EARLY in 1878 I prepared a plan for the publication of a periodical having special reference to prophecy, which was to be entitled, "The Gospel of the Kingdom," and which would be issued monthly. Being of opinion that the Christians of South Australia interested in prophetic subjects would not be numerically strong enough to support such a paper, I decided to visit the neighboring colonies in order to bespeak a larger measure of help and a wide circle of subscribers. The members of the Church were not only willing to allow me the necessary leave of absence, but undertook to obtain supplies; they also presented me with a purse of sixty-four sovereigns to assist in defraying expenses. Satisfactory arrangements having been made, I left by steamer for Melbourne,--accompanied by my son, on January 15; arriving there two days later, rather the worse for the voyage. The journey up the River Yarra, with its unsavory effluvia, did not tend to improve matters, but a warm and cold bath, and a good night's rest at Tankard's Temperance Hotel, prepared me for the work I purposed doing. On the way over from Adelaide I made the acquaintance of Mr. Thomas Spurgeon, who was a fellow-passenger; and had some interesting conversation with him. Having fixed upon the great metallic image seen by King Nebuchadnezzar in the vision interpreted by the prophet Daniel, as the subject of my lecture, the Temperance Hall in Russell Street, capable of accommodating upwards of a thousand persons, was secured for its delivery on Wednesday evening, January 23, at a cost of three guineas. The [383] night was uncomfortably warm, but an audience of between 400 and 500 assembled, and listened attentively. I spoke for an hour and a quarter without notes; and felt that as my first attempt at a lecture it was fairly successful. The following notice of the lecture appeared in the Melbourne Age of January 24:--"A lecture was delivered at the Temperance Hall last evening on Prophecy, in reference to the warlike attitude of Europe, by Mr. H. Hussey, pastor of the Christian Church, Bentham Street, Adelaide. There was a large attendance. The lecturer based his remarks principally on the prophecies contained in the books of Isaiah, Daniel, and the Revelation, and after giving a short description of the principal nations of Europe, was of opinion that it was not likely that--in the event of the Russians gaining possession of Constantinople, and then pushing their successes still further across the Levant, and ultimately to Syria and Jerusalem--the other great Powers would suffer them to retain the conquered territory. He thought it probable that a new kingdom would rise up in Syria under British influences, and believed that the time would come when constitutional government on the model of that existing in England would be generally adopted by the European nations. He dealt with the difficulties that attached to the interpretation of the prophecies with respect to the Antichrist, and expressed his conviction that the Messiah would re-appear personally on the earth, which under His reign would assume a condition equal to that of the Garden of Eden before the Fall. A vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer at the close of his address."

      On Monday, the 28th, I repeated the lecture in the Town Hall, Prahran, and it was again well received. On the previous day I attended the meeting of the Church of Christ in Lygon Street, where I was asked to give an address, and one to the Sunday-school in the afternoon. On Wednesday, the 30th, I went by rail to Ballarat, and on the following evening, at the Mechanics' Institute, I delivered a lecture similar to the one that I had previously given in Melbourne. The Ballarat Courier, in an extended notice of the lecture, stated that there was an excellent attendance, and that the speaker was attentively listened to throughout. On Friday, February 1, I started by rail for Warrnambool, via Geelong and Colac, thence by coach, as the railway was not extended farther at that time. This was my first visit to the western part of Victoria, and I was surprised to see so fine a pastoral country and such large lakes on my way down. On arriving at Terang I went to the telegraph office to [384] inform my cousin, by wire, that I was on the way. When I handed in the message the young lady in attendance told me that I had omitted the name of the place from which it was sent. In reply I told her that I did not know the name of the town. She told me the name, concluding that I was a stranger to the district. As my relatives resided on the roadside within a few miles of Warrnambool, the telegram had the desired effect of stopping the coach at the proper place, a lantern being shown as a signal to stop. Though it was excessively warm at the time of my leaving Ballarat, I was glad to see a good fire burning when I arrived, and I thus received a warm welcome in more than one sense of the word. During my stay at this charming seaside town I found that the climate was entirely different to that of Melbourne, and that it was a rare thing to have a very warm day in Warrnambool. During my stay in this town I preached at both the Baptist and Independent chapels, and re-delivered the lecture on "Nebuchadnezzar's Image," of which the following notice appeared in the local paper (the Examiner): "On Monday evening, 11th inst., a lecture on "Nebuchadnezzar's Image" was delivered to a large and attentive audience in the Independent Chapel, Liebeg Street, by Mr. H. Hussey, of Adelaide. The chair was occupied by the mayor (Mr. J. G. Cramond), who introduced the lecturer as an old colonist in South Australia, and who had for several years occupied the position of a minister of a Christian Church in Adelaide. Mr. Hussey stated that the lecture he was about to deliver had met with a favorable reception in Melbourne and Ballarat, and he hoped it would prove interesting to those present. He said that the idea of the universal sovereignty of man over the earth was shown first in the case of Adam, secondly of Solomon, then of the four great empires symbolised by Nebuchadnezzar's image, and lastly the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, which would embrace the whole earth. He stated that it was evident Adam lost his high position as lord of creation by listening to and adopting the suggestion of Satan; that the Jews forfeited their honorable position as the chosen nation in consequence of their apostacy from God, and the practice of idolatry; and that from that time to the present were the times of Gentile supremacy. He briefly sketched the history of the Assyrian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman empires, as represented by the various parts of the image, dwelling particularly on the latter with reference to its revived condition and ten-fold division. The lecturer pointed out that the first three empires extended their conquests and the acquisition of territory further and further around the shores of [385] the Mediterranean Sea, until the last (the Roman) might be said to have encircled it. He showed that the two main divisions of the empire into east and west, as represented by the two legs, had taken place in the days of Valentinian and Valens, who divided the empire between them; but that there was not, to his knowledge, any period in the history of the Roman Empire when it could be said to possess ten distinct kingdoms--five in the east, and five in the west. He was of opinion that until the said division was made there would be wars in Europe and adjacent countries occupying portions of territory belonging originally to the Roman Empire. He intimated that the ten kingdoms would each be found possessing territory on the shores of the Mediterranean, and named the following as the five western kingdoms--Britain, Spain, France, Italy, and Austria; and the eastern kingdoms--Greece, Turkey (deprived of Syria and Egypt, which would probably become separate kingdoms), and some territory adjoining Egypt also raised into a kingdom. He concluded that the beast, or Antichrist (whoever he might be), would be the acknowledged head of these ten kingdoms, and that, when they were finally developed, the Lord Jesus Christ (the stone cut out of the mountain without hands) would personally return to the earth, and, after destroying Gentile rule, would become King of kings and Lord of lords, reigning over the whole earth. At the close of the lecture a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer, to the chairman, and to the Rev. U. Coombs and the officers of the Church for the use of the chapel. The chairman, in acknowledging the vote of thanks, stated that he had been fascinated with the lecture. A collection was subsequently made on behalf of the ladies' benevolent society, which was liberally responded to."

      After spending a fortnight pleasantly with relatives and friends at Warrnambool, I was driven to Belfast to join the steamer to Portland. On the way we passed through the "spud" country, where thousands of acres of potatoes were planted, and where numbers of men, women, and children were employed digging, sorting, and bagging the tubers. I was also shown Tower Hill, a remarkable extinct volcano, the sides of which were as smooth as if they had been fashioned by the hand of man. At the bottom lay a small lake containing an island, which seemed to have been thrown up at no distant date. The country for miles around bears marks of volcanic action, and the exceedingly rich soil is to be accounted for by the deposit of ashes which has become incorporated with it. Proceeding by land close to the sea, [386] we saw the steamer Julia Percy on her way to the same place as we were going--Belfast. This small town appeared, as we drove along the main street, to resemble, in some respects, Oliver Goldsmith's "deserted village," several of the shops being closed and many dwellings standing untenanted. I was told that Belfast was, a few years before, a busy place, but Warrnambool affording better facilities, the bulk of the trade had been taken there. Here I parted with my relatives, and boarded the steamer for Portland. The sea was not rough, but there was a rather disagreeable ground-swell on. To steady myself I took hold of the wheel, and a lady passenger--concluding that I was the helmsman--inquired as to how long it would be before the steamer reached its destination. Thinking that she was anxious to get to the desired haven, I replied encouragingly, telling her that we were just about to enter the Bay, and in half-an-hour would be at the jetty. She appeared to be satisfied and departed, while I turned my face, smiling at her innocent mistake.

      On landing I took up my quarters at Mac's Hotel, intending to take the train for Ballarat on the following day. In the evening I attended the service at the Baptist Chapel, after which I had a chat with the pastor, making special reference to the Baptist minister that I had to deal with at Adelaide, and who had been so ungrateful to Mr. Angas for his kindness. The next morning I strolled along the beach, also admiring the verdure that surrounded the town at a time of the year when most parts of the country were parched and look at their worst. I found that the climate was delightfully cool, and learned that residents and visitors have rarely to complain of excessive heat. Being under the impression that the train for Melbourne left late in the day, I walked leisurely about till dinner-time, when, to my surprise, I was told that the train had left early in the morning, and that I would have to spend another night at the hotel. At first I was disposed to be annoyed; the sequel, however, showed that my detention was Providential, as it led me to make the acquaintance of the Rev. A. Rigg, Wesleyan minister, who rendered me valuable assistance in the prophetic publication that I purposed issuing on my return to Adelaide. I spent a pleasant and a profitable evening with this gentleman, and arrangements were made for him to supply me with a series of articles on Prophecy, which, in due time, were inserted monthly in the journal.

      On Friday, February 15, at 6 o'clock a.m., I started by train for Ballarat, passing through several of the western towns [387] en route. Arriving at my destination at 3 o'clock p. m., I found that something unusual was taking place in this pretty and prosperous city, renowned for its mineral wealth. Bells were ringing and bands playing, and bunting was largely in evidence. Enquiry as to the cause of the demonstration elicited that it was the opening of the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition at the Albert Hall. Exhibitions, as a rule, possess no charm for me, but I actually paid half-a-crown for admittance and a shilling for a catalogue. It was certainly a wonderful display of juvenile talent, and the getting-up of such a prodigious affair must have entailed a large amount of labor and expense. Next I crossed Lake Wendouree to the botanical Gardens; threaded the mysterious passages of the Maze, and was amused at the difficulty of finding an exit; and took a walk in the Park, where I saw the Governor and his suite pass, covered with the dust of the summer roads. Finally, tired with walking and sight-seeing, I sought rest for the night at the North Star Hotel.

      On the morrow I obtained an extensive view of Ballarat and its environment, which impressed one with a sense that the mineral wealth and the agricultural possibilities of the district could not fail to assure its permanent prosperity. Several of the public halls were spacious and handsome, and the citizens are justified in their pride in the beautiful city. I left by the midday train for Geelong, and on arrival there took up my quarters at the Terminus Hotel, near to the station. The proprietors, who proved to be Roman Catholics, treated me kindly and well. I was much interested in the reading of a book which lay on the sitting-room table, written by a nun, who, if I might judge from what I read, was an excellent Christian. On Lord's-day, February 17, I attended the morning session of the Fenwick Street Baptist Sunday-school, conducted a class of young ladies there, and afterwards joined in the service of the Church; in the afternoon again visited the school and heard some singing by the scholars; afterwards listened to some open-air preaching in Johnston Park, and in the evening went to Aberdeen Street Baptist Church, where, as the Lord's Supper was observed, I partook of that memorial feast. On the Monday I re-delivered the lecture on "Nebuchadnezzar's Image," to a large and attentive audience in the Mechanics' Institute; and made the acquaintance of several Christian friends who promised to help me with the proposed prophetic periodical. After the lecture I took the evening train for Melbourne, reaching Tankard's Hotel shortly after 11 o'clock; and when I retired to bed weariness and excitement banished the [388] possibility of obtaining comfortable sleep. I was very pleased with my short visit to Geelong, which is prettily situated on the shore of Corio Bay. The town, being on a gradual slope to the bay, is easily drained, and presents a clean appearance, while its proximity to the ocean on the other hand ensures it much protection against excessive heat. Geelong was at one time a large and prosperous town, but a falling-off in pastoral pursuits, and the railway communication with Melbourne, have materially lessened its business. The place is well supplied with churches, the buildings of the Presbyterian body appearing to predominate. Having time to spend two or three days in Melbourne, I visited the Deaf and Dumb Asylum and attended sundry missionary and other meetings. On Saturday, 23rd, desiring to see a friend who resided within a few miles of Seymour, and whom, with some members of her family, I had baptised in South Australia, I took the train for that place, with the understanding that the landlord of the hotel would drive me to the farm. On arrival I found that my guide was a fellow-passenger in the train from Melbourne, and he promised to take me as arranged. I waited for some time, and as I was not particularly interested in the two or three sottish-looking men loitering about, I told the landlord that if he would furnish me with proper directions I would walk the four or five miles. Accordingly he drew a rough plan, and with this I set out on my journey. I had not gone far when I met a lady on horseback who recognised, and was coming to meet, me. She was about to dismount so that I might take her place, but I assured her that I would prefer to walk, which was not a mere passing remark, but a fact. While at the farm a violent thunderstorm occurred, and my friend hoped that this would compel me to remain instead of returning to Melbourne that evening as I had intended. However, the storm passed away, and, as I particularly wished to return, I was driven to the station in time to catch the train.

      On Lord's-day, 24th, I attended the Lygon Street Chapel, morning and evening, and gave an address at each service. On the following day I took my passage to Sydney in the steamer, Wotonga, and found that on this occasion I was a fairly good sailor. An the 26th I kept on deck all day, and saw some of the islands in Bass' Straits which I had seen in 1839 and in 1854 under very different circumstances. On the 27th we were favored with a sight of the cliffs and caves for the greater part of the day--the vessel hugging the land so closely that it seemed as if a stone thrown from the rocks would have reached her. I had [389] opportunities of conversing with some of the passengers, and this made the time pass quickly. I made the acquaintance of Rabbi Benjamin, who was on his way to Sydney to assist in the ceremonies connected with the opening of a new synagogue; and discoursed with him for a long while about the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, which, to my surprise, he was not very familiar with. He was greatly interested, and remarked that I must have studied the subject for years. I afterwards entered into conversation with Mr. T. Field, a Christian gentleman from New Zealand, who became interested in the subject of prophecy, and who has corresponded with me ever since. I was also talking for some time with a passenger of quite a different character, namely, a hotel-keeper from Queensland, who had been on a visit to Victoria. I gathered that he was a man of means, and endeavored to direct his attention to the true riches and the way by which they could be gained. The last of my fellow-voyagers that I conversed with was a young lady whose father was a solicitor in Sydney; and, finding that she was disposed to be on the Lord's side, I gave her a few words of encouragement. Towards evening, when passing Kiama, a squall came on, and I went below, turning in between 9 and 10 o'clock. After two or three hours' rest, the deck was regained in time to see the steamer enter the Heads, and we proceeded up the harbor to the usual accompaniments of ringing the bell and sounding the fog-horn at intervals. When the vessel was made fast to the wharf, I returned to my berth and indulged in a little more sleep.

      On Thursday, the 28th, I went with friend Field to Ardrossan House, Wynyard Square, a place to which I had been recommended by a friend in Sydney. I found Mrs. Hamilton, the landlady, to be an excellent Christian woman, and her house to be the place where several Presbyterian ministers resided when visiting the metropolis. Previous to making the necessary preparations for lecturing, I undertook to procure a passage for a respected elderly lady of my acquaintance, from Adelaide, who wished to proceed to New Zealand by the Zealandia. I found the office easily, but in returning to the Wotonga missed my way among some of the crooked streets leading down to the wharf, which caused some delay, and I was only just in time to catch the launch. I then escorted the lady to the mail steamer, and was struck with the cleanliness and order on board, everything appearing to be done in man-of-war style. The punctuality observed was remarkable, for no sooner had the bell announced the hour appointed for departure than a gun was fired, the anchor [390] was tripped, and the vessel proceeded on her voyage. On my return I went in search of the Protestant Hall, and secured it for a lecture on Friday evening, March 8. During my stay in Sydney I did not improve in health or strength, and found that I had lost several pounds in weight since leaving Warrnambool, the climate of the two places being very dissimilar. I visited Parramatta, going by rail and returning by steamer. The latter was an enjoyable trip, the scenery being very pretty. I went to the North Head and saw the fortifications there; the large guns having a place prepared for them in the solid rock, which was a great height, could only be reached by well-directed shells. The view from this elevated position is magnificent, and I felt well repaid for my visit. To reach this interesting spot I took the ferry across the harbor and then the coach up the heights from the North Shore. On arrival I asked the driver when be would return, and, being told that he would start at 4 o'clock, I was rather disconcerted, as I had an appointment in Sydney at 1 o'clock. On looking round, I saw a pretty bay with a jetty, and a launch alongside, at a distance of a mile or two, and I decided to proceed thither in the hope that I might get a passage to Sydney. I asked an artilleryman to direct me to the nearest way to the jetty, and he kindly took me through the barracks to facilitate my movements. I succeeded in reaching the place (Chowder Bay, a favorite resort for picnickers) just before the launch left, and I had a delightful trip up the harbor. By means of this I was enabled to keep my appointment, and had the pleasure of seeing some of the favored spots with which this unrivalled harbor abounds.

      While in Sydney I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of the Rev. Dr. McGibbon, with whom I enjoyed friendly intercourse. I had corresponded with this gentleman while in South Australia, and now found him to be what his letters had indicated--an out-and-out Protestant. He kindly consented to preside at the lecture I gave in the Protestant Hall to a large and appreciative audience; the subject being similar to that dealt with in Victoria. The hall itself is a noble building, with suites of rooms devoted to Protestant purposes. The Romanists being very numerous in Sydney, and displaying much of the overbearing spirit of Popery, the Protestants have found it necessary, in self-defence, to organise themselves, not only for the maintenance of their principles, but to prevent the enemy from gaining an advantage over them. By this means they have been able on several occasions to secure the return of men to Parliament who [391] would not truckle to priestly influence, and keep out those who were supposed to favor the Popish hierarchy. The Presbyterian element in New South Wales has in the past been the bulwark of Protestantism, and has done more than any other religious body to keep the Romanists from becoming overbearing.

      On Saturday, March 9, I started by train for Mount Victoria, to take a glance at the Blue Mountains, so named on account of the peculiar hue they assume at times. Previous to ascending the first zig-zag the train traverses a pastoral and agricultural district, with the River Nepean meandering through it. The shunting of the train from one elevation to another, until the summit was reached, was a tedious process, but the scenery at each turn fully compensated for the delay. The deep valleys, the lofty mountains, the precipitous declivities, and the waterfalls here and there, make the outlook wildly grand and awe-inspiring. The atmosphere at Mount Victoria, upwards of 3,000 feet above sea-level, was bracing and exhilarating; and I felt as though I were in South Australia again. Descending the steep gradients--in some parts 1 in 30--was rather disagreeable; and the pressure of the brakes caused a jolting sensation. Since my visit great alterations have been effected in this mountain railway, tunnels similar to those on our Southern Line have shortened the journey, and as the Blue Mountains have become a favorite resort for holiday-makers, increased facilities have been afforded for visiting the various places of interest.

      On Lord's-day, the 10th, I attended Bathurst Street Baptist Church in the morning, gave an address to the Sunday-school in the afternoon, and went to the Mariners' Church in the evening. On the following day I started by train for Cootamundra, the then terminus of the railway from Sydney. I was unwell at leaving, and became so much worse that thoughts were entertained of breaking the journey. However, I arrived at my destination about 10 o'clock p. m., and put up for the night at the Albion Hotel, which was the best in the place; but bad was the best at that early period of settlement, and I got very little sleep till after midnight on account of the noise. A Customs officer coming to share the room roused me, and the conversation that ensued did not in any way tend to induce repose. I rose at 5 o'clock to be in readiness for the coach to Wagga Wagga at 6 o'clock, and though not feeling equal to a journey of two days and a night, I determined to venture. After leaving Cootamundra the road was very rough, the traffic having been diverted for the construction of the railway; and jolting over stones and stumps, and watching [392] for boughs of trees under which the coach had to pass, was anything but a pleasant experience. A commercial traveller sitting beside me and sharing the discomfort of the journey, took the liberty of asking whether I was travelling for pleasure--probably supposing that, if that were the case, I had certainly made a mistake. I concluded that I might safely answer in the negative, as at the time my experience was anything but pleasing. About a mile from Wagga the coach stopped at a roadside inn, and, as if to aggravate my position, someone was playing on a piano the tune of "Home, Sweet Home"! Yes, I think I even wished myself at home, but just then the dear place was a long way off. The coach was half an-hour late, and I only had time to have a wash and take some refreshments at the hotel before leaving for Albury. At 4 o'clock p. m. I started in one of Cobb and Co.'s American coaches, mounted on leather springs or bands, which, under favorable circumstances, would have had the effect of inducing sleep. The passengers were seated back to back and the seats were all occupied, which was an advantage when night came on, as it enabled the occupiers to have a snooze without the danger of falling out. I tried to sleep, but found that I could not, on account of losing my accustomed rest. In compensation for the loss, I was afforded the amusement of watching the various positions of those who were enjoying the luxury of repose. To see them leaning against each other, their heads nodding in the most fantastic manner, was as comical a sight as I had ever seen. Now and again, when I could scarcely restrain my risible faculties, I looked out at the trees that we were passing, and wondered how the driver could steer his team past them without a collision. It is not right to envy, but I really did envy those who could sit and sleep soundly through the long hours of that night, for the hours seemed to me to be unusually long on that occasion. I was pleased when, in the grey dawn of morning, I could see signs of habitation and the extensive vineyards which indicated that we were not far from Albury. We reached this place shortly after 5 o'clock, and I enjoyed a good breakfast, ablutions, etc., previous to setting out for the train for Melbourne. To reach this a 'bus conveyed us across the Murray to Wodonga, and then I felt capable of accomplishing easily the remainder of my long journey.

      I reached Melbourne about 3 o'clock p. m. on Wednesday, March 8, after travelling by coach and train since Monday, with only three or four hours' sleep, feeling little if any worse for the journey; thankful to a kind Providence for preserving me, and [393] giving me strength in time of need. After booking a passage by the Aldinga, to sail on the morrow, I had a bath, and felt sufficiently refreshed to attend a debate in the evening between Mr. M. Wood Green and Mr. Walker, the Spiritist. Though the former is a well-known and able debater, he was at a great disadvantage in this instance, as the spiritualistic, champion, instead of replying to Mr. Wood Green's unanswerable argument, professed to be speaking as a "medium." He stood on the platform with his eyes closed, and uttered the most awful blasphemies I had ever heard. He freely plied his shafts of ridicule upon the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and was evidently the mouthpiece of Satan; doing a similar work to that which the Scribes and Pharisees had wrought more than eighteen centuries before. I think it is a mistake to attempt to debate with fellows of this sort, as it only has the effect of giving them the prominence they desire, and it is truly casting "pearls before swine." A number of women in the gallery applauded the blasphemies uttered by Walker, thus illustrating the proverb that "when a woman is bad, she is bad." It is reprehensible enough for vile and profligate men to indulge, and apparently delight, in blasphemy; but ere women can descend so low, they must have fallen into the very "depths of Satan."

      On Thursday, March 14, I left by the Aldinga for Adelaide. We had a pleasant run down the bay; and, with a fair wind outside the Heads, made good progress. The rolling of the boat caused some to experience unpleasant sensations, but I escaped the usual penalty of venturing on the deep. On the 16th I was up in time to see the steamer pass through Backstairs Passage, and about noon we reached the Port. During my two months' absence I had traversed between 2,000 and 3,000 miles by land and sea, and was pleased to reach home safe and well, and to find my wife and family in good health. My work had consisted of delivering lectures at Melbourne, Prahran, Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool, and Sydney; preaching at several places; and addressing Sunday-schools. I also secured a number of subscribers for the projected Journal of Prophecy. By personal interviews and conversation with Christian ministers and others, I felt that some good had been done, and that my time and substance had not been spent in vain. I was satisfied that the money so kindly contributed by the friends in Bentham Street had been expended in a way that would meet with their approval; and was ready to resume my labors with increased knowledge and experience. [394] Before settling down to my pastoral and Sunday-school work I found that Mr. Angas wished to see me, and I was invited to spend a few days with him at Lindsay House. Accordingly on Wednesday, March 20, I went by train to Freeling, and as Mr. J. H. Angas was driving to Collingrove, he gave me a seat in his buggy and drove me to his home, as it was too late for me to go to Lindsay House. On the following morning I was driven thither, and found that Mr. Angas was pleased to see me again. As my venerable friend was very frail, and as his energy and endurance were not so great as in years past, I only remained till Saturday, the 23rd. Before I left, Mr. Angas voluntarily gave me a cheque for £150 in aid of the funds for our schoolroom in Bentham Street. This was his second contribution towards that object. As there has been some misapprehension with reference to Mr. Angas's benefactions, I shall take the liberty of making a few remarks relative to this matter in particular. On several occasions he had asked me to tell him if he could render me any pecuniary assistance. I feel sure that I could have had hundreds of pounds in the aggregate, had I availed myself of his kind offers; but as a desire for money was not one of my failings (though I am conscious of many others), I declined them with thanks. If I really had required money, I was nevertheless too independent to ask for it, or even to take it when offered, without feeling satisfied that I had worked for it, apart from services rendered to religion--excepting, of course, special cases that required some personal outlay. During the time of my association with Mr. Angas I had often been asked to use my influence with him so as to obtain pecuniary assistance. I steadfastly set my face against anything of this kind, as I considered it to be an abuse of that friendship and confidence which he reposed in me, When asked for monetary help, Mr. Angas would frequently refer the case to me, requesting me to inquire into, and report upon, it; and I always felt a pleasure in recommending help to be given when I considered the applicant worthy of it. By the adoption of this course I kept clear of favoritism; and those who were acquainted with me knew that it was useless to induce me to plead their cause did I deem the object an unworthy one. As I had the keeping of Mr. Angas's private ledger, which was posted up from the cheques given to various institutions and persons, I knew better than any other person the enormous sums contributed by him annually, and the public probably will never know the total amount of his benefactions. Some people have supposed that the large amounts which appeared in the newspapers from time to [395] time constituted the bulk of his contributions, but I knew that thousands of pounds in the aggregate were given privately.

      The foregoing remark also applies to Mr. J. H. Angas, who, knowing that I had been confidential almoner for his father for so many years, often asked me to assist him with information which would enable him to act in certain cases. This service it always pleased me to render, because, while I could not give, I could help him to do so. Well knowing that the son followed out the plan adopted by his father, I felt annoyed and indignant at reading an article in Quiz of December 12, 1890, which reflected unfairly upon Mr. John Howard Angas. The article in question was by no means creditable to the writer, and I considered it as bordering on a violation of the ninth commandment, and an abuse of the liberty of the press. Without quoting at length from the article, the following extract will indicate its tenor:--"Have you [Mr. Angas] ever given a ten-pound note to any cause whatsoever without first possessing the absolute knowledge that your benefaction would be duly chronicled in the daily press?" This I know Mr. Angas has done again and again, without the slightest idea of it being made public--for the simple reason that if the recipients had any suspicion that his private benefactions were to appear in the press, aid would not be asked. I do not know Quiz, but I have known Mr. J. H. Angas for about thirty years, and can confidently assert that the article which contained the above quotation is a gross misrepresentation. I do not remember ever asking a favor of Mr. Angas, and it is unlikely that I ever shall; but I write this from a sense of fair-play. The gentleman so ungenerously and grossly libelled is not aware that I am so writing, and probably will not know of it till he sees it in print. The motives imputed to Mr. G. F. Angas, in the founding of the Colony (appearing in the same article), I know to be utterly without foundation; and am quite sure that, had Quiz more knowledge of the one he so adversely criticised, he never would have reflected so unworthily upon a man whose memory is justly revered. The writer must have been ignorant of the fact that the money advanced by Mr. G. F. Angas to assist in founding the Colony of South Australia was withdrawn from a profitable mercantile business; and further, that the purchase of the Barossa estate was the act of his agent, not only without any authority from Mr. Angas, but in direct contravention of the instructions of that gentleman. The bills drawn upon Mr. Angas, without his knowledge or consent, plunged him into financial difficulties, and nearly drove him to bankruptcy. He had to make great personal [396] sacrifices, and to study the strictest economy, for years, in order to avert such a commercial calamity. He was led to conclude, at times, like Jacob of old, that all these things were against him; but a kind Providence overruled all his troubles in connection with the Colony for his good and the benefit of his family. Knowing Mr. Angas's history, I sometimes thought, as he sat on the balcony at Lindsay House, enjoying the beautiful landscape, how richly he was compensated for all his troubles, which very few persons had any conception of. Now, Mr. Quiz, you may "quiz" me as much as you like; and perhaps you may find abundant material here for the purpose. Criticise, even abuse--but do not misrepresent me, or impute improper motives to me, as you have done as regards the gentlemen just referred to.

      It is said that "charity begins at home," but as I did not commence my lecture on Prophecy at Adelaide, I decided, on my return from the other colonies, to deliver it in Bentham Street on Tuesday evening, April 16. In the press notices one of the papers reported that there was a "large," and the other a "very large" attendance. It was said that the lecture "had reference to the prophecies of Daniel, and led up by a course of exhaustive reasoning to the present critical state of affairs in Europe, and their probable results." At the close of the lecture, it was said, "a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Hussey, and carried with applause." As this lecture appeared to interest those who had an opportunity of hearing it, I resolved to write it out and publish it in pamphlet form; and though, like others of my publications, its sale did not pay the printer, I received several appreciative notices of it. I also prepared for the publication, monthly, of a periodical to be devoted to prophetic subjects, which I designated The Gospel of the Kingdom. The size adopted was 16 pp., royal 8vo; the price was sixpence, or five shillings per annum. The first number appeared at the beginning of July, 1878, and met with a fairly favorable reception for a work of this generally unpopular character.

      As the funds for our new schoolroom and classrooms were considered sufficient to warrant us in proceeding with the work, the architect, Mr. H. C. Richardson, again called for tenders, and one, amounting to between £600 and £700, was accepted. The plan suggested by me was adopted, which not only gave us the necessary school and class accommodation, but greatly improved the appearance of the front of the chapel. It has been said that the front somewhat resembles that of a public-house, and, while endorsing this view, I have said that it was intended to be a [397] "public" house, or place for public worship. Persons who have formed their idea of the interior from the outside appearance have expressed their surprise, on entering, to find the place so neat and the accommodation so comfortable. Our musical friends set to work to obtain the necessary funds for a pipe organ, and, meeting with sufficient encouragement, Mr. Wolffe was instructed to erect one to cost about £200. As part of the old building was to remain intact, we were not much inconvenienced while the additions and alterations were being made. The alterations necessitated the building of a new baptistry, and on its completion I had the pleasure of immersing sixteen persons at one time upon a confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

VIEW OF BENTHAM STREET CHRISTIAN CHAPEL.

      Some objectors to immersion have questioned whether there was time to immerse the 3,000 converts on the day of Pentecost, but I can see no reason why that number could not easily be baptised on that memorable day. I think that the time occupied by me in administering the ordinance to the sixteen mentioned was about a quarter of an hour. As there were the twelve Apostles, probably assisted by some of the disciples, the baptising of the 3,000 would occupy only a few hours. The total accession to our number during the year was about thirty, twenty-four on a confession of faith and baptism, and the remainder by transfer from other Churches. [398] In May I was asked to take part in the preparations that were to be made for a visit from Mr. Henry Varley, the well-known evangelist, and readily consented. On May 18, a united prayer meeting was held in the Stow Church Lecture-hall, it being understood that Mr. Varley's labors would be of an undenominational character. I also attended and took part in the prayer meeting held daily at noon in the City Mission Hall in connection with the services. On Lord's-day, May 26, Mr. Varley commenced his mission in the Town Hall, and arrangements were made for a series of services to be held there during the week. On the Wednesday I was asked to officiate as usher and doorkeeper, and found that there was more important and responsible work in store for me. The Rev. J. McEwin had accepted the office of hon. secretary, but the committee experienced great difficulty in getting anyone to act as treasurer; and it looked as though the work would be blocked or hindered for want of such a functionary. In this emergency I volunteered my services, which were gladly accepted. It was expected that a large sum of money would be required, and I think this had something to do with the reluctance of any of the committee to undertake the responsibility. I had faith that what was necessary would be provided, and the result fully justified my confidence or assurance. The acceptance of this position necessitated my attendance at all the meetings, of which there were three daily; viz., in the morning a prayer-meeting, in the afternoon a Bible-reading, and in the evening an evangelistic service. All these meetings were well attended, and particularly the one in the evening, when the spacious hall was visually filled. Voluntary offerings were made on each occasion, and the counting of these generally kept me, and the kind friends who assisted in the work, till late. The meetings were continued for upwards of two months, and hundreds professed to have been converted; but from my experience of evangelistic services of this kind, a large percentage has to be allowed for those who fall away after the excitement is over. Some of the services were specially for children, and these, like those for adults, were well attended. Mr. Varley gave a lecture on "Billy Bray," and one on the Second Coming of Christ, both of which attracted very large audiences. As may be supposed, I was brought much in contact with Mr. Varley, and a friendship was then formed which has subsisted ever since. As hon. treasurer my published statement of accounts was as follows:--Receipts--Offerings at prayer meetings, £86 6s. 4d.; offerings at Bible-readings, £115 19s. 7d.; [399] offerings at Town Hall services, £35 18s. Id.; profit of farewell tea, £16 4s.; sundry contributions, £40 4s. 6d.; balance due to treasurer, 4s. 3d.--making a total of £294 18s. 9d. Expenditure--Rent of Town Hall, £139 9s.; printing and advertising, £93 3s. 6d.; "Songs and Solos" and hire of organ, £17 10s. 3d.; travelling expenses for organist, £20; lighting, cleaning, and attendance, £24 14s. Mr. Varley made no charge for his services, but a testimonial was presented to him, with a cheque for about £110. At the farewell tea, held in Flinders Street Baptist Chapel, there were about 700 present; and the place was crowded at the after meeting. The entry in my diary for that day was, "Very tired and weak"; and this would have very correctly expressed my condition at the conclusion of many a day's work during Mr. Varley's mission.

      In addition to my labors in connection with Mr. Varley's mission, and the regular Church and committee work which devolved upon me, I undertook another task of a totally different and exceptional character, and this was very much like the proverbial "last straw." Tidings reached the Colony that a dreadful famine had overtaken the Chinese, and the philanthropic public determined to send some relief. At a meeting held on Monday, May 20, in the Town Hall, a large and representative committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements. I was placed on the general committee, and myself and the following gentlemen were requested to act as hon. secretaries:--Messrs. W. Harris, J. F. Conigrave, and A. Molineaux. I was also on the sub-committee, with Messrs. Mead, Lyall, and Giles, to prepare the appeal; and, for some reason, I was asked to write this important document. It was not because I could do this work better than any one of the gentlemen named; but it was done without asking any questions, and was generally approved of and adopted. This was my first experience in work of this kind, and, unless I had much more leisure than at that time, I certainly would not again undertake a similar task. My co-secretaries did their fair share, and we co-operated harmoniously. The appeal was sent out to all parts of the Colony, even to the remote sheep-stations; and as the prejudice against the "heathen Chinee" was not so strong then as now, there was a liberal response, amounting to several thousands of pounds.

      In August we suffered a severe domestic bereavement in the death of my wife's father, Mr. Thomas Neill. The following obituary notice appeared in the Register:--"The deceased gentleman, who died on Thursday morning, was born in 1802, in [400] Ayrshire, close to the native place of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. He arrived in the Colony, with Mrs. Neill and five children, in September, 1839, and two other children were born here. His family of four sons and three daughters all survive, and occupy good positions in various parts of the Colony. He also leaves 32 grand-children. Before coming to the Colony, Mr. Neill had been in business on his own account at Kilmarnock, Scotland. When he arrived here the South Australian Company was largely engaged in shipping, whale fisheries, sheep and cattle, etc., and he was at once engaged by his old friend, Mr. D. McLaren, the manager, to take charge of its extensive store, situate on North Terrace, opposite the present railway goods-shed. Two years afterwards the Company disposed of all its merchandise, and Mr. Neill entered its office, in which he remained, filling a responsible post till, after nearly thirty years' service, he retired on account of delicate health, carrying with him the confidence of the directors as well as the esteem of all those who had been brought into business relation with him. The Company allowed him an annuity as its oldest officer. For many years past Mr. Neill has resided at Hackney, and, on account of age and ill-health, he was little known except in connection with works of benevolence or philanthropy. He was a man of strictest honor and integrity, courteous, and kind-hearted. His example in social, religious, and business life in the early days of the Colony exerted a good influence, although he took little part in public affairs. A few weeks ago he was seized with a serious fainting fit, followed in a fortnight by paralysis of one side. The chief disease he suffered from was an affection of the heart. His widow, born in the same year, still survives." By the death of Mr. Neill I felt that I had lost one of my best earthly friends. We had enjoyed "sweet counsel together," and as our religious views were generally in accord, I ofttimes found in converse with him more sympathy than I could find in many other Christians with whom I came in contact. His knowledge of Scripture was extensive; and, as a Biblical critic, I have rarely, if ever, met with his superior. Towards the end of the year, as my health was failing, partly on account of excessive work, and partly because of "a thorn in the flesh" that was troubling me, I decided to dispose of my property in Victoria Square, and remove to the suburbs. In the early part of the fifties it was supposed by some lawyers that the land on the west side of the Square would be occupied with law offices, on account of its proximity to the Law Courts; and accordingly a few legal gentlemen had purchased land in that [401] locality. When it was known that my property was in the market, a well-known lawyer was desirous of purchasing, and negotiations were entered into, the price being fixed at £2,000. When another member of the same fraternity heard that it was under offer, and learned the price, he offered me £250 more; and when I informed him that I was in treaty with another party, he enquired, lawyer-like, whether anything was signed. On finding that there was no written agreement, he tendered his advice, without the customary fee, assuring me that I was not bound to keep to my offer, and further stated that I would be a fool if I did so. I told him plainly that I valued my word of honor at a higher price than £250, and that "my word was as good as my bond." My aged mother-in-law, Mrs. Neill, being desirous that we should reside as near to her as possible, I took a house at Hackney, by the River Torrens; and removed thither in January, 1879.

      As several tramways were projected about this time, they seemed to present a good investment for the proceeds of the property I had disposed of, and I invested largely in them, and became one of the largest shareholders in the Adelaide and Suburban Tramway Company. When a manager was required for this Company, I strongly recommended Mr. Thomas Jones for the position; not merely because I knew him as a consistent Christian, but because I felt quite sure that he would prove himself, both as regarded ability and fidelity, well worthy of holding such an important office. After twenty years of his service I feel sure that the directors could not desire a better manager, or one who would do more for the company or the public. Several years after I had taken up shares in most of the tramway companies, I decided to dispose of all my scrip, because, however lawful it was for me to keep it, I deemed that it was not expedient. I had been reproached by Sabbatarians occasionally with the "inconsistency," as they termed it, of a Christian man deriving profit from Sunday traffic; and when I was on a visit to Sydney, a lady expressed her surprise that any Christian should be a holder of shares in a tramway company, without knowing that I was a transgressor in this respect, according to her ideas. On my return home I resolved to be no longer a stumbling-block to any weak brother or sister in this respect; and accordingly sold out the whole lot. On some I lost considerably, but the Adelaide and Suburban shares helped to make up the deficiency, and when accounts were squared it was seen that I had not had to pay too dearly for accommodating [402] myself to the prejudices of some very scrupulous people. A part of the proceeds of the sales was invested in banks, and of this I lost large amounts--about £650 through the Commercial Bank alone. I sometimes felt that the happiest Christian was he who, like George Muller, of Bristol, lived a life of daily dependence upon God for all he required, without any cares about investments as a source of income; but then there are few of us who have George Muller's faith, and consequently we do not follow his example.

      In November, 1878, I paid my last visit to Mr. Angas, at Lindsay House, he being then in his 90th year. My stay was of short duration, as he could not bear the mental-strain of prolonged conversation. I found that he still took a lively interest in the institutions he had assisted, and he made many enquiries with reference to the state of the Churches generally. He deplored the spread of democracy and the increase of socialism; and even expressed regret that the Colony he had assisted to establish upon what he considered sound Liberal principles threatened to become the hotbed of institutions subversive of law and order. There was one thing that struck me on this occasion--as it had often done before--that Mr. Angas, at his advanced age, was able to read small print without the aid of glasses. This is the more remarkable when the work put upon his eyes during his long life is taken into consideration. His voluminous letter-books, containing copies of thousands of letters in his own handwriting, and the sixty volumes of his diaries, are proof of this. Before taking leave of my venerable friend he gave me, unasked, a further contribution of £50 towards the Sunday-school and class-rooms in Bentham Street.

      One result of Mr. Varley's visit to Adelaide was a moving among the "dry bones" in the Churches, a revival of prayer, and an increase of spirituality in general. Christians of different denominations appeared to be drawn closer together; and my opinion of the result of the mission was that the evangelist had been a greater blessing to the saved than to the unsaved. By this I mean that, out of the very large number who professed to have been converted, comparatively few were known to remain steadfast in the faith; whilst the revival of religion among Christians appeared to be of a more lasting character. In addition to certain inter-denominational meetings, one was inaugurated specially to bring together the pastors and a few of the leading members of distinctively "Christian" Churches, for the purpose of reading the Word of God, for prayer, and for [403] mutual sympathy and encouragement. I greatly enjoyed the privilege of attending these meetings and taking part, and found them to be the happiest time of all the week. They were held at various places, as arranged, and were followed by refreshments and social and Christian intercourse. The meetings were continued for many years, and I took part in them till the business at the Bible Hall demanded so much of my time and attention that I could no longer conveniently do so.

      The year 1878 was one of incessant labor--in the early part travelling and lecturing in the neighboring colonies; editing and publishing the Gospel of the Kingdom on my return, with all the correspondence incidental to its issue; superintending the alterations and additions to the chapel in Bentham Street; attending a number of meetings in connection with Mr. Varley's visit and the China Famine Relief Fund; and committee meetings of various institutions. During a part of the year I attended and took part in upwards of twenty meetings in a week, and during the remainder from ten to twelve weekly; all of which took up time, and some of them preparation and study. My regular Lord's-day work was generally as follows:--Attending an early prayer meeting, presiding at a teachers' preparatory class, conducting the morning and evening services, and superintending the Sunday-school in the afternoon. By the end of the year I found that the monthly issue of the Gospel of the Kingdom had not only entailed a great deal of extra work, but had failed to recoup the cost of printing by about £40. Under these circumstances, and with failing health and strength, I felt that it must thenceforth be brought out quarterly instead of monthly. I made no appeal to be reimbursed the pecuniary loss sustained, but several kind friends sent me nearly sufficient to cover the deficiency, and I was encouraged to go on with this work.

      After removing to Hackney I found that as the "thorn in the flesh" would not yield to medical skill, there remained only one alternative, namely, its removal by a surgical operation. I determined, however, that as long as it were possible to attend to my regular duties, I would postpone the evil day, and bear with the pain and discomfort it caused. In February, 1879, I paid a visit to Port Elliot, in the hope that it would benefit my general health; but the result was not very satisfactory. In March I, with a number of Baptist ministers and others, went to Jamestown to attend a meeting of the Association which was to be held at that place. We left by train on Monday, the 10th, and had a saloon carriage to ourselves. An outsider, taking stock of the party, [404] would have concluded that we were going out for a picnic; and all seemed determined to make the trip as enjoyable as possible. In Mrs. Everett (since deceased) we had a first-class caterer, and when the viands were unpacked we felt that our bodily needs would be well supplied. After proceeding some distance, it was suggested that we should enliven the monotony of the journey by singing. A question arose as to what should be sung, and the hymn commencing with the words, "Let us gather up the sunbeams," was announced. This was promptly disapproved of by a witty brother for the reason that the rays of the sun, pouring down upon us, were quite hot enough, without attempting to gather them up in a concentrated form. On arriving at Hallett we left the train, and proceeded by coach, and this part of our journey was not soon forgotten. The clouds of dust, and the jolting, were not anticipated or bargained for by some of the party, and one was reminded of the Port Road in olden times. As we neared Jamestown the coach was "stuck up," as some said--not by bushrangers--but by kind friends who had undertaken to provide for some of us. By this means we found, on reaching our destination, that the number of our party was much reduced. My part of the work at the meetings was very light, having only to table a motion of which I had given notice, and which was soon disposed of. The return by coach to Hallett was, if anything, worse than our previous experience; and the dust had so changed the appearance of Bros. Mead, Price, and others, that they were scarcely recognisable. Reaching the railway station, a bucket of water was procured, and, with a sponge borrowed from our considerate caterer, an opportunity was afforded of making ourselves somewhat presentable. However, as darkness had set in when we reached Adelaide, the traces of the dust were not so noticeable as in daylight. The trip was evidently enjoyed by most of the party, and it was amusing to see ministers--who usually look so "proper" on the platforms throw off all restraint, and act as if they were youths again.

      The Gospel of the Kingdom having become a quarterly in lieu of a monthly, I thought it best to change the name to that of the Australian Quarterly Journal of Prophecy--a title derived from the periodical issued for so many years by Dr. Horatius Bonar. When I first brought out the Gospel of the Kingdom, I sent some of them for sale at a "Brethren" depot in Melbourne; but these were returned with an intimation that my paper could not be offered for sale, because the title was not Scriptural; or rather, I should say, because it did not apply to [405] this dispensation. I subsequently perceived that the criticism was justifiable; but after the title was altered these good brethren declined to promote the circulation of my paper. I was aware that it had not the "Plymouth" brand, and as these peculiar people are very scrupulous about circulating anything that is not thoroughly sound, I concluded that to become one of the little flock was the only process by which sufficient confidence could be inspired to induce them to offer my paper for sale. The lectures which I delivered in various places afforded opportunity to introduce the journal to the notice of those interested in the subject of prophecy; and I secured an additional number of subscribers by this means. [406]

[CLACE 383-406]