The Missionary by S. N. H.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 12, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 43.

The Missionary.

By S. N. H.

The Work in Australia.

There is no truer saying than that, “History repeats itself.” There is no place where this truth is more evident than in the cause of God. Solomon says: “I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever. Nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God doeth it that men should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.”

To give the particulars of the work in Australia is simply to recite a chapter in the history of the Reformation of the sixteenth century. Speaking of that time, Luther says: “I put forward God’s word, I preached and wrote; this was all that I did. And yet while I was asleep, or seated familiarly at the table with Amsdorf and Melanchthon, . . . the word that I had preached overthrew popery, so that neither prince nor emperor did it much harm. Yet I did nothing; the word of God did all.” Again he says: “Do you not know what the devil thinks when he sees men resort to violence to propagate the gospel through the world? Seated with folded arms behind the fires of hell, Satan says with malignity and frightful grin, ‘Ah, how wise these madmen are to play my game!’ But when he sees the word running and contending alone on the field of battle, then he is troubled, and his knees knock together; he shudders and faints with fear.”

Paul arrived one day in Athens, and found, among the many altars erected for the worship of false gods, one to the “unknown God.” He did not touch one of their idol deities, but preached God as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. This truth took possession of hearts, and men renounced idolatry and embraced Christianity. This is ever God’s way of working with power among the people. When his word is disseminated, it will of itself affect hearts. Where it gains access to the heart, it is destined sooner or later to bring the mind to a crisis; and where it is received, it will change the life; for God does more by his word and Spirit alone than all the world can do by their united strength. When the word of God has free course in a community, it will vindicate itself. To-day it will affect one heart, to-morrow another, and in such a manner that dry forms and ceremonies will lose their attractions and their power to interest the soul. God lays his word upon the heart, and when the heart is taken, all is won.

Since coming to Australia, it has been our object to win hearts and secure the confidence of the people. It is for this purpose that we preach and do missionary work. A few Bible-readings have been held, and publications have been distributed. No eloquent sermons have been preached, no great demonstrations have been made; and yet the devil has been aroused within the few months that we have been here, more than by the keeping of the Sabbath for five years by some individuals in this place, who have finally given it up through discouragement. For the reading of the Scriptures has presented the gospel in its different phases, so that the word of God could have free course and be glorified.

Some sermons have been preached against us, and other efforts have been made similar to those usually put forth when men find themselves minus proof from the word of God to present to the people to quiet their consciences. One argument used has been that they already have enough different sects here in this colony. They do not need any more; therefore the people should not open their houses to any who come to teach them different views from those they have always been taught. It is dangerous to read the Bible, unless the pastor is present to explain it to them.

Those efforts to stay the progress of the truth have reminded us of the dream of the Elector of Saxony, in Luther’s time. He dreamed that he saw a monk writing something on the chapel of Wittemberg. The pen was so long that it reached to Rome, and tickled the ears of the pope, and shook the triple crown on his head. Then the pope’s partisans began to take hold of this pen, but it grew stiff until it was as stiff as iron. The greater their efforts to break it, the stronger it became, until finally they left off meddling with it. When asked wherein the strength of the pen lay, and where he obtained it, the monk replied that the pen belonged to a Bohemian goose (Huss) a hundred years old. “I had it from my old school-master,” said he. “It is so strong because no one can take the pith out of it; and I myself am quite astonished at it.” Then he saw a host of other pens begin to write matter of the same nature.

We have concluded that some of the pith that was in Luther’s pen is in the truth that is presented here in Australia. The simple efforts which have been put forth have created quite a rustle. And those who would stop the work have only caused the truth to spread. In this we rejoice. And we see the truth doing the same thing now that it did in the time of the Saviour and during the Reformation; that is, making a separation.

Those who have taken their stand on the truth were among the most influential in a large and flourishing Sunday-school, and have been among the best members in the church to which they belonged, allowing the minister to be the judge. But because they have taken their stand on what they believe to be the light of truth, they have been disfellowshipped. They have not been allowed the privilege of speaking in meeting, nor even of saying a word explanatory of their changed views.

In different communities an interest has been awakened to know what we believe and why we believe as we do. Some have come miles to visit us. They receive some of our periodicals, which are sure to kindle a fire in the vicinity where these persons live. It is these things that give us hope and courage in the work. While there are many who take no interest in the truth except to oppose it, there is another class who are more noble, and are desirous to learn what the Scriptures do teach. These cannot be stopped from investigating. And there is a nobility about a real Englishman, that, when his soul is stirred, will lead him to brave danger and withstand opposition from friends and foes.

We have now reached a time when it seems necessary to publish a paper here to meet certain positions taken. Over three hundred copies of “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” have been sold. And we have two additional canvassers, brethren who have embraced the truth here. They have canvassed but a few days, but have had apparent success.

Our courage in God is good. We need, and I trust we have, the sympathy and prayers of our friends in America.

S. N. H.