Report from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
I HAVE just closed a course of twenty-two lectures at Falmouth, five miles from the city of Portland. There was a good attendance from the beginning, and the last meeting was one of unusual interest. The solemn interest manifested in our last discourse, the falling tear, the friendly shake of the hand of so many at the close, showed that the truth had many friends in that place. That was truly a solemn meeting. Some had become deeply interested who had not been to a religious meeting in ten years. When we requested all who were convinced that we had preached the truth on the Sabbath question, to express it by vote, I was astonished to see how large a share of the crowded assembly were convinced of the truth. As it was late, there was not time for all to speak, so we asked those who were decided to obey the truth, to express it by vote, while stating the case and requesting a vote, two sprang to their feet and expressed their decision. We then asked all those decided to raise their right hand, and the number was about fifteen. Such expressions as the following were quite common during the lectures, "There never was so much truth preached in this house before." "It grows better and better, there is something new everytime." "The Bible never looked so good to me before." "I do hope it won't storm, for I don't want to miss a single lecture." &c. &c. Fifteen subscribed for the Review and six for the Youth's Instructor and books were taken quite liberally. I trust there will be in this place a good company of commandment-keepers. May the Lord guide the honest into the whole truth is still our prayer.
M. E. CORNELL.
Portland, Feb. 1865. Under date of Feb. 22, Bro. Cornell again writes: "I have just returned from North Berwick, Maine, where I gave six discourses. There is still a good interest there. New friends of truth are being raised up, and harmony seems to prevail among the older bands. "The last conference of the Hancock and Cranmer party was appointed for that place the 2nd inst. The notice was very prominently inserted in two or three different numbers of the "Hope," and strangers would get the idea that a general rally was expected. But not a single soul came to that meeting. That organization is dead, and its leaders may be saved the trouble of appointing another conference. That conference committee are all now in sympathy with the Review. Where now, is the vain boast of prosperity, under the name of "Free Sabbath-keepers" and "Church of the First Born?" Like the "Messenger" rebellion a few years ago, it has come to nought because it was not of God. I am glad the honest have got their eyes open, and that they now see where to gather with Christ. It will never be found easy to fight against the work of God. I have learned by thirteen years' observation that no weapon formed against this cause can prosper. God is in the work and it cannot be overthrown. I may fall, but the work will go on till the jewels are all gathered. May I never be left to oppose this blessed cause.
M. E. CORNELL.