Report from Bro. Cornell.
By Merritt E. Cornell
May 7, and 8, 1870, attended the special meeting at South Lancaster, Mass. Here met Brn. Rodman and Haskell, and a goodly number from Rhode Island, Mass., and New Hampshire. Most of the time was occupied in religious services. Five were baptized. All seemed to feel that this was a very profitable meeting—not because there was so much of the comforting office of the Spirit, but because of the unusually solemn and admonitory character of its manifestation. The place was solemn indeed. Resolutions were made that cannot be soon forgotten. What added special interest to the meeting was, the new experience the Lord gave our dear Bro. Crandall, who embraced the truth at the camp-meeting last summer. All seemed to feel that the Lord was specially leading him out to take some part in the closing work of mercy to this world. This meeting was a special blessing to our brethren from Boston. It was the first opportunity they had enjoyed of meeting so many of the old tried friends of the cause. Now they can judge for themselves in regard to the reports that this people took the law, to the exclusion of the Spirit, and faith in Christ. Like the brother in Maine, they could say, "If this is the bondage the Sabbath brings, we want it." May 14, 15, attended monthly meeting at Cornville, Me. The gifts, the awful sin of murmuring, and the need of adding courage to faith, were the principal subjects brought before the meeting. It was encouraging to see a willingness to receive the searching testimony. Bro. Stratton expressed that he was encouraged to start anew in the good cause, and try to be found on the right side. It is to be hoped that he will press toward the light, and again be free in the Lord. After the second discourse at Cornville, Sunday P. M., rode fifteen miles to Norridgewock, and met with the church there in the evening. The session lasted over three hours, and it is hoped will result in a better state of union and good courage, with all that love the cause of truth there. May 20 to 22, attended the monthly meeting at Richmond, Me. By the kindness of the brethren, the use of the Reed meeting-house was granted, in which all the meetings were held. Brethren and sisters came from China, Brunswick, and Falmouth. On the Sabbath the burden of the testimony was similar to that at Cornville, and, though all were not clear and free as could be desired, yet on the whole it was a profitable meeting. Brn. Howard and Goodrich were present, and took part of the labor. On Sunday the house was quite well filled with attentive hearers, and prejudice seemed to give way, and a real interest was manifested. Let all who mean to be on the Lord's side, cease to murmur, and press together with courage and faith, and the cause in Maine will speedily revive. In malice be children, but in understanding be men. Let the fact be established in every mind and heart, that murmuring is a grievous sin, whatever the occasion may be. Dear friends, let me exhort you to get rid of every particle of the spirit of jealousy, discontent, and murmuring, and be done with it forever. Let us all make clean work of returning to the Lord, and then he will return to his people. The Lord hasten the time is our prayer.