M. E. CORNELL by Merritt E. Cornell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 6, 1875

M. E. CORNELL

By Merritt E. Cornell

Michigan.

My last report was of a course of lectures at Armada, Macomb County. After leaving Armada I gave two lectures at Memphis, and two at Lapeer, on spiritualism. The spirit workers had become very bold in these places, and they had used my name very freely in public at Lapeer, saying that they had challenged me at Battle Creek to a discussion, but we dare not meet them. By special request, we took up the subject and gave reasons why we could not consistently engage in discussion with those who acknowledge no standard, but are led by spirits of devils. Many years have passed since we first introduced the truth in these places, and full houses were drawn to hear. This was evidently a timely warning and may save some from the snare of the enemy.

After a short visit at my father's, and among my many relatives and friends whom I had not seen in several years, I called on Bro. Dr. Mills, at Howell, Livingston Co., and found him very anxious to have a tent-meeting there. We looked out a good central place and the way seems to be fully open, with a fair prospect of success.

By request of the Conference Committee, I attended the quarterly meeting at Hillsdale. Some were present from Quincy and Ransom, and there was freedom and encouragement. The brethren at Hillsdale are very anxious for a course of lectures there. Many are inquiring.

After speaking Sunday A. M., April 11, at Hillsdale, I rode fourteen miles by Bro. Walworth's conveyance, to Quincy, Branch Co., and gave the first lecture of a course, in the evening. Have now given eighteen lectures, had two social meetings, and one of a business nature. We have had very good audiences, and there is a prospect of some fruit. Prejudice is strong, and every means is used to keep people from the truth. We hold on over another Sabbath.

A Bro. J. E. Woodward, from Niagara Co., N. Y., who had been interested in the truth formerly, but had, by adverse circumstances, lost his interest, after hearing at Hillsdale, came up here and remained over Sabbath and Sunday, and he now takes a decided stand for the whole truth. He now expects to go to Battle Creek in a few weeks, and avail himself of every facility for becoming well informed in the truth. I am much interested in this case; for it does seem that young men of ability and natural force of character, having proved themselves successful in an honorable calling, may be of use in some way in the Lord's vineyard.

As for myself, I am happy to say that, as I settle into the work and take on a burden for myself and the cause, I can realize a very perceptible change, and I find that my love for the cause, and my interest to labor in it earnestly, are daily increasing. I try to employ every moment in some good work, and it brings good fruit to the soul. The Lord is good.

M. E. CORNELL

Quincy, Mich., April 26, 1875.