REPORT FROM BRO. CORNELL.
By M. E. Cornell
Bro. Smith: Since my last report the Lord has greatly blessed our efforts, both in the revival and comforting of his people, and the awakening and conversion of sinners. From Milford we went to Rochester and Shelby, where we spent two Sabbaths. They were in a sad state because of a general lack of faithfulness to each other; talking over the faults of others behind their backs. As this is a source of great evil in some places I will here refer to some of the scriptures quoted on this occasion. "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Matt. v, 23, 24. What a perfect rule is this for the settlement of difficulties. According to this we have not done enough when we go to those we have aught against, but we are to go to those whom we know have "aught against us," and if we strive to restore in the right spirit our efforts will be blessed. Again our Saviour says, "When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark xi, 25, 26. This rule requires that we forgive even without a confession on the part of the one who has injured us. Jesus on the cross forgave his greatest enemies, and that without any confession. And he has taught us to pray, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Says the Apostle, "Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold the Judge standeth before the door." James v, 9. The connection of this last text clearly shows its application to the present time. Bro. Lawrence stood shoulder to shoulder with us to enforce the scriptures, and the Spirit of the Lord worked powerfully, so that the spirit of confession came in. Most hearty, heart-broken confessions were made, and the Lord returned to his people. Several that had left off all religious duties took a new start for mount Zion. Bro. and Sr. Lawrence were made to rejoice by their eldest son's deciding to go with them to the kingdom. It was the occasion of great rejoicing to us all. Another occasion of rejoicing was the restoration of sister Miller from a sickness nigh unto death, in answer to prayer. Truly the Lord has done great things for the church in Shelby. All praise to his name! We next went to Lapeer, and in company with Bro. Lawrence took earnest measures to drive the enemy out of the camp. The same spirit was there that had almost destroyed the cause in Shelby. At the conference the hurt was only slightly healed; this we feared at the time, but a hurried spirit drove us away before the work was done, and the Lord in his providence turned us back to finish what we had begun. It seemed that discouragement had come over the church since the loss of their house of worship, and lukewarmness, and a train of other evils had followed. At first it appeared like a hopeless case, but when we saw a general willingness to confess and forsake wrongs we took new courage. At a business meeting it was ascertained that the church was in debt $180, besides their subscription for tent enterprise, which they have not the means at present to liquidate. They also need another house of worship, which they are not able to build and pay what was behind on the house that was burnt. In consultation with Bro. Lawrence we decided to recommend that this church be released from their tent pledges, and that they be somewhat assisted from abroad if possible. This church have manifested a willingness beyond their means. May the Lord open the way for them. On our return from Lapeer we held two meetings in Canandaigua. The house was crowded, and the friends of truth there were revived. Before taking our final leave of the church at Shelby we felt it duty to attend to the ordinances. This was a precious season indeed, and we feel more than ever attached to these churches. Nearly two years had passed since I had labored with Bro. Lawrence. The Lord had greatly blessed our united efforts, and it was truly a privilege to again unite our voices in the same place with those the Lord had given us. The Lord has made us to feel "how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Of late we have had unmistakable evidence that the Lord is returning to his people. In offering the prayer of faith, we have been reminded of former days, when the candle of the Lord shone around his people. The Lord is pleased with his children that walk by faith. O that we may live better, believe more, and be more ready to every good work. These are perilous times. There is danger of being too "slow of heart," and also of running too fast. Satan desires to keep us too far back, or drive us beyond the work, as in the case of some in Wisconsin reported by Bro. White. The admonition, "Be not deceived," is worthy of our attention just now. And if in our honest desire to be and do right, we get on the wrong track, we must be humble enough to back out, and confess the wrong and take a more humble place with the body. May the Lord save all the honest from the snare of the enemy. Any movement in favor of sanctification that does not have as its leading feature the soon coming of Christ and the third angel's message, may be reasonably questioned. Present truth is a good regulator, and we cannot prize it too highly in these awful moments of peril. We go next to East Saginaw, where I expect to give a course of lectures, if the way opens. Through the good mercy of God my health is almost entirely recovered, and my heart is of good courage. Brethren, pray for us.