Confession and Return to the Truth
By H. W. Decker
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: In view of my past course in connection with the present truth, I esteem it a privilege to say a few words to you at this time. As many of you are aware that I have once given up the truth, I wish to name some of the causes by way of confession, and as a warning to others. I first neglected secret prayer. This soon caused me to begin to lose my interest in the truth. And very soon I acquired a taste for light and fictitious reading. Then a spirit of fault finding came in, which tended still further to destroy my spirituality. Still I had a high regard for the truth and for those who presented it. It seemed too sacred for me to have any connection with. I finally began to look with favor upon secret societies, and to cherish a desire to join them. I accordingly joined the Free Masons and Odd Fellows. I now publicly renounce all such connections, considering them snares of the devil. During this time I tried to give up the truth; but a conviction I could not shake off still held me. I then began to look around for an easier way, and to find a people who lived according to a lower standard. I found the first-day Adventists to be a people of this kind, and so tried to persuade myself that walking according to their standard would be sufficient. When I gave up the Sabbath I had suffered my judgment to become so perverted as to consider that I had reasons for it; yet I never could feel entirely satisfied. I felt, as expressed in the message, that they have no rest day nor night who worship the beast and his image. Like all those who are upon the enemy's ground and subject to his temptations, I conceived a prejudice against Bro. and Sr. White. I spoke against the visions; but on grounds which were never really satisfactory to myself. I could never wholly disbelieve them. All that I have ever said against Bro. and Sr. W., I deeply regret and wish to take back. I consider that I have had no occasion for saying what I have. I am perfectly satisfied in regard to the Testimonies of Sr. White, that they are from the Lord. And now in regard to all others, as far as I have injured individuals and have used my influence against them, I will as soon as possible, and as far as possible, make everything straight with them. To those who were here from the West, at our late Conference, especially the ministers, I would say that I misrepresented matters in regard to the course of the church in Monroe touching my case, being willing to let it appear that they were responsible for my not being in fellowship with them, to shield myself from blame. To do this I kept back the fact that I was willing to have my name dropped, and had even requested them to drop it. With sincere regret for my past wrong in giving up, and the evils that naturally followed, and asking forgiveness of my brethren and the Lord, I have taken a firmer stand than ever on the truth. I have made a complete surrender, and feel more freedom and strength than ever before. I feel entirely satisfied and clear on every point of the truth; and I ask an interest in the prayers of the church that I may be able to maintain the stand I have taken.