JOHN MATTESON by John Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 24, 1871

JOHN MATTESON

By John Matteson

Confession.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13. I have made some sad mistakes in my course as a preacher, which I would like to confess to the brethren, whose servant I am. I ask not to be excused. But where I have sinned against God, I ask his forgiveness. And where I have sinned against men, I ask them to forgive me. And this I hope to obtain only through the merits of Jesus.

When I first commenced to preach the message, I thought I might perhaps go ahead of others and be somebody; but I have come to the conclusion that I am often worse than nobody, or in other words, that I do harm, and that I am not fit for this responsible work. Yet urgent requests continue to come in, which I cannot with a good conscience disregard; and as I try to labor on, I find many poor souls who are still weaker and more ignorant than I am.

I have sometimes been blamed where I cannot see that I deserved it, but then I had at the same time other faults which deserved much more blame than I ever received.

I am prone to be an extremist, and have often injured the cause by taking an extreme view of the different points of our faith, and trying to urge the same upon others. I have also been too independent and rash, all of which is indeed worthy of severe censure.

I desire, and will try, by the grace of God, to change my course, to avoid strife and contention, and labor chiefly to win souls for the kingdom of God through the love of a crucified Redeemer. I will try to hold the truth more in love, to bear long with others, to be gentle and kind. And where such a straight line must be walked up to, I will try to square myself first, and not crush the tender souls who perhaps cannot see truth as fast or far as I can, or who happen to differ from my views.

I intended to do good, but often found evil to be present with me. The Lord and his cause can get along without me; but I need the Lord; and I need his truth and people. And if, indeed, the Lord can use such a frail earthen vessel, I shall consider it great condescension and infinite mercy. May the Lord forgive the past, and strengthen and direct in the future for the glory of his own holy name. And may this poor unworthy creature of his, be prepared for his soon coming, and with you, dear reader, find a place in his kingdom.

JOHN MATTESON

Busseyville, Jeff Co., Wis.