Report from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
Bro. White: According to appointment in Review I met with the church at Waukon, and held three meetings with them. Two discourses were given on the necessity of Spiritual Gifts and Unity in the church, and one on the nearness of our Lord's Second Advent. Some confessions were made that the testimony had not been read and appreciated; they had been overcharged with worldly cares and some had been putting off the Lord's coming. It was remarked that it did not seem any nearer now than it did ten years ago, and then it seemed seven or eight years ahead. The result of such a faith had been cold formality and worldly-mindedness. The following was most appropriate. "Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry." Heb. x, 35; also verse 25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Those who stand in the light will see the day "approaching." Each fulfilling sign will make it seem nearer and they will be led to exhort one another "so much the more." Had it not been that the brethren were in the hurry of gathering crops, and preparing for winter, we should have protracted the meeting a week or more; but it was decided best to give a course of lectures in a new place and then return. I was glad to form an acquaintance with Bro. and Sr. Abbey, who were on a visit to their daughter in Waukon. Their testimony was decidedly with ours for the whole truth, and was encouraging to the church. How good it is in these times of rebellion, to meet with those who stand stiffly for the whole truth, and for the unity of God's people. On the whole I was pleased with the visit with this church. There is a clear indication of a better state of things, and that there will yet good come out of Waukon. Nearly all the Sabbath keepers stand together, and earnestly desire to be in harmony with the body. I was glad to find so many there who have learned that it will not do to be at ease in Zion, that189now is the time to be zealous and repent. May they persevere unto the end. I have now given several lectures in the Court House in this place (West Union, about 40 miles from Waukon) and the prospect is good. The first evening there were about twenty-five, the second fifty, the third one hundred and fifty, and the fourth the house was crowded so that several had to remain outside or return home. The county officers, lawyers and the two editors, and four or five ministers are in attendance. There is a good spirit of inquiry, and better attention I never witnessed. There are quite a number of Spiritualists here, and last evening the Davenports of Spiritual notoriety, came to town, having previously sent a letter, and appointment to exhibit spirit hands. They asked me to give way for one night, and I left it to the audience, and they voted against it. However, on seeing that several of the leading men were anxious to see the wonders of Spiritualism for themselves, and knowing that I could by God's help, turn it to account, I adjourned for one evening. If it amounts to anything I will make a note of it, and give the result.