AUSTRALIA by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, January 6, 1885

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 1

AUSTRALIA

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

The most conclusive evidence that we can have that we are nearing the closing of probation and the coming of the Lord is the fact that the warning of this event is going to the whole world. Angels of God stand upon the “four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth” so that the servants of God may be sealed. These servants are found in “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Not that all will be converted, but “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; then shall the end come.”

It is in view of these facts that we look upon the establishing of a mission in Australia as an omen of good in more ways than one. It will not only give the light to that country, but will form a connection with the islands which surround Australia, and with New Zealand and India. We look upon this country as the most important in these respects of any on the globe. America is the home of the exile from every portion of the earth. God has chosen and prepared this nation to be the missionary field for the world. A great work no doubt will be accomplished for conservative England. Europe presents a large field, composed of different nations, speaking different tongues; while Australia presents a territory only one-fifth smaller than the entire continent of Europe. It is twenty-six times the size of Great Britain and Ireland, and nearly six times as large as India. The Australian group occupies nearly two-fifths of the whole of the British dominions; the extent of Australia is computed to be about 3,000,000 square miles. It is the largest island in the world, if it be proper to call it an island. Seven years ago it was estimated to contain about 3,000,000 inhabitants. These are principally English-speaking people who are settled on or near the sea coast, which is 7,750 miles in length. They have 5,000 miles of railway, and other American improvements. The railway system traverses all the colonies. Statistics show that in 1878 they had 5,259,182 acres of land under cultivation. It is stated on good authority that meat, bread, and groceries are very cheap, while clothing and other important necessaries are about the same as in England, somewhat cheaper than in America. The people are largely those who have emigrated to that place, England furnishing the larger proportion. The emigration has been mostly since 1835. Wages are about the same as in America, and help is in constant demand. Mechanics are wanted in the city, and agricultural men in the country.

The island is divided into five colonies. The climate is variable, something like that of California; but taken as a whole, it is remarkably healthful. It is generally very dry, and is free from malaria. In summer, however, it is subject to hot winds, dust, and periodical droughts, and in the winter to floods. The seasons are the reverse of those in this country, December being mid-summer, and June mid-winter. In some portions of the country abound fruits of all kinds, including oranges, lemons, bananas, figs, and pine-apples. Many other semi-tropical products grow in abundance. Grapes flourish all along the coast district. The value of exports in 1878 was $185,582,501.44. The average number of sailing vessels leaving its shores monthly was over one hundred, besides nearly fifty steamers.

The government of this people is under the British Crown. But each colony is a distinct province, having its own government and local laws. The form of government is a modification of the British constitution; the Queen being represented by the governor, who is appointed by the Crown. The House of Lords is nominated or elected by the legislative council, and the House of Commons by the legislative assembly, elected by the people. The German element is quite large, especially in South Australia and Queensland. There is no State church in Australia. The Episcopalians form the largest denomination, the Catholics second in size, and the Methodists third. All other denominations are represented, from “the heathen Chinese” to the most recent established organizations.

When we see the importance of this country, and its relation to other countries where the truth has not as yet been planted in a permanent manner, and to which it is an avenue, the only wonder is that it has not been entered before. When the truth shall have found its way to these countries, it will have circumnavigated the globe. Then the influence of the labors of those who have gone East to Europe, and those who have gone West by way of the Islands of the Pacific Ocean, will meet, and the way will be prepared for the earth to be lighted with the glory of the third angel’s message.

Who shall go to this country? is an important question. All the various gifts which God has ordained to carry forward his work should be connected with the establishment of this mission. We want for this work preachers, canvassers, and colporters; yes, more,—men of means who realize that God has made them stewards to help in a time like this; men and women who, for the truth’s sake, will not count their lives dear to themselves, but who will gladly spend and be spent for the establishment of the truth in Australia. May God give wisdom in the selection of proper persons to go to this distant field, is my prayer.

S. N. HASKELL.