〉 Chapter 49—Across the Pacific
Chapter 49—Across the Pacific
In his reports and addresses to the General Conference of 1891, Elder S. N. Haskell made very earnest appeals for laborers to be sent to distant lands that he had recently visited; and he was especially urgent that provision be made for the establishment in Australia of a training school for Christian workers. He was profoundly impressed with the importance of having the young people in each great division of the world, trained in their own land for service as colporteurs, teachers, and preachers. He pleaded that teachers be chosen to open a school in Australasia; and also that Mrs. Ellen G. White and her son, W. C. White, spend some time in that field. (LS 331.1)
Action was taken by the Mission Board, immediately after the Conference, inviting them to go in the autumn. This would bring them to the new field of labor in Australia’s summer. The steamer sailing in October was found to be overcrowded, and the departure from San Francisco was delayed till the sailing of the Alameda, November 12. (LS 331.2)
Elder and Mrs. Geo. B. Starr, who had been selected to act a part in the proposed Australian school, had gone in advance to the Hawaiian Islands, where they spent seven busy weeks before the arrival of the Alameda. The other members of the party were W. C. White, Mary A. Davis, May Walling, Fannie Bolton, and Emily Campbell. (LS 331.3)
The Voyage
The weather during most of the twenty-five days of the voyage was good. (LS 331.4)
At Honolulu the ship remained nineteen hours—and what enjoyable hours they were! Here the party were met by several of the brethren and sisters, were shown the beauties of the place, and were given a feast at the home of Sister Kerr. Meanwhile, notices were circulated, and in the evening Mrs. White spoke to a large audience in the hall of the Young Men’s Christian Association. (LS 332.1)
On her sixty-fourth birthday, one day before the ship reached Samoa, Mrs. White wrote: (LS 332.2)
“As I contemplate the past year, I am filled with gratitude to God for His preserving care and loving-kindness. We are living in a perilous time, when all our powers must be consecrated to God. We are to follow Christ in His humiliation, His self-denial, His suffering. We owe everything to Jesus, and renewedly I consecrate myself to His service, to lift Him up before the people, to proclaim His matchless love.” (LS 332.3)
About noon, December 3, the Alameda tied up to the Auckland wharf. Very soon a number of representative members of the Auckland church were on board, welcoming the party to New Zealand. All were invited to the home of Brother Edward Hare. During dinner many incidents of Elder Haskell’s first visit were related. In the afternoon an inspection was made of the city and its beautiful suburbs. In the evening, in the first Seventh-day Adventist meetinghouse built south of the equator, Mrs. White spoke to an eager congregation, on the love of Jesus. (LS 332.4)
Early next morning the Alameda proceeded on her way, and entered Sydney harbor at 7 A.M., December 8. Elder and Mrs. A. G. Daniells were waiting at the wharf. During the week spent at their home Mrs. White spoke twice to the Sydney church. (LS 332.5)
December 16, the party reached Melbourne, and were given a most hearty welcome by Elder Geo. C. Tenney and his associates in the publishing house. In anticipation of Mrs. White’s arrival, Elder Tenney had vacated his new house, and insisted that she and her helpers walk in and make themselves at home. (LS 333.1)
The Australian Conference Meeting
It was only a week till the time of the opening of the Australian Conference, which was to be held in Federal Hall, North Fitzroy, Melbourne, beginning December 24. There were in regular attendance about one hundred representatives from the companies of Sabbath keepers in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and New South Wales. (LS 333.2)
At that time there were about four hundred and fifty Sabbath keepers in all Australia and Tasmania. At the capital of each of the colonies entered, a church had been established; and it was in these leading cities that the bulk of the membership was located. (LS 333.3)
During the Conference, much thought was given to the question as to how the message should be carried to all parts of the great Australian continent by the handful of believers upon whom rested the responsibility of holding up the light of the message. Thousands of truth-filled books had been placed in the homes of the people by faithful colporteurs, and plans were now laid for the employment of Bible workers to follow up the interests awakened by the reading of these books. (LS 333.4)
Consideration of School Interests
The majority of those who had embraced the truth in Australia, were tradesmen living in the cities. As their children reached the age when they must leave the public schools and prepare to assist in the support of the family, it was found, because of their observance of the Sabbath, exceedingly difficult for them to secure employment or to learn trades. (LS 333.5)
Some desired that their children should be trained to become laborers in the cause. But how could this be accomplished? The colonies were passing through a severe financial depression; and many of the Sabbath keepers, with thousands of others, were greatly perplexed and overtaxed with the work of supplying their families with the necessities of life. Then how could they, at such a time, enter upon the expensive enterprise of establishing and supporting a denominational training school? (LS 334.1)
The canvassers pleaded that the school be organized without delay. Many of them had been thrown upon their own resources in early life, with but little school education; and their work among the people had led them to feel that they must have opportunity to fit themselves for more efficient service. These urged that if a school was not established soon in Australia, they would be obliged to bear the great expense of going to America to get the education necessary for the best success in their work. They also said that while a few of them might be able to do this, there were scores who might attend a school in Australia, but who could not go to the schools across the sea. (LS 334.2)
The Conference appointed a committee to outline plans, and another committee to study the question of location; and it authorized the holding of a worker’s training school while waiting for the selection of a site and the erection of buildings. (LS 334.3)
Sickness, and Change of Plans
It had been planned that Mrs. White, with her son and Elders Daniells and Starr, should attend the New Zealand Conference, to be held in April, 1892; but shortly after the close of the Melbourne meeting, she suffered a severe attack of neuritis. When it became evident that she could not attend the New Zealand meeting, she rented a roomy cottage in Preston, a northern suburb of Melbourne, and said that she would do what she could to complete her long promised work on the life of Christ. (LS 335.1)
From time to time, when the weather was favorable, Mrs. White spoke at the Sabbath meetings of the Melbourne church. Sometimes, when unable to ascend the stairs leading up to Federal Hall, she was carried to the platform; and on two or three occasions, when unable to stand, she spoke while sitting in an easy-chair. (LS 335.2)
The Opening of the Australasian Bible School
During the winter of 1892, Mrs. White watched with eager interest the efforts that were made for the opening of the proposed school. In April, she pleaded with the brethren in responsibility in America to recognize the possibilities of the future, and provide facilities for the training of a large force of workers who could advance into unentered territory. “O, what a vast number of people have never been warned!” she wrote. “Is it right that such a superabundance of opportunities and privileges should be provided for the work in America, while there is such a destitution of the right kind of workers here in this field? Where are God’s missionaries?” (LS 335.3)
“Our field is the world,” she urged. “The Saviour directed the disciples to begin their work in Jerusalem, and then pass on through Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Only a small proportion of the people accepted the doctrines; but the messengers bore the message rapidly from place to place, passing from country to country, lifting the standard of the gospel in all the near and far-off places of the earth.” (LS 336.1)
In June, the committee having the matter in charge announced that on St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, two large houses in George’s Terrace had been rented for the school. (LS 336.2)
Early in August, Elder and Mrs. L. J. Rousseau arrived from America, and on August 24 a term of sixteen weeks was begun. The teachers were Elder Rousseau, principal; Elder Starr, Bible; W. L. H. Baker and Mrs. Rousseau, assistants in common branches; Mrs. Starr, matron. Soon twenty-four students were in attendance. Nearly all were adults. Twelve had been canvassers or were preparing for that work. Half of the remaining twelve had been laborers in some other line of Christian service. (LS 336.3)
On the opening day, short addresses were made by Elders Daniells, Tenney, Starr, White, and Rousseau; also by Mrs. White, who in the course of her remarks outlined with clearness the broad scope of a denominational training school, and the vital relation that it sustains to the task of finishing the work of God in the earth without delay. But her special burden seemed to be to impress upon the minds of teachers and students the fact that God by His providence is opening country after country to the heralds of the cross, and that in these lands of gospel opportunity the honest in heart are groping eagerly after the light of saving truth. (LS 336.4)
“The plans and work of men,” she said, “are not keeping pace with the providence of God; for while some in these countries who claim to believe the truth declare by their attitude, ‘We want not Thy way, O Lord, but our own way,’ there are many who are pleading with God that they may understand what is truth. In secret places they are weeping and praying that they may see light in the Scriptures, and the Lord of heaven has commissioned His angels to cooperate with human agencies in carrying forward His vast design, that all who desire life may behold the glory of God.” (LS 337.1)
“We are to follow where God’s providence opens the way,” the speaker continued; “and as we advance, we shall find that Heaven has moved before us, enlarging the field for labor far beyond the proportion of our means and ability to supply. The great want of the field open before us, should appeal to all to whom God has entrusted means or ability, that they may devote themselves and their all to God.” (LS 337.2)
Nor were those who should receive a training, to be limited in their missionary endeavors by racial or national barriers. Wherever they labored, their efforts were to be crowned with speedy triumph. “The purpose and ends to be attained by consecrated missionaries,” Mrs. White declared, “are very comprehensive. The field for missionary operation is not limited by caste or nationality. The field is the world, and the light of truth is to go to all the dark places of the earth in a much shorter time than many think possible.” —Bible Echo, Supplement, September 1, 1892. (LS 337.3)
It was on this same occasion of the opening of the Australasian Bible School, which afterward developed into the Australasian Missionary College, that Mrs. White said: (LS 338.1)
“The missionary work in Australia and New Zealand is yet in its infancy, but the same work must be accomplished in Australia, New Zealand, in Africa, India, China, and the islands of the sea, as has been accomplished in the home field.” —Bible Echo, Supplement, September 1, 1892. (LS 338.2)
Encompassed by Infirmities
The suffering from neuritis which began in January, continued till the following November. Very faithful and vigorous treatment for checking the disease was given her by her nurse and secretaries; but during the winter months the ailment made steady advance. Still she continued her writing. Propped up in bed, she wrote letters to friends, testimonies to leading workers in the cause, and many chapters for “The Desire of Ages.” (LS 338.3)
As spring approached, there was some improvement; and in October she decided to try the drier climate of Adelaide, South Australia. There she spent six weeks, with beneficial results. (LS 338.4)
A Review of Experience
In a letter written from Melbourne December 23, 1892, to the brethren assembled in General Conference, Mrs. White reviewed her experience during this long sickness, as follows: (LS 338.5)
“I am rejoiced to report to you the goodness, the mercy, and the blessing of the Lord bestowed upon me. I am still compassed with infirmities, but I am improving. The great Restorer is working in my behalf, and I praise His holy name. My limbs are gaining in strength, and although I suffer pain, it is not nearly as severe as it has been during the past ten months. I am now so far restored that by taking hold of the balusters I can walk up and down stairs without assistance. All through my long affliction I have been most signally blessed of God. In the most severe conflicts with intense pain, I realized the assurance, ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’ At times when it seemed that I could not endure the pain, when unable to sleep, I looked to Jesus by faith, and His presence was with me, every shade of darkness rolled away, a hollowed light enshrouded me, the very room was filled with the light of His divine presence.” (LS 338.6)
“I have felt that I could welcome suffering if this precious grace was to accompany it. I knew the Lord is good and gracious and full of mercy and compassion and tender, pitying love. In my helplessness and suffering, His praise has filled my soul and has been upon my lips. My meditation has been so comforting and so strengthening as I have thought how much worse condition I should be in without the sustaining grace of God. My eyesight is continued to me, my memory has been preserved, and my mind has never been more clear and active in seeing the beauty and preciousness of truth.” (LS 339.1)
“What rich blessings are there! With the psalmist I could say: ‘How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.’ Psalm 139:17, 18. These last words express my feelings and experience. When I awake, the first thought and expression of my heart is: ‘Praise the Lord! I love Thee, O Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee! Precious Saviour, Thou hast bought me with the price of Thine own blood. Thou hast considered me of value, or Thou wouldst not have paid an infinite price for my salvation. Thou, my Redeemer, hast given Thy life for me, and Thou shalt not have died for me in vain.’ ...” (LS 339.2)
“Since the first few weeks of my affliction, I have had no doubts in regard to my duty in coming to this distant field; and more than this, my confidence in my heavenly Father’s plan in my affliction has been greatly increased. I cannot now see all the purpose of God, but I am confident it was a part of His plan that I should be thus afflicted, and I am content and perfectly at ease in the matter. With the writings that shall go in this mail, I have since leaving America written twenty hundred pages of letter paper. I could not have done all this writing if the Lord had not strengthened and blessed me in large measure. Never once has that right hand failed me. My arm and shoulder have been full of suffering, hard to bear, but the hand has been able to hold the pen and trace words that have come to me from the Spirit of the Lord.” (LS 340.1)
“I have had a most precious experience, and I testify to my fellow laborers in the cause of God, ‘The Lord is good, and greatly to be praised.’ —General Conference Daily Bulletin, February 27, 1893. (LS 340.2)
The Australian Conference of January, 1893
The fifth session of the Australian Conference was held in North Fitzroy, Melbourne, January 6-15, 1893. During this meeting Mrs. White spoke seven times, on themes relating to practical godliness. (LS 340.3)
One day she reviewed the rise and progress of the denominational publishing work. She urged that the brethren in Australia put forth their best efforts to develop into strong laborers in this and every other line of Christian endeavor. (LS 341.1)
Labors in New Zealand
At the close of the Australian Conference, Mrs. White decided to undertake the long deferred visit to New Zealand. She was accompanied by Emily Campbell, who assisted her both as secretary and as nurse. Her son, W. C. White, and Elder and Mrs. Starr were also with her during much of the time. (LS 341.2)
Arriving in Auckland February 8, they were met by Elder M. C. Israel, and conducted to a furnished cottage which the Auckland church had placed at their disposal. (LS 341.3)
During the twelve days spent in earnest labor for the Auckland church, Mrs. White spoke eight times. After this she spent three weeks with the brethren and sisters in Kaeo, the oldest Seventh-day Adventist church in New Zealand. Here she found a number of promising young people, for whom she labored earnestly. (LS 341.4)
Both in Auckland and in Kaeo Mrs. White urged the brethren and sisters to go with their families to the annual conference which was to be held the last of March, in Napier. This conference was to be a camp meeting, the first undertaken by Seventh-day Adventists south of the equator. Regarding this experience she wrote: (LS 341.5)
“We felt that this first camp meeting must be, as far as possible, a sample of what every other camp meeting held in the future ought to be. Over and over again I said to the people: ‘See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.’ Hebrews 8:5.... Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ Matthew 5:48.” (LS 341.6)
But regarding this proposed camp meeting it seemed impossible to arouse much enthusiasm. Logging camps, and groups of tents for road builders, were well-known institutions, not much to be desired; but a comfortable camp for a company of people gathered to worship God, was an entirely new thing for New Zealand. (LS 342.1)
On account of the financial depression, it was unusually difficult for many to attend. Up to the beginning of the meeting, there was little promise that more than thirty would be encamped on the grounds. For that number tents were provided. But just as the meeting was opening, the people from the different churches came in, unannounced, until there were twice as many as had been expected. During the last week of the meeting there were eighteen tents in the encampment, occupied by fifty-three persons. Many others occupied rooms near by. These, with the membership of the Napier church, made a good sized congregation during the day. Every evening the large tent was well filled. (LS 342.2)
As the meeting progressed, the camp meeting plan was heartily approved, and it was voted that the next annual conference be held in camp. Resolutions were adopted endorsing the Australasian Bible School, and funds were contributed,—five hundred dollars for the furniture, and four hundred dollars as a students’ aid fund. Two hundred and seventy dollars was subscribed as a camp meeting fund. (LS 342.3)
“After the close of the camp meeting in Napier,” wrote Mrs. White, “we decided to visit Wellington, and also to spend a few days at Palmerston North to labor for a little company of Sabbath keepers there who were pleading for help. 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 before the people;’ and when I did this, strength was given me to rise above my infirmities, and to bear the message the Lord had given me.” (LS 343.1)
At Wellington, Mrs. White was welcomed to the home of Mrs. M. H. Tuxford, where she spent several months, and from which headquarters she went out from time to time to speak to little companies of believers in Petone, Ormondville, Dannevirke, Palmerston North, and Gisborne. (LS 343.2)
Before returning to Australia, Mrs. White attended the second New Zealand camp meeting, held November 30 to December 12, 1893, in a sheltered suburb of Wellington. There were in attendance double the number that had been present at the Napier meeting. Elder O. A. Olsen, president of the General Conference, arrived during the early days of the meeting, and his labors and timely instruction were of untold value. He brought cheering reports from the great mission fields that he had recently visited; and he appealed to the young people to fit themselves for service in the closing work of the gospel. (LS 343.3)
From Wellington, Mrs. White, in company with Elder Olsen and other laborers, hastened to Melbourne to attend the first camp meeting in Australia. (LS 343.4)