p. 405 | Ferndale, California by G. D. Ballou

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Sep 6, 1883

Ferndale, California.

By G. D. Ballou

The cause of present truth continues to prosper well in this vicinity. The enemies of truth have been doing more for its advancement than we could possibly do. The minister who last spring threatened to “expose Adventism” succeeded admirably last Sunday afternoon in exposing the weakness of the Sunday heresy. He advertised to furnish a Scripture command for first-day Sabbath observance, and also to read Scripture showing plainly that Christ and his apostles held religious meetings in the daytime of the first day of the week. Four or five hundred people assembled, and went away disappointed. Only two scriptures were read, Acts 20:7, and John 20:19.

When questions were asked and remarks made which showed the utter fallacy and weakness of his position, many left in disgust before the service closed.

Over twenty-five have embraced present truth at this date, and others are deeply interested. One excellent feature of the work is seen in the disposition manifested by those taking hold of the work, to labor for others. We have organized a Sabbath-school of thirty-seven members. This does not include all who have embraced the truth, as some live too far away to attend often.

Last Sunday steps were taken toward the building of a house of worship. Over six hundred dollars were pledged in about fifteen minutes. Many of the friends outside have expressed a desire to aid in the building of the house.

The work is onward in this county. All the friends of truth are of good courage. The testimonies in our social meetings give evidence that the work is deep and genuine. The enemy is still working through his embassadors, circulating false reports, etc. Next Sunday we review a new book which has just appeared on the Sunday question, entitled, “Which is the Sabbath, Saturday or Sunday? or, a Check on Adventism.” The book is the weakest we ever read in defense of Sunday. Pray for the prosperity of the truth, dear friends, and labor as you pray.

Ferndale, Aug. 30. G. D. BALLOU, N. C. MCCLURE.