Seaman's Mission, San Francisco.
By C. H. Palmer
ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR JULY.
Ship L——. The captain and his wife have been here before. They are somewhat interested, and promised to investigate and report, though they did not attach that importance to the truth that it demands. The steward has read a few papers, and seems anxious to study, and to know the Lord's will more thoroughly. He promised to use his influence in the distribution of reading matter, and write his experience on reaching home. Ship P—— M—— W——. The cook and a man in the forecastle are much interested. They will read and report. Ship W—— A—— C——. The cook is interested, and promised to distribute reading matter. Ship C——. The steward and two apprentices are interested. Three signed the temperance pledge. Ship W——. The captain was very much impressed with our views, and will investigate, and write. Ship I——. This was one of the most interesting visits of this month, for the views advanced for the first time were received in a manner which shows honest and balanced minds. The first and second officers, the steward, and a man in the forecastle are much interested. They discussed the spiritual condition of the churches, and their increasing conformation to the world. The Sabbath question met with a concurrence unusual, and a careful investigation of the works placed in their charge, will, we trust, bring forth fruit. There was a spirit of inquiry manifested which gives promise for the future. May the Spirit of God rest upon their minds, and bring them into an acceptance of this most precious truth. Ship G—— W—— S——. Two on this ship signed the temperance pledge. Though the captain is a disbeliever in the Bible, he and his wife both promised to read, and write to me on their arrival at their destination. We must pray for results. Ship C——. A boy was interested, and said that if he could get testimony to convince him that Saturday was the Sabbath, he would quit the sea, and trust in the Lord for a living. A package of reading matter was sent to the tent for him, but he did not receive it. The seed is sown, and we can pray that this willing heart may receive it and bring forth fruit. Ship A—— H——. The second engineer was favorable to our views, and promised to thoroughly investigate and write. Ship R—— T——. The steward believes that our principles are good, and will investigate further and write. Ship F——. The first mate of this ship had learned at school that the Roman Catholics changed the Sabbath, but had never attached any importance to it. He promised to write after thoroughly investigating. Ship M——. Our visit to this ship was very interesting. Bro. Dymot helped to present the truth, and several listened with marked attention. A second visit to the same ship was made to furnish them with extra reading matter. We hope to hear from several. Seven signed the temperance pledge. On ship A—— D—— L—— one signed the temperance pledge. The carpenter has given our publications to English friends to read; after reading with much enjoyment they loan them to their neighbors. Their names were sent to Eld. Loughborough. Two others seemed interested. Ship S—— B——. Five signed the temperance pledge. One refused five times, but when asked the sixth time concluded to sign. Both captain and steward were interested. On ship S—— W—— we found one interested in present truth. Two signed the temperance pledge. Ship V——. Several on this ship were much interested. The captain donated $5. He had visitors from San Francisco, who promised to read, and we hope to call on them. Two signed the temperance pledge, and there are others who we hope will follow their example. We feel grateful to our divine Lord for the encouraging results of this month's labor. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES is called a good paper by all who read it; several have spoken of having seen it at home. This mission needs two more earnest workers; the busy season is drawing on, and it sometimes takes two or three hours to visit one ship. The truth is kindly received, and we leave cases of interest with regret that our time is so limited. Our papers must confirm the seed sown. Under the new system of distribution the steamer-work is conveying the message to places inland, which otherwise might not receive it for some time. Means will be required to promote this branch of the work; for there is a demand for reading that our people little realize. For example: the Oregon steamers take from four to six hundred passengers twice a week. We place about thirty papers on one ship; these have to be divided between the cabin and steerage. One hundred would not be too many. Surely our awakening time is upon us. May our Heavenly Father give some a burden to advance means, and labor in this great work. May all take this subject deeply to heart, and see what they can do for this important work. We feel that the message is widening rapidly, and trust that the Master will give us grace and strength to do his will so that he can bless every effort put forth. The Sunday-Law question is brought up repeatedly on these lines of travel; arguments on each side are determinedly maintained. Twenty have signed the temperance pledge this month. The more we are engaged in the work for the Saviour, the more impressed we are with the necessity of a living connection with the Vine.