Remarriage in Old Age
87
At first I thought that such a step would hurt Brother Butler’s
influence. But I have had time to consider the matter, and I now see it
in another light. I came to this decision before I had the pleasure of
meeting Elder Butler at the time of his visit to my home.
I wish you to understand that I have not had one word of conversa-
tion with Elder Butler in regard to this matter. He has not made the
slightest reference to it.—
Letter 77, 1902
.
May 23, 1902
Dear Brother and Sister Keck,
I wish to add a few lines to the letter I have already written you. We
had a very profitable visit with Elder Butler. He left us last Wednesday
morning for Healdsburg. W. C. White and his wife rode over with
him in the carriage....
My brother and sister, I wish you to take to the Lord the matter of
the union of your sister with Elder Butler. Prayerfully consider your
objections; and then, in the light of the words I have written, if your
sister is disposed to unite with Elder Butler in marriage, see if you
cannot give up your objection, for the reason that this union may be
the purpose of God.
I see in Elder Butler a man of usefulness, a man of intelligence
and Bible study. His ministry would be much more valuable were he
united with a woman who could help him in his work. Think of how
much more he could accomplish with the help of a discreet, intelligent
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woman. He should not be left to live alone and to travel alone. The
sooner he can find a good wife, the better it will be for his work. A
wife could do for him those things that no male companion could
do—look after his clothes, see that they are free from dust, and that he
is always prepared to appear before large congregations.
Would it not be best for you to withdraw your opposition to this
union? It is not best for you in any way to oppose that which the Lord
may have ordained. It may be that the Lord sees that by this union
your sister and Elder Butler could accomplish more for Him than they
otherwise could. What people may say has nothing to do with this
matter. If it is the Lord’s purpose, let us not be found fighting against
Him. -
Letter 78, 1902
.