COMMUNICATION FROM BRO. COTTRELL.
By R. F. Cottrell
DEAR BRO. WHITE: My confidence remains firm, that the cause in which we are engaged is the cause of the Lord—that the third angel's message is the present truth. That it is the only truth that can prepare any person for translation without death at the coming of the Lord Jesus. It is the only means that can bring the church of God into unity of faith. This message, and this only, can and will accomplish this work. At an early date in the history of this message, I received it, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God. I ventured my all upon it, and endeavored to make a full sacrifice—to put all on board. I do not regret it; I have no reason to regret it. I only regret my faults and errors; and I sincerely desire to counteract and obliterate all the wrong influence I have exerted. And I would exhort all whom I may have led into, or strengthened in a wrong position, to turn from their waywardness and strive for that unity of faith, feeling and action which we must have in order to be prepared to meet our coming Lord. The word of the Lord will not return to him void. The third message will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. And those that are stubborn, and will choose their own way, God will choose their delusion. For myself, I mean to make my calling and election sure; and I do not mean that my influence shall shut any out of the kingdom of heaven. The Lord being my helper, I will make straight paths for my feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way. The time of trouble which we have been predicting from the word, is drawing near. The day of the Lord hasteth greatly. There is a great work of preparation to be done to prepare Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. It is time that the church were coming up to the work, to save themselves and others. We must present to the enemies of the truth a firm and united phalanx. Union we must have, and union we shall have. Let every true heart then determine to be upon the Lord's side, let it cost what it will. None will regret the cost that make the sacrifice. Come, then, my dear brother, my dear sister, make the sacrifice. Crucify self. Cherish no more doubts that the Lord is leading us, but be willing to be led by the instrumentalities which God has chosen. It is safe to trust in God. It is God that has, in great mercy, sent us the third angel's message, and he will guard and guide and save those that follow this message fully. My heart says, I will go. I will not let the Devil cheat me out of eternal life. The Lord is willing to save. Blessed be his holy name forever and ever. My heart is fixed, trusting in him. I will pay my vows to the Most High. I will stick to the good old ship, and not attempt to save my life by jumping upon some floating plank. I have never thought of such an act. I have had no intention of deserting the standard or leading off a faction. I do not say this in self-justification, for I know my error. I hope it will be blotted out. I will strive in the future not to wound the cause I love. I will strive for a part with the overcomers.