Earlier text: Report of the Australasian Union Conference[F. W. Field, superintendent of the Japan Mission Field, presented, on the afternoon of May 24, the following report.] The past four years have been years of slow but steady progress for our work in Japan. The conditions in the field have not materially changed. The race which Japan is making for a place among the world's great nations so engrosses the attention of the people that it is difficult to interest them in spiritual things. This is especially true of the people in the centers of population. We find that the more simple-hearted country people are more readily reached with the gospel message. Our church-membership has increased to about 120, with 4 organized churches; while the scattered Sabbath-keepers number about 20. At the close of last year our native laborers numbered 12, including our 2 ordained ministers, Brethren Okehira and Kuniya, 5 licensed missionaries, and 4 colporteurs or canvassers. Our force of foreign evangelical workers has been increased by the coming of 2 new families. Brethren H. F. Benson and wife came in the summer of 1906, and Brother W. L. Foster and wife arrived last August. This spring Brother Benson plans to locate in Hiroshima, where we have several believers; and this fall Brother Foster will open up the work in the island of Shikoku, with its more than three millions of inhabitants. In our evangelistic work we have made our first trials at holding tent-meetings. The damp, changeable climate of Japan is hard on tents, and not favorable for camping out. Rain is frequent in spring and summer, so that autumn is the most favorable season for tent-meetings. Our first tent effort was made in a suburb of Tokyo four years ago. The tent-meetings at Takasaki, Maebashi, and Fukushima were preceded by months of labor in the circulation of our literature. The attendance at all these meetings was not large, as the great mass of the people are not accustomed to attending religious meetings, and are quite shy, or else prejudiced against Christianity, or wholly indifferent. Still, a number became interested as a result of these efforts, and several accepted the truth at each place.13 The medical work in Kobe has been continued along the same lines as formerly, with a good degree of patronage and encouraging results. Two years ago Dr. Lockwood retired from the field on account of his wife's health, and Dr. W. C. Duncombe has since had charge of the Kobe Sanitarium. The patronage of this institution has continued good, and it has gained many warm friends, especially among the missionaries. But in our plans, to be mentioned later, for establishing permanent headquarters for our work, it was decided to close the Kobe Sanitarium; and this was done the last of February, this year. When the institution was closed, it had on hand in cash about $750, besides all its equipment and furnishings, a considerable part of which had been paid for out of the earnings. The institution has paid all expenses, and salaries of workers, out of its earnings, except the physician's salary. The Eisei-in, our native sanitarium, is still under private management, and doing a good work. For a long time the need of more room and better facilities was felt. About a year ago a friend of the institution furnished security for a loan, with which land was purchased, and a new building suited to the needs of the work, was erected. This building was occupied early last summer, and the good work goes on with increased patronage. However, the management find themselves embarrassed by a debt of about $15,000, while they are still in need of further equipment. But they report that under present conditions they have more than paid expenses. Our publishing work during the past four years has seen some changes in the direction of progress. The work is still carried on in rented rooms in Tokyo. Two years ago we bought a pony cylinder press, on which we have since printed our missionary paper. We also print our Sabbath-school lessons, and some of our tracts; but we still hire considerable of our tract work done. We have changed our paper from a sixteen-page monthly to a twelve-page semi-monthly. Several new tracts have been added to our list of publications, and new editions of old ones issued. During the past year we have given special attention and effort to the circulation of our literature. Our believers have quite generally been aroused to attempt the sale of our papers and tracts, and it has been shown that these can be sold quite readily. At the close of last year we issued a special illustrated number of our paper, and over four thousand copies were disposed of, most of which were sold in a house-to-house canvass. Even some of the timid sisters were encouraged to attempt the sale of the papers, with very gratifying results. Henceforth we shall have our workers make special effort to sell the papers, instead of loaning so many. We still have no permanent training-school in Japan, but we have been doing what we could to train workers. During the winter of 1907 and 1908, Brethren Okehira and Kuniya found time from their other work to conduct regular daily Bible classes, for the benefit of a number of young people, who were seeking a better preparation for the work. This instruction was appreciated, and will doubtless bear fruit. At our council meeting last fall, we planned a more systematic and extensive educational effort than we had yet undertaken. We decided to hold a three months' training-school during the winter. We called in all our regular workers to attend this school, and also made such arrangements as would enable a number of our young men and women to attend. The school was held from December 7 to February 28, and the attendance was about 40. We gave instruction in topical Bible subjects, the prophecies, physiology and hygiene, church history, English language, vocal music, and practical drill in canvassing. Toward the close of the school, 10 of its members were baptized, 2 of whom accepted the truth as a result of their study in the school. At the close of the school, 8 new workers started out to distribute our literature. From the first their reports have been very encouraging, and indicate that with a little more experience and better publications to work with, the sale of our literature can be made a financial success in Japan. One young brother laboring in Tokyo has been especially successful in the sale of our papers. Another new worker has been equally successful in the sale of our tracts. The stock of several of our tracts has become about exhausted since sending out these new workers, and we are busy getting out new editions. We all feel much encouraged by the impetus given to our work as a result of our brief training-school; and we are praying and planning that we may soon have a permanent school for the training of workers. The experience of one of our new workers indicates how the Lord is preparing the way for the truth to go even in Japan. Brother Nishino had been reading our literature for some time, and began to observe the Sabbath a short time before our training-school opened. He attended the school throughout, and then offered himself for the work of distributing our literature. He wished to labor near his home, which is in the country not far from Tokyo. But he feared the prejudice in his immediate neighborhood. However, before leaving home to begin his work with the literature, he invited in his friends and neighbors, that he might explain to them the reasons of his faith. The result was that he found an interest far beyond his expectation, and reported that seven had already decided to observe the Sabbath, and that he had decided to follow up the interest instead of going elsewhere to labor. We planned to associate with him Brother Watanabe, one of our experienced workers, and are expecting to see a good work done there. We have not yet attempted anything in the church-school work; but this is a matter that demands our serious consideration. There are not many children of school age among us yet. At present there are eleven in Tokyo, and hardly as many more elsewhere, with no more than three in any one place. But these should be given the advantages of a Christian education if possible. In planning to open this line of work, a number of difficulties present themselves. Japan has very strict school laws. The first six years of school life are compulsory. A very thorough system of public schools is maintained. But private schools are allowed, under certain restrictions and regulations. The law also allows a family to employ a private tutor, who must be a regularly licensed teacher. It is evident that we could not hope to provide a private teacher for every family having children. Should we attempt to form a private school to which a number of families might send their children, we should have to conform to the regulations governing such schools. One of these regulations requires that a school must employ not fewer than three teachers. The construction of the school building, the size of the play-ground, the course of study, and other details, are subject to government inspection and approval. It will require faith and courage, earnest work and careful planning, to surmount these difficulties, that our Japanese children may be given a Christian education. The Sabbath-school work in our field has kept pace with the advancement made in other lines. We now have five schools, one in each church, and one at Hiroshima. During the past year we have made an effort to increase our donations by the use of the contribution thermometer; and in at least two of our schools the resulting increase has been very marked. As for lessons, for some time we have been translating the regular senior lessons for our schools. But these lessons, while excellent for our people at home, are hardly adapted to the needs of the people in a country like Japan. So we are in favor of having prepared a series of elementary lessons on Bible truth, adapted to such fields as ours. The senior grade of lessons are the only ones we provide. We have a primary class in the Tokyo Sabbath-school, but the teacher is left to her own resources in providing lessons. GENERAL CONFERENCE REPRESENTATIVES' VISITS
During the past General Conference term, the Japanese field has for the first time been visited by representatives of the General Conference. Two years ago this past winter Elder Prescott spent between two and three weeks with us, during which time we held our first general meeting. Brother Prescott's help was very much appreciated, both in planning for the advancement of the work, and in the study of the message. Last fall Elder I. H. Evans spent several weeks in Japan, visiting various places where our work has been established, and counseling with us in our plans for the future. Brother Evans's visit was also highly appreciated, and we believe that we should frequently have the benefit of such advice and counsel. And we are hoping that something may be done at this Conference to provide for this evident need in our missions of the far East. At our general meeting two years ago it was decided to hold a similar meeting every year, after the manner of our camp-meetings in the home field. Our general meeting last year was held at Kozu, a pleasant seaside place not far south of Yokohama. The meeting continued ten days, and was a very profitable season. We spent the forenoons in Bible study, and in considering the various lines of our work. Afternoons our workers went out among the people, distributing our literature, interesting them in Christianity, and inviting them to our meetings. Every evening a service was14 held especially for outsiders. We had a good meeting. Our own people were much benefited; and we trust that seeds of truth were sown that will bear fruit. This report would hardly be complete without some reference to our plans for the future. At our council meeting held during Elder Evans's visit, the plans adopted centered around the general proposition to establish a permanent center for our work. It was decided that this center should be located in or near Tokyo, the capital and metropolis of the country. Our plan is to purchase a plot of ground in the suburbs, where land is not too expensive, and to establish thereon a training-school, a sanitarium, and a printing plant. The carrying out of such a comprehensive plan requires the expenditure of quite a sum of money, and a number of additional experienced workers, to assure success. During the past winter we spent considerable time in searching for a suitable location for the proposed headquarters of our work. The value of land in and around Tokyo is rapidly increasing, and in most directions is far too high for us to think of purchasing. Our search finally narrowed down to the vicinity between two diverging railway lines, in the northwestern suburbs. Here within a few minutes' walk from both steam and electric cars, we were offered a plot containing five or six acres, as we might desire, for about $2,100 an acre. This we considered a very favorable offer indeed, as much of the land in the immediate vicinity is held at nearly or quite twice this figure. And even after offering us the land at this price, while we were hoping and planning that we might secure the land, the owners apparently became convinced that they had offered it too cheap, and made an advance of about $120 an acre, and limited our option to a few days. This statement of our experience will give some idea of the values on land near Tokyo, and of the importance of securing what we need as soon as possible. We shall probably not have another chance like the one just mentioned. To secure land at this price we shall be obliged to go farther out from the lines of travel, and from the conveniences to be found near the city limits. Every year's delay means a difference of thousands of dollars in the value of the land we shall need. In closing, I wish to express my confidence in the progress and final triumph of the Lord's work in Japan. Even with our present force of workers, the message should go much more rapidly than heretofore. And if now we can have a permanent center, where the various lines of our work can be developed systematically, and from which a constant supply of new workers can be sent out into the field, we shall soon see the end of our efforts,—the nation warned, and a people prepared for the Lord's coming. After this consideration of the work in Japan, Elder Field called upon W. R. Smith to present the work in— Korea has a territory of about 90,000 square miles, with a population of 15,000,000. It has a spoken and a written language of its own. About half the men are able to read and write. The women are mostly illiterate, there being no general educational system in Korea. Our work in Korea began about five years ago, when two Koreans visiting Japan had their attention drawn to the truth, one of them returning to Korea, and beginning to preach what he had learned. None of the Korean believers understood the Japanese, the English, or the Chinese, and there was no one among our Japanese workers who understood very much of the Korean. So whatever truth these Korean people received they received under very unfavorable circumstances. We have at the present time about fourteen companies of Sabbath-keepers, numbering upward of 500. I would not wish to give the impression that we have this many Seventh-day Adventists; for all who attend the services are not yet informed as to all points of our truth. They have not yet had opportunity to become fully instructed. We had first to learn the language, and it has taken some time to get where we could properly instruct those who were following the truth so far as they imperfectly understood it. I think I am safe in saying that we now have fully 150 established believers. As for all the rest who are attending our services, and who are friendly to the truth, we are endeavoring to lead and instruct them so that they may intelligently take their stand with us. We have at the present time seven native laborers who are giving their time to teaching their fellow men. There are three families of foreign workers and two single ladies. A year after we entered Korea, Miss Scharfenberg arrived; and last autumn Elder C. L. Butterfield and family, Dr. R. Russell and wife, and Miss May Scott arrived in the field. We have no literature save four small tracts. The Bible is not yet wholly translated into Korean. We have the New Testament, Genesis, Exodus, First and Second Samuel, First and Second Kings, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, and Malachi. Without doubt the other portions will soon be in the language. We are very anxious to get out literature of our own, by which to lead the people into the study of the Word of God. The conditions for years in Korea have been such as to discourage progress and enterprise. If some man built up a fair property, some corrupt official was liable to pounce upon him and bring him into trouble unless he gave up whatever he had. This has given the country, to some extent, an appearance of shiftlessness. But the Koreans have sterling qualities which will place them,—when they are educated and protected,—alongside any people that live in the world. While the Korean has been oppressed all these centuries by the nations that are stronger than himself, yet he has not lost his self-respect. While he realizes that his nation is perhaps the weakest of all the nations, he regards himself as a man among men. We will tell you that the Korean student, when put with Japanese and Chinese students, excels them. He is proud of his intellect. He has nothing to boast of in regard to his government. He will tell you that for hundreds of years they have not had one good king, nor one good governor, nor one good magistrate. Agricultural methods are primitive. While the ground is fertile, and nourished by warm rains, so that it produces a fair harvest of rice, wheat, barley, beans, and Kafir corn, yet the Korean tills it with the same instruments that were perhaps used three thousand years ago. But he is anxious to learn. We have a garden at our Soonan Mission, and the natives are very anxious to know how we plow our fields, and to learn what we raise in this western country. They desire to get seeds from us. As most of you know, we have a small school at Soonan, in a building 60 x 12 feet. We use one portion of this building for the girls, the other for the boys, and at one end Dr. Russell has his dispensary. In another room is our little printing-press. We are thankful, indeed, for the opening of the medical missionary work. The methods of the native medicine-man are primitive and cruel. Perhaps he will jab a sharp steel instrument into an affected part. For a pain in the shoulder he may burn the shoulder into a blister, or thrust in a sharp instrument almost to the bone. When we went to Korea, three years and a half ago, we were beset by those who desired help for physical ailments. As we went for a walk one day, a man asked us to come and see his wife, who was ill, and Mrs. Smith gave her treatment until she recovered. From that time until Dr. Russell came last fall, Mrs. Smith was the medical member of the community. The people would flock in by the dozens, and I think sometimes as many as a hundred would be standing waiting to get such simple remedies as we were able to give them. Ever since Dr. Russell's arrival last September, he has, on the average, treated about 500 patients a month. He spends his forenoons treating patients, the afternoons in language study. To the newcomer who visits at the Korean home, it seems that the people are curious. They ask all manner of questions, as to age, salary, and family affairs. But this is not mere curiosity; it is only the Korean way of being courteous and showing interest in a stranger. They are a kind-hearted people. Often we have been able to use this very interest in introducing the truth to them. I have tried briefly to suggest to you something of the needs of Korea. The means we have at the present time for carrying forward the work there are practically nothing. We therefore hope the needs will appeal to you. Although the conditions in Korea are not so favorable as they are here,—the houses are inferior to those of Manchuria and China, and the people live in villages under very insanitary conditions,—yet I am glad to tell you that we enjoy life in Korea. I believe that those men in the time of David who “stayed with the stuff” were to be pitied more than those who had the privilege of going to the conquest. We do not have fine homes in Korea, but we never had fine homes here, and we do not want them. We have just as good food as we are able to appreciate. We enjoy working with the Koreans. We enjoy being with them, and are interested in the work. The only thing that would make me sorrowful would be that I could not return to Korea. I was so afraid that something would come up that I could not return, that I think I would have found some excuse to stay there, had it not been for the disappointment which would have resulted to Mrs. Smith and15 her mother. We have had sickness in our family, and lost our little one, and we appreciate the sympathy we have heard expressed since returning. But I am glad to testify to you that the grace of God is able to sustain us under any circumstances. I went to Korea with some misgivings, especially in regard to my being able to master the language, because I felt that I was deficient in articulation. But I determined that I was going to learn the language, or come home on my own expense. Our hearts are full of courage for the work in the great Korean field. The Work in West Africa
By D. C. Babcock
[Elder D. C. Babcock, who is in charge of the work in West Africa, presented, June 6, the following interesting report of the work in his field.] In representing West Africa’s progress and needs to this Conference, I would first of all disabuse any minds of a common impression that West Africa means a narrow strip of sparsely settled country along the coast. What is termed West Africa comprises thirteen countries, with a population of sixty-seven millions, as follows: Senegal, 2,000,000; Gambia, 500,000; French Sudan, 3,000,000; Portuguese Guinea, 820,000; French Guinea, 2,200,000; Sierra Leone, 1,500,000; Liberia, 1,800,000; Ivory Coast, 3,000,000; Gold Coast, 1,500,000; Togo, 1,500,000; Dahomey, 1,000,000; the Nigerias, including Lagos, 44,000,000; and the Kamerun, 4,500,000. This does not include much of the hinterland within these boundaries, which, according to the estimate made by the Sudan Mission people, will increase these figures to a hundred million souls yet un warned of the soon-coming judgments of God. Among these peoples, more than two hundred languages and dialects are spoken. The first effort to place the message before the people of West Africa was made by the old International Tract Society, in sending literature to the Gold Coast. In a short time, appeals were made for ministerial help. A representative of the society was sent to the West Coast, calling at Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast, leaving many books, papers, and tracts. Some accepted the message, and Elder E. L. Sanford, with other help, was sent to continue the work. His health soon failed, and in 1895 Elder D. U. Hale was sent to the Gold Coast, and remained two years. The history of his suffering with West African fever, of his second attempt in 1902, and his final return to the home land, is known by all. As a result of the efforts put forth by the brethren, some accepted the message, a few of whom still stand firmly for the truth on the Gold Coast. Earnest appeals continued to be made, and the General Conference in 1905 voted to send Mrs. Babcock and myself to this part of dark Africa. We reached the field in August of that year. After spending a few days in Sierra Leone, looking at the surroundings from the standpoint of health, I proceeded down the coast to the Gold Coast. I spent some days looking for our people, but failing to get trace of any one, I settled up some business matters and returned to Sierra Leone, deciding to open the work there, and, if the way opened, make that our headquarters for West Africa. We began work by selling our books, Mrs. Babcock working in one part of the city and I in another. We held a few meetings in our home; but ere long I was attacked with fever. It seemed for a time that the experience of Elder Hale and others would be mine, but the Lord intervened, and after four and one-half months of continued sickness the fever broke. The next day after my fever ceased, Mrs. Babcock was taken down with fever, and it seemed she must die; but the Lord heard our cry, and she was restored. Having decided that Satan should not defeat us in establishing the message on the West Coast of Africa, we looked out the healthiest location we could find, and built a substantial mission home, and by the close of 1906 were ready for work among the people. On Jan. 10, 1907, our tent was pitched, and from the first night to the close of the meetings, March 10, the interest continued good. As a result of this effort a church of thirty-one members was organized, and a suitable church building was erected. This church now numbers over sixty members. Among those who accepted the truth in 1907 were two young men who are now actively engaged in the ministry, both being earnest and quite successful workers. Others are making a success of canvassing for our books. In February, 1907, the first help was sent us by the Mission Board, in the person of Tutu Kwamina. He soon forsook us. The last of April, the same year, Brother L. W. Browne arrived, and did efficient work during his short stay. In May, 1908, he returned to America. During his stay, in company with Brother C. E. F. Thompson, a Jamaican, and Brother R. P. Dauphin, a West African, a company of believers was raised up at Waterloo, twenty miles from Freetown. In the month of August, 1907, Mrs. Babcock and myself began work on the Gold Coast, but owing to the rainy season, we could continue but a short time. With the few who accepted the message we organized a Sabbath-school of fifteen young men. Brother C. A. Ackah took up the book work at Cape Coast, Gold Coast, and other points, and has disposed of about $500 worth of books and other literature. He also held some meetings in his native village, among the Nsimbia people, and reports forty-three Sabbath-keepers. When we moved into our new mission home, in 1906, an Austrian, a Catholic, living near us, requested Mrs. Babcock to teach his children. She consented, and in a few days others came, making the same request. The attendance increased so rapidly that we were soon compelled to pitch our tent to accommodate the children. We also had to employ an assistant teacher, as the enrolment soon reached 125. As the rainy season approached, we had to erect a small building so we could continue the school work. This building was soon too small, and we were compelled to rent additional rooms. At the time of the General Conference council at Gland, Switzerland, I made an appeal for means to erect a larger building, and for a suitable person to train young men as workers for this field. The request was granted, but not until 1908 could the help asked for be secured. In August, 1908, Prof. T. M. French arrived in Sierra Leone to take charge of the training of laborers. This addition to our working force has been a great encouragement to the work in West Africa. Before his arrival we had secured a suitable location near our mission home for the school building. About the first of October, we laid the foundation of the building, and with some Mendi boys, and three Creoles, began work. Professor French had a touch of fever occasionally, but the hand of God was with us, and by March 4, although the building was not yet completed, the school was opened. The Lord is greatly blessing it. Professor French speaks in the highest terms of the progress made by the children. By this time our school has in attendance, I suppose, representatives of more than fifteen languages and dialects on the West Coast of Africa. We have a primary school at Waterloo, with forty-three attending, and one on the Gold Coast of about the same number. We have bright prospects before us for training native workers, and on the whole we are greatly encouraged in our educational work. We have not sought to greatly multiply our numbers, to make a show, but each applicant for church-membership is carefully examined, and his real Christian experience understood, so far as we can judge, by God’s Word. As a result only one has been disfellowshipped so far. Perfect harmony prevails among the brethren and sisters, and our workers are all of one mind. Our tithes and offerings are increasing rapidly every quarter. There are now about one hundred fifty Sabbath-keepers on the West Coast of Africa, and I am glad to say we have not lost one by death since we began our work. We praise God’s name for his keeping power. I must mention the case of one of our workers and his wife. When they accepted this message, they were both in poor health. They became careful students of the Testimonies, accepted the principles of health reform, and are now enjoying good health. While the West Coast of Africa is termed the “white man’s grave,” yet, as the time has come for its millions to be warned, and the message to be given that will gather out all that will be saved, our Father is revealing his special care for those who have consecrated their lives to the work of the gospel in this land of superstition and gross darkness. Calls for help are coming to us daily. On a recent trip into the hinterland of Sierra Leone, urgent appeals were made on every hand for us to open our work. Owing to sickness, I was compelled to remain in one native village nearly two days. Here Chief Yamasu offered us all the land we needed, and to build us a suitable house, if we would open our work in his village, which is nearly two hundred miles from Freetown. In many of the towns along the railway I found our literature. In Gambia, near Senegal16 we have a brother selling our books. The Joliffs occupy this territory, and a request has been made for meetings there. At Sherbro, the southern limit of Sierra Leone, we have a few Sabbath-keepers, and an earnest request has been made for a public effort there. One hundred miles in the interior from Sherbro there lives an educated native to whom I gave some tracts more than a year ago. Just recently I received a letter from him, requesting me to visit the place and instruct them in the Bible. While visiting in Liberia I met several government officials, and everything we could ask for was offered us. The Niger Company in Northern Nigeria sent word to me recently that they would grant us all the land we need if we would open a station there. This is the home of the Hassa people, one of the high types of the negro race. While speaking in public recently, a lady in the congregation arose, and made an earnest request for us to open our work in Lagos, the capital of Southern Nigeria. This lady is the wife of a leading physician in Lagos, and is quite a talented woman. Thus the way is open before us for all West Africa. While our needs are many, yet our appeals must necessarily be few. We shall never forget the kindness of our dear people who have stood by us with means during the past four years; but the feeble efforts of your workers have only widened our sphere of labor, and multiplied a hundredfold new obligations. A vast field lies before us, and there are millions to be warned by this people during this generation. I believe we can begin to see our Heavenly Father’s plan opening before us. The Spirit of God is moving upon the hearts of young men from the many tribes to give themselves to this message, and they in turn can return to their people to tell of the coming judgments, and the message soon close. The possibilities of the rapid progress of this message, and its finishing work in the near future in West Africa, are opening before us, and we are greatly encouraged. NEW MISSION HOMES FOR THE GOLD COAST
AND THE NIGERIAS
There should be located on the Gold Coast in the near future a man of experience to look over and care for the work on that coast. I can not recommend such a move until a suitable location is secured, and a building erected. If proper quarters are erected on a high elevation, in the right place, there are plenty of men and women who could endure the climate. The appeals that have been made from Northern and Southern Nigeria demand our immediate attention. Here permanent stations should be built up soon. One brother is now on the Benne River teaching school, another is teaching at Bonney, and at Lokoja our books are read with much interest. ONE PHYSICIAN, TWO NURSES
Among our urgent appeals we ask for a physician and at least two nurses. I believe all can see the great need of such help in West Africa. Why send our workers home for rest and recuperation, or treatment, when it will be far cheaper to provide such treatment just when and where it is needed. Such workers can very soon become self-supporting. I believe that as this Conference sees the millions in West Africa to be warned, and the evidence of the Lord’s hand now leading out in this field, you will consider our appeals for help far below the real demands. Let me say in conclusion that while some opposition has arisen, while some hard statements have been made in the public press, and while many have expressed their doubt of our work ever getting a hold in West Africa, yet the tide is now in favor of the truth, as may be seen from a recent issue of the Saturday Magazine. I read the following:—
“‘I’m sure this Seventh-day Adventist people will make no go in this place,’ was said to us by a gentleman as soon as the mission was established here, without giving a reason. We thought so at the time, and gave the reason, not that we thought they misinterpreted the Scriptures, but because Saturday (called by the people Ben Jonson’s day) is a two-fold day in this colony, a day wherewith to find the wherewithal for the body, and is so wedged into our every week’s-end life; furthermore, the next day we are taught from time immemorial to be the Sabbath, so that it is too late to even look into the matter. That was the only reason one could give. But truth will surely come out; and though there is a great barrier from man’s standpoint—not God’s—yet from the date that their little church was dedicated to Almighty God, and their straightforwardness of principle was seen in the publishing of detail accounts (which called forth from the lips of the present mayor, ‘Have you seen the like before?’), we noticed that this mission is pushing itself forward and gaining ground, not only in the city but in the villages. No argument can be raised against the teaching of this people save that ‘the day is inconvenient;’ and nothing can settle the question but the dictates of one’s conscience. Their coming here is, we take it to be, the obeying of the command, ‘Lengthen the cords.’ This mission did good work during the earthquake of 1906 in the West Indies, and a visit now and then to their religious assembly here will satisfy any one that they are not idle in our midst. Besides it is our conviction that with such a leader as Mr. Babcock (the elder) the practical and industrial education so much needed here will be brought into being. We wish the mission success.”