General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
FIFTEENTH MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
May 21, 10:30 A. M.
O. A. Olsen in the chair. Prayer by E. W. Farnsworth. Three new delegates from the North Pacific Union—O. A. Johnson, Lewis Johnson, and H. J. Schnepper—were seated. GCB May 23, 1909, page 111.24
The Chairman: The order of business this morning is the consideration of reports from the Australasian Union Conference; and as it falls to my lot to lead out, I will ask Elder Conradi to take the chair. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.1
REPORTS OF THE AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE
Elder Olsen, as president of the union, presented the following report, Fulton pointing out on the large map many of the places referred to:— GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.2
Review of the Union Field and Work GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.3
It is with hearts full of sincere gratitude to God, from whom is every good gift and every blessing, that we here recount some of the mercies that have been so graciously bestowed on the work in the Australasian field. The country as a whole has enjoyed general prosperity, and this in turn has made our situation the more favorable for the work of the message. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.4
Our field is an extensive one, taking in, as it does, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, all the South Sea Islands, the Philippines, the East Indies, the Straits Settlement, and Malay Peninsula; an immense area stretching from 20 north latitude to 46 south latitude; and from 95 east longitude to 130 west longitude; with a great variety in the way of population, numbering, at a conservative estimate, from sixty to sixty-five million. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.5
Within our territory we have 7 organized conferences,—New South Wales, Victoria, New Zealand, Queensland, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Our mission field is divided into four divisions, as follows: Eastern Polynesian, with headquarters at Papeete, Tahiti; Central Polynesian, with headquarters at Buresala, Fiji; Malay and East Indian Mission, with headquarters at Singapore; and the Philippine Mission Field. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.6
During the past four years the blessing of the Lord has been over our field, and a good degree of prosperity has attended all the different departments of the work. We would have been glad to see more accomplished in every line, and this might have been, had we all been more devoted and faithful to our high calling. The number of churches has increased from 82 to 117, an increase of 35; and the church-membership from 2,851 to 3,750, an increase of 889; and the total number of Sabbath-keepers from 3,363 to 4,492, showing a growth of 1,129. The growth in tithes and offerings has been rather more in proportion than the growth in membership. From 1901-04 the tithe was $138,838.46, and from 1904-08 it was $223,702.14, showing an increase of $84,863.68. The Sabbath-schools have increased by 98, and the membership from 3,151 to 5,033, an increase of 1,882; and the Sabbath-school contributions to missions from $12,507.29 to $23,140.45, an increase of $10,633.16. Offerings to missions aside from those made by the Sabbath-school and Young People’s societies have amounted in the last four years to $25,590.32, an increase of $18,316.62 over the previous four years. The total contributions to home missions have amounted to $8,796.76, an increase over the previous four years of $8,613.23. We are glad also to show some increase in our book sales, which in the last four years have amounted to $314,334.69, this being an increase over the previous four years of $31,554.88. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.7
Our increase in the matter of laborers, I am sorry to say, has not kept pace with the general growth. Some have left Australia to return to the States. At the end of 1904 we had 28 ordained ministers, and we had only the same number, Dec. 31, 1909; 3 more have since been ordained. At present we have 23 licensed ministers, an increase of 8 over the number of four years ago; and 72 Bible workers, an increase of 27; but the number of canvassers is smaller by 10 than at the beginning of 1905. We have 23 office workers. Thus the total number of workers is 224, as against 185 four years ago, an increase of 39. There is prospect of a larger increase in the near future. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.8
ADVANCE WORK
During the last four years considerable attention has been given to the missionary campaign work. Conventions have been held in all the states but one. Not only is a deep interest taken in this work, but its results are most gratifying; first, that the way is thus opened for every man, woman, and child to take an active part in the Lord’s work, especially in the matter of the circulation of our literature; second, this activity brings a special blessing to the church, as well as to individuals; and third, by this means a more systematic and extensive work can be done in the circulation of our literature, spreading the knowledge of the message far and near. While this work is as yet only fairly begun, most encouraging results have already been realized. The plan is to make this missionary campaign a continuous and permanent idea in every part of our conference. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.9
THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORK
During the past four years, the young people of Australia have been formed into an organization known as the Young People’s Division of the Missionary Society; and we now have 66 societies, with a membership of 839; and in the State Home Department, 173, making a total of 1,012. Thus our young people form an important factor in our missionary campaign work, and we are glad to state that a great and effectual work is being done by them. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.10
In addition to the work they are doing in the regular missionary lines, the young people of the several home conferences have undertaken the support of one or more missionaries in the mission field; that is, the young people of one conference have one or more, and the young people of another conference have another. They themselves raise, by their own efforts, money for the support of their missionaries. While the union conference duly appreciates the money thus raised, we much more appreciate the saving and salutary influence this effort has upon the minds of our youth, and its effects in binding up their interest with the salvation of souls and the proclamation of the last message to the world. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.11
At our late union conference it was felt that the time had come to issue a young people’s paper, the work of our young people demanding such an organ. The paper has accordingly appeared, under the name of the Young People’s Magazine, and has met with a very cordial reception. GCB May 23, 1909, page 112.12
OUR INSTITUTIONS
The blessing of the Lord is over our institutions. At the time of the last General Conference, arrangements were in operation for reorganizing and removing the Echo publishing plant from the city to the country. This has now been accomplished. The name has been changed to the Signs Publishing Company; and the plant is nicely established at Warburton, Victoria. We are pleased to add that all connected with the publishing work are greatly pleased with the change. The water-power not only runs the presses and dynamo for lighting, but also furnishes water for the residents in their houses. In connection with this change all commercial work has been abandoned, and all our energies are now devoted to the production and circulation of our own denominational literature. While this removal has been successfully accomplished, it was not completed without much anxiety on the part of those who had the matter in hand. Under these changed conditions we feel the need of greater capital in order to carry without embarrassment the large stock of books called for. This is a subject for consideration. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.1
THE EDUCATIONAL WORK
The good hand of the Lord has been over the Avondale School, and we can say, with the servant of the Lord of old, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord spoke concerning this school and its location. It continues to be a wonder to all who visit the place. Much credit is due those who have so faithfully followed the instruction, and carried out the principles, which the Lord gave at the beginning concerning the plans and methods by which the school, and all the enterprises connected with it, were to be carried forward. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.2
The industries connected with the Avondale School have grown to large proportions, as seen by the amount of credit earned by the students. Here follows a statement of the value of such credits for the past seven years: 1902, Pounds 364 4s. 11d.; 1903, Pounds 800 18s. 8d.; 1904, Pounds 1,419 16s. 5d.; 1905, Pounds 2,020 17s. 10d.; 1906, Pounds 2,228 9d.; 1907, Pounds 2,938 18s. 1d.; 1908, Pounds 4,035 4s. 1d. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.3
It will readily be seen by this what an advantage and help these industries are to our young people in opening the way for a considerable number of them largely to earn their way through school. Thus many can have the privileges of the school who otherwise could not attend. The most prominent among the school enterprises are the Health Food Factory; the Avondale Press; the School Farm; and then come a large number of other industries, such as carpentry, blacksmithing, tent-making, etc. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.4
In the way of improvements the school has added a building 40 x 60 for the Avondale Press; this has become a very busy place. It is here that printing is being done for the islands and mission fields. We are now printing the truth in 9 languages. We issue 12 different publications in the English, 3 in Maori, 4 in Rarotongan, 6 in Tahitian, 5 in Fijian, 6 in Tongan, 5 in Samoan, 6 in Singapore-Malay, and 4 in Java-Malay; making 51 in all. Some of these are such books as “Christ Our Saviour,” an abbreviated “Thoughts on Daniel,” selections from “Great Controversy,” and a book in Fijian on physiology. The larger number are tracts and papers. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.5
We also found it needful to provide more room for the lady students, and a commodious building has been erected, which furnishes a pleasant parlor for the ladies, a room for the preceptress, additions to the dining-room; and on the second floor, rooms for the lady students. This building was much needed. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.6
Our latest addition is an electric-light plant, so that now the buildings and grounds are lighted by electricity, doing away with the many lamps which were a source of danger. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.7
During the past four years 81 young people have gone out from the school at Avondale, and entered the different lines of work in the message. Most of these have finished one or more of the courses of study offered by the school. Five have entered the ministry, 4 the Bible work, 25 have become teachers, 19 have entered the canvassing work, and the rest are in other lines of work. Some are in the home field, while others have gone to mission fields, so that the school has representatives in China, Java, Singapore, Fiji, Tonga, Pitcairn Island, Sumatra, the Philippines, and New Guinea. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.8
NEW SCHOOLS
Two new schools were opened at the beginning of 1908. The Pukekura Training-school, near Cambridge West, Waikato, New Zealand, is very favorably located on a farm of 170 acres. It has a comfortable building, and the present year opened with 42 students in the home, just double the number last year, with a number more as day students. The outlook for this school is encouraging; and if those in charge will follow the counsel of God, the school will prove a great blessing to the work in New Zealand. Our people in New Zealand have rallied to this effort in a commendable manner. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.9
The Darling Range School, in West Australia, is not so large as the one in New Zealand, but is equally favorably located, being in the country some thirty miles out from Perth. The climate and location are all that could be desired. Last year the school had an enrollment of 22, and will have nearly double that number the present year. This school has 100 acres of land, which was largely a donation. Our people in West Australia are rallying to their school enterprise in a noble manner. There are a large number of young people both in New Zealand and in West Australia. A goodly number from these States have from time to time attended the school at Avondale, Cooranbong; but the distance was long, and the journey expensive. Hereafter only those who will take advanced studies will come to Avondale, while a large number will avail themselves of their own conference school. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.10
MISSION SCHOOLS
Mission schools have also been started in Singapore, in the East; in Raiatea, in the Eastern Polynesian district; at Haapai, in the Central Polynesian district; and a girls’ school at Buresala, Fiji, has just opened. Our mission training-schools are of the greatest importance to the cause, as a means of preparing native laborers for the field. We must depend on native labor to carry the message to the millions of natives. Many are the calls and openings for schools, but we have not been able to furnish the teachers. At present we have 23 church-schools, an increase of 7 during the last four years. We would have more church-schools, but so far the teachers are lacking. GCB May 23, 1909, page 113.11
NEW FIELDS ENTERED
In our last report to the General Conference we were working among a population of 7,863,589. At present we have work among a population of 48,851,122. During this time, work has been begun at Singapore, the Philippines, Java, New Guinea, and among the Maoris in New Zealand. Thus we have enlarged our borders, and annexed territory containing a population of 40,650,000. At the same time the work has been strengthened in other mission fields. In all, the home conferences of New Zealand and Australia have furnished 56 workers for the mission fields during the last four years. This could not have been done without the hearty and cheerful co-operation of the conferences in furnishing both workers and funds for the extension of the message in mission fields. What has been done, however, is only a trifle as compared with what must be done in the very near future, for the message must go to all these people. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.1
PAPERS AND OTHER LITERATURE
The importance of getting out literature in the many languages and dialects has not been lost sight of. Indeed, we have improved every opportunity to get translations into a new language. We print monthly papers in the Fijian, Rarotongan, Maori, Tahitian, and Tongan languages, and a small quarterly in the Malay. We have also issued books and tracts in Fijian, Tahitian, Rarotongan, Tongan, Samoan, Tagalog, Singapore-Malay, Java-Malay, and Maori. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.2
We fully sense the importance of getting out literature, and will spare no effort to push this work forward to the fullest extent possible. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.3
Our Sabbath-schools have become a very important factor in our missionary operations. During the period they have contributed $28,297.21. Of this amount $23,140.45 was given to mission enterprises, as follows:— GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.4
| Fiji girls’ school | $430.75 |
| Fiji church building | 240.90 |
| Fiji printing press | 470.28 |
| Fiji school land | 1,267.88 |
| Singapore medical appliances | 166.45 |
| Singapore church building1, | 334.08 |
| Chinese literature | 368.60 |
| Java rest home | 288.65 |
| Java Mission | 1,260.94 |
| Maori Mission | 1,158.11 |
| Maori literature | 1,014.28 |
| North Queensland Mission | 1,040.60 |
| Malaysian Mission | 1,074.56 |
| Sumatra Mission | 1,108.03 |
| Sumatra Mission property | 1,316.08 |
| New Guinea Mission | 1,182.31 |
| Manila Mission | 1,271.66 |
| Periodicals for mission fields | 1,417.23 |
| Norfolk Island Mission | 1,680.49 |
| Pacific Island missions | 5,048.57 |
| Total | $23,140.45 |
THE HEALTH, SANITARIUM, AND CAFE WORK
Some progress has been made also in these lines. The Sydney Sanitarium at Wahroonga has passed through some trying experiences in connection with the changing of physicians and managers that became necessary by the leaving of the Drs. Kress; but I am pleased to report that at the present time the institution has quite recovered itself, and is enjoying a good patronage, with an excellent feeling in the home. Here, too, some improvements have taken place, and an electric plant is being installed for lighting and treatment purposes. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.5
In South Australia we have recently added a small sanitarium, pleasantly located in a suburb of Adelaide under the medical charge of Dr. James. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.6
We have also six cafes and health food depots. One of these, at Sydney, has been in operation for some time, and is doing well, and five have been added during the last four years. There is one in Melbourne, Victoria; one in Adelaide, South Australia; and three in New Zealand,—Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The cafe in Melbourne is enjoying a good patronage, while the others are in their beginning. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.7
The Christchurch Sanitarium, at Papanui, New Zealand, and the Hydropathic Institute at Adelaide, have felt the effect of changes in the staff of workers, found necessary to help out in other places. But we are glad to note that the present outlook is favorable, and the patronage on the increase. All these institutions need vigilant care and supervision, that the work may be carried forward on right lines. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.8
THE FIELD IN GENERAL
As for the field in general, I am pleased to report that our laborers and people in every conference are in harmony and union, and in heartiest sympathy with all the principles of the message and in every forward movement. Our latest series of camp-meetings and conferences has been decidedly the best since my coming to Australia. Every conference, and indeed every department of our work, is hindered because of a shortage of laborers. Urgent calls from the mission fields have been so pressing that the home field has felt called upon to sacrifice to the utmost in order to meet them. While the home field has felt the drain heavily, it has responded most willingly, and we all rejoice in what is being accomplished. Still there is a lack of earnest and efficient workers. The needs of our great mission field are most urgent, and it is the purpose of the conference to continue to push forward to the fullest extent of our powers. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.9
We are very grateful to the General Conference for the good and efficient help rendered us in our late union conference by the sending of Elders J. N. Loughborough and R. C. Porter. Their help and labors were very timely, and were greatly appreciated. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.10
Following the union conference, Brother Loughborough visited the camp-meetings and conferences in all the different states and in New Zealand. He enjoyed excellent health, and spoke with remarkable vigor and power. His presentation of the early experiences in the rise of the message, its growth and development to the present time, and the place and position the spirit of prophecy occupies in this work, both past and present, will prove of lasting blessing to the cause of truth in the Australasian field. Indeed, it seemed to be just what was most needed by all our people at this time. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.11
In behalf of our workers, I would say that they are all of good courage, and ready for any labor and sacrifice that the message and the work may call for. Our aim is to give “the third angel’s message to all the world in this generation,” and we quite sense the responsibility of the statement, “Upon the Australasian Union Conference rests the burden of carrying the message to the islands of the Pacific.” GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.12
OUR NEEDS
And what shall I say of our needs? We fully appreciate the many calls and great demands made upon the General Conference, and feel very grateful for having been so liberally remembered in various ways in the past. But we shall still continue to need assistance; for the demands made upon us by our great mission field are beyond our ability to do them justice. We can assure the General Conference that we shall do all in our power, both in the matter of furnishing workers, and in the supplying of funds. But with this we must ask for the continuance of appropriations that you have so willingly granted during the past, and in addition to this we need help in the way of laborers. But this we shall present to the committee that will consider the distribution of laborers. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.13
In conclusion I will present the greetings of all our people to the General Conference in the language of the school and church at Avondale. They said: “Tell them we love the third angel’s message; that our whole being is devoted to this work; that we are in most hearty accord and sympathy with the General Conference; and that we have young men and women who are willing to go wherever God wants them, till the work shall be finished, and the Lord come in glory.” GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.14
Much more could be added; but other reports will deal more particularly and fully with our work in the East Indies and the Philippines and other islands. Feeling thankful to God for all past blessings, we feel glad to assure the General Conference that the Australasian Union Conference is heart and soul with you in the great work before us. I will now close my brief sketch of our field by appending the closing resolution passed by our late union conference:— GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.15
“Resolved, That as a conference, and as individuals, we unite in ascribing praise to our Heavenly Father for his matchless mercies; and that by his grace we show our appreciation of past blessings, by reaffirming our confidence in God’s dealing with this people through the spirit of prophecy, in the ultimate triumphs of the truths for this time, and by pressing forward into every opening of his providence.” GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.16
East Indian Field GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.17
Elder Olsen resumed the chair, and called upon J. E. Fulton to report for the populous East Indian field, under the Australasian Union care. He said:— GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.18
I wish to bear greeting from our Sabbath-keepers and workers in this great island field. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.19
THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
These islands are a very old settlement, being discovered only 29 years after Columbus discovered America, by the great navigator Magellan, who landed on the island of Cebu in 1521. Of the inhabitants, some are pagans, some are Mohammedans, and the greater number are professed Christians. Since America has taken over these islands, Protestant missions are operated by different denominations. There seems to be quite a movement on the part of the natives to read the Bible, which has been withheld from them so long. The population of these islands is stated to be about 8,000,000. What a field for missionary effort! It would seem that now is our time to work there. Brother and Sister Finster and Brother and Sister Caldwell are our only missionaries in that group, but what are they among so many? GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.20
In the Philippines one finds himself in a country of strange contrasts. He sees the old forts and city walls, and ancient cathedrals, some of which were built not long after the time of Martin Luther. Alongside these he now sees modern buildings of every kind; and emerging from, or entering through, the gray and moss-covered walls, in old Manila, the electric cars are seen raging along in American style. GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.21
We have done something here in the way of circulating literature. Hundreds of the Signs of the Times have been pouring into the Philippines every week, addressed to school-teachers and others who read English. Brother Caldwell has done excellent and successful service in selling Spanish “Patriarchs and Prophets.” In a letter just received Brother Caldwell tells us that his deliveries have been good, and he is now re-canvassing the territory for “Coming King,” also in Spanish. The Lord has opened the way to secure a good translator, to put some of our literature into the Tagalog language, one of the most important dialects in the group. At our late council meeting in Manila we decided to get a few leaflets translated and printed in this dialect. Three hours after a meeting where we decided on two small tracts to be translated, we were in the house of the translator, a man who has been employed by the American Bible Society. He immediately took the work, and in three days had completed the task, and the manuscript was placed in the hands of the printer, copies of the tracts to be in the hands of the people, and, we trust, the truths taught soon to be in their hearts. In a recent letter from Brother Finster, we are told that the translator has been working on a Sabbath tract, and that he became so much exercised over the question himself that he has decided to obey. GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.1
Many of you have been interested in hearing about the great split in the Catholic Church in the Philippines. You have been interested because you have heard that the new movement, called the Independent Catholic Church of the Philippines, has been circulating God’s written Word. While in Manila I called upon Archbishop Aglipay, who claims to stand at the head of at least 3,000,000 people. He received me cordially, and asked me many questions about our faith. He expressed himself as happy to learn of a people who really have the interest of the native people at heart, which he thought was an unusual thing. When he heard of our General Conference, and knew that I was a delegate, he asked me to bear a request for him to this Conference. “Tell your delegates assembled at General Conference,” he said, “to pray for my people.” Let us pray. GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.2
PHILIPPINE NEEDS
The needs are great. We ought immediately to have 2 more ministerial workers, one in the north and one in the south, and 2 canvassers for the same districts. Many more laborers could be used; but considering the general needs of God’s cause in many lands we make only this moderate request. GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.3
A mission station, where a school can be carried on, will soon be needed. This will need to be carefully selected, and should, we think, be located where the workers could have the most favorable surroundings for health, which must be carefully guarded in this climate. GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.4
SUMATRA
There are about 3,000,000 people in this great island. Padang is the chief city, and the place where our mission is located, under Brother Wantzlick. There are about 30,000 people there, 18,000 being Malays, 10,000 Chinese, and the remainder Europeans. Mohammedanism has a strong hold upon the Malays. Padang is a good center for our Malay work, and we have unrestricted privileges to work for any class. The Battaks live in the interior, about seven days’ travel from Padang. We have a few there who are keeping the Sabbath. There is an interest among the Battaks, but on account of the promise of the government to the German mission, occupying this territory, no other people are allowed to enter there. Still no one man, or company of men, can set bounds which will not be broken over by the message. Four of these Battaks have attended our school in Singapore. Two of them have since returned, and one of them is teaching the truth to his people, and writes of an interest on the part of many, and also of opposition on the part of the German missionaries. But, being a native son, he is left to carry on the work. Brother G. F. Jones, of the Singapore Mission and school, writes that there are a number of these Battaks who wish to attend school. It seems that a school should be started at some point in Sumatra, near enough to receive these eager people. Where are the workers for this great island with its millions? There are precious souls there ready to receive the light. Who will go? GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.5
SINGAPORE
The city and island of Singapore, at the extreme end of the Malay Peninsula, furnish a field of study for those who desire to learn something of the customs and religions of the various people of the East. GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.6
Thousands of Chinese are here also, and their numbers and activity give one the impression that this is quite like a Chinese city. Of its 300,000 population, over 200,000 are Chinese. Then there are also Klings from Western India, a numerous body of Mohammedans, and these, with many Arabs, make up the many petty merchants of the city. There are also a few thousand Europeans in important positions, both in business and in government. There are churches, Hindu temples, Chinese joss-houses, and Mohammedan mosques, representing the different religions of the people. From a commercial standpoint, Singapore is a great center, and from the missionary’s standpoint it is also a great center. I am told that fifty lines of steamships call at Singapore. Brother and Sister Jones have been here for some time, and the Lord has blessed their labors with fruit. GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.7
JAVA
This is one of the most populous spots on the globe, in fact it is said that one part of Java is the most densely populated district in the world. The island is 635 miles in length, and about 100 miles in width, and yet it supports a population of 32,000,000 people. The inhabitants are said to be chiefly Mohammedans, but they are not very strict about their religion, except here and there in the large cities. Many of the people seem to know nothing of God, and so are really heathen. GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.8
The island is very productive, rice being the staple article. Many kinds of food are raised, and some of the most delicious tropical fruits are here found in abundance. The people are kind and full of good nature. We believe there are many people among them who would respond to the truth. They are a very needy race. We have a great work to be done there, but where are the reapers? Is the Lord laying the burden on some of the young people for this great field? May God arouse his people to the needs of these millions of perishing souls. [Amens.] GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.9
The centers of our work are located in Soerabaya, and Soember Wekas, and Pangoensen. At Soember Wekas, 35 miles inland from the hot, fever-stricken district of Soerabaya, and at an elevation of 2,400 feet, we have secured a property of three and one-half acres of good land, planted to tropical fruits, shrubs, and flowers, with a substantial house and bamboo bungalow, the main house being well furnished at the time of purchase. Through the property flows a lovely little stream, passing through a large cement swimming bath, 20 x 20 feet, as it runs on to the garden below. The altitude secures us a cool and delightful climate. The mountains at the back rise to an elevation of 10,000 feet. We secured this property at the very moderate price of about $900. GCB May 23, 1909, page 115.10
Let me here refer to what I feel sure we shall all recognize as a special providence of God. Over two years ago at our Australasian Conference, the writer remembers a prayer offered by Brother Munson, in which one expression was, “Lord, open up Java to the message.” It was plain that the government in Java had been unfavorable to missionary effort, and hence the earnest prayer referred to. But while deliberating in that very conference a letter was received from Brother Jones, of Singapore, telling us that he thought the time had come to start in Java, and telling us of an interest that he had found while visiting that place. We decided to act at once, and Brother and Sister G. Teasdale, and Sister P. Tunheim, were sent to Java at the close of the conference. GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.1
We supposed they were our first missionaries to that country, but not so. Nearly half a century ago a godly man by the name of Jantz went to Java as a missionary from Holland. He translated the Bible into the Javanese, no easy task. His son and daughter afterward joined him in missionary work. The father died; the son labors on as a missionary, and so does the daughter, of whom we wish especially to speak. About sixteen years ago this sister received the light on the Sabbath question, together with the kindred truth, the second advent doctrine. GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.2
She received no encouragement from her father, who was then living, or her brother; but, firmly convinced of the truth she had found, she resolutely held to her convictions, and, securing a small grant of land from the government, she decided to carry on missionary work independent of her people. For years she has labored alone, and gathering in the poor, helpless heathen people, has taught them of Jesus and his matchless love, teaching them to obey all things as far as she herself had received the blessed light. When our people learned of her work, she was visited; and Elder E. H. Gates brought a request from Sister Jantz to our conference, asking us to take over her work, and carry it on under our direction. At our last union conference, the brethren asked me to visit Sister Jantz, talk over the proposition with her, and see what ought to be done. GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.3
We shall never forget our visit to that place; of the journey up the valley with its fields of waving rice, some green, some golden, and the patches of corn, as well as the beautiful trees and the lovely flowing stream. But most interesting of all was the sight of the little homes of the people that we had come to visit. We shall never forget the welcome we received. From every member of every family, as we rode along on the little Arab ponies, we heard one and the same welcome, “Salamat, dateng, duro,” which means, “Blessing on your coming.” GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.4
We saw the place and the people, attended the prayer-meeting that night and the services on the Sabbath, and we felt sure that a number had learned of Jesus. They all (about 200), rest on the Sabbath, and a considerable number do this intelligently and from choice. Some of the young have so far progressed in experience and knowledge that they are able to go the surrounding heathen villages, and preach the gospel. Some gave their experience on the Sabbath, and their testimonies were truly refreshing. God has done a great work there through our sister, and we feel sure that something should be done to further train these young people, so that they may be used to give the message in a definite manner. GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.5
When Israel was mourning in bondage under cruel rulers, God heard their cries; and while many sighed and cried by reason of their bondage, Moses was being prepared to lead them forth from oppression. So, long before Brother Munson offered that prayer to God to open up Java to the message, God had gone before us, and had secured to us a servant, who has given us a mighty lift in getting a footing in this important field. How wonderful are his providences! GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.6
This wonderful island, with its 30,000,000 people, presses upon us responsibilities and opportunities for service. God leads. The moving pillar of cloud signals us to break up our camps of ease and leisure, and move on at once to active service for the Master. GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.7
BORNEO
Borneo is the second largest island in the world, larger than any country in Europe, excepting Russia. It is a land of great mountains, mighty plains, and numerous rivers, abounding in animals, wild and fierce, including elephants, rhinoceroses, lions, monkeys, etc. Many of the people, also, are as unapproachable as the wild animals. There are, however, many Malays in the coast towns, also a large number of Chinese artisans, and some European settlers. The population is about 2,000,000. Borneo is divided between the British and the Dutch. Missions have been opened in Borneo, and good success has attended the work. Many of the people show a desire for the gospel. Who will prepare to go to this great island? Some must go there soon, and learn the language. May God raise up laborers for this needy field. GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.8
THE CELEBES
This is another Dutch possession. It is an odd-shaped island consisting of four arms, or peninsulas. It lies east of Borneo, and is larger than any one of the Philippine group. The population is about 800,000. The greater number of the people are Mohammedans, but in the northern part there are about 200,000 Christian natives. This will certainly be an interesting field for missionary labor. Pray for laborers for this great island. GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.9
THE MOLUCCAS
Then there are the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, which lie between Celebes and New Guinea, and include Ceram with its 300,000 people; Banda, with 111,000; Amboina, with 30,000; Ternate, with 92,000; also other smaller islands. Some of these islands are very rich in their products, but the people are of greater value, and the question is, Who shall be found to carry the truth to these souls? We trust that some one will soon have a burden for this part of the East Indian field. GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.10
OTHER ISLANDS
Starting at the eastern end of Java, and traveling eastward, there are a number of interesting islands; Bali, or little Java, with over a million people; Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba, Timor, and many others. Most of these are thickly populated, and to all of them must go the third angel’s message. The Bible tells us that the isles are “waiting for his law.” The message is to go to every kindred, tribe, and people. The Gentiles will come to the light. The time has now come to push the preaching of the message to every island of the heathen world. It has long been given in the home fields; and while there is much still to do, we know that the Lord has said, “Now, just now, is the time to work in foreign countries.” “The light is to shine to all lands and to all people.” “The daystar has risen upon us, and we are to flash its light upon the pathway of those in darkness.” “God’s people are not to cease their labors until they encircle the world.” “The work in foreign fields has not been advanced as it should be advanced.” “Our General, who never makes a mistake, says to us, ‘Advance.’ Enter new territory. Lift up the standard in every land.” “Our burden to the ‘regions beyond’ can never be laid down until the whole earth shall be lightened with the glory of the Lord.” “Scarcely a thousandth part of the work is being done that ought to be done in missionary fields. God calls upon his workers to annex new territory for him. There are rich fields of toil waiting for the faithful workers.” “The vineyard includes the whole world, and every part of it is to be worked. There are places which are now a moral wilderness, and these are to become as the garden of the Lord.” GCB May 23, 1909, page 116.11
Elder Olsen, the chairman, next asked Brother J. M. Johanson to speak regarding the publishing work. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.1
The Publishing Work GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.2
J. M. Johanson: I did not expect to give any report at this time, so I shall confine myself to stating a few facts relating to our publishing work in Australia. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.3
The Lord has blessed us greatly. Our publishing work made a very humble beginning in Australia in 1885. During that year the first paper was printed, and the type was set in the bedroom of Brother Scott, who was one of the early workers sent out there. But the work developed until it was necessary to build a factory, and they removed to quarters in North Fitzroy. Sometime later, the building occupied by the Echo Publishing Company was erected there, and a large business was built up, partly of commercial work, but at the same time our book work so developed in the field that they began to lay plans for printing our subscription books as well as our tracts and periodicals in Australia. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.4
The work was carried on at North Fitzroy until 1905. Some time before that, the directors of the Echo Publishing Company submitted to the union conference in Australia a proposition for reorganizing our publishing work, and the directors also drew out a plan for the reorganization on a basis that would place our publishing interests entirely in the hands of our people. At the same time, it was thought advisable to sell out our business and plant in Melbourne, and remove to the country. At the present time our publishing work is located 48 miles from Melbourne, in a mountain district where we have water-power for driving our machinery. We have a very complete plant there, which enables us to do all our book publishing in Australia. And we can turn out work that compares favorably with the work done at our older institutions. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.5
We had a very interesting experience when the plans for reorganization were laid. The union conference gave us the privilege of going to the people to raise the sum of $16,000 for establishing our plant in Warburton. Our effort to raise the money is one of the best experiences we have had. There was an excellent response on the part of the people throughout the whole field. We now have an investment there of about $87,000. Our plant is very complete, so that we can do all our publishing there. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.6
Our field work has been making steady progress. As we look back over the years since the book canvassing was taken up, we see a steady growth in the work. If we look over our biennial reports, each report shows an advance. We can at this time show a slight advance in our canvassing work. I will not attempt to give you any figures this morning, as I expect we shall have an opportunity of showing you some pictures of our office, when we will also give you some statistics regarding the progress of our work. Our field work is thoroughly organized. We have in each conference an organized tract society department, which carries forward the work in the field. It is largely because of the hearty co-operation, on the part of our tract societies, with the publishing house and the union conference workers, that we can report such good progress in our book work. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.7
We have now, as has been pointed out to you, a very large territory outside of Australia, which also demands our attention. To give you some idea of the work of our canvassers during the past two years, I may say that the average book sales per agent have amounted to $10 a day for a day of seven hours. This is a fairly good average for Australia. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.8
In the East Indian field we have a large promising territory. A good deal will be said here with reference to work in the eastern countries, and I want to give you a few figures as to what has been done in the East Indies in our book work. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.9
In 1905 we sent the first canvasser to the Malay Peninsula. He worked a little over five months, and during that time his book sales amounted to $1,140. The next year that same canvasser worked the whole year with “Desire of Ages,” and his sales for the year amounted to $4,065. The third year his work amounted to $3,495. I want you to remember that he was handling the “Desire of Ages,” the largest and most expensive book that we handle in our denominational literature. When he first started there, folks told him it would be utterly impossible for him to sell such a high-priced book (we sell that book in Australia at $5 in the cloth binding, and for about $7.50 in the leather binding); but you can see by the result of his work that books can be sold in the great Eastern field. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.10
I am satisfied that if this Conference will only lay plans broad enough, and work earnestly enough to carry them out, as large a book business can, be built up in the East Indies, India, and China, as ever we have had in any of the home countries. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.11
In 1907 to 1908 we had two agents in the East Indies part of the time. For three months there were two agents; for nine months Brother Caldwell worked alone; and during that year the book sales amounted to $4,810. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.12
With reference to the prospect of securing native workers, I would say that we have had one young Chinese sister canvassing in Singapore. When I was there last year, she had just started out; and for the time I was there, she turned in 35 orders each week. Her largest returns for one week’s work was 95 orders. More than 75 per cent of these books were English books, and were sold among the natives,—Malays, Indians, and the Mohammedans. So you can see there is quite a good opening for the sale of our literature in the East Indies. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.13
We expect to push the work in the home field, and also in our great mission field, and to do all we can to make our general publishing work an efficient agency in the rapid spread of the message. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.14
The chair next called upon Brother B. J. Cady, of the Society Islands, to report for the district of which he has charge:— GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.15
Eastern Polynesia GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.16
Our field is composed of about two hundred islands in the following named groups: Society, Cook, Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, and Tuamotu. Pitcairn is also in our mission field, but is a lone island by itself. Our mission field extends over about as large an area as the United States west of the Mississippi River, and has a population of nearly fifty thousand. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.17
The Tahitian, Rarotongan, and Marquesas are the principal languages spoken. The natives are generally a sociable, easy-going people, not taking much thought for the morrow. Nearly all, both men and women, use tobacco, and many are addicted to drink. On account of the mild climate, or continual summer, they are not compelled to labor hard for their food, so have plenty of time for visiting. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.18
It is usually quite difficult to get from one island to another, on account of being dependent upon small sailing-boats, so we never know when we are to leave port or when we shall arrive at our destination. Boats do not call at some islands more than twice a year. When a boat does arrive, all are anxious to hear the news. They enjoy nothing better than to hear or tell some new thing. Great pains is taken in telling every little detail. We are taking advantage of this characteristic of the people, and supplying them with our literature as far as possible. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.19
We have done some work in a number of the Society Islands,—Tahiti, Raiatea, Huahine, and Tahaa,—but other islands of the group have not yet been entered except by our literature. Our Tahitian literature has also been introduced into other groups where the Tahitian language is used; that is, the Tuamotus and the Austral and Gambier islands. Workers have spent a few months in the Gambier Islands, and self-supporting laborers also spent some time in Rurutu, one of the Austral Islands; but the larger portion of these islands have never yet been visited by our workers. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.20
In the Cook Islands, considerable has been done for Rarotonga, but there are other small islands in which hardly a beginning has been made. A paper is published in the Rarotongan language for this group, and our laborers are having good success in circulating it among the people. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.21
I suppose that all know something about the history of Pitcairn, and that the Seventh-day Sabbath is generally observed by its inhabitants. They are an English-speaking people, and are at present provided with a missionary teacher and leader. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.22
We are hoping to send a worker soon to the Marquesas Islands. This is a group about nine hundred miles north of Tahiti. It has never been even visited by our missionary ship or by any of our missionaries. We also hope to enter Moorea and Borabora soon. We feel, too, that we ought to do something in the Austral Islands as soon as possible. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.23
Our little Tahitian paper has found subscribers in each group and in nearly all of the islands where the Tahitian language is used, though its circulation has been greatly hindered by a lack of laborers to introduce it. You can readily see that where the field is divided into many small colonies, separated one from another by a broad expanse of water, it takes much longer to work them than it would the same area of land lying all in one body. Then, too, we do not have railroads and other modern facilities to assist us. GCB May 23, 1909, page 117.24
The Saviour taught us that this gospel must be published among all nations before the end comes. We believe that one of the best and most effectual ways of publishing it is through the printed page. The Tahitians have very little reading-matter in their language, so they are usually glad to get our literature. I heard of one man sitting up all night to read “Christ Our Saviour.” These people put their books and papers carefully away in a box, taking them out only when they wish to read them. Some of their pastors are quite bitter, and threaten to excommunicate them if they attend our meetings or read our paper. There are cases where the parents have had us change the address of their paper, and send it in the name of one of their children, in order to avoid church difficulties. GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.1
We have some interesting experiences in canvassing for our Tahitian literature. Many of the natives have very little money, so we take shells or whatever we may be able to get in payment. On one island where I went to canvass, I was invited to stop with a Frenchman who made no profession of religion. He wished to go around the island with me. A number of those we visited wanted the paper, but had no money on hand with which to pay for it. Our white friend would say, “You ought to have that paper, for it tells you about the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. You put your name down as a subscriber, and I will pay Mr. Cady, then you can pay me afterward.” He went with me for two days, and helped in getting a number of orders; and when I left, he paid me in advance for them all. This was a new experience for me in canvassing, and I felt to thank the Lord for it. GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.2
We now have a small schooner to assist in our work in this field. With it we can get to different islands which would otherwise be very hard to reach. Besides carrying our missionaries and doing other general mission work, this boat has been able to earn enough by carrying freight and passengers to pay the wages of her captain and crew, and other running expenses. Brother J. R. McCoy goes with the boat as our ship missionary. GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.3
Almost a year ago we received reinforcements from the United States in the way of teachers, who settled at Avera, Raiatea, and began labor in the interest of our young people who were at the training home. We have some promising young people, who will, we hope, soon be prepared to enter the work. GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.4
We now have six organized churches in this mission field. Three of these are on the island of Tahiti, and the other three are on the islands of Raiatea, Rarotonga, and Pitcairn. Since the last General Conference, we have labored on the island of Huahine, where we have a company of native Sabbath-keepers, who, we hope, will soon be ready to be organized into a church. GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.5
At times we have been very short-handed, as a number of our workers have left us on account of poor health. At present, we have missionaries stationed only in the islands of Tahiti, Raiatea, Huahine, Rarotonga, and Pitcairn. We are planning to hold a conference in Tahiti in July, at which time we hope to arrange to enter some new fields, and to do more aggressive work. GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.6
Elder B. J. Cady gave a short address in the island language—an oration it really was in style of delivery—and Brother Cady said that the native people are real orators. Translated, it is as follows: “Our people there are very anxious to see the cause of God advanced in all the different countries of the earth. They want it to spread to the east and to the west and to the north and to the south; and when it has gone to all the different kingdoms of the earth, and Christ shall come in all his glory, then we will have the privilege of having a blessed meeting in the kingdom of God, where there shall be no parting.” GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.7
The congregation called for a song, and were greatly pleased with the rendering of “Toiling for Jesus,” in the native tongue, sung by Elder and Sister Cady. GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.8
O. A. Olsen: Brethren, it is a wonderful thing to see how the message is going to all parts of the earth. We have heard from China and other places, but how different it is from only a few years back. How the message is penetrating to the islands of the sea, as well as to the great continents! This is one of the greatest and most important signs that we are right at the door of the Lord’s coming. God help us to sense it, and to rise to the privileges and opportunities of the occasion before us. GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.9
Meeting adjourned. GCB May 23, 1909, page 118.10
O. A. OLSEN, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.