After returning from Itarare, and making the necessary preparations, I started, February 27, for Taquary, to attend the general meeting and also the council of the conference committee, held at that place in the early part of March. Five days were required to reach Paranagua, the port of Parana, and the following day the steamer came, and I was soon en route for Porto Alegre. But as we reached the entrance of Rio Grande, a strong westerly wind blew the water out of the lake which we had to enter, to such an extent that we lay almost four days outside of the port, waiting for sufficient water for our vessel to enter. On Sabbath, March 11, we succeeded in entering, and the following morning we started for Porto Alegre, which is about twenty hours' ride up the Lagoa dos Patos (Duck Lake). In this lake there was also a scarcity of water, as the grounded steamers testified. A number of times our boat dragged on the mud; but we kept afloat, and finally Brother Lipke, who had joined me at Itajahy, and I reached Porto Alegre. And as a river boat that would take us to Taquary was nearly ready to go, we were soon on our way. We reached our destination about 10 P. M., March 13.
Arriving at Taquary, we were for the first time privileged to see our mission school at that place. We were very favorably impressed with the neatness and order that reigned about the premises. We were also glad to find some earnest as well as promising young people in the school. This trip to the southern part of Brazil brought very vividly before us the great work we have to do there; while in the northern States there has not even been made a beginning.
The two weeks spent at Taquary, which included attendance at a general meeting of about four days, were full of work. Early and late the committee was working, planning for this and that interest. Much thought was given to the distribution of labor for the ensuing year. Brother Ehlers had been working only a few months in a new colony, and had baptized, just before the meeting, thirty-four Germans; while it was reported that as many more were keeping the Sabbath, and a goodly number of Brazilians were likewise interested. It was finally decided that Brother Arthur Schwantes, a colporteur who speaks the Portuguese language well, should join Brother Ehlers. It was also decided that Brother Graf should visit the churches in the provinces of Minas Geraes and Espírito Santo, while I was requested to assist at the general meetings in Castro and Blumenau, and then go to Rio Janeiro to labor. Brother Lipke was asked to attend the general meetings at Castro, Blumenau, and Linha Torres, and then labor with Brother Ernest Schwantes, who was also asked to assist at the Linha Torres general meeting, in the southern part of the State of Santa Catharina. Brother Lipke was at the same time to direct the work of the canvassers in that State. After Brother Graf's return to Rio Grande do Sul, he, assisted by Brother August Brack, would enter another German colony where there is much interest. Brother Emil Hoelzle was asked to continue the work in Parana, where he and the writer have been laboring together.
Much thought was given the locating of our printing plant. It was deemed best that it be in a central place, and a committee was appointed to look up such a location; but it was found that, inasmuch as we ourselves had no property upon which to locate it, a heavy expense of rent would be entailed. Finally the plant was sent to Taquary, for the present.
Thus plans have been laid for advancing the Lord's work through another year. May he richly bless the work and workers, and may many a soul be turned from darkness to light by their efforts during this year.
F. W. SPIES.
Southern Illinois Camp-Meeting
By E. W. Farnsworth
This meeting was held at Mattoon, according to appointment. The location was beautiful, the weather perfect, and every external circumstance most favorable to its success. The conference is small, hence it was not expected that the attendance would be as large as in some other places. About two hundred of our people were encamped on the ground. The camp was pitched in a beautiful grove of large box-elder trees. These afforded almost perfect shade from the sun, and good protection from the wind.
This young conference has already provided itself with a good camp-meeting outfit. Three good-sized meeting tents and between fifty and sixty family tents were pitched on the ground. The tents are of good quality. The whole ground, so nicely arranged and neatly kept, presented a most pleasing appearance throughout the meetings. The brethren provided seating capacity for about seven hundred persons, and much to our gratification the people from the city came out and filled these seats every evening, and on a number of occasions many were compelled to stand. It was indeed an inspiration to see hundreds of people standing listening with rapt attention to the truth of God. The Lord gave great freedom in proclaiming the message, and the message itself created an intense interest in the minds of the people. The brethren planned to carry on the work after the camp-meeting, and so we can not speak of specific results as to the number who will accept the truth.
In the conference a good degree of harmony prevails, therefore no serious differences arose at the meeting. The officers elected were nearly the same as the preceding year. Brother J. M. Rees was again elected president, and Brother F. C. Wheeler was ordained to the work of the ministry. The camp-meeting was a success in every way, and will always be remembered as a spiritual meeting. There were not a large number of young persons or unconverted in attendance, and yet twenty-three were baptized. The Christian Church kindly granted us the use of their baptistery for the occasion.
In the Southern Illinois Conference one or two institutions are being started in a modest way. A neat and somewhat commodious sanitarium has been set in operation in the city of Peoria, under the management of Dr. J. E. Heald. While this is not a conference institution, all the brethren and sisters manifest a deep interest in its success. We were glad to meet Dr. Heald at the meeting, and to hear him speak of his work in the institution. There is also a small school at Duquoin. It started as a church-school, and has had such good success and has been managed with such discretion that the conference recommended it at this meeting.
Brother Moon, the president of the Lake Union Conference, was present at the meeting, and Brother Stone, of Indiana, was with us for a day or two, also Brethren Bliss and Curtis, of northern Illinois. We were pleased to have these brethren with us, and to hear their testimonies.
We were glad to hear that in every department of the conference a good degree of financial prosperity has been seen. The tithes and offerings have increased, and prosperity has attended the tract society and Sabbath-school departments. Those of our brethren and sisters who attended the meeting were blessed of the Lord, and returned to their homes strengthened in their determination to do more for the Master in the year to come.
E. W. FARNSWORTH.
The Ohio Camp-Meeting
By W. D. Curtis
THE Ohio camp-meeting and annual conference was held at Mansfield, August 10-21. At this place, where the followers of John Alexander Dowie met with such an unpleasant experience, our people received a cordial welcome from the citizens. The mayor had arranged to be present at the first meeting to deliver an address of welcome, but on account of state business at the Capitol, which demanded his attention, he sent a written address by the Hon. C. E. McBride, who welcomed the Adventists to this beautiful city.
The camp was located in the fair-ground. The weather was quite unfavorable, there being but few pleasant days. Yet our brethren were happy, rejoicing in God, and seemed to greatly enjoy the truths presented by the different speakers. The various phases of the third angel’s message were the burden of the discourses. I am convinced that nothing so moves our people as the grand old truths which they have loved so long.
The annual report from the president, the treasurer, and the various secretaries showed: a healthy growth both numerically17and financially. Five churches were admitted to the conference, with an aggregate membership of sixty.
The report from Mt. Vernon College showed that this institution is in a prosperous condition. The canvassing work has been well supported by the conference officers during the year, and a large number of books has been sold. Many of those engaged in this work were students of the college who had spent their vacation in evangelistic canvassing. They came up to the annual meeting full of courage and hope. Ohio may well be proud of its corps of young workers.
This is generally admitted to be the largest annual conference ever held in the State, there being seven hundred or so more campers on the ground. Twenty persons were baptized at the meeting, and others are to receive the ordinance at their home church. The young people and children received due attention, there being regular daily meetings for the youth and the children.
The visiting ministers present were Elders E. W. Farnsworth, I. H. Evans, Allen Moon, and F. C. Gilbert, and the writer; Brother J. B. Blosser was also present.
The business of the conference passed off quite pleasantly. The following-named officers were elected, there being but few changes from last year: President, H. H. Burkholder; Vice-President, R. R. Kennedy; Conference Recording Secretary, K. R. Haughey; Treasurer, C. V. Hamer; Missionary Secretary, N. S. Miller; Field Secretary, C. E. Weeks; Educational Superintendent, Jas. Shultz; Executive Committee, H. H. Burkholder, R. R. Kennedy, C. V. Hamer, Thos. Thornton, G. C. Quillin, Francis M. Fairchild, and K. R. Haughey.
We believe that this camp-meeting marks the dawning of a new era in the history of the Ohio Conference, and that greater prosperity will attend the work as a result of this meeting.
W. D. CURTIS.
Keene Academy Is Singing the Jubilee Song
By C. B. HUGHES
WE are very glad to state that the last dollar of our indebtedness has been provided for. Not only is this true, but there is a surplus on hand for improvements; and there are good prospects for materially increasing this sum so that we can at once begin to plan for a steam-heat plant for our school home, better bathing facilities, water closets for both buildings, etc. In addition to this we are purchasing books for the library, and are planning to better equip our laboratory, and to add appliances of different kinds until our school is fully prepared for its work as the training-school of the Southwestern Union Conference.
While all this is encouraging, we are still more encouraged by the deepening spirit of consecration that characterizes our school, and for the earnest conviction of both the school board and the faculty that the only work of the school is to prepare our young people to live for God both in public and in private life.
The past year was encouraging. The enrolment was not much larger, but when our school closed, the daily attendance was more than double that of the previous year. Most of the young people were making earnest preparation for God's service, which banished many of the distracting influences that are sometimes present.
Judging from the number of inquiries, our attendance will be still better the coming year; and we are glad to say to all who come that our school will be better than last year. Our faculty is increased; our course of study lengthened; many facilities will be added; we are planning to do our work so thoroughly that our school shall be second to none in its efficiency; and now that God has delivered us from the bondage of debt, so that we “owe no man anything, but to love one another,” surely the school ought to receive a quickening that will give new meaning to the denominational watchword, “The advent message to the world in this generation.”
C. B. HUGHES.
The Nashville Camp-Ground
By H. E. Simkin
THE NASHVILLE CAMP-GROUND
THE fact that the attention of our people is being directed to the Southern field in general, and to Nashville in particular, will make this meeting of more than common interest. Undoubtedly others will officially report the meeting and its results, the object of this writing being only to describe the camp and campers.
Located on one of the city's many street-car lines, in a southern suburb just outside the city limits, the meeting is very accessible from all parts. For one five-cent fare, by means of the excellent transfer system one can reach the ground very quickly from any part of the city or suburbs. On several lines this may mean a ride of ten or twelve miles. At one side of the line leading to the camp, on a high hill, is seen from the cars an old fort that was held at times by both the Federal and Confederate forces during the war.
The camp is in a beautiful grove of maple and oak trees. Among the several varieties of the latter the chestnut-oak predominates. We had never seen these trees till coming to Tennessee. They have the trunk and bark of the common white oak, but the leaves are like those of the sweet chestnut of the Alleghany hills. The size of all these trees gives unmistakable evidence that they were old before the time of the late war, the effects of which are still seen in this section of the country.
The site chosen is a knoll about thirty rods long and ten wide, from which the ground slopes in every direction. The whole enclosure contains upward of one hundred acres. The large tent occupies the center of the elevation, the family tents being arranged around it at suitable distances without regard to exact measurements from one another, in a way that could not be allowed on a large encampment on account of economy of space. But this feature adds much to the attractiveness of the arrangement, being more as nature does things.
A well-patronized dining tent is set at one end of the elevation. Near a rustic bridge crossing the dry bed of a creek which gives evidence of sometimes being more than full, on the path leading to the street-car station only a few rods distant, is a nice book tent where a good stock of literature from the Southern Publishing Association is offered for sale.
Several views of the grounds were taken by amateur photographers encamped, one of which we present with this. We were pleased to meet many friends whom we had formerly known from different States. England, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois were represented in these, while the number from Michigan reminded us of the Michigan camp-meetings of years ago. There is still room for more.
We are pleased to say that all these are now naturalized Tennesseans, and are in the field to stay till their work is done.
This is the prettiest camp we have ever seen, and we are glad to report that the excellence of the camp and surroundings is not the only good thing in connection with the gathering, as a most excellent meeting is also in progress.
H. E. SIMKIN.
The West Virginia Conference and Camp-Meeting
By R. D. HOTTEL
THIS meeting was held on the old fairgrounds, at Clarksburg, W. Va., Aug. 17-27, 1905. The annual conference and camp-meeting was held here last year. Some of the buildings were utilized, and these, with about twenty-five tents, composed the encampment. A pavilion, fifty by eighty feet, was used for public services.
A good interest was developed from the outside, and each evening the people listened attentively to the presentation of conditions existing in the last days, the messages of mercy and truth and the prophecies leading to their fulfilment, as a remedy for the existing evils. It was arranged to follow the interest thus awakened by a tent effort.18
Beginning with the early morning meeting, conference work followed, with preaching, and practical talks and instruction upon the work in the different departments of the message. Brother F. E. Painter, general canvassing agent for the Atlantic Union, was present the first part of the meeting, and rendered assistance in all the services. Dr. Froom was present one week, beginning with the first Sunday, and gave much needed instruction on hygiene and practical living, with some demonstrations in caring for and treating the sick, which was much appreciated.
Elder Spicer came on Tuesday, and remained till the end. He brought courage and confidence to all present by relating the experiences our workers are having in the opening providences of the Lord in foreign lands. His work for the people on the Sabbath was of great benefit to all. The Spirit of the Lord was with us in large measure on the first Sabbath of the meeting, and this presence of the Lord was felt in all the deliberations of the conference. On the last Sabbath of the meeting a much more marked degree of the power of God was present, and many came forward, some for the first time, and gave themselves to the Lord. One brother, who has been a backslider for some years, surrendered to the Lord on this occasion, all of which brought great rejoicing into the camp. The writer left early Sunday morning; several were to be baptized that day.
The conference was unanimous in the choice of their officials, and new courage and confidence seemed to come in as the session closed. Elder B. F. Purdham was chosen president, W. R. Foggin vice-president, and P. W. Province secretary and treasurer of the Tract Society Department. A call for means to help forward the work resulted in about five hundred dollars in pledges to be paid the coming year.
This conference, like old Virginia, has been passing through many trials and sad experiences for the past years, but we believe they now see more clear light, and as this light breaks upon them, we trust they will all arise as one man and engage in the work with renewed courage and power till the Lord shall come.
R. D. HOTTEL.
Relief for Our Sanitariums
By E. R. Palmer
THROUGH the minutes of the General Conference proceedings, the readers of the REVIEW have been made acquainted with the resolutions which were passed providing for a plan of work for the relief of our sanitariums. Sister White has written a book entitled “Ministry of Healing,” which is generally regarded as equal to “Christ’s Object Lessons,” if not better. This work she has donated to our people for their use in assisting our leading sanitariums.
A Relief Bureau has been organized, with headquarters at Mountain View, Cal., which will take charge of the work with all the relief books,—“Ministry of Healing,” for the sanitariums; “Christ’s Object Lessons,” for the schools; and “Story of Joseph,” for the schools for the colored people in the South.
One set of plates has already been made for “Ministry of Healing,” and the Pacific Press has printed one edition of ten thousand copies. A set of plates is being made for the Review and Herald, and in a few days they will issue another edition; and we also expect to make plates for the Southern Publishing Association; the Echo Publishing Company, Melbourne, Australia; and the International Tract Society, London. The book has been entered at Washington, D. C., and at Stationer’s Hall, London, and the date of publication will be September 12. After that date we shall be able to supply books as required.
The book contains 541 pages and about 200 illustrations, and will sell for $1.50. It will be handled through the regular publishing channels. Individuals will order it from church librarians, State tract societies, or publishing houses. The arrangements for circulation and the appropriation of funds will be made by each union conference, and will be fully announced in due time. In the meantime we trust that our brethren and sisters everywhere will pray for our work in this department. Our institutions are now being located at points of advantage all over the world, and have an influence far greater than can be estimated, and these relief efforts are given us as a means whereby every Seventh-day Adventist by helping a little can assist in establishing memorials for God and splendid facilities for getting the truth before the world. This is why we desire the prayers of God’s people and their hearty co-operation in this great work.
E. R. PALMER.
Secretary Relief Bureau.
The Arkansas Camp-Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
The camp-meeting for Arkansas was held in a shady oak grove in the city of Bentonville, August 17-27. This place has a population of about twenty-five hundred. The city and the citizens were very cordial in the favors they extended to the campers, and came, sometimes in large numbers, to attend the public services.
Elders N. P. Nelson, Andrew Nelson, and G. B. Thompson were present the first half of the meeting, after which they left for Oklahoma; while Professor Hughes and the writer continued till the close of the meeting.
An excellent spirit had possession of the camp from beginning to end. Hearty responses were made to the practical preaching, while both Sabbaths witnessed revivals blessed by the presence and power of God's Spirit. All present said it was by far the best camp-meeting Arkansas has had for years.
Elder U. Bender was re-elected president, and D. Saidee Wilson secretary and treasurer of the conference. Credentials were granted to U. Bender, V. B. Watts, H. Clay Griffin, M. H. Gregory, and L. W. Felter. Ministerial license was given to J. S. Rouse and H. S. Parker.
This conference has a membership of about four hundred and fifty, fifty of whom were added last year. The tithe showed an increase of $362.44 over last year. Sabbath-school offerings for the year were $238.54, and other offerings $484.76.
For such a small conference it was encouraging to see about two hundred and fifty camped on the ground. But perhaps the greatest evidence that God's Spirit was leading this people was, their great liberality. On one day $303 was raised for Keene Academy; on another, $64.50 for church-school work; again $50.60 for local work; while on the last Sunday of the meeting, the whole camp responded as one man to the appeal for foreign missions, and gave $107.06. In addition to this, the people voted to turn to foreign missions the three hundred dollars credited to this conference by the General Conference. Thus, all told, the people gave about eight hundred dollars to the general work.
The work among the young people brought brighter days for the canvassing work. The general agent, Brother Manfull, expects to lead into the field a larger force than ever before.
This is the first privilege I have had of looking into the South and contemplating the bulwarks of the message in this section of the country. I see no reason why the truth can not make a strong and stable advance in the Southwestern Union. God's Spirit is with the people in power; it is their privilege to look up and receive it. B. G. WILKINSON.
The Great Needs of the Graysville Training-School
By Geo. I. Butler
IT affords the writer very great pleasure that our leading brethren at Washington have recently, through the REVIEW, made a call for a general fund for the needy Southern work. The headquarters of our denomination is certainly the place from which such a call should emanate, and not from the Southern field itself. In that case, the call is representative of the denomination, and not merely from a feeble part of it. Heretofore calls have gone forth from this Southern field alone, and thus we have labored under great disadvantage; and we have feared that our position had almost made us seem like arrant beggars, not a very desirable name and reputation. But necessity almost forced us into this position.
We feel very grateful to our brethren for taking this noble stand to lead out in this good work for the South. We most heartily promise to second their efforts, in every reasonable way.
To the end that our people may be intelligent concerning the needs of this Southern field, we wish to speak of the distressing condition of our Southern Training-school at Graysville. Every institution some time has its crisis. At such a time, through losses or various complications of difficulty, a state of things is reached where, unless assistance is rendered, the institution becomes sorely crippled or perhaps goes under irreparably.
Our Graysville training-school has now reached such a crisis. This excellent school has had an existence of some twelve years. A few earnest Sabbath-keepers who had recently settled there from the North, seeing the great need of a denominational school in the South (for there was none then south of the Ohio River), sacrificed of their means, built the present school building, and donated the grounds and the building to the General Conference, free from debt. This was, of course, before the union conference was organized. The General Conference conducted the school for19years.
The people of Graysville also gave liberally toward building the dormitory. The school has never gone heavily into debt. A few persons in the North have contributed occasionally.
The school has been advancing in efficiency and influence. The grade of school work has been extended to the twelfth or thirteenth grade. Last year it was very full; indeed, it was crowded almost to overflowing, so that more room was needed. Efforts are being made to make the school more and more of an industrial school.
Until recently the amount of land attached to the school was somewhat limited; but what they had was set out to fruit-trees, berries, etc. Within a year or two one of the best farms in the vicinity, in close proximity to the school, was traded for by the conference association, and is rented on reasonable terms to the school. A large amount of fruit-trees and berries has been set out. Young stock, cattle and horses, has been purchased, and there is a reasonable prospect of profit from the same in the near future.
One special reason of their financial straits this season was a heavy frost which came when acres upon acres of the strawberry crop were putting on a splendid lot of bloom and young berries. So nearly all their expected income was cut off.
The other fruit-trees and berries planted are not quite large enough to bear; so of the young stock. But if a little more time is granted, prospects for the future are excellent.
The old saying, “It never rains but it pours,” may imply, we suppose, that when things get into a perplexing condition, and it seems that we have all we can do to get along, then some unexpected calamity comes, and we are put to our wit’s end. So it was this spring. The buildings are in sad need of repairs. The school board looked over the situation last winter very carefully, spent days in considering the situation, and were sorely perplexed as to what to do. We knew well enough what needed to be done, but where was the money with which to do it? Then came the terrible frost, and it seemed almost to take away the heart. Indeed, some faint-hearted ones have actually proposed to shut up the Graysville training-school for at least a year. But what a calamity that would be! It might take years for the school to regain its prestige. There is a far better way than that. This, most important training-school, the only one of its kind for the white people in this whole union conference of nine large States, shut up for what?—Because a few thousand dollars is needed to make repairs and improvements.
This school has cost the denomination very little during its twelve years of existence. It has been made nearly self-supporting. The writer, who has been on its board of management three or four years, can speak very positively of its economical management. Great care has been used to avoid running into debt, and wise plans have been laid, and great economy used. Every sensible person knows that schools do not often run themselves. They must have financial aid from time to time, especially to keep the buildings in good repair, and to make needed enlargements and improvements. The writer has never been connected with an institution where greater care in the management was shown.
What are the improvements now absolutely essential?
1. A new roof must be put on the school building. The roof is twelve years old, and leaks badly, causing damage of no small amount in the school-rooms.
2. A better laundry is absolutely necessary. The present arrangements are a disgrace to such a school. The young ladies who wash endanger their health, getting their clothes and feet wet. It is not right to thus run such risks as the possible loss of health, and even life.
3. Far better bathing facilities are greatly needed. As a people we have much to say about taking baths and keeping the physical man clean and wholesome, for the preservation of health and to keep the system vigorous. Our schools are supposed to teach these lessons. But this important school is sadly in need of suitable appliances with which to accomplish these results. Shall we not supply them?
4. Other outbuildings are sadly needing a transformation. The present ones are certainly not an honor to the only training-school for white students in this great union conference, or in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.
5. We now come to a most important matter. An entire revolution needs to be made in the heating arrangements. The academy building depends on old stoves, cracked or broken more or less, for supplying heat for the rooms. In cold weather they are very uncomfortable, and are utterly unsatisfactory and behind the times.
The home dormitory, where most of the students board and live, is in still more unsatisfactory condition. Its only way of being heated is by a furnace. Coal is used as the fuel. The furnace is badly worn, and some if not all of the school board consider it absolutely unsafe. The heat of the furnace has caused the surrounding woodwork to become as dry as tinder, and should the least touch of fire reach the woodwork, the whole structure would be swept away in a hurry, and lives be endangered. Besides this the present arrangements are wholly unsatisfactory. In cold weather it is impossible to make many of the rooms comfortable. Students get severe colds, and in some cases are very sick from this cause. Besides this, at times the dining and other rooms are filled with smoke and dust arising from the furnace.
But why dwell longer on these sad evidences of the great needs of this institution? The writer knows full well that every need mentioned here, and others not stated, are real, and must be supplied, or the school will be a failure. The members of the board were unanimous in the belief that steam heating from a boiler outside of the buildings would be far more satisfactory, and be a saving in expense. This change ought to be made at once.
This school must have assistance. Three or four thousand dollars is needed at once to make these and other necessary repairs. Professor Griggs, who looked over the whole situation last spring, said ten thousand dollars should be raised in order to put this school in first-class condition. It surely ought to be done.
We have written this hoping that of the funds to be raised for this Southern field, at least three or four thousand dollars would be applied on these school buildings. Brethren and sisters, this needs to be done.
GEO. I. BUTLER,
President Southern Union Conference.
Another Pioneer Fallen
By S. H. Lane
ELDER CHAS. O. TAYLOR, of Norfolk, N. Y., departed this life on the evening of Aug. 9, 1905, having suffered from a complication of diseases incident to old age. He was born Nov. 15, 1817, and was therefore 87 years, 8 months, and 24 days old at the time of decease.
The union was blessed with three beautiful children, all claimed by death in childhood. They lie side by side with the mother.
In the month of June, 1883, he united in marriage with Miss Jennie Haskell, of Norfolk, N. Y., where he spent most of his declining years. He possessed a mild disposition, was firm in his opinions, and always stood manfully and faithfully by what he considered truth. He was a diligent student and great reader, so much so that he kept abreast of the times, and being a sociable man by nature, he was in conversation instructive and entertaining, to the delight of those who listened to him. He wove the truth into his conversation, thus convincing as many as by his public efforts.
As early as 1840 Elder Taylor listened to the preaching concerning the soon coming of Christ, proclaimed by Elders Adrian and Hutchins. He accepted the views, and from then until his death he never swerved in his faith in that glorious appearing. He fully believed the Lord would come in the autumn of 1844, at the expiration of the twenty-three hundred days of Daniel, eighth chapter. He, with thousands, was sorely disappointed, but did not cast away his confidence; he again and again reviewed the evidence of that coming, and every time he did so he became stronger in the position, and loved to sing—20
“The Lord is coming! let this be
The herald note of jubilee;
And when we meet, and when we part,
The salutation from the heart.”
Soon after the disappointment he fully embraced the truths of the third angel’s message. He became very firm in his convictions, and did all he could to disseminate the new-found truth. He began to publicly preach the message in 1854.
In preaching he labored most of the time in northern New York, raising up several churches. About 1880 he began preaching in the Southern States, laboring in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. He gave the first discourse ever delivered by our people in New Orleans. Several embraced our views through his labors in the South.
While attending the State conference in Rome, N. Y., in January, 1902, he suffered a slight attack of paralysis, but rallied from it, and labored more or less in the field in preaching the message. In August, 1903, while visiting some churches, he sustained a second and more severe shock, and his life was despaired of; but on account of a strong constitution, through the blessing of the Lord he still proclaimed the message. During the fall and winter of 1903-04 he spent the time at the hospitable home of Brother and Sister S. T. Crosbie, who did everything they could for the comfort of Brother and Sister Taylor. A few met there each Sabbath, and after the Sabbath-school Brother Taylor would preach a short sermon, sitting in his chair.
During the last year of his life he suffered intensely at times, but was blessed with a clear mind, and was sustained with the Christian’s hope until the last. Funeral services were held at his late home, Friday, August 11, conducted by Elder S. B. Whitney, who the next day accompanied the remains to Adams Center, Jefferson Co., where Elder Taylor once lived, and where his first wife and children are buried.
The writer held a service in the church house of our people at Adams Center, where words of comfort were spoken from Ps. 116:15, to a large congregation. Brother Taylor leaves his wife and a wide circle of friends to mourn their loss. As we laid him by the side of his first wife and children, we did so with the encouraging thought that he and all the ransomed host shall live again to rejoice when death itself shall die, and to continue that rejoicing throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.
