Letters by Washington Morse

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 19, 1859

Letters.

By Washington Morse

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”

From Bro. Morse.

BRO. SMITH: I take my pen to give vent to my feelings in writing a few words to my brethren by way of confession. After the communication from me came out in No. 10 of Jan. 27th, I felt that freedom and peace for several days that I had not felt before in this State. But at length I began to feel a consciousness that I had not fully done my duty; and I began to have much trial, and little or no freedom while in meeting with my brethren; still I was blessed in secret prayer, and in my family devotions. I have struggled along in this way for several weeks, praying earnestly the Lord to show me my duty, until I am brought to feel a deeper sense of my wrongs than I ever have before. I have reviewed my past life over and over again, and have tried to humble myself before the Lord, and seek forgiveness. I see that I have been greatly out of the way. I have not been honest in my deal. I have not heeded the counsel of the church as I should. I did not heed the advice of Brn. Pierce and Hart, who advised me not to leave Vt. As their letter did not reach me until I was about ready to come west, I was fearful, and thought it was duty to come. I did not heed the injunction of the Saviour which says if any man will sue thee at law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. I see that I have brought a deep wound on the cause, that I fear I cannot heal until I am able to obtain means enough and return to free me from all my embarrassments. This I shall do as soon as possible.

I have had too much of a spirit to justify poor self, forgetting that I had been taught it was safe to follow the advice of the church. Such has been my feelings in view of these things that I cannot longer hold my peace. Forgive one of the most unworthy, and pray that I may yet be an overcomer, and find admittance into the everlasting kingdom of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

WASHINGTON MORSE.

Deerfield, Minn., April, 1859.