p. 309 | California to Europe by James W. Gardner

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 13, 1882

California to Europe.

By James W. Gardner

AFTER regretful adieus to friends in California, we sped on our way eastward, and in ten days were cheered by those near and dear in Battle Creek. We were compelled to bring our visit quickly to a close, and hastened on to New York, spending two days with our family in Toledo. In answer to call from New England, we then went to South Lancaster. The New England school was about to open; the book depository and news depot was also nearly ready, and all was activity in preparing for reception of students and providing for contingencies. We were specially interested with the undoubted evidence of the Spirit of God manifested in this place, and the perfect harmony existing between all. Bro. Haskell indeed has faithful helpers in his native place, whose confidence in his plans is unbounded.

I wish the readers might have been present at the opening exercises of the school, to see the spirit manifested by the students. If the Lord is not in the work as started we are much deceived. The spirit of manhood and womanhood as shown by the actions of the students in resolutions and remarks was of a touchingly gratifying nature.

Bro. Haskell's labors were so severe, and his duties so many as to render it impossible to leave for some time after the day first decided upon, and it was finally thought best that we should return to New York and complete arrangements for our passage to Europe and secure, one week later, passage for Bro. Haskell. After visiting the various lines of transatlantic steamers, with most of which we had, in former years, been familiar, we finally decided on the Monarch Line, whose passenger steamers have been running but a few years, but a line having freight vessels in every part of the globe. The agent, we found very kind and obliging. He gave us passes to visit the ship about to sail from New Jersey, the Lydian Monarch, in which we found all that could be desired. These ships are nearly all alike, about 400 feet in length, and 4,700 tons' burden. They are quite new, steel vessels, with iron masts, powerful engines, and specially adapted to rough weather. They are unusually wide, consequently, the state-rooms are larger than on any other line, and they are finely fitted up. The state-rooms, saloon, and promenade decks, are situated amid-ships and forward of engines, a very essential point, and one which will be appreciated by all sea travelers, especially those subject to sea-sickness, which terrible malady is increased by jar of engines and propeller, smell of oil, cooking, etc., all of which is avoided on these ships. We have sailed in many ships on many seas, but never have we experienced a pleasanter trip. The construction of these ships is such as to render them remarkably steady in heavy weather.

Of the usual routine of sea life we will say nothing, except to state that Captain Nuggett, and officers and stewards, in whom so much of our comfort depends, were exceptionally kind and thoughtful. My wife, being sick much of the time, was kindly inquired after by each, several times every day, with solicitations for her welfare; and everything possible for kind hands to do, was done for her comfort. We would make special mention of one, to whom we became much attached. Miss Lloyd, the stewardess, was a friend indeed, and a superior woman. Seeing my wife so sick, she gave up her state-room, which was inside, and, consequently, a trifle steadier than ours in rough weather, so that we had the two rooms, one in which we would stay when the sea was calm and the port could be opened, and the other as a retreat in heavy weather. She also kept us supplied with ice, which was the most acceptable thing we could take, and with any preparation capricious fancy might suggest. She was a God-fearing woman, one who lived her faith; and we shall endeavor to return by the steamer bearing Miss Lloyd. The voyage was enlivened by excellent music, we having several professional musicians on board, and a good piano.

After a prosperous passage, we landed safely in London, with feelings of gratitude to God for guiding us among so worthy a company, and on so comfortable a ship; and we most heartily recommend the Monarch Line to all our friends and people. The time quickly passed in London before Elder Haskell arrived off the Scilly Islands, from whence his ship was telegraphed, having in tow a large German steamer in distress, which they had towed nearly 1,200 miles. Thinking he would leave ship before reaching London, we anticipated him by leaving for Southampton. Passing a lovely country en route, we came, in two hours, to our largest English mission, where we found Elder Loughborough and friends, with whom we chatted a couple of hours, when who should drive up but our beloved and anxiously looked-for brother, Elder Haskell, just in from Falmouth, sunburned, and looking as though he had not suffered much from his experience in participating in the relief of the distressed on the sea's highway.

The green hills and dales of Old England, and the kindness received from her sturdy sons, have been much appreciated, and we feel we can indeed love her, and feel proud of our ancestry. President Garfield's long lingering in agony, and his sad death, called forth from England her heartfelt sympathies, and the two nations have been brought in close communion. We feel much encouraged with the spread of truth here, and feel assured that the blessing of God will still further open the way, and believe results will be seen, ere long, which may surprise many. After an absence of several years, we rejoice again to be on British soil, and hear with patriotic feeling, "God save the Queen," and pray he will continue to still further bless these shores, over which his blessing has so long hovered. J. W. GARDNER.