Phineas F. Bresee - A Prince In Israel - Media Sabda Org

"Accordingly, I began the meeting with them August 21st, and have continued with them two
weeks, including three Sabbaths. The result has been a very blessed outpouring of the Holy Spirit,
and a goodly number of people have been converted and sanctified wholly. Indeed at almost every
service souls have swept their way to Calvary. There were an unusual number of what we sometimes
call special cases. They came from almost every branch of the church, seeking holiness.
"We organized a Church of the Nazarene, with 155 charter members, representative people, a
picked company, as royal a set of men and women as were ever brought together. A peculiarity of
the Church of the Nazarene, seems to be the kind of people who are attracted to it, or rather are
gathered together to push the work of holiness through it. They have been from the beginning 'the
salt of the earth.' There were among these six ministers, of whom--as yet unreported--are Rev. L. B.
Kent, the famous old veteran of the holiness work in this country, so well known and so dearly
loved; and Rev. Frank A. Doty, the president of the Young Men's National Holiness League. Some
of the men entering this work have a providential history behind them, which has led them to this
work, which if written would read like a new 'Exodus.'
"The Church Board was properly organized, and they invited Rev. I. G. Martin to the pastorate
for the ensuing year, he accepting the call, and canceling all engagements, that he might give himself
immediately and entirely to the work. Brother Martin has held several series of meetings with them,
is greatly beloved by them, and has had much to do in bringing things about. He enters upon one of
the greatest fields of labor that it is ever the lot of man to enter.
"The church is negotiating for the purchase of what will be--at least for the time--the central place
of operation, and which is a fine, well-located property. It has on it a church building, which will do
for temporary purposes. It is expected, and already planned, to open missions in different parts of
the city. The hand beckons them to many open doors.
"I believe that this has been and is--for it still goes on --one of the very greatest meetings ever
held, holding in its bosom the vastest possibilities. It is in the midst of one of the world's greatest
centers, and opportunities are boundless. Cities and towns--a great multitude--cluster about it.
Hungry hearts from all about, who have been asking bread and getting a stone, are calling for the
creation of centers of fire in their midst, and God is raising up agencies. As He has so miraculously
raised up and guided the Church of the Nazarene in the past, and has now opened this great door, He
will fill it with advancing hosts. Those whom He has called are following the conqueror from Bozra.
He will lead them in His triumphant way, 'mighty to save.'
"Sabbath, September 3d, was a very great day. From 9 to 10:30 a. m., there was a prayer and
testimony meeting of great power, led by Professor Akers. Then, after a short sermon, the sacrament
of the Lord's Supper was celebrated, and souls sought the Lord. At 2:30 p. m., after song and prayer,
the people, with joy and praises, came and laid their offerings on the table for the expenses of the
meeting. Opportunity was then given for persons who desired to unite with the church to come
forward. It was a beautiful and inspiring sight to see half a hundred men and women stand in double
and treble rows about the altar, and plight their faith to God and the church. After preaching, a
goodly number came as seekers, and were blest.