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SARAH GORTON

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 7, 1869

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 34, No. 11.

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SARAH GORTON

By Sarah Gorton

From Sr. Gorton.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would like to say a few words through the REVIEW. I hope that what I may write will be of some benefit to others as well as to me. I have not for a long time been satisfied with what I have attained in the Christian course, since I have professed to keep the commandments of God. I see that there is much for me to do if I would be like Jesus; or if, when he comes to make up his jewels, I may have it said unto me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I must awake and work while the day lasts.
Although I should be required to part with all the unruly members, it were far better for me than, having them, to be cast into hell. I can say to-day, Sever them all; only may I know that my ways are all pleasing to my Heavenly Father. I am sure they have not always been pleasing to him in the past. Oh! could I only recall every murmuring thought, or complaining word, how gladly would I do it. But I know of only one way whereby I may be fully reconciled to my Heavenly Father, and that is, to confess my faults, repent of, and forsake them all. The Lord being my helper, I am resolved thus to do.
Often, when chastened, I have murmured; and when others have spoken evil of me, I have repeated it to others, and, sometimes too, have spoken of the faults of others. I fear I have not at all times had as much charity or love as I should in my heart. Such things I am sure are not pleasing to God. If by so doing, I have been an injury to others, or to the cause of Christ, I am truly sorry, and am resolved, the Lord being my helper, to try to so live that I may have no desire to complain when chastened, or to speak of the faults of others, or to do anything to grieve my dear Saviour.
In Heb v, 8, we learn that the Son of God learned obedience by the things which he suffered. If he that knew no sin, willingly suffered so much, even a most shameful death on the cross, that we who are born in trespasses and sins might share in his blissful home in the earth made new, ought we not to be willing to have him fit us for so holy a place in his own way? That I may be henceforth enabled to say, The Lord’s will, not mine, be done, is my prayer. When Jesus shall come to gather his ransomed ones home, dear reader, may you and I be there.

SARAH GORTON

Greenwood Prairie, Minn.