FAREWELL MEETINGS by Moses Ellsworth Cornell

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 9, 1860

FAREWELL MEETINGS.

By Moses Ellsworth Cornell

Our last meetings with the friends of Bible truth at Lisbon, Marion, Fairview, Anamosa and Rome were very cheering. In all these places we found the people of God united, and manifesting an increasing interest in the rising message.

It had been reported by the no-law people that all the friends at Rome had gone back and given up the Sabbath. But when we came to the place we soon learned that but two had ceased to observe the Sabbath, and even there still acknowledge it the true Sabbath; while on the other hand several had embraced the truth, and the number was increasing.

Eld. * nell (Disciple preacher) had been there since the tent-meeting and preached against the law and Sabbath, but he overshot the mark, and the result was in favor of that he was endeavoring to pull down. He said that nine of the ten commandments were reenacted in the New Testament, and afterwards said there was but one moral commandment in the decalogue, viz., "Thou shalt not covet!" Some of his hearers were so astonished at his awful position, they could not believe he meant to be understood in that way, and so asked him about it before several witnesses, when he re-affirmed it in plain language, "Nine of those commandments are carnal!" And this is the no-law champion of Eastern Iowa who has been studying several months more or less, to overthrow the ten commandments. In discussion at Marion this same man admitted that the last six precepts relating to man's duty to his fellow-man, were moral, and quoted Webster to prove it.

Those who fight present truth are in confusion—smitten with madness. Every man's sword is turned against his brother; not only so, but as above, they are falling upon their own sword and expiring. In overthrowing the law, they undermine the gospel, yea, the whole Bible also, and in some cases they are going over to Universalism. But truth is mighty and will prevail.

After speaking at Marion, and taking our leave of the numerous and warm-hearted friends, I was very sick all night with fever, and the next day rode in a lumber wagon fourteen miles to Fairview, and spoke

in the evening, though too weak to stand up through the discourse.

Next day rode four miles to Anamosa and spoke in the evening in much weakness. At this place a team was in readiness to convey me to Rome, where I held five meetings, but was not able to fill the last appointment. By the best of care I could not gain sufficient nerve-power to give more than one discourse in twenty-four hours. I must now take time to rest and recruit, or fall entirely.

Bro. Snook is called for at Rome, and I hope he will visit them as soon as possible.

We take this opportunity to express our gratitude for all the kindness received during our sojourn in Iowa, and pray that the blessing of our heavenly Father may rest upon all his people. M. E. CORNELL.