The Cause in Michigan by M. E. Cornell

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Dec 26, 1854

The Cause in Michigan.

By M. E. Cornell

FOR the encouragement of the friends of truth abroad, I wish to make a brief statement in regard to the churches I have lately visited, and the general state of the cause in Michigan:

Our first meeting was at Delhi according to appointment in Review. The subjects of “Order” and “Purity” were investigated before the church with good result. Five willing souls put away sin by complying with God’s own revealed plan; viz., by baptism.

At Locke, the next appointment, we found the church prepared to act in union, and an effort was immediately made to set in order things that were wanting. This church had not been visited by any of the messengers since Bro. White met us in conference there last Spring. The brethren and sisters seemed to be much encouraged and comforted, and we trust much good will result from this meeting.

At Tyrone we found the Sabbath-keepers anxious to hear the word preached: our meeting there was very interesting. Bro. and Mr. Rathbun came about eighteen miles through the storm to hear once more the warning message, and seemed to be greatly encouraged. One feeble old gentleman about eighty years of age, came eight miles on foot to attend the meeting. He arose and expressed his joy and gratitude at having found the people of God who were taking heed unto the word of prophecy and teaching all the commandments, for which he had been looking more than twenty years. It was truly affecting to hear this aged brother relate his experience, and see him weep while expressing his gratitude for the privilege that he enjoyed.

During our stay in Tyrone we listened to a discourse by a minister of the Christian order, in which he endeavored to show that the law of ten commandments was abolished by the death of Christ. He said the covenant which was old and vanished away was the ten commandments, and left the people with the law abolished and none of it re-enacted. We gave notice that we should review his discourse after fifteen minutes' intermission. The truth triumphed gloriously. At the close of the meeting an intelligent man who made no profession, in conversation with a Methodist, made the following remark,

“There is only one way to get around it and that is to throw away your Bible.”

At Locke and Tyrone the friends were somewhat disappointed in not seeing Brn. Cranson and Curry at the time appointed. Bro. Cranson’s health failed so that he could not leave home, and Bro. Curry’s business was not sufficiently arranged to leave at the time; but he sent on appointments, and joined us at Tyrone about one week after the conference. As Bro. Curry came through and filled his appointments, the friends of truth were strengthened and made to rejoice by seeing this dear brother labor so zealously to build up those glorious truths which he once sought to destroy.

From Tyrone we went to Shelby, according to previous appointment, where in company with Bro. Curry, we spent two Sabbaths and First-days in preaching the word. The second Sabbath was occupied in investigating the subject of Church order and baptism, after which four were baptized for the remission of sins.

Previous to our coming to this place, a Baptist minister who had read but one of our pamphlets, stated to one of the brethren, that he could show by our own books that our position was false, and expressed a willingness to enter into an investigation of the matter with us. Accordingly this brother went six miles on foot to give him notice that we were ready to listen to his arguments and reply; but to the brother’s deep regret and utter astonishment, this learned man declined, saying, “I am not going to be whittled to pieces by unlearned men.” This reminds us of Ezekiel’s prophecy of the fox-like character of some of the latter day prophets. Chap. xiii, 4, 5. The fox ventures to bark near the farmer’s yard, knowing that if the farmer has a watch-dog he will answer. He continues to bark and wax bolder and bolder until he hears the voice of the dog, and then (lest he be torn in pieces) coward-like beats a hasty retreat. Truth courts, but error shrinks from investigation.

Bro. Curry is now prepared to enter the field and devote his whole time to the ministry. We hope he will have the hearty co-operation of every lover of truth, and his labors be crowned with abundant success.

Notwithstanding the effort that has been made by some to cause division, and thus hinder the work of God, the cause has been steadily advancing, and the churches generally in this State stand firm and united, having no sympathy for the work of those who having despised reproof are left to their own ways.

It is true that in this State a few have left us, but their places have been filled by at least three to one, and by those too, whom we trust will be an honor instead of a reproach to the cause. We see no cause for discouragement. The Lord will defend the right, and the truth will certainly prevail—Amen!

M. E. CORNELL.