A Confession and Appeal for Forgiveness
By Washington Morse
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I wish to say through the Review, that in examining the course, that I have pursued for nearly two years past and reflecting upon some things that occurred by the way; and from light recently from the Lord, and from the admonitions of faithful brethren, I see some things which I have not seen clearly till of late. I see moves made by me, that were wrong, and demand a confession from me; which is indeed humiliating; but the Lord being my helper shall be freely and frankly made. First, as I felt it duty to go out to search the scattered jewels I have consented, yea, more, in some instances, encouraged sister F. M. Shimper, to accompany me. This, I now see, was wrong; although until nearly the close, I was unconscious of it. I need not go on and mention the many severe trials that have arisen out of this; some of the brethren and sisters in Vermont know what they are by experience, others in Vermont, and other States, know some of them by report. I now see that those brethren that were called to consider our trials did right to send their doings for publication; although I had so fallen under a wrong influence at that time, that I opposed it being sent. And now, dear brethren and sisters, all whom this may concern, I humbly ask you to forgive me. I see that the course which I have pursued has been a grief to you; and this is not all: in so doing, I have brought a wound upon the precious cause, I so much love. O brethren, I ask you again to forgive me, not only in this wrong, but wherein you have seen me deviate from the holy religion and Spirit of Jesus, and pray that God will bring me forth to the light as gold seven times purified and tried. Your unworthy brother in Christ,
WASHINGTON MORSE.
Royalton, Vt., Sept. 17th, 1853.