Seaman's Mission, San Francisco.
By H. C. Palmer
A SUMMARY of the work done on board ships for the past two months, shows the following results:— P—. Four men in the forecastle and two in the cabin much interested; gave extra reading matter for distribution and had prayers on board. There was much interest in this ship. K— C—. The captain, and one man in forecastle are interested. T— C—. Steward much interested. He was out here before, and carried some reading matter to a minister in Wales. He read the SIGNS and tracts with much interest, and wants more. His name was sent to Eld. Loughborough. The men in the forecastle were of a class that showed intelligence. They promised to investigate and write to me. P— F—. The captain was much interested. So also was an apprentice who had been thinking about what was said one year ago when he was here. His mother received some of our papers and would like some more. The captain said he gave some SIGNS to an individual in the Isle of Man, and that the man wants more of that kind of reading. B—. Several men, officers, and apprentices, are much interested. Had prayers on board. S— of I—. First mate, two apprentices, and some seamen much interested. F—. Captain and wife much interested. G— G—. Mate much interested. A—. Captain B. has read our works and promised to investigate further. He gave our publications to friends at home, who liked them exceedingly. Captain B. was a good listener, and inquired and seemed much impressed. B—. Mate very much interested and seemed anxious for religious reading. We had an earnest conversation on present truth. He promised to write. R— G—. Second mate and steward much interested. C— of I—. Captain, first mate, and steward much interested. Quite a number signed the temperance pledge. The first mate was much impressed. He signed the temperance pledge and I gave him extra reading matter. There was unusual attentiveness, and a spirit of earnest inquiry manifested by this ship's officers and crew. A— S—. Steward, second mate, and sailmaker much interested. They heard the truth for the first time. R— L—. The captain believes in the Sabbath, but does not see how he can keep it. The cook was interested, and his wife read the SIGNS, and says its character ought to be known better. I sent the names to Eld. Loughborough. All the names for England are sent to Eld. Loughborough, for he can communicate directly with them, and through these means a channel of interest can be kept up far more directly than has been done heretofore. He was written to, and when he receives any news of interest we shall hear of it in his monthly report. There is much cause for encouragement in the labor of the past two months among the ships in San Francisco Bay. There were ships with interested individuals on board, some of whom heard present truth for the first time, and others had heard before. The temperance work is progressing, and great hopes may be had in this respect for it prepares the way for further truth; how precious is present truth; and how good God is to warn the world from the wrath to come! How few will receive it; how many reject it. Those that object to its teachings see that its strength is unassailable. Its impregnable truth is there, and it shines in some hearts, but some lock the door of their understanding against such unerring evidence, and our heart is sad when we think of one more soul in peril.117 The honest mind is known by the acknowledgment of adduced facts; and as soon as the barrier of error is undermined, how pleasing it is to hear the confession, and this pleasure increases when the stand is made for the right. Heaven says one more, and we say may God bless; our hearts are made glad and we unite with the heavenly chorus, and say, Give God the praise. Paul says in Gal. 6:4: "But let every man prove his own work and he shall have rejoicing in himself alone and not in another." Let us also consider the words of the Psalmist and take it to heart. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." Ps. 126:5. Now is the time to bear the precious seed to the world. May we all seek that inner consecration of heart so necessary for the blessing on our efforts. Then there is the grand promise, "He that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. 126:6. How many of us are looking for sheaves for the harvest? May our dear Master guide the careless and indifferent to prepare for this solemn responsibility. Let us all seek for those not in the ark of safety and use wisdom in guiding them there. Let us pray that the Spirit may so teach us that the strength of the Captain of our salvation may be in our work, and we be the willing instrument. May God help us to take firmer hold and unite with his infinite wisdom and goodness by perfect submission to his will. Then comes the promise, "So shall my word be that goeth forth of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void; but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa. 55:11. By connecting with God we know our labors will be successful, for he works with and for us, and we are co-operators with the Father and the Son. Who can withstand such love and be idle in the vineyard? Our prayer is, Lord be with thy people, bless the efforts put forth at this time; prepare us for the conflict, and save us in thy kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord--Amen.