A LETTER OF CONFESSION.
By F. F. LAMOREAUX
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN CHRIST: Rejoice with me for the goodness of the Lord, for his tender mercies and long-suffering to me. He has brought me out of the pit of despair, and turned my feet from the broad way that leads to everlasting death, and placed them again in the narrow way that leads to eternal life. I have been bound by the enemy for two years past. I fell under the power of his most deadly weapon, unbelief; but thank the Lord, the wound is healed, and my life may be saved. May this be a warning to all who indulge in doubts and feelings of despair. It is hard to be a slave of the Devil; to be driven about at his will; to be distracted by his cruel suggestions. I can see where I have been. My eyes are opened now, for which I feel to praise the Lord. When I first embraced present truth, some twelve years ago, up to the time that I suffered doubts and unbelief to come in, I know I enjoyed much of the love of God, and of his peace, that passeth all understanding. My hopes, joys, and anticipations were all centered in present truth; but when doubts arose, strengthened by affliction, it swept all my hopes away. Despair followed, and made room for the enemy. My good angel departed, and I was left a prey to Satan. The conflict has been severe, and I have just escaped with my life. Dear brethren and sisters, I feel to mourn deeply over my sins. I have been led to utter words, and do things, instigated by the Devil, against my own will. At times I had a realizing sense of my condition, and would strive to break loose; but the enemy would tighten his cords, and I would be powerless. How true that the enemy is much stronger than fallen man. Without the help of God we could do nothing against him. I feel like repairing the breach in my faith. Wherein my Christian character has been marred, I want to fit in a jewel. First, faith; then love, hope, and charity. Brethren and sisters, you whom I may have injured by any harsh saying or act, will you, can you, forgive me? I feel that the Lord has. Can not the golden links of brotherly love that have united us in the past be clasped again? Can we not replace all the links, and cement them with brotherly love stronger than before? My hope of eternal life is brightened, my faith strengthened, and I am made to rejoice as never before. I feel solemnly impressed that the Lord is doing his last work. Let us cut loose from the world, cleanse ourselves, both soul and body, and make a speedy preparation for the coming of the Lord. The Lord is moving on the hearts of his people, and endowing them with a searching spirit, that they may find every sin that is lurking around them. “Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the Most High; therefore he brought down their heart with labor; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness, and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.” Ps. cvii, 8-14. Your brother in hope of eternal life.