p. 17 | Canada by W. H. Thurston

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1903

Canada

By W. H. Thurston

I SPENT the week of prayer in the Quebec Conference, and while storm and sickness prevented some from attending the meetings, yet those who did attend were much encouraged by the readings. Some cheering reports have come in from other parts of the field. I am not able to say at this writing what the offerings were, but if all would give themselves to God, to serve with no reserve, it would be the best offering that could be made. All would be consecrated to the Lord, and not only greater blessings would be experienced, but means would be forthcoming to supply every demand.

“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” All that we have and are belongs to the Lord, and we are his, for he has bought us. It is for us to say whether he shall have us, or whether we will withhold from him that which he has purchased. The question is life, not a form, a pretention, but substance; a real experience. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” If not hindered, this life will be manifest in us, and this is salvation. It is the privilege of every one to experience salvation to the uttermost; and then it is that we can go to the unsaved and proclaim, in spirit and in truth, the life-saving power.

Salvation is present, a present experience now and all the time, and it is by the power of the word that we are kept continually from the evil of the world. We are living in a world of sin, but sin should not have dominion over us. There is a world to be warned of the great day of God, and the success of this work depends upon the loyalty and zeal of every member of the denomination.

The work in Canada is steadily onward, and while there was not as much accomplished during the past year as we had hoped for, we are thankful for the progress made, and the workers are all of good courage. The churches are responding well, and all seem willing to do to the extent of their ability in helping to advance the message. We are planning to start two industrial schools this year,—one in the Ontario Conference

and one in the Maritime Conference. Several churches are under construction, and we are planning to start the medical work in the Quebec Conference the first of May.

When the whole people say, “Let us rise up and build,” the God of heaven will prosper the work, and the thing will be accomplished. When every Christian becomes as deeply interested in the building up of the work of God and in finishing the gospel work as he is in personal and temporal matters, the work will go much faster everywhere.

May the Lord give us a greater burden for souls, and grace to stand for the right and to proclaim the message clearly and distinctly to all the world.

The following is a report of the Newfoundland Health Institute, from June 4, 1902, to Jan. 1, 1903, as rendered by Dr. Lemon:—

The institute opened for patients, June 4, 1902. Total number of treatments given, 1,619. Value of charity work, at regular rates, $327. Total net earnings, $1,266.48. Total running expenses, including plumbing, gas fitting, rent, and wages of nurses and other helpers (except doctors), $662.34. Total assets, $812.14. Total liabilities, $70. Present worth, $742.14. Capital, $200. Net gain, $542.14.

W. H. THURSTON.