Experiences in Australia

Adelaide

(50) I am now in the city of Adelaide. W.C. White left Melbourne for this city, May 29; for Brother Curtis was urgent that he should consult with him in regard to the closing up of his work in this city. I followed later when a convenient location had been secured for Sister Tay, May Walling and myself, where we could spend two months of the severest winter weather. EA 16.1

Our Melbourne brethren became so concerned about my health that they were going to move us to Adelaide before W.C.W. returned from New Zealand. They almost made me feel that I must go. But I felt that I must not get anxious or worn out in planning for this move. The Lord had opened the way for us to locate in Melbourne and however I might suffer, I must be patient, and wait the unfolding of God’s plans, knowing that in His time He would make known where He would have us be. EA 16.2

I think that unless we are constantly looking to the Lord for instruction, we are in danger of getting impatient as did Saul, when Samuel did not come at the expected time. Saul began to fret about the delay, and decided to move independently of (51) Samuel. He rushed into the performance of a work that God had not given him to do. We have need to wait on the Lord, and learn what he wants of us. It will not amount to anything to make duties for ourselves, and to be full of our own schemes and plans. EA 16.3

Adelaide is a beautiful city. In many respects it resembles Copenhagen, though on a smaller and less elaborate scale. Most of the houses are detached. The streets are broad and macadamized with stone. These stones are almost white, and this is very trying to the eyes in the sunshine. Many of the houses are built with a view to keeping out the heat and sunshine as far as possible. These have a second brick wall, built about six or eight feet from the house wall, with archways in front of the doors and windows. Some of these buildings are two and three storeys high. The houses are built of brick and stone. In many of them fine taste and art is displayed in the arrangement of the different colors of brick, making them very rich in appearance. EA 16.4

Wherever we go are pleasant parks. Much pains are taken to cultivate flowers. I have never in any country seen a city where the pleasure and health of the people is planned (52) for as in Adelaide. EA 16.5

We are living two miles from the business part of Adelaide. In front of us are many acres of vacant land; and a block to the right of us is the asylum with its extensive and beautiful grounds enclosed by a high wall. We have a furnished cottage of six rooms, the weekly rent of which is one pound five shillings. The church has kindly hired us a horse and phaeton. EA 16.6

We have had storms and clouds most of the time since we have been here, and we long for the sunshine. The residents say that at this time of the year it is generally quite hot, and the grass begins to look grey. Now everything is in its glory. As we ride to and from the city, and pass the homes of the people we see the orange trees covered with blossoms, the fragrance of which fills the air. Park lands extend around the city, and are to be found in different parts of the city. Yesterday we drove into a most beautiful park. In it was cultivated the pine, fir and maple trees besides a variety of shrubs and other trees. The orange trees were there also, sending forth their fragrance nigh and afar off. EA 16.7

My great burden is how are the people of North Adelaide and East Adelaide and the different suburbs to be reached with (53) the truth. The church membership is about one hundred and fifty, which is more than one half of the membership in Melbourne. There are many excellent people here who believe and practice the truth; but they have no minister and no workers. EA 17.1

Elder Curtis used to live here and preach to the people, but he was not a shepherd of the flock. He would tell the poor sheep that he would rather be horse-whipped than visit. He neglected personal labor; therefore pastoral work was not done in the church and its borders. The deacons and elders of the church have acted wisely and worked judiciously to keep the church in order; and we find the people in a much better condition than we had expected. We are happily disappointed. But when I look over the years, and think of what might have been done, if the man entrusted with the flock had been a faithful steward of God, watching for souls as one that must give an account, my heart is made sad. Had the preacher done the work of a pastor, a much larger number would now be rejoicing in the truth. EA 17.2

I am pained at heart when I see those who claim to be Christians carry so little burden for souls. O what can I say (54) to those who are idle and careless and indifferent in regard to the work of the Master. Jesus has bought us with His own blood. Whatever may be our ability or calling, God has committed to us our individual responsibility, and to every man He has given his work. This work cannot be transferred to another. Individual effort is to be made to seek and save the lost. As he is God’s workman, he is required to become more and more efficient, by practice, better qualified to work the works of God, educated and trained in the science of spiritual husbandry. EA 17.3

There should be wise workmen in every church, workmen who seek God that they may learn the best methods of labor for the tempted and tried and erring, so as not to lose one. It is verily a plan of Satan for our churches to be so inefficient and helpless, depending upon the minister to do the work which they should do, and which they must do if ever they hear from the lips of Christ the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” EA 17.4

(55) My health is recovering. I have been strengthened by the Lord to speak to the people five times. I was able to speak the first Sabbath after reaching Melbourne and I felt more natural than I have at any time since I was first afflicted. The Lord blessed me as I spoke from the first four verses of John 14. I spoke again on Sunday on the same subject. On this day there was a fair congregation, and I had much freedom in speaking. One man who is studying for the ministry was present, and he said he enjoyed the meeting much. “Why,” said he, “how could I help but enjoy such preaching as that.” Another man, a great critic, living in the same house with one of our sisters, said that he was going to the meeting to take notes, and would pick Mrs. White all to pieces. After the meeting this sister told me that he sat through the meeting with his eyes fastened upon me, and did not use his pencil once. EA 17.5

An excellent social meeting followed my discourse. Then I spoke a few words in regard to the human voice,—the rich gift of God to us—, and begged them not to belittle God’s gift, but to speak clearly and distinctly as God meant they should when he blessed them with tongues and with utterance. “Ye are my witnesses,” saith the Lord. Communicate to others the treasures of grace and truth you have received. Elder Daniells declared this the best social meeting he had attended in the (56) colonies. EA 18.1

The following Sunday I spoke again to a good congregation. The power of God was manifested in our midst; many hearts were deeply moved, and tears were shed. I knew this was not because of any power that was in me; but that the Lord Himself was in the assembly. It was the Holy Spirit’s power upon human hearts, and I praise the Lord for His mercy, His compassion to the children of men. When speaking to others of the love and compassion of God, my own soul is comforted and refreshed. When I see the glow of intelligence upon countenances, my own soul glows with love to God. EA 18.2

I was not well on that day; infirmities more severe than usual had pressed upon me Sabbath and Sunday. After I had spoken an hour and twenty minutes, Elder Daniells asked if I would speak in their missionary meeting at five p.m. that day. I felt so strengthened that I said I would. We rode home two miles to dinner. While at home a severe illness came upon me. I was cramped and suffered much pain. It seemed as if I had been poisoned, and this was really the case. On the journey from Melbourne to Adelaide, I had a sleeper; but in the compartment next to mine there was smoking going on. The poisonous odor (57) could not be excluded from my compartment, as the entrance door was made of lattice work, and the transom of wire… I endured it until my heart’s action was much increased, and I felt as though tight bands were drawn around my head; then we spoke to the guard. He told the smokers that they were breaking rules, and pointed to the framed notices hanging in the car; but as soon as the guard’s back was turned, the men smoked as vigorously as before. A second time they were spoken to, but with no better results. Then May pled with them, telling them of my condition; but even this did no good. So I had to submit; though the air was heavy with the poisonous odor. That night I could not sleep; a burning fever came upon me. My head throbbed with pain, and my temples and eyes pained me. EA 18.3

I have no doubt but that the tobacco caused me all that suffering that I endured on that trying Sunday afternoon. I thought I could not attend the second meeting that day. But after further reflection I decided to go rather than disappoint the people. We found a goodly number present. I spoke for fifty minutes on what it meant to be a child of God, showing that it meant to be a true missionary in every sense of the word. (58) As I spoke the blessing of the Lord rested upon me, and all present seemed to be blessed. They drank in every word, as if thirsting for light and knowledge. I was glad that I did not disappoint them. EA 18.4

As soon as my duty was done I left, and May drove home to our cottage. That night she gave me treatment, and wrapping me in blankets put me to bed, where I sweat freely. Since that I have been much better. EA 18.5