A Faithful Colporteur Laid Away by E. R. Palmer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 20, 1913

A Faithful Colporteur Laid Away

By E. R. Palmer

THE many friends and fellow workers of Elder Ernest S. Taylor, formerly of Texas, will deeply regret to learn that after several years of battle against the dread disease consumption, he has been laid away. A night letter received January 30, informs us of his death on the previous day.

Twelve years ago when a call was made by the Foreign Mission Board for ten colporteurs to volunteer for the work in the British Isles, Brother Ernest Taylor, at that time a strong, successful colporteur in Texas, was one of the first to volunteer.

For several years Brother Taylor labored very successfully in Great Britain, the larger part of his time being spent in Scotland. He was greatly loved and appreciated in the British field, as he had also been in his home conference.

After several years' service as a colporteur, he was invited to the gospel ministry, in which he labored faithfully and with success until stricken with consumption. This made it necessary for him to return home. For several years he has been battling with the dread disease, sometimes apparently making progress, and then losing all that was gained. Finally, he moved to Monrovia, Cal., in a final effort to stay the disease.

Early in December we received a letter from his sister, Mrs. Backus, of the Pacific Union College, St. Helena, stating that he was at that time failing rapidly, and might pass away any day.

A short time before his death, when conversing with his sister concerning his past experience and all that he was suffering at that time, he said:—

“I want you to write to Brother Palmer and tell him to say to my brethren and comrades in the field that I have never once regretted going to the British field in response to the call of the Mission Board, and would do it as quickly again if another opportunity were offered, though knowing what the cost would be.”

His sister continues: “I shall never forget the beautiful light in his face as he told me this.”

The telegram bringing the information of his death, reads: “Triumphant in faith and cheerful until the end, my husband passed away peacefully at 6:15 P. M., Wednesday, January 29. Signed, Mrs. E. S. Taylor, Monrovia, Cal.”

Believing that it will add a mingling of joy and consolation to the sorrow of Brother Taylor’s associates and friends to receive this word of courage and faith from him, I am passing it on, trusting that it will prove an inspiration to all the workers who read his parting message. E. R. PALMER.