A Confession by D. W. Johnson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 5, 1873

A Confession.

By D. W. Johnson

Dear Brethren: With your permission, I feel that I should like to say a few words through the REVIEW, to the brethren who are acquainted with me, and are knowing to some of the circumstances connected with my course for the past few years. For several years, I have not been in the liberty of the gospel as before. I suffered myself to be led into sin, and have taken a course which has brought reproach upon the cause of God. This I deeply regret. I know that it was the dark influence of Satan that led me on in the course that I pursued.

A departure from God's word in one respect, has prepared the way for a further digression in another direction; and in this way, Satan has led me into a delusion, and to unite with a people who were at war with the present truth. Though I have never felt at heart to go against Seventh-day Adventists, still, while I upheld and went with a people that did, I lent my influence in that direction.

About one year since, I left that people (I refer to those who are called Elijahites, or those who followed one J. T. Curry, who claimed to be a prophet, and appropriated many other of the most distinguished characters of the Bible to himself). I have since been trying to work my way back into favor with God by trying to humble myself before him, and confess my wrongs. I feel as though a portion of my time had been worse than lost. I have done no good, and have had a scattering influence, and instead of growing in grace, I lost the favor of God in a measure, and I have sometimes felt as though I was separated from God and his people. I feel my weakness, and my own inability, and utter helplessness to work for God or myself, without his help; but I would, in view of my wrongs, deeply humble myself before God, and seek forgiveness for all my sins, while Jesus pleads the merits of his blood in my behalf. I desire, as far as possible, to counteract my influence where it has been wrong, and shall labor to this end to the best of my ability.

My faith, hopes, sympathies, and interest, are fully with this people. I deeply regret that I have ever been turned aside from the present truth. I feel an earnest desire to enlist all of my energies in the right direction. And I hope, dear brethren and sisters, that I may not only obtain your forgiveness, but that I may have your prayers, that I may be kept from the deceptive power of Satan in these last days of delusions and peril.

From your erring brother,

D. W. Johnson.

Springfield, Mass., July, 1873.