Portville, N. Y., and Eldred, Pa
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Portville, N. Y., and Eldred, Pa.
By R. F. COTTRELL
The cause here has grievously suffered, for the two years past, from the shameful sins of those who dared to bear the vessels of the Lord with polluted hands and garments defiled with sin. Those who would be faithful have been in great reproach from these things. And while the enemies have exultingly triumphed, the half-hearted have relapsed, bringing discouragement upon the faithful few. Still there are souls here that have the go-through spirit. They are struggling on. And in their struggles to right up and redeem the past, the Lord is encouraging them by his Spirit. They want to see the cause here freed from reproach. And if they take the right course and are steadfast in it, the reproach will be removed from them, and the honest and candid around them will not charge upon the cause of truth the shameful sins of vile apostates, who attempted to cover with a cloak of religion, and even the ministerial garb, their real garments all stained with sin and reeking with pollution. Those who will, may clear themselves in this matter, and stand approved of God and reasonable men. They can wipe off reproach from the precious cause, and yet see souls converted to the truth of God. I have spent about two weeks in this vicinity, advising and encouraging these sheep without a shepherd, except the chief One, who is always attentive to the wants of his flock. One Sabbath, met with the friends and had a very interesting meeting, at Eldred, otherwise called Texas. There is an evident interest with candid people to hear, and the Lord is reviving the hearts of his trusting people. May the blessing of God rest upon them, and give them final victory. Portville, N. Y., May, 1871.