Untitled article by James E. White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 19, 1867

ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

By James E. White

DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: I have lately thought it was my duty, as well as privilege, to write a few lines for the Review; not so much to instruct any one, but to free my own mind. Some five years since, I, with thirteen others, went forward in the sacred ordinance of baptism, and was united to the church at Battle Creek. For about three years I have been far upon the back ground. It seemed as if none of the faithful admonitions of my parents could have any influence over me whatever. In this condition I went away from Battle Creek to school last winter, and not being fortified by the grace of God, I was easily led away by the enemy into the world. I went into all their amusements and parties of pleasure, and, in fact, was one of them. I tremble whenever I think how near I came making shipwreck of my faith entirely, and going so far that the Lord would never call after me again. I continued in this way until my parents wrote for me to come home and attend a series of meetings which were being held here. I came, and at last began to see where I was. But I had very hard feelings against father, which I at that time did not fully give up, and soon fell back into the same backward state. I took part to a great extent in the prejudices that were then felt against him, and I fear, did more than any other one, to injure him.

This fall I attended the good course of meetings that were held in this place, and I have again made a start, and I want this time to get everything out of the way. I have tried to confess my past sins before the church and before God. I feel that he has heard my prayers and praise him for it.

I tremble when I think I have hindered my parents, which I am confident I have, in this great work, and I feel to ask forgiveness of them, of God, and of his people. But I will say that from this time, God being my helper, I mean to serve him better than ever before.

I desire an interest in your prayers, that I may hold out faithful, and at last stand with you upon Mount Zion.

Your unworthy brother.

JAMES E. WHITE.

Battle Creek, Mich.