{"id":867,"date":"2008-08-21T21:36:48","date_gmt":"2008-08-22T05:36:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/oxgoad.ca\/2008\/08\/21\/another-missionary-leave-taking-story\/"},"modified":"2008-08-21T21:37:46","modified_gmt":"2008-08-22T05:37:46","slug":"another-missionary-leave-taking-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxgoad.ca\/2008\/08\/21\/another-missionary-leave-taking-story\/","title":{"rendered":"another missionary leave-taking story"},"content":{"rendered":"
My recent posts reminded me of the story of Marcus & Narcissa Whitman, missionaries to Walla Walla, WA in the 1840s. Some have been critical of their mission and methods. It seems to me their critics look at their efforts from the ‘wisdom’ and comfort of distance – a distance in years, the comfort of modern society. The Whitman’s gave their lives for Christ, giving the gospel to the natives of what what would become the Walla Walla area, and pouring out their lives and skills ministering to spiritual and physical needs of all who came their way. This is the story of their departure to the mission field.<\/p>\n
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The Whitmans did not spend a long time courting. When Dr. Whitman volunteered to the mission work, he was single. He heard that Narcissa had volunteered as well, but was not approved as there was no use for single women on that field. Whitman knew the family, was acquainted with Narcissa, heard of her willingness to go to the field, and so he proposed. <\/p>\n
Timetable:<\/i> <\/p>\n \u201cAfter her marriage in February 1836, Narcissa explained \u2026 \u2018We had to make love [get engaged] somewhat abruptly and must do our courtship now we are married.\u2019\u201d[1]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Order of service:<\/i> <\/p>\n Yes, my native land! I love thee; Home! \u2014 thy joys are passing lovely \u2014 \u201cOne by one members of the choir and congregation found their throats constricted with emotion and their cheeks dampened with tears. Only a few, including Narcissa sang the next stanza:<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Yes! I hasten gladly, \u201cMuffled sobs could be heard by the time the last stanza was reached. The sentiment was too overpowering. Narcissa in her clear soprano voice \u2026 sang the last stanza as a solo \u2014 a dramatic event which all present that evening never forgot.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In the deserts let me labor, Narcissa Whitman left her home the next day and never saw her parents again. <\/p>\n ~~~<\/p>\n These notes come from the book by Clifford M. Drury, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and the Opening of Old Oregon<\/em>, a book I purchased at the site of their mission (and their deaths) in Walla Walla, WA. It is now a USA National Historic Site. I always find it ironic when you can find a clear presentation of the gospel available from government institutions. While we were there a number of years ago, a school group was also touring the site. It was quite interesting to eavesdrop on the US Park Rangers attempting to explain why the Whitman’s were in the Oregon country in the first place.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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All thy scenes I love them well;
Friends, connections, happy country,
Can I bid you all farewell?
Can I leave thee, can I leave thee,
Far in heathen lands to dwell?<\/p>\n
Joys no stranger-heart can tell;
Happy home! \u2014 \u2018tis sure I love thee!
Can I \u2014 can I say \u2014 Farewell?
Can I leave thee, can I leave thee,
Far in heathen lands to dwell? <\/p>\n\n
From the scenes I love so well;
Far away, ye billows! bear me;
Lovely native land! \u2014 farewell!
Pleased I leave thee, pleased I leave thee,
Far in heathen lands to dwell.<\/p>\n\n
On the mountains let me tell,
How he died \u2014 the blessed Saviour \u2014
To redeem a world from hell!
Let me hasten, let me hasten,
Far in heathen lands to dwell.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n
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