A. G. Daniells in the chair. Prayer was offered by G. W. Caviness. The afternoon was devoted to reports from union conferences.GCB May 20, 1909, page 84.9

E. L. Stewart, the president of the Western Canadian Union, was called upon to submit the first report, which he presented as follows:GCB May 20, 1909, page 84.10

REPORT OF THE WESTERN CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

The Western Canadian Union Conference was organized Oct. 21, 1907, at a meeting called for that purpose at Leduc, Alberta. Its territory includes the four western provinces of Canada,—Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. It has an area of nearly a million square miles, besides an equal area lying still to the north as a mission field. Vast stretches of this great field are still open to settlement, and would furnish homes for thousands who are now crowded into the congested parts of the East and South. The soil is rich and productive, and well adapted to the growing of grain, vegetables, and fruit. The climate is invigorating and healthful. There is a population of one million two hundred fifty thousand in the organized portion also a large population in the northern part of this field. The population is a mixed one, and already our work is carried on among several nationalities. Thus the development of the work in this field becomes an interesting problem for our union conference to solve.GCB May 20, 1909, page 84.11

Our present church-membership is about eight hundred. There are, however, quite an additional number of Sabbath-keepers in some of the provinces. There are seventeen ordained ministers, four licentiates, and twenty-one other workers, making a total of forty-two who receive more or less recognition from the conferences. There are thirty-five churches. From these is received $17,140.80 in tithe annually. During the year 1908, $2,041.05 was donated by the Sabbath-schools, which, by a special arrangement, was retained in the field for work among the Indians. We also received during 1908 an appropriation of $6,529.27 from the General Conference, making a total of $25,711.12 used for the support of the workers in our union conference territory. The total amount of means raised in the field since the organization of the Western Canadian Union Conference is about $25,000.GCB May 20, 1909, page 84.12

During the past year the total value of literature sold in this field was a little more than $16,000, or about twenty dollars per capita for the church-membership. Our tithe per capita is a trifle more than seventeen dollars. We have three flourishing academies in the union, with an enrollment of about one hundred twenty pupils. There is also a small sanitarium in Alberta.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.1

There has been a gradual increase in nearly all lines since the organization of this union conference, and we have reason to believe that soon we shall become a strong factor in the spread of the message. However, we are still in need of support from our brethren in the States, and we hope they will not become discouraged in furnishing means for the work in the North.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.2

Three main lines of railroad traverse the country, but distances are so great that it necessarily becomes an expensive field to work. The Lord’s Day Alliance has secured the enactment of a Sunday law for the Dominion which is in force in three of the provinces. Notwithstanding these perplexities, the workers are of good courage, and plans are already well laid for pushing the work the present year.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.3

The chairman called upon W. H. Thurston to present the report of the Canadian Union. This he did as follows:—GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.4

REPORT OF THE CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

Since our last report of the Canadian Union Conference to the General Conference in session, four years have come and gone, and the record is made for time and for eternity. The prospering hand of God, and his tender watch-care over us during this time, call from us profound gratitude and a renewal of our consecration to the cause we so much love. We appreciate the privilege of again rendering a report of the growth and prosperity of the work in our field, and its needs from our view-point, to the General Conference in session.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.5

The Canadian Union Conference includes the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, and has an area of 662,884 square miles and a population of 5,629,004. There are three local conferences and a mission field in the union; namely, Ontario, Quebec, and Maritime, the latter including the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, and the Newfoundland mission field. We have in the conference twenty-two houses of worship, and forty-four organized churches, with a total membership of 1,140. Adding to these sixty isolated believers, makes the total number of Sabbath-keepers 1,200. There are fifty-eight Sabbath-schools, with a total membership of 1,260, and nine missionary societies, with a total membership of ninety. Our staff of workers consists of eleven ordained ministers, nine licentiates, ten holding missionary license, and ten canvassers, making a total of forty. Aside from this there are sixteen home workers, who regularly devote a portion of their time to selling books, papers, and tracts. During the summer vacation about twenty from our schools enter the canvassing work for two or three months, some as regular canvassers, and some on the scholarship plan.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.6

With this general statement we will now consider the work of the conference by departments as it is now being prosecuted:—GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.7

The Evangelical Work

During the summer, as the tent season is short, our ministers all engage in field work; but in the winter, as there is much snow and cold weather, they work mostly in the cities. During the winter the churches are visited, and general meetings are held with them. This serves to strengthen the believers, and other interested ones are gathered in. The harvest has not been as great as we had hoped, yet the report shows an ingathering of two hundred ten souls.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.8

Educational Interests

The educational department is operating four church-schools and two academies. In these schools ten teachers are instructing one hundred fifty pupils. Our academies are practically completed and fairly well equipped, and the work is going on very satisfactorily. These schools were started under difficult circumstances, and with sacrifice on the part of many; but the Lord is blessing the work, and from these institutions laborers will come for different lines of missionary work in the Canadian field and elsewhere.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.9

Sabbath-School and Missionary Volunteer Work

More attention is being given to these departments, and results are already apparent. At our annual meetings last summer, persons were elected in each local conference to give special attention to these departments. The work is being thoroughly organized, and a deeper interest is manifested on the part of all. We are endeavoring to turn all the Sabbath-school offerings into the foreign mission fund, and to enlist all of our young people into the great world-wide movement of giving the gospel to the world in this generation.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.10

The Medical Work

The Knowlton Sanitarium being left without a physician, and as we were unable to qualify a doctor in the Province of Quebec, the sanitarium was closed in April, 1908, and the property sold. Since then our medical work has been confined to treatment-rooms and private nursing. W. J. Hurdon and wife are conducting a Hygienic Institute in Ottawa, Ontario, with gratifying results. A. E. Henderson and wife have established treatment-rooms and a home for patients in Lindsey, Ontario, and success is attending their efforts. Miss Virginia Goebele has a home for the sick in the French suburbs of Montreal, Quebec, which is well patronized. Wm. McCormick is also conducting a sanitarium at Toronto Junction, Ontario. None of these institutions are under conference management, but are conducted as independent enterprises. This, with a few nurses doing private nursing, is the extent of our medical work.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.11

Our Publishing Work

This department shows a steady growth, and we now realize a slight net gain in the business. Sales for the past four years were as follows: In 1905, $4,500; in 1906, $6,500; in 1907, $7,065; in 1908, $10,997. These figures show that in four years the sales have more than doubled. Last fall we moved our publishing work to Ottawa, and we now have a good stock of books, and plans formulated for more aggressive work than at any time in the past. Our corps of canvassers is increasing year by year, and our churches are becoming more interested in the distribution of literature; hence the outlook for this department is gratifying. It being necessary to carry a considerable stock of books, our indebtedness to other publishing houses continues, but we are pleased to note that our resources over our liabilities exceeds four thousand dollars.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.12

Religious Liberty

Reading-matter on this subject has been distributed, and a few lectures delivered in different cities. We have endeavored to supply each legislature in the Canadian Union with the magazine Liberty, and we believe it is making an impression on the minds of the people. We have a Dominion Sunday law, and have been threatened several times with prosecution for Sunday work. So far, however, we have had only one arrest; this was in the Province of Quebec, and the case came to trial in the spring of last year. Of all the witnesses sworn, only two had any complaint against us. One of these, when asked if he had ever seen the defendant working on Sunday, replied, “No;” when asked if he had ever heard the defendant working on Sunday, replied, “No;” and when asked how he was disturbed by the Sunday work when he had never seen nor heard the defendant working, answered that the fact that he knew he was working disturbed him spiritually. The lawyer who defended us, laid down the principles of religious liberty clearly and forcibly, and urged the judge not to be hasty in rendering a decision. The judge withheld decision one month, and then decided in our favor. The law provides that no prosecuting can be done without the consent of the attorney-general in the province where the offense is committed. We have recently interviewed the attorney-generals in the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, setting before them our views and our attitude to laws civil and religious, and they said they would make us no trouble. In this we feel that the Lord is holding the winds, that the work may go forward peaceably.GCB May 20, 1909, page 85.13

Finance

We are pleased to report a gradual improvement of the financial condition of our field. There has been a gradual increase in tithes and offerings during the past four years, and a spirit of liberality is more apparent year by year. The following are the total sums received:—GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.1

Tithes, $39,039.20; First-day offerings, $1,487.71; Sabbath-school offerings, $2,433.91; annual offerings, $1,758.93; mid-summer offerings, $586.49; $150,000 fund, $1,026.60; Southern field, $313.06; Review and Herald Mission Number offering, $720.46; religious liberty offering, $107.39; orphans’ fund, $64.97; and miscellaneous offerings to missions, $81.87. Thus these various offerings reach a grand total of $47,620.59.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.2

While there has been a gain in all funds, a comparison of two items will show the greatest gain. The tithe for the four years runs as follows, respectively: $7,763, $9,605, $9,922, $11,746. These figures show an increase in 1908 over 1905 of $3,983. The Sabbath-school offerings were as follows: In 1905, $322.80; 1906, $362.43; 1907, $846.75; and 1908, $901.93. This shows a gain in 1908 over 1905 of $579.13.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.3

By reviewing the work each year we are pleased to note that we are gradually growing toward self-support. The figures of the last year show only about one thousand dollars more received from the Mission Board than was turned back to missions from our field. This is another source of encouragement to us.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.4

Our Needs

In closing this report we desire to present the needs of our field for consideration by this Conference. The work is being built up in all lines, and our people are responding to all calls as they are able to give for the work at home and abroad. No great amount of money has been appropriated to the Canadian Union Conference over and above what has been supplied to the Mission Board raised in the conference; but we do feel the need of an appropriation at this time for our publishing work. We are operating in a rented building and the expense is considerable every year. If we could erect a building for our office, books, and headquarters, we believe it would be money saved in the end, and would help materially in prosecuting the work in the Canadian Union.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.5

We therefore make a request to this Conference in session for an appropriation of $9,500 to erect a publishing house in the Canadian Union Conference. If we could build in a suburb of Ottawa, the capital of the Dominion, it would give character to the work, would be a great encouragement to our people, and would, we think, help us the sooner to become self-supporting.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.6

We are thankful for the hearty cooperation on the part of all of our people and for the privilege of being laborers together with God. Realizing that we are messengers with a message, and that our purpose is to proclaim the everlasting gospel to all the world in this generation, we pledge ourselves to loyalty and to service in preparing a people to meet the coming King. If we fail in this, we fail in all, and shall be accounted unprofitable stewards. But we shall not fail nor be dismayed; for He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain and walketh in the circuit of them, upholding all things by the word of his power, has said, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.7

We are indeed thankful for this privilege of meeting those of like precious faith from all parts of the world, and joining in this missionary conference in formulating plans for a great forward movement in the earth.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.8

Realizing that success can only attend order and harmonious action, we lay all our plans at His feet, to be carried out or given up as may please him who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.9

After the Canadian report, R. A. Underwood presented his review of the four yearsGCB May 20, 1909, page 86.10

in the Northern Union. He said:—GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.11

REPORT OF THE NORTHERN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

To the delegates and others assembled in General Conference the Northern Union delegation bring greeting.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.12

We can report some progress since the last General Conference. Four years ago the Northern Union Conference territory was composed of Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and a growing mission field of three large provinces of Canada,—Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. At the General Conference Council held at Gland, Switzerland, two years ago, it was recommended that we release the above-named provinces in Canada to be organized with British Columbia into the Western Canadian Union Conference. This request was granted, and in the fall of the same year the Western Canadian Union Conference was organized, which you have by vote accepted as one of the sister union conferences composing the General Conference now in session. The same council recommended that the Central Union Conference release the Iowa Conference, that it might become a part of the Northern Union Conference. This recommendation was also carried into effect.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.13

Owing to the necessary changes thus involved in the Northern Union Conference, I shall not undertake to give a report of this union as it now is, for the past four years, but will speak more of the past year and the present condition. The present church-membership of the Northern Union, as reported by the various conferences, is 5,980, with 545 scattered Sabbath-keepers who are not church-members, making a total of 6,525 Sabbath-keepers in the conference.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.14

It is but due to the conferences in the Northern Union that I speak of what will appear as a falling off in membership during the past three or four years in the territory now comprising the Northern Union Conference. By a comparison of the reports during the last three years there will appear a loss instead of a gain. This falling off in membership is seen in Iowa and Minnesota. These conferences have reported each year from one to two hundred additions to their churches. As reported in the Year Book for 1906, Iowa’s membership was 3,736. The secretary and president of the Iowa Conference report that after a very careful effort to obtain the facts, they find that there are only 2,428 church-members in the conference at present. This shows a loss of membership to the Iowa Conference of 1,308 in three years, while Minnesota shows a loss of membership of 399 in the same time, or a total loss in membership in the two conferences of 1,707, notwithstanding the fact that during this time about one thousand Sabbath-keepers have been added to the churches in these two conferences.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.15

Several reasons are given for this condition. Those who have thoroughly canvassed the Iowa Conference assign as one reason for the apparent loss in numbers the fact that the former accredited membership, as published for some years past, showed a much larger number of Sabbath-keepers than were actually in the State. Another reason is that the Northern Union Conference territory has been seized by a spirit of moving, which has caused an exodus of Sabbath-keepers to the West, to the North, and to the South. Whole churches, parts of churches, and families have gone one after another, and keep going. One church sold a church building, and took the proceeds with them to build a church in their new location. During the past year a company left one conference, and it required a township six miles square to provide them homes where they settled.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.16

These conditions, with our efforts to respond to the calls for men and means to supply the fields beyond, have placed some of our conferences at a disadvantage in their home work. Two of our conferences have had at times only one language.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.17

We have fifty-one ordained ministers in the Northern Union Conference. Of this number six are engaged in school work, and about a dozen who, because of age and poor health, are able to do little or no work, are justly entitled to support; still others are farmers, and are engaged in conference work only part of the time. We have including ministers, office help, canvassers, and others, two hundred eighteen on our list of laborers.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.18

Schools

We have four conference academies, with twenty-eight instructors, and an attendance during the past school year of two hundred eighty-eight students. The industrial, intellectual, and spiritual training has been combined. The revival spirit has been such that in some schools every student has been converted. One hundred thirty-eight students from the Northern Union Conference have attended Union College the past year.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.19

There are thirty-nine church-schools in the Northern Union, with 455 students in attendance. The number of church-schools would have been largely increased could we have found suitable teachers for the work.GCB May 20, 1909, page 86.20

We have had eight hundred eighty-one students in training during 1908, besides students at Madison, Tenn., Washington, D. C., and elsewhere.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.1

In view of the crowded condition of Union College, and counsel received favoring the establishment of an advanced training-school in the Northern Union Conference, members of the General Conference Committee and the Northern Union Committee have had under advisement the question of establishing a union school doing advanced work.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.2

Our attention was called to some advantages in the United States Indian school property at Chamberlain, S. D., and we were advised to secure it. This property consists of one hundred sixty acres of land, twelve or more buildings, and fixtures, which had cost the United States considerably over one hundred thousand dollars, but being no longer needed by the government in its educational work for the Indians, had been placed on the market.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.3

Bill H. R. 26916 passed Congress at its last regular session, offering this property to the State of South Dakota on condition that the State maintain a school in which the Indians should have free education. The legislature of South Dakota, then in session, declined to accept the property from the United States, and this action received the governor’s approval. The bill further provided that should the State of South Dakota decline to accept the property, the Secretary of the Interior was authorized to dispose of it for not less than twenty-six thousand dollars for school purposes, with a provision that Indians who comply with the same requirements as whites may attend without tuition, but are to pay for their board and room.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.4

On March 3, 1909, we made an offer of twenty-six thousand dollars for the property at Chamberlain to the Secretary of the Interior. We were led to hope that a definite answer would be made to our bid by March 15. But in the effort to secure more for the property, the government representatives delayed an answer.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.5

The initial expense of purchase of the Chamberlain property, based upon our bid, with the necessary changes in the buildings and a suitable equipment, will cost about fifty thousand dollars. If the property is secured, and these changes are made, and the equipment for college and industrial work is secured, the property will be quite well adapted for school work. We much desire the counsel of this Conference in this important undertaking.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.6

Sanitariums

We have one conference sanitarium at Des Moines, Iowa, which has been doing good work, but is about to be moved from the city to Nevada, and occupy new and better quarters. This sanitarium has thirty or more physicians, nurses, and helpers.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.7

Drs. Farnsworth and Lindsay have a sanitarium at Chamberlain. S. D., which is doing excellent work, and has about the same capacity as the Iowa Sanitarium. There are also located in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota several small sanitariums and treatment-rooms doing good work, conducted by individuals.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.8

Finance

The tithe of the Northern Union Conference for 1908 was $99,842.80, which is $16.69 per capita for each church-member, or $15.30 per capita for the total number of Sabbath-keepers in the union. One conference paid $21.65 tithe per capita for its membership, and $18.47 per capita for the entire number of Sabbath-keepers in its territory. I am fully convinced that if all our Sabbath-keepers paid a full tithe, our funds would be greatly increased.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.9

Each conference in the Northern Union met its full quota, per capita, on the $150,000 fund. The union as a whole exceeded its quota with a creditable surplus. Only one union conference, which has a much larger constituency, paid more into this fund than the Northern Union Conference.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.10

The local conferences have voted to raise for foreign missions an amount equal to ten cents a week for each church-member. This vote was not taken until about the middle of 1908. However, during that year there was sent to the Mission Board $34,299.11, or a fraction over eleven cents a week for each church-member in the union. In addition to this amount there has been sent out of the union to other fields $17,890.06 in tithes, making a total of $52,189.17 given to aid the general evangelistic work in 1908. This is a little over $8.72 per capita (or 16 3/4 cents per week) for our entire membership, or an amount more than equal to one half of the entire tithe of the union. For some years, over forty per cent of all funds raised for evangelistic work has been sent from our field into the regions beyond. This does not include the $20,555.87 raised on the $150,000 fund, nor other large donations given to institutional work in the South and elsewhere.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.11

A General Awakening in the Northern Union ConferenceGCB May 20, 1909, page 87.12

More than two hundred precious souls were converted at the camp-meetings last season, and over $47,000 was raised in pledges and cash for various enterprises, the larger part being for foreign missions. A considerable portion of this amount is in land yet to be sold.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.13

There is a revival in the distribution of our literature, in the sale of books and periodicals, and in the circulation of tracts. About $36,000 worth of our publications were sold in the Northern Union during 1908. This is a large increase over any year in the recent past.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.14

Parents are awakening to the importance of Christian education, and a spirit of loyalty to the work at home and abroad is seen in all our conferences.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.15

We are reminded by the few pioneers present at this conference that it is little more than half a century since a small company of believers in the cause of reform, launched what had been long foretold in prophecy,—the threefold message of Revelation 14. In the love of Christ with united effort this band of believers labored and sacrificed to spread the gospel message world-wide with the hope of seeing the end come. Most of this advance guard have fallen in battle, while a few are still with us to counsel and labor with their old-time devotion, and to encourage younger men upon whom the heavier burdens must rest. It behooves all to rededicate their lives to the cause thus far so successfully advanced, which is destined to certain victory at the soon appearing of our King.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.16

To-day the delegates of the Northern Union, with you that are gathered from many lands, are imbued with the same faith, purpose, and hope which possessed the pioneers in this cause. We meet to plan for the extension of this gospel of the kingdom to all the world in this generation.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.17

When face to face with men of faith, there is no East nor West, no North nor South, no national lines nor race; we see everywhere only sinful, blood-bought men, as subjects of divine grace. To bear this heaven-born message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, we as delegates and as a united people are committed.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.18

REPORT OF THE BRITISH UNION

WASe

The chairman next asked W. J. Fitzgerald, of the British Union, to bring forward the presentation of the various interests of that field. First, the delegates from Great Britain sang, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” The general review of the union was then presented by W. J. Fitzgerald as follows:—GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.19

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is indisputably one of the most interesting divisions of the world. Politically, it has played a leading role for many centuries. Perhaps it is just to say that no other nation in any age has done more to spread abroad in all quarters of the globe the salutary influences of advanced and enlightened civilization. For more than four hundred years, explorers have been going forth from the British Isles to the remotest points in all directions. (Recently Lieut. Shakleton has been within just a little over one hundred miles of the South Pole.)GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.20

In the immediate wake of Britain’s explorers have ever followed hosts of colonists, full of courage, determination, and resourcefulness. Great Britain governs nearly one fourth of the world’s population, and the empire occupies one fourth of the habitable area of the globe. Not only has she enriched the world by carrying forward successfully a stupendous and superb scheme of colonization and empire, but she has also contributed bountifully to the world’s wealth, commerce, science, art, literature, morals, and religion. It is beyond the limits of the human mind to estimate the work accomplished by the British people in the making and distribution of the Holy Scriptures, and other Christian literature.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.21

The United Kingdom acted no inconsiderate part in the great religious reform which revolutionized Europe in the sixteenth century. It contributed to that great cause its full quota of bold and brilliant advocates,—both writers and public speakers. It spilt sufficient of the blood of its people of all classes thoroughly to fertilize the reformation soil, and water the seeds of eternal truth deposited therein. No other European country did more in later periods to resuscitate the great reform movement, and carry it forward through successive stages toward the goal of full accomplishment. How great was the work of Bunyan, the Wesleys, Whitefield, Spurgeon, and a host of other valiant servants of God! In the great awakening of the forties of the last century, Great Britain was again found in the forefront of the agitation. Hundreds of her godly ministers of the gospel sounded the judgment alarm and advent tidings, not only in the home land, but in many mission countries of the earth.GCB May 20, 1909, page 87.22

But what of Great Britain to-day, and the part she is acting and will act in connection with this great closing movement of God’s truth in the world? Is she maintaining her past standards, and living up to her splendid traditions? Is there being gathered out from the masses there a people who rally round the standard of the third angel? Is she moving forward to take her place shoulder to shoulder with those countries which are supplying devoted soldiers of the cross who are to carry successfully this message to all divisions of mankind?GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.1

Wherever the banner of British authority and influence waves, it is a positive guaranty of liberty to carry forward the work of the Lord without hindrance. This is so in the mother country; it is also true in far distant lands, influenced for centuries by the superstitions and vagaries of paganism and other false religions. The mighty influence of the British empire is still successfully exerted to keep gateways in all parts of the world open to the missionaries of the cross. This wholesome influence emanates from the United Kingdom, whose territory is the field of the British Union Conference.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.2

TERRITORY, POPULATION, ETC

WASe

The British Union is among the smallest in area, and among the largest in population. It is composed of England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, the Shetland and Orkney Islands to the north of Scotland, and the Hebrides and other islands of the west coast of Scotland. Its area is 121,000 square miles, being somewhat larger than the combined areas of the States of New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The population is about 45,000,000, or nearly half that of all North America, exclusive of Old Mexico. At least four distinct and characteristic nationalities,—English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh,—are manifest to one who visits all divisions of the field. Three languages besides English are spoken by considerable sections of the population, the Welsh in Wales, the Gaelic in Scotland, and the Erse in Ireland being adhered to by thousands; and it requires no stretch of the imagination to discover many minor yet striking distinctions, as regards both customs and dialects. One finds no monotony attaching to a trip from Land’s End at the extreme southwest of England, to John O’ Groats at the extreme northeast of Scotland; or from Sandringham in the east of England to Killarney in the west of Ireland. With such a territory and such a population, who could fail to possess inspiration to carry this work forward! Could one desire a better, more interesting, or more promising field?GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.3

At the opening of the quadrennial term, Jan. 1, 1905, our work in Great Britain was twenty-six years old. There were at that time 2 organized conferences, North England and South England, and 3 mission fields, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, with an aggregate reported membership of 1,364. During the four-year period closing Dec. 31, 1908, two missions—Wales and South Scotland—were organized into conferences, 25 churches were organized, and there were added to the membership 875 by baptism and 128 by vote, or a total of 1,003. On account of a revision of the lists of church-memberships throughout the field, the reported net gain for the General Conference term was reduced to 310, giving the union a membership of 1,674 at the close of the year 1908. It is evident that the real gain in membership for the quadrennial period is much larger than the apparent net gain. The union made a gain of 68 members for the first quarter of 1909, so that on March 31 of the present year we had a total membership of 1,742. That which has been accomplished during the past four years, as regards membership, gives us assurance for the future.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.4

FINANCES

WASe

Our people have been devoted to the cause and faithful in its support. There has been a very encouraging gain in tithe and offerings during the four years. The tithe for the year 1904, the last year of the preceding General Conference term, amounted to $15,910, or a per capita rate of $10.93. The tithe for the year 1908, the last year of the term for which we are reporting, amounted to $25,078, or a per capita rate of $14.98. Thus the year 1908, as compared with 1904, shows a gain in tithe of $9,168, and a gain of $4.05 in the rate per capita.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.5

The total offerings to missions for 1904 amounted to $1,821, or $1.33 a member, while the total offerings to missions for 1908 amounted to $3,541, showing a gain of $1,720; and the per capita rate was increased from $1.33 to $2.17.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.6

The total tithe for the four-year period ending Dec. 31, 1908, amounted to $91,798.13, or a yearly average of $22,949. The yearly average per capita was $13.64. The total offerings to missions for the four years amounted to $12,238.90, a yearly average of $3,059.72, and a per capita yearly average of $1.82.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.7

It is therefore apparent that at every point of comparison the tithe and offerings for the year 1908 show a lead over the yearly average for the quadrennial term, indicating continual growth. The tithe and offerings for the first quarter of 1909 were larger than for any preceding quarter. Our tithe rate of $14.98 per capita for 1908 is $3.69 above the average rate per capita for the world, $2.72 above the average for the United States, $5.60 above the average rate for Europe, and $4.10 higher than the next highest in the European field. Over $7,000 has been raised in cash contributions and by the sale of the book, “Christ’s Object Lessons,” for the union conference building fund. Six sevenths of this amount was raised during the latter half of the period. It is encouraging to note that during the last two years, when strenuous efforts have been put forth to secure offerings for the union conference building fund, the offerings to missions showed a decided increase.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.8

We find pleasure in being able to make a favorable report concerning our Union Conference.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.9

PROPERTY

WASe

In August, 1906, the British Union Conference incorporated under the name of the Seventh-day Adventist Union, Ltd.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.10

At that time the union had no available assets. By the close of the year 1908 it had invested in the purchase of the Stanborough Park estate, and by the erection of buildings and otherwise improving the same, the sum of $78,380.86. Of this sum, the union owed $28,959.45. Thus the union had gained, in two and one-half years, by donations and otherwise, the sum of $49,421.41.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.11

Besides the amount invested in Stanborough Park, the union owns, for the execution of its different lines of work, several agencies and properties valued as follows: The International Tract Society, Ltd., $44,141.18; the International Health Association, Ltd., $7,586.93; the Good Health Association, Ltd., $28,328.08; the Stanborough Park Training College, $5,000; making a net present worth of $134,477.60.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.12

The different branches named, while operating under their own name and local management, are controlled by, and pay rent to, the union, besides turning into the union treasury all profits that are not needed to keep their business in good working order. We are thankful to report that all these branches are making profits. Full reports of these several departments will be submitted by their respective representatives. The local conferences will also be reported by their presidents.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.13

MINISTERS AND OTHER WORKERS

WASe

There are regularly employed in this field, to carry forward the work in its several phases, 17 ordained ministers, 11 licensed preachers, 19 missionary licentiates, and 19 other workers in conference employ, 7 teachers, 207 canvassers, 36 medical missionary workers, 30 employees in the publishing house, and 20 in the health food factory, making a grand total of 366. This means that one out of every five of our members is employed in the work for the denomination in some capacity.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.14

During the past four years, 11 native British workers, and 4 young workers from America, who had spent some time in our training-school, have gone out to different parts of the great foreign mission field. Our union has released workers for at least 3 great mission divisions of the earth.GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.15

It is still necessary for our field to receive some aid from the General Conference treasury. The amount required for the present year is $3,500. We are glad, however, to note that we turned over to the General Conference more than that amount in offerings last year, not counting the amount of tithe also paid by the union to the General Conference. It is our earnest hope and purpose that we shall need to ask for but one more annual appropriation for the regular work, and that this will be much less than $3,500. It is the desire of all the British believers that our field shall soon become not only fully self-supporting, but also able to help substantially in supporting the great work of carrying this blessed message to the millions who “sit in darkness and the shadow of death.”GCB May 20, 1909, page 88.16

The British delegates unite most earnestly with you all in seeking an advanced and special preparation for service at this time. We desire to return to our field prepared to transmit to our fellow workers and brethren generally, an inspiration for more effective service. We purpose to march on faithfully with all the loyal ranks to the final great conflict and the final glorious victory.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.1

Elder Fitzgerald now called upon S. G. Haughey, the president, to speak for theGCB May 20, 1909, page 89.2

North England ConferenceGCB May 20, 1909, page 89.3

The North England Conference, organized in August, 1902, includes the Midland and Northern counties of England, eighteen in all, together with the Isle of Man. It has an area of 27,510 square miles, being a little smaller than the State of Maine. Its population numbers 16,400,000. It is therefore nearly equal to the whole Columbia Union Conference in population. We have counties in our conference with a larger population than any State west of the Mississippi River, excepting the States of Texas and Missouri. Again, the entire population of the Southeastern and the Southern union conferences, including that of Arkansas, about equals that of the North England Conference.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.4

MEMBERSHIP

WASe

Dec. 31, 1904, there were 11 churches and 6 companies in this conference, with a membership of 432. Dec. 31, 1908, there were 21 churches and 4 companies, with a membership of 599. During the last quadrennial period, 402 persons have been baptized, and 44 have been added by vote, making a total of 446 additions since the report rendered at the last General Conference. Already this year we have organized one new church, baptized 49, and received 5 by vote, making our total membership 642 at the present time, with 22 churches and 4 companies.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.5

TITHES AND OFFERINGS

WASe

The tithe for 1904 amounted to $5,219.59, an average of $12.05 per capita, while for the year 1908 it was $9,041.79, an average of $15.10 per capita, showing an increase over 1904 of $3,822.40 tithe, and $3.05 per capita. The whole amount of tithe for the four years from 1905 to 1908 was $34,131.81.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.6

The Sabbath-school offerings for the year 1904 were $294.42, and last year they amounted to $558.92. Of this amount, $436.73 was donated to missions. The Sabbath-school offerings for the four years amounted to $2,438.40.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.7

Other offerings for missions have increased from $337.48 in 1904, to $664.17 in 1908, and for the four years from 1905 to 1908 have amounted to $3,281.24, the entire amount of tithes and offerings for the quadrennial period being $39,851.45.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.8

SALE OF LITERATURE

WASe

In 1904 the book and periodical sales amounted to $6,255.49. Since then our sales have increased by leaps and bounds till in 1908 they amounted to $27,675.48. In 1905 they amounted to $7,235.94; in 1906, to $10,121.78; in 1907, to $26,846.08; and in 1908, to $27,675.48, making a total of $71,879.28 for the four years.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.9

At the time of the last General Conference, our field was not quite self-supporting; but to-day we are not only self-supporting, but pay a second tithe to the British Union and turn over from $1,200 to $1,500 annually in offerings to the union conference for regions beyond.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.10

Our force of laborers consists of 4 ordained ministers, 5 licensed ministers, and 7 missionary licentiates. Sixteen workers devote their entire time to the advancement of the cause of present truth. We also have 4 others who devote a portion of their time to the work, and receive some financial support from the conference, making in all 20 workers in our conference.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.11

Five of our present force of workers received training in our college in the British field. We have 27 book canvassers, and about 50 engaged in the periodical work, selling the papers from house to house.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.12

We have vast populations to reach in our many large cities. We have churches in Liverpool and Manchester, three in Birmingham, churches in Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Newcastle, and other large towns.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.13

While our own field is a needy one, and the work is great, our brethren in North England love the world-wide work of the third angel’s message. They are ready to help in the regions beyond. Our conference has just released a worker for British East Africa, and a lady nurse for India. Our hearts have been touched in this General Conference by the calls that are made upon us from such fields as China. We recognize a blessing in giving, and we desire to say to the General Conference that at any time we are ready to surrender one or two of our best men to answer calls from the great heathen lands.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.14

South Scotland ConferenceGCB May 20, 1909, page 89.15

The next report was from the southern part of Scotland—“Bonnie Scotland,” as Elder Fitzgerald remarked, and as the children of that beautiful land love to call it. M. A. Altman, the president, reported as follows:—GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.16

The history of Scotland has for the child of God many interesting pages. Here was the home of John Knox, one of the sturdiest of the reformers from popery. It is said that he chose for the text of his first sermon the twenty-fifth verse of Daniel 7: “He shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and the law,” etc., and he applied it to the papacy in no uncertain language. The visitor to Edinburgh may still see the house in which this godly man lived, and the church in which he preached.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.17

Here also was the birthplace of David Livingstone, whose name is so inseparably connected with missionary operations in the dark continent. Many Scottish names have been written high on the scroll of fame, and we are very glad to say that some are being written in the Lamb’s book of life under the influence of the third angel’s message.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.18

Scotland contains two of the most important cities of the British Isles,—Glasgow, second only to London in population, noted for its ship-building and woolen industries; and Edinburgh, a great educational center, and one of the most beautiful cities in the British empire.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.19

The South Scottish Conference consists of the southern half of Scotland. Its organization went into effect the first of January, this year, and has a total membership of 153, in 7 churches. During 1908 41 were baptized; the tithe amounted to $1,673.14; offerings to missions, $344.87; and book and periodical sales, $9,334.02.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.20

Though we can not boast of rapid growth, we are very grateful for the progress that has been made in this land, so proud of its schools and universities, where centuries of theological dissension and discussion have made every man suspicious of anything which differs from the old established creeds.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.21

Facing as we do a territory of 15,000 square miles, and a population of over 3,000,000, with a working force of 2 ministers, 1 licentiate, and 1 Bible worker, we are compelled to say, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few;” and we hopefully join with you in praying the “Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” We must have more laborers and more means for their support. To our faithful brethren of like precious faith we must still look for assistance. But with all this, our efforts must come to naught unless God graciously bestows upon us that heavenly gift, which brings all other blessings in its train.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.22

No division of the British Isles presents a more favorable field for the missionary canvasser, and it is doubtful if any people in the world buy our books more readily than the Highlanders of Scotland. Many of them still speak the Gaelic language, and only understand the English with difficulty.GCB May 20, 1909, page 89.23

Our visible resources are few; our visible needs are many. That God may supply the need, and endue our laborers with power and wisdom from above, that we may arise and finish the work, is our prayer.GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.1

(Conclusion of Twelfth Meeting Tomorrow.)

FOREIGN MISSION SEMINARY

WASe

According to the notice duly published in the Review and Herald, the meeting of the constituency of the Washington Training School Association (the legal name of the Foreign Mission Seminary) was called by A. G. Daniells, chairman of the board, May 19, at 10:30 A. M.GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.2

The constituency was stated by the chairman to be all members of the General Conference Executive Committee, and the presidents of each local conference in the United States.GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.3

On show of hands, it was found that a large quorum was present. In order that the meeting might not encroach upon the Conference hour, it was moved by G. A. Irwin, seconded by H. W. Cottrell, that the meeting adjourn to Wednesday, May 26, at 10:30. The motion carried.GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.4

A. G. DANIELLS, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

Sister White again occupied the Bible-study hour yesterday. The report will appear in the next issue.GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.5

SOME OF OUR CHINESE SISTERS

WASe

At the close of Dr. Bertha Selmon’s report on the women of China, as reported in yesterday’s BULLETIN, she told some touching stories of Chinese sisters of ours. These are the things that stir the hearts of all in the Conference with a determination to send help to the needy fields. We here give theseGCB May 20, 1909, page 90.6

Cheering ExperiencesGCB May 20, 1909, page 90.7

Now as showing the hopeful side, the susceptibility of these poor women to help, I will relate the experiences of some of our sisters. Sister Wang, a young woman of twenty, was engaged when only a few years old, to a boy in a heathen family. Because she was the only child, she had been petted, and encouraged to learn a few characters. Now her parents came to believe the gospel, and were sorry she was engaged to a heathen; but they could not change it. Through the instruction received from one of our native evangelists, she learned to read the Bible. Before she saw a foreign missionary, she had completed the New Testament, and as far as Jeremiah in the Old. Her mother being blind, she had all the indoor work to do and some outdoor work as well. By the feeble light made by a pith wick in a bowl of bean oil, she read each night after the day’s work was done. She believed the Bible just as it read, unbound her own feet, and rubbed and exercised them to get them back to normal shape and size. Others said, “What will you do when you are married, and they see your large feet?” But this did not dissuade her. She was afterward married and went to her husband’s home, a testimony and witness for the gospel. Her prayer was only that she might be able to endure the persecution and win souls for Christ.GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.8

Another instance is that of Sister Shi, the mother of three children. She came to the mission station to learn to read, but Satan tried hard to hinder her. Her little girl was sick, and she herself was ill part of the time. But she pored over the characters till she could read most of the New Testament. She went from home to home, holding Bible studies with the women. Often she would start out to go to some family which she had been invited to visit, and on the way would be called into some other home, so that she would not be able to go on, and would not reach the place till the second or third trial. Her little boy and girl are in our school, and it is their parents’ desire that they be trained up for workers.GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.9

Sister Wang is too old, and her sight too poor, to learn to read; but she believes what she has been told of the Bible. One day she said: “I am so stupid, and have no talents; all I have is faith. Will Jesus want me when he comes?” That simple faith has made her able to endure most bitter persecution in her own family. Do you not believe that such faithful ones will be numbered with the ransomed from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people?GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.10

Shall you and I have a part in the work of giving to the true-hearted women of China the bread of life? Soon the harvest will be gathered. We shall then know what opportunities have been missed; but it will be too late to go back and gather sheaves for the Master’s kingdom. Who will go now? and who will furnish the means to send, and so have a part in the saving of souls?GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.11

ERRATA

WASe

On page 60, third column, Dr. Blake’s place of residence was given as Huntsville, instead of Nashville. It is on the premises of the Rock City sanitarium. Nashville, that the treatment rooms spoken of are to be installed as help is given.GCB May 20, 1909, page 90.12

Conference Proceedings. ELEVENTH MEETING

May 21, 1909 - NO. 7