NEW ZEALAND by A. G. Daniells

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 3, 1887

NEW ZEALAND.

By A. G. Daniells

At the time of our last report, we had just got our tent up and held a few services; but it was not yet known how the people would look upon tent-meetings, or whether they would attend. As soon as the excitement of the holidays subsided, we began advertising through the daily papers. The attendance began to increase at once, and at the second Sunday evening service, the tent which holds three hundred was crowded, and at least one hundred stood around the out side. Since then, the tent has been well filled with interested hearers, and there have been from four to five hundred in attendance each Sunday night. The Sabbath question caused quite a stir, and of course some left us; but others have taken their places.

The people here do not seem so fearful of new points of faith as some communities do in America. On the other hand, they have a spirit of inquiry. As an illustration of this I will relate an interesting incident, which occurred soon after I came here. When we came from Kaeo there were about twenty Maoris on the steamer. At 7 P. M. they all assembled for religious service. Brother Hare and I attended, and were requested to do some singing for them. This gathered the majority of the white people around us, who, as soon as they learned that I was a minister of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, requested me to preach a sermon on the Sabbath question.

Of course I consented, and we all repaired at once to the social hall. The audience consisted of the captain of the vessel, two ministers of the Church of England, one of whom was an archdeacon, three school teachers, the private secretary of the Bishop of the Church of England, several traveling salesmen, the Maoris, and other passengers.

After speaking about an hour, setting forth some of the reasons why we keep the seventh day, I had, according to a custom of this country, to allow the audience to ask any questions, relating to the subject, they saw fit. As might be expected, the ministers turned their batteries on me with considerable energy. However, a kindly feeling prevailed, and after nearly an hour's discussion, we separated.

This is a sample of the spirit of inquiry manifested by the majority whom I have met. And because of this spirit a new subject is sure to call out a good audience. But a wrong impression might obtain, should I fail to add that the people do not believe all they hear, nor are they in any hurry to practically accept new views if they involve cross-bearing. In this they are as considerate as other people.

As an evidence of their willingness to investigate our views, I refer to the fact that during the month just passed, we have sold from our book stand in the tent over $60 worth of books, pamphlets, and tracts. We have reason to believe that these works are quite carefully examined. To us this is encouraging. The people are much pleased with our method of holding Bible readings in families. This is entirely new to the majority of the people here. My wife has many more openings for readings than she can fill. It seems evident, that a city mission must be established here as soon as possible. Sister Judith Hare is with us, learning the work, and we expect her sister will join with us ere long. Our great anxiety now is that God will help us to establish a good church in this place. To this end we desire the prayers of the people of God.

A. G. DANIELLS. Auckland, Jan. 31, 1887.