Seaman's Mission, San Francisco.
By H. C. Palmer
REPORT OF LABOR FOR MARCH.
Ship M—. This ship, we believe, will be the first one leaving San Francisco that will keep the Sabbath. The letter in No. 13 of the SIGNS explains the feeling of those interested on board. The sail-maker was a captain some years ago, but his certificate was stolen, and he became a ship missionary in Scotland, and followed that work for about ten years. Before leaving Scotland in the ship M—, a man who had been here before told him of the seventh-day people, but did not advance any doctrinal points. When the ship was first visited, and the object of the visit explained, he said these were his views some time ago, but they were in such crude formation that he was waiting for more light. As each point of the faith was brought to his notice, his interest was very great. A man in the forecastle was also much interested. An appointment was made at my house, to examine the truth more fully. The steward, sail-maker, and sailor, came accordingly. Their hearts were full. They walked all the way (three miles and a half), and back again. Extra reading matter was given, and the principal points of our faith explained. Their joy was unspeakable; we had a profitable season of prayer, and the presence of the Spirit was in our meeting. It was a happy time; all joined in supplicating the throne of grace for strength, and they went their way rejoicing. The next evening, about nine o'clock, the steward and sail-maker came to buy "Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation." Their minds were full of anxious inquiry. They had read a little more, and were hungry for the truth. The ship had moved still farther from where our house was. They could not afford to ride, for they would lose the opportunity to converse, so they walked back again. On the Sabbath following, the sail-maker came and spent the afternoon in investigating, and explaining the course he intended to pursue on board. He was well versed in the Bible; a little explanation to his willing mind was sufficient to enlighten certain erroneous views. The final visit was on the Sunday following, and the prophetic chart, with the explanations given in the books purchased, enabled him to understand their import. He said he would give more thorough study before venturing to explain. The Captain is as much interested as any of them, and the spirit of investigation fully aroused. He spends much of his time in the sail-maker's work-room. He reads from our works in his cabin, and comes to tell the sail-maker of what he discovers; and this is what gives us so much hope, for he is fully convinced, and seems eager to obey. When he gets out to sea these men will have more opportunity to press their own wants upon him, and, by so doing, feel certain he will do what is right, and honor God's sacred day fully and faithfully. Others in this ship are favorable to present truth. Our prayers are needed for all on board. Ship T—. Man in forecastle believes the seventh day is the Sabbath. Ship C—. Carpenter and apprentice interested. Ship B—. First mate, and men in forecastle, interested. Gave extra reading. Barque I—. Cabin boy (colored) much interested. Gave extra reading matter. He was, for a young boy, very spiritually minded. He said he prayed three times a day; and, also, that on investigating he would ask the Lord to direct him, and, if what he read corresponded with the Bible, he would accept, and trust to the Lord to help him. He was very much impressed, and said he would write. Ship I—. Steward much interested; he was in the pantry when the first mate urged some questions on the truth, which were answered in accordance with Bible evidence. He came out and said he wished he had a Bible, and that he could have some passages marked that had been quoted. He got his Bible, and some extra reading matter. Ship I— F—. First mate and steward interested. Steamer S—. The steward has read our papers some time; he said no one could keep the Sabbath in his position. He said he would make one more passage in the steamer, and then live ashore. He promised to come to the church, and seemed determined to make a start for keeping the commandments of God. Pray for him. Ship C— C—. Steward interested. Will investigate and report. Ship B—. Cook and apprentice interested. The cook gave our papers to his brother-in-law in Liverpool, England, and he, being a deacon, was so very much impressed that he gave them to several members in the church, for them to read, and they have to wait for their turn to get them. A good package was sent to him. Let us pray for the increase. This last month has been one of rejoicing. May our divine Lord purify us so that we may be imbued with his Spirit in all we do. When we receive such help as he has vouchsafed to us in the past, let us take courage and press on. May God be glorified and praised for such manifestation of his presence, and blessing on this work. There is no trouble in engaging interested listeners to hear the truth; and it shows us how careful we must be in advancing it, not in our own strength, but in prayerful mind and submission to the will of our heavenly Father. God answers prayer. When we can exalt his name and vindicate his truth, he will help us in our work; and this mission needs all the spiritual help it can get, by the united prayers of God's people. The rapid strides the message is making all over the world, ought to arouse us all to greater activity, for we, as a people, are known and spoken of more than we have any idea of. The near coming of the Lord is preached in the parks of the old countries, but not in the churches. Unordained men do what many of his paid servants do not. Could there be a more favorable time for missionary work than the present? Some ministers in Scotland say they dare not preach their private views, for they would lose their living; so the uneducated and sincere do it for them. The Spirit of the Lord is striving with men, and we can see the evidence of it in the missionary work. Our prayer is, Lord, may we continue to do thy work, and have thy Spirit to direct us, so that, by obedience to thy will, we may be instrumental in thy hands to direct some to thy heavenly kingdom. H. C. PALMER.