Conferences in Iowa by M. E. Cornell

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 27, 1859

Conferences in Iowa.

By M. E. Cornell

For the first of these meetings the brethren pitched the tent at Pilotsburgh thus dividing the distance between the churches at Dayton and Richmond. Several were prevented from attending by sickness, nevertheless a goodly number came together and seemed to have a mind to work. The social meetings were cheering. Many resolved to be more earnest and persevering in their efforts to overcome.

Bro. M. Hull could not attend as it became necessary that he should remain at Knoxville to defend the cause there. But Brn. Graham and D. W. Hull attended both meetings and took part in the services.

The principal theme upon which we dwelt was the unity and the gifts of the church. The Lord gave freedom, and the confidence of those present, in the necessity of the gifts being restored to the remnant, appeared to be greatly increased.

More than twelve distinct Bible rules were given for detecting true and false visions, every one of which we applied to the visions already given to the remnant and proved them to be of God; for every feature of them is recognized by the Bible as the marks of the genuine. Is the Bible a true detector? We cannot doubt it. Neither can we reject what the Bible proves to be a true manifestation of the Holy Spirit. We can as easily prove the seventh-day Sabbath abolished, as that the gifts have been, by divine authority. And the prophets as plainly teach the restitution of the gifts as they do of the true Sabbath.

If these positions are correct (and they can be maintained) how careful should every Sabbath-keeper be lest he be found acting inconsistent with his own profession. Let every one bear in mind the admonition of the apostle to "quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." May the Holy Spirit continue to show the remnant "things to come." Amen.

M. E. CORNELL.

Lisbon, Iowa, Oct. 18th.