Woodland, April 14, 1873
By M. E. Cornell
The interest of the work here in Woodland is greater than ever before. Since the dedication of the church, I have been laboring constantly in public and from house to house, and while I have besought the Lord with many prayers and tears, for myself and this people, the work has revived, and increased each day until the present time. Eleven more were baptized yesterday, making, in all, twenty since the house was dedicated. The editor of the Yolo Democrat, Mr. William Saunders, formerly editor of a paper at Charlotte, Mich., with his wife and daughter, were among the happy number baptized yesterday. Also the foreman in his office, with his wife. Bro. Saunders had investigated very thoroughly, and after weighing the matter for several months took a firm and decided stand. Being a man of sterling integrity and of good report, and highly prizing the truth he has embraced, we shall confidently hope that he will be a pillar in the cause here. The baptismal scene was one of unusual interest and solemnity. The Spirit of God rested down upon us, and many were affected to tears. Hard hearts were softened, and some noted skeptics were constrained to acknowledge that it was surely the work of God. Several more decided last evening, and many more are under deep conviction. I had planned to go to another field before this, but can get no liberty to leave here while this harvest is ungathered. So long as my burden of prayer and freedom in speaking continues, and souls are pressing to the light by scores, I cannot leave. My courage was never better than now, and I want to say to all the workers in the cause that you may reckon on all there is left of me in this harvest work until it is done. I believe God accepts me anew as a laborer, though I feel very unworthy to be trusted with so responsible a work. My gratitude to God knows no bounds, and I praise him day and night for such goodness and mercy. The work is the Lord’s, and to him be all the glory. M. E. CORNELL.