Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)

Recognized the Printing Presses

The newcomers were taken to the printing office below the hall. As they entered the pressroom Ellen White recognized the presses as those shown to her in the vision of January 3, 1875. She declared, “I have seen these presses before,” and continued, “I have seen this place before. I have seen these persons, and I know the conditions existing among the workers in this department. There is a lack of unity here, a lack of harmony.”—DF 105j, WCW, “A Comprehensive Vision.” She had a message for the foreman working there. But she would have more of that to say and write later. 4BIO 22.5

G. C. Tenney, president of the conference, writing for the Review and Herald in anticipation of Ellen White's visit to Australia, had declared: 4BIO 23.1

I need hardly say that this event is anticipated by us all with great interest. I believe it is most opportune. The position that Sister White and her work occupy in connection with our cause renders it imperative that our people should become personally acquainted with her, so far as possible. 4BIO 23.2

The evidences, from a Bible standpoint, of the authenticity of the work of the Spirit of Prophecy in connection with the last church are all-sufficient, but a closer acquaintance with the work of Sister White seems to be demanded, in order to satisfy the honest inquirer that it fills the requirements of God's Word.—The Review and Herald, November 17, 1891. 4BIO 23.3

Now it was taking place. Ellen White was with them, worshiping and ministering in their midst. 4BIO 23.4

On the next Thursday evening, December 24, the fourth annual session of the Australian Seventh-day Adventist Conference opened in Federal Hall. About one hundred people were present, representing the several churches in Australia. Since the next day was Christmas, Mrs. White delivered an appropriate message on “the birth and mission of Christ, illustrating the love of God and showing the propriety of making gifts of gratitude, as did those who brought their gifts to Jesus, rather than to waste means in useless gratification” (The Bible Echo, January 1, 1892). 4BIO 23.5

Federal Hall was too small for the Sabbath-morning service, so Ellen White spoke in a larger hall. She was led to comment, “When they understand I am to speak, they have large numbers present.”—Manuscript 45, 1891. For the Sunday-night meeting, the nearby Fitzroy Town Hall was secured; there she spoke on the plan of salvation and the love of God for fallen man to an audience that sat attentively for an hour and a half. 4BIO 23.6

In her diary she wrote: 4BIO 24.1

I was not well December 26 and December 27 [Sabbath and Sunday]. I had strong symptoms of malaria. I could eat but little through the day and had quite a fever, but the Lord strengthened me when [I was] before the people.—Ibid.

She little realized the ominous nature of the situation, for this was the onset of a prolonged and painful illness that was to affect her ministry in Australia materially. 4BIO 24.2