A CONFESSION by Uriah Smith

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 6, 1862

A CONFESSION.

By Uriah Smith

The following communication from Bro. W. H. Ball is gratifying. Experience is an unerring teacher; and some of the facts which Bro. B. is enabled to relate from his own, speak volumes. When a person, in opposing any point of doctrine, finds that what he says is pleasing to the wicked, that his sympathizers are the carnally-minded and unconsecrated, and that his own soul grows lean and barren under his efforts, he may be assured there is something wrong in his position. And such is the case with every one who, after due opportunities of investigating the subject, oppose the visions of sister White; and they can readily perceive that such is their condition, unless they have so far departed as to be unable not only to see, but also to feel. Happy are they who are awakened to these things, as Bro. B. has been, while they can perceive their true force and bearing. Of those who stand watching for such as may be skeptical upon the visions, ready to pounce upon them, like ravenous beasts upon their prey, to pour into their minds their poison of unbelief, and help them on in the downward road, thus imitating their great master who goeth about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour;—of such, we have nothing to say. The Lord will reward them according to the evil which they thought to do. We commend Bro. B.'s experience to the careful consideration of any who may be troubled upon the subject of spiritual gifts as he has been, and trust that he may go forward till he reaches the full enjoyment of that sweet peace and assurance which is the portion of those who are settled and grounded in the truth—an inseparable accompaniment of a faith which is untarnished by doubt, and free from fear.

BRO. SMITH: Your letter of March 13, treating more particularly upon my first objection to the visions, published in No. 8, present volume of Review, was duly received. I begin to see as through a glass darkly that your interpretation is correct. Although the light is not perfectly clear to my mind, yet as justice due to you I would say that you have answered my objections satisfactorily to that extent that I do not feel disposed to urge them longer as objections to the visions. Yea, more: I dare not longer oppose them, lest I do so at the peril of my soul. I am satisfied that the course which I have pursued in regard to them has not only been displeasing in the sight of heaven, but destructive to my own spiritual interest.

I would here confess that since it first became evident that the visions were to be made a test of fellowship, I have been prejudiced against them, and have manifested a spirit of opposition to them, which I do sincerely regret. It is very evident that what I have said against the visions has been very gratifying to the wicked. There is one fact which has not escaped my observation, viz., that those who have been the most ready to bestow their sympathies upon me, instead of being the most humble and devoted, have been the crooked, half-hearted, and scoffers, which has had a tendency to open my eyes to the fact that something was wrong. And since hearing Bro. Cornell present the subject of spiritual gifts in so clear a light, showing their perpetuity, also the Bible rule for testing true and false prophets, I became fully convinced that the visions were of God. I think he proved from the Bible to every unprejudiced mind that sister White's visions are of God. I dare not longer doubt them. I do believe; Lord, help mine unbelief. I praise the Lord that he sent Bro. Cornell this way. I can testify that his labors were not altogether in vain in this place. May he be instrumental in doing much good in the great harvest-field, and his labors blest to the good of thousands, is my prayer.

I hope, Bro. Smith, that wherein I have manifested an unkind or unchristian spirit in my former articles upon this subject, you will pardon me. And I would here say to Bro. and sister White, if what I have said in relation to the visions has been a grief to you, I am truly sorry, and humbly ask your forgiveness. I shall endeavor as far as possible to counteract what little influence I may have had that has not been on the side of truth.

And I would here say to B. D. Townsend, C. P. Russell, and all other opposers who have so generously bestowed their sympathies upon me, You can still oppose the visions if you choose. You can cherish a spirit of hatred and rebellion toward those whom God has placed at the head of this work, if you will. But be assured by one that has had some experience in this matter, that heaven will frown upon such a course. You will reap as the fruits of your labor, darkness, barrenness, and death.

I would add the following as a part of my experience in this matter. When I have been the most free from doubts, and have had the most confidence in the visions, I have enjoyed the most of the spirit and power of religion. Again, since I have had the most doubts, and the least confidence in them, my spirituality has been on the decline. I have been losing confidence in almost everything, until I have many times been alarmed while viewing the change that had come over me. But I thank the Lord that I feel there is yet hope in my case.

I have of late pondered well the following considerations, which all who oppose the visions will do well to consider:

1. It is a settled fact that the visions of sister White are from the Lord, or from the Devil. If from the latter, why does not the Lord bless any effort which may be made to prove them false?

2. Why is it that among Sabbath-keepers, those who come out against the visions take a downward course, until, sooner or later, they are left but little better than infidels?

Will those who fight the visions answer the above inquiries? I feel thankful that I have been led to see the awful danger there is in opposing the work of God. I desire henceforth to pursue the course that the Lord will approbate, and instead of trusting to my own weak judgment, strive to follow the leadings of the Spirit.

Yours striving for victory. W. H. BALL.

Washington, N. H., April 20, 1862.