p. 12 | R. F. COTTRELL by R. F. COTTRELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jul 2, 1908

R. F. COTTRELL

By R. F. COTTRELL

From Seattle to Chang-Sha

R. F. COTTRELL

The steamship “Minnesota” on which we sailed, left Seattle, March 2, at a little past noon, and an exceptionally pleasant trip of fourteen days brought us to Japan. Here at the three principal ports we remained for about one week. The workers in the “Sunrise Kingdom” reported progress in the message, and were of excellent courage. Our stay with them was most pleasant and profitable. Sister Etta Dehn, a nurse from St. Helena, left our party at Kobe to connect with the sanitarium at that place.

There were a number of missionaries on board the “Minnesota,” and throughout the voyage it was our privilege to participate in morning worship together. We also conducted afternoon Bible studies on some of the principal subjects of present truth. Considerable interest was shown, and we earnestly hope that some who heard the message may yet be among the number who will proclaim it in these heathen lands.

When we had been out twenty-five days we dropped anchor at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Here Brethren Anderson, Hankins, and Winslow met us, and conducted us to the “Evans’ Missionary Home” in Shanghai, where they had arranged for us to remain for a few days. Dr. Selmon and Sister Westrup were also down from Honan. Several meetings were held in which we exchanged reports regarding the progress of the message; but, as our Chinese printing-press is to be established here, much of the time was spent in planning for it. Five of our company remained in Shanghai to connect with this enterprise.

After a few days, Sister Schilberg, Mrs. Cottrell, and myself, in company with three members of the China Mission Committee, started for a week’s trip up the river, traveling in the first-class Chinese cabin. We could eat their rice, but arranged to largely supply the remainder of our provisions ourselves.

The broad Yangtze reminded us of a long, narrow inland sea. During high-water the largest ocean steamships can ascend its current for eight hundred miles, and the native sailing craft are numerous for nearly a thousand miles up the river. At many places the scenery was most beautiful, spring-time having added her charms of green grass and foliage.

The fourth day brought us to Hankow, the Chicago of China. Here we changed steamers, and the second day following left the Yangtze, turning southward into the Tung-ting Lake, the largest one in China. The greater part of this lake is low land which is flooded only a small part of the year; at other seasons a considerable portion of it is planted to rice. This has been true only the last few years, as this lake, like others in central China, is said to be slowly drying up.

After crossing the lake, we continued our course by way of the Siang River. On reaching Chang-sha, we soon found Brother and Sister P. J. Laird who are located inside the ancient city, about one-fourth mile from the east gate. They have a native evangelist who appears to be a very fine and capable man. Some are keeping the Sabbath, and several others are much interested, though none as yet have been baptized. After counseling with us a few days, the brethren who had accompanied us inland, started northward for a visit to Honan.

We feel very thankful to the Lord for so prosperous a journey. Our health is good and our courage strong. It seems to us that the immensity of this empire is almost beyond comprehension, yet the third angel’s message has made a beginning in China, and may the Lord of the harvest speedily send forth many laborers who will return to the Saviour from this dark land the purchase of his blood.

Chang-sha, Hunan, China.