Report from Bro. Taylor.
By C. O. Taylor
THE 20th, we reached Bro. Abbey's in the midst of a heavy snow storm; but found all warm and quiet when once in that pilgrim home. During the remainder of the week we visited different families in Bro. A.'s neighborhood. The 23d, were sent for to come and pray for Bro. Crumb and family,—his son Joseph being dangerously sick. We had liberty in praying, yet no especial light to ask for his recovery. He continued to fall till the 25th, when he fell asleep. The 26th, we laid him in his quiet, narrow bed, to rest till the trump shall sound. We spoke words of instruction and comfort from Heb. ii, 14. Our meetings with the church on Sabbath and first-day were those of profit. They were able to see that they had not in all things lived up to their privilege. Some were with us only on the Sabbath, and that brought in the scattering influence, which hindered the work. About six rose for prayers, and resolved to seek the forgiveness of their sins and lead a new life. Some found favor before the meeting closed. The evening of the 26th, we had a meeting at Bro. Clarke's, about six miles from B., who moved from Jefferson Co., a year ago, where they became interested in the Advent faith, and who of late have taken a decided stand for the truth. The Lord worked for us greatly in turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and one entire family, seven in all, confessed to each other, and gave themselves anew to God. When we left, we left a happy family, all resolving to meet us on the sea of glass. The Lord used Bro. and sister Brown to help this family, being cousins, and formerly neighbors. We were all blessed together, all happy together, and all shouted together. March 3d, found us with the church at Middle Grove, to labor with, and for, them. This people have not all the advantages of some of the other churches. They are so far from any church that they never meet with others of like faith; and then their former experience has not been of the right kind in all respects; and added to that is the sad fact that they have not done as well as they could. We found them at this time in a sad and low condition. The Lord worked for us and gave us good evidence that he was willing to bring this people up, and all felt at the close of the second day's meeting, that they would take an advance step and get nearer to God. Some hearty confessions were made by some, but with others the work was not as complete as it should have been. We remained with them two Sabbaths, and did all we could for their good. We hope they will not lose sight of the individual work they have to do. I am confident that what they have to do for themselves and families, is to get "home religion" deep in their hearts. I pray that they may prosper in all things pertaining to godliness. Under date of March 30th, Bro. Taylor again writes: We reached Verona to fill our appointment on the 17th. Met with the most of the church Sabbath evening. Spoke to them a few words of instruction and encouragement; had a season of prayer, in which the Spirit helped in asking the Lord to work for us. He did help, but it was in a way that most present knew not. Many of our people have forgotten, or have failed to come up to the work that is to be done for themselves. They have in some degree felt their poverty, and their lukewarmness, yet have not with zeal repented. This church received in love the plain testimony given, and took hold of the work of overcoming in earnest, and with determination. Some heavy crosses in confession were borne, and I am confident that good fruit will be the result. The 24th and 25th, we met with the church at Kirkville, and a good free time we had. It was easy speaking, praying, and singing. This church has always been ready for any advance step in the onward march toward the kingdom. We met here Bro. Patten from Clay, Brn. Satterlee and Parmalee from Verona, who added much to the interest of the meeting by their prompt and warm-hearted testimonies. Others, not connected with us in all points of truth, were present, who cheerfully acknowledged that the good Spirit was there; yet I had to mourn in spirit to see that it did not have the effect on them that it should. They did not see their poverty, darkness, and blindness, as they ought; and as a consequence, will not seek as they should, and in the way that God has pointed out in his word, and was then pointing out by his Spirit, a preparation to meet the coming King. I would still impress on their minds, and I pray that the Spirit may write it indelibly, that past blessings do not suffice for present enjoyments; neither do past duties or labor answer for those that our Master is calling us now to do. It is the work of all, that would sit down with Christ on his throne, to see themselves in the light pointed out by the True Witness to heartily repent, get the love, righteousness and the sweet melting influences of the Holy Spirit, in their hearts. As a people, there is an advance step in consecration to God and holiness. It is dangerous to remain where we have been any longer. The door must be opened, and Jesus must come in and take full possession of us. A great work is yet to be done for us. We should be in haste to have it done, and should do all on our part to hasten its completion, that the King may come in and examine the guests, and we may be found having on the wedding garment. Mercy, sweet mercy, is lingering around our dwellings, and our hearts; and the long suffering of God is waiting as in the days of Noah. Oh for a waking up and putting on strength! We must do this, or to be spued out will be our portion. Theory will not save us.