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

Phineas F. Bresee
A PRINCE IN ISRAEL
By E. A. Girvin
CHAPTER 29
Spiritual Warmth and Power -- A Strange Leading -- A Japanese Preacher -- Another Trip
to the Northwest -- Joy and Triumph -- A Brief Stay at Portland -- Labors in Seattle -- The
Northwest District -- North Yakima -- Walla Walla
Spiritual Warmth And Power
In the issue of the Nazarene Messenger of December 22, 1904, I find the following account,
written by myself, of the heavenly influences prevailing in the First Church of the Nazarene at
Chicago: "It took me several hours on December l0th to find the location of our church in Chicago.
Having found it, I went to the church on Sunday morning, December 11th, and was much pleased
with the building, situation, and entire neighborhood. There was a heavy snowstorm all day, but the
attendance was good at all the services, and it was my blessed privilege in the morning to preach to
probably two hundred and fifty people. As soon as I entered the building I felt the spiritual warmth
and power which, thank God, characterize the meetings of the Nazarenes everywhere. I heard the
hearty Amens! and the fervent Hallelujahs! and immediately I felt perfectly at home, and my whole
being thrilled with holy joy. Brother Martin, who had just returned from a few days' campaign in
Ohio, pressed me into service, and I gave the mess age from the fifteenth chapter of St. John. The
dear saints held me up in their arms of faith and love, and carried me through with their prayers and
shouts of victory. God greatly blessed my soul. Brother and Sister Berry insisted on taking me to
their home for lunch, and the dear brethren were all so kind and cordial that I felt happier than I had
on any other Sunday since leaving my home in California. May the dear Lord bless them more and
more.
"I was greatly impressed with the character and quality of our membership in Chicago. There are
two hundred and fifteen members, and they are just the kind of men and women that began the
Nazarene work in Los Angeles--not religious tramps, fanatics, or comeouters; but clean,
conservative, sensible, well-balanced Christians, most of whom have enjoyed the experience of
holiness for years. They are ripe in the experience, know what it is to endure persecution, are capable
of discriminating between the true and the false, the real and the sham, and keenly appreciate the
privilege of having a place where the fire of God burns continually, and where holiness has not only
the right of way, but is kept primarily in the forefront of every service. Praise the Lord!
"The glorious work is spreading in this vast and mighty city. Full salvation is preached in four
Nazarene missions, and within eighteen months there will probably be not less than twelve Churches
of the Nazarene and missions in this great strategic center of population and commerce.
"Brother Berry led the afternoon meeting, and Brother Martin, the pastor, preached with power
and unction in the evening. During the day twenty-two seekers found their way to the altar, and most
of them pressed through to victory.