Report from R. F. Cottrell, N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
Since last report, held a series of meetings in West Valley, Cattaraugus Co., assisted by Bro. Stebbins. This is a field entirely new. Met with opposition, bold and uncivil, to say nothing of Christian courteousness, from one who has obtained an undue controlling influence, for the brief present, over the minds of a large, and doubtless well-meaning, portion of the religious community. The result was that without anything offensive to any Christian being presented on our part, they drew off and left our meetings very small. Still, some of the most candid, intelligent, and conscientious, heard us, and entertained us with Christian hospitality. Some expressed their convictions of the truth of what they heard. We hope the effort will not be lost. The conversion of one family, of whom we have reason to hope, would be a valuable accession to the cause. A man who, though not so religiously popular, because in advance of others in Bible truth, stands high in the community still, because of moral worth and stability of character, is such a one as ought to be among the first to receive and embrace this message. We hope that this may be the case at West Valley. Had an interesting quarterly meeting at Randolph. Besides the brethren from Cottage and East Otto, who usually attend these meetings, there were three brethren from the vicinity of Corydon, Pa., who, scattered and alone, are seeking47and walking in the way of the truth. This added to the interest of the occasion. Spent one Sabbath with the friends at East Elma, Erie Co., on my way home, where I arrived July 8, after an absence of two months. Intend to visit the brethren in Cattaraugus County again, when I shall learn that they are ready to organize and engage more fully in this work of the Lord, feeling their responsibility to consecrate themselves to it and push it forward. If this cause is of any value to us, it is worth everything; it demands our all without reserve.