Seaman's Mission by H. C. Palmer

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 20, 1882

Seaman's Mission.

By H. C. Palmer

ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR JUNE.

Ship P—. A man in the forecastle states that it was a question often argued, which is the Sabbath day, the first or the seventh day. He insisted that the seventh day is the Sabbath. He had not read any of our works on this subject. He had sufficient light on this subject to enable him to maintain his views.

Ship A—. The sailmaker of this ship knows the seventh day is the Sabbath. Gave some extra reading matter. He promised to write.

Ship B. Y—. Found a man in the forecastle who believes in the seventh day. He did not say he had decided to observe it.

Ship B. I—. A boy signed the temperance pledge.

Ship F—. The steward is much interested. He visited the tent-meeting in San Francisco twice. We gave him some extra reading to distribute among his friends in Scotland. He belongs to the "Evangelical Alliance," and they all discard tobacco and everything intoxicating. The names of the principal men in the organization were sent to Eld. Loughborough.

The captain on this ship says he will investigate when he goes to sea. He is not with the church, for he does not believe in unconverted persons joining a church; he thinks it weakens it spiritually. There is much hope here, for he has a reputation as a steady man of integrity, and has risen from the ranks. The conversation held with him was very encouraging. He promised to write. Three signed the anti-whisky pledge.

Ship H. F—. The captain, the second and third mates, and apprentice are interested. Thorough investigation was promised; also a letter on arrival at her destination.

Ship S—. Several apprentices were much interested. They were very inquiring and courteous, and promised to write when they arrived at home. The subject of tobacco was thoroughly examined; the light on this subject altered their views very much. We hope and pray for results.

Steamer C—. The steward was a man who discarded novels from his book-shelf. He wanted more light on the Bible. I gave him several tracts, and he promised to buy "Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation." He came up to the tent on Sunday afternoon, but as I was not there he did not make known his errand. His vessel sailed sooner than was expected, so he did not obtain them. We hope the light he has will lead him into the truth.

Steamer A—. The steward believes in the seventh-day Sabbath. He was never here before. He will read and let us know the result.

Ship R—. The captain and his wife are much interested. She lost her father a short time ago; he was a Universalist. This view of the Bible was reviewed. Works will be given her to show the incorrectness of that theory, and she promises a candid investigation. We pray the Lord to lead her into all truth.

Ship W—. The captain and a man in the forecastle believe in the seventh-day Sabbath. In this ship also the subject of the right day has been discussed. An apprentice promised to investigate and write.

Steamer R. de I—. The steward has only been one trip on this steamer. When the reading matter was given him the tract package seemed familiar. "Do you know," he said, "I found a package that was given by the steward who preceded me? When I came to read its contents I said, my sons must get this. So I put it in my trunk for them." Extra reading will be given, and he promised to lend it to the passengers and to report the interest. The address of his sons, in Los Angeles County, was taken, and they will be provided for.

The interest shown this month is encouraging. One thing is made certain; the question of the Lord's Sabbath is coming to the front among those who have no more than heard it casually mentioned, and the word of God has been examined to find evidence for the Sunday. But we know the result where there is an honest inquiry for the truth. How thankful ought we to be that we have the light to give to those who are in darkness. The seaman is not unwilling to be placed in the right way, and those of our faith can understand how blessed it is to come to a knowledge of precious truth. Our Heavenly Father is preparing the minds of the world to receive the last great truth, and if we will connect closely with Him, he will direct us in our labor for souls.

Health Reform is being adopted by some in the old country, and if they read our publications they may be attracted to the whole truth. The world generally seems to be looking forward to something startling. Admissions are made which betray anxiety to learn what is indicated by the "sure word of prophecy."

The number of steamers visiting San Francisco Bay is increasing, and our club of Signs for this mission is too small. If ever the mission work needed prayerful help it is now. May the Master watch over us, direct our steps, and increase our zeal, that the cause of the Third Angel's Message may be greatly advanced. H. C. PALMER.