REPORT FROM BRO. COTTRELL.
By R. F. Cottrell
DEAR BRO. SMITH : Since my last report I have been laboring in Chemung Co., in Catlin, Elmira, Cayuta and Erin. The little church at Catlin are striving to hold fast and press forward, and I think some growth in grace is apparent. The Lord encourages them with some tokens of his favor. Some here are still interested in the truth—are reading and examining. I hope they will not delay obedience till the Spirit of truth shall leave them to their doubts, and to the darkness that the enemy always brings upon those that are too slow to believe the truth, and to do the clearly revealed will of God. At Elmira I found the two brethren Laughhead and their families striving to keep the Commandments, and to hold fast the Faith of Jesus. Their zeal of labor was manifested in obtaining and furnishing a place for meetings, so that their neighbors might have an opportunity to hear the saving truths of this last message. An unfurnished lecture-room in one of the public schools was obtained, which, by supplying with seats, lamps and fuel, made a convenient place for meeting. I preached eight times here. The first evenings, some of the youth and children of these last days annoyed and disturbed the meetings, but they were soon made to understand their duty by those that came in to hear, one man in particular taking a decided stand to maintain order. Though this was done disinterestedly, yet I think he became interested in the truths we preach, before the close of our meetings. Indeed, there was considerable interest with the few that attended steadily during the meetings, and one decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. This was a widow that had been interested in the Advent messages years in the past. The Lord help her to fulfill her good resolution, and cause her to enjoy the blessedness of keeping his commandments, and finally give her a right to the tree of life. The brethren at Elmira introduced me into a new field of labor in Cayuta, and from this place I was invited into an adjoining neighborhood in Erin. This is a new field of labor in respect to all the Advent messages, and I can but hope that there are jewels here that will be gathered by the Third Message. I preached five times in this vicinity, and Bro. J. A. Laughhead once. Quite a number here confess the Sabbath truth, as they do in every place where any can be found that are not bound by custom, creeds and prejudice. May they feel the necessity of acting on what light they see, and of discharging the responsibilities of those that know their Master's will. The Lord requires us all to let our light shine. I hope these dear friends will realize it. I remember with gratitude the kind reception I met with them, and still bear their interests to the throne of grace. And I hope that in the providence of God I may be permitted to visit them again. I feel like spending all the feeble energies with which God has endowed me, in this blessed and glorious cause; like having all on board this homewardbound ship. By the grace of God, worldly adversity shall not move me. Eternal salvation is offered to all that have ears to hear, and hearts to obey. The poor have the gospel preached to them; and they can be rich in faith, and heirs of an inheritance that none can take from them. I thank the Lord, and his dear children that have so liberally supplied my wants; and I hope that I may so labor that their labors of love may not be lost; but that we may together obtain a great reward in heaven. Mill Grove, N. Y., Feb. 21st, 1859.