p. 272 | THE SHIP WORK

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 17, 1880

THE SHIP WORK.

It was long a matter of regret that so little missionary work was being done among the ships in San Francisco Bay. For a long time there was no organized effort made, and after missionaries were appointed to the work it did not appear possible for them to give much time to it. Bro. Partridge has always taken an interest in this branch of our missions, and lately he has given considerable attention to it. And quite recently Bro. Palmer, of Oakland, has assisted him. Bro. Partridge has received some cheering letters, showing that the labor has not been in vain. From a letter just received we copy the following:—

“Without doubt I believe that you have the Sabbath of the Lord; and I must admit, after careful reading and thinking, and prayer, that the great reward of the believer is immortality at the resurrection and unquestionably not before.

“‘Oh, what raptures I have been in when reading ‘Thoughts on Revelation.’ I thank you for the address of J. N. L. in Southampton. I do not suppose I shall come to Oakland again, although I should like to. I trade now up the Mediterranean in steamboats. I hope you will not give up visiting the vessels, for, although you may get a cold reception at times, there may some little seed spring up to bear an hundred fold. Cling to the sailors, for under the weather-beaten countenance of Jack oft beats a true and noble heart.’’

Bro. Ings writes an encouraging letter from Southampton, addressed to the V. M. Society of Oakland. This is entirely concerning the ship work. The following is part of his letter:—

“I have an item of encouragement for your society. I am well aware by experience that we often become almost discouraged by not seeing immediate fruits of our labor; but it is for us to sow the seed and leave the rest with the Lord. The following facts will strengthen and encourage you in your work. Some five months ago your ship-visitor, Bro. Partridge, placed a package of reading matter on the ship Gold Hunter, and for some reason it was transferred to the ship Archibald Fuller, which was taking in a cargo of wheat for this port. Some three weeks ago I visited this ship. The captain being ashore, I directed my conversation to the mate. I handed him the Signs which he recognized immediately by Sister White’s articles. He informed me of the great interest these papers had raised in all on board. He desired me to call again as the captain would be pleased to see me, which I did, and I will assure you it did my soul good to hear him relate the wonderful things he had found in the papers and tracts you had caused to be placed in his hands. The papers he had arranged in order and stitched together, when he examined the articles in their respective order, commencing with sister White’s, which he read with wonder and amazement. The next point of interest was the Sabbath question. He saw readily that the pope was the one who had set aside the Sabbath and had set up the first-day as a rival institution. Other questions were then taken up until he had digested the contents of the reading matter left with him.

“He is so full of the doctrines held by us that he cannot contain it. Wherever he goes he will leave a trail of truth on his track, and thus make impressions not easily erased. To-day I sold him Spirit of Prophecy, volumes 1, 2 and 3, History of the Sabbath, Sanctuary, Age to Come, and plain Facts, and placed a volume of Review and Herald on his ship. The Signs you gave him have been missing since coming to this port. The crew was discharged here and he thinks some of them took them to their homes,—perhaps to stir up the community where they live.

“The Captain and vessel will make another trip to San Francisco. If nothing befalls them you may expect him there in the course of three or four months. He is intending to visit the office at Oakland, and is very anxious to hear Sister White preach. He is perfectly familiar with the names of Brn. White, Bates, and others of our people. He is independent, speaks freely to all, of the things he has learned, says we are the people whom God has intrusted with his truth. I could mention other items of interest from work done by you on ships, but will forbear and say, be of good courage.”