The California Discussion.
Under this head, the Crisis of May 8, 1872, says:— “In the Advent Review and Herald of the Sabbath, for April 30th, we find a report of our discussion of the seventh-day Sabbath question in San Francisco, with Eld. M. E. Cornell, which contains his statements in his last speech, concerning which, we have received the following, signed by fifty persons who attended the debate:— “‘To whom it may concern:—This is to certify that Eld. M. E. Cornell's last speech in his debate with Elder Miles Grant, in this city, was a series of misrepresentations of Elder Grant's remarks and positions.’” The report was published in the REVIEW Apr. 30. The Crisis containing the foregoing remarks bears date of May 8, one week and one day after the REVIEW was published. It is not possible that in these eight days the REVIEW could have reached California, this certificate have been prepared, and returned so as to reach the Crisis Office by the date named. It follows therefore that it was signed by those who had not the published report before them, and who were therefore dependent on the memory of themselves or others. Then the queries arise, When was it prepared? under what circumstances? and at whose solicitation? And it might be pertinent to ask also by what class of people? for the Watchman and Reflector, as quoted by the Advent Times of April 2, 1872, says that but a “small percentage of Christian character can stand transplanting from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.” And this state of things would not be materially helped by the teaching that the only law which contains the precept, “Thou shalt not bear false witness,” has been abolished. This matter needs to be cleared of a good many probabilities of a very doubtful nature before it will be of any particular weight.