The Work in Australia by E. J. Burnham

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 9, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 47.

The Work in Australia.

By E. J. Burnham

SINCE the quarterly meeting, the work in Melbourne has seemed to receive a new impetus. Two tract-society meetings are held each week: one at Prahran in connection with the Sunday afternoon Bible-readings conducted by Brother Scott, and one in North Fitzroy in connection with the Wednesday evening prayer-meeting. A large proportion of the church-members have undertaken to dispose of a certain number of papers each week, either selling or loaning them. In this way a large number of papers is used, the truth is brought before many minds, and the workers receive the fulfillment of the promise, "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Our prayer-meetings were excellent before; but there has been a larger attendance, and new interest and life, since this movement commenced.

Elder M. C. Israel was with us last Sabbath, and conducted an interesting Bible-reading. Some church matters also received attention.

The next day we had a Sabbath-school picnic. A ride on the cars of about an hour brought us to Mentone, and from there it was but a short walk to the beach, where the picnic was held. The exercises were very enjoyable. Short speeches were made by Brother Scott, the superintendent, by Brother Israel, and by Brother Shepard, one of the Australian Sabbath-keepers, and two interesting recitations were given. Music was liberally interspersed, the singers being accompanied by an organ and other instruments. After dinner the time was given up to recreation until about half past five, when we came together for a little more music. Then followed a short walk through pleasant fields back to the station, and we returned to Melbourne with pleasant memories of our picnic at Mentone by the sea.

The church at Ballarat is rapidly developing into an active, working church. The members not only distribute reading matter, but they go out and hold Bible-readings also. Several are engaging in the canvassing work. One man who belongs to the Salvation Army is canvassing for one of Dr. Kellogg's works. The church at Ballarat, like that in Melbourne, takes a great interest in Sister White's writings. In several families selections from the Testimonies are read at the hour of family worship.

At Majorca, where Brother Israel has spent some time since the quarterly meetings, two have commenced to keep the Sabbath.

Brethren Arnold and Wainman are now canvassing in Tasmania. They report good success.

Thirty-five have signed the covenant in Adelaide, and others are keeping the Sabbath. The extremely stormy weather that we had about a week ago interfered with the tent-meetings to some extent; but the weather is excellent now, and Elder Corliss reports that the work goes on smoothly, and the Lord blesses.

E. J. BURNHAM. Melbourne, Nov. 3.