EASTERN TOUR by M. E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 25, 1862

EASTERN TOUR.

By M. E. Cornell

IN the good providence of God I arrived at the place of my first meeting in good time, after a fatiguing journey of about six hundred miles. Bro. H. Hilliard was at the station and conveyed me about a quarter of a mile to his comfortable home. After being deprived of usual rest and sleep for two nights, and being oppressed by the idle talk and clamor of the men of this world for thirty-six consecutive hours, the warm Christian greeting, the quietness and rest of a pilgrim's home, was truly refreshing. In consequence of a heavy storm (a regular "down East north-easter," which lasted four days) some were kept from attending the meeting. By first-day the roads were impassable for teams, yet a goodly number braved the blast on foot, and we had a profitable meeting. The burden of our testimony was the necessity of union, church discipline, the chosen means by which the remnant are to be gathered and organized, &c. The testimony met with a hearty response from all. I was much gratified to hear Bro. Buck express a determination to henceforth be on his guard against expressing any opinion, or urging any point, which is contrary to the views and feelings of the majority. Said he had confidence that God was leading the body, and would continue to

lead them into all truth as fast as they can all appreciate and live it out. I hope we may all as the servants of God, learn to do all things without murmurings and disputings, and so seek the things which make for peace. The Lord is guiding the ship, and it is safe to venture all on board. The Spirit will guide into all truth, but it will guide no faster than the whole body can follow. The Lord will reveal many things to the body in his own time. "Nevertheless," says the apostle, "wherein we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing." Phil. iii. 16. We must then be united on what is made plain to the eye of the whole body, and have confidence that in due time the cloud will move before all Israel.

It was with much difficulty that I reached this place (Rouse's Point) in consequence of the deep snow on the track. In some of the deep cuts it was as high as the cars. Three powerful engines were often set in attempting to force their way through, and we occupied thirty hours before the road was cleared the distance of one hundred miles. When we at last arrived, Bro. C. O. Taylor was waiting at the station, and was able to pick me out in the crowd by seeing my charts. In a few minutes I found myself again enjoying the comforts of a real Advent home.

The brethren here could not assemble, as the roads were impassable in the country round about. The oldest inhabitants cannot remember such a time as this so late in the season.

Here I caught the first glimpse of the Green Mountains, about fifty miles away. Their dark forms appear, towering up into the very clouds. The sight is somewhat interesting to me, having never seen the like before. As I this morning viewed the cloud-capped summits, it occurred to me that these were the very same upon which my dear mother once gazed, and of which she told me in the days of my childhood. It is many years since she fell asleep in Christ, but I love to cherish her memory. It was from her I received my earliest religious impressions, and I hope soon to see her again. How blessed is the Christian's hope!

These mountains are a wonder, but how much more "beautiful for situation is the mount Zion" that will soon greet the eyes and gladden the hearts of all the faithful. The surpassing glories of that bright mountain are for the remnant, and we are well able through Christ to go up and possess the goodly land.

M. E. CORNELL.

Rouse's Point, N. Y., March 19, 1862.