p. 321 | Untitled article by M. E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 5, 1867

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 21

REPORT FROM BRO. CORNELL.

By M. E. Cornell

The friends of truth in this part of Saginaw County are now rejoicing over the great encouragement they have received during the late series of meetings. The new house of worship, very neatly finished and furnished, was solemnly dedicated to the worship of God, Sabbath at half past ten o’clock. Though disappointed in our hopes of seeing some of our preaching brethren, yet we were all glad to see so many from St. Charles, Vassar and Watrousville, and to hear their cheering testimonies. We had four meetings each day as follows. Prayer meeting at 9 o’clock, preaching at 10½, social meeting at 1, and preaching in the evening of each day.

We were rejoiced to see so many out who had been prejudiced heretofore. The opposition is now giving away and there is a prospect of another harvest of souls in this place. We remain here till we are sure our work is done. May the Lord still work for us here.

For the dedication service we chose the following text: “Build the house and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified saith the Lord.” Hag. i, 8.

1. We rehearsed the circumstances which gave rise to the enterprise. Above fifty had embraced the Sabbath here, and with their children were compelled to meet in a small school-house, so that even on the occasion of the Sabbath school and Bible class the house was crowded. All felt the necessity of building a commodious house immediately.

2. By the prospering hand of God the house is now finished. It is not a church or Sanctuary. These are not appropriate names. The church is made up of the worshipers, not of the place of worship, and our Sanctuary is in Heaven. Meeting-house, House of worship or House of prayer, are significant and proper names.

3. That God may be glorified in the house, the worshipers must hold it in reverence and treat it as holy to the Lord.

4. God will take pleasure in the house, if those who worship in it are punctual, whole-hearted worshipers. The house is not to be worshiped. There is no room for pride. With the house let every heart be dedicated to God.

We requested all who were decided to walk in all the light of present truth to arise, and it seemed as though nearly two thirds of the people stood up. The spirit of these meetings was more solemn than joyful, and the impression made will be lasting on many hearts. To God be all the glory.

M. E. CORNELL.

Tittabawassa, Oct. 29, 1867.