The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-04-28
OUR NORWEGIAN CONVERT.

The remarks of our recent Norwegian
convert at the Minister'S meeting on
Monday, of last week were of singular
interest, and rightully deserve further
notice.
Rev. Ole Bendixon comes to us from
the Norwegian Methodist Church. He
has been resident of this city for
some time, and presents record in
Chicago that is every way satisfactory
to Rev. Mr.. Conklin, and others who
have examined his papers. His at
tention was turned to Universal
ism as an organized church by an Incl
dental remark of lady who invited
him to attend services at the Church
Of the Redeemer.
AT the meeting on Monday, Mr.. Ben
dixon gave brief sketch of his life
and of the mental trials and hardships
he had experienced in coming from I'M
der the dark cloud of the old faith. He
is fine type of the Norseman, and is
evidently a man of strong character
and deep feeling, well lifted for useful
ness among his countrymen as preach
or of Universal Grace.
In speaking of his experiences he re-
marked substantially, that he was early
and deeply Impressed with the truths of
religion. He spoke of his exper fence
in connection with certain doctrines of
God that seemed to him cruel and I'M
feeling. The first satisfactory thought
that he ever had about religion came
from the teachings of a Norwegian
author, who wrote volume in favor of
the doctrine of the Final Restoration.
All through his life, up to that period,
the idea haunted him that his father
was in hell, and he remarked that he
knew large numbers of people who
keep away from the churches because
of the terrible doctrines of the old
faitE.
He told of his struggles with the
heartless dogma of endless suffering;
how near at times he came to be ship
wrecked on the rocks of atheism, and
was only saved by the grace of God in
holding him firmly to the ineffaceable
impressions of his early life, when
through the clouds, hope came to him
in occasional moments. In regard to
his progress toward a better faith he
said that he did not know then that he
was coming into Universalism. When
he finally reached the truth, in con-
sequence of prayerful study and deep
thought, it seemed as if the light from
heaven was suddenly shed down upon
him.
In speaking of this last experience,
Mr.. Bendixon said SIT all seems
providential. AS to his future course
he further remarked: "There is
trouble ahead"- abiding to the oppo-
sition he would encounter as preacher
of Internationally there is not
pOWCl III oil tAlC WOllu W uuIu
me back from what 1 earnestly believe
to be right"
In dwelling upon this probable oppo-
sition among his own countrymen, he
remarked: 1--WE are slow people and
are not quick to believe anything with
out strongest evidence. 1 shall go on
in the noble fight and keep my face to
the foe." With rare humor he remind
ed his hearers that st. Paul does not
provide any armor for the back He
asked for the sympathy and help of the
brethren in his coming work.
1t is to be sincerely hoped that an
opening will soon be found for this
brave man, SO we'll equipped for the
struggle, and that he may be amply
supported by the Universalists of Chi
cago in his coming mission among the
Norwegians.