Straits Settlements and Malay States by G. F. Jones

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 16, 1911

Straits Settlements and Malay States

By G. F. Jones

G. F. JONES

There is a growing interest throughout this field, and people are more willing to listen to the truth than ever before. The angels, with their threefold message, are evidently hovering over the peninsula. The fields are white unto harvest, and we hope the laborers may ere long go forth and gather in the fruit.

Hitherto our friends have been slow to identify themselves with us on all essential points, and because of this, church growth has been slow. The wearing of spangles and jewelry in general is the stumbling-block with many of the women here, because it usually bespeaks caste; while another class of women find difficulty in giving up the chewing of the betel-nut and sirih. This is a filthy habit, even worse than tobacco-chewing. The lips and mouth are stained with the red juice, and present a most nauseating spectacle. In Singapore this habit has been regulated, as well as the use of tobacco, opium, and other stimulants. But this is a great trial to some. The sirih and betel practise has a stimulating effect, and upon its discontinuance the user suffers much at first. All sorts of excuses for its use are made by those who wish to be baptized while retaining the habit. It gives us the greatest joy to see some of them bravely obtain the victory, and they are then ready for baptism. Some missionaries in foreign fields receive natives for baptism while retaining their filthy habits, hoping they will give them up later. By so doing the membership is considerably swelled, but the standard is lowered. By experience and observation I have seen that the work of reformation afterward is both sad and difficult.

The men have also their battles to fight against tobacco, alcohol, gambling, etc.; and as this is both a government and a commercial center, there is nothing for the men to do should they lose their positions. A certain class of labor is done only by a certain class of people, and it is degrading in the extreme for any others to take up that work. Unless they prepare for some part in the message, I see nothing better than that they should move into the country, as many of our brethren have had to do in America and Australia, and then the children would escape the corrupting influences of the city.

The church here has a membership of forty-four, and the Sabbath-school of about one hundred. Recently I baptized eleven; three others will be baptized in a few days, while about six are preparing to go forward a little later. The last few weeks a good class of people are coming to our Sabbath meetings, and are studying the truth. Since the last General Conference Council, in Europe, there has been an awakening here. The prayers of our people have been heard, and the answers are being seen in this field. From the beginning of our work here, I have never seen the people so ready and willing to learn the truth. It is like the gentle morning dew of heaven. The Lord is coming. “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.” Ps. 110:3.

We rejoice that we are privileged to have a part in spreading this gospel of the kingdom, and that souls are accepting it and preparing for the city of God. The good old gospel ship that has weathered every storm, has yet to encounter another terrific tempest, but will at last sail into her everlasting port, bearing the royal standard, and loaded to her water-line with the precious, living jewels gathered from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. How can it be possible for those who now cling to their worldly possessions, to breast the coming gale unless they forsake all and get on board the old ship Zion?

Hitherto we have waited long for some to part with their valuable ornaments, but now there is a change. Only the other day two women piled up their jewelry before me when I read the scriptures to them. One day later another woman, whom I met for the first time, when I told her of this experience and read to her the scripture bearing upon the wearing of jewelry, with eyes filled with tears put away her pretty and choice ornaments. About three months ago, a woman who had a special selection of choice jewelry, valued at $560 gold, refused to wear it any longer, and later gave it to our mission. The Spirit of God is now mightily working upon the hearts of people, and it is a paying investment to give liberally to the cause that sends the laborer to find these precious, living jewels. Less than three months ago a gentleman fifty years old and having poor health gave up a position where he drew forty dollars a week. He had labored about thirty-four years in that work and in three or four years more would have received a handsome pension. Being a liberal soul and depending upon his pension for the future, he had nothing. He sacrificed all willingly for the truth. Feeble and advancing in age, and having no means to fall

back upon, his future looks to others a hopeless one.

Although up to this time there seems to be no prospect of his getting anything to do, yet he has no regret for the step taken. He says he would do the same thing to-morrow should it involve his disobeying the fourth commandment. Two other educated men, each with large families, and earning about forty dollars a week, are contemplating following in the footsteps of this brother. It is much harder for a man to find employment here where he will be able to keep the Sabbath than it is for a brother in America. The way the Lord is working upon hearts is a wonderful manifestation of the power of the gospel. Had we not been sent here, these precious souls would still be in darkness. But praise God for the means that has done this much.

There are scores of places in Malaysia waiting for workers, but these can not be sent, because the treasury is short of funds. If men and women in these far-off lands have confidence in the message we give them, and are willing to lay their last cent and every worldly prospect upon the altar of sacrifice, should not our brethren at home who have means be willing to give more liberally that they may rejoice together with others in the harvest?