p. 109 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 7. (2/24/1914)

Land of the Midnight Sun

By H. H. Hall

By H. H. HALL Our Representative Tells Interesting Things About Our Work in Northern Europe — Protected by an Unseen Guide — Progress and Prosperity in the Work

MR. H. H. HALL, a member of our board of management, and the manager of our book department, is making an extended trip through Europe and South America, to study our rapidly increasing work in foreign languages. He is favoring us with several articles, which, with the illustrations, give some conception of the magnitude of the world-wide organization formed for the one purpose of carrying to all the nations of earth the gospel of the coming and kingdom of Christ. The institutions and work that Mr. Hall is describing are nothing more than the separate units in the chain that girdles the world. Earnest men and women are thus establishing themselves in every nation and in the islands of the sea, because they have good news that they are seeking to tell to every one. Other articles of a similar character are on the way and will appear soon.

CHIEF among the institutions that God is using to advance His truth in Scandinavia are the Skodsborg sanitarium and school. These properties include the old summer home of the king of Denmark, and his royal coat of arms is over the entrance of the house in which I had the honor of spending a very pleasant twenty-four hours. I looked out from the same old room and porch where he used to sit, and upon the same restless sound which attracted him. But "the sea is His, and He made it," and He shares His possessions with His children.

A few yards away and facing the beach, are long, shed-like buildings, with rear wall and glass roof, in which the patients sit or lie and enjoy the truly kingly view, or are lulled to sleep by the lapping waves at their feet.

It was Christmas eve; and after being assigned to "a very warm room, because you are from California"—so the inspector said—I joined the seventy or more guests and patients in doing ample justice to a bountiful dinner, the taste of which was not in the least impaired by the Danish names under which the various dishes were disguised. Then I followed a gathering company of two hundred fifty or more to the gymnasium to listen to their Christmas exercises, even though I could not understand a word that was said. Dr. J. C. Ottosen, who has been with the institution from the beginning, opened with a short talk on what Christmas really is. The business manager, A. C. Christensen, directed the choir in rendering several anthems and songs, and the children recited and sang, after which Elder J. C. Raft, president of the Scandinavian Union Conference, closed with an earnest gospel exhortation, which was well received.

A PROSPEROUS WORK

The next morning, the inspector, Chr. Juhl, formerly of Iowa, took me through the entire institution, and told me of its growth, of their efforts to make it a truly Christian home, of the devotion of their hundred twenty-five helpers, of conditions in the summer, when they have from two hundred to two hundred twenty-five patients and guests, and of the hundreds they have had to turn away. During the past four years, they have cared for over four thousand people, many of them being high in social and governmental circles. Their total investment now stands at a little less than two hundred thousand dollars; and with the new buildings now under way, they will eventually have nearly a quarter of a million dollars in grounds, buildings, and equipment.

ENTERING THE HARBOR AT ABO AND GLASS HOUSE FRONTING ON BEACH

The union school, which occupies the building to the left of the series shown, is under the efficient direction of Prof. Erik Arneson, our leading Danish and Norwegian scholar and translator. About sixty are in attendance. This building and its facilities are turned over to the sanitarium in the summer. The school building and equipment represent an investment of a little more than twenty-five thousand dollars.

CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY

To many of the SIGNS readers, the next best known institution in northern Europe is the Christiania publishing house, a view of which is here given. The publishing house, however, only uses the basement and the first and second floors of the new and taller building to the left. The church occupies the third floor of the main building, where the reader will note the tall windows; and the rest of the building is used by Brother C. M. Scott and his staff of twenty-four workers, for treatment rooms and a vegetarian cafe. Many will remember the financial crisis through which Christiania passed a few years ago, in which this institution was involved. Although the help sent from America relieved the most pressing obligations, the struggle to meet the remainder, and at the same time to provide the literature needed in this country, has been a long and trying one. But through the careful management of A. C. Christensen and Jens Olsen and their associates, the indebtedness is being paid little by little, and we hope the time will soon come when such facilities can consistently be provided as will enable them to do their own folding and binding, which are now done by outside firms. The amount of means invested in this institution now stands at a little less than seventy-five thousand dollars.

UNSEEN GUARDIAN

Among other interesting experiences related to me by the manager is the following: One of their colporteurs, in making his delivery among the mountains of northern Norway, was obliged to follow a very narrow, slippery path along the side of a steep precipice. He removed his shoes, and with his books strapped to his back, made the perilous passage. On the other side of the fiord—as the deep arms of the sea are called—a man and his wife watched him anxiously. Some

hours later, he met them on the plains above, and they immediately asked, "Where is your partner?" "I have no partner," he replied. "But you did have when you passed that dangerous place," they insisted, "for we both saw him with you." And they could not be convinced that he was quite alone so far as human help was concerned. The young man believes—and who will not join in his conviction?—that an angel was commissioned to protect him in his gospel mission. He has just gone up near Hammerfest, the northernmost city in the world, where at this time of the year the darkness of one night deepens into the next, and there he will work among the Laplanders with our publications.

ICELAND

And Iceland, "away out in the foaming, greedy Atlantic," has been entered, and about fifty are rejoicing in the hope of a soon coming Lord. Six thousand copies of our first Icelandic book, "Christ Our Saviour," have been sold to the ninety thousand islanders—an average of one copy to every fourth home. Elder Raft will soon make another visit to Iceland, although he tells me it takes almost as long to go there as to America.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

In the beautiful city of Stockholm the Swedish conferences and depositories are pleasantly situated. I did not get

OUR SCHOOL AND SANITARIUM GROUNDS FRONTING ON THE SEA AT SKODSBORG, DENMARK

out to Nyhyttan, where their school is located, but learned that it is prospering. Our membership in Sweden is the largest of any conference in the Scandinavian Union—the Danish and Norwegian conferences being divided into two conferences each in 1912—and now stands at one thousand eight. I had the privilege of meeting their leading minister, Elder O. Nelson, who labored in California and Utah twenty-five years ago, and who attended Healdsburg College in the good old days of that institution. Brother Emil Lind, their businessman, came in from the school, and talked over plans by which the Pacific Press can cooperate with them in the publication of certain books which we believe will be a help to both countries.

HELSINGFORS, FINLAND

From Stockholm I took the night boat across the Baltic to Abo, Finland, and went thence by train to Helsingfors. One soon realizes that here he is in the dominion of Russia. My passport had first to be signed by the Russian minister, and was taken when I went on board, and not returned until arrival at Abo. It was again signed when I left. This seemed a little strange to an American, but it is their custom, so I acceded to it, and had no trouble. Here the sun rises about nine o'clock and sets at two-thirty. Thick ice had already formed in the harbor, and our boat looked much as it does in the accompanying picture. The city of Abo furnishes one ice-boat, and the government another, to keep the channel open through the winter, but they can not always accomplish the task.

At Helsingfors I was whisked out to our office in one of those Russian sleighs the shafts of which are connected with an arch-like yoke over the shoulders of the horse. And by the way, after that mile trip through the biting atmosphere, the driver offered to give me change out of the 20-cent mark I gave him for the job. I indicated that he was to keep it, and he smiled broadly, turned his little furry pony, and hurried off to the icy, snow-swept square to wait—let us hope not many hours—for another "fare."

LISTEN GLADLY TO THE MESSAGE

The Finnish people listen gladly to the signs of our times and the news of Christ's second coming. Brother Kohtanen pointed out a large hall in which our people had been holding lectures on these subjects, and which had been filled to overflowing night after night, although its seating capacity was not less than eight hundred. Our three workers in Finland baptized eighty-nine persons the past year. Our brethren here, like those in all pioneer fields, are making wise and liberal use of the printed page. Before leaving, I had the privilege of completing arrangements with Elder L. Muderspach, the president of the conference, and his associates, for the publication of a five-thousand edition of "Great Controversy" in Finnish, three thousand of which are to be used in America.

WOMEN CLERKS AND HELPERS

I was greatly surprised, on entering one of the leading banks of the city, to note that the positions of cashiers, tellers, bookkeepers, and clerks generally, were filled by women.

In fact there were only a few men in sight. This is not the only place in Europe where I have noticed women in positions usually occupied by men in America. They are in ticket offices, parcel check stands, are cashiers and cooks on dining-cars, and in some cases, at least, care for the beds on the sleeping-cars.

I would not leave the impression, because I happened to visit Finland in winter, that it is a cold, cheerless country. On the contrary, it is famous for its many and beautiful lakes, its wooded hills and fertile valleys. Helsingfors is a city of some 160,000 inhabitants. It is located on the water-front, and is an important commercial center. It is closely related with Sweden in business and social life, and the Swedish language is everywhere used as well as the Finnish. But the government is Russian, and that language is taught in the schools. The names of the streets are printed in all three languages, one above the other, so he who runs may read.

On my return to Hamburg, I spent a day at Copenhagen with Elder Raft, completing some items of publishing work, and gathering additional information about the union conference.

PROGRESS AND SACRIFICES FOR THE WORK

During the last four years, they have taken in 1,354 new members, their total membership now standing at 3,391. Their tithes and offerings have been $141,149, and their literature sales $300,562. Their publishing interests are rapidly developing, last quarter's record showing 140 colporteurs, whose sales for 1913 will run close to the $100,000 mark. The conferences are officered by men of experience and energy, and their institutions enjoy the fullest confidence of our own people, and of business men on the outside as well. May the Lord continue to give largely of His Spirit, and make them fruitful in every good word and work.

Notice

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

"SHILOH, THE MAN OF SORROWS," published three years ago in the SIGNS, will soon be published in book form, if enough additional advance subscribers can be obtained to warrant it. I wish to thank those who have already sent in orders. The book will be neatly bound in cloth, 350-400 pages. Price, from $1.00 to $1.50. Agents wanted. Send no money, but address the author, quick. Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle, 1215 Vermont Ave., Lansing, Mich.

EASIER TO KEEP FROM BEING SICK THAN TO GET WELL WHEN ILL—SCIENTIFIC CLEANLINESS AND ITS UNTOLD BENEFITS

HOW TO KEEP WELL

By Mary Alice Hare Loper, M.S.

EASIER TO KEEP FROM BEING SICK THAN TO GET WELL WHEN ILL—SCIENTIFIC CLEANLINESS AND ITS UNTOLD BENEFITS

By MARY ALICE HARE LOPER, M.S.

THERE are simple but effectual precautions against disease which should not be ignored or neglected in the home life. Parents who properly safeguard their own health and the health of those under their care, will be amply repaid by the absence of disease sources in the home. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," is a truism which every home keeper would do well to remember. It is so much easier to keep well than it is to get well after one becomes ill.

"One may have wealth or ease or luxury, Or greatest fame that time can ever tell; But wisest sages fittingly agree That 'life is not to live, but to be well.'"

A SECRET OF KEEPING WELL

Many mothers have come to recognize that the secret of keeping a baby well lies in scientific cleanliness; and the rule is a proper one for the entire household. Many a case of serious blood-poisoning has resulted from a slight injury, which, if it had been cleansed immediately with a few drops of some good disinfectant, would have healed without trouble. Many a case of sore eyes is contracted from using a towel which has become infected by some one similarly afflicted. Infected tableware, also, is recognized as a common source of disease, so that the public dining-room is a great menace to health.

It is surely commendable that our government has seen fit to enact pure food laws for the safeguarding of the public. And now if we could only have some pure dish laws, so that food would not become contaminated during the serving process, that would surely be "a consummation devoutly to be wished." May the day hasten when proper thought will be given to this matter.

Family tooth-brushes are quite unknown, but family hair-brushes and combs are very common, in face of all the varied forms of scalp disorders. There are family conveniences that are eminently proper; but in the domain of health, individual conveniences only are safeguards against contagion.

DANGERS FROM KISSING

The common custom of kissing has come to be recognized as a fruitful source of illness. It is well known that life itself may be risked by kissing patients suffering of diseases which may be communicated in this manner. It is repulsive to think of using a table napkin that has been used by some one else; and yet how difficult it seems to refrain from kissing loved ones known to be suffering of deadly diseases!

"Well," says one, "I think this crusade against kissing is all old-fogyism. I am not at all afraid to kiss even those afflicted with tuberculosis." But the fact is, not being afraid of contracting a disease, is no sure protection against it. I once knew a trained nurse who did not seem to be at all afraid of the typhoid case under his care, but the bell tolled for his funeral while the patient was convalescing.

One should use judgment in associating with the sick, and should refrain from kissing when there is danger of becoming infected with disease germs. This is a good rule to follow even in case of a common cold.

INFECTED CLOTHING

Infected clothing is a source of disease of which many do not seem to realize the danger. Handkerchiefs, especially, are disease carriers; and those used by patients suffering of any form of contagion, should be boiled in soap and water for twenty minutes, with as little previous handling as possible. All infected clothing that can be boiled, may be easily disinfected in this manner. It can then be washed without danger of contagion. After handling infected clothing, cleanse the hands with pure peroxid of hydrogen or some other good disinfectant.

Clothing that will not stand boiling should be fumigated with formaldehyde or sulphur, or be soaked for two hours in a cold solution consisting of two tablespoonfuls of bichlorid of mercury to one gallon of water. Formaldehyde and bichlorid of mercury are deadly poisons, requiring care in their use, and should be kept in bottles differing in appearance from any other bottle about the home; and they should be plainly labeled "Poison." Large colored-glass bottles answer the purpose well, and they should be kept out of the reach of children.

It has been wisely suggested that no one ever should take a dose from any bottle without first reading the label twice. If this rule were followed carefully, many a case of accidental poisoning might be avoided.

Children should be taught never to place in the mouth food or anything else that has fallen to the floor. Playthings that lie about the floor should not be placed in the mouth. The creeping baby may become infected easily with disease germs from the floor, and therefore will bear watching.

WATER, AIR, AND SUNSHINE

Our olfactories were given us not only for pleasure in enjoying the delicate perfume of flowers and the sweet odors of ripening fruits, but that we may discern when we come in contact with foul air, which may give rise to disease.

Typhoid fever, tonsillitis, diphtheria, etc., may easily develop from imperfect sewerage or surface drains. The surface well, also, is a dangerous thing. Many a case of serious illness and many a death have occurred as the result of infection from these sources.

Too much shade, also, is a menace to health. Far better have a dwelling-house occupy a rise of ground wholly apart from shade, than have the purifying rays of the sun so nearly excluded as they are when numerous trees are planted in too close proximity to it. Disease germs flourish where dampness reigns, and many a little grave in the cemetery attests the deadly effects of impure water, bad drainage, and too much shade. Far better cut down the shade-trees than live in a damp atmosphere. Disease germs die where the sun has full sway.

THE BURLAP-COVERED COOLER

The family refrigerator becomes a menace to health if permitted to remain in an insanitary condition. The burlap-covered "cooler" is much more difficult to keep free from germs than is the ice refrigerator. Mold should never be allowed to accumulate where contaminable table supplies are kept. Laws may be enacted for the safeguarding of the nation physically; but there are so many ways in which

health may be undermined, that it remains largely with the individual, after all, to determine to what extent his own health shall be fostered or abused.

However, the all-wise Creator has endowed man with sufficient wisdom to ascertain what is for his best good, and man is under obligations to use that wisdom as God intends. "Little foxes spoil the vines." So little transgressions of nature's laws, often repeated, result in illness and death. "Eternal vigilance" is the price of health as well as of liberty; but it pays to practise it.

The Art of Listening

ARE you a good listener? Or are you too busy creating epigrams of your own and developing your own points of view to pay attention to what any one else is saying? If you don't know how to listen well, you are a decided wet blanket on that most delightful of arts—the art of conversation.

Think back a moment to your own experience one time when you were trying to relate something, and to tell it through to its conclusion. Was there some one who sat on the edge of his chair with the air of merely waiting for you to swallow a period in order to snatch your next sentence? Or was there some one who hadn't the patience to wait even for the period, but rushed in at the comma, and snatched the conversation from you bodily, or perhaps recalling something more thrilling that happened to him or to a friend of his, plunged immediately into his own experience, and left yours dangling unfinished in mid-air?

If you have suffered in any way from the interrupter, the poor listener, you can form some sort of idea what effect your own inattention has on the conversation of your friends.

It is surprising that more people do not realize the advantage of listening well, for the charm it possesses is indisputable. The good listener is universally popular. He is looked upon as charming and comprehending, and eventually wins for himself a reputation for real cleverness.—Continent.

Cooperation Corner

By Editor

Helping Together

THERE are constantly coming to this office requests for this paper for (1) those who are poor and unable to take the paper; (2) for mission work among prisoners and others otherwise confined or secluded; (3) for public reading-rooms; (4) for general missionary work in foreign fields by our missionaries; (5) for general missionary work in various phases. Sometimes there are calls for tracts in foreign languages as well as English. It is not possible for the publishing house to meet all these requests. Publications are sometimes published at a loss to the house. We feel sure that many more of our readers would be glad to help us in this work. Thus may we bring together those who have no time or opportunity to do missionary work, but who are able to help others who have the time and opportunity, but not the means. Who will contribute to our Cooperation Fund?

For Sale

If you have children to send to splendid church school or college, or if you would like to be near a large church, here is your chance to buy a beautifully situated home site, near St. Helena Sanitarium, only ½ mile from church school and sanitarium. Place of 15 acres on county road, R.F.D., good spring water, 2½ acres bearing table grapes 7 years old, 4½ acres standing timber, about 200 cords. Wood sells at present for $6 a cord. The rest in good deep soil, suitable for any kind of fruit-trees or vineyard, also finely fitted for chickens. For particulars write to C. F. Mund, R.F.D. 1, St. Helena, Cal.

For Sale

Or trade for California land, income home at Mountain View, Cal. House is up to date and furnished. Earns one per cent per month of price. Address A. V. Emmert, Waterman, Cal.

Ripe Olives for Sale

By A. E. Crist

Missions, in 50-gallon barrels, 45c a gallon. In 25-gallon barrels, 55c. In 5-gallon cans, 65c. In 1-gallon cans, 75c. Excellent flavor. A good, dark color. Average size, 5/8 or larger. Hygienically cured. Satisfaction guaranteed. Freight east of Rockies, $1.50 a hundred. Minimum, $2.85. By express, $1.60 for 5-gallon can. A. E. Crist, Chico, Cal.

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Pacific Union College

By Editor

A RECENT visit to our Pacific Union College reveals the fact that it has the largest attendance in its history, and what is better still, the class of students is of the highest quality. It was encouraging to mingle with those young men and women, and note their determination to reach the highest attainments in the least possible time, so that they may go to the ends of the earth, into the great harvest-field, to make known the glad message that Jesus is soon coming again. A more earnest, devoted, and intelligent class of young people it has not been our privilege to see. While looking into their faces, it was inspiring to think that this school is only one of the units in our great denominational educational system, which reaches clear around the globe. Similar bodies of earnest young men and women may be found in numerous schools in this country and in every other country throughout the world, and all with the one great aim of securing the preparation that will enable them strongly, intelligently, and quickly to do their part in carrying this gospel of Christ and His coming to all, so that the end may come.

Pacific Union College is urgently in need of added facilities. The college building proper is delayed for lack of funds with which to complete it. Other important buildings and facilities should be added. If those who have means that could be spared for this purpose could have the privilege of looking into the faces of these young men and women and witnessing their earnestness and faithfulness in their preparatory work, we are sure that they would not resist the conviction that they should give liberally to help this good work along.

Our schools in all parts of the world should be faithfully supplied with needed means, for they are the great training centers for every department of our work.

Continue reading: Earthquakes in Divers Places