LETTER FROM BRO. CORNELL.
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. SMITH: Last Sabbath and first-day were days of special blessings to the church at Lisbon. The present truth has not lost its beauty and importance in their eyes, but they appear to love it more and more. The Lord has added to their numbers and others have lately become interested to investigate. Prejudice in certain quarters seems to be giving away some; and there is hope that ere long more fruit will be manifest. On first-day afternoon a discourse was given upon the subject of baptism and its pre-requisites, after which five were buried with Christ by baptism, and in the evening the church met at the house of Bro. Mitchell and attended to the ordinances of the Lord's house. It was a time to be remembered. There was weeping and rejoicing and the voice of praise all commingled, while the sweet blessing of God was distilling upon all around, causing the very place to seem sacred. Several testified that this was the happiest day of their lives. How true the words: “Ye shall be happy, if ye know
And do these things, by faith below.” When the divine plan is strictly followed the needed blessings will be given. It has ever been so from the beginning as we may learn from the Bible and history; besides, there are hundreds of living witnesses who have been blessed in obedience, and have proved the promise, “happy are ye if ye do them.” Because true humility is an indispensable requisite to true happiness—to peace in believing and joy in the Holy Ghost. How true the apostle’s words, “According as his divine power hath given unto US ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN UNTO LIFE AND GODLINESS.” The plan is perfect and there is no lack. If it is followed out in all its parts, it will prepare us for an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom. The authors of patent medicines, for the ailments of dull mortality, say we must “follow the directions strictly,” though none of these will prevent sickness and death sooner or later. But there is an eternal salvation from sickness and death and all their consequent evils. If we “follow the directions” of this plan strictly there is no failure. Praise God for such a plan and for such a hope. The gospel plan not only provides the eternal salvation in the future, but in answer to prayer, it gives present relief from the power of disease, such as no remedy of man ever gave. The Lord hath done great things for his remnant people already; but if we follow on, we may yet see greater wonders still. O what a prospect lies before us. We have been “eye-witnesses” of the power and goodness of God in the past, and we cannot doubt that the “windows of heaven will be opened” and greater blessings will be poured out than we ever knew. “O what a blessed hope is ours!
While here on earth we stay,
We more than taste the heavenly powers,
And antedate the day.” I have just received a letter from Bro. Dorcas, stating that the work is still going on at Tipton. Their Sabbath meetings are interesting. The young man I spoke of whose father is a minister, and who was forbidden by him to attend our meetings has since been excluded from his home because he would keep the Sabbath. He went to Bro. Dorcas; but had not been there long when a messenger came with a letter, informing him that he could return and keep the Sabbath at home. This shows that the parents are not entirely void of natural affection, and it is to be hoped that he will try in everything to please his parents as far as possible without compromising the truth. My lungs are now rested from the soreness caused by the speaking at Tipton, and the weather has moderated, so that I shall start out for new fields to-morrow if the Lord will. M. E. CORNELL.