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A Confession

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 11, 1863

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 22, No. 11.

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A Confession.

By Jno. Bostwick

DEAR BRETHREN: I am a firm believer in the truths of the "third angel's message," and the instrumentalities God is using to carry it forward. I believe that one of these is the gift of prophecy by which our wrongs are pointed out by the unerring Spirit of God, and we as a people are enabled to see every wrong that it may be confessed and put away, and we thus be brought into perfect unity with the body, not only in sentiment and faith, but in action. And as the Lord in his goodness has sent us a straight testimony through the gift of prophecy, we can but exclaim, How great is the goodness and condescension of God! It is truly meat in due season.
That part of the testimony for Minn. which applies to myself and wife, I can heartily receive; and as it points out our wrong course for the past three years, I feel in duty bound to confess every wrong I have committed by a crooked and independent course, and thus counteract as far as possible the bad influence such a course may have had against the cause.
And now as I look back upon the past I can see that I have not properly understood myself. I have had too much confidence in my abilities, and have neglected to avail myself of an experience which I might have acquired, had I been teachable and more willing to be led. I believe my labors have been an injury to the cause in Minn., and that I have been out of the path of duty. Time and means have been wasted for which I feel sorry, and would seek forgiveness of the Lord and my brethren. Truly I have been an unprofitable servant, and if it is not the will of the Lord that I should help carry the message, I can cheerfully take a humble place in the ranks of God's remnant people, as I desire to stand with them on Mount Zion.
In conclusion I would say that I am willing to be led reproved counseled and instructed by those of experience. I do not wish to lean upon my own weak judgment any longer independent of that of my brethren. I now wish their watchcare and prayers that I may be enabled to do anything God requires at my hands.
An unworthy brother.
JNO. BOSTWICK.
Oronoco, Minn. July, 23, 1863.