The Work in Australia by E. J. Burnham

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 11, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 43.

The Work in Australia.

By E. J. Burnham

ADELAIDE, SEPTEMBER 2, 1886.—I came to this place August 28, by a two days' voyage on a steamer. It is the prettiest city I have visited in Australia. The streets are wide and nicely laid out. The city is ornamented in every part with fine parks laid out in public walks, and set with tropical evergreens. Oranges and lemons grow in the gardens, and flowers bloom in great profusion. The city itself, with its numerous suburbs, nestles under a range of low mountains that at present are resplendent with living green. But, alas! the beauty of this place, like every one of earth, is as a fading flower. For two years past everything here has been dried up by continual drought, and now it smiles because of the late abundant rains. Hundreds of houses are now empty in the city because of the great number who have left the colony in the last six months. And still they go away by every steamer leaving the port. There is little or no work here for any one, and of course everything is in a depressed condition. I have engaged the town hall of one of the largest suburbs, Norwood, at nearly $3.00 per night for the first week, after that about $2.50 a night, and have advertised to commence meetings next Sunday night, September 5.

SEPTEMBER 28.—Our meetings commenced September 5, as appointed, in the town hall with a moderate attendance. But the audience has not varied much except Sunday nights, when we have had 200 or more present. One week ago Sunday night we created some sensation by showing the people that they were keeping the wrong day for the Sabbath; but we had prepared the way so carefully, and fortified them beforehand so fully against objections, that all we had to do was to recall to their minds what they had cordially assented to, to convince many of the truth. It made some consternation, and threw many into deep trouble because of their conscientiousness. Some have told me they never were in such mental agony in their lives. And yet a few are venturing to take their stand on the truth. After presenting the truth through the week, we ventured to appoint a Sabbath meeting, and about forty attended. After a discourse on the love of God, I presented the covenant, and was gratified to obtain seventeen signatures. Many others were deeply affected, and were half inclined to give in their names. Later two more did so. There are some noble young men interested that I pray may accept the truth.

I hope to have the sustaining grace of our heavenly Father while laboring in this country, and live to his glory. We beg to be still remembered by all old friends.

J. O. CORLISS.

N. Fitzroy, Victoria.

MELBOURNE.—Sabbath, October 2, this church held their third quarterly meeting. Elder Israel was present to conduct the exercises. There was a good attendance. Nearly all were present to respond to their names, or were necessarily absent, and had friends to speak for them. Seven united with the church, four of them by baptism. Four were present from the newly organized church at Ballarat. We had a very interesting meeting. It is a pleasure to hear these brethren and sisters speak of their joy and gratitude, and to see what love they manifest for the truth, what enthusiasm in its behalf.

The Melbourne church now numbers ninety-six members, and others are coming in. It is made up of an industrious, intelligent, substantial class of persons, such as would be the strength of any cause. And in some respects they set an example worthy of imitation by our American churches. The church at Ballarat is of the same character.

There are not quite a hundred names enrolled as members of the Melbourne Sabbath-school; but the average attendance is good, and a great deal of interest is taken in the lessons.

Sunday afternoon a tract-society meeting was held. About half of the members reported. Elder M. C. Israel, the president of the society, made some interesting remarks on the importance of the missionary work and of right methods of labor. A number of letters were read, and several of the members related interesting incidents of their missionary work. At first it was a matter of great surprise to these brethren and sisters that the good people in the churches, and especially the ministers in whom they had such confidence, did not see plain Bible truth, and accept it gladly. This feeling is beginning to wear away now; but their courage is still good. They let their light shine on all suitable occasions, and good results from their efforts.

In Ballarat there is now a church of twenty-one members, and there is a prospect that others will unite with them soon. A Sabbath-school and a tract society have been organized. Brother Israel was with them Sabbath and Sunday, September 25 and 26. This was their first quarterly meeting, and the brethren and sisters evidently enjoyed it.

Brother Israel has been holding Bible-readings at Majorca, a little town about forty miles from Ballarat. The interest is good, and he confidently expects to raise up a church there.

Elder Corliss has been in Adelaide about six weeks. Some have signed the covenant, and many others are interested, and convinced that the seventh day is the Bible Sabbath. But the times are very hard there; and in not a few cases if persons follow their convictions of duty they will be thrown out of employment, with no prospect of finding anything else to do. As a consequence, it is hard for them to decide.

We are all of good courage, and believe that the Lord is leading in the work in Australia.

Melbourne, October 5. E. J. BURNHAM.