p. 38 | COMMUNICATIONS by R. F. Cottrell

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jul 21, 1853

COMMUNICATIONS.

By R. F. Cottrell

From Bro. Cottrell.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I had the opportunity, when last in Rochester, of seeing the man, through whose instrumentality I was led to see that the third angel’s message is present truth. I had seen that the Advent movement fulfilled prophecy, but was in doubt whether it might not be a false fulfillment—the work of man, and not the work of God. While doubting thus, but earnestly seeking the truth, an article written by J. B. Cook enabled me to decide the point in my own mind. I was led to see that, “there are no agencies adequate to give birth to predicted events, save such as God employs; consequently when they occur, we may know without a doubt, not only that they are a fulfillment, but also that God has done it.” I can now trust in the providence of God, and see that the people that are following down the track of prophecy are in the light of the truth; and that neither prophecy or providence stopped with the first or the second angel’s message.

But what sad reflections filled my mind on seeing the man who once stood in the light of the truth—the holy Sabbath not excepted—determined to “throw off the last rag of the mother of harlots;” but now, having forsaken that pillar of light that led the Israel of God down to the tenth day of the seventh month 1844, and then took its place in their rear—light still to Israel, but darkness to their enemies, the Egyptians, is left to grope his way in darkness, and turn back to the fable of a probationary millennium in the future. Having forsaken his Father’s table where once he feasted, now attempting to fill himself with the husks which the swine do eat. Such scriptures as the following would force themselves upon my mind.

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Heb. vi, 4-6.

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain, fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Heb. x, 26, 27.

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Pet. ii, 20-22.

It is well known that the doctrines of a temporal millennium and return of the Jews were vomited up by those who received the light on the prophetic periods. And it is no wonder; for an apostle had declared, in reference to Jews and Gentiles, there is no difference. Also, they that are Christ’s are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Some also, vomited the Pope’s Sabbath and received the Sabbath of the Lord, but have since turned from the holy commandment. I can look upon them only with pity and regret. I would not add one drop to their bitter cup; for the way of the transgressor is hard. Would to God it might appear that they have not sinned willfully. These reflections are made that myself and others may be warned, that we fall not after the same example of unbelief. We are perfectly satisfied that we have the truth, and that our Father looks with approbation upon our course, in taking the position we now occupy. But there always was danger of being exalted through conceited knowledge, and being led to trust in ourselves and forget our dependence on God. Poor human nature is apt to say, I am rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing, when in fact it is wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Let us not be lifted up with pride, and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. Let us learn by each example of apostasy.—Let us fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of us should come short of it. In the strength of the Lord we can run through a troop, and leap over a wall; but our own strength is weakness, and our wisdom is folly.

R. F. COTTRELL.