p. 516 | SABBATH IN OAKLAND

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 18, 1880

SABBATH IN OAKLAND.

SABBATH, Nov. 13, was a good day for the church in Oakland. At half-past nine the usual Sabbath-school service was held. This branch of the church has for some time been steadily advancing both in numbers and interest, and the union of the two largest divisions, the youth and adults, in studying the New Testament history bids fair to make the school still more attractive. The lesson of the day was the first of the new series, and was specially interesting. In the primary division also, which has more than doubled in numbers in the last six months, there seems to be a growing interest.

At eleven o'clock the church was comfortably filled with brethren and sisters to whom Elder Aldrich, late pastor of the Baptist church at Nevada City, and who has recently commenced to observe the Sabbath, delivered a brief but pointed discourse from the words of Solomon in Prov. 18 : 24. Amid all the wealth and grandeur of Solomon's kingdom, and the multitude of his companions, he felt the need of making friends with One who would never prove untrue. The Elder forcibly presented the advantages of friendship, and exhorted all to secure the never-failing friendship of that Friend who “sticketh closer than a brother.”

In the afternoon quite a number from Oakland went over to Alameda, where Bro. Israel spoke to the little company there who have established regular church services and a Bible Class. Although earnest efforts have been made by some to draw away those who have recently commenced to keep the Sabbath in that place, none seem to be shaken, but on the contrary are becoming more and more settled in regard to the truth. The blessing of the Lord seems to be upon the cause in Oakland, and we have faith to believe that it is in answer to the united prayers of his people. Brethren, let your prayers continue to arise in its behalf.