A Trip Abroad | Page 2

now using to write this book, and now, after all these successive steps, I
find myself possessed of a real typewriter. I will also mention my
youthful desire for a watch. I wanted a timepiece and thought I would
like for it to be of small size. I thought of it when awake, and,
sometimes, when asleep, dreamed that I actually had the little watch in
my possession. Since those days of dreams and disappointments, I have
had three watches, and they have all been of small size.

In the same way, several years ago, I became possessed of a desire to
see the Land of Promise, the earthly Canaan. I thought about it some,
and occasionally spoke of it. There were seasons when the desire left
me, but it would come back again. Some years ago, when I was doing
evangelistic work in Canada, the desire returned--this time to stay. It
grew stronger and stronger until I decided to make the trip, which was
begun on the eleventh of July, 1904. After traveling many thousands of
miles, seeing numerous new and interesting sights, making many
pleasant acquaintances, and having a variety of experiences, I returned
to the home of my father on the fourteenth day of December, having
been absent five months and three days, and having had a more
extensive trip than I had at first thought of taking. There is a lesson in
the foregoing that I do not want overlooked. It is this: Whatever we
earnestly desire is apt to be worked out in our lives. Deeds usually
begin with thoughts. If the thoughts are fostered and cultivated, the
deeds will probably be performed some time. It is, therefore, important
that we exercise care as to the kind of thoughts we allow to remain in
our hearts. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues
of life" (Prov. iv. 23).
On the way to New York, I stopped in Washington and saw some of
the interesting places of the National Capital. The Bureau of Engraving
and Printing, where about six hundred persons were engaged in
printing paper money and stamps, was visited. I also went out to the
Washington Monument and climbed to the top of the winding stairs,
although I might have gone up in the free elevator if I had preferred to
ride. The Medical Museum, National Museum, Treasury Building, the
White House, the Capitol, and other points of interest received attention,
and my short stay in this city was very enjoyable.
I spent a night in Philadelphia, after an absence of more than four years,
and enjoyed a meeting with the church worshiping on Forty-sixth Street.
It was very pleasant to meet those I had known when I was there before,
some of whom I had been instrumental in bringing to Christ. In New
York I made arrangements to sail for Glasgow on the S.S. Mongolian,
of the Allan Line, which was to sail at eleven o'clock on the fourteenth
of July, and the voyage was begun almost as promptly as a railway

train leaves the depot. We passed the Statue of Liberty a few minutes
before noon, and then I prepared some mail to be sent back by the pilot
who took us down to the sea. The water was smooth almost all the way
across, and we reached the desired haven on the eleventh day. I went
back to my room the first morning after breakfast and was lying in my
berth when a gentleman came along and told me I would have to get up,
they were going to have inspection. I arose and found part of the crew
scrubbing the floor and others washing down a wall. Everything was
being put in good condition for the examination to be given by some of
the officers who passed through each day at about ten o'clock. The
seamen knew the inspection was sure to come, and they knew the hour
at which it would take place, so they made ready for it. We know that
there is a great "inspection" day appointed when God will judge the
world, but we do not know the exact time. It is, therefore, important to
be ready always, that the day may not overtake us "as a thief in the
night."
Religious services were held on the ship each Lord's day, but I missed
the last meeting. On the first Sunday morning I arose as usual and ate
breakfast. As there was no opportunity to meet with brethren and break
bread in memory of the Lord Jesus, I read the account of the giving of
the Lord's Supper as recorded in Matthew, Mark, and John; also Paul's
language concerning the institution in the eleventh chapter of the first
Corinthian letter, and was