ICELAND by D. OSTLUND

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 26, 1901

ICELAND

By D. OSTLUND

ICELAND is in many respects a peculiar land. The territory is as large as Ireland, but the inhabitants only number between 70,000 and 74,000. The population being so small, it follows that they are scattered, and the cities are long distances from one another. Often we have to ride on horseback whole days without reaching a home. The only way to journey here in the country is by riding horses, for there are no roads except some around about the capital, Reykjavik. To go across Iceland from one end to the other, would take two and a half or three weeks in the winter time, and would be very expensive, and a very few could be visited on such a tour.

The people are poor. A great many Icelanders out in the country do not get any money in their hands nearly all their lives. The reason for this is that when the farmer or fisherman sells his products to the merchants, often he does not get money for them, but only some of the merchant's store articles. This, of course, is unfortunate for all kinds of business. In our work, especially, it is difficult to sell books. When men do not have any money at all, it is impossible for them to buy anything. However, we have been somewhat successful. We sell some books in the bookstores of other publishers. A couple of our own people here have canvassed. I have given some time to it.

In religious respects Iceland is very different from other countries in Europe. Hardly any understand conversion. Most of the church people are Unitarians, believing all men will be saved, and that none perish. This the Lutheran priests themselves teach. You will understand how difficult it is in such a land to get people to understand the solemnity of the truth. But the Lord has been with me in the work, and I feel sure that some results will be realized. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity of baptizing one dear brother, and I hope for others.

D. OSTLUND.