The San Francisco call., 1896-02-05


mittees and temporary secretaries at WORK.
calling upon or writing to the members
who have heretofore maintained strictly
neutral attitude.
This work has been done in quiet but
thorough manner, and as result the
attendance of church members at the
meeting tonight is likely to be the largest
that has ever been seen ut q Wednesday
evening prayer-meetlng.
Each side expressed confidence yester-
day that it would be able to carry things
its way, but those who are opposed to the
adoption of the resolutions expressing con-
fidence in the integrity OF the pastor go so
far as to state that from an actual count
they are certain they will be able to kill
the resolutions of the joint committee and
OF the officers of the church.
In support of this assertion of strength,
attention was called to the manner in
which the Strauss case was won. and also
how the members refused to adopt DIR.
Browns suggestion that all members be
stricken from the roll of the church who
had not been to communion for a year.
Had the resolutions gone to a vote
last Wednesday they would probably
have been adopted, as many of those
who are now avowedly opposed to them
were then absent, quite a number being
away in the country. These have been
summoned home and will make it point
Another point that will make the defeat
of the resolutions extremely probableis the
fact that elements that on other matters
have been apart are united against the
resolutions.
To-night's action will decide the ques-
tlon whether council is 10 be deferred at
the pleasure of DR.. Brown, who, according
to his own public utterances, is more
anxious for the conviction of Mrs. David
son than for the early vindication of his
reputation, or whether it is to be called at
once. Should the resolutions go through
DR.. Brown will have his way. Should
they be defeated it is difficult to see. say the
mem Ders, how the immediate convenIng
of council can be prevented.
There remains one way, according to one
of the most active officers of the church, in
which DR.. Brown can yet take the wind
out OF the sails of his adversaries, and this
officer is one who has the best interests of
the pastor at heart and who is, in fact,
very close to him at the present time and
has been during all his trouble. This is
for him to call council at once to investi-
gate the matters rejecting on his reputa-
ton.
Informal meetings of the officers of the
church were held yesterday, and among
the most i'm portapt matters discussed was
this proposition. 1t has been laid before
the pastor. and there is a possibility that
ne may forestall all contention by adopt
ing the course mentioned.
Adherents and dopponents both admit that
such proceeding would at once put an
end to all discord and do more than any,
thing else could do at the present time to
keep the members of the church together.
On the other hand any other course is cer-
tain to create factions and breach that
will be greatly detrimental to the interests
of the church.
II hac cfo AaI &hn} H. -
advised DR.. Brown to retain his pulpit was
Deacon D. Gilbert Dexter. On being asked
if this had been his attitude, Mr.. Dexter
replied that just the contrary was true.
Continuing he said:
The fact is addressed letter TO him and
told him as q friend and as friend of the
church that it would be better for all con-
cerned if he would not occupy. the desk on
Sunday or Wednesday evening. l had no reply
to the letter, and did not know whether Dr.
Brown would or would not occupy his pulpit
on Sunday, and don't think any of the board
OF deacons did.