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Straits Settlements

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 6, 1902

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 18.

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Straits Settlements

By E. H. Gates

SINGAPORE.—A few days ago I received word from Brother Anderson that a British soldier who was keeping the Sabbath at Hongkong had been transferred to this place. I looked him up, and found him a fine Christian man, intelligent in the truth. He had not had the opportunity to be baptized, and requested that I should administer the ordinance. Being a stranger, I waited until I could become familiar with his life. He came to my stopping place several times, and I became thoroughly satisfied that he was a sincere Christian man. He has many of our books, and is familiar with their contents. I am ordering a full set of the “Testimonies” for him. To-day, March 9, we went into the country, and I had the pleasure of baptizing him in the ocean. His soul was filled with joy, and we rejoiced together. His time in the army is nearly up. As soon as it expires, he will enter the canvassing field, or engage in some other part of the work. I am glad we shall leave one representative of the truth here.
Singapore ought to be entered at once, and that by the medical worker, I believe it is ripe for that work. I do not mean that people are going to tumble over one another to secure treatment; for it is a heathen and Mohammedan city, and religion among those who do make a profession is at the very lowest ebb. But it is a place where it is difficult to keep well, and where the people know as little of hygiene as in any place I have ever visited. It is difficult to get anything fit to eat. We have already found several in this part of the field who want the health foods. At Penang the Methodist minister ordered foods. At Delhi a merchant who entertained us did the same; and at this place the principal of the Anglo-Chinese school wants them. I believe that our health foods will be gladly welcomed here. Then if it is possible to get a doctor for this place, it ought to be done. The United States consul general informed me that there is no restriction whatever in the matter of American doctors’ practicing here. There will no doubt be restrictions in time; and for that reason we ought to register as soon as possible.
The workers who come should not be novices, whether doctors or nurses. Neither should they be persons who have no physical strength. It is always hot, and the climate is very trying.
E. H. GATES.