CONFESSION by John Nevins Andrews

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 17, 1861

CONFESSION.

By John Nevins Andrews

It is my duty to make confession on several points; and I do it cheerfully, and with sincerity of heart. I am satisfied that I have not exerted that direct influence in behalf of the testimony of the Spirit of God, given through vision to sister White, that I ought to have done. I deeply regret that I have been slow to act in a matter of so great importance. I now see that I have come far short of my duty in this matter, and that I have thus grieved the Holy Spirit. May God forgive me. It is the purpose of my heart, not merely to believe the testimony of the visions, but to impress the importance of their testimony upon others.

I see also that I have been remiss in bearing a pointed testimony against sin, and reproving the wrongs that have come under my observation, with the faithfulness that was requisite on my part. In other words, I have failed to declare with faithfulness the whole counsel of God. Deeply do I lament my fault in this thing. Yet such is my natural infirmity that I can only hope to be an overcomer through the special assistance of divine grace. Brethren pray for me. J. N. ANDREWS. Wawkon, Iowa, Nov. 28, 1861.

P. S. I would add that the present work of organization meets my hearty approval. I see no objectionable feature as it is now reduced to practice. J. N. A.