Report from Bro. Cottrell.
By R. F. Cottrell
Bro. White: I am in an entirely new field of labor, in the south-west corner town of this State. Came in company with, and at the suggestion of, Bro. T. B. Dewing. It is the place of his former residence, and he was anxious to make a trial to do his old neighbors good. We were happily disappointed to find one that he hoped would embrace the truth, already keeping the Sabbath. Sister Dewing had visited the place in September last, conversed with her friends, and set some of our silent messengers at work, and the brother referred to, J. H. Murray, formerly of Orwell, Vt., began to keep the Sabbath immediately after. Bro. Murray was a believer in 1844, and though he has passed through severe trials since the disappointment, yet now he rejoices that he has found that for which he has been waiting, and longing, and weeping. I love to meet with those who tasted of the good word of God in the first angel's message, and though, like Mary, for a while weeping their absent Lord, they hear his voice again in the last message. The influence of such will tell for the truth. After canvassing the whole neighborhood in the humble capacity of tract-peddler, and attending a few94of the first meetings, Bro. Dewing left me for his home. I have given eighteen discourses to a few attentive and interested hearers. Many are convicted of the truth, and I trust that some, at least, will obey their convictions of truth. One has taken a decided stand, kept the last Sabbath, and though not a professor of religion, arose in the meeting last evening and expressed her determination to keep the commandments of God. Other non-professors are deeply interested. It sometimes happens that such receive the word with gladness, and, taking the lead, leave tardy professors to parley with their doubts of the word of God, and lose the blessing of prompt obedience, if not finally persuaded of the Devil to reject the truth and lose eternal life. Oh, that they might see that it is dangerous to continue in sin, because the tempter says, Do not be too hasty in obeying your convictions—take time to investigate. Says David, I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. This evening I go to Clymer village, by request, to preach on the Sabbath. I pray that I may see my future path of duty, and have a willing heart to walk in it.