p. 206 | Cattaraugus Co., N. Y by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 10, 1873

Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.

By R. F. Cottrell

Since last report, have given ten discourses at Ashford to small congregations. A few were interested, and we hope they may be benefited. Some of these make no profession of religion. The interest, however, was not sufficient to warrant a continuance; but there is still reason to hope for the fruits of this labor. A few professors were indeed friendly, and had not a word to oppose to our position on the Sabbath and law; but how is it?—who can tell?—that apparently good, candid and pious men can see these momentous truths and not be moved to obedience?! When they see the claims of the law of God, how can they conclude that it is better, and will be less sinful in its results, to follow the traditions of men that make void the law of God, than to turn to the obedience of that law? These are questions too hard for me to solve. If this is so, what does the long-foretold and Heaven-sent message concerning the commandment of God mean? If it is better to seek to please our friends and neighbors by knowingly violating the law of the Most High, apostles and martyrs have poured out their blood in vain. Why did they not seek peace by giving up their faith and practice, and not occasion so much sin on the part of their persecutors? They did not see things in this light, and God does not see it so; but because he knew that men of the present time would be so stupid and indifferent to his claims, he has sent the most fearful warning possible. And yet, hearing it, they coolly conclude that it is better not to obey! May God awaken them to a sense of duty!

R. F. COTTRELL.