Sarah (Hawkins) Byington’s Patriarchal Blessing

“A Blessing by John Smith, Patriarch, upon the head of Sarah Byington, daughter of Joseph and Mahetable Hawkins, born Coos Co., N.H., May 3^rd, 1808.

“Sister Sarah, I place my hands upon thy head in the name of Jesus of Nazereth and seal upon you all the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the blessings of the Priesthood in common with thy companion which shall give you power to heal the sick in thine house and among thy sex.  Thou shalt have health in thy habitations.  Thy children shall become numerous in the hosts of Israel.  Thy name shall be known as a mother in Israel forever. 

Thou shalt have every blessing which your heart desires.  Thy last days shall be thy best.  Thou shalt live to enjoy all the blessings that is sealed upon thy companion.  Shalt thine own blessings be satisfied with life.  Thou shalt go down to thy grave as a shock of corn fully ripe.  In the morning of the Resurrection thou shalt come up with all thy father’s house and inherit a Kingdom that shall never pass away.  Even so, Amen