Report from Bro. Taylor.
By C. O. Taylor
OCT. 4, Bro. Goodwin took me in his wagon, and we started for my appointment at Roosevelt. We stopped that night with Bro. Arnold, where I enjoyed my first visit with this dear family. It was very pleasant. I also had the privilege of working at my trade, (husking corn,) in the barn, where the second State Conference of S. D. Adventists was held. There were sacred thoughts in the remembrance of it. The next day we passed on to Bro. Edson's. Here we saw a living witness of the goodness and power of God. When I last saw Bro. E., he was confined to the house, and much of the time to the bed, with feeble voice, and fast sinking into the grave. Now he is up, around the house, out on the farm, about the town, with voice strong and clear. During the two days' meeting he was with us, and gave his full and hearty testimony for the truth. The Lord has done a great work for this church. I hope they will learn how to possess their vessel in sanctification and honor. Returned to Oswego after the meeting. Took the boat Monday morning, in company with Bro. S. B. Whitney, for Rochester. Stopped at Bro. Andrews'. Had a sweet heavenly time talking, singing, and praying. Left the next morning for Dansville, to see and hear for two days. I was enjoying myself very well, in the society of the brethren there, when I was informed of the sickness of my family, and immediately returned home, regretting that I could not attend the Conference. On reaching my family, I found my two remaining children down with the diptheria, and my wife much worn with watching and anxiety. In less than a week we were called to lay them both in the grave, one on each side of little Hiram. Three little graves mark a sacred spot on this earth; no place more so. By this affliction we are left childless, yet we would not stop to weep and mourn beyond reason, at the sad work of disease and death; his work is most done, and the strong man armed will soon spoil him of his goods. Another tie binds us to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. In laying them away, we have the sweet consolation that we have done what we could, to prepare them for the coming kingdom; that we have used diligence and perseverance, and had the satisfaction of seeing them growing up, loving virtue, and saying they did not want to play with children that used bad language, &c. They bowed and prayed with us around the family altar. Thomas loved the Instructor, and read it carefully; and although his mind was young, he could grasp and comprehend many Bible truths. He was not afraid to die. Said he, a short time before he died, "There will be no diptheria in Heaven." Adams' Centre, Oct. 23, 1865.