CONFESSIONS

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 30, 1868

TO THE READERS OF THE REVIEW: For some time past I have felt a great lack of freedom, and knew not the reason why; but I thank and praise the Lord, that in his kindness and mercy, he has shown me my errors in the past; and I wish to humbly acknowledge, and heartily repent of them, and so live in future, that as far as possible I may counteract the influence I cast on the wrong side while laboring in the REVIEW Office.

I felt an interest that the work should be done well, and at times enjoyed a measure of the Spirit of God; but I deeply regret that so much of the time while there, I was unconsecrated and did not realize the solemnity of the work in which we were engaged. And to quite an extent, pride and selfishness were manifested in my life. These things had an influence over the young people of the Battle Creek church, and others who visited this place, which has caused a stumbling block to some. May the Lord forgive me, and help me to work in earnest that the blood of souls may not be found on my garments. I am trying to humble myself before God, and shall not be satisfied until I enjoy free and full salvation, and I hope yet to be the means of winning some souls to Christ, that it may be said to me in the great day of accounts, “Well done.”

ARENATH M. KILGORE.

Battle Creek, June 15, 1868.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Of late I have been led by the reproving Spirit of God to closely search my heart, and am somewhat alarmed at the sight which I there behold. I find pride, selfishness, and love of the world, among the most prominent sins which I have long cherished.

I believe that for the cause of truth, and for my own

soul’s sake, I should not only make a frank public confession of my past unfaithfulness, and lack of consecration, but that I should seek to make speedy amendment, and if possible redeem a portion of the precious time spent in thus foolishly seeking the pleasures of the world.

I realize that it is no small thing to dishonor the cause of Christ, and to lower the standard of Christian piety in the minds of some, and bring sadness to the hearts of many who prize his cause as they do their lives.

Oh! may my humiliation be acceptable in the sight of Him, who cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. May Heaven pardon all my past heart-wanderings. May I receive the forgiveness of all, who, through my past indifference, have been led to place less value upon the teachings of our dear Redeemer. And may I, though unworthy, still receive the prayers of those who have interested themselves in my soul’s salvation.

Yours, seeking for humility,

HANNAH L. SMITH.

Battle Creek, June 15, 1868.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It is with feelings of deep humility and contrition before God, that I wish to acknowledge my wanderings from him, and renew my covenant with you to seek and serve him more faithfully.

While professing to be a follower of the meek and lowly Saviour, I have indulged in pride, selfishness, and the love of this world, instead of imitating the humble example of him who, when upon earth, pleased not himself, but went about doing good. I have not been suitably impressed with the exalted character of the great work in which the whole energies of my being should have been engaged, and have been blinded and buffeted by the enemy, not heeding the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, but continually growing indifferent in the cause which I have professed to love. I have not realized the value of precious souls, and made earnest and untiring efforts to win them to the truth, but have suffered my influence to scatter abroad, instead of gathering with Christ. My interest in music, and pleasures and amusements of a worldly character, have eclipsed my love for sacred things and the infinite value of eternal life.

I freely acknowledge my past errors, and hope to be forgiven of God and his dear people, resolving that my future life shall be unmistakable evidence of my sincerity. And I would not be unmindful of the long-suffering and forbearance of my kind heavenly Father in revealing these wrongs to me, and permitting me to embrace the present opportunity of consecrating myself anew to his service.

I know that the pleasures of this world can afford no lasting satisfaction or enjoyment, that they are all soon to pass away. How much better, then, to suffer a little now for Jesus, and hereafter reap a rich reward which shall be eternal.

To my dear young friends I would say, Do not follow my unworthy example. Shun the fleeting pleasures and vain allurements of this world, but seek, oh! seek the enduring riches—eternal life in the kingdom of God. And oh! if we can, by humility and sacrifice, at last gain admittance into the pearly gates of that beautiful city, and see one soul saved through our own personal endeavors, shall we not be repaid a thousand fold for all that we may have endured of privation and self-denial? Heaven will be cheap enough, at whatever cost it is obtained.

The language of my heart is,

“Nearer my God to thee, Nearer to thee; E’en though it be a cross That raiseth me.”

I know that with me the great lesson of life is but just begun; that I have an experience to gain, which will cost perseverance and a continued warfare with my spiritual foes. I desire, like Mary of old, to sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn of him who was meek and lowly of heart, that I may serve him acceptably here, and finally reign with him above.

Yours, striving to be faithful,

MARY L. SMITH.

Battle Creek, June 15, 1868.