It is ever a moving thing to note progress of any kind. It affects the live witness. It is an inspiring thing to note progress in a good cause. It has been a constant inspiration of joy to see and hear the progress made by the cause represented in this conference. For it is not a matter of hearing OF progress, you see and hear the VERY PROGRESS itself.
Review & Herald Publishing Association Building, S. D. A.
Thirty years ago when the truth of God quarried the writer out of the pit of skepticism, and he became actively connected with this cause of giving to the world the great Threefold Gospel Message of Rev. 14: 6-12, the people numbered all told about 8,000 adherents scattered in a few states of the Union. The general conferences which were held on a far smaller basis of representation numbered for years from sixty to a hundred delegates. Then the delegates were sent by local conferences. Now the local conferences send delegates to union conferences, and the delegates to the General Conference are from union conferences, isolated local conferences, and mission fields, and the numerical basis, apart from the regular delegate to which each field is entitled regardless of membership, is one delegate for 1,000 members. Yet on the much larger basis the delegates to this conference number 328. There are 150 delegates and representatives from foreign fields. Four years ago the foreign delegation numbered thirty-two, and that was much the largest up to that time. We quote the following from President Daniells' address: “This delegation has come from all parts of the world. It represents North and South America, from Alaska to Cape Horn; all of Europe, a large part of Asia, and the most of Africa. Australasia and the most of the island groups of the Pacific are also represented. In this vast stretch of territory we have twenty-one union conferences, one hundred two local conferences, and sixty-nine separate mission fields. . . . The territory represented by this delegation contains a population of fourteen hundred million people, and to them we are proclaiming the third angel’s message in about sixty different languages.”
Some Interesting Figures
The Washington Sanitarium, S. D. A.
The Foreign Mission Seminary, S. D. A.
During the last four years eight union conferences have been organized ; and the increase of Sabbath-keepers has been more than 16,000.
The tithes for 1908 were $1,101,396, an increase of nearly a half million over 1904. In 1908 literature was sold to the amount of $1,286,981, an increase of more than $700,000 over 1904. Annual contributions to missions increased from $163,000 in 1904 to $308,000 in 1908. Thirty-seven advanced schools were added, and attendance at the schools more than doubled. Sanitariums increased from 54 to 80. The missionaries sent out during the last four years number 328, an average of 82 a year. The last year 134 went to foreign fields. We quote from the report of the secretary (W. A. Spicer):
“Every year it has seemed as if the limit had been reached; that the pace at which the workers were going forth would have to be slackened to allow the means to accumulate to care for work already in hand. But year by year the mission treasury, like the widow’s barrel of meal, has seemed able to supply yet a little more. . . . Certain it is that we must cry to God and to His people for help to respond to such Macedonian calls as never came to our ears before.”
Thirty-three new countries have been entered during the last four years, away out in the dark heathen and Catholic lands of earth, and thousands are responding to the cry of the everlasting Gospel message. Those fields represent 250,000 millions of people, and “a score of new tongues thanking God for the ‘blessed hope.’”
The addition of souls in countries outside of the United States during the last four years amounted to 11,000. The believers in other countries to-day are now 32,500, a larger number than the entire membership in the world in 1891.
Whatever country the message reaches it wins precious souls to God and is welcomed.
The New York “Christian Advocate” said of our missionary work: “Its aim is avowedly to run the earth; and small tho the denomination still is, it has its missionaries scattered through every region of the globe.”
Praise God that it is so. It is time. It is God’s last message to the world; it must and will go to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. Rev. 14: 6, 7.
The Opening Meeting
was a cheering occasion. President Daniels called attention to the large delegation present from nearly all lands, some of them for months on their journey, yet all of them arriving without sickness or accident. A number of the old pioneers bore testimony to the progress of the work during the half century of its organized existence. Among these aged servants of God are Elder Geo. I. Butler, of Florida; Geo. W. Amadon, of Battle Creek, Mich.; J. L. Prescott, of Washington, D. C. These men are all round about four score. Elder Frederick Wheeler, of New York, now in his ninety-ninth year, sent a cheering letter. Trumpet-toned, yet sweetly mellowed with age and rich Christian experience were these testimonies from these aged men. Various union conference presidents spoke for their respective fields. Vice-presidents L. R. Conradi and G. A. Irwin spoke respectively for Europe and America.
Sabbath Services
Mrs. E. G. White occupied the hour for the sermon Sabbath morning, May 15. She gave an earnest exhortation based on John 15, pointing out the necessity of connection with the Source of life, the necessity of complete consecration, and the privilege and joy of abiding in Christ.
In the afternoon Elder E. W. Farnsworth gave a stirring discourse on the true Vicarius Filii Dei, or Vice-gerent of the Son of God; namely, the Holy Spirit.
The beginning of this series of sermons was ushered in the evening previous by President Daniels, who delivered an impressive discourse from Rev. 14: 6-14, setting forth the great fact that God has a clear, definite message for this our time as truly as have had His people in the past. Yet this message is the great “everlasting Gospel.”
It will be impossible in these notes to give anything like an adequate report, and so will not attempt it. But there are many items of interest which we wish to note, and which we believe our readers will be glad to read. Of these, more in our next.
Our London Letter
By W. T. Bartlett
(From Our Own Correspondent)
H. M. S. "Dreadnought." The vessel marked the new type of battle-ship.
[Prof. M. E. Olsen has connected with the Foreign Mission Seminary in Washington, D. C., and we have lost a valuable correspondent. But we have asked Mr. W. T. Bartlett, editor of the Present Truth, London, Eng., to furnish us a quarterly review of the field from the great London watch-tower, and he has kindly consented. This is his first contribution.—EDITOR.]
The Clouds of War
THERE has come home to the heart of England during the last few weeks a new and unwonted realization of the meaning of the struggle for armed supremacy among the nations. The shadows of Armageddon have grown distinctly darker and more threatening. Hitherto the possibility of war with other Powers has been discussed with comparative complacency, because no matter what their advantages might be in military strength, England’s unapproached naval armament guaranteed the security of her coasts and the maintenance of her commerce; but now the future wears another aspect. England’s place of pride on the seas is to be disputed by the greatest military power on the continent of Europe.
A few weeks ago, Mr. Asquith, the Prime Minister, announced to the House of Commons that by an unlooked-for acceleration of her ship-building program, and a rapid multiplication of her dockyard facilities, Germany had made such a spurt in the race that in the course of another three years her force of “Dreadnoughts” would be practically equal to our own. In order to meet this danger, Mr. Asquith asked that another four “Dreadnoughts” be added to our program. His demand was acceded to without hesitation, and he was urgently pressed by the opposition party to double the number. Had the government called for a vote authorizing them to build eight or even more, there is no doubt that the permission would have been given by an overwhelming majority. It is long since England was so deeply stirred.
Deemed a Necessity
The advocates of peace and disarmament strove to stem the current, but without avail. Everybody united in deploring the foolish extravagance of spending such vast sums of money on preparation for war, when the means were needed so badly for other pressing purposes, but everybody declared that the fleet must be strengthened at any cost, in order that England might preserve her present place among the nations.
Conscription Inevitable
It is beginning to dawn upon England that her comparative freedom from the fear of invasion will soon be a thing of the past. There has been an almost entire change of tone during the last few weeks on the subject of conscription. For years there had been a steady and continuous effort to accustom the public mind to the idea of compulsory military service, but with small success. Now people seem to recognize that conscription is inevitable.
In his speech to the House, Mr. Asquith declared his own abhorrence of the idea of spending so much additional money on “Dreadnoughts”—but at the same time declared his helplessness. He said: “No set of men here are more anxious to save money for social reform and to get rid of this horrible, devastating, sterilizing expenditure, but this is the least we can demand from the House of Commons.”
Public Sentiment
There was a scene of deep, suppressed excitement in Parliament when Mr. Asquith made his statement concerning the enormous developments that had taken place in Germany’s preparations. The “Daily News” said: “That last ten minutes when Mr. Balfour and Mr. Arthur Lee on the one hand, and Mr. Asquith and Mr. MacKenna on the other hand, compared month by month, their estimates of the respective naval strengths of Great Britain and her mighty rival, while the House sat mute with sudden excitement, overshadowed every secondary thought. There was no eloquence; it was like a council of war; but the thought which sprang to the imagination was the fact of force—brute, barbarian force, shattering ideals, obliterating distinctions of party, mentioned with a certain terrible calmness, just as the scientist in measured tones diagnoses an earthquake which has destroyed a nation.”
The Former Standard Impossible
Hitherto it has been the declared aim of English naval policy to maintain a fighting naval force at sea fully equal to the naval strength of the next two strongest powers, but it has now become thoroly apparent that this is impossible. Other nations of great wealth and much greater population have entered the lists, and England can not expect to do more than keep ahead of any one nation. In the course of the discussion in the House of Commons, Mr. John Dillon, one of the Nationalist members for Ireland, asked what England would do to maintain her naval superiority if America should take it into her head to be first in the ranks of the world’s navies. He said: “Supposing that America were to say that, as she had the largest seaboard in the world, and as she had two oceans to protect, she would be mistress of the seas; she would have some excuse.” He noticed that that morning the “Daily News,” the organ of peace, said that if there were war between Japan and America, England might be forced by her treaty to take the side of Japan. “But, supposing America were to say that she would have the biggest navy, are you going to build against America then?” asked Mr. Dillon. “I tell you, and I know what I am talking about, that if she took it into her head, she would break you in ten years. Instead of flourishing these challenges in the face of the world, you ought to use your great power to set an example of moderation and peace.”
No speaker in the whole course of the discussion has been listened to more eagerly than the Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, who is one of the most respected men in English public life. He sees but one possible end to the unceasing expenditure in which the great Powers are engaging: “The great countries of Europe are raising enormous revenues, and something like one-half of them is being spent on naval and military preparations. You may call it national insurance, that is perfectly true; but it is equally true that one-half of the revenue of the great countries of Europe is being spent on what are, after all, preparations to kill each other. Surely, the extent to which this expenditure has grown really becomes a satire and a reflection upon civilization. Not in our generation, perhaps, but if it goes on at the rate at which it has recently increased, sooner or later I believe it will submerge that civilization.”
These words are no thoughtless utterance of an irresponsible speaker, but the calm, deliberate utterance of a high-principled statesman, who speaks with a full sense of responsibility. At the same time, while Sir Edward Grey recognizes the inevitable end of such a competition, he sees nothing for it but for England to make whatever sacrifice may be demanded to keep her present place of naval preeminence. “If we allow ourselves to fall behind in the race,” he says, “we should be fortunate if our liberty were left and we did not become the conscript appendage of some stronger power. That is a brutal way of stating the case, but it is the truth.”
Position of Germany
Sir Edward Grey is fair-minded enough to recognize the position of Germany. He makes no complaint because they do not show a spirit of willingness to come to an amicable arrangement with England for a mutual suspension of ship-building: “We should be glad if they did, but we have never suggested that it should be a ground for complaint against them if they did not. On what11basis would any arrangement have to be proposed? Not on the basis of equality. It must be the basis of a superior British navy. No German, so far as I know, disputes that that is the natural point of view for us, but it is another thing to ask the German Government to expose itself before its own public opinion to a charge of having cooperated to make the attainment of our views easier. That is a difficulty which it is only fair to state.”
A Military Scheme for the British Empire
Comparative strength of leading naval powers in ships and enlisted men as it was about a year ago. England had in ships, 1,633,116 tons; while Germany had 529,032 tons. England had 98,973 enlisted men, and Germany 42,400. England wishes to keep more than twice the war strength of Germany. It is fear of Germany's changing this comparative strength that has caused the present agitation in England.
Only a few weeks ago Mr. Haldane, the English Secretary of War, was presenting a scheme by means of which all the Colonies and Possessions of England were to be linked with the mother country in a military system which would give to the Empire a total force of twenty-three army corps, equal to the vast army maintained by the German Empire. Mr. Haldane’s plan was that the garrisons in all the Colonies and Dependencies should be drilled and organized upon the same plan, so that they would form interchangeable units in one military whole. He relied upon England’s naval supremacy to maintain the unity of this force. By her command of the sea, England would be able at any time to transfer parts of this force from one place to another, or concentrate it all at one point. If this scheme were carried out, England’s naval supremacy, joined to the possession of so vast an army, would practically confer upon her military supremacy also. In the presence of such a program as this, no one can wonder that Germany is deeply convinced of the necessity of building a navy that will be able to compete with England on equal terms if she wishes to maintain her military position.
Distrust, Suspicion, and Insecurity
The trouble is that all the nations, while they feel the utmost confidence in their own pacific intentions, place little confidence in the honesty and friendliness of one another. Each feels the necessity of maintaining forces that will make it formidable to its neighbors and protect it from sudden attack, while the other Powers, looking on at these preparations, take it for granted that they are, on the first favorable opportunity, to be aimed at themselves. Thus the uneasy competition proceeds, growing ever keener.
The recent course of Austria in tearing up the Treaty of Berlin has produced a general sense of insecurity in Europe. On this point Mr. A. J. Balfour, the leader of the Conservative party in the House of Commons, spoke of the proved inadequacy of Treaties to restrain an ambitious policy of conquest: “The only security in that case is the security of the law of Europe—the security of those treaties by which less powerful states may feel that, tho they be less powerful, they nevertheless are members of a civilized community of nations to whom they can appeal, and appeal with security, to the law of Europe which is above them all. “Will any man say that that public law has been strengthened in the last few years, the last few months, or even the last few days? I mean to say that, so far as I can observe, the tendency of public affairs, that which is ultimately to be the great basis, tho I am afraid I shall not live to see it, of peace and security among civilized society, the great organization of the public law of Europe, shows signs, not of strengthening and growing, but of weakening and falling away.”
The real difficulty, then, which is involving the Powers of Europe in the present enormous waste of their resources, is the general lack of confidence in one another. Sin has destroyed the very foundation on which mutual respect and confidence are based. Selfishness is the ruling feature in the hearts of statesmen, and they know it. No one expects from another any more consideration than he is able to enforce. In spite of all the advancement in knowledge, and all the experience gleaned from human history, the kingdoms of this world are marching toward a common destruction, because they have rejected the rule of God, and sought to order their course by the corrupt principles of human statecraft. Civilization is demonstrating that it is worthless apart from the Gospel.
A Retrograding Force
Every nation that enters into the mad competition for military and naval preeminence becomes a downward force dragging the other nations with it. Even those nations that in the past, like the United States, have been comparatively free from this curse, and which were designed in God’s providence to be elevating forces, drawing other nations to higher and better things, are now becoming leaders along the downward path, misusing their wealth and opportunities to secure for themselves a foremost place in the mad rush, and setting for their less favored competitors a more rapid and exhausting pace. Among the countries of Europe all kinds of needed reform are clamoring for attention, but these must be put on one side, in order that the demands of armies and navies may not be interfered with.
We have reached a stage of greatly increased intensity in the world-wide preparation for war. The words of the prophet Joel are taking on a new and more thrilling significance: “Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near.” Joel 3:9. We are beginning to feel as tho, under the increased pressure, the fulfilment of the words that follow in the prophecy may not lie very far in the future: “Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning-hooks into spears.” Verse 10.
But beyond the noise and tumult of arming nations lies the fulfilment of another feature in the prophetic picture. “Thither cause Thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord.” “The day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” Verses 11, 14. Louder than earth’s artillery will be heard the voice of the Lord, as He comes in flaming fire taking vengeance on His enemies: “The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heaven and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Verse 16. That consummation hastens apace. As we stand in the midst of scenes of strife and perplexity and hear the harsh voices calling a world to arms, we know by these tokens that it is time to lift up our heads and rejoice, because the day of redemption also draweth nigh. Luke 21:25-28.
W. T. BARTLETT.
Why England Mistrusts Germany
Those who are not familiar with the naval happenings in England during the past year will be interested in reading the following extract from the “New International Year Book for 1908,” published by Dodd, Mead & Co.:
“Naval matters aroused unusual interest and discussion in 1908, and it was asserted by many that Great Britain feared that the German fleet was to be used against her. Some English critics even went so far as to assert that Germany had a well-matured plan of invasion; that the invasion would come as a ‘bolt from the blue’ in time of peace; that the German Foreign Office already had an official note to the Powers ready, defending such an attack; that the favorite toast of German naval officers afloat is ‘The Day.’ Numerous articles have been written, and speeches made, in England, on the possibility of invasion. Criticisms of the building policy of the British Admiralty compelled the Prime Minister, Mr. Asquith, to define the ‘Two-Power Standard’ as ‘A fleet of capital ships equal to a combination of the next two most powerful foreign fleets, with an additional ten per cent as a factor of safety.’ A certain school of critics insisted that Great Britain was falling below the two-power standard. One well-known writer refused to consider any ships but those of the ‘Dreadnought’ type; and insisted that seven capital ships must be laid down immediately. Sir William White, for many years director of British naval construction, showed very clearly that these hysterical outbursts were without foundation; that England was much stronger than the two-power standard; and that there was no danger of her losing this position in the next few years. The German Chancellor, Prince von Buelow (see Germany, section on History), attempted to allay the fears of Great Britain with the assurance that the German navy is not being built for aggression; that it is solely for coast defense, and the protection of commerce. He stated on Dec. 10, 1908, that Germany would not embark on any fresh naval proposals. But England could not forget the words of the German Emperor: ‘The future of Germany lies on the sea;’ or his telegram to the Russian Emperor, directed ‘From the Admiral of the Atlantic to the Admiral of the Pacific;’ or his statement, in a now famous interview, that his country is ‘unfriendly’ to England. England’s treaty with Japan permitted her to withdraw all of her battle-ships from the Far East, and concentrate them at home, except four in the Mediterranean.”
Naval Programs of England and Other Nations
The naval programs of England and other nations will be found in the third column of the last page.
One Hundred Million Souls in Darkness
By S. C. Babcock
The west coast of Africa is probably one of the most difficult mission fields in this fallen world. Ever since the white man first visited these shores, it has been considered his grave.
Selling Girls, Port Loko, Sierra Leone
While we believe the child of God should ever be willing to say, “Here am I, send me,” yet many fear to offer themselves for this part of the “Dark Continent.” To such, let us say, “Our Father understands every difficulty to be met, and we can trust Him who careth for us.”
From Lake Chad on the east and the Sahara Desert on the north to the Atlantic on the south and west, there are fully 250 languages and dialects spoken. Into but few of these tongues has the Bible been translated. Along the coast line, some progress has been made and missionaries are doing a little, but when we think of the millions who yet lie in darkness, we can but appeal to every soul who is acquainted with Jesus to help us in this mighty conflict against ignorance, superstition, and heathen worship in every form that Satan can devise. Pen can not describe the awful condition of real devil-worshipers.
I often chill when I call to remembrance the first time I stood face to face with a god of the Crepo people, who inhabit the Dahomey country, along the Bight of Benin. Made of clay, eyes and teeth of shells from the seashore, a gown of native cloth that had witnessed many a storm and hot tropical sun, a small basin of food and water, and a frail shed for a cover, formed the sad object of worship of a large gathering of souls in gross darkness. With deep anxiety they watched every move I made and every expression of my countenance. How I longed to tell them of Him who “can save to the uttermost” all who would come to Him. My prayer was, “Lord, help me to turn them from these dumb idols to the living God.”
With an earnest appeal, I was asked to make a gift to their idol. Let it be remembered that there is an unseen power from beneath, the power from the “arch-deceiver,” that takes possession of these poor souls as they prostrate before their objects of worship. Wrapped in gross darkness, and filled with superstition, they at once fall a prey to the influence of fallen angels, and are thus led into the darkest deeds. While the powers of darkness from beneath are taking fast hold upon the inhabitants of this world, let us give praise to God that He is sending down His Holy Spirit, and filling every true missionary with that power sufficient to meet the elements from beneath, and protecting us by His mighty and holy angels who excel in strength the angels of darkness.
Our Father is a mighty God; our Captain, one who has never lost a battle. What we need are men and women, spirit-filled; men and women who are not afraid to face the conflict, and with whom angels can co-operate.
Heaven on the one hand is anxiously waiting; Africa on the other hand is calling. “Look, the fields are white;” can you say there is plenty of time? God’s Spirit and angels are going out before us.
A short time ago while on a visit to one of our mission stations, fifteen young men, representing eight tribes from the hinterland, called on me in person, asking me to take them to our school where they might be trained, so they can carry this message to their parents and friends who worship these dumb idols. With their native clothes wrapped around them, they found their way to the coast. Eager to be educated, they had gained some knowledge of the written English. Their earnest appeal found a place in my heart. By faith I promised them help.
Since coming back to our mission station in Sierra Leone, I have received two letters from them reminding me of my promise, and of their earnest desire to prepare for the work of God. Who will send us help to train these young men?
A few days ago I had a very touching experience. Mrs. Babcock called me and said that a woman wanted to see me. As I stepped to the other side of the house I met a woman with a little boy tied on her back and by her side stood another of about twelve years of age. As I looked into his bright face a glow of gladness seemed to radiate from his very countenance. The mother then said to me, “I want to give you my boy to be trained for God.” As I looked at the boy again, it seemed to me that I could read his anxious appeal, “Won’t you take me?” When I told that poor mother that our home was full, and our means limited, she turned homeward with a sad heart, and tears fell from the face of that dear boy.
Will you help us make souls glad in Jesus? Yours for dark Africa, S. C. BABCOCK.
Our Work and Workers
At Hardy, Ark., seven have been added to the church by baptism. Brother Littell has carried on the Bible work.
THROUGH the labors of Brethren S. T. Hare and M. H. St. John at Ogden, Utah, fourteen have been baptized during the past year. Brother Hare is now laboring at Milford, Utah.
BROTHER B. F. STUREMAN is laboring among the churches of East Michigan. At Otter Lake recently six responded to the call to give their hearts to the Lord. Three were baptized.
BROTHER W. M. CUBLEY writes from Harlingen, Texas: “I closed a four weeks’ meeting here on the night of May 10. Five gave their hearts to God and were buried with Christ in baptism. On the last Sabbath of our meeting the company was organized into a church. Twenty-one went into the organization.”
They Rejected the Light of the World
By Delwin Rees Buckner
No more do Sheba’s camels tread the sand,
Assailed by rays of the Arabian sun,
Well-laden with rich gifts for Solomon,
God’s chosen King, and wisest in the land.
No royal monarch sits on Israel’s throne—
What need of spices, incense, precious gold?
The temple site is desolate and cold;
Its mammoth stones lie scattered, overthrown.
Like brilliant sun within a starless night,
The glory of Jerusalem has set
In an eternal and an endless doom.
Her sons loved darkness more than they loved Light.
God sent His Son to plead with them, and yet
They chose not Life, but fetters of the tomb.
