The morning session was given to a hearing of further reports from union conferences. The remainder of the reports from the British Union were called for, and W. J. Fitzgerald spoke for—GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.16

The Work in IrelandGCB May 21, 1909, page 94.17

He said: The territory of Ireland, is almost as large as that of the State of Indiana, with a population of about 4,500,000. The majority of the people are Roman Catholics; in the northern portion of the island Protestantism predominates.GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.18

We regret that we are not able to report more membership than we have in Ireland, yet we are glad to say that there are from eighty-five to ninety Seventh-day Adventists there. They are loyal and devoted to the cause. Though the per capita rate for the tithe of the whole union is fairly good,—about fifteen dollars,—the rate for Ireland is much higher. For 1908, the per capita rate was $21.23.GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.19

In Belfast a new meeting-house was dedicated last January; in Dublin we have a portable chapel. In all Ireland there are at the present time eight companies of Sabbath-keepers. This summer we hope to operate two or three tent companies. We have seven or eight workers, all told, in the field. They are full of courage, and we expect to be able to present, at some future time, altogether a better and larger report for the Emerald Isle than we can at this time.GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.20

Dr. A. B. Olsen next presented the report of the union medical department, as follows:—GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.21

Report of Medical Missionary DepartmentGCB May 21, 1909, page 94.22

During the past four years a kind providence has attended our medical missionary work, and a good measure of success has resulted. We have three sanitariums, a health food factory, a monthly health magazine, and a Good Health League.GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.23

The largest sanitarium is at Caterham, near London, under the management of the speaker. This institution was established through the generosity of our American and British brethren at an expense of about $15,000, and was opened in May, 1903. From the first it has enjoyed a good patronage, has met all running expenses, purchased and paid for an adjoining villa, made extensive improvements, and also paid four per cent on the investment to the Good Health Association, which holds all our sanitarium property. At the present time a system of hot-water heating is being installed at Caterham, which we believe will prove a great boon to us, and largely increase our winter patronage.GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.24

The staff consists of a superintendent,GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.25

a matron, two head nurses, a bookkeeper, a stenographer, thirteen nurses in training, an office boy, and a charwoman.GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.26

The capital value of this institution is $22,857.59. We have graduated eight nurses at Caterham, and another class of five finishes its course in July. Three of our nurses have been sent to India, and one has gone to Natal. All are engaged in medical missionary work.GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.27

Two years ago last December our Leicester Sanitarium was left without a resident physician through the departure of the Drs. Richards. Brother and Sister W. M. Scott, graduates of Caterham, were placed in charge, with the writer as medical superintendent. An attempt was made to build up the local patronage, and to win the support and cooperation of the Leicester physicians; good success has attended these efforts.GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.28

Our investment at Leicester amounts to $2,324.61; there is no debt, and through the generosity of a philanthropic friend our rent costs us only five dollars a year. The staff consists of a manager, a matron, two head nurses, and four undergraduate nurses.GCB May 21, 1909, page 94.29

Soon after the last General Conference our Irish sanitarium was moved from Belfast to Rostrevor, a beautiful spot on the southern slopes of the Mourne Mountains, facing Carlingford Loch. Owing to the ill health of the superintendent, Dr. J. J. Bell, and delays connected with moving and fitting up the new place, this institution has had serious disadvantages to contend with. Sixteen months ago it became necessary for Dr. Bell to leave Ireland for the sake of his health, and Dr. H. J. Williams took his place. We are glad to say that Dr. Bell, who is now in Natal, is much stronger.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.1

Our sanitarium at Rostrevor is nicely fitted up, and we hope that, as it gets on its feet, it will accomplish a good work in Ireland, where the knowledge of health principles is sorely needed. The staff consists of a manager, a matron, and four workers; and $8,085.20 is invested in fittings and furniture. The property consists of a hundred and thirty acres, a manor house, bath-house, garden house, and lodge. The rent is $575 a year, but $400 of this amount is recovered by letting the meadows for pasturage.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.2

Our Good Health magazine has a circulation of about 45,000 copies a month. It sells for a penny (two cents), and the annual subscription is thirty-six cents. Health lectures are given as opportunity presents, and considerable educational work is done through our Good Health League, monthly meetings being held in many of our churches.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.3

We are thankful to report that a goodly number have accepted the truth as the result of a visit to one of our sanitariums. The blessing of the Lord has been upon this branch of the work, and we look forward to a much larger work and richer results. One year hence we hope to make a beginning of sanitarium work at Stanborough Park, Watford.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.4

Our health food business, too, has made very substantial progress during the last four years, and the sales are higher than ever, notwithstanding the only means increased profits from our food work, but also a widening of the area of our influence, and a further spread of the principles of the message. There is a general awakening in the United Kingdom on matters pertaining to health reform, and the opportunities before us are many and great, and demand increased activity on our part and more earnest and strenuous work. We need more consecrated workers.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.5

At present our health missionaries are few in number for a field including forty-five million people. They consist of: I doctor, 10 nurses, 20 nurses in training, 5 other workers, 9 Good Health canvassers, 15 health book canvassers, and 20 employees in our health food factory.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.6

To all of our missionaries and workers who may at any time be passing through London, we extend a most cordial and hearty invitation to visit Caterham Sanitarium, and spend a few days or weeks with us, as circumstances may permit. It is your institution, and you will do us a favor by coming to see it.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.7

Stanborough Park Missionary CollegeGCB May 21, 1909, page 95.8

Professor H. C. Lacey next presented the report of the British Union training college, of which he had spoken extemporaneously the day before:—GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.9

In giving a brief report of our school work during the past four years, it is to the praise of the Lord’s grace that we can record advancement in every department, and thus testify to the fostering care of our Heavenly Father over our educational institution.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.10

During the quadrennial period just closing, a goodly number of young people have received training at the missionary college, and have gone forth into various parts of the mission field to engage in active service in the third angel’s message. The average attendance each year has been about seventy-five, the great majority of students being of mature age, and many of them possessing well-developed minds and an earnest determination to prepare for the highest service. Of the latter class, some, during the past four years, have already gone to their life-work, and are now speaking people of Canada, 1 in Switzerland, 1 in Holland, 2 in Argentine, South America, 2 in Egypt, 2 in India, and 6 in British East Africa, while more than 30 are laboring in different capacities in the United Kingdom. Among these are 4 ordained ministers, 11 licensed preachers, 6 or 7 Bible workers, and a goodly number of canvassers, Our attendance has been quite cosmopolitan. We have had students from Africa, America, Switzerland, France, Holland, and Denmark, as well, of course, as from all parts of the British Isles.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.11

For the first half of this quadrennial period, our college work was conducted in London, under circumstances which made it impossible properly to house and care for more than a small proportion of our students. The remainder were compelled to find accommodation in private lodgings in the vicinity of the school, where they were necessarily deprived of the benefits of a well-regulated home life. But this disadvantage in residence was partially compensated for by the fact that the students found a profitable field for selling literature in the suburbs of the metropolis, and thus were enabled, many of them, some even men with families, to pay their expenses while taking their college course.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.12

During the past two years our work has been transferred to Watford, where these conditions have been somewhat reversed. We are enabled to give comfortable homes to both our men and women students in the two rented buildings we occupy temporarily on the estate; but our canvassers do not find it possible to make more than a small proportion of their school expenses, nor do those to whom work is given in the printing-office and health-food factory more than half pay their way. This, and our meager class-room facilities, constitute our present perplexity in the conduct of the work. But for these, we rejoice to see what promises to be an adequate and speedy solution. Plans for a college building comprising a chapel, classrooms, and dormitories for men and women, have already been matured; and we are looking for the completion of this building in time for occupancy a year from next fall. The canvassing scholarship plan is becoming increasingly popular among those students who are dependent upon their own energies for the payment of their fees. During the present vacation twenty young people are engaged in this effort.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.13

The spiritual life of our institution has been, on the whole, most encouraging. Each year almost the entire body of students has been consecrated to the service of the Master, and the close of the year has usually seen every student definitely standing on the Lord’s side.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.14

To six or seven of the more advanced young men, the services of our various London churches have been entrusted, and they have, in some cases, conducted Sunday-night meetings with good success. Pioneer efforts in unentered territory in the neighborhood of the college have resulted in the accession of new members to the truth. Every Sunday, when the weather permitted, the students, in our homes, who were otherwise unengaged, have sold our periodicals, Present Truth and Good Health, in the environs of Watford or London.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.15

The intellectual work of the students we consider that the majority of our young people leave the public schools at the age of fourteen, and come to our institution at the average age of twenty-three or twenty-four, with the bulk of what they learned in childhood forgotten, we must give them all credit for the faithful work done, and the success attained in their studies, resumed after so long an intermission. But we have always had a fair proportion of youth whose education has been uninterruptedly pursued, and they have done excellent work in the higher branches. During the past year we have conducted class work in the Scriptures, as follows: Bible doctrine, Daniel and the Revelation, Old Testament history, major and minor prophets, and Bible reading; in history: General, Eastern and Greek, Roman and English; in science: physiology, physics, chemistry, botany, psychology; in mathematics: arithmetic, algebra, bookkeeping; in language: English grammar, rhetoric, literature; in Latin: years one and three; New Testament Greek: years one, two, and three; Hebrew, year one; French, years one, two, three, and four. Good work has been done in instrumental and vocal music, and in stenography and typewriting. This large and varied class of studies has been pursued as we have adopted a plan of alternate recitation, some classes meeting three times a week, others only two. In this way a small corps of teachers has been enabled to conduct the work, although their “busyness” may be illustrated by the fact that the principal, besides attending to the general administration, has conducted regularly twenty-nine recitations a week. One of the needs of the college is an enlarged and strengthened corps of instructors.GCB May 21, 1909, page 95.16

The interest of our students in the world-wide proclamation of the third angel’s message has been fostered by our fortnightly foreign mission studies, when the various fields in the regions beyond have been carefully and systematically investigated. The practical result of this may be seen in the fact that during the past year twenty-three of our best students presented their names as being desirous of spending their lives in whatever department of this work may be thought best in the foreign field.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.1

In conclusion we have to record our grateful sense of the divine favor upon our school work in the past, and we face the future with renewed courage and hopeful expectancy of an increased blessing upon this most important department of our work in Great Britain.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.2

Publishing WorkGCB May 21, 1909, page 96.3

The publishing work of the British Union was reported by W. C. Sisley, manager of the International Tract Society, the publishing house at Watford. He said:—GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.4

It affords me great pleasure to report that a good degree of prosperity has attended the publishing work of the British Union Conference. This department has moved steadily forward. Since the last General Conference we have moved our publishing business from London to Stanborough Park, Watford, into a new factory built and owned by the British Union Conference. We are glad to report that these new premises are proving in every way satisfactory. We now own a fairly well-equipped printing plant, giving employment to 32 persons. We can now do all our own printing. We have four cylinder presses kept constantly at work printing our denominational literature. Though our membership is small, we have been enabled, by the blessing of God upon the earnest efforts of our workers and people—in all 1,674—to place a large amount of most excellent reading-matter in the homes of some millions of the great population of our field.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.5

We have sold, during the last four years, exclusive of our considerable foreign trade, 168,947 books, 6,871,649 periodicals, 23,382 pamphlets, and 964,163 tracts, at a total retail value of $310,221.57; or a yearly average of 42,237 books, 1,717,912 periodicals, 5,840 pamphlets, and 241,041 tracts, at an average annual retail value of $77,555.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.6

We have 207 regular book and periodical canvassers, an average of one out of every eight of our members. During the last four years averaging the sales by our total membership, there were sold for each member 101 books, 4,105 periodicals, 14 pamphlets, and 565 tracts, at a retail value of $185,32. When we consider these amounts, it will be well to bear in mind the fact that the most of our literature sells in the British Isles at from 20 to 50 per cent less than in the States, Australia, and many other countries.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.7

The net profits of our publishing work during the past four years have been $19,878. The tract society has donated that sum and $12,832 more of its former profits, or a total of $32,710, to the British Union property fund. It is hoped by the blessing of God, that the publishing house will be able to continue to do something substantial along this line annually. [Hearty amens were heard.]GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.8

I have often been asked the question, “How is it that you good people in Great Britain, with so small a membership, can sell so much literature?” To this I fear I have never given a very satisfactory answer. About all I can say is that our people love the truth, and more of them in proportion have a mind to work for it than you can find in most countries. Where can you find a union conference where one person out of every eight devotes himself to the sale of our books and papers? If one in every eight out of the 100,000 members in the world would act as agents, you would have 12,500 of them, instead of about 4,000. If the 60,000 members in the United States sold as many papers in proportion as our British brethren do, this country would sell more than 61,500,000 papers each year; and if the members in the world sold as much literature per capita as we do in Great Britain, their total sales would reach the enormous sum of about $5,791,250 a year.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.9

I have never heard any one say that we had too many agents in Great Britain, or that we work them too hard. On the contrary, I have heard it said that we ought to have as many again workers, and all ought to do much better work. Those managing our field are by no means satisfied, and never will be until our “good is better, and our better best.” We are, by the help of God, trying hard to practice Pompy’s idea of “perseverance,” which, according to his definition, is, “Take hold fast, hang on, stick to it, never let go.” We have taken hold; we are sticking to it; and, by the grace of God, we never mean to let go until the work is done.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.10

General OutlookGCB May 21, 1909, page 96.11

Following the publishing report, Elder Fitzgerald called upon W. T. Bartlett, editor of the Present Truth, our British paper, to speak of the general work and issues in Great Britain.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.12

W. T. Bartlett: I represent no particular department, but am connected, in a humble way, with them all; so I have no particular report to present. I suppose you are all sorry, as we are, that we have not a larger membership in the United Kingdom at the present time. A membership of 1,700 does seem rather small, and yet, as Brother Sisley has pointed out, the publishing work has had good success in our field, and I think that, rather than be discouraged at the comparatively small results that have attended the ministerial work, we should look at the situation as a whole, and recognize the providence of God in the work that has been done. When Brother Fitzgerald spoke yesterday about the long-established British institutions and traditions, you must have recognized the fact that it would be a country very hard to move. I believe that if our ministerial work had come prominently before the people in the beginning, a powerful organization might have arrayed itself against us, making it difficult indeed for us to work. I believe that the providence of God has been in the fact that the ministerial effort, while not getting such large numbers into the truth, has resulted in bringing out first of all a great number of canvassers, whose work is to spread the publications which are to change the sentiments of the people, and open the way for a great work to be done when the time shall come in that country. And I believe that the time is coming soon when we shall see the result of the seed that has been sown so abundantly during the past thirty years.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.13

The enemies of God’s cause are laying their plans for a great work. The influences which you in this country have been meeting for years past, we shall have to meet very shortly in England. The Roman Catholic Church has come to the conclusion that the time is ripe for it to take a great forward movement. Father Herbert Vaughan has been appointed to head a crusade for the recovery of England and its restoration to papal rule. And Rome is accomplishing such remarkable and such gratifying results in this country that she is sending Father Herbert Vaughan to the United States this year, in order that he may study the methods that have proved so successful here. He is to return to England in the month of July, where he will make use of the knowledge gained, in his efforts to further the interests of the Catholic Church in England.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.14

But I am hoping that about the same time there will go back to England a handful of delegates who will have received a wonderful inspiration to spread the gospel of truth for this time. Pray for us, brethren, that we may properly represent this truth in that needy field.GCB May 21, 1909, page 96.15

It is a great field, an important field. We need the power of God. The Sunday campaign is taking form there, as well as in this and other countries. We have had a national Sunday campaign at work for some years for the purpose of bringing about stricter legislation for the compulsory observance of Sunday. That movement has taken shape in the past year in the form of an Imperial Sudany Alliance. The non-conformists, the Church of England, and the church of Rome have publicly united in this Alliance. On every other question the Catholic Church stands aloof from other parties, but on this Imperial Sunday Alliance that church is heartily in sympathy with the other bodies.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.1

The Archbishop of Westminster (Catholic) wrote thus to his people concerning the Imperial Sunday Alliance: “Such a movement can not fail to enlist the sympathy of Catholics.” Again, “I have carefully examined the objects and aims of the Imperial Sunday Alliance, together with its plan of action, and I have much pleasure in stating that they have my cordial approval and best wishes for their success.” Friends of the Alliance have stated publicly that their principal work will be done by the legislature.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.2

In view of the greatness of this movement, I believe that we shall be very shortly confronted with important developments along the lines that we have expected for so many years to see.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.3

I sometimes say to some of our people that we ought not to be discouraged when we look around and number our feeble forces. When we have counted the Sabbath-keepers and the resources that we possess, we are entitled to look around us, and to count as on our side even the forces that are working against us; for these can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. We have evidence that the efforts of the National Sunday Alliance are the very things that inspire our people with greater zeal and diligence. When the National Sunday Alliance was inaugurated, we got out a paper to meet the issue, and our people quickly sold over 150,000 copies. I feel sure that as this Imperial Sunday Alliance begins to do its work, our people will be inspired with a determination to work, and our output of literature will be largely increased.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.4

At this point the chairman interrupted the reports just long enough to call a legal meeting of the Washington Sanitarium Association, advertised for 11 o’clock. The meeting will be reported in another column.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.5

The British Union delegates having all reported, another union was introduced.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.6

REPORT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

The chairman stated that W. J. Willson, secretary of the union, would first read a message sent from Cape Town to the Conference by R. C. Porter, president of the South African Union Conference:—GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.7

Letter from Elder PorterGCB May 21, 1909, page 97.8

TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE ASSEMBLED, GREETING:

WASe

From Africa, the land of sunshine and showers, of delicious fruits and beautiful flowers, of gold and diamond fields, and financial depression, of Colonials, Americans, and natives of many languages,—the land known as the dark continent, yet, under the influence of the gospel, everywhere limned with light from the throne of God,—a land in which our people from America have long manifested by their liberal contributions for the advancement of the message a commendable interest, we wish to express our sincere appreciation of what has been done for this very needy field.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.9

The message is onward here. We have no discouraging word to offer regarding the outlook for the future. Faithful missionaries, following in the footsteps of the Man of Calvary, have traversed the way before those now in the field. They have left waymarks pointing the darkened minds of those who know not God and the saving power of the gospel of Christ to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. The lowly graves and those of our fallen missionaries invite us to renewed consecration to the message for this time, and their mute lips proclaim afresh the command, “Go forward!” until the whole dark continent of Africa is ablaze with the light and glory of the message with which the whole earth is soon to be lighted.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.10

The last union conference meeting added another mile-post along the pathway of progress of the message in this field. During that meeting, Colonial and American, English, Dutch, and German, Kaffir, Zulu, and Fingo, natives of every tribe and dialect represented in the assembly, pledged themselves to a consecration to the message that would break down national and race prejudices, and unite all heart and soul for the finishing of the work in this generation. I am glad to say that since that time most of them have maintained that spirit of consecration in their labors. As the result the laborers have gone forth with a spirit of renewed courage to their fields, and increased prosperity is attending the work. Two tent companies, one in Dutch and one in English, have been in the field during the summer in the Cape Colony Conference, and one tent company in the Natal Conference. A good interest is being awakened where these laborers have pitched their tents, and we hope for good results. Street meetings in Cape Town are creating an unusual interest. We can not meet the calls for Bible work. The monthly Missionary and Dutch quarterly Missionary are doing excellent work as messengers among our people.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.11

The missionary spirit is rising among our churches. Last month we increased our Sentinel circulation one thousand copies, and this month we shall increase it five hundred more. The Dutch Watchman, edited by Brother Elffers, is receiving a hearty welcome by our churches. We consider this paper a very important additional means of carrying people of South Africa. It is much appreciated by the Dutch churches. Clubs are being taken, and the subscription list is rapidly increasing.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.12

Our Health WorkGCB May 21, 1909, page 97.13

The sanitarium work is doing well. The Plumstead Sanitarium is meeting its operating expenses,—a good record under the depression so prevalent in this field. The institution has a steady patronage. It is just now reaching a class of wealthy patients who are extending its opportunities by their favorable reports of its work in Johannesburg and other leading cities.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.14

The Maritzburg Institute has done well, as it is only beginning its work. Already one member of the Natal Parliament and his family have accepted the truth through its influence. The institution has a fair patronage, much of the time being pressed for room to accommodate its patients.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.15

The Kimberley Baths have made a good showing through the financial stress of the past five years. Under Brother Willson’s management they have made improvements to the amount of about ten thousand dollars, and paid an indebtedness of six thousand dollars. The business now stands clear of all incumbrance, has excellent bath facilities, a good home, and a fine commercial flower garden. An institution that has made such a record during the present financial strain is unquestionably operating upon a safe financial basis.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.16

The Canvassing WorkGCB May 21, 1909, page 97.17

The canvassing work is quite low at present. For the past three years the canvassers in Cape Colony have been paid half time to keep the work going. The conference has fallen behind nearly four thousand dollars, so that it has become necessary to cut this part of the work from the pay-roll. It is now working along quietly in a self-supporting way. In the cities the financial depression is severe. In the country, money is easier, but the farm-houses are five miles or more apart. This makes it self-sacrificing work to canvass at present.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.18

Brother H. C. Olmstead has recently spent a month in canvassing in Kimberley, with good results. He took from twelve to fourteen orders a day every day he canvassed, and succeeded in delivering nearly all his orders. Kimberley is in the heart of the diamond fields. During these close times, diamonds are a luxury that can be dispensed with; hence the diamond mines have almost ceased to operate. That city is therefore an exceptionally hard field for canvassing just now. Since Brother Olmstead did so well there, our minds have turned toward him as a man who might be used as a leader in building up the canvassing work on a self-supporting basis. He is connected with one of the mission stations, and we are in correspondence with him with the hope that he may be willing to devote his energies to the canvassing work if the mission will spare him to us. He is inexperienced as an agent to direct others, and he is young. If we can have the services of Elder E. R. Palmer for three months following the General Conference to take hold with him to develop the canvassing work in this field on a self-supporting basis, and train him as a union conference canvassing agent, self-supporting, in the cities at least. We therefore respectfully request the General Conference to recommend that the general canvassing agent spend three months in this field immediately after the close of the General Conference.GCB May 21, 1909, page 97.19

Brother M. E. Emmerson is selling books with as good success in Basuto-land, among the natives, as Brother Olmstead had in Kimberley. He has two bright native young men helping him, and they are proving to be efficient canvassers. His wife’s mother is expected to join them soon, and we are informed that she is a good canvasser. They are keeping us very busy at the office to prepare literature for them. In the Natal Conference the work has been operated on the self-supporting basis. While it has gone slowly, it has kept moving quietly forward, and is still forging ahead in a quiet way. We can not overlook the fact that our financial situation in Africa brings in a very difficult condition for the canvassing work to face. When money was plenty, this work was self-supporting, and went as strong here as in any field in the world. It is quite different now. Besides, the government passed an act recently, requiring a license costing twenty-five dollars yearly, from each canvasser, for the privilege of canvassing. There are one hundred districts in the Cape Colony. A license must be obtained by the same canvasser for each district in which he works. We have applied for exemption from this law for our canvassers, and have the assurance of leading officials that they will use their good offices to secure such an exemption for us. We expect to see this accomplished. As it now stands, our ministers are forbidden to sell our literature in connection with their tent work, without a license. The message is the Lord’s work, and we expect the way will open for its advance.GCB May 21, 1909, page 98.1

Educational InterestsGCB May 21, 1909, page 98.2

Our college has been having a difficult problem before it for some time, having no industries by which it could pay students for labor, except at a loss to the institution. It is carrying a ten-thousand-dollar indebtedness, and the taxes are at present about three hundred dollars a year, in addition to the interest that must be kept up. This is a heavy burden for a small school. Without some paying industry, we miss securing the attendance of many of our brightest and best young people on account of their lack of money to pay their way. Under these conditions the board, which is the union conference committee, have started a brush factory. Brother Ingle is successfully operating a broom factory near the college. He has his salesmen throughout the field, and has taken the responsibility of selling our output. The building and machinery cost us very little. We used material from another building to erect the factory, and the work was largely done by the help of the school. We are now ready to begin operations as soon as the material reaches us. This prospect for work is adding to our attendance. Six new students enter with the beginning of the present term. We have to order most of our material from London, and it takes two months to secure returns after ordering. This calls for quite an outlay in stock as an operating fund. We have not the money to meet this necessity. We therefore need two hundred pounds ($1,000) at once as an appropriation for that purpose from the General Conference. At a college board meeting held last night, it was voted that the board respectfully request the General Conference to donate at once two hundred pounds sterling to the South African Union College brush industry, as an operating fund. We sincerely hope that this may be possible without delay, otherwise we shall be greatly distressed in meeting our obligations. The college is doing good work, and exerts a favorable influence throughout the field. If the brush industry is a success, it will be a strong factor in relieving the financial difficulties of this school.GCB May 21, 1909, page 98.3

Our Mission StationsGCB May 21, 1909, page 98.4

Our missions are doing excellent work. The older stations are making their work self-supporting, except for the salary of the leading laborers connected with them. Since our last union conference meeting, they have decided to make a strong effort to become wholly self-supporting by the time of our next biennial meeting, and are now laying plans to accomplish this object.GCB May 21, 1909, page 98.5

During the recent union conference meeting, with the assistance of Elder Conradi, the question of the most rapid method of developing our mission work in Africa received much consideration. It was the opinion of the heads of our missions, Elder Hyatt, and others, that we should carry our work differently among the semieducated than among the less favored natives. Elders Hyatt and Armitage had made one or two trips among the Kaffirs near the Maranatha Mission, and they had found that with lantern lectures they could secure large hearings among the natives. After one or two such meetings, they would offer to help those who were sick. This brought large numbers of those in need of simple treatments. The Lord blessed the remedies used to the recovery of nearly every one who came. Afterward, they would follow them from kraal to kraal to hear them speak and to receive more treatments.GCB May 21, 1909, page 98.6

These brethren have continued these trips since the union conference meeting. They have recently made two trips among the Fingoes. In a report of one of these later tours Elder Hyatt writes that during ten days he spoke fifteen times, gave one hundred and forty-one treatments, and gave away a large amount of literature. A native Wesleyan minister opened his church for the services, and secured like openings for them in other villages. They met with similar hospitality at the hands of the ministers in their other trips. They preach the truth to the natives the same as to the whites, and it is well received. They now have forty students in their school, ranging from the fourth to the seventh grades. Several of them have attended the Lovedale school. It will not take long to develop workers from this class if they receive the truth and develop as we hope. There are about forty white families living in reach of the mission, who are becoming very much interested in our work. Elder Hyatt will open a Zulu mission on the same plan as soon as the work is well started at Maranatha.GCB May 21, 1909, page 98.7

Brother Emmerson is undertaking to work on a similar plan in the Basuto Mission. He is not prepared to go out with a wagon, but is making good use of literature with the most encouraging results. Two young native men are assisting him very satisfactorily in this work. From these experiences we are convinced that a much more rapid work can be accomplished among the semi-educated natives than among the uneducated, uncivilized heathen.GCB May 21, 1909, page 98.8

Elder Anderson is undertaking an advanced move in the enlightenment of the uncivilized natives in his station. He writes, “I want to see my older pupils settled in the kraal work; I want to see the out-stations made a success as to schools, and also, financially, and to see the home station made entirely self-supporting. Then I will feel that I have accomplished what I returned to Africa to do.” It is his plan each year to throw out a larger circle of out-stations. He thinks that within five years all the territory within reach of the main station should have the truth plainly carried to its people.GCB May 21, 1909, page 98.9

Our NeedsGCB May 21, 1909, page 98.10

Our needs for the present are not great, but very vital to the progress of the message in this field. We need all the appropriations for which we have asked. We need the special appropriation for which we have asked at once. We need the assistance of the general canvassing agent for three months to assist us in placing this work again upon its feet. Above all, we need much of the Holy Spirit to give us discernment and power for the finishing of the work speedily in this great and needy field. Our difficulties are varied and great. But God is greater than our difficulties. In his strength we are able to go up at once and possess the land.GCB May 21, 1909, page 98.11

The chair then called upon H. J. Edmed, the president, to report for the Natal-Transvaal Conference:—GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.1

The Natal-Transvaal ConferenceGCB May 21, 1909, page 99.2

Africa has long been called “the dark continent;” and so it is. This should always be remembered by those who offer themselves to God’s work in that field, or it will be disappointing when they get there. It has a beauty all its own, offers almost every kind of climate, and some parts are as healthful and up-to-date as are many cities in much more favored localities. The Creator has enriched that land with wealth untold. From beneath the sods, gold, valued at about $10,000,000 a month, is being shipped in bars to other lands. Its bluestone rock is the treasure-home of stones more precious than rubies, whose brilliancy and luster attract the admiration of the world’s proudest eyes, as they reflect in the rainbow rays the glories of the sun.GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.3

The most precious jewel that man has ever found—the Cullinan diamond—was found in the soil of this little conference. Its intrinsic value could not be estimated. A fictitious value was placed upon it for the sake of taxation; but in reality no price known to man could buy it; it was invaluable. It was cut in two, and one half, after being polished, is now the ornament of King Edward’s crown. The other half hangs as a pendant upon the bosom of the Queen.GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.4

A brother remarked to me this week, “South Africa has a bad name.” I know it. Maybe it deserves it. But as I look back over twenty years of struggle with the problems we have faced in that country, and the victories the Lord has so graciously vouchsafed to us, it is demonstrated, at least to my satisfaction, that in the “blue” ground of our experience (from which some may get the blues), God has sought and found some very precious jewels, who will some day not far distant adorn his royal crown—jewels which his bride, the church militant, must carry upon the bosom of her affection until Jesus comes. A land like Africa, that has been the victim of misfortune, the dupe of the money-grabber, and the slave of political demoralization, needs to be pitied, rather than blamed; prayed for, rather than despised; and supported, rather than cast off. When Jesus comes, South Africa will redeem its reputation. It took two hundred years to find the Cullinan diamond, but it has not taken long for God to find jewels whose radiance will yet add glory to the crown of our King of kings.GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.5

It might be fitting here to illustrate what I have said by one instance out of many that might be cited:—GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.6

Away in the mountains of Zululand, on an eminence that overlooks the scene of many a native battle, is the home of one of our loyal families. South of the homestead there is a native kraal, in one of the huts of which lives a Zulu woman named Christina, about thirty years of age. Brought up in heathen darkness, this woman knew nothing of Christ and his gospel, until about two years ago, when the angel of the Lord spread a flash of light across her wayward path. It came by way of a dream, in which she saw a table stand before her, upon which was a fountain of water. The sight of this water, clear as crystal, created a thirst which intensified until it became irresistible. She made several attempts to quench her thirst by drinking, but each effort was repelled by some unseen power, until at last she seemed to fall fainting to the floor. Simultaneously the fountain seemed to change into a man with a face full of benevolence and joy. As she fell, he took her by the hand, and lifted her, but said, “You may not drink of this water. Your heart is as black as your skin.”GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.7

At first she felt disappointed and troubled. But as she looked into his kind face, she took courage, and said, “Sir, if I could only drink of that water, it would make my heart white.”GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.8

“If you really believe this,” the stranger said, “you may drink;” and he handed her a bowl from the fountain that still flowed.GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.9

The woman felt immediately refreshed, and awoke with a strong sense of relief, yet wondering what such a dream could mean. She was conscious of a change in her mind, and went forth early in the morning, to inquire from her Sabbath-keeping mistress for an interpretation. Sister Swart turned to John 7:37-39, and from this text taught Christina the way to Jesus. It was not long before the heathen darkness had passed away from her soul, dispelled by the light of the Saviour’s love, and she is now respected by the people around her as a genuinely converted woman and Sabbath-keeping Christian, and when Jesus comes, we feel sure Christina will be counted among the jewels for the Master’sGCB May 21, 1909, page 99.10

WHAT GOD HATH WROUGHT

WASe

Just after peace was arranged between the Boers and Britons, there were two small companies of Sabbath-keepers in our vast field, consisting of about forty members. Our laborers were few, and the work seemed as it still does, very great. We took for our motto the statement of Jonathan when he encouraged his armor-bearer: “The Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6); and we made a successful start. Our area is extensive, that of Natal being 44,000 square miles, and that of the Transvaal 106,642, making a total of 150,642 square miles for the whole conference. The population is 2,480,216, a very mixed and scattered one, consisting of 396,980 whites (Dutch and English), 250,000 Asiatics, and the rest natives. Another 200,000 natives live on our northeastern borders in Zululand, Swaziland, and Tongaland.GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.11

The number of workers has been very varied at times. A great part of the time it has fallen to the lot of the writer to have charge of the field work and tent-meetings, the canvassing work, and the churches at the same time; and, needless to say, we have found the triple crown quite uneasy many times. We have at present 1 minister, 1 licentiate, 3 Bible workers, 1 doctor, and 3 canvassers. Besides these, we have Elder D. G. Groenewald and wife, managing our health institute, with one graduated nurse and four in training.GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.12

During the past four years we have increased our churches from 2 to 7, with 4 unorganized companies and 30 scattered Sabbath-keepers, making our total membership 186—an increase of 146 up to last February. I might add here that a large proportion of the scattered Sabbath-keepers have accepted the truth solely through our literature. We have also a fully established tract society in sound financial condition, and four church buildings, in one of which are the tract society, the conference office (which is seldom used), and a fine room for a church-school.GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.13

I might, in justice to the laborers, mention that the present membership does not represent the full success of our work. Our constituency is a moving one, and several who were once with us have scattered into other fields.GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.14

During the past year two tents have been successfully worked, adding 25 baptized members to our ranks.GCB May 21, 1909, page 99.15

SUNDAY-LAW VICTORY

WASe

Natal is not behind in taking hold of those elements of religious legislation and military ideas which, when fully developed, will bring this people into places of severe test and struggle. Its military law is conscriptive in principle, if not wholly so in operation, and ministers of the gospel are not exempted from military training. Sunday laws of a most drastic kind have already been passed, making it almost impossible for any one but a farmer to observe the Sabbath. Three years ago the churches united in a strong campaign to secure even more coercive and oppressive legislation on Sunday observance. At that time there appeared in our papers a copy of “An Appeal to Ministers,” which had been presented in America by our leading men, in defense of the true Sabbath. Adapting this to our situation, we had eleven thousand copies printed. Our members took hold of the circulation of these tracts in real earnest. Prayer-meetings were held, and our people prayed for, and sent a copy of this appeal to, every high official in the land, from the governor of the colony, down even through the legislative bodies, and to members of the courts, magistrates, ministers of all churches, and other leading men, to the number of seven thousand copies.GCB May 21, 1909, page 100.1

It was with almost prayerful excitement that many of us watched the results. And when the day was finally reached for the bill to be brought into the House, it was with great rejoicing and thanksgiving to God that we saw how members of Parliament used our arguments in opposing the bill, which was finally thrown out. To us this was a signal victory. It encouraged us. It strengthened our convictions that the Most High rules in the kingdoms of men, and that his servant spoke truly when she said that angels sit in the gatherings of our lawmakers, and control their decisions. Yet we can not afford to be idle, and our brethren in this country must not get the idea that the South African governments are behind America with their religious legislation. Already the police have interfered with our members, for the sinful (?) act of digging some potatoes for dinner on Sunday, and every week fines are being paid for breaking the Sunday law. When the world unites—if not before—in enforcing the mark of the beast, South Africa will have all the machinery already manufactured to share with the rest of the world in the application of oppressive rule. And the intense hatred manifested by the ministers of all other churches is a certain omen that we shall not have a very easy time. But our confidence is in God. The victories he gives us by the way confirm our belief that if we stand true to him, we shall have a part in the final victory, when we unite in praising him on the sea of glass.GCB May 21, 1909, page 100.2

TITHES AND OFFERINGS

WASe

We are thankful to say that, in spite of adverse circumstances, our financial report is encouraging. After the war, a terrible work of ruin presented itself on every hand. The whole country for hundreds of miles was denuded of its cattle, of its once comfortable homesteads, which had been burned; and also of thousands of its thrifty people, who had either been killed or left the country; and we have since had a native war, and several pests that have fulfilled the warnings of Joshua 1:4; for what the war left, the locust ate, and that which the locust left, the cattle fever destroyed, and that which the cattle fever left the plague of hail devastated, until the whole of South Africa is in utter distress. There has been a tremendous exodus from the country; bankruptcy has reduced men of affluence to abject poverty. I know only of one business that has gone ahead, and that is God’s business. Praise God!GCB May 21, 1909, page 100.3

In spite of these sad conditions, our tithe has increased from Pounds 479 - 12 - 10 ($2,395) to Pounds 1,000 ($5,000), in the last twelve months—an increase of $2,605 for the last year. This amounts to about $30.50 per capita. Our Sabbath-school offerings increased from Pounds 43 - 11 - 8 ($215) to Pounds 71 - 17 - 11 ($355), an increase of $140 in four years, all of which is donated to missions. We have a slight drop on the First-day offerings, amounting to forty-two cents. They amounted to Pounds 134 - 17 - 5, or $670 for the quadrennial period. Our annual offerings have steadily increased, being Pounds 30 - 12 - 6 ($150) and Pounds 36 - 10 - 3 ($180) respectively for the past two years. I do not know the previous figures. These offerings are given wholly to the South African Union Conference, besides one tenth of the tithe.GCB May 21, 1909, page 100.4

Our conference has also raised large sums for its church buildings, of which three have been erected during the last four years, although they have not yet entirely freed themselves from debt. At our last conference session a resolution of encouragement to the college in the Cape Colony was carried by raising $300 on the spot to pay off the debt, with the recommendation that this example be followed by all our members throughout South Africa for the next three years, or until it could sing the jubilee song.GCB May 21, 1909, page 100.5

With existing conditions, we have been forced into some very tight places, through decaying finances all around us, and increasing demands upon our feeble resources. But our unfailing Father came to our aid in every time of need. Just at the crisis, on one occasion, a gentleman whom Brother Emmerson brought into the truth on the ship while proceeding to Africa, paid in three sums amounting to $700. A little later, still further troubles perplexed us, and another sister paid in $350—just enough to see us through. But this was not all. Still another difficulty was in store; and as we paced the sands of the financial Red Sea once more, and were praying hard and constantly for help, our Father showed that he was not weary of aiding us. Yet another sold a piece of land, and the tithe paid a little more than relieved us. My brethren, God does love and help his helpless children.GCB May 21, 1909, page 100.6

LITERATURE

WASe

Our sales from books for the past four years amounted to $23,527.56. We regret that, owing to our difficult situation, and in spite of every effort we knew how to make, there was a decline in this report. Some have kept at their post with splendid results. We are hoping that this conference will not close without arrangements being made to improve our conditions in this department. We believe that as trade revives, and the recommendations that are being considered by the publishing departments, and which will be submitted to this conference, are put into operation, our canvassing sales will easily reach Pounds 3,000 ($15,000) in sales per annum.GCB May 21, 1909, page 100.7

We feel that this matter deserves more than passing notice. It has been our plan to follow our canvassers with preaching. In fact, the effect of the canvassing work has always been to awaken an interest to hear the truth; and so many are the calls coming in as a result of what has been done in this line, that we do not now know how to meet them.GCB May 21, 1909, page 100.8

We need more Dutch literature, and more literature in the native language, because our population is mostly Dutch and native people, and these peoples are crying out for the truth which God has said is due to them from our hands. The first member that accepted the truth in Natal learned it from the faithful canvasser, by reading the South African Sentinel. While in England three weeks ago I received a letter from a gentleman living on the south coast of Natal, saying he had read the Sentinel, and had seen the truth, and was keeping the Sabbath. He pleads that I should visit him, and instruct him further. Thus the first and the last we know of accepted the truth through reading our literature.GCB May 21, 1909, page 100.9

Just before leaving, I had the joy of baptizing six dear people, and two weeks later Elder William Haupt baptized seven more at Bethel, in the Transvaal. These were the fruits of tent-meetings conducted by Brethren Haupt and Schmidt, in response to an interest which was created by Brethren Crouch and Webber, while canvassing for “Daniel and the Revelation.” A vast district near by, which is peopled by wealthy Dutch, has been awakened by the same means, and in response to urgent and pressing calls, these brethren have now gone to Ermelo with their tent, and are holding successful meetings there. During my stay at Bethel, the natives sent a deputation of intelligent Zulus to inquire about the truth, and we spent an evening answering their questions. The next day they sent word that they thanked us for what we had taught them, and that eight of them had decided to obey the truth and would keep the Sabbath.GCB May 21, 1909, page 101.1

The work among the Dutch was begun in a most unexpected and providential manner. The wife of a member of the highest legislative body in Natal was staying at Brother Beissner’s for treatment. I happened to be there, and having had her curiosity awakened by Brother Beissner’s observance of the Sabbath, she inquired of me our reasons for keeping that day. Naturally we held some studies together, with the result that she returned home with her daughter keeping the Sabbath. In this manner the way was opened for me to hold meetings among the Dutch people, and this in a town where the strife between the Dutch and the English had been the most bitter. This lady opened her home for the meetings, which were well attended. Brother F. C. Ernst settled at Vryheid about that time; and as a result of his labors, a small company accepted the truth, including the whole family mentioned, and a nice church has been built there. This family has proved a great help to our work. One of the sons is attending our Claremont College, preparing for the work.GCB May 21, 1909, page 101.2

Lately, Elder W. H. Haupt labored there, and several more were added by baptism, the fruits of his work. Sabbath-keepers may now be found all along the route into Swaziland, where there are several families awaiting baptism. This covers a distance of one hundred miles of sparsely-settled country, with no made roads and no traveling facilities, and Brother Haupt had to cover the distance entirely by bicycle.GCB May 21, 1909, page 101.3

When I visited this district a few months ago, the farmers around Brother Swart’s house came in to hear the truth. We had a good attendance of people not of our faith, and at the close many of them invited me to return and hold meetings with them. They all knew that I observed the Sabbath. When the meeting closed. I was informed that a number of natives, having heard that I was in the home, assembled in the kitchen, and desired me to speak to them. I found them all seated on the floor, and using Brother W. Birkenstock as an interpreter, I asked what they would like me to talk about. After a few moments reflection, one old native arose, and said, “Teacher, we have often promised God we would be good, and have been good for a little while and then fallen back again. Can you tell us how to be good always?” Naturally, I took Jude 24 for my text, and with illustrations from nature, told the story of God’s keeping power. I wish you could have seen how this poor benighted company drank in the truth. It would have done you good to hear them pray for that power. When the study ended, and I was leaving, they begged me to come and teach them more about the coming of Christ.GCB May 21, 1909, page 101.4

THE HEALTH WORK

WASe

For years the people of Natal have been educated on the subject of health reform. A resident of Johannesburg, who had been cured of a malignant affliction at the Khunne Institution in Germany, returned to Natal, where he lectured throughout the country with good success. Then he established Khunne treatment-rooms in Maritzburg, which were patronized by influential support, and the principles of healthful living and the application of simple hydrotherapy in cases of sickness were accepted by large numbers who had been very successfully treated. This brother accepted the truth during the war, when Maritzburg was filled with refugees from all over the country, and although he has not adopted all the methods practiced by this people, Brother Beissner has built up extensive premises, and has devoted a large proportion of his profits to the support of the conference.GCB May 21, 1909, page 101.5

At our first course of tent-meetings, held in the capital city of Natal, Sister Amelia Webster was employed to do medical missionary work in connection with the tent company. In one year she not only paid her wages, but handed over to the conference six hundred dollars clear profits, besides helping to swell the number attending the meetings. We then hired suitable premises, and opened up treatment rooms and a health food depot, which, however, were not a financial success. Brother and Sister I. R. Armor continued the work as a private enterprise, and in the meantime quite a number of unpretentious Khunne treatment-rooms sprang up all over the field, and were successfully operated. We mention these items so fully because they demonstrate that God has been opening the way for a successful health work to be inaugurated by our people. Among the patrons who visited the institute and Brother Beissner’s sanatorium are the best people of the land. The prime minister, the officer in charge of the king’s troops, judges of the high court of justice, members of parliament, ministers of different denominations, and such prominent men, were brought into touch with the reform principles and with the truth, until the medical profession realized that its business was in danger, and at the last session of parliament introduced a bill which, if passed, would have put a complete full-stop to this movement. But when that bill was brought forward, God had men in the House who had benefited by the methods of our treatment, and believed our principles, and who immediately stood in defense of these institutions; and their strong influence threw out the bill. A calamity was thus averted, for which we are thankful to God.GCB May 21, 1909, page 101.6

Dr. J. J. Bell was at this time recruiting his health in this Cape Colony. Feeling that the time was providential for our health work to be placed on a more satisfactory basis, and on the recommendation of our leading men, we invited him to locate with us. We took over the health institute last August, and under the able management of Brother David Gronewald, the institution made a net profit of about $320 the first six months. A letter just to hand from the manager conveys the acceptable information that last month they enjoyed the busiest month since the institution started. In the meantime, Brother Fred Baumann, of Durban, went to the Caterham Sanitarium in England, where Sister Mary Jacques was taking the nurses’ course. They were married, and established a hydropathic home at Bellair, near Durban. It is an ideal spot, commanding one of the prettiest views in the world, and the climate is cool in the hottest weather. Their father, who is not a member of our church, but who has shown much interest in our work, has spent about $5,000 in fitting and furnishing the place, which is self-supporting, and which, although a private enterprise, is voluntarily a child of the conference, working in counsel with us. This institution is also enjoying a steadily increasing patronage. We are training several nurses at the institute, mostly of Dutch extraction, as we believe we must very soon establish our health work on a large scale near Johannesburg. But our constituency is small, and we must look to God to supply the means. It has been a struggle to establish this work as far as we have gone, and we are sadly in need of more capital with which to furnish more suitable appliances, those we have being of a most primitive kind.GCB May 21, 1909, page 101.7

In closing this imperfect report, I would like to say that our members are loyal to all the principles of our faith. By certain persons who claim to be just as good Adventists as they ever were, our field was flooded with a galaxy of literary production assailing the voice of God in the church, the glorious organization which the Lord has inaugurated among us, and the wise administration of the past quadrennial period. They endeavored to cast doubt and confusion in reference to the Lord’s plan of supporting his work. With a young and inexperienced constituency, and more work than we were able to perform, these missiles (which very clearly demonstrated that if their authors had not changed, then they were never Seventh-day Adventists, or if they were, they must have changed considerably), caused us much pain and anxiety for a while. But we could only pray. We did pray; we did pray—and again God stepped in. To-day our loyalty is stronger than ever, and our membership stands true to the good old faith that has made us what we are, and we trust this report demonstrates that the Natal-Transvaal Conference, small and weak though it is, is full of courage to press forward in union with the great, harmonious body so ably represented at this meeting. God has answered very powerfully all the assaults of the enemy, by the blessing that has followed his work under present conditions, and we would reconsecrate ourselves to him for service, as an expression of confidence and thanksgiving.GCB May 21, 1909, page 101.8

These reports from Africa greatly cheered the hearts of all. The time for adjournment having come, a report from the secretary of the union was deferred to another time.GCB May 21, 1909, page 102.1

Meeting adjourned.GCB May 21, 1909, page 102.2

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

Conference Proceedings. TWELFTH MEETING

FOURTEENTH MEETING