Elder Raft next called for the report of the institutional work in the union, and Erik Arnesen, the union secretary, submitted the following:—GCB May 24, 1909, page 126.9

Our School and Sanitarium WorkGCB May 24, 1909, page 126.10

During the past quadrennial period our school work was carried on first at Frederikshavn, Denmark, and then at Nyhyttan, Sweden. The necessity of giving our school work a more permanent character became more and more evident; and at the general meeting of the Scandinavian Union Conference held at Orebro, Sweden, in the summer of 1908, the Norway and Denmark conferences agreed to open a union school at Skodsborg, Denmark, where we have our large medical institution. The first year of this school has now passed. We had no building of our own in which to have our school, but had to rent a large villa. At the opening exercises, held on October 14, 20 students were in attendance, but the number rapidly increased until we had an enrollment of 34 young people from Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. A new school building is now being erected on the sanitarium grounds, and this will place us in a much better position for next year’s work. We are fully aware that a good school constitutes a most important branch of our work, and we certainly appreciate very highly the effective interest our brethren in America have taken, and still are taking, in assisting us in getting our school work started upon a more permanent basis.GCB May 24, 1909, page 126.11

The health work in our union has made excellent progress, having awakened much interest all throughout Scandinavia. Our largest health institution, the Skodsborg Sanitarium, is well filled the year round, and people of all classes are there getting acquainted with our principles and methods. Under the leadership of Dr. Ottosen, who has had charge of this work from its very infancy, the institution has extended its operation and its boundaries until last year we could accommodate 180 patients during the busy season. The Skodsborg Sanitarium is now owned and run by the Scandinavian Union.GCB May 24, 1909, page 126.12

We also have a sanitarium at Frederikshavn, Denmark, owned by the Danish Conference. For about a year and a half this institution has been working under the management of the Skodsborg Sanitarium. In this connection also we should say that health work is being carried on in thirteen or fourteen different places throughout the union. Most of these small institutions are conducted as private enterprises. In Copenhagen we also have a food factory, and the Swedish brethren have recently started a food factory at Vesteras, Sweden.GCB May 24, 1909, page 127.1

It can be truly said that much good has been accomplished through the health work, and especially through the sanitarium work, in our field. It has been the means of giving the people in general a more intelligent knowledge and understanding of our people, our principles, and our work. And for what has been accomplished in this respect we ascribe all the praise and glory to Him who is the Author of the precious truths which we hold.GCB May 24, 1909, page 127.2

The Northland MissionGCB May 24, 1909, page 127.3

Elder Raft himself reported as follows for the mission field that stretches toward the polar regions:—GCB May 24, 1909, page 127.4

Four years ago it was decided to form the northern part of Sweden and Norway into a mission field. The idea was good; and if the results have not been just what we would have desired, it is largely due to the fact that we have not cared for this field as we should have done. Part of the time it has been left alone. We have III members in this field, 90 on the Norwegian side, and 21 on the Swedish. Northland has grand natural beauties, and a trip on a steamer among the islands of the high north, surrounded by majestic mountains, on a summer night, with the midnight sun so gentle and beautiful, presents a sight worth seeing. I made a trip up there last summer, holding several meetings (on the Norwegian side); and my impression was that here we have a splendid field for work if we only had the laborers. But we have only one on the Norwegian side, and three on the Swedish. Something must be done to supply this needy and neglected field with workers; and I beg leave to ask America to give us a good worker for the Northland Mission.GCB May 24, 1909, page 127.5

Last fall we sent a young man and his wife to the Faroe Islands. He started in as a canvasser, and God has abundantly blessed him, giving him a success far exceeding our highest expectations. He intends to continue his canvassing work till next fall, and will then begin a series of meetings.GCB May 24, 1909, page 127.6

IcelandGCB May 24, 1909, page 127.7

In closing, said Elder Raft, I will speak of Iceland. I visited this lonely island last summer. It covers an area of 104,785 square kilometers (or 39,756 square miles), and has some 80,000 inhabitants. The country is very thinly populated, and one may often ride for many miles without seeing a house. It is now about thirteen years since Brother Ostlund first left for Iceland to begin work there. He first had to learn the language. The Lord helped him so that in a comparatively short time he was able to speak and write the Icelandic. Brother Ostlund has been working as minister, editor, translator, and printer. He has had many difficulties to encounter in his work, but God has blessed and prospered him in his efforts, so that we now have 40 members, besides 15 who keep the Sabbath but have not yet been baptized, making the total number of Sabbath-keepers 55. During the last four years, 38 have been baptized and received into the denomination, 14 of them in 1908. And now that the foundation has been laid, we may be justified in expecting still greater advancement.GCB May 24, 1909, page 127.8

In speaking of Iceland, I must not forget to say just a few words about Brother Nils Andersson, who is Elder Ostlund’s right hand. Brother Anderson is busy at work summer and winter, selling books and tracts, and soliciting subscriptions for the Fraekorn (“Seed Corn”) our Icelandic paper. In the summer he rides horseback all the day long, roaming about in the country; and in the winter he visits the cities along the coast. That the Fraekorn has four thousand subscribers is partly due to Brother Anderson’s persistent labors. Generally speaking, there are no roads in Iceland, and for this reason traveling is often quite difficult. But Brother Andersson does not permit difficulties and hardships to stop him in his work. If, for instance, he comes to a river or a creek, he dismounts, undresses, binds his clothes in a bundle, mounts the horse, and so crosses the water. As to lodging at night, he has to be satisfied with what he can get, and the same is true in regard to food. The houses are so far apart that he can visit but seven families a day, as a rule, if he works ten hours. But he never complains about his difficulties or troubles. Strong in faith, and with a heart full of the love of Christ, he surmounts all obstacles, and searches for his fellow men in order to carry to them the glad tidings that Jesus is soon coming. Brother Andersson studied for several years before he went to Iceland, and last summer I spoke to him about entering the ministry. But his answer was, “Brother Raft, who is then to take up my work? and how will it be with our good paper? No, please let me continue my work for three years more; and if you by that time have another man to put in my place, I will not object to making an attempt in ministerial lines.” He was right: it will be no easy task to find his successor.GCB May 24, 1909, page 127.9

I wish to say here that as there are some 20,000 Icelanders in North America, mostly in Canada, it would be a good thing to have some arrangement made for a united effort on the part of America and Iceland in the matter of the preparation of literature in the Icelandic language.GCB May 24, 1909, page 127.10

Iceland is a poor country; and for this reason the prospects for our work over there are not as promising as might be, looked at from a financial point of view. The union must, therefore, be prepared to render some assistance to that field. Indeed, we hardly dare to hope that Iceland shall ever become self-supporting. It is encouraging, however, that also in this respect some improvement may be seen.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.1

Closing WordsGCB May 24, 1909, page 128.2

J. C. Raft: Now we have given you a little insight into our work in the Scandinavian Union. I am sorry that we have not been able to present before you a better report. Scandinavia is desirous of being wholly on the Lord’s side, and is in full sympathy with our plan of organization, which we believe to be arranged after God’s wisdom and counsel. The Scandinavian Union has decided not to ask for any appropriation from the General Conference for the year 1909. And we also send all our offerings, which during 1908 amounted to $4,402.88, to the General Conference. Although we are poor, and really need this money ourselves, we give it gladly, acknowledging our great indebtedness to the General Conference, which during so many years has sent considerable sums of money to Scandinavia. We only wish that we could give much more.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.3

But pray for Scandinavia dear brethren, and do not forget us. As I look upon this field, and hear so many Macedonian calls for help, my heart bleeds. We have done almost nothing yet. I might mention a large number of cities where meetings on present truth have never yet been held; large towns and country districts are also untouched. Everywhere the fields are white for the harvest. But we lack workers, especially young, consecrated workers, who will not shun difficulties. And they must have education; for the people of Scandinavia require much from one who appears before a public assembly.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.4

I love Scandinavia and my people, and thank God for having been permitted to work in that field. I consecrate anew my time and my powers to the dear Saviour and to his cause. It is a glorious privilege to work for God, and nothing can cheer the heart more than to see his cause prosper, to see souls converted to the Lord. The coming of Christ is near at hand. The battle will soon be past; the controversy will soon be over. In a little while the last tear will have been shed, and the last prayer for sinners offered. O that we might have this Conference session filled with the Holy Spirit and with power from above, living our lives to the Saviour’s glory, and winning many souls for the kingdom of God! And finally, when the glorious day dawns, may we all meet on the sea of glass, where we shall all speak one language, and where, throughout the endless ages of eternity, we shall be in the presence of our dear Saviour!GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.5

Pray for Scandinavia.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.6

The work and field of the Scandinavian Union having been spread before the Conference by its delegates, the chairman, Elder Olsen, called upon E. T. Russell, president of the Central Union, whose report follows:—GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.7

THE CENTRAL UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

At the time of the last General Conference, the Central Union Conference comprised the conferences of Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado,—with New Mexico as its mission field,—Wyoming, and the nine western counties of Nebraska, with the Black Hills District of South Dakota as a mission field of the Central Union. During the quadrennial period the Wyoming mission field has been organized into a prosperous conference, the Iowa Conference has joined the Northern Union, and the mission field of New Mexico has become a part of the Southwestern Union Conference. The Missouri Conference has been divided into a northern and southern conference, and the Colorado Conference divided into an eastern and western conference.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.8

We now have 256 organized churches in our present territory, but our records show an increase of only 15. This is due to the fact that several churches have been dropped from the records, because the conference secretary was unable to secure reports from them, the members having moved away until none were left to keep up the organization.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.9

At present we have 58 ordained ministers, 38 licensed ministers, 76 licensed missionaries, and 100 canvassers, not including those just entering the fields from our schools. Our conference reports show that 37 have left our service for other fields.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.10

The total tithe receipts of the several conferences for the quadrennial period aggregate $514,618.05. Of this amount, $93,821.54 has been appropriated to fields outside of the Central Union Conference. Our churches have raised in offerings for the work outside of our territory $193,304.75, and by the special Thanksgiving campaign with the Review, $6,894.73. Our book and periodical sales amounted to $208,061.54.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.11

Religious Liberty DepartmentGCB May 24, 1909, page 128.12

A brief summary of the activities of the religious liberty department of the Central Union Conference may be interesting. In twelve months the number of lectures exclusively upon the subject of religious liberty may be properly given as 265, listened to by as many as 35,000 persons; while the departmental secretary and his wife made 2,500 personal visits upon members of the judiciary, executive, and legislative departments of the various State governments, including members of Congress of the district, and editors of newspapers and magazines. During the year 1908, 143,000 pages of literature upon the subject have been distributed, and fully 3,500 letters manifolded and sent out; still others have been addressed to legislators, magistrates, and members of city councils.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.13

Special mention should be made of the work of the newspaper correspondence bureau of the union. Acknowledging a divine Providence that has been at work, we are glad to be able to report that 160 letters to the press have been published gratuitously in 92 different newspapers in various cities and towns of the union, having a combined circulation of 2,582,353 copies, and an influence upon the public mind not possible to estimate.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.14

And this, too, at no great expenditure of money, except the insignificant sum paid for stenographic work and manifolding. Resulting from this publication work, the department is in receipt of scores of letters of inquiry for information and literature upon the subject and nature of our work; while it is evident that many editorial writers have been led to take up the subject, and carry it still further along into public consideration, as a result of our efforts.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.15

Incidents of the lecture and newspaper tour of the union department secretary, accompanied by his wife, undertaken in Missouri during the national and State campaign of last year, are more or less known to you all. Suffice it to say that words would fail to give any proper conception of the impressions made upon the public mind during that trip to every part of the State of Missouri. The people of the State rejected at the polls the principles of religious intolerance, and also those who were advocating them; and just how far the religious liberty campaign carried on at this time contributed to and was responsible for that result, may never be known.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.16

Brief mention must be made of the remarkable religious liberty meetings at the heart of the Union Conference, Lincoln, Neb., February 23 and 28. They were attended, the first by fifteen hundred persons, and the last by twenty-five hundred. Among these were Mr. William Jennings Bryan, Ex-Governor Sheldon, and many members of the Nebraska Senate and House of Representatives, the latter being occupied, in the law-making body, with questions concerning the law and its enforcement. A deep impression was made by these meetings.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.17

The efforts put forth at Jefferson City and in the Missouri Legislature deserve more than a passing notice. This includes an invitation of the legislature, by a resolution adopted, to Mrs. Lulu Wightman, a public lecturer of this department, to address the legislature upon the questions of religious liberty and the object of civil government. Two addresses were made. Nearly every legislator was in his seat, and gave marked attention to the subject; many senators were also present, and the galleries were filled. In a letter received by the executive of the conference shortly afterward, a member of the legislature expressed in the highest terms his appreciation of the addresses given, stating that favorable impressions had been made, and that it would be a wise policy to continue such a work, reaching other law-making bodies of the nation with a message that was both timely and important. Eight Sunday bills, for more drastic legislation, were defeated, while one was actually introduced and passed the senate, repealing a section of the present Sunday law forbidding Sunday barbering.GCB May 24, 1909, page 128.18

Though every effort, apparently, has recently been made in the Central West to inculcate in the public mind, and establish in the civil power, the erroneous principle of religious legislation, yet, in the providence of God, not one forward—or, rather, backward—step has been taken by the State governments in the territory of the Central Union Conference. No additional Sunday legislation has been obtained. Rather, in several of the States, there has been a tolerably strong movement to modify Sunday laws, and make less severe penalties for their infringement. In view of these circumstances, and many others which time forbids the mention of, we are encouraged to look forward to the accomplishment of a still more important and far-reaching work of this nature.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.1

The Educational WorkGCB May 24, 1909, page 129.2

Union College has been enjoying marked prosperity during the past four years, as shown by the steady increase in attendance and the number of graduates leaving the school. The enrollment for the four years respectively is as follows: For 1906, 375; 1907, 448; 1908, 560; 1909, 594.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.3

Seventy-two graduates have gone out from the school during the past four years to engage in different lines of work. All but two of these are actively engaged in work connected with the spread of the message, or pursuing their education further.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.4

Much has been done to strengthen the school. As the attendance has increased, it has been necessary to add to the teaching force, there being employed at present about 36 persons; including the faculty and helpers. The monthly pay-roll is about $1,600 during the school year. Numerous improvements have been made about the school, including a new dormitory, which will accommodate 36 students, and rooms in the college attic for as many more. These improvements have cost about $13,000. For the last two years the college has been taxed to its utmost to find accommodations for the students attending. Before the new dormitory was built, there were more than one hundred students rooming in the village.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.5

In October, 1907, fire destroyed the college heating and lighting plant, the laundry, the college press, the carpenter shop, and the machinery belonging to the bakery. The loss is estimated at from $20,000 to $25,000, which was covered with about $6,000 insurance. Arrangements were immediately made to connect the school with the heating, lighting, and water system of the sanitarium, so that no serious inconvenience was experienced on account of the fire until the new plant could be erected. The college now has a much more convenient and commodious plant, erected at a great deal less expense than the one destroyed by fire.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.6

Steps are now being taken to add to the facilities of the school. It was recently voted by the board to raise $6,000 for the benefit of the interests of the industrial work, the scientific department, and the library.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.7

Careful attention is given to the spiritual interests of the students. The Christian young men have organized themselves into personal work and prayer bands, and similar bands are formed among the young women. The students who are not Christians are divided among the members of the bands, becoming the subjects of personal interest. Each year a goodly number of students are baptized and unite with the church. In addition to these personal-work bands, companies are organized among the students for the study of special lines of work in which they are interested. During the spring the interest of the canvassers’ band greatly increases; and at the close of the school, an institute is conducted by the general canvassing agents. About one hundred fifty students went out from the school this year to spend their vacation in the sale of our subscription books.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.8

Church-SchoolsGCB May 24, 1909, page 129.9

The growth in the church-schools has not been so much along the line of multiplying schools as in the efficiency of the work done. We have 85 teachers employed in church and intermediate schools. Three new academies have been opened in our territory since the last General Conference. These are doing good work, and enjoying a full attendance. The average length of term in our church-schools is almost seven months, and the teachers are receiving a fair compensation. The total enrollment during the past four years in the schools of the Central Union is approximately fourteen hundred.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.10

Much has been done to strengthen the schools by perfecting a better organization, and bringing system and order into the conduct of the work. Regular examinations are given the teachers, and certificates issued, and pupils finishing subjects in the church and intermediate schools are required to pass uniform examinations. Through teachers’ institutes, summer schools, and the normal department of Union College, the efficiency of our teachers has been greatly improved. As a whole the outlook in the educational work is encouraging.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.11

Publication and Book WorkGCB May 24, 1909, page 129.12

We had no union agent during 1905 and 1906. The following year showed an increase of about $7,500. In 1908 the gain was nearly $2,000 after losing both Iowa and New Mexico from this union. Iowa has been one of our strongest conferences, having sold $10,000 worth of books during her last year with us. New Mexico also did a very good business.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.13

The year 1908 has been very trying in many ways. First came the panic, with its results; then the disastrous floods of early spring, followed by a severe drought that greatly damaged what crops were left. Yet our canvassers invariably made one-hundred-percent deliveries. Again, the conferences have changed field agents frequently, some having none at all for months at a time. Yet taking all these things into consideration, the work has been prospered. More winter work has been done than ever before. December, 1908, the sales were more than twice as much as for the corresponding month of the year before.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.14

The outlook at Union College is very encouraging. The following shows the growth of the canvassing class each year: In 1905, 20 canvassers; 1906, 35; 1907, 75; 1908, 115; 1909, 150.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.15

The subscription book sales for the four years are as follows: In 1905, $40,882.75; 1906, $43,060.34; 1907, $54,469.21; 1908, $60,103.89. Total, $202,515.47.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.16

International Publishing AssociationGCB May 24, 1909, page 129.17

The report of the International Publishing Association, located at College View, Neb., for the year ending June 30, 1908, shows their resources to be $40,692.90, with liabilities of $21,586.18, giving a present worth of $19,106.72.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.18

The most important improvements and changes were made in the fall of 1907, when the building was enlarged so that the capacity of the first floor was increased from 2,400 feet to 6,300 square feet. This furnished room to install a new Miehle press in the press-room, added fifty per cent to the size of the composing-room, and added a large room for the bindery, which has been operated in rented rooms. At this time a steam-heating plant was provided to take the place of the hot-air furnace, which was inadequate to heat the larger building. A fire-proof plate-house has also been built for storing plates. At present the office employs 30 regular workers, who put in full time, besides giving work from two to four hours a day to 25 students. As each of these factory rooms is under the charge of a thoroughly qualified foreman, the instruction given is of the best. Many students are thus enabled to earn a large portion of their expenses while in college, and to prepare for greater usefulness in their future fields of labor.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.19

The spiritual condition of the office is good, but we hope it will improve. Before beginning work in the morning, the workers in each room engage with the foreman in a Scripture reading and a season of prayer.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.20

The work consists of the printing of six regular periodicals in the German, Swedish, and Danish-Norwegian languages, the Educational Messenger for Union College, and a great variety of tracts, pamphlets, and books in all these languages. The business is carried on almost entirely by mail and express. The customers are scattered all over the country, and the business is increasing steadily.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.21

The institution is now in a better working condition than at the time of the last General Conference. It has been found impossible to handle the foreign subscription-book business successfully that was taken over from the Review and Herald Publishing Association, and this has been transferred to the Pacific Press. Many contended that the work of the various nationalities should be separated and operated as several enterprises; but at the annual meeting in September, 1905, Testimonies were received indicating clearly that barriers should not be erected between the nationalities, but that all should blend together. The Lord has guided in marking out the proper work to be done by this office, and it has a steadily increasing business, which is rendering it self-supporting.GCB May 24, 1909, page 129.22

The Young People’s WorkGCB May 24, 1909, page 130.1

Owing to the fact that there have been so many changes in the secretaryship of the Missionary Volunteer Department, we are unable to give an accurate report of this work. This, however, does not mean that no attention has been given to the Young People’s work in our conference. Each State has its Missionary Volunteer secretary, and the plans which have been sent out by the General Conference department since its organization have been carried out or adapted to the conditions. A number of Missionary Volunteer conventions and councils have been held at various places in the union. These are productive of much good.GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.2

A strong work for our young people has been done at all our camp-meetings. Each summer, students from the college who have made this work a special study during the school year, have been employed by different conferences in the interest of the young people’s work. When the Morning Watch Calendar was first put out, it was issued by the Central Union Conference.GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.3

The Sanitarium WorkGCB May 24, 1909, page 130.4

We have four sanitariums located in our territory, as follows: Boulder, Colo., Wichita, Kan., College View, Neb., Hastings, Neb. Each of these institutions enjoys a good patronage. The one at Hastings has been open only since the last of December, and it is full to overflowing. In harmony with the plan on which all our sanitarium work is conducted, a large class of nurses is graduated each year.GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.5

The Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium is a general institution, its constituency comprising the General Conference, the Central Union Conference, and the Colorado Conference committees. For this reason, we give a more detailed report of their work. Their annual statement shows an investment of $138,807.55, liabilities amounting to $92,838.70. The number of workers regularly employed averages about 100 the year round. Of these 40 are in training, 10 are employed in the bakery and store, 10 as physicians and managers, and 40 in domestic work in and about the institution. The spiritual condition in the sanitarium is excellent, and there seems to be a spirit of co-operation and earnestness on the part of all the employees. Sixty-two young people have gone out from this institution as graduates, while 7 have responded to calls from foreign fields. The annual business aggregates about $75,000, in addition to the amount charged to charities, which is about $12,500 yearly.GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.6

Closing WordsGCB May 24, 1909, page 130.7

During the past four years, advancement has marked every department of the work in the Central Union Conference, yet we are far from satisfied with what has been accomplished. This is because we see greater possibilities of development in every line of work. As workers, we should pray and labor more earnestly. When greater energy and deeper fervor characterize us as laborers, the same spirit will be transmitted to our people, and the work will be carried forward in a strong way, largely directed by an invisible power. It will be a work similar to that accomplished through Pentecostal power, which was the result of the disciples of Christ being of one accord. We need fervent love for the truth, that will lead us to sacrifice for it, and faithfully labor for its advancement.GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.8

Our greatest need is unity, as unity of sentiment in a collective body produces unity of action. Of the Lord’s army we read, “They shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks.” A spirit of unity should so permeate our work that we may move as one man in meeting the opposing forces of evil. While we should stand loyally in defense of the truth and in opposition to wrong principles, Christian liberty should characterize our dealings with our brethren.GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.9

During the war of the ‘60’s, the name most highly honored by the Southern Confederacy, with the exception of that of Robert E. Lee, was Stonewall Jackson. It was a sad office that his men performed when they picked up the limp body of their loved commander from the battle-field of Chancellorsville; what made it doubly sad was the fact that they realized that he had fallen because he had been mistaken by his own men for an enemy, and had been shot in the back. Many times leaders and others connected with the work of God have been viewed by their brethren as enemies, and too often they have trained their guns on those of their own company. Let us press together in unity in the cause in which we are enlisted. Thus laboring unitedly in the work for the Master, success will crown our efforts, and victory will be ours.GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.10

The time for adjournment having arrived, the meeting was adjourned.GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.11

O. A. OLSEN, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

Bible Study - WALKING BY FAITH

SEVENTEENTH MEETING