REPORT FROM CALIFORNIA.
By D. T. BOURDEAU
We have now been at Healdsburg over two months. When we reported last, about ten had taken their stand on the message, and others wanted to see our views tried by opposition before deciding. Finally the opposition came, in four discourses against Adventism and the Bible Sabbath, by Prof. Lippitt, of Petaluma, a week ago last Saturday night, and Sunday through the day. It will be remembered that Prof. Lippitt was the first opponent that we met in California, about a year ago. He is not wanting in ability, or worldly wisdom, as he is considered by many as the Henry Ward Beecher of the Methodists on this coast. But with all his ability, he failed to produce Bible authority for the change of the Sabbath. To do this, he would have to first give us another Bible, stating that God did change the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week, and that therefore men should keep the first day, instead of the seventh. But even then, we would prefer to stand by the old-fashioned Bible, the protestant’s rule of faith, that has stood the test of ages. Prof. Lippitt’s contradictory positions, his false statements against our views and modern Adventism, and his overbearing spirit, defeated his object in opposing us, and rather served to the furtherance of the truth. Bro. Loughborough replied to his lectures in five discourses, the last three of which were given yesterday (Sunday), before large and attentive congregations. The interest is better than it was before the opposition, and our friends are increasing. Last Sabbath was a precious and important day to the cause in this place. After the discourse in the forenoon, we had an interesting social meeting, characterized by the presence and strivings of the Spirit of God. Fourteen new ones spoke in favor of the truth. About a score have embraced the Sabbath. Some of these had never made a profession of religion. Healdsburg, Cal., Aug. 9, 1869.