Confession and Consecration
By F. M. BRAGG.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Of late I have realized, as never before, what terrible power Satan exercises over minds, to lead astray in these last days. I have been trying to review my life from a correct stand-point, that I might see myself as God looks upon me. I would correct my wrongs in the past, and be, in future, a humble and meek follower of Christ. For many years I have professed to be such, but, oh! how widely different has my life been, particularly for the few years past, from living out my profession. My life has been wholly unconsecrated to God, and his service. I have lived to self, and in self. I would gladly obliterate the past. I ask for the forgiveness of all who have been affected by my wrongs, and I would secure an interest, by future obedience, in the all-cleansing blood of Jesus, to wash away the stains of sin upon my character. While my interest has been with the present truth, and my desires and feeble efforts have been that others should see and believe, and I have refused every inducement that would separate me from the favored people of God, I have been so destitute of the fruits of the Spirit of God, to fit me for this heavenly work, that my spirit did not unite with those who were consecrated to God and his service. I realize that my influence has had more of a scattering effect than a gathering with Christ. I have been too high for the lowly channel of meekness and love. Pride and an independent spirit have controlled me for the few years in the past. Many times when I have sought to act with a conscientious view of right, I now see that I was wrong in my course. In the past I have studied, and dwelt upon, the faults of others too much, which has caused them to appear in too strong a light. Thus the errors of others have been, to me a snare and stumbling-block, and my feelings have at times become disaffected instead of being drawn out in kindness and forbearance. I would seek to know and correct my own faults and errors in the future, and study to be perfected in love toward all. I will strive to seek the Lord with my whole heart, that the heavenly angels may guide, and instruct, and lead me in the right ways of the Lord, and I be kept from the deceptive influence of Satan, and be sanctified through the truth, that I can shed light, and help others to prepare for the solemn events before us.
F. M. BRAGG.
Battle Creek, Mich.