MONTHLY MEETING AT NEWTON.
In company with Bro. Byington, I attended this meeting on the 16th inst. We both spoke to the brethren and sisters as it seemed to be duty. We were especially impressed to exhort the parents to labor more for the salvation of their children. It was evident in this we were led by the Spirit of God. All seemed to feel that the time had come to engage more heartily and perseveringly in the work of leading the youth and children to the Saviour. Parents pledged themselves to remove every obstacle in the way of their children. They confessed to them, and besought them to start for Mount Zion. Several expressed their desire to do so, by rising for prayers. A deep sense of our unworthiness, and of the love and mercy of God, pervaded the entire congregation. All felt that it was a good place on the account of the presence and power of God. The church appointed one more prayer-meeting for each week, and also covenanted to especially remember the children in their prayers in their Sabbath evening prayer-meeting, and to labor by word and example in their families to help them along in the good way. The evening meetings the following weeks were good and encouraging. The following Sabbath I spent with the church there again, and was happy to know that the good work was onward, and that all seemed encouraged not to draw back unto perdition, but to believe to the saving of the soul. It seems evident that there is a general move, inspired by the Spirit and power of God, on the part of parents for the salvation of the young. Oh! may they be blessed and find salvation among the sanctified and saved in the kingdom of God. Health Institute, Nov., 1867. REPORT FROM BRO. COTTRELL.
BRO. SMITH: It has been some time since my name has been seen in the Review, but I would here say that it is not because I have lost my love for, or attachment to, the present truth. From the time397of my conversion to the third angel’s message, I determined to use my influence to have meetings held here at Bowersville. And in order to obtain messengers to hold meetings here, I traveled over five hundred miles, sacrificed time and means, and, thank God, succeeded in getting two efficient ministers (Brn. Waggoner and Van Horn) to come with the tent to our place. Their labors were abundantly blessed, praise the Lord! for a band of commandment-keepers has been the result of their faithful labors. And still they come. More, we believe, will yet come out. Oh! praise the Lord for his goodness to us. We have long prayed for the Lord to raise up a company of Sabbath-keepers here. We now have the evidence before us that the Lord answers the prayers of his children. I would say to my brethren and sisters that we have nothing to fear, for the Lord is with us of a truth. Let us labor to get nearer to the Lord and pray to him to sanctify us through the truth. Our Sabbath meetings are well attended, and truly interesting; and we trust profitable to all. We are trying to live so that we may be prepared for translation. We don't expect to repose on flowery beds of ease, for persecution has been a part of our legacy thus far. And we expect yet more; and in the fear of the Lord we would say, Let it come; for we believe that his grace will be sufficient for us. If we are faithful he will cause us to stand. He will never leave nor forsake us. Pray for us, that we may stand firm in all the truth. Yours in love, WM. COTTRELL.