J. M. HYATT by J. M. Hyatt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 3, 1903

J. M. HYATT

By J. M. Hyatt

Africa

GOLD COAST.—Some are taking a great interest in our work. Some of the most influential people of the place are reading our papers. They express themselves as being greatly pleased with them. One is the wife of one of the wealthiest natives on the Coast. He is in England at present, but is expected home next month.

We had a very bad sea yesterday. There were nine persons drowned, although there was no wind. The sea became rough, and the small boats were wrecked in trying to land passengers from the steamers. People are very much aroused over it. We are trying to show them that it is a token of the coming day, before which time even worse things will happen. Storms are unknown here, so the people are not accustomed to such disasters; but we expect they will come here before the end. There has not been a strong wind since I have been here.

This whole coast is being much stirred over hypnotism, which has been introduced during the last year. Many have asked me about it, as it was imported from America. Several have given it up, through reading the Signs. I wish to fill this place with literature, as those who can read, read everything they can get their hands on. Already other denominations are becoming stirred over the circulation of our papers in this place, and are warning their people to stay away from our meetings.

Last Sabbath a young man, one of the clerks in a large law firm, came to see me on business. He did not know that we kept the Sabbath, so we had a talk on the subject, and I gave him a Bible reading. He said that he could see that the seventh day was the Sabbath, and he thanked God for sending him to our home. He says that he will observe the day. He can do so, if he wishes, as his firm does not work on Saturday. Others are differently situated, and fear that should they keep the seventh day, they would lose their places.

We are truly glad to know that our people have at last moved their headquarters out of Battle Creek.