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R. W. MILLER

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 31, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 13.

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R. W. MILLER

By R. W. MILLER

Singapore

R. W. MILLER

SINGAPORE is one half of the way around the world from New York City, and lies within two degrees of the equator. Here the sun rises at 6 A. M. and sets at 6 P. M. the year round. The hills are green, and tropical beauty is everywhere to be seen. The botanical gardens rival those of Java, which are accounted the finest in the world. It is a meeting point in the Orient, at the crossroads of travel. Located on a small island at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, with Burma and Siam to the north, Java and Sumatra to the south and west, and Borneo to the east, it is recognized as a strategic point in commerce and war, and as much so in its educational and religious influences on the populous lands adjacent.
Our hearts were made glad to know of the establishment of our work here. In a neatly constructed chapel located in a good part of the city, Sabbath-school with a membership of seventy, and one preaching service in English and one in Chinese, are conducted each Sabbath day, also a service every Sunday night. At the present time the actual adult following is about forty-five, with a lively interest on the part of many more. Brother and Sister G. F. Jones, who are in charge in Singapore, are energetic, and, while they have had opposition from every quarter, yet, by the grace of God, they are carrying the battle to the gates of the enemy. Each new convert is gained in the face of fierce opposition, and often considerable sacrifice to the individual. Many people of the city are convinced of the truth, but, shrinking from opposition and the loss of friends, are waiting. Now and then one of these takes a bold stand.
Up to this point our effort has been put forth chiefly among the Eurasians and Chinese. Among the Malay Mohammedans little or nothing can be accomplished, because of the evil spirits with which they are in constant communication, who warn them against the Christian missionary, and even threaten their lives; besides, these Mohammedans are very true to their faith, endeavoring to kill those of their number who embrace Christianity. Therefore, in the face of death these people are slow to answer the call of the gospel. It would seem that nothing short of apostolic power will ever reach them. Even medical endeavor among them accomplishes but little, because of the interferences of devils in a manner which I have heretofore not known.
How long will it be before this message will have finished its work? Angels of God are now holding the winds of strife till the sealing shall be accomplished; but at the present time in the Orient one hears much about the restlessness in the English and Dutch possessions. It is feared that soon the natives will rise against the whites. In China, only a few years ago, the Boxer movement demonstrated the true feeling of the masses against all foreign interests. The allied troops then humbled the disorganized forces of the yellow men; but with better organization and modern munitions of war, China, with her four hundred million people, is fast becoming a great military power. Soon the last great world battles will be fought, when blood will flow even to the horses' bridles, and the slain shall be from one end of the earth to the other. But prior to that, God's sealing will have been finished, and the rapidity with which the gospel of the kingdom is now going to every nation under heaven is in itself a sign of solemn interest.
Singapore.