The Truth Gaining in Allegany County
By R. F. Cottrell
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The truth is gaining, though silently, in Allegany county. The leaven is at work, and will, ere long, burst forth in mighty effect. There are honest souls here who will discern the signs of the times, and soon see the fallen state of those who have a form but are wanting in faith. Pride and a love of popularity is fast growing upon these, and this will open the eyes of the humble children of the Lord. I find some that weep and sigh for the abominations done in the land. The Lord will cause a mark to be set on such, (Eze. ix. Rev. vii,) which will prove as effectual to them when God delivers every one whose names are written in the book, as the blood of the passover upon the doorposts did to the first-born of Israel. My heart has been made glad in finding such, and refreshed like the traveler in the desert, when he finds a green spot and springs of water. Thank the Lord! Some who have always observed the Sabbath, confess that they view the Advent doctrine in a different light from what they have previously. They begin to see, that instead of the Lord's coming as a thief upon his children, he has graciously given them signs to apprise them of his approach, and will give a timely warning to the world, so that they will be left without excuse. That day cannot come upon the world unless the warning messages come first. Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. Joel ii, 1. Yes the warning must be given; every word of the Lord must be fulfilled; and I bless the name of the Lord for the confidence that I feel, that all his faithful children will see it, and come into the unity of the faith. The works of Satan himself will be overruled for their good. The old story that it makes no difference whether we believe he is coming or not if we are only prepared, will soon cease to be told. It will soon be seen, that in order to be prepared for salvation at his coming, we must of necessity believe his words, and when we see signs fulfilled, trust with as much confidence that he is near, as we do that summer is coming when the leaves put forth in the spring. Nobody thinks then that summer may be coming, but perhaps we shall have another winter first. So likewise ye, when ye shall see these things, know that he is near, even at the doors. How near is that? This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled. Brethren, let us be faithful a little while longer; the prize is worth all the sacrifice we can make, and then it will be a free gift after all. Let us lay aside all pride and be willing to be God's little children, bearing a testimony by word and deed to this generation that his word is true—that he has a remnant who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. R. F. COTTRELL.
Nile, Allegany Co., N. Y., Dec. 21st, 1853.