p. 54 | M. E. CORNELL by M. E. Cornell

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 24, 1857

M. E. CORNELL

By M. E. Cornell

From Bro. Cornell.

BRO. SMITH: The Lord is blessing our efforts here in Illinois. The first Sabbath after leaving Battle Creek, we met with the church in Round Grove, Whiteside Co. This meeting seemed to begin a good work. The strict testimony took effect, a spirit of confession came into the meeting, and some went free; but we felt it duty to follow up the effort, and do all we could for the church. On Second-day we were made glad by the return of Bro. Hart and Sperry from a tour North, and we all concluded to take hold of the work together and labor to bring up the church, where we could feel that their prayers would follow us into new fields of labor. Our united effort resulted, we believe, in much good; tears flowed freely, and that sorrow manifested that we trust will produce reform. There had been a great lack of brotherly love—the spirit of "am I my brother's keeper" still prevailed there, and instead of faithfulness to admonish an erring brother, his faults had been talked over with others, until there was a general lack of confidence, and brotherly love, and fellowship was nearly gone. But when the necessity of a speedy and entire change was talked out, the Spirit seemed to attend the word, and truth triumphed. At the close of our meetings, while the ordinances were celebrated, the manifestation of the Spirit was truly solemn, and we were deeply impressed that it would truly cost the church an "extra effort," a mighty struggle, to buy the gold tried in the fire, and obtain the victory.

On our way to Green Vale, Jo Davis Co., we stayed over night at the house of Bro. Lockwood. These aged pilgrims seemed much revived by our visit, and resolved to make a new start for the kingdom. It was truly cheering to behold their joy at the increasing signs of our Lord's speedy return. At Green Vale we found the church had been sinking in discouragement, until several were about deciding to make no more efforts to arise.

Our first meeting here was on the Sabbath, Dec. 5th, at the house of Bro. Bates. While the facts in regard to our present position were referred to, hope returned, and faults were freely confessed. At the meeting on First-day there was a general reading of heart before the Lord. Some confessed and removed things out of the way, as if they realized that this was the last call. We found them quite well furnished as to the theory of the truth, but almost entirely destitute of the power. The pointed testimony was received by nearly all, and we hope there will be fruit answerable to amendment of life.

From here we expect to separate and go into new places as the way may open. O how solemn is this time! How important is the work before us! How soon the day will pass as the chaff, and it will be too late to prepare for the kingdom. O that we would be in earnest, for the Lord is in earnest with us. Our lukewarmness is obnoxious to Jesus, and unless we awake now, our slumber will be fatal. O ye saints, awake! Awake! The alarm is now sounding in earnest, and we must make haste to open the door to Jesus, or he will knock for the last time, and we be left to ourselves. O Lord save or we perish.

M. E. CORNELL

Warren, Ills., Dec. 8th, 1857.