Seamen's Mission, San Francisco.
By H. C. Palmer
ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR APRIL.
Ship M--- H---. The carpenter is much interested. He intends to live in this country after this voyage, if he is spared. He seems in earnest, and will investigate; feels his opportunities spiritually have been neglected, and is determined to amend his life. He promised to write. Also gave extra reading matter and a Bible to a young man in the forecastle. He was steady, and seemed inclined to study; said he would write. This ship was visited twice. Just before leaving, the captain sent word that he would like to see the Missionary. He inquired into our views, and at first advanced a decided opposition, but as he seemed honest in what he said, care was exercised in stating the points of present truth—he agreed with us on the Sleep of the Dead, and gradually, the Second Coming of the Lord. He promised to investigate the Sabbath question thoroughly, and write, and then said that we seemed to cull the vital points of truth held by all Christian denominations, and refuse the unscriptural. He was exceedingly cordial and we parted with mutual good wishes, he giving five dollars to the cause, a certain amount of which was invested in books for him and the balance given to the State T. and M. Society. He seems earnest. Ship G--- B---. In conversing with the first mate the question of the Sabbath came up, but he did not seem impressed, so the papers were left, and the balance taken to the forecastle after getting an address from a man there. The steward came and said, "What you told the first mate about the seventh-day Sabbath, I have believed for seven years, but I never heard any one speak of it before." Further points were advanced, and he seemed rejoiced to know that others held the same view he did. He said further that he would try to sail in an American ship and join us; may he have strength to do so. Ship E---. The second mate of this ship had read our papers and tracts for four years and was fully convinced that to do right he must resign his position and keep the Sabbath. He promised to come and stay in San Francisco, but failed to carry out his intention. May he be helped so that he can be free. Ship L. Two apprentices and the Captain were much impressed with present truth. We exchanged addresses, and they promised to write. Ship C--- of P---. The carpenter (a Swede) is much interested. He says he will not let a temporal position stand in the way of his doing right. This man has a good reputation on board, is a good Bible reader, and is much respected. The cook also regretted that he had given so little attention to his spiritual life. Ship O--- K---. Had a very interesting conversation with the second mate, who said Miss Young was very much pleased with our papers, especially the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. She wrote to Miss Freeman, daughter of the Captain of this ship, also to the first officer of this ship. Miss Young is a daughter of the Chief Magistrate of Pitcairn Island, and she directs the schools in the island. We will give more about this next month. Ship W---. Steward and second mate were much interested. It was the first time they heard of us, but we had an interesting and profitable conversation; they promised to write, and if possible visit me so as to investigate further. Ship B---. The first mate of this ship showed a persistent opposition at first to our views, but his weak point was in not understanding the Bible, and having a confused idea of the points he wished to establish. He was honest enough to state that if what was advanced could be sustained by the Scriptures he would look into it carefully. Extra reading matter was given him and he seemed exceedingly obliged for the attention. He will write. He said his brother was very much engrossed with the Age to Come doctrine which he disbelieved. The refutation was given him and we must pray for results. The carpenter said he had often talked with his minister about the seventh day being the Sabbath, but never received any satisfaction from him on the subject. Some reading to help his investigation was given him, and we can pray for the increase here. Steamer S---. The steward says the passengers take the tracts and loose SIGNS to their staterooms and read them. He does not think the Californians are as Spiritual minded as the Eastern people. Ship H---. The carpenter (Swedish) is much interested; he is very anti-Roman in his views, so a very little will induce him to give a thorough examination into present truth. Steamer M---. First mate much interested. He regretted he had not given more attention to spiritual matters, but hoped this voyage would revive him to study. He was nearly killed in a typhoon, and since then his mind has been brought to a sense of his position before God. There is much hope here, for a sense of duty is uppermost in his mind and it is centered in a religious conviction. Two men in the forecastle were very inquiring, and their manner showed that their interest was below the surface. May our heavenly Father direct us all in these cases. Ship S--- and E---. The captain and first mate were very anxious to know our views. The captain had an idea that it would be a very great225difficulty to keep the Sabbath because of the alteration of degrees of longitude, but his argument in this respect did not stand, for his opposition was not very strong, when the matter was thoroughly gone into; he had heard of the Seventh-day Sabbath before and listened to discussions, but he never thought it was binding. The mate was more impressed than he was, and he had that quiet spirit of investigation, which some betray by the way they receive evidence, and we can sometimes tell by the way they look at tracts and papers. We can trust to the Master to guide him into all truth and pray for it. As Brother Drew says, our tracts and papers always supersede other denominational writings, for those of honest observation see the wonderful sublimity of present truth, and the mind is invariably made to recognize it as light that shineth in a dark place, for no work of man can draw attention so closely to the spiritual needs of humanity as that contained in the Third Angel's Message. Another fact in connection with this age of the world is that men are talking about the Sabbath and the first day, and some have not heard of us as a people. Surely there is sufficient evidence in this to convince us that the Spirit of God is preparing men's minds for the message. There are many who have investigated and are convinced, on board ships that come here; they have read and read time and again but they cannot sever their connection with the world; they feel that to follow the teachings and principles our people advocate is a separation from others so complete and certain that they are afraid to lift the cross. The most painful thought for us to contemplate is that those that have such feelings are generally those whose minds are full of Christian principles but the fear of public opinion is stronger than the fear of God. The adversary knows the weak one's character, and he assails him where he is sure to gain the victory. There is unusual demand for our papers on the coast steamers. So many come from up country, and the papers are taken by some and tracts by others, that it cannot fail to be of an immense advantage in camp-meetings. There is a providential foresight in this work, which certainly proceeds from the Most High, and we must feel that his mercies are boundless and his love unfathomable when such opportunities to send the warning are presented. May the Master guide in this great work, and may we live up to our privileges. H. C. PALMER.