Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis

78/277

O. A. Olsen to W. C. White, Mar. 17, 1893

office of the
Seventh-day Adventist
GENERAL CONFERENCE,
Corner Main and Washington Sts.,
Battle Creek, Mich.
A. Olen, President.
H. Lindsay, Treasurer.
W A Colcord, Secretary.
W. H. Edwards, Rec. Secretary.
Battle Creek, Mich.,
March 17 1893.
W. C. White,
Melbourne, Australia.
Very Dear Brother:-

The time is drawing near when we are looking for our Australian mail, and I will begin to write before it comes, as otherwise I fear I shall not have time to write what I would like to present before you. MMM 242.1

Our General Conference is new in the past. From first to last it was a remarkable occasion. The Spirit of the Lord was present in a very large measure. I have never seen anything like it in any of our meetings before. The institute preceding the Conference was a very remarkable and profitable occasion, also. Our program was carried out quite fully and with better effect than on any previous occasion. Every afternoon was devoted to Council Meetings, and in these meetings I occupied much of the time. We tried to canvass every measure of any importance that we expected would come up during the Conference, giving a reason for it, the proofs involved, and what we expected would be the results in its working out. We gave opportunity for questions and remarks, but generally speaking, there was very little of this. After we presented a subject in the way I just mentioned, they just took it into silent thought and consideration, only asking from time to time such questions as would give them a full understanding of the subject under consideration. During the time of the Conference proper, of course, we were hurried in the committee meetings. But I never saw a Conference pass off so pleasantly and harmoniously. While the discussion was very free on every question, yet at the same time, there was a spirit of regard for the feelings and opinions of others that was far above anything I have ever seen in the past. So that in all the discussion there was nothing like a sharp retort one upon another. So I can say I never presided over a more manageable body of persons, that had such regard for the feelings of others, than was manifested in the late General Conference. I attributed this to the deep religious fervor, and the deep sense of the time and the work that rested upon all present. And this was brought on through our devotional meetings and our Bible study. Our ministers meetings were seasons of refreshing. It was not possible for me to attend all of them, out I attended as many as I could, and with but very few exceptions I always had something to read from your mother’s writings. The Spirit of the Lord wrought marvelously, and the convicting and converting power of God was manifested in a wonderful measure. The most interesting and the most remarkable case of all, I think I can say, was the testimony of Brother J. H. Morrison. You are well aware that we have all felt a deep interest and anxiety for Bro. Morrison, being anxious that he should see and follow the light that the Lord had for him. He came rather late in the meeting, and even coming late, he was prepared to enter right into the spirit of the meeting as soon as he could, rather giving evidence that the Spirit of the Lord had been working on his mind for some time in the past. This I had been aware of, but still felt anxious that he should take a position that would leave no doubt or question en the part of any as to whore he stood. This he did. I was in the meeting when he spoke the first time. I have listened to many confessions, but this I must say, that I never listened to one like his. While it was cool and deliberate, as is the nature of his temperament, it was a most thorough-going, and most deep in its work, that I have ever witnessed. And I never saw any congregation so affected by a confession as on this occasion. I feel more grateful than I can express over this victory, and it places Bro. Morrison in a position where he can be used in the work to the utmost of his ability. I might also mention many other individual oases and experiences, but if I would go into that, I might fill up a score of pages, which I have not time to do. Madison Miller, also made a thorough and humble confession, and I hope too, that he will also walk in the light. But of course, he is a very different man from Bro. Morrison, in every respect. MMM 242.2

[Selection ends here.] MMM 243.1