Kellogg, H. W.
“Norfolk Villa,” Granville, New South Wales, Australia
November 4, 1894
Portions of this letter are published in 4Bio 170-171.
H. W. Kellogg
Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Michigan
Dear Brother,
Last evening I left the campground, and am again at home in Granville. There are several churches a few miles from this place, and as it is impossible to furnish them continuously with a preacher, I am making an effort to get the Review and Herald and other of our publications into the homes of several who could be greatly benefited by reading them. I wish you to send the Review and Herald, the Sabbath School Worker, and the Youth’s Instructor to Henry C. Thomson, Blacktown, N.S.W., Australia. This brother is leader of the church at Prospect, eight miles from Parramatta. I am anxious that these new churches shall receive all the help possible. I have given my books, Patriarchs and Prophets, Steps to Christ, and Great Controversy, to many who do not have them. These people are too poor to pay for the papers, let them be charged to me, but do not fail to send them, for even if you do this as quickly as possible, it will take a long time for them to reach this country. 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 1
We feel so grateful to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us during the camp meeting. The services on Sabbath, Wednesday, and Sunday afternoons were attended by crowds of citizens from the surrounding suburbs. Elder Corliss has done nobly. The blessing of the Lord came into the ministers’ meeting, and there was the deep movings of the Spirit of God. I bore a decided testimony in regard to the coldness and the indifference manifested toward our brethren and sisters, especially among the ministers. There was a breaking up of the fallow ground of the heart, ministers confessed with tears; brother clasped the hand of brother, and confessed heartily. The Holy Spirit witnessed to the words spoken, and during this meeting the ministers have all worked together harmoniously. Since that precious meeting, the blessing of God has rested upon the speakers and upon the people. 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 2
Our camp was located in one of the most beautiful and healthful suburbs of Sydney. It seems as if this place was especially prepared to make this meeting pleasant, with many trees and a nice cottage. The whole community were amazed at the sight of the cotton village, arranged in so orderly a manner, and the tents so neatly fitted up. This camp meeting has been the best advertisement of our faith that we could have. The people have come from far and near. All with whom our brethren had to do business were disposed to be kind and accommodating. At first we feared trouble from the larrikins (hoodlums), for the large tent was close to the street—a by-street just off the thoroughfare to Sydney. But they attempted to make a disturbance only two or three times. 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 3
At the last public service, on Sunday night, the sight was one long to be remembered. The night was beautiful, the walls of the tent were raised, and extra seats were placed around the outside. Many were thus accommodated with seats, yet a large crowd was left standing. Elder Corliss preached upon the glorious appearing of our Lord, and it was just the discourse for the occasion. The Spirit and power of God were manifested through the human agent. At times the whole crowd were held as if spellbound. Certainly many have had an opportunity of hearing things strange to them. The truth fell upon their ears as a new revelation. Yet those were old truths that were placed before them with a freshness and power the hearers had never known before. “The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.” [1 John 2:7.] 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 4
Monday morning was the parting meeting; it was a precious season. O my heart is so thankful for the blessed results of this meeting! The seed sown will spring up and bear fruit that will be as far-reaching as eternity. We praise God with heart and soul and voice. 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 5
Last Friday the Baptists, of their own accord, offered our ministers the use of the baptistry of their church, and they wished to have a discourse preached upon baptism to their church members. The favor was accepted, and sixteen believers went forward in baptism. The Baptists say it was the most perfectly conducted service they ever witnessed. 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 6
All this is preparing the way for the work in Sydney. The tent is to be pitched on a high site in one of the best localities of Summer Hill, a mile from where it now stands. We have the use of the ground [and] material furnished for fencing; the work to be done by our people. This is very favorable. 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 7
The plan now is to labor in that locality one or two months as the interest demands, and then move to another suburb, and finally into Sydney itself. This will give opportunity for many to hear from the different communities. I shall help when I can, and when it is really essential. During the camp meeting I was most wonderfully sustained. I spoke eight times to large congregations, and in nearly all the morning meetings, and I was strengthened and blessed in a wonderful manner. Yet now that the meeting has closed I find myself much exhausted. 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 8
Tuesday, November 6
I was up before three this morning. The day light is now fast coming on. I feel rested, and the peace and love of God are in my heart. Now is the time when we must keep our own souls in the love of God, keep the door of the heart closed against temptation, and open to Jesus, the heavenly Guest. 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 9
There is need now of the most efficient kind of labor to be done from house to house. The popular ministers will not let our work go forward and they remain silent. The wisdom of God is needed now. “Lo, I send ye forth,” said Christ, “as lambs among wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” [Luke 10:3; Matthew 10:16.] We want to be able to say as did Paul, “Whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” [Colossians 1:28.] God requires that His stewards be found faithful. We want to meet many precious souls in the kingdom, presenting them to Christ as trophies of the power of the Saviour’s love. In much love to you and yours. 9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 10