Whether we acknowledge it or not, the advancement of science during the past century is only an echo from the bell of liberty and progress that started to ring in the United States a century and a quarter ago. In the United States prophecy was fulfilled. But just as we have the United States to thank for the religious and civil liberty that now blesses the world, so we have that country to thank for the third angel’s message. From there it is to go to all the nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples. Does not this also include the millions of seamen, carrying the world’s commerce on the mighty deep? A long time ago I read from Sister White’s pen that we have paid too little attention to the sea-faring people.
THE BOAT "HEROLD".
I am an interested and careful reader of the REVIEW AND HERALD, and notice especially how the several conferences are planning for the advancement of the cause in the different parts of the earth. I see with gladness the great plans and willing responses of our American brethren. I read how Elder Daniells and others stirred the camps in various places, and how the brethren in several of the States responded to the Macedonian call. But why is it that the sea-faring men are never considered?
Our workers sometimes speak of their experiences by sea—the high waves, the stormy weather, and the thankfulness with which they again set foot on terra firma. Perhaps they may have seen or heard the captain; but did they think of those who kept the ship in motion? Do they ever see those coming up from below, all covered with coal dust, or the others busily at work here and there in different parts of the ship? In passing a sailing vessel, do they think of the seamen there?—It would seem not. I am tempted to think of Mark 7:27 in this connection. But some would say, “This neglect is not intentional; it is only thoughtlessness.” Has the Lord forgotten?—O, no! And neither has Satan. He takes great interest in the sailors, and his agents are wide-awake in their calling.
I know from experience that sailors never lack opportunities tending toward destruction. But our people are as silent as if such a class of human beings had no existence, and did not belong to those who have a part in the plan of salvation. If one here and there accepts the truth, he turns his back on his former associates; for he could hardly do otherwise if he desired to.
So far as I know, the boat “Herold” is the only one of its kind in Europe, and how long it will be running is a question. Oresund, between Denmark and Sweden, is the most important place in the world for a mission boat, and for seven years I have been laboring to get one for that place, but thus far it has been of no avail. It is interesting to stand on the shore and see a large fleet of ships get under way, but who asks if these ships have any of our literature aboard? My heart bleeds to think of this. Are we to be silent forever about this? Then why do we read in Rev. 14:6, “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people”? Where do we find them more frequently than on the ships that traverse the sea? Why do we read in Rev. 14:9, “If any man worship the beast,” and in Rev. 17:2, “and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk”? Does this not include sailors? In Rev. 12:12 I read, “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you.” We certainly have much to do on land. But remember that among the seamen are those as dear to our Saviour as any on land. These are included among those he came to save. Through the missionary boats we gain access to these. Our literature is always welcome. A boat in Oresund would be a great help. Donations for this boat can be sent to the treasurer of the General Conference, 222 North Capitol St., Washington, D. C.
