Sister Bean’s Sabbath Testimony
By M. Bean
BRO. SMITH: I want to speak through the Review to the brethren and sisters of like precious faith, which are scattered abroad, and say that in 1849 I had the light on the holy Sabbath. I felt I must take up the cross, which then appeared a great one, and follow the Lord. But I could not find one of my family that could see any light on the seventh day as being the Sabbath of the Lord. On the whole, I had no help from husband or children, and being in a poor state of health I struggled long and hard to keep my head above water; but at length fell, and all the waves and billows of temptation went over me. I felt that I was in torment all that flesh and blood could bear, and went into black despair, and frantic with grief, not capable of any business for about a year; then my health improved, and I became calm to outward appearance, and could attend to business the same as ever; but all this time I felt I was lost, and to cut short, not one ray of light or hope ever visited the dungeon which I felt myself to be in for six long weary years. Some of this time I was in N. Y., then went back to Vt., and on a visit to Hardwick to see my children. There was a day of fasting and prayer on my account. The brethren came together and I bowed down with them, and for the first time in six years I cried unto God for mercy. While pleading to be restored to the joys of his salvation, beyond what I dared to expect the light broke into my soul. O that joyful eve, on the 14th of January, I never shall forget. And let me say that my dear husband was let into the liberty at the same time, for how would he be otherwise than in bondage when once we were happy in God, having listened to the first message, and come out of the church together, and had since 1843 moved in harmony, and around the family altar offering prayer together. Then after all this, the family altar was broken down, as I could not, and would not, hear prayer nor any thing of the kind. But my dear companion held on to God like Abraham of old, believing God would again restore me and we should see better days. He said he always felt that if we ever could get where there was faith, the work would be done; and that faith was found with the dear brethren that keep all the Commandments of God. And now let me say that my husband and myself embraced the Sabbath of the Lord on that same evening of our deliverance, and now we are walking in newness of life. Old things have passed away, and all to me is new and glorious. Of late we have attended a conference in Roxbury, and O, how my heart was comforted, strengthened and blessed, it being the first meeting of the kind that we had attended. I feel that God is setting his church in order, and will yet have all the gifts for the perfecting of the saints. My soul goes out in strong desire for all to come and embrace the truth, and know the blessing there is in keeping God's holy day. To me 'tis glorious. I feel that grace and glory shall be my story
While I in Jesus such beauties see,
While endless ages are onward rolling,
This heavenly treasure mine shall be.
I would say we are now visiting with our children in Randolph, and for the present our place of address will be East Bethel, Vt.
M. BEAN.
Randolph, Vt.