IN May 16 a telegram from Angaston announced to me the death of Mr. G. F. Angas; and the obituary notice I had prepared some time previously in anticipation of this event appeared in the daily papers. On the 20th I went up to Lindsay House to attend the funeral of my venerable friend, and saw his remains deposited in the spacious vault just outside the carriage entrance to the mansion. Mr. Angas had taken a lively interest in the celebration of his ninetieth birthday on the first of the month, and it is probable that the excitement connected therewith was more than his enfeebled frame, and the delicate state of his health, could bear. I was present at the reading of the will, and found that a sum of money was bequeathed to me, to remunerate me for such services as I could render to the executors and trustees with reference to the deceased gentleman's private papers, with which I had a better acquaintance than anyone else. As Mr. J. H. Angas was in England on a visit at the time of his father's death, it was decided that nothing should be done with reference to these manuscripts till his return. I therefore went home to Hackney, and attended to my ecclesiastical and literary work.

      Later on in the year I commenced a series of articles for the Christian Colonist relative to the Anglo-Israelitish theory--a theory in which I had little faith when I began my criticisms, and less at their conclusion. Commencing with Mr. Hine's [407] "Forty-seven Identifications," and carefully examining the first few, I came to the decision that they were fallacious, and gave up the task undertaken. The theory is plausible, and one calculated to foster national pride in the minds of Britons; but it appears to me that many of the passages of Scripture quoted in support of it are entirely mis-applied. I regard this phase of the theory as a mis-appropriation of promises made to Israel, by applying them to the Anglo-Saxon race; and the effect of this transference is to anticipate events which, to my mind, are yet future. The calculations made in connection with the measurements of the Great Pyramid were supposed to favor the Anglo-Israelitish theory, but I think that little importance is now attached to these elaborate deductions.

      In September I delivered some lectures on "The Church and the Kingdom," giving the substance afterwards in the pages of the Australian Quarterly Journal of Prophecy. The Register, in a notice of one of these addresses, said:--"Mr. Hussey is well known to have a good knowledge of the different prophecies of the Bible, and it is sufficient to say that his lecture on Friday night was earnest, interesting, and instructive." I have always felt, when lecturing on prophecy, that the subject was, generally speaking, unpopular; but I never concerned myself as to whether my audience was large or small. I have addressed a small congregation with as much earnestness as a large one--in fact it was said that I appeared to more advantage in speaking to the few than to the many. There was a reason for this, namely, that I considered it better to make no reference to paucity of attendance, but rather to speak cheeringly, as if there were a large assembly before me.

      At the anniversary meeting of the Bentham Street Church held in October, 1879, a good report was given. It was stated that the spiritual progress which had been made during the year was evidenced by the increased interest taken in the prayer meetings, which had been better attended than at any previous period in the history of the Church; for some months past there had been from forty to fifty persons present at the weekly prayer meeting, while at that held fortnightly after the service on Lord's-day evenings from eighty to a hundred had gathered. It was stated that the attendance at public worship had exceeded the averages for several years past, and that since the new schoolroom and classrooms had been opened there had been a large increase to the Sunday-school. The contributions for all purposes had been about £250 for the year, and it only required [408] less than £100 to clear off the debt on the building and the organ.

      For years it had been customary for our Sunday-school to hold its annual picnic on November 9, the public holiday in celebration of the birthday of the Prince of Wales. This year the holiday was observed on the 10th, and it was a day that will abide in the memory of all who were exposed to the most terrific thunder-storm that had been experienced in Adelaide or suburbs. The place selected for our encampment was Franklin's paddock, at the foot of Tapley's Hill, and all went well till late in the afternoon, when preparations were made for a return to town. We were delayed for about half-an-hour in making the swings down from the trees, and this delay proved a disastrous one for all. Soon after starting, the storm was seen approaching at a rapid rate from the north-west. The vans were covered with canvas, and I had a seat with the driver on the leading one--our position being entirely unprotected. As the storm advanced, the wind drove clouds of dust before it, and these dust-clouds appeared like enormous waves threatening to engulf us. Then came flashes of lightning, followed by deafening peals of thunder and a tropical downpour of rain and hail. The poor horses really trembled, and the drivers had great difficulty in keeping them on the road, as they seemed instinctively afraid to face the storm. In a few minutes all were drenched, the wind blowing the rain under the covers; and by the time we reached the City the children were in pitiable plight. They were sent home as speedily as possible, so that their garments might be changed; and I suppose many of the little ones were sent off to bed.

      On December 1, I went up to Lindsay House to commence the work apportioned me in the will of the late Mr. G. F. Angas. At the request of Mr. J. H. Angas, who had returned from England, I gave my opinion as to the particular intention of the testator in setting the amount opposite my name. The deceased had on various occasions intimated to me a desire that his memoirs should be published, as he considered that his extensive mercantile experience, and the remarkable way in which the Lord had helped him throughout his life, might be useful to many. He knew, also, that I was thoroughly conversant with his private journals and papers, and had mentioned to me many things that might supplement their contents, and prove interesting and instructive to others. Mr. Angas communicated my ideas to his co-trustees; and the conclusion they came to was that I should be entrusted with the task of compiling matter for a memoir of [409] the testator. There was abundance of material and the greatest difficulty, I knew, would be the selection of that which was most suitable for the purpose.

      The keys of the late Mr. Angas's sanctum, or private office, were placed in my custody; and, when visiting the City, I was to hand them, under seal, to the lady in charge of the house, to be held till my return. I will briefly describe the place where Mr. Angas spent many years in quietude, and where I was to pass some months in perusing documents of all kinds for the accomplishment of the onerous task undertaken. Lindsay House is situated on a hill-side, the back portion being of one story, while the front is two-storied, with a piazza and balcony. The view from this balcony extends beyond the garden, park, and river, over a valley, for a distance of between twenty and thirty miles, and forms as pretty a piece of landscape as can be desired. An artificial lake in the park, below the beautiful garden (which is laid out in terraces), would, to my mind, make the picture perfect. Under the arches of the piazza two handsome plate-glass windows look out into the garden, on each side of a spacious entrance-hall. One of these admits light to the office; the other to a room used as a dormitory in warm weather, it being the coolest in the house. The office contained desks, cupboards, drawers, bookshelves; and every nook and corner was used as a receptacle for books, papers, etc., altogether "too numerous to particularise," as the auctioneers say.

      This was the mine in which I was to delve, and collate all that was of interest or importance. I may mention that all the land and estate business was transacted at the office next the Lodge, just inside the entrance to the garden, where Mr. W. Clark and his assistants were to be found. I usually went up to Lindsay House on the Monday, returning on Saturday in order to be able to take the Sabbath services at Bentham Street. As a general rule I did no work in the evening, and sometimes had the pleasure of the company of Miss Stonehouse (the lady in charge) and her sister. Much of this time was spent in the study of prophecy, interspersed with singing--Sankey's "Songs and Solos" supplying us with melodies in harmony with our subject. I also conducted a prayer-meeting once a week, to which the servants, male and female, were invited; one or two of them taking part. On some of these occasions as many as fourteen have been present; and these meetings partially compensated for the loss of those I had been accustomed to at home. Mr. J. H. Angas sometimes came over from Collingrove to see what progress had been made in my work. On one of these visits I read to him for between [410] three and four hours, and this was about enough for both of us.

      In January, 1880, my work at Lindsay House was suspended for a time through the necessity that I should submit to a serious surgical operation, in accordance with the recommendation of Drs. Mayo and Phillips. This cloud had been impending for some time, with only slight prospect of its being lifted; but I was quite prepared for the issue, whatever and whenever it might be. I "set my house in order," and made the necessary preparation, and on Wednesday, January 21, three surgeons waited upon me to exercise their skill. First came Dr. Phillips, who was to operate; and seeing me in what some would call excellent spirits, this gentleman took the liberty to acquaint me with the gravity of the ordeal to be gone through. I replied, "All right, doctor, I have asked the Lord to enable you to do your work wisely and well; and I can leave it all with Him." Next came Dr. Mayo, who had charge of the case; he, finding my pulse rather low, handed me what I considered a large dose of brandy in a tumbler, and in reply to my query whether I was to drink it all, he said, "Yes, and some would be glad of the chance." The anaesthetic was administered by Dr. Ellison, who kept me under its influence for over an hour. When I recovered consciousness there was no pain, but, some time after, intense agony impelled me to call to the Lord for relief, and He heard and answered my prayer. Towards evening I felt that I was in a state of collapse through the continued tension on the nervous system, but Dr. Phillips gave me an opiate which induced a good sleep. I knew that many prayers were being offered on my behalf, and next morning felt that my life would be spared, and that the Lord had still some work for me to do. In a few days I was sufficiently strong to sit up and to read and write, and felt somewhat more satisfied.

      On Wednesday, February 25, five weeks after the operation, I was able to go up to Lindsay House, and to re-commence my work there; which not only gave me pleasure, but the change largely contributed to the restoration of my health. The train and coach journey proved rather too much for one so weak, but Miss Angas kindly met me at Angaston and conveyed me to my destination in a nice easy vehicle. I was able next day to resume the regular routine of work, and for several months continued at it much as at first: visiting town from Saturday to Monday, and staying at Lindsay House the remainder of the week. Occasionally I would spend a week at home, which enabled me to attend to private business, and to be present at the various [411] committee meetings of which I was a member. The Church did not, of course, get much of my pastoral oversight, but the members desired me to remain in office, and do what I could. Before the operation, not knowing how it might terminate, I had given them an opportunity to obtain the services of a paid pastor; but they could not secure one to suit them. I knew that after the Church had been from its commencement without a salaried incumbent, the adoption of a new order would be no easy matter. Some outsiders had said that Mr. Playford and I had established and fostered a bad habit, and I rather think there was some ground for such a charge.

      On a Lord's-day in July I was asked by one of our Sunday-school teachers to go to a hotel in the city, to visit the wife of the landlord, who was supposed to be nearing her end; and who was very desirous of salvation. For many years I had entertained a decided aversion to entering hotels or public-houses, and have actually walked by several times even when business necessitated a visit. In this case, however, feeling that it was specially my Master's business to convey the message of salvation to the dying, I expressed neither reluctance nor repugnance. In course of conversation I discovered that the person who was so anxious about her soul had been nurtured under religious influence, and had felt somewhat of the power of the Gospel; but subsequently associating with gay company and attending the theatre, she had gradually fallen away into worldliness and worldly conformity. She had an idea that, having sinned so grievously against light and knowledge, there was no forgiveness for her. I pointed out that the very consciousness of sin was of itself the best preliminary for pardon; and by directing her attention to "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world," I had the satisfaction of seeing, by the sweet expression of peace upon her countenance, that she was enjoying the blessing of pardon. Just before her death I called again, and the nurse, not knowing that I had visited the dying one, said she could not be seen. When it was told the patient who had called, she desired to see me for the last time; and as I parted from her I saw a look of satisfaction which was a rich reward for my labor.

      During the year I continued to edit and publish the Quarterly Journal of Prophecy, which might then be considered as fairly established, though I had not the same opportunities of introducing it as formerly, my lectures on prophecy having ceased. I had thoughts of taking another trip to the sister colonies at the end of the year, provided my work at Lindsay House was finished and [412] the way was clear. I really felt the need of a thorough change, my mind having become so much occupied with Mr. Angas's affairs, in which I took almost as much interest as if they had been my own. The task proved much more arduous than anticipated, and I sometimes felt inclined to relinquish it; but having a good reserve of patience, I was enabled to persevere. Mr. Angas's journals, or diaries, were not like mine--a mere cord of facts--but they indicated the state of his feelings under all the circumstances and vicissitudes of his life. He informed me again and again that these entries had proved a great relief to his mind, as he found that, after making them, he had, as it were, transferred them to these depositories. The documents I examined fully and clearly established the fact of Mr. G. F. Angas having been the main factor in founding South Australia; also that he was the founder of the South Australian Company, the Bank of South Australia, and the Union Bank of Australia; one of the founders of the National Provincial Bank of England; originator of the Newcastle Sunday-school Union; and one who had taken leading part in establishing and supporting a number of religious and benevolent institutions in England and in this Colony. As work in connection with these is described in the "Memoirs George Fife Angas, Father and Founder of South Australia" (compiled by myself, and edited by Mr. Edwin Hodder), it is, unnecessary to refer to it in detail. Mr. Hodder, in this book, makes the following rather flattering reference to me:--"In course of time Mr. Lawson joined the literary staff of an Adelaide newspaper, and the Rev. H. Hussey, a man of considerable ability, untiring energy, and deep piety, succeeded him; and for several years was the secretary and confidante of Mr. Angas. It is to the able notes of Mr. Hussey on many of the matters recorded in these pages that we are indebted for our information." Upon reading this, I concluded that it referred to me; but certainly I felt it was overdrawn, and remarked that "it was in keeping with the adage that 'One must go from home to hear news.' " I am not so conceited as to take in all that Mr. Hodder said of me; and those who know me intimately would, I am persuaded, hesitate to endorse his statement fully. However, I can say, without presuming to place myself on a level with the great Apostle to the Gentiles, "By the grace of God I am, what I am."

      Having made the necessary arrangements for supplies to Bentham Street during my absence, I left Port Adelaide in the steamer South Australian on Tuesday, January 25, 1881. On. [413] Wednesday I was well enough to be on deck; and as my friend, Mr. E. G. Day, was a fellow-passenger, we entered on a long theological discussion on the doctrines of the New Church, at the close of which, doubtless, our respective opinions remained unaltered. I arrived in Melbourne on Thursday, none the worse for the voyage, and being met by a friend, was conducted to comfortable quarters in Drummond Street, Carlton. Not being far from Lygon Street Chapel, I visited it, and, entering rather late, sat in a back seat, hoping to escape observation. My plan did not succeed, however, as I was recognised by some former friends and led into a long conversation, which made me forego my intention of retiring early to rest. On Friday I took passage by the Julia Percy, and this boat behaved badly during the night, rolling me about when quietness and sleep were desired. I thought this unkind, after being so well treated by the South Australian. On Saturday morning I arrived at Warrnambool, where my friend, Mr. Wood, met me with a boat; afterwards driving me to his residence at Fairy Hill, where I was welcomed by my relations and made to feel at home. On Monday I was driven to Lake Wangoon, passing some pretty scenery on the way. Tuesday saw me again on board the Julia Percy, and although she was rather lively, Melbourne was reached on Wednesday without suffering the inconveniences of the outward trip. These coasting steamers keep in close to the land, and are exposed to the ground-swell, which causes them to roll more than if farther out to sea. Besides, the Julia Percy was a long, narrow boat, and her want of beam was the cause of so much rolling.

      After spending two or three days in Melbourne, on Lord's day, the 6th, I attended the morning meeting of the Brethren, in the Assembly Hall, Collins Street. A friend who had invited me introduced me to Mr. Cave, who appeared to occupy a position analogous to that of pastor; but as these good people, like the Friends, do not recognise pastors and deacons, the work is done without any official name being given to the worker. Aware that these "peculiar" people are very particular not to have fellowship with those who hold what they consider erroneous doctrine, I was not surprised at being questioned as to my soundness in the faith before being allowed to "break bread" with them. The answers given to my interrogator proving satisfactory, I was allowed to "sit down" with them, and felt it a privilege to do so. I did not particularly admire the "order" of worship, for there did not appear to be any order; though I inferred that as the leading brother went round and spoke to two or three before the [414] service, that there really was a little pre-arrangement. It is generally understood that all that is done in and by the "assembly" is under the direction of the Holy Spirit; but there was one thing that did not appear, to me, to bear out this idea. I noticed that there was generally a pause between the various exercises of prayer, singing, reading of the Scriptures, and exhortation. Sometimes these pauses were long, and I cannot understand why the Holy Spirit should keep these brethren waiting so long, if they were, as they suppose, moved in all they say and do by direct impulse from the Divine Director. I am afraid these pauses, whether long or short, become altogether too mechanical, and a mere matter of form. They may give time for the selection of a hymn or a portion of Scripture, but I cannot see that they are necessary in the case of a brother who is in a prayerful spirit and prepared to pray. During one of the intervals I felt moved to engage in prayer, because I considered that a Christian in a proper frame of mind should be prepared to pray whenever a suitable opportunity presented itself.

      The singing was good, and was led by Mrs. Service, the mother of the well-known Victorian politician after whom Serviceton was named. This was my first attendance at a meeting of the Brethren, and though I greatly esteem some belonging to that body, I cannot say that I admire their meetings, which, according to my unsophisticated mind, might be greatly improved. Of course, if they really are entirely under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I reverently bow my head and withdraw my remarks without the slightest reservation. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit can and will prepare individual Christians to speak and pray whenever a suitable time and opportunity offers, without keeping them till they meet in a collective capacity; and then detaining them for a time in solemn silence. The Brethren and the Friends differ materially on certain matters of doctrine and practice, but there are also several striking points of resemblance between the two organisations; and there is no doubt that each has its mission, and is witnessing for some part of the economy of the Christian dispensation. In the evening I attended the service at the Wesleyan Chapel (or "Cathedral," as some call it) in Lonsdale Street. This is a truly handsome and commodious building, capable of accommodating about 1,500 persons; but on the occasion of my visit there were only some 150 present. The preacher was a young man, not wanting in assurance; and his address, or sermon, was not by any means in keeping with his small audience. He took for his text the "leaven which a woman [415] took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." He stated that some persons had an idea that Christianity was on the wane, but he could assure them that such was not the case; that the world was being rapidly "leavened" by the Gospel; and that conversions could be counted in thousands then where there were only hundreds before. This was news to me, and the attendance on his ministrations did not appear to me to be a good illustration of his statement. He seemed to be quite oblivious to the fact that the word "leaven," in Scripture, is the symbol of evil; and I did not feel any, regret that so few were present to listen to such a perversion of the Word of God. I am aware that this young preacher was by no means singular in his mis-application of the symbols of Scripture, as many older ones, who should know better, have made a similar mistake. This erroneous use of the word "leaven" is, I know, in keeping with the idea of the world becoming converted before the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ; but this conclusion, so far as I am able to gather from the teaching of Christ and His Apostles, is utterly without foundation. If the world is to be converted before the coming of Christ, why is it said that, at the sign of His coming, "all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him"; also that they will say "to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb?" I consider this idea of the progress of Christianity as one of the "strong delusions" of the last days; and that it is deceiving thousands, lulling them into a state of false security and unpreparedness for the coming of the Lord.

      During my stay in Melbourne I went with a party to see the Mint in William Street, and we were all well pleased with the attention shown to us. The entire process of coining gold, from the bullion being placed in the crucibles to the weighing of the sovereigns, is open to inspection; and an official explained all the mysteries in the conversion of the crude metal into coin of the realm. A bag of sovereigns was on a table, and on a member of the party expressing a desire for the possession of it, the attendant intimated that anyone who could hold it in his or her hand might have it. This seemed to some an easy task, but each one that tried to lift the precious treasure found that quite a safe offer had been made. The "milling" process was very interesting, but the most remarkable of all, to me, was the automatic weighing machine, beneath a glass shade. There were three receptacles for sovereigns--one on the right for those which were overweight, one on the left for such as were too light, and the centre one for [416] those passed as correct. Each coin was weighed as it descended, and without a hand touching it, found its way into the proper receptacle. The correct ones only required to be counted before they could be put into circulation, but the light and heavy ones had to be returned to the crucible, to pass through all the processes again.

      On my second Lord's-day in Melbourne I took part in the meeting of the Brethren at the Assembly Hall in the morning; assisted at the Albert Street Baptist Sunday-school in the afternoon; and attended the service at the Lygon Street Chapel in the evening. On Tuesday evening I had the privilege of participating in a tea and public meeting at Lygon Street, and was pleased to find my friend, the Hon. P. Santo (from Adelaide) occupying the chair. Mr. J. J. Haley, a powerful preacher from America, had been doing a good work at this place, which might be considered the head-quarters of the Church of Christ in Melbourne. The building is capable of accommodating about 500 people, and the services are usually well attended. These Christians have several meeting and preaching places in and around the metropolis, as well as in other parts of Victoria; and, as regards membership, are about on a par with the Baptists. It is to be regretted that these two bodies, so similar in many respects, are not united in Victoria and South Australia; as they would, if amalgamated, form one of the strongest, though not the largest, religious bodies in either colony. On the third Lord's-day spent in Melbourne I conducted service at the George Street Baptist Chapel in the morning; assisted in the Sunday-school in the afternoon; and went to a Gospel meeting at the Novelty Theatre in the evening. This last was a "novelty" to me, as I had not been accustomed to people coming in and going out as they pleased during the service; but the preacher did not appear in any way disconcerted by the noise and confusion which these movements occasioned. At the time of my visit Dr. Porter was the pastor at George Street, and he was regarded as an able preacher. He had been with the Disciples, or Church of Christ; and in confirmation of what I have said concerning the union of these two bodies, he told me that he felt equally at home with either.

      I gave a series of three lectures on "Prophecy" at the Assembly Hall, Collins Street, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, February 14, 16, and 18; the last being better attended than the first, showing that the interest gradually increased. One of the subjects dealt with was "The Millennial Reign of the [417] Lord Jesus Christ"; and when I had concluded, one of the ministers present, in proposing a vote of thanks, remarked that what the lecturer had said was very good, but "it was too good to be true." In giving lectures on prophecy at various times and places, I have been greatly surprised at the amount of scepticism that exists in reference to the prophetic Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments. I suppose it arises, in great measure, from the entire absence, in most cases, of any special attention to this subject in the preliminary training of ministers of the Gospel. The gospel of grace is a grand gospel; but the gospel of glory is still grander--in fact, it appears to me that the former is hardly to be regarded as one-half of the complete Gospel, the latter being the "better half." It is quite clear from Paul's First Epistle to the Thessalonians (1 Thess. i. 9, 10) that the second coming of Christ formed a prominent part of his preaching to these people; and that it was presented as a powerful motive to turn them from idolatry.

      Having finished my work in Melbourne I took a passage in the steamer Flinders for Launceston, leaving on Tuesday, February 22. The passage across Bass's Straits is generally rough, with a cross sea; and during the night I could hear the water occasionally coming over the gunwale or side. My sleep was rather disturbed, not by disagreeable dreams, but with something else quite as disagreeable. On entering the Heads, soon after daylight, I went on deck and enjoyed the trip up the River Tamar, a brief description of the scenery on which has already been given. The steaming up in a few hours was a great contrast to the three days it took us in the brig William in 1839. The quiet water, too, was a relief after the troubled sea of the night, and was another illustration of "taking the rough with the smooth" through life's journey. On reaching the wharf at Launceston I made my way to the lodgings I had engaged, which were not exactly what I expected; but I made up my mind to make the best I could of them, and again apply the motto of "taking the rough with the smooth." I fared far better in every way than I did in 1839; and that was something to be thankful for.

      On Wednesday I took a stroll through the town, and was introduced to Mrs. Reed, a well-known and benevolent lady, whose praise, if not in all the Churches, is widely known by her good works. I also engaged the Oddfellows' Hall for two lectures on "Prophecy," to be delivered on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 8 and 9. The following day I started by train for Hobart, [418] a distance of 130 miles; and the journey was one long to be remembered. The line is a narrow-gauge one, and the oscillation at times was almost sufficient to throw the passengers from the seats. I held on, however, with both hands, and in due time reached the destination without any mishap. The route is very circuitous, in order to avoid the hills; and passes along at their base. At times it would seem as though we were making straight for one of these natural obstructions, when a sudden turn took us right around it. Many of the names given to places on the way are Scriptural, such as Jerusalem, Jericho, and Lake of Galilee; the two former being, unlike those in Palestine, famous for racing fixtures. On arrival I found comfortable quarters at the Royal Hotel, not far from the railway-station.

      My first business was to engage a hall for the two lectures I intended to deliver, and I secured that attached to the Mechanics' Institute for Tuesday and Thursday, March 1 and 3. The title of the first lecture was "Europe and the Eastern Question"; and that of the second, "The Millennial Reign of Christ." The attendances were not so large as in Melbourne, nor could it be expected; but a lively interest was manifested in the subjects. The advertisements and notices of the lectures in the Hobart Mercury were very entertaining: the first being placed under the heading of "Amusements," and the latter being the most diverting of any I had met with in my lecturing tours. The following is from the paper mentioned:--"While perfectly reverent in every way, Mr. Hussey showed that he belonged to the modern school of prophetic readers of the Bible, and was most audacious in his reconciliation of things sacred and mundane. He apparently sees not only the whole tendency of all human events, present, past, and future; but the intention, so far as the end of the world is concerned, of its Creator, and the way these two branches of thought and action will eventually harmonise. Briefly, Mr. Hussey considers the Eastern Question as a small wheel within a complex system, all of which are hastening to the end of the world--a struggle by Russia to get the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem--and if one is rather perplexed when he finishes, it may be that it is the extent of the ground he covers, as well as the novelty of many of the ideas he presents, which, failing to impress themselves properly on the mind, leave the idea that his argument has not been complete. Further acquaintance may give greater light, and Mr. Hussey is to lecture again at the same hall on Thursday evening." I rather think that the subject dealt with on Thursday was more difficult for the reporter of the Mercury to grasp than [419] the preceding one. As there was no mention of it, I concluded that it was altogether beyond his depth; and that, if he could not present it to his readers as it was delivered, it was much better to say nothing. Had he been a student of Scripture, he would have known more of the subject.

      On Lord's-day, February 27, I attended the meeting of the Brethren in the morning and gave an address, and did the same at the Sunday-school in the afternoon. After this I went to the Baths and witnessed some immersions by the Brethren, at which there was a large attendance. I noticed that the manner of administering the ordinance was somewhat different to what I had been accustomed to: the candidates kneeling down previous to being placed under the water, instead of standing to be submerged by the baptiser. In the evening I went to a Presbyterian place of worship to hear a preacher who had been a Baptist minister in South Australia. The place had accommodation for between 400 and 500, and there was about a tenth of that number present. I subsequently called on the preacher to learn why he was occupying a Presbyterian pulpit, and he informed me that he did so in order that the people might hear the Gospel, which he thought they did not get from the former pastor or preacher. I asked him if he intended the address on Lord's-day evening as a presentation of the Gospel, and, being answered in the affirmative, ventured to express my opinion that it was more an essay on "The Sea" than a proclamation of the Gospel. Before leaving I tendered some advice gratuitously, which he received as kindly as it was intended by the giver; and we parted very good friends.

      On Saturday I started off with the intention of ascending Mount Wellington, but went the wrong way about my self imposed task. I did not make proper enquiry as to the route, and the best way of proceeding--supposing it to be no more difficult to climb than our own Mount Lofty. After walking a mile or two on a track running in the direction of the eminence, I found that I could proceed no farther, and beat a retreat. On returning to the hotel I was informed that I had gone up into the tiers, where some persons had been lost; and the landlord expressed his pleasure at my safe return. I saw the face of the Mount in front of me, with the "organ pipes" at top, rising almost perpendicularly for between 2,000 and 3,000 feet; and had there been a "lift" at that particular spot, it would have taken much less time to attain the summit than by following the circuitous and gradual ascent of several miles usually favored. These [420] "organ pipes" (as they are called) on the face of the mountain are caused, it is said, by the wind and rain beating on this exposed part for ages upon ages. On my way down I rested on the bank of one of the many streams of clear, cool water always streaming down from springs on the mountain. On Wednesday I made another unsuccessful attempt to ascend Mount Wellington. I started by the Huon coach, and alighted at the Fern Tree Inn, taking the path leading up to the summit. I walked up to the Bower, where there is a table and seats for travellers, with fern trees on each side, and a spring of delightfully clear cool water close at hand. Near by is the beautiful Fern Tree Gully, abounding with almost every description of indigenous fern, and shaded by enormous gum trees rising 200 or 300 feet into the air. I walked on for about a mile, and, looking up; saw the clouds resting some distance below the summit; which decided me to retrace my steps. After gathering a choice selection of ferns, I walked back to Hobart, greatly admiring the lovely scenery. Those who have travelled the whole of the coach journey to Huon speak of the views along the road as charming; and such sightseers as cannot afford the time and money to go to New Zealand would, I imagine, be perfectly satisfied with what can be seen in Tasmania.

      I was greatly pleased with my visit to Hobart, and if I were choosing a locality for residence, would assign it the next place to Geelong. If in a position to make a free choice, I would select Hobart for the summer and Geelong for the winter; leaving out "fair Adelaide" altogether. An elderly Christian gentleman who heard me lecture expressed the wish that I would remain longer in Hobart, and preach there; in fact, from what he said I gathered that he would like me to remain permanently, and labor there in the Gospel--a wish that I could not gratify. Hobart is a gay and fashionable place of resort in the summer season; and the presence of two or three, and sometimes more, men-of-war in the harbor, tends to increase its liveliness. The town being built on undulating ground, the whole of it cannot be seen at a glance; and indeed it has the appearance of two or three towns instead of one. Most of the private residences have large allotments of land well planted with trees and shrubs, and these contribute largely to the picturesqueness of the place. The abundance of streams of water, large and small, flowing down Mount Wellington, which during a great part of the year is capped with snow, gives great delight to admirers of a clear, cool drink, free from pollution. Teetotallers could rarely meet with a town more plentifully [421] supplied with their favorite beverage, and here there is no excuse whatever for beer or dram drinkers to indulge in anything stronger than water. Strange to say, however, on entering Hobart from the Huon Road, the first place met with is an extensive brewery, flanked by its private reservoir of water.

      On Saturday I took leave of Hobart, and as it was daylight I had a better view of the beautiful scenery with which it is surrounded, than when I arrived at night. The mountains and valleys, the River Derwent, and the gardens and orchards, all please the eye of a stranger passing by, though probably many of those who dwell among this beauty have little appreciation for it. I did not notice the oscillation of the train so much on the return, possibly because I had become more accustomed to it. On arrival at Launceston I returned to my lodgings, which, though not just such as suited, I determined to put up with for a few days. In the evening I attended the prayer meeting at the Christian Mission, the place provided by Mrs. Reed, where there is accommodation for carrying on the various branches of the work which had been inaugurated by that lady and her daughters. Here, on the Lord's-day morning, an excellent address was given by the town missionary, on the words, "We would see Jesus," which was very much to my liking. I was also very pleased with the Sunday-school in the afternoon, and found the superintendent, an ex-Wesleyan minister, well up to his work. It struck me that this undenominational Christian mission, in all its ramifications, was doing a great and good work. In the evening I went to hear the preaching at the People's Hall, where the Brethren not only preached the Gospel inside, but published it by a number of appropriate texts, in large letters, on the outside. This was really a Sabbath, or a day of rest, for me; as I did nothing but listen and learn, with the exception of taking part in the psalmody and giving away some tracts. This Lord's-day morning, at the breakfast table, was the first time I took a meal with the other boarders at this establishment. I saw that they belonged to the artisan class, and from their conversation gathered that they were an ungodly crew. Instead of being offended at what they said, I thought it was a good opportunity to give them some tracts, which they accepted with a look of surprise, wondering, I suppose, at the strange visitor who had sat down to breakfast with them, but took no part in their conversation.

      On Monday evening I gave the lecture on "Europe and the Eastern Question," and the Launceston Examiner, in its notice thereof, said:--"Mr. Hussey was evidently thoroughly au fait [422] with his subject, and his style of delivery is both fluent and pleasant; and he displayed also an intimate knowledge of Holy Scripture." At the close of my address, the Rev. Canon Brownrigg proposed a vote of thanks, which was heartily agreed to by those present. I delivered my second lecture on the next evening, and it seemed to be appreciated. Here, and at Hobart, I secured an additional number of subscribers for the Australian Quarterly Journal of Prophecy.

      On Wednesday I was invited to tea at Capt. Urquhart's, and we afterwards had a long conversation on Anglo-Israelism. I think my worthy friend had an idea that he was going to make an easy convert of me; but he found me an out-and-out sceptic as regards this theory, and the tables were so turned on him that he gave up his supposed easy task. From the very passage of Scripture he advanced in support of the theory, I showed that its plain grammatical construction was altogether opposed to it. However, we spent a pleasant and profitable evening talking over various phases of prophecy, and I was pleased at having made the Captain's acquaintance.

      On Thursday I strolled up to the Cataract, and was surprised at the improvements made since my visit in 1839--more than forty years before. The gorge was spanned by a pretty iron bridge of one span, and good paths rendered the precipitous banks safe and easy to walk. The old water-race along which I had crept on hands and knees was still there, but showed such signs of decay that I should not have liked to again venture on it. The river being low, there was no fall of water; but above the natural dam there was a fine pool, icy cold, as if it had come down from snowy mountains. Here I had a good rest, and, sitting on a hill commanding an extensive view down the Tamar, meditated on the varying changes that had taken place during the forty years' interval between my visits. I quite expected to find the country in a more vernal condition, but was informed that the season had been unusually dry.

      On Friday morning, March 11, having taken passage by the steamer Mangana for Melbourne, I went on board, and again admired the scenery during the run down the river. The sea outside was as troublous as before, and I suffered accordingly. It is not by any means pleasant to lie in your berth and listen to the water splashing on deck--a proof that the sea is in what some would term an "angry mood." It was an agreeable change to find ourselves next morning in Hobson's Bay, in calm water; and by 9 o'clock our feet were once more on terra firma. On reaching [423] my former lodging at Carlton, I was pleased to find a budget of letters and news from home of a satisfactory character.

      On Lord's-day I met with the Brethren at the Assembly Hall, and was now beginning to feel at home with these good people. In the afternoon I called on Pastor Cherbury, who was doing a grand work at Collingwood, both in the Tabernacle and in the orphanage which be had established. I attended the former in the evening and took part in the service, which was interesting. When the pastor began to preach here, a galvanized-iron building, lined with wood, was erected, which would seat 400 persons. This proving too small, an addition was made, affording double the accommodation; and the funds were readily provided without bazaars or anything of the sort. The structure is septagonal, or octagonal, with folding-doors to each part; and it was an interesting sight to see the people flocking in from each opening and taking their seats as if quite at home. The choir, numbering about thirty, sang some of Sankey's selections as if it were singing "with the spirit and with the understanding also." The leader was the pastor's daughter, a consecrated young Christian. A glance at the congregation led to the conclusion that the worthy pastor had found out the way to reach the masses without the aid of the big drum, or any other attraction, save the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The orphanage established by Pastor Cherbury had a small beginning, but has gradually increased. It is supported by voluntary contributions, in the same way as the Bristol Homes, of world-wide celebrity.

      On Monday I took the train for Sydney, and there went to my former lodgings in Wynyard Square, where I was quite at home. Wednesday morning found me in a steamer, bound for Parramatta, to visit a patient in the lunatic asylum there. In searching for this institution I went to the door of a nunnery by mistake. The door stood open, and some of the nuns, seeing a man there, soon made off; and I did the same on finding where I was. Parramatta is one of the oldest towns in New South Wales, and in its vicinity are several public institutions. The district boasts some of the best orangeries in the Colony. I returned to Sydney by rail, and in the evening attended the week-night service at the Bathurst Street Baptist Chapel. I expected to see my friend the Rev. W. Clare, the pastor of the Church; but he was at the time on a visit to Adelaide. It appeared to me that his absence was much felt, as those present did not appear at all prepared to carry on the service. I voluntarily rendered a little assistance, and probably if they had [424] known that I was prepared to give more, a request to that effect would have been preferred. On Friday I attended and took part in a Bible-class conducted by the Brethren, but did not get on quite so well with these as I had done with their confreres in Tasmania. The leader knew that, though I might be a brother Christian, I was not one of their particular order; and evidently felt rather suspicious about me. On Saturday I made the necessary arrangements to lecture in the Temperance Hall, and also to give an address at the Protestant Hall on Lord's-day afternoon, on "The Transfiguration."

      On Lord's-day morning I met with the Brethren at the Foresters' Hall, and gave an address at the "breaking of bread"; preached at the Protestant Hall in the afternoon, as arranged; and spent the evening at my Sydney home in conversation, singing, and prayer. I felt the weather very oppressive and enervating, unfitting me for outdoor exercise. A very short walk brought on profuse perspiration and I came to the conclusion that in the climatic conditions that characterise summer in Adelaide, I could do far more work than would be possible to me in Sydney. At the latter city, however, the nights were generally cool and agreeable, the sea-breeze coming up the harbor considerably reducing the temperature. In all the several weeks I have in different years spent in Sydney in the height of summer, I only remember one night on which the atmosphere was oppressive.

      I commenced lecturing at the Temperance Hall on Monday, March 21, and continued the series of three on Wednesday and Friday following. The weather was fairly good on the first two occasions, but on the last the rain came down in torrents, as it sometimes does in Sydney. The following notice appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald of March 26:--"The third and concluding lecture of a series on 'Prophecy' was last night delivered in the Temperance Hall, Pitt Street, by Mr. H. Hussey, the editor of the Australian Quarterly Journal of Prophecy; the subject, 'The Millennial Kingdom of Christ.' As may be supposed from the title of the lecture, Mr. Hussey interprets the Messianic prophecies in accordance with those who expect the personal reign of Christ on the earth for a thousand years. He simply states his views, and quotes the Scriptures which he thinks support those views, without insisting, as too many students of prophecy do, that they must be right and all others wrong. The heavy rain which fell doubtless contributed to the smallness of the audience, among which, however, were several ladies. The lecturer received an attentive hearing, and at the close he was unanimously requested, [425] for the benefit of those who were hindered by the weather from being present, to repeat the lecture at an early date, which Mr. Hussey undertook to do." After the lecture on Friday evening, I went down to the steamer Maitland, intending to go to Newcastle by her. I found that all the berths had been engaged, as she was taking a circus party, together with the animals and paraphernalia connected therewith. Having arranged to meet a gentleman at Maitland on Saturday, I determined to go, even if it should be necessary to sit up all night. On entering the saloon I found myself in unusual company, made up of riders, clowns, dwarfs, etc. It was near midnight before the steamer proceeded down the harbor, and as it was wet and dark on deck I decided to return to the saloon, amidst the strange and motley group who were there engaged in various games. Then came the frequent ringing of the bell, and the sounding of the fog-horn to warn vessels of our approach; and all contributed to make up an experience such as I had not had before. After we got out to sea one of the stewards brought a bundle of blue blankets and some pillows, for the use of those who wished to lie down on the floor. I suppose the ladies of the party had taken possession of the berths, and the others were to fare as best they could. I noticed one man after another secure a blanket and a pillow, and I followed the example. From the sequel it was evident to me that the circus party had been taken by contract; but though I was located among them, I was not included in the company contracted for.

      The purser made his appearance in the saloon, accompanied by one of the circus officials, and the enquiry was made as to which of those lying down belonged to the party. The official, stretching out his hand, said "All these belong to our party," and the fare-collector was about to turn away, when his quick eye caught sight of me rising up to signify that I was not one of them. The showman had to admit his mistake, and I at once tendered ten shillings, the amount of the fare. After three or four hours of misery below, I went on deck, and was pleased to find that we were near to the entrance of the harbor. In the early hours of the morning the steamer arrived at the wharf at Newcastle; and I very soon severed my connection with the circus troupe. Taking the train for Maitland, I was met on arrival there by one who was on the look-out for me, and was escorted to the gaol. Could this be on account of having been in queer company the night before? Not that; but as the friend who took me to that institution was desirous of witnessing certain sports, and knew that I was not a [426] lover of sport, he conducted me thither for safe keeping till the evening, and introduced me to the governor of the gaol, who took me into his own quarters, and extended generous hospitality. During the day I was shown over the prison, and was much interested when visiting the chapel, at hearing the prisoners practising singing for the service next day. Towards evening my friend returned, and drove me to his residence, some twenty miles in the bush. As it was dark I could not see the country through which we were passing, but noticed that we had to cross one or two large rivers by means of drawbridges or ferries. We reached the homestead about 10 o'clock, and after a good supper I was not sorry to turn-in for a night's rest. The next day was spent in walking, conversation, and reading, without attending any place of worship, which was rather a unique experience for me. By this glimpse of bush life I could understand how in course of time people get accustomed to this manner of living. One of the natural curiosities in this neighborhood was a colony of flying foxes, which I presumed to be a species of bat, but I had not time to go to see them.

      I was driven back to Maitland on the Monday, and had a good view of that well-watered tract of land situated in the valley of the Hunter. The growth of vegetation appeared to be semi-tropical, maize reaching a height of eight or nine feet, while lucerne grew in such abundance that it was trussed up like hay. Many other products also grew luxuriantly. The alluvial deposits are rich and deep, being brought down by the floods with which the district is occasionally visited. It is a rare thing for the settlers in these parts to complain of want of water; more frequently they are troubled with inundations. I was struck with the magnificent rivers in this part of the Colony, such as the Hunter, the Clarence, and the Williams. In the evening I took the train for Newcastle, and secured a passage by the steamer for Sydney. On this occasion, being accommodated with a berth, I kept out of questionable company, and escaped the usual penalty of going to sea. On my return to Sydney I re-delivered the lecture at the Temperance Hall, according to promise, and was favored with a much larger attendance than was present on the former occasion. As this finished my work in this part of the world for a season, I took the train for Melbourne next day, arriving there not much the better for the trip.

      On Tuesday, April 5, I gave a lecture on the coming of the Lord, at the George Street Baptist Chapel, with which the people appeared pleased, and expressed a desire to hear more on this [427] soul-inspiring subject; but, having arranged to leave for Adelaide next day, I could not comply with their wishes. On Wednesday I started for home in the steamer Victorian, and was favored with a smooth passage. The late Rev. J. McEwin, editor of the Christian Colonist, was one of the passengers, and we had an interesting conversation on prophetic subjects while proceeding down the Bay. As the result of our conference I undertook to write a series of articles for his paper on the various phases of the subject of the "Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ." These were continued, weekly, for about six months, at the end of which time the patience of the opponents of the unpopular doctrine was about exhausted; and, as they could not refute that which I advanced, they wished the subject to be dropped. Accordingly, any further articles were respectfully declined. It is really surprising that a subject which occupies such a prominent place in the New Testament should be almost ignored by the majority of Christian preachers and teachers. It is truly a fulfilment of what Christ said with reference to His second coming: "When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find [this] faith on the earth?" Judging from present appearances and,experience I am inclined to think that there will be a very small modicum of it. Noah, a preacher of righteousness, was the most unpopular preacher that ever lived. We do not find that he was the means of converting a single soul to righteousness, nor one to belief in the awful flood which he told the people was coming on the earth. The flood came all the same, whether they believed it or not; and, in like manner, the coming of the Lord will be, as He Himself has said, as a snare "on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth." He also says, that "as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For, as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and knew not until the flood came and took them all away: so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be." It appears to me that the nocturnal shadows are deepening towards that "eclipse of faith" which is foretold in the New Testament Scriptures; and as "the night is far spent," we know that these signs are the precursors of the brightest day that has ever dawned upon this earth. It is said of the natural night that "the darkest hour is just before the dawn"; and in like manner we may conclude that the bright and glorious morning,ushering in the blessed millennial day is not far distant. My further work in connection with prophecy during the year (in [428] addition to the publication of the Australian Quarterly Journal of Prophecy) consisted of conducting a series of weekly meetings in. Bentham Street for the study of the subject in its various phases. These were well attended till the warm weather set in, and then it was deemed advisable to discontinue them for a time; but they had been so interesting and instructive to the students that they were given up with regret.

      On returning to my home I had to pay the usual penalty of making-up for the time I was away. The publication of the Australian Quarterly Journal of Prophecy was behind time, though I had sent in some articles to expedite its issue. Several other matters also required my attention--especially the Church work in Bentham Street, which, so far as preaching was concerned, had been carried on by supplies during my absence. Having decided to reside permanently at Hackney, I purchased an allotment of land in what had been Bailey's Garden; and by this. means became possessed of some of the fine trees planted by Mr. Bailey forty or fifty years ago. I drew a plan for an eight-roomed house, purchased nearly all the necessary material, and, superintended its erection myself. Being a poor sleeper in very warm weather, I took the precaution to have my study and a room partly underground, with an area in front for ventilation, and a balcony over it. This has been a great comfort to me, and, I am of opinion that in the warm climate of South Australia too little attention is given to matters of this kind. The house being nearly ready for occupation at the end of the year, I moved thither, and am thankful for such a comfortable domicile. I determined at the time I purchased the land and built upon it; that this should be my last attempt in the building line; and, this determination is not likely to be altered.

      During the year I paid two more visits to Lindsay House, in June and December; the first for the purpose of arranging and packing the papers to be sent to England for editing and publishing. This afforded me a good opportunity for seeing the immense amount of work that I had done in compiling material for the memoirs of the late George Fife Angas. I have no doubt Mr. Hodder, in editing this work, often experienced difficulty in making suitable selections from such a mass of evidence; but he knew his business sufficiently well to preserve the main facts and discard unnecessary detail. My second trip to Angaston was made in order to arrange and put away papers, properly docketed, that were not required for the memoirs. This was really the finishing-up of my work at the old mansion, and it was with some [429] feelings of regret that I took leave of the home of one with whom I had been associated for so many years, and who had entered into rest. I was pleased to see that the pretty garden surrounding the mausoleum was bright with lovely flowers, which could not fail to impress visitors with the fact that the memory of the departed was still fondly cherished.

THE LATE H. B. HUSSEY.

      Early in 1882 we experienced very serious trouble in our family circle, and I sometimes wonder that I survived it. My only son had devoted his attention to the art of wood engraving, and had displayed artistic talent in some oil-paintings which he had executed, and which are left with us--a treasured memento--of his ability in this direction. Better than this, he had avowed [430] his faith in Christ, had been baptised, and became a member of the Church and a teacher in the Sunday-school. He was in his twenty-second year, when he decided to go to England to perfect himself in the art in which he had already attained some degree of proficiency. He therefore booked a passage in the Potosi, of the Orient line, and embarked on March 11, 1882. Prior to this he had taken in hand a large engraving order, and as the weather was excessively warm, he felt the work to be trying, and I could perceive that it was affecting his health. He determined, however, to finish it before he left, and worked early and late in order to accomplish the task. Not allowing himself time for proper rest and nourishment, he began to develop signs of weakness, and I was hopeful that the sea voyage would strengthen him. I went on board with him, and he was then in excellent spirits, considering the leave-taking and the weakness referred to. For several weeks we anxiously awaited tidings of his progress, but none reached us till May 10--two months after his departure. This delay occurred in consequence of the letter having been sent to Melbourne, instead of to Adelaide. The communication was from the purser of the steamer, and from it we gathered that my dear son had died of heat apoplexy on March 29, and was buried at sea. This mournful intelligence came upon me with terrible force, and my brain reeled under the shock. If I could have wept, I might have found relief, but my tears refused to flow. For hours my nervous system was completely unstrung, and it was a mercy that my prostration did not result in paralysis. Calmness succeeded after a time, but this threatened to lead to a state of confirmed melancholia. When a young man I suffered much from this morbid feeling--the result, doubtless, of physical weakness. My old enemy, Satan, took an advantage of me for a season, and did his best (or his worst) to lead me to foster this feeling, which would have entirely unfitted me for further usefulness. This morbidity took entire possession of me, and so completely influenced my mind that I took no interest in anything, and scarcely in anyone--in fact I neither wanted to see or be seen. The large number of kind, sympathetic letters received only had the effect of keeping open the wound; and I almost dreaded the postman's knock. Then came the question, What should I do under the circumstances? In the first place, I felt self-condemned for allowing the enemy to prevail; and then I did what should have been done at the very outset. I prayed earnestly to the Lord to lift the burden from me, which had become additionally heavy through not seeking His all-needed help. From that time [431] I experienced an indescribable relief, and a peace that passed all understanding; and though still feeling keenly the loss of my son, I realised that the arch-enemy had lost his intended prey. I did not for one moment entertain an unkind thought of God's good providence, but concluded that my dear one had been taken from "the evil to come." He was fond of company, and made himself agreeable to those with whom he associated. From the little I could gather of the way in which he availed himself of the opportunities of enjoying life on board ship, I could perceive that he was exposed to danger, and that his Christian principles were put to a severe test. He had commenced a journal of the voyage, which afterwards came into my possession; and from this I found that he had made a fairly good beginning. I also learnt from letters received that every attention was paid him during his brief illness, both as regards medical advice and nursing. One of these letters was from a lady in Sydney, who had kindly attended him night and day, and whom I afterwards had the pleasure of personally thanking for her good offices. It appeared that, after his head became seriously affected by the sunstroke, he managed to leave his bed, and while staggering along the saloon, was asked where he was going. He replied, "I am going to send a telegram to my father"--thus showing that I was in his wandering thoughts to the last. Of course no message could possibly be sent; but I trust that in his lucid moments he sent one to his Father in heaven, which would be sure to reach Him.

      The Rev. W. Moore, a Baptist minister from Queensland, was a passenger by the Potosi, and he kindly furnished a friend of mine with the following particulars from his note-book concerning the death and burial of my son, under date of March 29, 1882, the day after they had crossed the Equator:--"We were greatly upset this evening by the death of a young man, somewhat suddenly, although ailing for some time. He was the son of a Baptist minister named Hussey, living at Adelaide. It cast a gloom around the circle in which he moved. As he was a Baptist, the captain wished me to perform the burial service, the funeral to take place at 6 o'clock next morning, Thursday, the 30th. After a rather restless night I rose about 5, and prepared myself as best I could for the solemn service. I was on deck at five minutes to 6, and found there, waiting the ceremony, the Ven. Archdeacon Butt, of New Zealand; another Church of England minister, who had married a daughter of the Governor of South Australia; and also the Rev. J. Munro, Presbyterian minister. The captain, the doctor, and the principal officers of [432] the ship, and about fifty of the passengers were also present. There was an air of solemnity about it--at the dawn of day, in a tropical clime, on the open sea, which was very beautiful, as calm as a lake. We committed his body to the sea until the morning of the resurrection, when the sea shall give up its dead. I prayed earnestly that our lives may be spared for the sake of dear ones far away." While at Lindsay House in December, 1881, I had written to my son, advising him, if he felt inclined to study for the ministry, to go to Spurgeon's Pastors' College; and offered to pay all expenses incurred. I pointed out that in the engraving line there would be keen competition, even if he excelled in the art; and that I thought he would find more real satisfaction in preaching the Gospel, especially as he had already some of the qualifications for a public speaker. In reply to this letter, after thanking me for my "great thoughtfulness" he says:--"I will duly consider your magnanimous proposal, but I am afraid it cannot alter my present convictions on the subject, which are still the same as before. I notice that you urge, firstly, that owing to the keen competition which exists in England, I should have to excel the favored ones there; and that, supposing after spending time and money in perfecting myself in my calling, the encouragement I would receive in the Colonies would not repay me for the outlay. Taking the first clause into consideration, from all I can see, the competition that would narrow my chances of success in the one way, would also re-act with cramping influence in any other sphere of labor I might engage in; and though a black coat might in many ways bring me into more refined society, and soften some of the rougher paths of life, yet the mental exertion and strain required to excel in that calling would in no way be diminished. To be foremost in anything, it means the old story of the Egyptian pitcher of tamed vipers, each struggling to get its head above the rest. Then, as to surrendering myself entirely to the Lord, I think that ought to be expected from anyone who calls himself a Christian. It is scarcely necessary for me to say that I am no believer in sacerdotal robes or priestly offices in these days, and I am convinced that not a quarter of the good that is done today is accomplished by those gentlemen who are paid, and expected to preach or teach twice a week, to people who will not remember a single sentence out of the discourse ten days after. But as there is still a small demand for such, I suppose the supply will also be forthcoming. For my part, I think the less anyone says the better, and that his or her life should be the [433] daily and hourly sermon that will preach more eloquently than a hundred tongues; and when they have passed away, like Abel, being dead, will yet speak. You mention about my having some of the qualifications for a public speaker. Only in the form of a panoramic view exhibitor, or a general showman, would my present oratorical capabilities be suitable; having no depth, and being entirely superficial, they would soon be exhausted in any fixed capacity. Lest you should misunderstand me, I must tell you, that for every faithful minister of the Gospel (as well as for any other human beings that are true), be he laboring in apparent obscurity or at the highest pinnacle of popularity and influence, I have a profound respect, akin to reverence. Sometimes, I must confess, I have almost heard a faint whisper: 'Go to Nineveh, that great city'; but it must have been associated with the intangible things of night, for morning light has always spoken otherwise. To return to fact; supposing I should have a sufficient desire to follow the course you propose, I could never do so until such time as I had fully perfected myself in what I now practise; for, as Spurgeon himself aptly remarks: 'Some young men come to me, who could not succeed at the desk or the counter: and come to the ministry as a fall-back!' At the best I would scarcely care about being reviewed by C. H. S., with a very great chance of being refused admittance within the precincts of the Pastors' College." The letter concludes with further thanks for the offer I had made, which, for the reasons cited in the foregoing letter, was never taken advantage of.

      Mr. B. Sanders, whose poetry has often appeared in print, wrote a piece on the death of my son, which was inserted in the Christian Colonist. In the letter accompanying the poem he writes:--"Poor dear young fellow! He called and wished me good-bye, and seemed so delighted at the anticipated pleasure of seeing the wonders of the old world. But God, in His wisdom, has ordered differently. He was much respected by me, as I looked forward to his doing much good by his excellent example to young men in this Colony." I mentioned that he left us some oil paintings as a proof of his artistic talent; but it afforded me much more satisfaction to have the aforesaid testimony of the estimation in which he was held by one of his Christian companions. The paintings referred to were mostly copies, but an original one is rather a sad memento. It represents a mail steamer making for the anchorage at night, by moonlight, the lighthouse showing in the foreground, and was probably intended to lead us to look forward to his return. [434] On recovering from the shock which the tidings of my son's death gave me, I resolved that, my life being spared, I would devote myself to the work of the Lord more earnestly than I had yet done. I had cherished the hope that the one who was taken from me would, in course of time, take my place and carry on my work; but I now felt that I would do all possible during the remainder of my life for the One who had done so much for me. I began, also, to consider not only what was taken, but what was left. A wife and two daughters were still left to me, and since then there have been added a son-in-law (Mr. J. H. Cheetham) and three grandchildren. In addition to these I might add a large number of nephews and nieces; and last, though not least, a large circle of Christian friends, whose friendship I greatly prized and enjoyed. I am afraid that we do not, as Christians, appreciate so highly as we ought the "communion of saints," which was such a great blessing in the early Christian Church. After "the mists had rolled away" which for a short season had beclouded my way, I can truly say that, during the fifteen years which have elapsed since the death of my son, I have rarely suffered from depression of spirits, a feeling to which I was subject in my youth. This, I think, is an experience worth recording; and I am convinced that the secret of a Christian's happiness is to be found in an entire surrender of our will to that of the Lord, and, in simple, childlike confidence, to live a life of faith upon the Son of God, Who "loved us and gave Himself for us." It can be summed up in the chorus to 193, "Songs and Solos," as follows:

      Shortly after the tidings reached me of the death of my son, I interested myself in the case of a young man who was then delivering infidel lectures in Adelaide. He was a member of the Freethought Society, and one of its mouthpieces. I wrote him a kind letter, pointing out the excellencies of Christianity, and what it had done for me, as well as for all who were truly brought under its influence; and comparing it with what infidelity had done for mankind in general. Just at this time his mother, a Christian woman, arrived from England with the idea of using her influence to turn him from the course he was pursuing. He showed her my letter, and she then wrote, thanking me for what I had done, and desiring an interview. At this friendly meeting she [435] informed me that her son was brought up under Christian influence and teaching, and that he at one time gave promise of becoming a preacher of the Gospel. Being apprenticed to a German of rationalistic tendencies, he gradually imbibed sceptical notions, which eventually undermined what little faith he had, and landed him in open infidelity. I called upon the young man, and had a long conversation with him. I soon discovered that, though he had a great deal to say, his stock of ammunition was small; and, upon directing his attention to some of the Scripture prophecies, fulfilled and unfulfilled, be was rather at a loss to answer the questions put to him. In arguing with persons of this class, I have found it best to let them say their say, and then come to close quarters. A few pertinent questions generally silence the sceptic's battery; and, instead of quick firing, steady aim is more effectual. I am not aware of the result of my letter and interview; but the young man discontinued his lectures, and not long after left the Colony.

      Speaking of "the communion of saints," it was my privilege to make the acquaintance and enjoy the friendship of many good Christian people; and, among them I would make special mention of Mrs. Boucaut (mother of the present Acting Chief Justice). This lady having taken the oversight of one of the Bible-women supported by Mr. G. F. Angas, I was brought into contact with her, and found her to be really and truly a "Bible" woman, and one of the most saintly I ever met. She possessed a profound knowledge of the Scriptures, and especially of the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments: such being the case, it will readily be supposed that we often compared notes and rendered mutual help. I attended some of her "mothers' meetings," and could see that the members looked up to her as a "mother in Israel." Long after she became physically unable to preside at these meetings, the mothers would visit her, listen to her Bible-readings, and receive counsel and encouragement from this good lady. At her own request, I visited her up to the time of her death, and found her patiently awaiting the coming of the Lord to receive her unto Himself, or to "depart and be with Christ"--whichever was the will of God.

      In October we were favored with a visit from the Rev. Edward Isaac, who had been successfully carrying on evangelistic work in Victoria. It occurred to me that if Mr. Isaac would undertake similar work in Bentham Street it would be for the good of the Church, and at the same time it would afford me an opportunity for paying another visit to the neighboring Colonies [436] to give lectures and promote the circulation of the Journal of Prophecy. Satisfactory arrangements having been made with the Church, I took passage for Melbourne by steamer, leaving the Port on Wednesday, November 15. I was favored with moderately fine weather, and on arrival I went to my former lodgings in Drummond Street, Carlton. I engaged the Y. M. C. A. Hall for Wednesday, 22nd, and Friday, 24th, and lectured to good audiences, the second lecture being much better attended than the first. The lectures were entitled, respectively, "The Eastern Question Viewed Prophetically" and "The Old and the New Heaven." In the report of the second lecture, given in the Daily Telegraph, it was stated that "the attendance was very large, and the lecture was listened to with great interest." On Lord's-day I went to the Church of Christ, Lygon Street, in the morning, and, after the "breaking of bread," gave an address. In the evening I took part in the service at the Baptist Church, West Melbourne, and heard an address from the pastor (Rev. A. J. Clarke). From this it will be seen that I had parted company with the "Brethren," or they with me; and I rather think that it was the latter. I know that, unless you become one of them, you are simply tolerated; and, judging from what I heard, I might even be excluded from fellowship with them. Among the sects and denominations into which Christianity is divided, there is surely room for anyone and everyone to find a place where they can meet with something like kindred minds. Next to the Christian Churches with which I was more immediately associated, I felt more at home with the Disciples (or Church of Christ) and the Baptists than with others. On Lord's-day, 26th, I broke bread and gave an address at the meeting of the Disciples at Hotham. In the afternoon I went to Richmond, by request, and gave an address to a number of young people, putting the claims of the Gospel before them. This was one of the most interesting meetings of the kind that I had ever attended, and I had the great pleasure of witnessing some of the results of my labor. After kindly and earnestly urging upon some present to accept Christ as their Saviour, a lovely little girl, dressed in white, led another by the hand up to where I was standing, and told me that this little one had given her heart to Christ, and had resolved to love and serve Him. I feel sure that others were led to Christ as their Saviour that afternoon, and I felt that the Lord was present to save and to bless in a remarkable manner. In the evening I attended the service at the Congregational Chapel (Church or Cathedral) in Collins Street, but I did not feel [437] at home there as at the morning and afternoon so much meetings.

      On Monday, the 27th, I took the train for Sydney, and on arrival there went to my former lodgings in Wynyard Square. After a rest my landlady found some work for me in the evening, which I was pleased to undertake. For some time she had taken a great interest in the Kanaka boys, who were rather numerous in Sydney. She was accustomed to instruct a class of these on Lord's-day afternoons and on Tuesday evenings; and on this occasion asked me to lead the class. These South Sea Islanders proved a striking contrast to many boys I had had to deal with in Australian Sunday-schools, who, I regret to say, have taken little interest in the ordinary teaching. My sable audience appeared eager for instruction, and manifested an aptitude for learning far beyond what I expected. Some who could not read were quick at committing to memory what they were taught, and others, to whom the portals of literature were already open, seemed pleased with the progress they had made. I felt more pleasure and satisfaction in teaching these boys than has resulted from dealing with more highly favored youths.

      On Wednesday I engaged the Temperance Hall for lectures on December 5 and 7. In the afternoon I had an exasperating experience, unique in my history, and not without its comical side. I was going by rail to visit Mr. Bayldon, an earnest Christian worker, and for many years a magistrate in Sydney, who was married in Adelaide in 1840, and who at this time resided at Newtown. Reaching the station barely in time to secure a ticket, I enquired whether the train in front of the office was the one for Newtown. The answer being in the affirmative I took a seat. The whistle sounded, and I congratulated myself on being just in time. But to my surprise the carriage remained stationary, and on looking out at the window I saw that the train had gone, and that I was left behind. I had warmed up with the walk, and now expended a little superfluous heat on a porter who was leisurely patrolling the platform. Being ignorant of the railway arrangements in Sydney, I could not, of course, charge anyone with neglect of duty, but from a common-sense point of view I gave my opinion that when a carriage at the end of a train was uncoupled, the doors ought to be locked. Having to wait for another train, I had time for reflection, and it occurred to me that the incident might be made an instructive illustration. Many thousands of nominal Christians may be on the line, but unless united to Christ by a living faith, they will be left behind when [438] He comes to "receive His own." I have seen an excellent tract, entitled, "It's all in the coupling"; and this is the all-important factor in the religion of Jesus Christ. A "profession" without "possession" is all in vain, and to "have a name to live" when we are spiritually "dead" is an awful and fatal delusion. In due time I reached the residence of my friend at Newtown, and after tea I had the privilege of taking part in a Bible-class, at which several ladies were present. After spending a pleasant evening, I again missed a train, and did not reach the Square till rather late. On Thursday evening I had an experience of quite a different character. A friend informed me that, at a meeting of Brethren to be held at Wooloomooloo, a gentleman was expected to give an address that he thought I would like to hear; and kindly offered to take me. Accordingly I attended, and seated myself in the midst of these peculiar people. They were termed "exclusives," and I might have supposed that less liberty would be accorded than in the case of the "open" ones I had previously met with. There was a disappointment in regard to the expected speaker, who happened to be unwell; and one of the leaders (if I may use the term) intimated that, as "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty," the Brethren should edify one another. After prayer, one of the Brethren gave a good address, and I then rose to endorse what he said and add a few words on the same line of thought. I was informed that I might ask a question, if so desirous, but that I would not be allowed to speak. Under these circumstances, I could only conclude, firstly, that the Spirit was not there; or, secondly, that if there, the Spirit would not allow me liberty of speech. Lest even my presence should in any way interfere with the liberty of speech of the favored ones, I quietly withdrew--no doubt to the relief and satisfaction of those who might be apprehensive that I would trouble them, or be "the man that troubleth Israel." My friend was very indignant, and regretted that he had been the means of leading me to a place to witness such an exhibition of "exclusiveness." It is greatly to be deplored that these Brethren--who have among them some excellent Christians, well-taught in the Scriptures--should be so exceedingly exclusive, and think that they have a kind of monopoly of all that is good, which they are determined to keep to themselves personally, though they circulate their views extensively in pamphlets and books. A more fraternal interchange of thought with other Christians would, I feel assured, remove much existing prejudice against these good people. I have much enjoyed many spiritual conversations with them, and [439] have been told by some of their number that I ought to be associated with them.

      On Lord's-day morning I attended the service at the Bathurst Street Baptist Chapel, and sat down with the Church at the Lord's Supper. In the afternoon I went with Mr. Baylden to the Domain, and was much struck with the proceedings there. Groups of people were scattered on the green sward, some of them being much larger than others. One of the largest was the political platform--not that there is any platform, but they are distinguished in this way. A speaker was giving expression to his political sentiments, some of his audience standing, some sitting, and some lying on the grass, and nearly all smoking. In another part were the "Freethought platform," the "Temperance platform," the "Salvation Army," and several others who are in the habit of holding forth in this public and popular resort. One sight that I witnessed there was calculated to make a Christian sad, viz., the "Skeleton Army," the members of which stood in such close proximity to the "Salvation Army" that the singing of the one interfered with the singing of the other. Some might be curious to know what the former were singing. I found that this rowdy lot, composed of the scum of Sydney, were singing ribald and what might be considered blasphemous songs set to music, the singers being supplied with books containing both words and music. I was informed that in a case of this kind the police do not interfere unless a breach of the peace is probable. Surely this is liberty with a vengeance! I do not approve of all the methods adopted by the Army, but I certainly think that full liberty should be allowed them in carrying on their self-denying work, and that they should be protected, as far as possible, from any improper interference. One of the identities of the Domain was a Mr. Cock, who had been a preacher there for several years, and who had been fined and imprisoned for saying what was considered likely to provoke a breach of the peace. It appears that he was accustomed to attack the doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholics; and as the members of that denomination are numerous in Sydney, he fared rather badly at their hands. The assaults upon him were so frequent and so severe that it was deemed advisable to prosecute him when he indulged in these strictures. One would have thought that the persons who assaulted him ought to have been punished, but the authorities probably concluded that "prevention was better than cure," and accordingly fined the preacher, who usually went to jail, consoling himself with the thought that he was "being persecuted for [440] righteousness' sake." Early in the afternoon it was his custom to leave his residence (in front of which texts of Scripture were exhibited) with a hand-truck, on which was placed his pulpit or stand, a stock of tracts, texts of Scripture, etc. It was arranged that, while he was holding forth in the Domain, on the afternoon in question, when Mr. Bayldon and I came up to his stand he would introduce us to his audience, and we were each to say a few words. Mr. Bayldon having spoken, I was introduced as a gentleman from South Australia, and out of respect, probably, to the place from whence I came, I had a quiet hearing, which was not granted to the previous speaker. Mr. Cock was not only a preacher; he was also a humble philanthropist, providing homes for some aged women with the help of a few Christian friends. Mr. Cock was employed in a large drapery establishment in Sydney, and I could see that he was much respected by those who knew him, notwithstanding what some might call his eccentricities.

      In the evening I was taken to a Gospel service at a place in Sussex Street--one of the low parts of the city. On arrival we found a band of singers stationed at the door to attract passers-by. Some windows were opened, and heads thrust out, when the singing began; a few persons also stood at the doors of their dwellings. A group of ragged and shoeless urchins ventured close to the vocalists, and I noticed one or two listening attentively, and even taking up the chorus. We went up a flight of steps to a room which looked as if it had done service as a dancing-saloon: the floor was rickety, the walls not over-clean, and the windows had broken panes of glass patched up with calico and paper. In the centre of this room were some benches, and at the far end two or three chairs, to one of which I was conducted. The audience was such as I had never before addressed, and comprised some of the lowest of the low; but they were human beings, though bearing traces of debauchery on their countenances. One in particular--apparently an old sailor--had been battered about to such an extent as to disfigure his features; but, whatever brawls he had been engaged in before entering, he was quiet enough during the service, and soon went off to sleep. The singing and praying seemed to have a soothing effect upon him; but soon after I commenced a Gospel address there was a great noise at the foot of the stairs, and some of the attendants went down to investigate. I was informed that a few rowdies were making their way up to disturb the meeting, necessitating the closing of the inner doors. With the exception of the sleeper, my hearers [441] listened attentively to the "old, old story," and I felt pleased at having an opportunity of telling it out to those who so much needed it. This "slum" work was new to me, and I was gratified to find that there was a number of earnest Christian workers, male and female, who went out into the highways and byways to bring in those that would never enter a respectable place of worship. This ended my work for the day--a day long to be remembered--and it need scarcely be added that I was tired, and glad to rest. The next Lord's day evening I conducted another Gospel service at the Hall in Sussex Street, and had, on the whole, an attentive audience. The larrikin element was troublesome part of the time, but it did not succeed in disconcerting me. After the service I took leave of the self-denying workers at this place, commending them and their work to Him who had touched their hearts to compassion for the truly lost ones.

      I saw but few of the sights of Sydney during my stay, but there was one which is worthy of mention. I went for a walk in that part of the Domain which extends down to the harbor, whence a very pretty view is to be obtained. Turning my eyes in the direction of Neutral Bay I saw the masts of the Orient Line steamer Austral, which had foundered a short time before, from an accidental flow of water through some openings that ought to have been closed. Looking in an opposite direction up the Domain, there stood the remains of the Exhibition Building, which had been destroyed by fire, leaving the archway which had formed the main entrance standing in solitary grandeur. Fire and water had wrought havoc with these triumphs of ability and ingenuity, and their colossal wrecks proclaimed the ancient verdict on the works of man--"Omni vanitas!"

      I was taken to see another sight of a very different character, illustrating the patient endurance of a Christian under long and severe affliction. The sufferer was a lady, who for about twenty years had been bedridden through a complication of troubles in the flesh. At one time she had been blind, at another she had to endure agonising pains, and when I saw her she had lost the power of speech. I think she was about forty years of age, but she looked young and beautiful, with such a happy expression of countenance that I could scarcely believe that she had passed through such a furnace of affliction. I engaged in prayer, and when I rose from my knees she seemed much pleased, signifying her appreciation by pointing her finger upwards. Her Sister--with whom she conversed by means of the dumb alphabet--told me that she said, "We shall meet again up there." She gave [442] me a packet of her poems, which so much resemble some of Miss F. R. Havergal's that she has been called the Miss Havergal of Australia. I understand that it is her custom to present a packet of the poems to those who visit her, and they are not likely to easily forget their visit.

      Before leaving Sydney I lectured, on Tuesday and Friday evenings, on different phases of the Lord's coming, answering a number of questions that were submitted to me; and for this I was thanked. As this finished my work for a time in Sydney, I took the train for Melbourne on Monday, December 11, and the next day reached my destination after a fairly pleasant journey. Part of it was made the more agreeable by meeting with a friend, Mr. W. Finlayson, at Albury, which led us to compare notes of travel respecting what we had seen and heard in our rambles. On Thursday I took the train for Geelong, intending to remain there a few days and deliver one or two lectures on the Coming of the Lord Jesus. On Lord's-day morning I attended and took part in the service at the Fenwick Street Baptist Chapel, gave an address at the Sunday-school in the afternoon, and another (on "Baptism") at the evening service. I lectured at the Mechanics' Institute on Monday evening, and gave a Bible reading at the same place on Thursday evening.

      On Friday I started for Warrnambool. At this time the railway, which now runs to that town, was only laid as far as Colac, and the journey had to be completed by coach. It being near Christmas-time, there was a large number of passengers going to the west, and at Colac the trolly to convey the luggage to the coach filled up before I could reach it, and I had to carry my belongings to the starting place, about half-a-mile from the station. This was no very agreeable task, as the weather was uncomfortably warm. I was soon seated, pleased to find that there was accommodation for me, and that I was in plenty of time. It soon transpired, however, that, all innocently, I was the cause of a delay in starting. Two or three times the clerk came out of the office and enquired whether there was a lady on the coach who had booked at Geelong. There was no response, and as it was nearly half-an-hour past the time for starting, passengers and clerk alike were growing impatient at waiting for the lady. At last it dawned upon the official to put the sensible question, " Did any of the passengers book at Geelong ?" and I at once replied, "Yes," but added that I was not a lady. This so far cleared the mystery that the coach could start, and a laugh was raised at the singular mistake. Arriving at Fairy Hill, near [443] Warrnambool, the residence of my relatives, I was again welcomed by them and made to feel quite at home.

      On Lord's-day, December 24, I conducted service at the Baptist Chapel morning and evening, and was heartily thanked for the help given. On Monday (Christmas Day) Mr. Wood drove me to the Native Station at Framlingham, which is situated on the River Hopkins. It was a novelty to see the aborigines in their best dress in honor of Christmas, and some of their cottages decorated with wreaths and flowers. I had seen the dwellings at Point McLeay, but these appeared to have more attention paid to the exterior, in imitation of European residences. I conversed with some of the sable race on various subjects, and found them very intelligent; in fact, they appeared to be as well informed as the average of white people. The superintendent (Mr. Thwaites) kindly supplied me with a great deal of information, which I hoped might be useful in the management of our own native institutions. The land was fenced, and I was informed that the good pasture and abundant water availed to enable the funds to be augmented by the fees received for grazing cattle and horses. As the Julia Percy was to sail for Melbourne on Wednesday, I determined to give her another trial, and she behaved better than the last time I had taken passage by her. On arriving at Melbourne next day, I made preparations to return to Adelaide by the steamer South Australian; and reached home safe and well, on December 30, after an absence of about six weeks.

      Notwithstanding the serious loss I had sustained in the early part of the year, I felt that on the whole it had been crowned with goodness, and was able to conclude my annual summary with "Ebenezer!" (Hitherto hath the Lord helped me).

      In resuming my work at Bentham Street, in 1883, I was relieved of the superintendence of the Sunday-school, a suitable officer having been found to fill that position. On the first Lord's-day I had the pleasure of immersing five on a profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. These additions, and others that followed, might be regarded, to some extent, as the fruits of the labors of the Rev. E. Isaac, who had conducted the services during my absence. How often are the sayings of the Lord of the harvest exemplified, "One soweth and another reapeth"! In addition to my Church work I resumed attendance at the various committees of which I was a member, and I also consented to act on the City Mission Board. In the early part of the year I gave a series of lectures on the Lord's Second Coming, at Gawler, Angaston, and Kapunda. [444]

      My mind was much occupied about this time with the thought of establishing a Bible Hall and Tract Depot in Adelaide, as it appeared to me that such a repository was required, and also for reasons given hereafter. The primary idea in connection with this object originated from the fact that there was no Second Advent literature procurable at the shop of one of the principal booksellers in the city--a fact that I had proof of in a singular manner. Being in this place of business one day, I was asked by a lady as to where she could procure a certain work treating of the Second Advent. I at once made inquiry for the work that she wanted, and, finding that the particular one was not in stock, I extended my enquiry as to whether any other work on the subject could be obtained. Receiving a reply in the negative, I resolved that, if my life were spared, there should not be a dearth of literature of this kind much longer. Then, again, with reference to the introduction and circulation of the Bible, I noticed, on passing a corner shop in the city, a display of infidel literature, especially of works intended to bring the Bible into contempt. Again I resolved, if possible, to open a depot for the sale of Bibles and Biblical books to counteract the influence of antichristian literature of all kinds; and, further, that it should be a corner place in a central position, if such were procurable. These resolutions assumed a practical form by sending to the Religious Tract Society, the Sunday-school Union, and certain well-known Bible houses and booksellers in England, for catalogues and terms. In due course I obtained the necessary information, and set to work to make a suitable selection of Bibles, Biblical books of all kinds, works on the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Gospel tracts. I also selected a supply of Baptist literature, which a committee of Baptist ministers was requested to select, it being understood that, while it was not to be a Baptist depot, Baptist publications would be procurable there. This task--by no means an easy one--was concluded by the end of the year, and the orders were sent to England to be executed.

      In my summary for 1883 I find the following:--"The year has proved another one of great mercies from the Lord, Who has granted me such a measure of health as to enable me to keep every engagement through the year. Experienced in my public ministrations that the more I trusted to the Lord, and less to myself, the better I was enabled to do the work He entrusted to me. Got through more work, on the whole, than during some previous years, including that on committees of various [445] institutions, and especially the one for re-instating the Bible in the State schools. A number (about twenty) had been added to the Church, and several new subscribers to the Quarterly Journal of Prophecy. Found the weekly meetings of pastors of Christian Churches for prayer, and the monthly meetings of Baptist ministers for prayer and conference (to which I was invited), spiritual helps by the way. With reference to the future, I have firmly resolved, if the Lord spare my life, to be more devoted to Him and to His service than I have been in the past. I find that the subject of the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus is decidedly unpopular and unpalatable with Christians generally, and my well-known proclivities in this direction do not contribute to my popularity. Never mind; if the Master approve of this testimony being borne by such a weak vessel as I am, it makes me content to be unpopular. 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name!'"

      Early in 1884 I decided to take another trip to the neighboring Colonies, previous to opening the Bible Hall and Tract Depot, the Bibles and books for which I expected from England early in April. I prepared a plan for supplying my place in Bentham Street, and the friends there were getting accustomed to my occasional absence. My elder daughter was to accompany me on this trip; and in recognition of her gratuitous services as organist, and mine as pastor, the friends kindly gave us a purse of gold to assist in defraying our expenses. We took our passage in the fine new steamer Adelaide, and left on Monday, February 11. The motto I adopted on leaving was, "I will trust and not be afraid," and the sequel was quite satisfactory. By keeping to my berth the greater part of the voyage, I enjoyed a good and much-needed rest, and was able to get through a quantity of reading. The steamer rolled considerably, but I did not find it disagreeable, and, in fact, rather liked being " rocked in the cradle of the deep." My daughter escaped with paying only a small penalty for venturing on a sea voyage, and we arrived safely at Melbourne on the 13th. On this occasion I did more sight-seeing than usual, as a consequence of having my daughter with me. When alone I did not concern myself much about anything of this kind, as I felt it behoved me to be about my Master's business.

      On Monday, February 18, we took train for Camperdown, the line having been extended to this place since my last visit. A coach conveyed us thence to the abode of our relatives near Warrnambool, where we arrived at 6.30. As this was only to be a flying visit, I hesitated as to whether to return by the Julia [446] Percy, or by the way we had come. Having fared very badly on some former occasions, and there being no guarantee that it would not be so again, I decided upon a land journey, and left at 10 o'clock p. m. on the 21st, for Camperdown, arriving there in the small hours of the morning. Thence I proceeded by train to Geelong, which was reached about 8 a. m. After a few calls I went by steamer to Melbourne, calling at Portarlington. At this place the packet took a number of passengers aboard, and among them a band of card-sharpers. These latter were bent on business, and, as we were going up the Yarra after dark, the only light they had for their deeds of darkness was that emitted from a dim lantern suspended from the boom. The motley crowd, with these men busily pursuing their nefarious practices, made up a weird spectacle; and I was not sorry when we reached the wharf and escaped from the bad company. They did not attempt to "get at" me, but they had the impudence to ask me for a piece of paper to perform some part of their programme; which, of course, I declined to give them. It was announced by handbill and advertisement that on Lord's-day, 24th, I would preach at the Town Hall, St. Kilda, and accordingly I went there to fulfil my engagement. I gave an address at the morning meeting, when the "breaking of bread" was observed. Amongst my hearers was Mrs. Bayertz, the lady evangelist. I had made her acquaintance in Adelaide, had renewed it at Launceston, and was glad to see and converse with her again. She kindly invited me to tea at her pretty cottage near the beach, an invitation which I accepted, after addressing the Sunday-school in the afternoon. This afforded an opportunity for conferring together on the work of the Lord, which was dear to both of us. In the evening I addressed a large audience at the Town Hall, speaking for nearly an hour on the scene of the "Transfiguration." The Rev. G. W. Gillings was the pastor of the Church which met in this place, and I was glad to find that he was doing a good work there.

      On Monday, 25th, I took a return ticket for Sydney, for which I paid £6 1s. 6d. I was able to get some sleep during the night, which made me feel thankful. On arrival I went, as usual, to Wynyard Square, and began to feel that this was a second home, especially as my landlady was so much in sympathy with my work. On this occasion I made arrangements to give two lectures on the Coming of the Lord, and engaged the Temperance Hall for Tuesday and Thursday, March 4 and 6, for the purpose. I was favored with fairly good and attentive audiences, and [447] received a few additional subscriptions to the Quarterly Journal of Prophecy. One lady residing near Sydney subscribed for years, for six copies quarterly for herself and friends. I may mention that one of my main objects in paying these intercolonial visits was to obtain subscribers to the Quarterly, and by this means to keep up an interest in the subject of the Second Advent during my absence. Occasionally I received letters from various parts of Australia and New Zealand, from subscribers and others, testifying to the fact that they had received a blessing from the perusal of the articles which appeared in its pages. This was an additional encouragement to me to continue my labors, even though, financially, they did not meet with sufficient support to pay expenses.

      During my stay in Sydney I went one evening to the Christian Chapel in Elizabeth Street to hear a lecture by Mr. Picton on the "Evolution Craze," which was an able exposure of the contradictions of scientific men on the theory in question. Mr. Picton gave several quotations from the writings of these learned scribes, with reference to the "flint," and "stone," and other periods; and I consider that his address was as rich and as strong a mixture of sarcasm as I had ever listened to. I think that it was too strong for some of the lecturer's audience, for they winced under his criticisms, and wisely took their departure. This Christian brother, whose acquaintance I had made at Ballarat, was engaged by the Christian Evidence Society to lecture against the various forms of infidelity extant, and to use the press for a like purpose. Christians in general, I fear, have little idea of the extent and influence of scepticism, which is exceedingly insidious, and is to be found in places, in a variety of forms and ramifications, where it ought not to be. When professedly Christian preachers and teachers so lower the standard of the Scriptures as to place them on a level with the writings of Shakespeare, Milton, and others, it is not at all surprising that a latent infidelity pervades the minds of many who attend places of worship and even take part in Christian work. Shame upon such Judases in the Christian camp who draw salaries professedly to uphold the Christian religion, and undermine the faith of their hearers in the inspiration of the Scriptures upon which it is founded!

      On Lord's-day, March 2, I had what might be termed a rest; that is, a rest from preaching and teaching. In the morning I attended the service at the Bathurst Street Baptist Chapel, dined and conversed with my friend the pastor (Rev. W. Clare), and in [448] the evening attended a Gospel service at the Freemasons' Hall, conducted by the Brethren. There was a large congregation, and an excellent address was delivered by the preacher. On returning to the Square I took a chair in the sitting-room, and opened a large family Bible that was on the table. A fellow-lodger had his eye upon me, and said, with a sneer, "Do you believe in that Book? It is full of contradictions." I replied, "Well, that is news to me, for I have studied it for more than forty years, and never found one." I then challenged him to point out one of the alleged contradictions, and, to my surprise, he did not mention a single one. He was quite unprepared for such a test, and probably supposed that I would take his word for the truth of the statement. It might be considered unfair for me to take advantage of his unpreparedness to prove his assertion, but I assumed the offensive position, and demanded proof of what he asserted. After a little banter, like a cat playing with a mouse before eating it, I said to the gentleman, a literary man full of conceit, "Seeing you are at a loss to produce one of the contradictions, of which you said the Bible was so full, I will render you some assistance." I then informed him that it was stated in the Bible that a certain king should be taken to Babylon, and in another place it was said that he should not see Babylon. At this he looked surprised, and probably began to think that after all I was really in sympathy with him. I then asked for an explanation of the apparent discrepancy, but there was no answer. After keeping him for a short time in suspense, which led me to see that, like many another critic who finds fault with the Book, he knew very little about it, I explained the matter, informing him that the said king was really taken to Babylon, but his eyes were put out, so that he did not see it. This explanation quite disconcerted my learned friend, and after a few more shots at him I retired to rest. Some of the ladies who heard the discussion were so deeply interested that they did not retire till a late hour, and one of them told me the next morning that she was surprised at the patience I exhibited in dealing with the disputant. That day, at the dinner-table, the learned gentleman met with a severe rebuke from a little child he was teasing, when he was told that he was "a nasty man." Little children are generally quick in forming their opinions of men and things, and the tone of the voice with which they are addressed, as well as the manner of the speaker, speedily attracts or repels.

      In addition to my literary friend of sceptical proclivities, and the regular boarders, there were three ladies from Java, who had [449] left the island to escape from an epidemic that was raging there. They brought with them a little Javanese girl, whose name I did not know; but I called her "Topsy." She was a lively little creature, and told me that she liked Sydney better than her own country. On going to my room one evening, I found there was something on the doormat which looked like a bundle of clothes; but a slight movement disclosed the fact that it was "Topsy." I was informed that one part of the duty devolving upon the little maid was to lie upon the doormat of her mistresses' bedroom, so that she might give warning if anyone attempted to enter. On this occasion she had mistaken the door, and as she did not seem disposed to shift her quarters, I did not disturb her. My landlady, Mrs. Hamilton, informed me of a circumstance which she knew would be pleasing to me, as follows. A lady who was seriously ill occupied one of her rooms, and, being too unwell herself to read, she had requested Mrs. Hamilton to oblige her in that respect. The landlady, instead of opening a newspaper or a novel, had read the Bible, especially those portions showing the way of salvation. The listener, who had been leading a gay life, was much struck with what she heard; and as her end was drawing near, she joyfully received the good news of eternal life, giving Mrs. Hamilton the hope that she had been the means of the salvation of the one who was lost. The landlady considered it was right and proper to give thanks at meals, and when a minister was present, he was usually asked to officiate; but when no one else was there to do so, she did it herself. She told me that my sceptical friend had asked her what she did that for, and declared it to be all nonsense; but as she knew the Giver of the food, she thought it was the right thing to thank Him for it.

      On Friday, 7th, I left Sydney by the 5 p. m. express, under the impression that after opening the new Bible Hall and Tract Depot at Adelaide, I would not be able to pay another visit for a long time. I entered a first class compartment, which I thought I could reserve to myself, but a young gentleman came up with two or three companions, and seemed disposed to take up his quarters there also. I overheard his friends inform him that he could have a smoke after we left Sydney, but I quickly intimated that he would have to go into a smoking carriage if he wanted to indulge. He did not change his seat nor transgress, but as he kept his head out of the window, looking towards Sydney, I told him that he could smoke in that position. When this young man took his seat I entered into conversation with him, firstly on the injurious effects of smoking upon young men. He informed me [450] that he was going away from home to some distant part. This explained his longing look towards Sydney from the carriage window, and before we parted I gave him a little kindly and good advice, as well as handing him a tract, which I hope did some good. After he left I stretched myself out on one of the wide cushions, and went to sleep. I was congratulating myself, on awaking, at having the whole of the compartment to myself, when, some time in the night or early morning, an elderly gentleman came along the platform of the station at which we were stopping. He was evidently looking for a good seat, and just peeped into the carriage in which I was located, but speedily passed on--the reason probably being that I seemed rather a suspicious-looking character. I was wearing a wide felt hat, tied down over the ears with a red handkerchief; and feel sure that this made me appear a very undesirable travelling-companion. I was pleased when daylight broke on Saturday; and, after changing carriages at Albury, was still more pleased to arrive at Melbourne at 11.40, where I enjoyed a comfortable rest.

      On Lord's-day I "broke bread" with the Church meeting at the Town Hall, St. Kilda; was again the guest of Mrs. Bayertz; and conducted the Gospel service at the place above-named in the evening. During the early part of the week I was engaged in reading and revising a work for the press entitled, "The Days of the Son of Man: are they to be?" by the Rev. G. W. Gillings. On visiting the Young Men's Christian Association buildings, I was pleased to make the acquaintance of the Rev. H. B. Macartney, M.A., knowing that he was much interested in the subject of the Lord's Second Coming. I had learnt that he was a much-esteemed and devoted Christian worker, and therefore was not surprised when he took me into one of the parlors to ask the Lord's blessing upon me and the work in which I was engaged; believing me to be a co-worker. He kindly consented to preside at one of the two lectures I purposed giving in Melbourne; and Mr. Gillespie (manager of the National Bank) promised to take the chair at the other. These lectures, which were held in the Young Men's Christian Association's hall, were well attended; and Mr. Gillings had used his influence to induce several ministers and well-known Christian workers to be present. The audiences manifested more interest in the subjects dealt with than on any previous occasion in Melbourne; and a suggestion was made that, as I was so well able to set forth the truth concerning the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, I should be engaged as a travelling lecturer for the Australian colonies. This suggestion, [451] if adopted, I was not prepared to entertain, for various reasons but I may here mention that Mr. Gillings, the author of several works on prophecy, was subsequently appointed the accredited agent of the Melbourne Prophetic Conference, and acted in this capacity for several years. Another item of work which I undertook while in Melbourne was the purchase of a small Albion press and a selection of type and printing material which I thought would be helpful to me in the work of the Bible Hall and Tract Depot, as well as in other spheres of usefulness in which I might be engaged on my return to Adelaide. On Lord's-day, 16th, I again met with the friends at St. Kilda in the morning, and preached there in the evening. Here I was beginning to feel at home with Mr. Gillings (the pastor of the Church) and the members. The time for parting came, however, and I had to bid them farewell. My daughter having returned from Warrnambool on Wednesday, the 19th, we went on board the Adelaide, bound for Adelaide, where we arrived, after a moderately fair passage, on the 21st. I was glad, after an absence of about six weeks, to have another sight of Mount Lofty, and to be welcomed back by many familiar faces. [452]

[CLACE 407-452]