ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR AUGUST
By H. C. Palmer
Seaman's Mission, San Francisco. ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR AUGUST
Ship J— B—. The first mate of this vessel seemed much interested. He promised to write. The steward was a convert from Catholicism to the Protestant faith. He acknowledged that the Roman Catholic Church had changed the Sabbath, and questioned their right. He promised to thoroughly investigate our positions, and write to me. Three sailors signed the temperance pledge. The captain of the ship N—, was much impressed with our views. He did not belong to any denomination, but seemed to have a desire to follow the Lord. He said that he could not feel at home with the churches of to-day, on account of the spirit of worldliness which seemed to predominate. The first mate of the ship A— S— H— is a firm believer in the soon-coming of the Lord, and acknowledged that the seventh day is the Sabbath. He promised to study the matter further, and write. On the ship R—, we found interested ones. The captain, first mate, and sail-maker were all attentive. The first mate is a professing Christian, but said that he was weak in the hour of temptation, on account of lack of earnest prayer. He was much encouraged by our visit, and we felt that the Lord manifested himself to us. The sail-maker said he would come back again if he was spared, and learn more of us as a people. The carpenter also seemed to think seriously of the facts presented to him. Let us pray for the light to shine into these willing minds. The mate of the ship C— showed an unusual interest for one who heard the truth for the first time. He fully believed the Bible, and seemed anxious to know more of the truth. He believed the seventh-day Sabbath to be right, but wanted to study further before concluding his decision. The seed is sown; may our Heavenly Father water it with his spirit. We believe there is reason for rejoicing in this case, and we ask the prayers of all in his behalf. Ship B— C—. Three men on this vessel were much interested. They were from New South Wales, and two of them were converted under the labor of a missionary in Sydney. We believe their conversion was genuine, for a willingness to follow the direction of the Spirit was manifested. We hope to report more fully on this case next month, and ask the prayers of all in their behalf. Four signed the temperance pledge. Ship I— of E—. The captain was much interested, and will study, and report. The carpenter has a knowledge of the Sabbath, and believes the seventh day to be the right day. Two of his friends in Port Patrick, Scotland, are keeping the Sabbath. Their names and addresses were taken, and will be forwarded to Bro. Loughborough, and the result made known on receipt of news from him. The Vigilant Missionary work is advancing the truth more rapidly than we have any idea of. The Master's hand is seen in its direction. Bro. Loughborough says that three persons whose names were obtained through ship work, have subscribed for the SIGNS for three months, and another has renewed her subscription. He also states that Bro. David Young, of the ship Morayshire, has signed the covenant. Brother Young has written three letters to him, and states that he tried to present the truth carefully to his friends in Scotland, and they had him arrested. After keeping him three days in prison, he was set at liberty, in answer to prayer, and the cost of the proceedings fell on his persecutors. He says that some of his relatives are drinking the truth down. Thus it spreads. This brother is considered by our brethren in England to be a thorough Sabbath-keeper. To God all the praise for his conversion. Brother Tay has accompanied me in my visiting, and will take charge of the ships visiting Oakland wharf. His knowledge of the truth, and his former seafaring life, will aid materially in this branch of the work. We expect a busier season this fall than last. The Master has precious jewels which may be gathered by means of this mission, and we pray that we may be deemed worthy to labor to the end, and bring souls to the knowledge of life everlasting through our Lord Jesus Christ. H. C. PALMER.