The San Francisco call., 1897-04-14

several important topics were discussed
and acted upon. The session finally ad
| journed until Monday, the 26th, at the
Mission Home on Sacramento street.
| e. II. Jenks was chosen moderator yes
terday, though F. A. Doane acted for mos
of the afternoon, the moderator serving
with the Home Mission Committee.
Much of the business of the day was te-
diously routine in character, being hum
drum recital of petty grievances, reports
OF committees and work of like character
| but Rev. G. E. Mathena, known as 'the
! friend of the poor of the Potrero," broke
| away from conventionalism when the
| question of a grand banquet at the Occi-
dental Hotel was sprung.
The matter under discussion was ways
and means OF making a successful ban
quet on April 30 in honor of the gradu-
| alton of students at the Presbyterian
The illogical Seminary at 81 so per plate.
| Invitations had been sent to all minis
| ters, ana all were asked to state whether
they would attend. Rev. Mr.. Reynolds
had urged those present to do all in their
| power to make the banquet success, and
| the moderator was awaiting responses.
1t was at this juncture that Rev. Z. G.
Mathena arose and made speech that
sounded like the simple doctrines OF
Christ as taught by Tostoi in his novels.
Rev. II. n. Bevier criticized him severely
for "breaking the sweet harmony of the
| meeting by speaking of unpleasant
| things" but Mr.. Mathena did not modify
his position.
I'VE are asked to go to this banquet at
the Occidental Hotel" he said, modestly,
but 1T costs So if we take our wives
confess that sucn use of money seems to
me wrong, vitally wrong, in these times
| OF want and suffering among our fellow
creatures. 1t IS embarrassing for me TO
thus decline the invitation or to appear 10
| be out of joint with the times but nv
work lies among the very poor, among
| those to whom a dollar is of great import
ance. 1t is matter of conscience with
| me and l cannot consent to spend S3 in
| this way when the poor are coming to nv
door for food; when little children are
| hungry and i'll clad, and when honest men
are out OF employment, their families in
want.
with the small sum of So I could dc
great good in the way of charity or ]
| might get ten children into my Sunday.
school. do not think it is proper fo,
ministers of the gospel to set such an ex.
ample as this would be. NV console ice
therefore, compels me to decline the invi
| talon, although friends have offered tc
self'' Wy
Rev. n. N. Bevier arose at once and
criticized the speaker for introdu ucing .
discordant note.
| II think such talk mars the swee
unanimity of this beautiful meeting" h,
said, land believe the BANQUET will be ,
oenent to the seminary; therefore it ough
to be encouraged"
Rev. Mr.. Woodwork, in reply, said
This gaudy dinner will in no way al,
the seminary. The banquet is for the
seiect an6 fortunate and not for the riff
raft like Brother Mathena and Others who
cannot afford to attend. Of course, th,
newspapers will boom it and put forth the
oriillant things said, but the report viii
not be made in quiet way"
IIIhe matter was not discussed further
ana the presbytery devoted its atte entior
| to other themes.
The application of Thomas K. Dryder
TO be allowed to preach was refused afte
an examination by the presbytery.
| 1t was decided to adjourn the presby