Cottrell’s Church Visits and Reports
By Roswell F. Cottrell
BRO. SMITH: Since leaving Battle Creek I called on the church at Burlington, where I staid one night. Had an agreeable meeting in the evening with such as could be called together on a short notice. I tried to exhort them, in the language of the Apostle, to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. I hope I shall be able to heed this exhortation myself. I am confident that those who do so will soon realize that their labor is not in vain in the Lord. We next called on Bro. and Sr. Taber, at Homer. Found them growing in the truth. It was pleasant, indeed, to spend a few hours with them, who from their loneliness seemed to prize very highly a visit from those of like precious faith. Though strangers to each other, we felt that strangers and foreigners are made nigh by the blood of Jesus. May the Lord bless these dear friends, and lead them all the journey through to the City of God. I have now been in Hillsdale five days, and preached four discourses, one of which was at a funeral. The friends of the deceased seem favorably disposed towards the truth, though not connected with the church. I hope they may take a decided stand with the remnant of God's people. Yesterday the church met to try to remove some trials that have burdened them for some time past. The Spirit of the Lord was present to help. Confessions were made of wrongs that have existed, and explanations made where there had been misunderstandings, and all resolved to press on together towards the kingdom. May the Lord help them to press together, and keep the Enemy out, and keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. I thank the Lord for the happy result of this meeting. This morning we met to attend to baptism; and, after a few remarks on the design of the institution, we went to the water and three were planted in the likeness of Christ's death. May they be enabled to walk in newness of life by keeping the commandments of God. This evening we are to meet again, and to-morrow I expect to proceed on to Ohio. R. F. C.