EXPERIENCES IN TASMANIA.
The following extracts from letters of 1872 furnish an interesting
account of the removal from Melbourne to Hobart Town, Tasmania. Mr. Carr
writes to Mrs. Carr: "Arrived at Lancaster, safe but sick, January 6th.
We set out for the Temperance Hotel, but it had become intemperate and
gorged with guests before we got there. We went on, and have struck a
bargain with an old woman who charges us one-six for each meal, and
one-six every time we sleep. I came near stealing a march on my landlady
by falling asleep this afternoon without the old lady's knowing it.
Pretty high fare, but we are high up in the second story. Called on a
Church of England acquaintance; he didn't invite me to his residence,
but asked me to his pew. The coach doesn't leave for Hobart Town till
Tuesday at 5 a. m. This place is just now taken by storm by pleasure
parties from Melbourne; I suppose they will go on to Hobart Town. I am
better to-day. I do believe if I stayed here, I could establish a
church. The people are delighted to hear of your teaching, and of your
plan of teaching. Shall I get you any boarding pupils? I believe this
climate will be good for me.
"January 10. We arrived at Hobart Town last evening. Brother Smith was
at the Coach Office, by chance or providence. There were 48 passengers.
It was a very large open coach and we had a fine view of the country
from Launceston to Hobart. All the cabmen and mischievous boys in the
country flocked around to see why such a big affair had come to town. We
were very cordially received by Brother and Sister Smith, and after
cocoa, went to bed, and that was delightful, too. It is raining today,
and I feel wretchedly dull and bad. I can hardly sit up.
"January 15. I do trust you are not discouraged. I am not. Remember you
are a child of God, and all things work together for your good. I
believe I have come to Hobart Town just at the right time, and the Lord
will bless my coming to the good of this people, and the restoration of
my health. I am enjoying the hospitality of Brother and Sister Smith,
who show me every attention. She prepares many nice things for me to
eat, and he has given me a fine new hat. I have a front room and a
parlor all to myself, and the climate suits me exactly. Brother Smith
and I went to the Baptist prayer meeting, and afterwards, they insisted
that I preach on Lord's day. They asked me many questions, to which I
returned Scriptural answers; I told them all about the church to which I
belong, and what I preach; and they agreed, and I came home on tiptoe.
"The next night I went to Town Hall where the different preachers had
been preaching all week. Sunday morning I preached at the Baptist chapel
to a good audience. Then we ate the Lord's supper. I insisted on the
ancient order of things--especially on meeting the first day of the week
to break bread. They were delighted, and said I must preach in their
chapel whenever I wanted to speak. There is a prayer meeting held every
day at noon, and preaching held three or four times a week in the
people's hall; but oh, they are so benighted! They don't know the Gospel
in its beauty and power. I just burn to preach to them. I will, if I get
half a chance.
"January 20. I am called on from every quarter to speak. All seem
interested in my sermons. Things look bright, now; but I fear they will
soon become prejudiced against the truth.
"January 27. I agree with you about the brick Chapel, and leave it all
to you. I do hope they will not put up a wooden one. But they had better
not have any Chapel, than to quarrel over it. If the majority say a
wooden Chapel, a wooden one let it be. I don't believe in the
Collingwood Church's going down. The faithful will remain faithful,
despite a Chapel. The people here are becoming enthusiastic. Among my
large audience Thursday night, I had two preachers. The people say they
never heard such preaching in their lives. I am trying to work them
around on Apostolic grounds. Now, Mattie, do not think all for me, and
nothing for yourself. I could never forgive myself if I came here for my
health, and you overworked. Do not let the building of the Chapel take
too much of your strength.
"February 6. Last Lord's day I spoke on [13]'My Sheep' and there were
about half a dozen of the higher Calvinists--who own the Chapel--who
were not pleased. They will hold a church meeting next Thursday to
decide whether or not I am to preach in their Chapel any more. Perhaps
if they turn me out of their place it will be for the best, because the
people who have been thronging there, do not believe in Calvinism; I am
sure none would take steps to the Savior in that church, while I am
preaching. I could rent a hall for eight, a week, and think after a
while I can have a church here. The people meet me on the street and
take me by the hand and say, 'I do wish you were going to live here,'
etc. Last Lord's day, I spoke on the wharf to what is said to have been
the largest audience ever assembled there. I am going to speak tonight
at the People's Hall. But you must not think, dear Mattie, I am
overdoing my strength; for it is no harder to preach than to go out to
tea and talk.
"February 10. Great excitement in church affairs. I preached on John
10:27, and the audience was much interested, even excited, so that they
began to talk in the yard about the absurdity of the church's bringing
me to task. But I went in to my trial. One of the deacons made the
motion that because I preached that it was possible for one who had been
converted, to fall away and be lost, and because I said that Christ
died for all, the Chapel be no longer tendered to me.[14] The motion was
put, and only this deacon and two others voted for it. One man would not
vote either way, and four voted in the negative. The chairman announced
that I could use the Chapel when I liked, only three being opposed. But
I declined to accept the offer, and yesterday tried all day to get a
place to preach in; but was told in each place, "No, it would injure the
other congregations, by drawing away their members." I am going to
preach on the wharf tomorrow, where I will have a larger audience than I
could ever have at the Chapel. The cause of the Master will not be hurt
by this opposition. The editor of a weekly paper has offered me one page
to edit religiously, and thus I will preach to the people. Brother and
Sister Smith and I sat up late last night talking over the situation.
She cried like a child and he is so excited over the matter that he
doesn't know what to do. They will give us a room as long as we can
stay. You must come.
"February 11. To-day has been one of great anxiety. As I could not get a
hall to preach in, I thought it best to go to the Baptist Chapel as a
hearer. The deacon of whom I wrote yesterday, preached in a vexing
manner and Brother Smith was highly wrought up over the
misrepresentations of my position. I preached on the wharf to a large
throng in the afternoon, and at night heard a celebrated
Congregationalist. I was so disappointed at passing one Lord's day
evening without preaching the Word, that I was unable to give him a fair
hearing. The people are in a furor because I cannot get a place to
preach in. One lady whom I have never met, offers to give L5 toward
erecting some sort of shed, that I may have a place to preach. I am not
discouraged. Not even in Old Kentucky did I ever see so much interest
manifested. The Lord will surely make some way here that his Truth may
be heard."
From Mrs. Carr to Mr. Carr: "My heart is full of you and your mission,
and prayers for your success. I believe the Lord will bless your
efforts. I am determined that you shall have a hall to preach in, I know
you will never sacrifice any of the fullness of the Gospel, hence you
cannot continue at the Baptist Chapel. I send you L8 that you may rent
a first-class hall. This I have borrowed, and I would borrow for
nothing but to further your efforts in the Gospel. People ask me if you
have had any 'Results.' Do not write to any one but me, of your labors,
until you have had what the people call 'Results,'--until at least 20
have obeyed the Gospel. I will pay your rent until then, and after that
you may be sure of the hearty co-operation of the churches. It is the
_work performed_ that determines the value of any instrumentality. At
least, that is the opinion of the churches; and their idea of work
performed is embodied in '_Converts_,' or, as some say, '_Results_.' And
they are not wholly wrong. Don't write to others about your work until
you have success. The L8 will rent a hall for two months at L1 per week,
and by that time you will certainly have some 'Results.' But don't
forget to take care of my darling's health. I do trust that your success
will be such that you can stay three months longer. A gentleman we met
in London at Mr. Murby's, called with letters and papers from Mrs.
Murby. She says we must make up our minds to a long stay with her in
London, on our return to Kentucky."
We resume Mr. Carr's letters to Mrs. Carr: "I have done it. I have
rented one of the best places in the city, Odd Fellows' Hall, for 13-9
per week, including cleaning, gas, etc. Am now at the printing office
getting out posters. We are to have six hymns printed for next Lord's
day. I will ask baptized believers to remain after the sermon, to see
how many members of the church there will be. Tell Brother Dick to send
50 hymn books, with bill. And tell him to send my baptizing suit in the
same box.
"February 19. Our first day at the hall was a very successful one. The
house was crowded and the people stood at the door. Poor Brother Smith
is hardly able to contain himself for joy. On Tuesday we meet to
organize a church. Don't forget to send that baptizing suit.
"February 20. To-night (Tuesday) we met in a side room of the Odd
Fellows' Hall and talked on the basis of union. I answered their
questions, and we had a happy time. Then I asked all to hold up their
hands who were in favor of taking simply the New Testament as their rule
of faith and practice, and nearly every one held up his hand. Fifteen of
those who had been baptized, gave me their names, pledging themselves
to live by the Word of God. So you see, we have a start even in Hobart
Town.
"February 27. Lord's day evening the hall was crowded; some stood, some
sat on the floor. There are some candidates for baptism, but a
difficulty has arisen. The three who objected to my preaching, do not
want to let me have the use of the baptistry. They have called a church
meeting to which I am invited to explain what I make of baptism.[15] In
the morning we met at the hall to break bread, so I regard the church as
begun in Hobart Town. Our collection from the 15 who have taken their
stand with us, was 1-6-0 last Lord's day morning. Pretty good for a
start, isn't it? I will soon be able to return that money you borrowed.
There is no communion service in Hobart Town, and I had to send to
Melbourne for one.
"March 5. Our evening audiences are increasing, but only a few meet to
break bread in the morning. The people are so ignorant of everything
pertaining to Christianity, that I have to teach them as if they were
children, sure enough. Many never heard of what I preach; and while
they admit the truth of it, they stand aloof. About 500 read each week
my religious page of the _Advance_. That is better than tracts. Come to
Tasmania! I am sure you could do a good work here, and this climate
would restore your health. We will treat you, oh so well! Let me know
when to expect you, and I will go out and sit on the wharf and wait for
you."
Mrs. Carr to Mr. Carr: "The _Southern Cross_ leaves Melbourne the 26th
of March, the anniversary of our wedding. I wish we could be together in
Hobart Town on that day. I will bring my piano. If you are on the wharf
at 6:30 Thursday morning you will see your wife. But I'll not expect you
there, for I remember your motto--'He who cannot rest his head upon his
pillow and enjoy his forty morning winks, is up to knavery, or else he
drinks!' At the tea meeting everybody asked about you, and expressed joy
at your success. The brethren are delighted that you have established a
church in Tasmania. No, I will not bring Sister Smith a half dozen
_reams_ of cotton; paper is sold by the ream; but thread by the gross;
perhaps you meant reels. It does seem strange that in less than a week,
I'll see my husband! I scarcely know how I'll behave myself! An appeal
was made to the Lygon street church for assistance to Collingwood, in
the erection of a brick chapel. All thoughts of a wooden building have
been abandoned, and harmony is prevailing. I am sure I'll get pupils on
the piano and guitar when we are established at Hobart Town. President
Williams' last words to me were, '_Only believe_, Mattie, and the light
of his face will always shine upon you.' I believe the Lord will open a
way for our support, if not through my labors, in some other way. I am
going to have your faith, Ollie, and I know I'll be happy. Take good
care of yourself. I'm sure you work too hard. Remember your work and
your wife, and _take care of your health_!"
The reader who has followed the preceding pages does not need to be told
why the Carrs finally left Australia. The admonition which each
constantly gave the other--"Take care of your health,"--could not be
observed. Even on holidays, as we have seen, hard work came pressing at
the door; and the climate was never favorable to the constitution of the
missionaries. They left, at last; but the Collingwood Church
established through their efforts, remains to perpetuate their
influence. At Hobart Town, success came in spite of active opposition.
When Mr. Carr was challenged with the inquiry, 'What do you think is the
design of baptism?'--his reply was as follows:
"'He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.' That is what the
Savior says. That is what I think."
This reply was so unsatisfactory that he was refused the use of the
baptistry. The town, less scrupulous in its views, proffered the use of
public baths. The public would assemble upon the porch of the bathroom,
and, in the salt water, the converts would be immersed. It was not in
vain that Mr. Carr preached on "My sheep hear my voice." The entire
Baptist Church with the exception of six came to the congregation at the
rented hall. At the end of three months, Mrs. Carr joined her husband.
During the year in Tasmania, they lived with the Smiths. Mrs. Carr
taught music, and she and Mrs. Smith made sailors' caps and sold them to
help on with the missionary work. Whaling ships came in there, and the
demand for sailors' caps was unceasing.
But while Mrs. Carr thus lived in partial seclusion, sewing and
teaching music lessons, her thoughts reached far beyond the straitened
opportunities of the colonies. Five years from the native land had
resulted so far as visible results went, in the establishment of two
churches, one in Melbourne, one in Hobart Town. Such accomplishments
were well worth the sacrifices they had demanded, but they were
achievements aside from those definite ideals which she had formed at
the beginning of her school life. Her boarding school in Melbourne had
done much good, but it was not a permanent institution; with her
departure, it passed away; and she was resolved that out of her life
should come a monumental school, which, though she departed, should
remain. Her plans conflicted with her husband's intense zeal for souls,
hence she quietly worked away at sailors' caps, and agreed, if he
thought best, to go next to New Zealand for the Cause. But at last, when
it became manifest that his health demanded a rest from work too great
for even a strong man, and a decided change of climate, she declared for
a return to America. To go back meant not only the probable regaining of
his health, but the carrying out of her educational ambitions; and in
order the better to perfect herself in her chosen work, and to secure
the needed rest for both, she resolved that they should spend the next
year in travel, studying the countries of the Orient, and dwelling among
the hills round about Jerusalem.
Mr. Carr to Mrs. Carr, from Hobart Town, January 17, 1873: "Last night
we had our Tea Meeting and oh! such a Tea it was! Everybody seemed
pleased with everything but one abominably long address. The speech of
the evening had much about you; 'a lady of such rare abilities,' 'your
condescension in coming amongst them,' 'they would never find your
equal,' etc. The good you have done, your kindness to all, your talents,
were dwelt upon by nearly every speaker. Poor Brother Jones could hardly
restrain his feelings. He said he had never seen your like. The singing
was splendid. The room was most tastefully decorated. 'Farewell to
Brother and Sister Carr for a season,' and 'Welcome to Brother G. B.
Moysey,' were the letters hanging about." (Mr. Carr's successor at
Hobart Town was that Moysey who had sold his calf for learning.) "After
Brother Moysey's first sermon on Lord's day, there was one confession.
It was a grand sermon,--he is just the man for the place and I am sure
will do a splendid work here. Everybody sends love to you. I am so
excited, I'm ill. I do hate to go from here. I never knew before how
much I thought of this people. I have spent three days taking Brother
Moysey around to see the people in their homes. I am so sorry to hear of
your illness. Take good care of your health. Love to Brothers Gore,
Santo, and everybody--dear me! I can write no more."
[13] See appendix.
[14] See appendix, "My Sheep."
[15] See appendix.