The Missionary by R. A. Young

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 17, 1890

The Missionary.

By R. A. Young

A LETTER FROM PITCAIRN ISLAND.

PITCAIRN ISLAND, August 1, 1889.

MAY God's richest blessings abundantly rest on the SIGNS and its readers. Thinking that some of the readers of your excellent paper may be interested in a letter from our little island, I have undertaken this to forward to you by the earliest opportunity, that, whatever of its contents should prove of sufficient interest, may, if desirable, be printed.

The British ship Cressington was here for a few hours yesterday, after a passage of forty-one days from San Francisco. Two boats from the shore went off to the ship, but had just got within speaking distance when the captain cautioned the men against approaching in the boats near to the forepart of the vessel. He bade his visitors welcome on board. "But," said he, "before proceeding any further, I must tell you that we have had fever on the ship, but you cannot be more careful of your safety than I am, and I think all danger is past." Only a few days before, two men had died within a short time of each other, and there were two other cases, one of whom was scarcely expected to survive. An abundance of fresh fruits was on board, for

which the men were thoroughly grateful, and wanted to insist on the island men to receive something in return, but they firmly declined, chiefly through fear of contagion. Their treatment on board was most kind from the captain down.

Several numbers of the SIGNS for the present year were given by Captain Bromley, the first for this year that we have received, the request for late copies having proved unsuccessful when offered on board the other ship that called. The people here regard the SIGNS OF THE TIMES as unrivaled and perfect in its whole get-up. The latest number we now have is that for June 10, wherein is reprinted the short account of the Firth of Clyde's visit of a day at this island last February. The "religious reading" that Captain Smith alluded to was doubtless the request for the SIGNS and "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," which are very highly valued by all the reading people amongst us. In some families, the books are used daily at family worship, and the reading of those excellent works has awakened in the more thoughtful minds here an interest in those wonderful prophecies that we have never dreamed of having before.

Last year, towards its close, a late edition of the "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation" was presented to the people here by the chief officer, Mr. Nelson, of the L. Schepp. The gentleman was an old acquaintance, and as he was leaving San Francisco, he, in the event of reaching this island, brought the book—in whose teachings he thoroughly believed—as a gift to the islanders. It is most profusely illustrated, enhancing still more its value. In appreciation of his long and faithful service as pastor of this people, the book was presented as a New Year's gift from the community to Mr. Simon Young, and, next to the Bible, it holds the most honored place in our family worship.

We have experienced great disappointment in the non-arrival of Elder A. J. Cudney, for whose coming we have looked in vain since a year ago. We read, in the SIGNS for May, 1888, a notice of his leaving Oakland, to proceed to Honolulu on his way here. Later, we read his printed letter, saying that the prospects were favorable for a speedy passage to this island. About the same time we learned that Brother J. I. Tay was in Tahiti, and understood that he was to accompany Elder Cudney. We waited their coming on the British ship of war expected last year, but none came, and our only alternative was to pray and wait in faith the Lord's time.

Last month, July 11, H. B. M. S. Cormorant paid us a visit. The captain inquired if Mr. Cudney ever reached here, as he met him in Honolulu, on the eve of leaving, a year ago, and intrusted several things to his care to bring to us. He was answered in the negative, and a while after someone else on the ship informed us that Elder Cudney did actually leave Honolulu on the schooner Phebe Chapman, which has never been heard of since. As nothing was seen of Brother Tay when the Cormorant was at Tahiti in June, we inferred that he must have returned to Oakland. We were the more sorry to call, as we have a call, as the call is collected for the grand work of the time.

Thoroughly enjoyed, for we all, men, women, and children, had looked forward to that season as the time universally observed to commemorate the Saviour's birth. Taking a hint from Mrs. E. G. White's article in the SIGNS about the proper observance of the day thus commemorated, we were very busy making and embroidering baskets to sell, and preparing coconuts by drying them in sugar. Bananas were also dried and put up in bundles and boxes, besides fresh fruits, all of which were eagerly bought by the crews of passing ships that touch here on their passage from, and occasionally to, San Francisco. In this way we manage to make a little money, and the little children were, if possible, more eager than their elders in having something to put in the "Lord's box." Some of the wee ones provoked many a smile when contributing their mites. One little fellow tried hard to coax his mamma to change pieces with him, as his was a twenty-five-cent piece, which he called a "shee," meaning shilling, and mamma had a silver dollar. But he was made to be satisfied with his gift. Another little boy of three, with eyes beaming bright with eagerness, brought his dime, then ran back to papa and mamma for another piece, but had to be told to wait until the next collection is made. One little tot begged "for one money for put in ne noddy," having heard a young sister say that the money was for the "Lord's box," and his infant understanding could scarcely take in either the words or their meaning. Our Christmas offering amounted to over forty-four dollars, and this, with the contributions made at two different times before, brings the sum to one hundred dollars. We hope to be able to do as well next Christmas, God willing, and trust him for the means of conveying our offerings to you.

There is something I would mention which we would be most thankful to have you supply. It is the third and fourth numbers of the "Progressive Series of Sabbath-school Lessons," by Prof. G. H. Bell. Seven years ago, among other reading matter, Mr. Palmer sent some dozen or so copies of the two first numbers of the series, and but a copy each of Nos. 3 and 4. Our two classes of the youngest children are using Nos. 1 and 2, but it is a somewhat difficult matter to make one copy of either of the others answer for a class of eight or nine scholars. As regards religious works, our real need is some prepared lessons for our Sabbath-school classes. The "Synopsis of Present Truth," by Prof. U. Smith, supplies lessons for our two classes of oldest scholars, and, so momentous are the subjects of which the book treats, that four of the elderly married women have joined the ably-conducted class of Miss Mary Ann McCoy, who successfully uses the prophetic chart while teaching. The copy of the Synopsis was left by Brother Tay three years ago. The other class using the lessons consists of our young men, married and unmarried. This is in our early-morning Sabbath-school. Our afternoon series on Sabbaths is conducted in the church, and four in the school-room adjoining, all having the same lessons. At present we are going through the series prepared by Elder J. H. Waggoner.

From some of the SIGNS we received yesterday, we learn, with sincere regret, that that servant of the Lord has been called to lay down his arms on life's battle-field and rest—"rest from his loved employ;" and we feel that a "prince and a great man" in the ranks of the Lord's army has fallen. May He prosper His work, and raise up men of like faith and activity to carry it forward, and fulfill the predictions of the warrior now at rest, that "the truth will triumph—triumph soon."

I close this long letter with the fervent request that our brethren and sisters in the faith would remember this people in their prayers, asking God to exercise his converting power in the hearts of those among us who believe in the importance of present truth, but are still strangers to God and his grace.

R. A. YOUNG.