The San Francisco call., 1896-04-23

chickering's and recriminations, but words
of prayer characterized the mid week
meeting of the Rev. DR.. Browns flock last
night. His people rallied round him IN
the most loyal manner imaginable. Mrs.
Brown and Valentine were in the body OF
the lecture-room, and near by were Dea-
cons Morse, Dexter and Vasconcellos;
Waldemar f. Christensen, the church
clerk; Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. May Davis, At
torney Nagle. Rev. Messrs. Kimball and
Wiley, beside many other pillars OF the
congregation.
Every eye turned toward the platform
as the pastor took his place and opened
the prayer-meeting by announcing the
hymn, Sweet Hour of Prayer" All the
congregation, which filled the lecture
room. joined in the singing.
DR.. Brown then read from the Gospel
the lesson of the penitent thief, his COM
lnents upon it being very brief.
Lord, remember me when thou comest
into thy kingdom" the words uttered by
the dying malefactor on the cross, gave the
reverend gentleman his theme. He dweit
upon the hope which animated the man
who, though stained with many crimes,
yet had the grace of repentance.
Remember" the pastor went on, that
though our sins be many we yet have
hope of peace and pardon if we will but
abandon them. The thelf had barely time
TO frame vocal prayer, but the sight OF a
Redeemer near him filled his soul with
hope and he cried out for place in the
kingdom of heaven. This blessed hope
still lives. We have right to invoke it
and look upon it as the anchor and COM
pass of our lives. And if through life this
hope has been our guiding star. then we
may await with confidence the glad sent
ence of salvation from the Savior's lips:
This day thou shalt be with me in para
disc
That was all. Only simple, touching
commentary on Gospel story, given by a
pastor to his people. No mention was
made OF the stormy scenes during the ses-
sions of the council and the Bay Confer
ence. Not word of bitterness passed the
pastors lips. He spoke but of pardon,
hope and peace.
After the hymn, ST Know That Thou
Canst Save Ne" had been sung the Rev.
DR.. Wiley led in prayer.
Help US. Lord" he petitioned, ''to
look beyond the things of earth to those
which compass about thy throne of purity
and justice. We have loved the pastors of
above the sin, the strife and the confusion
of this world. Now, in this meeting set
apart for prayer, we pray for most
abundant blessing upon the one into
whose hands thou hast committed the
spiritual guidance of this con regation.
Help him to triumph over the adversities
which have pressed so thickly about him
during his hour of trial Grant him the
grace of fortitude and patience to sustain
him amid the difficulties which may beset
his path now or in future. Give to the
officers OF this church wisdom more than
human, and to its members a higher
spiritual life, that this church may be re-
fined and purified, even though it be SO as
by fire.
"Oh, Worship the King was sung to a
stirring hymn tune, and Deacon Morse
made prayer.
I'VE realize, o Lord" he prayed. "that
our burdened souls are passing through
deep waters. We look to thee alone for
guidance into the green pastures. To thee
we cry for the peace which thou alone
canst give. Watch over our church and
suffer it not to disappear; but let it rather
become light shining IN the darkness
and city placed upon hilltop, which
cannot be hid. Keep and bless our pastor
and her who IS the companion of his home
life, that they may both find peace and
comfort after coming out of tribulation."
The hymn Jesus Shall Reign was fol-
lowed by prayer by Deacon Dexter for
union and peace between the pastor and
his people and for cessation Of dissen-
sions in the church.
Several hundred voices sang another
hymn 10 the old tune of "Adeste Fideles
and Deacon Vasconcellos, Mr.. Hill and
Mr.. Christensen made brief prayers. The
pastor announced that a request from an
absent member for q letter of transfer to
the Third Congregational Church of Chi
cago would be considered at the church
meeting next week, and then he raised his
hands and blessed the people.
After the meeting DIR. Brown was sur
rounded by his parlshioners and the best
fellowship seemed to prevail. He declined
to speak for publication, but greeted the
press representatives most cordially.
"You see what has been done this even
ing" was all that he would say; "and you
find me happy in my church among my
people,"
Just prior to the opening of the prayer
meeting, Deacons Morse, Vasconcelios,
Dexter and Dewing held what they
termed an finformar' meeting in the
pastors study. Morse, Vasconcellos and
Dewing expressed themselves as dissatis-
fed with the action of the conference, and
for that reason would stand by the pastor.
Dexter refused to commit himself.