A Visit to New York by O. A. Olsen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1914

A Visit to New York

By O. A. Olsen

After returning from my tour in Wisconsin, the call came for me to attend the Greater New York Conference, February 17-25. Other arrangements prevented me from getting there till the evening of the nineteenth. I found the meeting in full progress, with a good interest. There was a marked difference in this meeting from some that I have attended in the past here and elsewhere.

While due attention was given to the usual business of an annual conference, which all passed off very harmoniously, more time and stress were placed on the more spiritual part of the work, not so much in the way of formal preaching, but more in the form of practical studies from the Bible and the "Testimonies for the Church," of a nature leading to a closer examination of one's personal relation to God and his cause. The brethren leading in these studies were Elders R. D. Quinn and K. C. Russell and Dr. D. H. Kress. As the result of these studies, many were convicted of wrongs in their lives, and humble confessions were made. Thus it became necessary to give much time to the congregation.

Many were convicted of their sin in unfaithfulness in tithes and offerings. Many confessed to the sin of wicked criticism and faultfinding. Confessions were also made of unkindness and harshness in the home and family. All realized that they had been greatly at fault in their neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible and the "Testimonies for the Church," and realized that this was to a large degree the cause of their unsatisfactory Christian experience.

The Laodicean message was dwelt on in the Bible studies, and many were led to see that they had acted the part of the Pharisee rather than of a true and humble follower of Christ. They had been contented with a form, feeling rich and increased with goods, when the fact was that they were destitute of the real power of godliness, yea, miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. It was indeed a heart-searching time, and the place seemed very solemn, as if an all-seeing eye was definitely looking into each individual heart, searching it through and through. The experience was much like that which we have heard related by the Adventist believers prior to 1844, when they were looking for the Lord to come.

Another feature of the meeting was that ministers, Bible workers, and workers in various branches of the cause, were among the foremost to take part in this heart-searching work and repentance. That is as it should be, for as sure as the word of the Lord is true, and that the Spirit of God has spoken through the "Testimonies for the Church," there is need that both ministers and lay members turn to the Lord with weeping, fasting, and prayer.

These meetings were very quiet, void of all excitement, and there was every evidence that it was deep heart work rather than surface ruffle. Neither was there any despondency, for the humble confession was followed by the incoming of the sweet, melting, tender Spirit of God and the assurance of acceptance in the Beloved. Some of the meetings continued for six hours, but still seemed short. Somehow, the atmosphere and the place seemed so comfortable, the divine Presence so near.

These meetings were held at different places, so as to give more of our people an opportunity to be present. The last one that I attended, on February 24, was held in the Scandinavian Mission House in Brooklyn, and it will long be remembered.

Personally, I greatly enjoyed a part in these meetings, for they presented just the features and the experience that we have long desired to see. We are glad to know that like blessings are coming to our people in other places also. We have surely reached the time for the finishing of the work. Not only is it to be finished in the world as a whole, but there is also to be a finishing of the work of grace in the individual experience that each and every one must have preparatory to the close of the work of our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. May the good work begun hasten rapidly on until the whole earth shall be lighted with the glory of the Lord.

O. A. OLSEN.