The chairman announced that the order of the meeting would be the reports from the Scandinavian Union Conference. He called first upon J. C. Raft, the union president, who introduced the reports by the following outline of the field:—GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.12

The Scandinavian FieldGCB May 23, 1909, page 118.13

The Scandinavian Union Conference comprises Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Greenland, covering an area of 1,288,114 square kilometers (or 467,960 square miles), with 13,245,845 inhabitants. We have 81 churches, with a membership of 2,691; 5 companies, with 33 members; and 115 isolated members, making the total number of Sabbath-keepers in the union 2,854. We have 2 sanitariums, with 3 physicians, 1 printing house, and 4 depositories. We have 1 union school for Norway and Denmark, 1 local conference school in Sweden, and 4 church-schools. We have 19 ordained ministers, 8 licentiates, 9 Bible workers, and about 100 canvassers. Our tithes and offerings during the last four years amount to $98,053.99, while during the same space of time 1,077 souls have been added to our membership.GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.14

As to the aspects of the country, the vegetation, etc., these are often peculiar, and vary greatly. Norway and Sweden, with their high mountain ranges and their large forests, present, in many places, a most magnificent view. But there are also fertile valleys and fields. Finland also has large areas covered with forests, but is especially known for its numerous beautiful lakes. Denmark, on the contrary, is a lowland. Iceland is a mountainous country, with a stern and barren appearance, being almost wholly devoid of trees.GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.15

The population of Scandinavia belongs mostly to the Gothic-Germanic branch of the Iranic race. The religion is mainly Protestant, largely Lutheran, for which reason we are not troubled with some of those difficulties which our fellow workers in Catholic countries have to meet. We are enjoying religious liberty both in the desk and in the press. But you must not conclude from this that we have no difficulties to encounter. We have enough of those, after all. The opposition on the part of the state church is often quite strong and persistent. The people are prejudiced, sticking to their old creeds with a tenacity peculiar to the population of Scandinavia. But we thank God that he has stood by us and helped us, and we believe he will do great things for us. The great movement which swept over Europe in the sixteenth century also reached Scandinavia, where the entire population joined the movement; and there is no doubt that the third angel’s message will also sound with a loud voice throughout this part of the field. I am glad to be able to tell you, my dear brethren and sisters, that the prospects in Scandinavia never were brighter than just now, and we are looking hopefully into the future, trusting in the Lord and in his promises.GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.16

We will now hear a little from the Scandinavian delegates, Elders S. F. Svensson, N. P. Nelsen, L. Muderspach, and Fred Anderson, and Brother Erik Arnesen.GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.17

SwedenGCB May 23, 1909, page 118.18

The president of the Swedish Conference, S. F. Svensson, next presented the following report:—GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.19

The Swedish Conference consists of Sweden except Norrbottem, Vesterbottem, and Vesternorrland, lan, which belong to the Northland Mission. It has a population of 4,751,046.GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.20

The Lord has, in his tender mercy and loving-kindness, remembered Sweden—the land of the midnight sun. He has graciously permitted his blessings to abound even there, and we rejoice in the light and truth that he has given us.GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.21

At present we have 32 churches, with a membership of 850, mostly scattered over the central and southern parts of the country. Since the last General Conference, these churches have paid $15,000 tithe. Five ordained ministers, 2 licentiates, and 2 Bible workers are at work giving the message to the people. The Lord has blessed in the efforts put forth, and many precious souls have been convinced of the truth, and have united with us. This summer we have planned for three tent efforts in different parts of the country, and it is our earnest hope and sincere prayer that many souls shall come to a knowledge of the truth through these efforts, and that this year shall prove one of the most successful in the history of the Swedish Conference.GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.22

Elder Conradi mentioned the other day that one of the strongest empires of Europe had given its military authorities secret orders to suppress our faith. In Sweden it has, at least so far, been the contrary. It is there, as in nearly all European countries, that at a certain age every young man is obliged to do military service for a certain length of time. The military authorities have shown our young men all the kindness that could be expected. We need only to write a letter, certifying that they are members of our denomination, and they are released from work on the Sabbath, and permitted to attend church. Frequently the officers inquire into their faith. Not long ago, one brother, who had served his time, went to the colonel to thank him for the kind way in which he had been treated. He received him very cordially, and said, “Young man, I admire your principles.” Thus, these authorities who perhaps in no other way would have had the opportunity to learn of our faith, are by this means brought into contact with it.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.1

The school work is encouraging. On a farm covering between five and six hundred acres, and about twenty minutes’ ride from the railroad station, the school is located. This farm is worth about $18,000. The situation is healthful as well as beautiful. A diversity of scenery is presented by the surrounding hills and the valley, through which a beautiful stream courses its way. The hills are quite thickly forested with pine and birch. The buildings are situated on a prominence some 600 feet above the level of the sea, and overlooking the valley.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.2

There is nothing of city attraction here to claim the attention of the students. Here, away from the bustle and noise of the larger cities, nature seems to speak to us in her sweetest tones. She calls us aside to listen to her benediction of peace, and draws us into a closer touch with the Creator of all.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.3

This last year the school had 42 students and 3 teachers. Four of these students were from Finland, one from Russia, and the rest from Sweden. All except 3 were converted, and 2 of these gave their hearts to the Lord and were baptized before the close of the school. I am glad to say that with very few exceptions all these young men and women have entered the work, mostly as canvassers.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.4

During the months of June, July, and August, the school buildings and dormitories are used for sanitarium purposes. Last summer we had as many as 40 patients at one time. In all, about 75 patients were treated at the institution. Among these were many prominent men and women.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.5

Besides Nyhyttan, treatment-rooms are established by persons of our faith at Orebro, Malmo, Ostersund, and Gothenburg. At Gothenburg we have also two health reform restaurants.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.6

Last year we established a health food factory costing about $6,000 in the city of Vesteras. It is already doing good business. Thus the light of health reform and healthful living is shining in the darkness, and many are recognizing the light and learning to love it.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.7

The canvassing work is progressing. Since last General Conference, we have sold books to the value of nearly $80,000. Where preachers and Bible workers can not go, the books go. The aristocracy of Sweden is generally considered to be among the proudest of Europe. People belonging to that class consider it beneath their dignity to be seen in halls or ordinary churches; but they will buy our books and read them. A governor of one of the provinces told a young lady of whom he had bought the “Ministry of Healing” that it was a good book and ought to be placed in every home. Except in the northernmost outskirts of Sweden there are comparatively few homes that do not have copies of our books.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.8

We are of good courage, and rejoice with you in the blessed hope that this message shall soon go to all the nations and tongues and peoples, and the Saviour come in the clouds of heaven to take us all home to glory.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.9

The Norway ConferenceGCB May 23, 1909, page 119.10

Elder Raft now called upon N. P. Nelsen, delegate from Norway, to report.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.11

Norway, with its mighty mountains and grand scenery, has an area of 321,477 square kilometers, with 2,331,434 inhabitants. Of the three Scandinavian countries that were affected by the severe financial crisis through which they passed a few years ago, Norway certainly suffered most. This was naturally so because our printing-house was located in Christiana; and while the two other countries—Denmark and Sweden—could withdraw from responsibility toward the house, and thus soon recover from the shock, Norway was left almost alone to meet the situation. However, we have put our trust in the Lord, and he is a mighty God to help. Everything begins to brighten up now, and prosperity is seen in the work in many respects. The conference has 21 churches, with a total membership of over 800. We have 3 ordained ministers, 3 licentiates, 2 Bible workers, and about 20 canvassers. During the last four years, 329 souls have been baptized. Tithes and offerings in that time have amounted to $27,577.25, and we have sold books and papers to the amount of $29.585.55.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.12

The printing-house is still in need of financial help in order to liquidate the large debt which weighs so heavily on this institution. The brethren who have had charge of the financial management have sought to be as economical as possible, but the remaining debt has been a load quite heavy to carry. Germany has loaned us money at low interest, for which we have felt very thankful. We have tried to sell some of the property, to help us out of the difficulty, but in this we have not yet succeeded.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.13

Norway is a good field for missionary labor, but we need workers. While there are indications showing that the great enemy is trying to get ahead of us by leading the people of Norway into fanaticism and darkness, there are other indications which show that the Spirit of God is at work as never before to direct the minds of the people into the light of the third angel’s message. The last four years Satan has been working through the speaking-with-tongues movement in nearly every city of Norway, and in the country as well, and he has succeeded in deceiving many. The “Higher Criticism” is also spreading fast, and the Mormons are said to have 500 converts there this year. On the other hand the Spirit of God is at work, and we firmly believe that the time has come when souls will be gathered in from this northern country as never before. We feel to humble ourselves before God, and step into line, so that the Lord can bestow upon us his Spirit and clothe us in his power.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.14

As an example of how the Lord is willing to work, I will mention that in a series of meetings which Elder Raft conducted in Christiania during three months of last winter, the Spirit of God was present in such a measure that the brethren there said that the interest had never been deeper since the work began in that city, thirty years ago. Another indication of how the Lord is putting his hand to the work in Norway has been seen in the western part of the country. In a city with some 35,000 inhabitants we started in with a series of meetings in the middle of January. A hall that accommodates about 500 proved to be too small; and another that gave room for 800 could but partly receive those who came. We then hired a hall that could accommodate over 2,000; but about an hour before the meeting began that large hall was filled to the last place, and many could not get in. The most prominent ministers of the state church now wrote articles against us in four of the leading papers of the city. We did not answer these, but wrote to our different churches asking them to pray for us. The Lord heard our prayers, and the ministers missed the mark. Instead of turning the people away from our meetings, the people continued to come, some even from a considerable distance. The interest was so great that after the meetings closed, the audience would sit down again, and sometimes we had to begin speaking again. The ministers now got so confused that one of them wrote an article in the papers, and said that that kind of meetings was just what they needed. After three months’ labor about 40 have accepted the truth, and 30 have been baptized. A large number are convinced, and we expect a good harvest of souls.GCB May 23, 1909, page 119.15

We believe with all our heart that the Lord is ready to work for us far beyond all our expectations, and we wish to get ready for it. Some of our young people attended our missionary high school at Skodsborg last winter, and we hope soon to be able to send some more workers into the field.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.1

The Denmark ConferenceGCB May 23, 1909, page 120.2

The vice-president of the Denmark Conference, L. Muderspach, followed with the report for Denmark:—GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.3

By looking at the map, we see that Denmark is but a small country, the smallest in the Scandinavian Union. It covers an area of only 38,985 square kilometers, but it is a good and fertile country, with a population of 2,605,268. The people are critical and pleasure-seeking, and for this reason Denmark is not the easiest field in which to work. We are truly thankful to God for the prosperity we have enjoyed, especially of late years. During the four years since the last General Conference, 329 new members have been added to our numbers. At present we have 19 churches, with 896 members. Within our borders we have 2 sanitariums,—Frydenstrand and Skodsborg,—the latter of which belongs to the union; and 4 private clinics in as many different cities. In Copenhagen we have our publishing house, or depository, from which we send out books and tracts and three periodicals (our missionary paper, health journal, and church paper). At Skodsborg we have our Danish-Norwegian Union School. There are 2 church-schools and 5 church buildings in the conference.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.4

Our corps of workers consists of 3 ordained ministers, besides the conference president, 1 licentiate, 1 Bible worker, and about 25 canvassers. The conference is developing well, both financially and spiritually. During the last four years the gifts and offerings have amounted to $38,090; Sabbath-school donations to $1,824; first-day offerings, $1,366; annual offerings, $2,252. For some years we have paid two tithes to the Scandinavian Union, the amount paid by us to the union being as follows: In 1905, $1,754; in 1906, $2,292; in 1907, $3,138; and in 1908, $4,222. To these sums must, of course, be added the Sabbath-school, first-day, annual, and other offerings.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.5

Our canvassing work should be especially mentioned, as the Lord’s blessing has so signally attended it, the annual sales having increased from $3,500 a few years ago, to $19,460 in 1908. During the last four years we have sold books to the value of $52,545.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.6

We are looking hopefully to the future. Our brethren and sisters are of good courage; but we, too, are praying to the Lord of the harvest for more workers. There yet remains much work to be done in our little country, from which we desire to see many souls saved in the great gathering day which is now so near.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.7

The Finland MissionGCB May 23, 1909, page 120.8

The superintendent of our work in Finland, Fred Anderson, submitted this report:—GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.9

I represent the “Land of a Thousand Lakes.” It is now one hundred years since the grand duchy of Finland was identified with the Russian empire. It had previously been under Sweden. Finland extends over an area of 373,604 square kilometers, and has a population of 2,892,088. Of these about 500,000 speak the Swedish tongue, while the remainder are Finns, and have their own language.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.10

Finland has heretofore been a mission field, under the supervision of the Scandinavian Union Conference; but plans are being laid to organize it into a conference at our next annual meeting.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.11

We have in our field 2 ministers, 1 licentiate, 2 Bible workers, and 20 canvassers. Our membership is 140. During the past four years the total tithe paid was $5,881; the Sabbath-school and first-day offerings amounted to $1,825, making a total income of $7,706, or a little more than $55 for each member. Taking into consideration the fact that Finland is a poor country, we think this record a good one.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.12

During the last four years our book sales show a gradual increase, as follows: In 1905, $7,475.41; 1906, $8,518.90; 1907, $9,000.50; and in 1908, $10,497.53. In all the value of the book sales was $35,492.34.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.13

We have not forgotten the school and health work. For these branches of the work we have funds, though they are yet very small.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.14

We have some promising young people who will, we expect, by the grace of God, help to swell our thin ranks of laborers. Two of these are now in our missionary school at Friedensau, four have attended our school in Sweden the past winter, and one young man from the University of Finland, recently baptized, is intending to prepare for the medical work. This is encouraging to us, and all the more so because most of these young people command the Finnish language. Hitherto we have been able to work almost exclusively among the Swedish-speaking people.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.15

Our workers are of good courage, and we hope to triumph with the message, and meet all the people of God in the great day soon to come.GCB May 23, 1909, page 120.16

(Concluded to-morrow)

FIFTEENTH MEETING

The Sermon - LOYALTY TO THE THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE