Thursday, December 9, 1875

BIRTHDAY IN AUSTRALIA

December 9th, 1875. I am forty years old today. May I have many returns of the day. I have been exchanging tracts. A few decline to take the next. One had seen enough trouble from our doctrine before she left England. Some think they must only receive tracts from their own ministers. But I exchanged 25 tracts, where I found people at home. I had some amusing and some interesting talks. I urged some to investigate before they reject, to take Paul's advice, "Prove all things and hold fast to that which is good." One said I was the first one who had brought a tract to his door and thanked me for taking the trouble. I spent the evening with the Bennet family. I may revive their interest.

I am told that Mrs. Stenhouse has returned and wishes to see me. I replied that I had no objections to an interview. She had gone north up the coast before my arrival.

Wednesday, December 8, 1875

Dec. 8th. I wrote a letter to President Welling, reporting progress. I am preparing more tracts for distribution, with a notice of meetings and a note that the tracts will be called for and exchanged.

Sunday, December 5, 1875

Sunday, Dec. 5th. It is very hot with a strong north wind. At the afternoon meeting, after the Sacrament and testimonies, I spoke for half an hour. At the evening meeting, with 24 present, Brother Speight spoke forty minutes. He related his three months experience as a Josephite. I followed and compared the Gospel with so-called Christianity. As true Christianity is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, none are true Christians except those who believe what He taught. Hence there are few true Christians in the world today.

Saturday, December 4, 1875

Dec. 4th. This morning I went with Brother Peg to purchase wood, sold at the railroad. This afternoon I prepared more tracts and delivered 25.

I spent the evening with Mr. Ellis. After a pleasant visit on local and other matters, he brought up the Lee Trial, as misrepresented in certain pamphlets. I told him, from my certain knowledge, it was unsafe to believe "The Salt Lake Tribune" or anything published by it.

Mr. Ellis and I also discussed the Latter-day Saints work and the Reorganized group. I referred him to Daniel 2:44; Doctrine and Covenants and other references. I warned him not to be led to consent to the death of the leaders of the Church in Zion, for if he did, he would be consenting to the shedding of innocent blood. I was prompted to give him this warning in parting, more wordy than planned, and in such earnest delivery that the sweat ran down my face.

Friday, December 3, 1875

Dec. 3rd. As we have gained 17 2/3 hours on the time at home, they lack 6 1/3 hours of being a day behind us, so this would be Thursday Fast Day there. I am fasting and praying earnestly for the Saints, our authorities and for the dear ones at home; that the fear of man will leave me, that my way may open and that I may be diligent.

Thursday, December 2, 1875

Dec. 2nd. Each day spend some time in reading and studying. This afternoon I distributed twenty-three tracts and got conversation in most instances. How earnestly I pray God to open the way for me to do good in this land and bless me with ability and with the Holy Ghost, that I may be filled therewith and guided thereby.

Wednesday, December 1, 1875

SUMMER IN DECEMBER

Dec. 1st, 1875. It is Winter at home but Summer here, same as June there. This is the warmest I have been in all my life, except in 1873 in Arizona, when it was 100 degrees in the shade and in the sun the mercury soon ran up to 124, the extreme of my thermometer.