Diary, October 1892
Adelaide, Australia
October 1-30, 1892
Portions of this manuscript are copied from Ms 7 and 21, 1892, and are published in 3MR 377-378; 9MR 339-341.
Sabbath, October 1, 1892
Adelaide, South Australia,
It rained hard this morning, and I thought that I should have to remain at home. But we got ready, and by that time the rain had stopped so that we drove to the place of meeting without getting wet. I spoke from the first three verses of the fourteenth chapter of John. We had a large congregation and good attention. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 1
Sunday, October 2, 1892
Adelaide
I spoke again this morning at eleven. The congregation was large and attentive, and I had much freedom in speaking from John 14, verses 4-15. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 2
Sabbath, October 8, 1892
Adelaide
The morning was very dull. Heavy clouds covered the sky, and at seven o’clock rain began to fall. We succeeded in reaching the meeting place without a wetting and found an interested congregation. I was lifted above my infirmities and spoke with much freedom, showing the necessity of having a personal experience in the things of God. I tried to impress those present with the importance of improving the talent of voice. The voice is God’s gift to man, and by persevering effort we may learn to speak to God in prayer with clear, distinct voices. The gift of speech has been greatly perverted. Many in offering prayer speak in low, indistinct tones, covering the face with the hands, as if they were ashamed. They do not come to the throne of grace with Christlike assurance, lifting up holy hands to God without fear or doubting. Whether praying of bearing testimony, they murmur a few unintelligible words. Who is edified or encouraged or blessed by such speaking? “Ye are my witnesses,” God says [Isaiah 43:10]; but how can He be glorified by testimonies and prayers that cannot be heard by the assembly? 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 3
I entreated the believers to improve in their manner of speaking at religious services. God expects His children to show that the truth does not dwarf the mind, but enlightens and broadens and strengthens it. Connection with the Lord Jesus Christ gives solidity and power to every faculty of the mind. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 4
In the social meeting that followed the preaching service, many excellent testimonies were borne. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 5
October 9, 1892
Adelaide
I passed a very restless night, being so nervous that I could sleep but little. The weather all through the night was tempestuous, with thunder and lightning and sharp showers. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 6
This morning I spoke at eleven o’clock. My mind and heart are full of the important subject contained in the seventeenth chapter of John. As I think of the possibilities contained in the prayer of Christ for His disciples and all who should believe on Him through their word, my faith is strengthened, and I gain a higher idea of what the Christian may become by striving to answer this prayer. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 7
October 10, 1892
Adelaide
I did not rest well last night. I rose at five and wrote a letter of ten pages to my son Willie. Early in the morning, Brother Higgins brought the spring seat for our carriage. He took breakfast with us and joined us in worship. After dinner we drove to the post office to mail our letters. Elder Daniells stayed in the city to hear Mr. and Mrs. Clark, leaders in the Christian Endeavor movement, and May Walling and I drove on into a large, beautiful park. On leaving this park, we went out at another entrance, and May lost her way, and drove in an opposite direction from what she should have done. At last we reached familiar ground, and soon found our way to our cottage. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 8
We see much work to be done in Adelaide. Oh that those who believe in Christ would strive to answer His prayer. Then indeed should we be the light of the world. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 9
October 11, 1892
Adelaide
Last night I got some sleep, but the pain in my limbs makes it impossible for me to rest as much as I should. But I will not be discouraged. I will trust in Him who is my strength and my deliverer. He will be my restorer. My only hope is in Him. If I recover my health, His name shall have all the glory. I cannot walk much. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 10
I cannot bend my knees in prayer, but the Lord knows my infirmities, and He will not charge me with irreverence. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 11
Elder Tenney arrived here from Melbourne about eleven o’clock this morning. He brought me letters from Willie and manuscripts from Marian. Elder Tenney leaves tomorrow on his long journey to America to attend the General Conference. We made the most of the time while he was here, talking together till the afternoon. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 12
October 11, 1892
I am now in Adelaide. In many respects it resembles Copenhagen, but on a much smaller and less elaborate scale. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 13
We have a little cottage of six rooms all furnished, the weekly rent of which is one pound five shillings sterling. The church have kindly hired us a horse and phaeton, for which they pay a pound str. a week. We feed the horse and, as Elder Daniells is with us, he cares for him. Nearly every day I ride. We have been having considerable rain and clouds and cool weather. The inhabitants say it is generally very hot here at this season. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 14
I am glad to report to you that I am recovering my health. I am not able to kneel or to use my limbs to ascend steps or stairs. I can manage with help to climb two or three steps that are not too high; but I cannot do more than this now. I have been here two weeks today and have been strengthened by the Lord to speak to this people five times: have spoken Sabbath and Sunday forenoons. Last Sunday I spoke twice. In the morning I spoke to a good congregation and at five o’clock to our own people on missionary labor. The Lord gave me His precious blessing. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 15
Last Sabbath after the forenoon meeting we had a thunder storm and lightning which continued all night. A very mild thunder storm is considered as terrific and powerful, while we from America would think no more of it than the low rumbling of the trains. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 16
We’ve had storms and clouds most of the time since we’ve been here, and we long for sunshine. The residents say that at this season of the year it is generally quite hot and the grass begins to look gray. Now everything is in its glory. As we ride to and from the city, a distance of about two miles, the air is perfumed with orange blossoms. Wherever we go are the pleasant parks, roomy and abundant. There is much pains taken to cultivate flowers. I have never seen a city, in any country, that is laid out and planned for pleasantness and health as Adelaide. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 17
But my great burden is how are these people in North Adelaide, in East Adelaide, and the different suburbs, to be reached with the truth? The church membership is about one hundred and fifty, which is more than one half of what the membership is in Melbourne. But where are the workers? There is no minister abiding here. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 18
October 12, 1892
Adelaide
I had a very restless night, and slept but little. Last night Elder Tenney spoke to our people here. There was a good attendance, and they had a profitable meeting. This morning, before Elder Tenney left, we had a solemn season of prayer. We earnestly besought the Lord to let His blessing rest upon our brother during his long journey. Elder Tenney feels very humble and inefficient. He prayed most earnestly that the Lord would quicken his understanding, so that he might be able to discern the needs of the situation and communicate to the brethren that which it is essential for them to know, in order that they may plan for missionary work in this country, in India, and in the other places that Elder Tenney will visit on his way home. Elder Daniells and I united heartily in this prayer, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon this parting scene. We believe that God will give Elder Tenney wisdom and judgment, and that his journey will be productive of good. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 19
October 13, 1892
Adelaide
I rested and slept much better during the past night. I thank my heavenly Father for His matchless love. I can say from the heart, in sincerity and truth, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3. I need to cultivate constantly a thankful spirit, that I may appreciate the grace so freely given us, “to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Vs. 6, 7. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 20
October 14, 1892
Adelaide
My mind goes out to Elder Tenney, journeying alone to America. May the Lord bless him, is my prayer. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 21
I am not yet free from pain. At times I suffer considerably. The lower part of my spine is very painful. I try to sleep, but cannot lie in the same position for more than two hours at a time. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 22
October 15, 1892
Adelaide
Sabbath. This morning I spoke to our people from the first chapter of second Peter. The Lord blessed me in speaking, and the Spirit of God was impressing hearts during the services. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 23
October 16, 1892
Adelaide
I spoke again this morning, but every such effort causes me after-suffering. I am admonished that I must not be imprudent by overtaxing my nerves and muscles. But when I am standing before the people, holding forth the Word of life, I feel as if I were before the judgment seat of God, with those to whom I have spoken. I feel that I must leave nothing unsaid that might influence some soul to make his peace with God. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 24
Encouragement was given those present this morning that if I were able, I would attend the missionary meeting to be held in the afternoon. Before the time of meeting I was in great pain, but I decided that nevertheless I would act my part, trusting in the Lord to strengthen me. I was not disappointed. The Lord gave me freedom, and I spoke for about forty minutes, in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 25
October 17, 1892
Adelaide
I thank the Lord for His goodness and lovingkindness to me. I slept better last night, and my heart is resting and rejoicing in the love of God. I am writing many letters to go to America. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 26
October 18, 1892
Adelaide
Last night I slept well for some hours. I still suffer considerable pain in the lower part of my spine, but I can now <walk much better and can> dress and undress myself. I have sweet meditation on the love and righteousness of Christ, which He gives us, though we are wholly <undeserving.> 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 27
October 20, 1892
Adelaide
Today we took our lunch and drove into the hills. The scenery reminded me of Colorado. Everything was clothed with living green, and was very beautiful to look upon. We passed some fine homes, round which roses were blooming in great profusion. While I did not covet any of these residences, yet I thought that one could write much better in such a place than in the city. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 28
At noon we ate our lunch under a large, spreading tree, and then turned homeward. We could have driven much further, but I dared not do this, as I was becoming weary. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 29
October 22, 1892
Adelaide
I spoke to our people again today, and the Lord blessed me. The attendance was the largest that we have yet had. The people are being helped and encouraged and strengthened. I praise the Lord that He has help for us just when we most need it. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 30
October 26, 1892
Adelaide
We are busily engaged in getting our letters ready to send to America. We had promised to visit Brother and Sister Holland, and after dinner today Elder Daniells, May and I went to fill the appointment. Through the temptations of the enemy, Sister Holland has given up the truth. In this case we saw the results of unwise management. Elder Curtis has not acted the part of a faithful shepherd. He preached to the people, but there his labors ended. He allowed matters of a temporal nature to absorb the time and attention that should have been given to souls. He did not minister to the needs of sinners, and as a result, several of the church members were tempted. He did not visit the believers when they were sick. When they were absent from church, he did not inquire into the matter. For nearly a year and a half Sister Holland did not attend meetings, but Elder Curtis did not visit her. He was told of her spiritual condition, but still he made no effort to help her. Brother Holland is still a member of the church, and we hope that his wife may be restored to the fold of Christ. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 31
After a short <season of social> conversation, we all bowed in prayer, and the Lord breathed upon us His Holy Spirit. We felt the presence of God, and we greatly hope that this effort shall not be in vain. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 32
October 27, 1892
Adelaide
The American mail closed today. I sent off a large number of letters, about one hundred and fifty pages all together. The strain of writing this has been very heavy. After the letters had been sent to the post office, we all rode into the hills to see the waterfalls. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 33
October 29, 1892
Adelaide
I attended meeting and spoke from the fifteenth chapter of John. The Lord came very near by His Holy Spirit. I invited those who had no evidence of their acceptance with God to come forward, that we might unite in prayer. Many responded, and we had an excellent season of prayer. Those who had been treating the erring in an unscriptural manner made confession and asked the forgiveness of their brethren and sisters, and especially of those whom their unwise course had driven from the fold. The softening, subduing influence of the Holy Spirit was felt upon hearts. We are assured that the presence of Jesus was with us, and we are sure that this church will see better days. 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 34
October 30, 1892
Adelaide
Another restless night. I fear that I am speaking and writing too much. Since the 28th I have written 50 pages, which I sent to Melbourne today by Elder Daniells <for Fannie Bolton to prepare> for the next <month’s> mail. Elder Daniells left for Melbourne this afternoon. After he had gone, May Walling and I drove to Parkside to post some letters, and then we rode about for half an hour in a pleasant locality in full view of the mountains. On returning to the house we found several letters awaiting us, one from W. C. White, <an envelope containing copies of letters to Cap. Eldridge and J. E. White,> one from Captain Eldridge, one from Elder Curtis <from Pitcairn,> and one from Marian, my helper in my work <and Sister Ebdale.> I wrote a short letter in answer to Willie’s, and then we drove to the station to post it on the train. <It is very pleasant after the shower.> 7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 35