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

Rev. R. Pierce wrote a very able and comprehensive report of the proceedings of the Assembly,
which is of great historical value. In speaking of Dr. Bresee, he said:
A Tribute to Dr. Bresee
"The venerable face of dear Dr. Bresee was seen everywhere, beaming a smile of greeting upon
the strangers, and a hearty welcome to the delegates from all quarters. His inspiring messages, his
great sermon on Sabbath morning, his God-given wisdom and grace in presiding over the Assembly,
and his wise counsel and help in the different committees, were a great benediction to this great
gathering. We thank God that He took him in His arms, and strengthened him for this great work.
"One of the interesting and pleasant episodes of the Assembly was the presentation, through the
First Church of Chicago, of a beautiful bust portrait of our General Superintendent, Dr. Bresee. The
donor did not desire the name to be known, but we hear that it was the work of a talented artist, who
is a member of Brother Cornell's church. The gift was highly appreciated, not only by our venerated
leader, but by the whole Assembly."
The following is a brief summary of my own impressions of this General Assembly:
An Epoch in Our Movement
"It marked an epoch in our movement, and was in every way the greatest General Assembly I have
ever attended. In numbers, in interest, in importance of the work accomplished, in its representative
character, in the manifest presence and unmistakable guidance of God, it stands in a class by itself,
and far surpasses all its predecessors.
"I was not permitted to attend many of its public sessions, but was engrossed in committee work.
It was my privilege to take part in the numerous meetings and prolonged deliberations and
discussions of the legislative commission, and the committees on superintendency and church
relations. The work of these committees, which was very important, was accomplished in a spirit of
mutual concession and brotherly love. Although there were often sharp differences of opinion, a way
was always found to attain unanimity, and thus avoid a minority report, or any contention on the
floor of the General Assembly.
"The legislation enacted by the Assembly was comprehensive and far-reaching, and the polity of
the united church is one which will commend itself to holiness people everywhere. The statements
made in the declaration of doctrine in regard to Baptism, the Second Coming of Christ, and Divine
Healing, were satisfactory to both sides of these much mooted subjects.
"The tide of salvation and divine glory ran high at all times, but there were a few episodes of the
Assembly which were especially prominent. Among these were the great communion service on
Thursday, October 10th, the address of welcome by Professor J. W. Akers, of the Chicago church,
on Friday evening, the sermon by Dr. P. F. Bresee, on Sunday morning, the march and table offering,
on Sunday afternoon, the reelection by acclamation of Dr. Bresee as General Superintendent of the