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

ejoicing and praise. It was marvelous to see and hear these young women. They had found
something infinitely better than the world could give, were happy in Jesus' love, and only intent on
leading others to the Master. At the close of this unique service, Mrs. Knott gave an earnest
invitation, and one man was very blessedly converted.
The Brotherhood Of St. Stephen
The Brotherhood of St. Stephen was also an effective organization, and the heroic young men of
its membership were veritable firebrands for God. Under the able leadership of Brother R. E. Shaw,
who succeeded Sister Stine on her departure for Seattle, a mighty work was accomplished. Brother
Shaw, while not a charter member of the church, came to it at a very early period in its life, and was
greatly used of God for many years, not only as the director of the young men, but as the
superintendent of the Sunday school, and leader of the choir. Much of thrilling interest might be told
of this company of Spirit-filled young men, but I will confine myself to a single instance, which may
be regarded as typical of their work. One Tuesday evening in May, 1901, they held their regular
weekly service at the Plaza, and had great victory. A sister who was with them, sang a song in
Spanish, and a Mexican who had been converted the previous Sabbath, gave a clear testimony of the
power of God to save. Then Brother Shaw, standing in the open air, and in the heart of the Spanish
or Mexican business section of the city, earnestly urged seekers to come to the fountain of Jesus'
blood. While he was exhorting, a bright young man who had stood directly in front of the band of
workers during the whole meeting, knelt on the ground, and the Lord's children knelt around him and
engaged in fervent prayer. He soon wept his way to Calvary, and with shining face told the people
what God had done for his soul, at the same time exhorting them to do as he had done. There were
many earnest prayers and songs during the altar service, and, as the meeting progressed, the crowd
of interested spectators grew larger, and it was evident that the Holy Spirit was moving on the hearts
of men.
The Sabbath Services
The Sabbath services consisted of a young people's prayer meeting at 8:30 a.m., followed by the
Sunday school at 9: 45 a. m. Then, as now, there were four other great services, viz., a preaching
service at 11 a. m., a great testimony meeting in the afternoon, the young people's meeting at 6 p. m.,
and a rousing evangelistic service at 7: 30 p. m. These meetings were all very largely attended, and
were characterized by unctuous and fiery preaching, deeply spiritual and fervent prayer, much burden
for souls, great tides of salvation, and waves of holy joy and divine glory.
A Pen Picture Of The Early Church Of The Nazarene
In April, 1899, I spent some little time in Los Angeles, and wrote the following description of the
Nazarene work as it was carried on at that time: "My twentieth semi-annual trip to Los Angeles was
blessedly spent in communion with the Lord's people, and aggressive work under the direction of
Dr. Bresee. In spite of the smallpox, which broke out during the winter in the immediate vicinity of
the church on Los Angeles street; in spite of the dry season and hard times, and consequent removal
of many of the workers to other localities; in spite of many other opposing forces, which may be