kind would produce the same results here: so we shall pray and work for a school.

The canvass for "Daniel and Revelation" is progressing, and new recruits are enlisting in the service. Brother Arnold has taken 1,230 orders, and something over two hundred have been taken by others. Brother Arnold has taken orders this week from several intelligent Chinese Christians. One who carries on a mission, subscribed for two copies, one for himself and one for his sister-in-law. Another subscribed for it, and talked considerably about the prophecies: the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars. He said "when this come, then Christ, he come." It may be that these men may yet carry the message to their own country. We are all well and of good courage. We are glad to hear that Sister Burnham has arrived safely at the Mission.

M. C. ISRAEL.

Ballarat, Sept. 4, 1886.