En Route to India by W. W. Miller

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 9, 1905

En Route to India

By W. W. Miller

STEAMSHIP “ARABIA,” DEC. 18, 1904.—This beautiful morning finds us near Aden, and enjoying a very pleasant and quiet voyage. We have had a calm sea ever since we left Port Said. There we met Ella McIntyre, Miss Passebois, and Brother Quinn, who is on his way to America from Australia. They remained with us Tuesday afternoon and until noon Wednesday. We had a very enjoyable time together.

Sister McIntyre could speak some Arabic, so we went ashore to see the natives, and how they lived. Some lived in little, dark rooms with only a cloth for a door, and the ground for a floor. Yet they seem healthy and happy. Many of the children followed us because we noticed them. I gave one a half-penny, and then the company increased until we had quite a crowd. Old and young seem to enjoy having strangers notice them. They live in filth. Their clothing is very scant, but they do not need much. We saw one man in his store, saying his prayers. He was sitting on the counter, going through a performance which we, of course, could not understand. Another man was in a pen, bowing himself to the ground repeatedly. Notwithstanding these conditions, I have faith to believe that some can be won to the truth; for they are very kind.

We were sorry not to see Brother Wakeham and his family. He was with a native brother, holding meetings some distance from Cairo. Had we not been pressed to reach Calcutta before Brother Shaw leaves for General Conference, we could have made Brother Wakeham a visit.

We have been happy and of good courage all the way, and what we have already witnessed since coming aboard this ship proves that it is time for us to send workers as fast as we can to the unworked fields. This boat is alive with missionaries, going to different parts of India,—Scotch Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Methodist, Friends, Catholic, and others. Many of these are from the States, and so we meet from time to time. All seem anxious to reach their field of labor, and so are we. If we ever give this truth to all the world, it is high time we were at work wherever we can find an opening.

I have made the acquaintance of a lawyer, a doctor, and other Hindus who live in Calcutta. They are very congenial. One offered his servants to teach us the language free of charge. We feel that the Lord is working for us already. W. W. MILLER.