Canadian Union Conference
By William Guthrie
WE have passed another mile-post in the great work to which the Lord has called us, and one more conference is in the past. It was truly a time of refreshing to all who were present. The Spirit of the Lord was with us from the first, and seemed to draw nearer as the meeting progressed. A good delegation was present from the different conferences, and interesting reports were given of the work in all parts of the field. Elder W. J. Tanner reported progress in the old and staid field of Quebec. Concerning every part of his field he felt there was reason for rejoicing. The financial side of the report was not the least interesting, as there had been an increase in nearly every line. From the east, Elder J. O. Miller reported with enthusiasm, and declared that what they had done was not half what they expect to do in the future. His report of the Williamsdale Academy was very encouraging, the farm and finances being in a better condition than at any time since the school was started. The report of souls gathered for the kingdom was also very favorable. We feel to take courage and press the battle to the gates, for the Lord has many children in that place. From Newfoundland there came a voice speaking very strongly for the advance of the work in that field. Surely there is need that we do not forget these dear people scattered along the rock-bound coasts of that island country. There are about fifty-five Sabbath-keepers in that island, and our people are the only ones who baptize by immersion in all that land. Truly we should be active in the spread of this message among them. Elder M. C. Kirkendall did not report in the union meeting, as he had given his report before the Ontario conference. There have been good results in his field, both in souls saved and in funds raised for missions. All were of good courage, and will go forth to the work with a greater desire than ever before to hasten the Lord's coming. The committees were selected early in the meeting, and were soon at work on the business of the conference, which was despatched with much prayer. But few changes were made in the officers of the union, and those were largely due to changes that have occurred in the field since the last conference. There have been added to the membership of this union during the biennial term, about one hundred eighty-five persons. There has been a substantial increase and a forward step in every line. Elder Daniells expressed his confidence in the future progress of the work in this northern field. An excellent outside interest was manifested, and the people gave the best of attention. More than five hundred persons were on the ground the last night of the meeting as the speaker pictured the conditions upon which the new name is to be given to men. After the sermon the audience was entertained by songs rendered in the native language of India, by Brother M. D. Wood. The people seemed sorry to leave the camp. Thirteen were baptized in the clear waters of Lake Ontario. One dear old sister, who, like the writer, was sprinkled in infancy, followed her Lord to the19watery grave, thus declaring her faith in the risen Saviour. Our present plans will place five tents in the field, and will doubtless result in a harvest of souls for the Master. Our supreme desire is to come so close to the Lord that our greatest need of men and funds will soon be supplied, and our work greatly hastened. Our offerings to missions were seen to have reached the full quota of fifteen cents a week for each member during the first half of 1912. Considering the shortness of money in some parts of the field, this is an excellent showing. We believe the latter half of the year will be better than the first. This is a good test of the spiritual interest of the people. May the Lord ever keep us near to himself. With you we desire to use all our energies in carrying forward this truth and hastening the coming of our Saviour. We were greatly rejoiced to have Brother Wood and Elder Daniells with us during a part of the meeting. Elder Daniells could stay with us but a short time, but he rendered most acceptable service while present. Brother Wood was with us for a longer time, and his labors of love will not soon be forgotten. A vote of thanks was extended to the General Conference for the very substantial assistance rendered the union during the past term, and we wish to extend our gratitude on down to the faithful brethren and sisters who gave the funds into the Lord's treasury. May the Lord bless them and help them to feel that they have a large share with us in the gathering of this harvest.