Suffering for the Sabbath Truth
By Wm. Cottrell
BRO. WHITE: Since my last note to you, it would seem as though Satan was let loose in this place, from the effort that is being put forth by those that call themselves Disciples, and Christians to crush us, who are endeavoring to keep all the commandments of God, and thus prepare for the coming of the blessed Jesus; and also to put down the truth that does most assuredly concern us at the present time. But we are disposed, the Lord helping, to stand firm in the defence of present truth, and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints; and in doing this, we would deny ourselves of all ungodliness, and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present evil world, and rejoice in all our persecutions, that we endure for Christ's sake. Blessed be the name of our Divine Master, we are suffering now for his sake; so much so at least that some three weeks ago, I was expelled from the church of which I have been a member for several years, for being a Sabbath-keeper. The offense is so great, and so much worse, as their actions would seem to say, than swearing, drunkenness, card-playing, and reviling, that they could not bear with me any longer, though still holding in fellowship the above-named characters. But we praise the Lord that we are accounted worthy to thus suffer for his sake, and that of his blessed truth. Dear brethren, pray for us that we may be able to stand amidst the troubles of the last days. This action of the church against me, and in my case, was all done without my having any knowledge of it whatever; and when, a week afterward, I asked for their meeting-house to make my defence in, I could not obtain it. I would ask a place in our welcome visitor, the Review, for the above. On Tuesday, Aug. 28, at about 4 A. M., I left home for the purpose of visiting the tent in Ohio, which is now located in Fredericktown, in Knox Co. I arrived at the tent at about 4:45 P. M., and found Brn. Lawrence and Van Horn in the tent arranging for evening services. I traveled over one hundred miles, for the purpose of seeing, and talking with these brethren. This was the first time that I ever looked upon the face of a S. D. Adventist, and the first time that I ever conversed with a Sabbath-keeper. I enjoyed the visit quite well. I found these brethren to be gentlemen, and Christians. I believe that they will accomplish a good work where they are. The people flock out to hear. The people, so far as I could ascertain, are very anxious to learn, though some will mock. While at the tent, I listened to two interesting discourses on the nature of man; and truly I can say that they were interesting and profitable to me. While with those brethren, I received some light on the immortality question. I expect to still pursue my investigations on all questions relating to the third angel's message. I have been praying for the success of the truth, that a people may be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Brethren, let us pray fervently that the Lord would stand by his servants, and bless their efforts to do good in their Master's cause. For my own part, I feel encouraged to persevere in the good work, and never look back; for there is no promise to those that turn away from the truth. Myself and wife are the only Sabbath-keepers in this part of the State. There are none nearer than about one hundred miles. Will you not pray for us, that we may so live that our example may tell in favor of the truth, that through our instrumentality, others may be brought into the observance of God's holy law and commandments. Yours in hope of a blessed immortality.