Labors in New Zealand.
Palmerston.
(413a) After the close of the camp-meeting in Napier, we decided to visit Wellington, and also spend a few days at Palmerston to labor for a little company of Sabbath keepers there who were pleading for help.EA 73.1
Palmerston is about five hours’ ride from Napier. For two or three hours after leaving Napier, we passed over rich farming country, dotted with small towns. In a few of these some labor had been bestowed, and there were a few families of Sabbath-keepers. Further on the country was newer. It was quite level and heavily timbered, and the large fertile pastures, full of stumps and half-burned logs, reminded us of the newer portions of Michigan, Canada, and New York State.EA 73.2
Palmerston is a prosperous town of 6000 inhabitants. It is a railroad center, and the principal town is in a large and fertile district. Four years before our visit, a series of meetings was held here by Elder Robert Hare; but the population had doubled in that time, and another continuous and persevering (413b) effort was called for. During our short visit very little could be done to encourage and counsel the small company of believers.EA 73.3
Up to this time I had given three months of labor to New Zealand, traveling 2500 miles by sea and land. Through this time the Lord had strengthened me for labor. Although infirmities were still my companions by night and day, the Lord gave grace to bear them. Sometimes when I felt unable to fill my appointments, I would say, In faith I will place myself in position, and stand upon my feet; and when I have done this, strength was given me to rise above my infirmities, and to bear the message the Lord had given me for the people.EA 73.4
During this time I gained in health and strength, for which I render thanksgiving and praise to God. “Blessed be the Lord because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving health of his anointed.” “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall maker her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”EA 73.5