Report from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
SINCE last report I have given 36 discourses at the tent-meeting at Richmond, Maine. There were opposition and various discouragements in the way; still the meeting is to be regarded as a success. Two Advent preachers and one Freewill Baptist took a decided stand upon the truth; also some others; and a great amount of prejudice was removed. Bro. Waggoner aided much in the effort in a reply to a discourse by one Eld. Walker against the law. Probably no effort against the law of God was ever more completely exposed than this one. But what added to the interest of the meeting most of all was the coming of Bro. White just in time to meet, and refute before the people, some of the worst slanders ever circulated by the first-day and no-law Adventists against Sr. White. They went abroad after witnesses, and one came to the tent. Bro. White met him, and by151questions completely refuted the slander and proved that Sr. White was not there at the time, and so had no part in the fanaticism referred to. No candid person could fail to see that those reports were without any foundation. All these investigations of false reports against Sr. White, and the public refutation of them, created a greater desire than ever to see and hear Sr. White. Then after the camp-meeting, though much worn and feeble, Sr. White came and gave one discourse of about one hour and a half. The large hall was crowded, and scores stood up all through. The interest was great, and it was remarked that there never had been a more able and powerful discourse in that village. The Lord gave Sr. White perfect liberty, and the reaction in the public mind was wonderful. One of the leading church members expressed his astonishment that a woman could become so acceptable a public speaker, and wished his people would move in favor of female speakers. After laboring so long against the current of prejudice, this was a happy day for us, and we could only thank God and take courage. The interest in the meetings there has been growing, and the believers there were greatly encouraged. For two weeks past I have been giving lectures at New Sharon, Me. But the effort has proved not very successful. Some have taken books, and subscribed for REVIEW, and there may yet be some fruit. It may not be best that we should have prosperity all the time. We are cast down, but not discouraged. We must “try again,” and lean more upon the arm of the Lord.