p. 14 | The Message Returning in Power to the East

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 1, 1914

The Message Returning in Power to the East

By R. D. Quinn, K. C. Russell, D. H. Kress, G. B. Starr

At the close of the institute conducted by Elders Daniells, Evans, and Thompson, possibly one of the most important series of meetings held in the East since 1844, the members of the Atlantic Union Conference Committee met for the purpose of planning their future work. The first meeting, instead of being opened in the accustomed manner, was opened with a study on the needs of the hour. A deep impression was made on those present. All felt the need on the part of every minister and of every church member, of seeing clearly from this time forward the important work which is called for to hasten the finishing of the work of God in the earth.

There were no special resolves, but differences seemed to melt away through the confessions that were made, and through the unconditional surrender of each one to God for service. This meeting came the nearest to being a Pentecost of any we have ever attended. We were fully united before the close of the meeting, and felt we were able to present a solid front to the enemy. Effectual prayers were offered.

It is stated that "for ten days the disciples prayed before the Pentecostal blessing came. It required all that time to bring them to an understanding of what it meant to offer effectual prayer, drawing nearer and nearer to God, confessing their sins, humbling their hearts before God, and by faith beholding Jesus and becoming changed into his image. When the blessing did come, it filled all the place where they were assembled, and, endowed with power, they went forth to do effectual work for the Master."

We felt solemnly impressed that for the baptism of the Holy Spirit every one should now be breathing out earnest prayers to God. This promised blessing, if claimed by faith, we are told "would bring all other blessings in its train, and it is to be given liberally to the people of God." The Holy Spirit must from this time forth be depended upon to give efficiency to all our spiritual labors.

It is the reception of the Holy Spirit that will restore our "first love." The first works of the church, which gave expression to this love, were seen, we are told, "when believers sought out friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and with hearts overflowing with love, told the story of what Jesus was to them and what they were to Jesus."

The promise of the Holy Spirit belongs to, and may be claimed by, every believer. When this inestimable blessing is received, we shall have the fulfilment of the representation which passed before Sister White, of "a great reformatory movement among God's people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as was witnessed in 1844."

The members of the union conference felt clear that a special effort should be made in the city of Boston by first imparting to the members of our churches the blessings we had received, and encouraging them to pass them along. We were surprised to find that God had gone before us, and that already some had been earnestly praying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They came to the first meeting ready to praise God for the power they had received to bring every thought into subjection to the obedience of Christ.

There was no special excitement in any of the meetings held. So far they have been too solemn for anything of a superficial nature. The desire seems to be to be honest with God, and there is a deep yearning to be Christlike.

At the sanitarium precious victories have been gained by members of the faculty, by doctors, and by nurses. God is drawing very near. Meetings have been held in all our churches in Boston, and on Sabbath afternoon a union meeting was held in Tremont Temple. This meeting was well attended, and will not soon be forgotten.

On Sunday night another union meeting was held at Cambridge, in a commodious church building which has been rented for the purpose of carrying forward a revival effort later on for those not of our faith. We hope that this awakening among our people will be followed by a united, well-organized, systematic, and continuous effort to carry hope, courage, and good cheer to all within the reach of their influence, and to cooperate with heavenly agencies in preparing a people for Christ's soon coming.

We feel convinced that this movement is of God. The time for the manifestation of this gift has certainly arrived. It will be needed by the church for the finishing of the work. "The work of God in this earth," we are informed, "can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers." Let each church pray, plan, and work to this end.

R. D. Quinn, K. C. Russell, D. H. Kress, G. B. Starr.