The California Tent

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 16, 1872

The California Tent.

The following from the pen of Bro. Cornell, published in the Yolo (Cal.) Democrat of June 29, 1872, will explain itself, and show in a measure how the tent-meeting in Woodland is progressing.

VINDICATION.

It has been our purpose not to notice the slanderous insinuations of any, and so far as the candid public of Woodland is concerned we might well pass them all by; but an article in the California Christian Advocate of Thursday, June 27, over the initials of the Methodist clergyman of Woodland, demands a passing notice.

The writer describes our scripture expositions as “loud mouthed style,” “exceedingly disgusting to a refined taste,” having “its ordinary results on the weak minded!” Now, the three to five hundred of our regular hearers will understand what this clergyman thinks of both their intelligence and their refinement.

We have now given thirty-seven discourses, and one hundred dollars' worth of religious books and tracts have been taken from our stand and are being read, and $97 have been voluntarily contributed toward our expenses. A Bible Class and Sabbath School have been started with over one hundred attendants, and it is remarked by some of the oldest and most candid citizens that there is now more Bible reading than was ever before known in this town.

Scores of old-fashioned Christians are bidding us a most hearty God-speed. Several who never made any profession of religion are now inquiring the way, and we have been blessed in praying for them in their own houses and seeing their tearful interest to know and do the right.

And yet this professed Christian minister can say of our meetings, “There is an entire lack of the spirit of true devotion and Christian love,” and that our first meetings were introduced without prayer. Scores of witnesses will testify that every meeting has been duly opened by prayer and singing, from the first.

Hoping for grace and patience to endure, we shall try to be faithful while we continue here—several weeks—at the earnest solicitation of many citizens.

M. E. CONNELL. Woodland, June 28, 1872.