p. 111 | SARAH BUTTERFIELD by Sarah Butterfield

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 23, 1860

SARAH BUTTERFIELD

By Sarah Butterfield

From Sister Butterfield.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have often wished when reading the Review that I could say something that would do some one good. But you may expect but a feeble effort when I tell you that I am now more than half way through my seventy-eighth year. Deep and long have been the waves of affliction through which I have passed, yet I have been upheld till now. Who could have held me up, but He who has all power in heaven and earth?

Forty-seven years I walked in fellowship with the Baptist church in this place, and thought surely we were right if we lived up to our profession. Two years ago I was brought to a solemn stand with regard to the Sabbath. Many of you know by painful experience how hard it is to think of taking a course that will grieve the hearts of those we have bound to our own by many strong and endearing ties, (though every one of those with whom I first united have been gone for years). The question came to my mind, What will the frowns or smiles of those you think so much of avail you at the judgment seat of Christ? Nothing! was the answer. Nothing but truth before God's throne with honor can appear. I dared not put my hands to work another seventh day. Then there was my husband who had all along been much more opposed to those who left the church and kept the seventh day than myself. Now see, dear friends, how kind and tenderly the Lord dealt with the poor old wayworn pair. Though we knew nothing of the exercise of each other's minds until that day, yet there was not an hour's time between our being made willing to try to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment. I hope I may ever be thankful to our great Benefactor for the way in which he has led us, and his kind care for us. We are a happy little family of five in number, trying to keep all the commandments of God, and live out the precepts of the blessed Saviour. But O how we need wisdom from above, and to have our hearts filled with pure love; that perfect love which casteth out fear, except that which is the beginning of wisdom. How rapidly everything seems whirling to the great vortex. May we not expect the great consummation is near? No matter how near if we are all ready. I beg a share in the blessings that are in store for those who wait for, long for, and love the appearing of the blessed Saviour. I may be laid away in the grave a little while; but if I sleep in Jesus, when he who is our life shall appear I shall arise to meet him in the air to be made like him, and see him as he is. What a blessed thought! Dear brethren and sisters, pray for your unworthy sister and the little church here.

SARAH BUTTERFIELD

Andover, Vt.