THE SCANDINAVIAN WORK IN THE UNITED STATES

As far as we are able to obtain statistics, there are in the United States about 2,500,000 Scandinavians. The Swedes number about 1,100,000, the Norwegians about 1,000,000, and the Danes 400,000. Minnesota has more Scandinavians than any other State, and Chicago more than any other city.GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.4

Our membership of Scandinavian brethren is about 2,600. Minnesota and Iowa have the largest number.—between 500 and 600 each.GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.5

The writer came to this country in August, 1899, to labor for the Scandinavians according to the recommendation made by the General Conference at South Lancaster, and the Lord has blessed my efforts. I have labored in eleven different States, attended fifteen Conference meetings, and have visited sixty-five churches and organized three.GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.6

We have much territory that has not been worked. There are many cities where there are thousands of Scandinavians who have never heard the truth. Also in the country there are many large settlements where the truth should be proclaimed. The Scandinavians are generally more slow to receive new ideas than some other nations, and therefore we do not always see the fruit we desire as soon as we expect to; but experience has taught us that by patient, well-directed efforts, much can be accomplished. In the Eastern States we have a large Swedish population that should be worked, and the same is the case on the Pacific Coast in Washington and California.GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.7

We have twenty-six ordained ministers and about fifteen licentiates, but some of the experienced laborers have used much of their time in the English work. They are all needed in the Scandinavian work. Those who have years of experience are needed not only for what they can do themselves, but they are also needed to help the younger laborers to gain an experience in the work of saving souls. We hope plans can be formed by which new fields can be entered.GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.8

The canvassing work among the above-mentioned nationalities should receive more attention, and new books should be published. We hope that at this Conference some plans will be formed by which it can be revived. The Scandinavians love to read, and our literature has done much to enlighten souls among them in regard to present truth. May the good work go forward with renewed power. L. JOHNSON.GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.9

He that wrongs his friend, wrongs himself more, and ever bears about a silent court of justice in his breast. Himself the judge and jury, and himself the prisoner at the bar, ever condemned, and that drags down his life; then comes what comes hereafter.—Tennyson.GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.10

“Give the mind sea-room; keep it wide of earth—GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.11

That rock which strands the soul; let loose thy cord;
Weigh anchor; spread thy sails; call every wind;
Eye the great pole-star; make the land of life.”GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.12

Know the true value of time: snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination; never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day.—Earl of Chesterfield.GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.13

Never so fathomless a sea,
But through its depths there reacheth me
His still supporting hand;
Never so drear can desert be;
But there his love grows green for me
Amid the scorching sand. —From the Swedish.GCB April 12, 1901, page 208.14