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

Phineas F. Bresee
A PRINCE IN ISRAEL
By E. A. Girvin
CHAPTER 30
The Oakland Church -- Berkeley -- In San Francisco -- Another Eastern Trip -- A Meeting at
Topeka -- Campmeeting Near Lewiston -- Heroic People -- Whisky Soaked Conditions -- The
Work in Canton and Peoria -- Meeting in Kewanee -- The Convention at Chicago -- Some
Glorious Realities -- Holy Love
The Oakland Church
On July 20, 1905, Dr. Bresee reached Oakland, California, where he was met by several of the
brethren. He thus described the conditions which he found there: "We were informed of an all-day
meeting for the day, that arrangements had been made to open the work in San Francisco, and that
our stay for the week was imperative. So telegrams were sent, and the all-day meeting at once
entered upon. The friends here have a large tent admirably located, and finely seated and arranged.
"We found that a home campmeeting had been in progress for more than a week, and that the
Lord had been very graciously manifesting Himself in saving and sanctifying power; that already
about forty persons had been at the altar as seekers, either of holiness or pardon. This all-day meeting
was a peculiarly blessed one. There was a good attendance, much blessing upon the saints, and about
twenty-five seekers after God at the altar, most of whom were very graciously blessed. Taking into
consideration the difficulties which have environed the work here, and what the few faithful souls
have gone through, it seemed to us that this day was one of the very best triumphs we have ever
known.
"On Sabbath morning we were permitted to be with these dear people again, to preach to a large
audience, and to stand around the altar with as heroic a band of about fifty Nazarenes as the world
ever saw, seven of whom were received at this time into the church, the others being already
members, some of them from other places.
"About eight months ago, a few earnest souls invited Brother R. Pierce to come to them and open
up more fully the work of the Church of the Nazarene here. He heard their call and came. Unforeseen
and unexpected difficulties have met them on every side, but God, in answer to their active and
persistent faith, has at last opened up the way for them. Many people seem interested, and, best of
all, many are being blest. The indomitable, heroic spirit of Brother Pierce, and his little band of
helpers, is above all praise, but their record is in the book of life. Upon them the morning breaks, and
it was a great joy to be permitted to help them shout on the battle, and rejoice with them in the tide
of victory which had set in from the skies. May it abound more and more."