p. 13 | An Experience by WILLIAM J. YOUNG

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 14, 1905

An Experience

By WILLIAM J. YOUNG

WILLIAM J. YOUNG

[From a letter to Elder W. A. Spicer.—Ed.]

While reading the REVIEW of May 25, 1905, I saw a statement concerning Brother La Rue, of Hongkong, China. I can honestly testify that Brother La Rue was one of the dearest brethren I have ever met. Many pleasant hours we have spent together, and conversed over the sacred page.

ARRIVAL OF THE “TERRIBLE” IN HONGKONG HARBOR

It might be of interest to know the history of H. M. S. “Terrible,” and how the dear Lord blessed in the efforts to give the truth to those on board. I first learned the truth from Brother Borrowdale, of Plymouth, England. I was then under instructions at school for a torpedo instructor in the British navy. I passed examinations successfully, and held that position.

After learning the truth I was sent to H. M. S. “Pembroke,” at Chatham. At that place I associated freely with the Salvation Army, and the Lord used me to bring many into the truth. I then wrote to the International Tract Society for help, and they referred me to Brother Dyer, their agent at this place. I found him, and he kindly threw his house open for meetings. We then asked for a Bible worker, and Brother Fairchild was sent. At this place were spent some of the happiest days of my experience.

During my stay at Chatham the Salvation Army began to lose some of their best members, so they sent the major to see me and try to remedy the trouble. They arranged that I should tell them just what I had been telling the lads. The major, the ensign and his wife, and one or two others sat for more than two hours, during which time the dear Lord used me to present a brief outline of our glorious truth to some of the heads of the Salvation Army. Because I would not accept their teachings, my name was erased from the register, and I was prohibited from their home.

After spending twelve months at Chatham and Sheerness, I received orders to leave for Devonport, there to join H. M. S. “Terrible,” to take passage to H. M. S. “Hart,” a torpedo-boat destroyer in China waters. We proceeded by way of the Cape of Good Hope route. After stopping at several places, we arrived at Simonstown, South Africa, where we found that war had been declared. I prayed the dear Lord that he would save me from participating in the shedding of blood.

That same evening I received orders to hold myself in readiness to go on board H. M. S. “Penelope,” a prison ship, to assist in looking after about two hundred Boer prisoners that had been captured at the first battle. Among these men were schoolmasters, detectives, and those of many other callings. There were only four or five real Boers; the rest belonged to different nationalities. I was engaged in this work about one month. Leaving one night by the British transport “Princess,” I went to the “Terrible,” lying at Durban, Natal. Some time after this I left in the “Tartar,” to scout about the vicinity of Delagoa Bay, to capture any ships that were carrying contraband goods.

Up to this time I did not know any of the professed Christians aboard the “Terrible.” One day I saw a notice that the minister was going to hold a Bible class. I went just to learn if there were any who loved the Lord. After I got acquainted, the dear Lord gave me wonderful success in presenting the truth to these men. I spoke to Brother Vick, of Portsmouth, who saw the Sabbath, and he brought others, so I had a Bible class in a very short time, who attended regularly, and rejoiced in the glorious truths of Jesus. Our meeting-place was at the electric switchboard, right over the boilers. It was very hot, yet those men stopped in this place to listen to the Bible; and from among them God has raised up some wonderful witnesses. I was able to study with them for some time nearly every night, and the Lord saved us from being molested in any way.

Arriving at Hongkong, I looked up Brother La Rue, and when I found him, I turned over to him the church the Lord had used me to form in the big ship, as I was leaving for a small boat.

After this I took part in the bombardment of Taku forts, and was also in at the Peh Tang bombardment. Then going south again, I was transferred to another ship. Again going north, I joined the “Bonaventure” at Hongkong, and sailed for England, where I returned to the torpedo school and the Lord helped me to bring in another brother. Also, I was privileged to present the third angel’s message to officers as well as men of different ships I was on, after which I took my first period, and left the navy a free man.

Of the men of the “Terrible,” one is a Present Truth worker at Paisley, Scotland, one is at college in London, another is canvassing, one purchased his discharge from the navy, and is in England, and the others are still in the navy.

Since I accepted the truth, the Lord has kept me, and has wonderfully blessed me in presenting the truth to others. I trust I may be used yet in bringing many into the truth that leads to the golden city. God bless you all; and may the cause of truth advance more rapidly, and our Lord’s coming be brought nearer, is the prayer of one of the least, for our Redeemer’s sake.