p. 9 | The Missionary by E. J. Burnham

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 6, 1888

The Missionary.

By E. J. Burnham

THE AUSTRALIAN FIELD.

FOR the last two months the work here has been moving forward very encouragingly. A good work has been done at Wychitella, where Elder M. C. Israel held meetings about three weeks in September and October. One of the brethren at Ballarat went to Wychitella to canvass for "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation;" and, seeing that a good interest had been awakened, he called on Brother Israel to go and carry on the work. The time thus employed was well spent, as ten good, substantial persons took a stand on all points of the truth.

Brother Israel has recently spent a few days in Ballarat. He went there to hold a few meetings with the church, to strengthen and encourage the brethren and sisters; but the interest was so good that he stayed longer than he intended. Some who had given up the truth came back, and a few signed the covenant for the first time. Brother Israel held three Bible-readings with one gentleman who has been in the Government employ, and has retired on a pension. The first was on the Saints' Inheritance; the second on the coming of the Lord and kindred themes, awakening an interest in the state of the dead; and the third on the nature of man. The gentleman accepted it all as truth, and is still interested and investigating. He gave Brother Israel ten shillings ($2.50) at parting.

There has been from the first an excellent interest in the tent-meetings in Melbourne. Elder Curtis has presented the truth in a clear and forcible manner. The congregations have been very good; and the people, Bible in hand, have listened with marked attention. The covenant has not been presented as yet; but nine or ten have taken a stand on the Sabbath, and many more are interested, and are on the point of deciding either for or against the truth. It costs more here than it does in America to decide between the present life and that which is future and immortal. May God help them to choose the better part.

The work in the office, too, has been increasing. For some time past there has been, in some departments, at least, just about as much as could be done with the number of hands employed at present, and the prospect is good for the future.

Quite an effort has been made to increase the circulation of the Echo by canvassing for it from house to house, and selling single copies where subscriptions could not be obtained. Several of the sisters have developed quite a talent for this work. One of them sold one hundred and twenty copies of the November number, and in one instance sold thirty copies in a day. In this way many have had their attention called to the truth, and much good has been done.

Our courage is good. Will the brethren and sisters in America pray that the blessing of the Lord may continue to rest on the work here.

E. J. BURNHAM.

Melbourne, November 29, 1887.