Your ShelfYour Projects

The Missionary

5%

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 18, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 44.

Read the full edition

The Missionary.

By P. W. B. Wessels

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MISSION FIELD.

(Concluded.)

THE Bible has been translated into the Kaffir and other languages and is now undergoing a revision; and other literature is being translated into their dialect. Evidence proves that there is a work for God's commandment people to do in Africa. The example of Sister Hannah More, who accepted the truth when a missionary in Africa, and who died in this country, is well known to you; also the case of Brother Gaston, from Liberia, who recently embraced the truth, and has gone back to his country to sow the seeds of precious truth among his kindred. I might mention other things that will show that these people are calling for the light which is so precious to us. Must we refuse to go, as Jonah did? or shall we do as Paul did when the Macedonian call came to him? What I have mentioned proves that there are many who will accept and rejoice in the truth if it is presented to them in a clear and right way, and will be willing to go through the experience of suffering poverty, hunger, persecution, and death, if they can but be instrumental in introducing the precious message to the colored races of Africa. It seems to me that the time has come when our people should undertake this matter, and lay plans for the introduction of the truth among these nations.
One way for this, it seems to me, will be by correspondence with the different mission stations; in this way work up an interest in the truth. When one missionary accepts the truth it will be of an immense influence. Perhaps it will be just the work of a good local society. Here I leave this matter with you, to weigh and for consideration, and God grant that something, erelong, may be done in the right direction. Our South African mission cannot at present undertake this work, as we have all the work there we now can possibly do, and the same persons cannot work among the whites and the natives, on account of the color line, which is quite distinctly drawn.
The truth was revealed to us simply by the reading of the Bible. At a certain occasion, the question was asked, "Is it right to let a windmill run on Sunday?" It was in a jesting way remarked that if we want to be so particular and literal, why not take the Sabbath literally, when the commandment states that the seventh day instead of the first day must be observed as the Sabbath. The response was made that we are keeping it so, because with Christ's resurrection the sacredness of the Sabbath was transferred to the first day of the week. But we were troubled with this question, and were led to search the Bible; and after a thorough investigation was made, it was concluded that we could find no other authority for such a change than the power prophesied in Dan. 7: 25.
The one who came to such an unpopular conclusion, thought himself at the time to be the only one who, from a Christian standpoint, observed the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. But not long after, an old brother was met, originally from South America, who accepted the truth there, and informed us that there were thousands across the water keeping the Sabbath, and well organized, having publishing houses, etc. Our hearts grew large, and we ordered some tracts and books, scattering them wherever we could, and generally agitating where we had an opportunity to do so. We also petitioned for help. The ministers and church officers at first laughed us to scorn, and consoled themselves that our fire would soon burn out, and that if it is not a matter of God, it will come to naught. But they did not long rest in this position before it was thought advisable to put forth some effort to stop our progressing work, as they were also troubled by their congregations for explanations.
Several agreed with our views, and some took their stand with us; so that when our good ministers were sent there to help us, we were in all about forty in number, sprung up from four. I now beg, in behalf of our people in that field, to present greeting, and tender our gratitude for what the General Conference and the International Sabbath-school Association have done for our mission in that field. We cannot repay you for your unselfish efforts, but God will reward you for all you did, and we will continually look to the General Conference as the child looks to the parent.
We purchased two tents, one paid for by the brethren at the diamond fields. One tent was designed to be used in the Eastern district, along the coast, the other in the Western districts. But the people are not accustomed to attend evangelical meetings in tents, connecting them with circuses. Nevertheless, at some places good work has been done; but at others halls had to be secured, which is expensive. We have at present twelve workers, besides the ministers and their families, and a few others expect to join the work. There have been several obstacles in the way, such as unfavorable postal laws, and the canvassers were formerly required to pay a heavy license, but by repeated petitions we were at last exempted for one year.
Just when we had our canvassing work in active operation, we again met with the opposition of the churches, who were aroused when informed that we had bought property, and that our mission was making progress—in the way of new converts and the distribution and sale of literature. Letters lately received from Africa seem to indicate that our canvassers meet with hard opposition, and in some places not half of the orders taken for the books could be delivered, because the ministers warned their congregations against our people and their literature. This caused a great deal of perplexity and discouragement to the canvassers, who were mostly inexperienced, and had to meet their own expenses. But Elder Haskell arrived just in time, and called the canvassers back, and after some meetings were held with them, our brave young men started out with new courage, some to the Eastern province, and others to the diamond fields and Natal.
Elder Boyd is now at the diamond fields to follow up the interest, and Elder Hankins will soon start for East London to preach the truth in those places which have been canvassed already. We are further grateful thatour petitions were granted by the General Conference, and that so able laborers as Brother and Sister Druillard were sent us. Brother Druillard has charge of the ship mission, and Sister Druillard of the book depository. The ministers are now free, and can spend all their time in active service in the field.
I am sorry not to be in a position to give full statistics of our work, especially financially, as I have been five months away from Africa, and have not been furnished with complete later reports.
[At this point Brother Wessels read a statement of the work done, of which the following is a brief summary: Number of local societies, 4; number of members, 57; ships visited, 101; letters written, 342; letters received, 105; missionary visits made, 3,296; Bible-readings held, 209; subscribers to Good Health, 500; to Present Truth, 600; pages of tracts distributed, 126,159; number of periodicals distributed, 17,469; value of books and tracts sold, $3,216.28; number of churches, 4; number of members, 80; amount of tithes received, $2,798.36. It should be added that the Tract Society has been organized only three months.]
South and Central Africa are now becoming an interesting part of the world to commercial men, agriculturists, cattle breeders, and miners. Trade is in a flourishing state, and representatives from all nationalities and lands are now making their homes there. Cities of ten and twenty thousand spring up in the course of a year or two. Special attention is also given to education. I think that the prospects for the success of the work are excellent, and that the present time should be improved.
The European inhabitants principally consist of the Dutch, who speak their own distinct dialect, but can all understand the Holland language, and all their literature is written in the Holland language. The Dutch element is all over South Africa. The English are mostly in the Eastern province, Natal, Cisnatallian, and Transnatallian land, and also at the diamond fields and the gold fields. Next come the Germans, who have settlements in the Eastern province and Central Africa. The people are generally religiously inclined, especially the Dutch, who have strongly organized churches, conferences, synods, as well as educational, theological, and agricultural institutions. These are all in a flourishing state, yearly furnishing their denominations with ministers, missionaries, teachers, lawyers, and such as can enter the civil service. These institutions also present a favorable field for labor, and many books have already been put in the hands of the students.
The Dutch-speaking class is the ruling element, as the language is spoken in the legislature of the Cape Colony, Orange Free State, and South African Republic. They are mostly independent, being agriculturists, stock breeders, and the owners of the land. These Dutch are mostly originally from the Huguenots, who, on account of religious liberty, fled to that country from France and Holland. To that nationality I look chiefly for the introduction of the Third Angel's Message, as they will be the principal supporters of the cause there. They are sincere and have respect for religion, and when intelligently embracing the truth not only join the ranks of workers, and heartily co-operate, but throw self and means into the cause. This has been the case of everyone that has hitherto accepted the Third Angel's Message.
Favorable opportunities both among the English and Dutch are offered in this field in health and temperance work, yet little has been done in this direction. Many there are suffering from the use of strong drink, tobacco, and improper diet. Shall we rescue some of these? I am very anxious that something should be done in this line. This work cannot be successfully carried on in connection with our religious work, especially where we are known to be Seventh-day Adventists. If something could be done in this direction I am confident that good results would be seen. I thought to suggest to your Health and Temperance Society, and have spoken to Dr. Kellogg on the matter, that a company of Health and Temperance workers be sent there. I think that such a work would be self-sustaining, and homes will be thrown open to the workers, more especially if there can be sent a lecturer, and someone who could give instruction in cooking.
The whole Orange Free State is in favor of temperance, besides all the Eastern provinces. Had we but the "Home Hand-Book" in the native languages, I would be able to sell hundreds, for all to whom I spoke about that book desired to have it. I trust that as soon as practicable, measures will be taken to translate that valuable book, and a good cook-book also.
There are several governments which have Sunday laws, but as their attention has not been called to the claims of the fourth commandment, I think that a tract should be written in the English and Holland languages, relative to civil government and religion, so that we can distribute it, and enlighten the people on this subject. This will not only be serviceable in Africa, but in Holland and other countries as well. I trust that this will be done without delay.
I cannot but view the future prospects for our work to be very favorable, notwithstanding that we have a hard field to work in, and not only have the opposition of men, but to fight against the host of darkness. But praise to God that a remnant will be saved. I pray that many of my people may be among those who shall share in the inheritance of the saints, and sing the new song of Moses and the Lamb, to whom we shall ascribe all the honor, the power, and the glory now and forever.