A Letter of Repentance by E. R. Seaman

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 30, 1856

A Letter of Repentance

By E. R. Seaman

From Bro. Seaman.

Bro. Smith:—I would not trespass on the kindness of those that have the care and oversight of the paper, but feeling that my last letter was not fully expressive, or did not cover the ground I now design it should, I would, with your permission in addition state some things further.

In the aggregate, I consider all my writing for the late "Messenger" to have been actuated by a false and wrong spirit, notwithstanding some truths might have been stated. My first retrograde from the true remnant was caused by taking the simple truth concerning the commencement of the Sabbath at sunset, which I was informed (erroneously) was established by a vision to be at 6 o'clock, independent of sun time. This error caused me to write what I did; having also, imbibed some of the war spirit. I am satisfied that this has done much injury. I am fully persuaded also that I have sympathized with those that were crooked and wrong at heart, to my hurt, and I cannot conceive why I have been permitted to go thus far, unless it be peradventure to fully open my eyes, and I hope, the eyes of others also that have likewise been deceived.

There are those spoken of in the Scriptures of truth, that walk disorderly, self-willed, having not the Spirit, who despise government: with such I desire not to walk.

As some exceptions have been taken to my last letter, I would say I did not then fully regard the counsel and the testimony of the one the Lord has seen fit to reveal himself to, as I do now; and I can say for the help of any, that as far as myself and family are concerned, nothing has been given us but good, sound and kind instruction. I think I never said to the contrary. But I supposed one permanent discrepancy enough to cause doubts of the whole. But it is human to err, and better to exchange error for truth, let it be never so late.

I have been exhorted by these wandering stars to call this work the work of the devil; but I have always said, No! I could not with what limited evidence I had, (or supposed I had.) I am thankful I was held from going so far. I have thus incurred their displeasure and received some of the abuse, which others have experienced, for which I am thankful, if it would in any measure atone for the past.

I wish to say also that in regard to some of the leaders of this unholy crusade against the work of the Lord, I am informed and know what I state. One in this region of country who professes to keep the seventh day, is under the delusion of Satan so far as to think he holds converse with what purports to be the spirits of dead men. Others have made shipwreck of their faith, given up the Sabbath, and will, perhaps, be lost. I feel as though it was time that those who have been deceived by such men should take a stand on the Lord's side. Opposition to the word of the Lord certainly comes with rather an ill grace from such characters as the one I have alluded to.

Another of the leaders in this work of death in this State, who is traveling from one band to another, seeking whom he may devour, is preaching now for present truth, that the resurrection is past, (or the 1000 years are in the past.) If any one is troubled with this heresy, let them read 2 Tim. ii, 18, 19. "Who concerning the truth have erred, saying, The resurrection is past already," &c.

Brethren, let us try the spirits; for many spirits have gone out into the world, for all men have not the faith. I hope to be able to understand and avoid the snares of the wicked, and humbly pray and ask the remembrance of the saints of God in their prayers that I may be purged of all error and be found finally a vessel unto honor.

Yours for the whole truth.

E. R. SEAMAN.

Oswego, N. Y., Oct. 19th, 1856.