From Bro. Winter, Iowa by R. Winter

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 22, 1873

From Bro. Winter, Iowa.

By R. Winter

I take the liberty to state a few plain facts which have come under my observation of late. The “Advent trumpet,” I find, is yet sounding, and how delighted I was to have my ears once more saluted with the “glad tidings” that soon “Jesus is coming to gather his ransomed ones home.” This was indeed a heart-cheering sound, when I heard Bro. Bartlett proclaiming what he declared to be the third angel’s message; and if it is actually the case, which I dare not dispute, but have indubitable evidence from the signs of present times, and the chronological order of events, that it cannot be otherwise than so, we can come to no other conclusion than that some momentous change predicted is just about bursting upon this world. Then what shall we say, but “to the righteous, that it shall be well with him?” and “woe unto the wicked, it shall be ill with him; for the reward of his hands shall be given him?” Isa. 3:10, 11.

Those who have their lamps trimmed and burning need not be tempted or alarmed, but, on the contrary, “hold up their heads, and rejoice, for their redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28. Oh, what glorious tidings! what a blessed sound to those who can realize it—to all who are ready, watching, and waiting to join with the happy throng, and shout in anthems of praise, when we behold him coming in the clouds: “Lo this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isa. 25:9.

But I must hold on or I shall drift off on a preaching strain, which was not my object when I set out to pen, as I stated at the outset, a few plain statements only.

I embraced the Advent faith in 1842, in Wm. Miller’s day, at the East Kingston Camp-meeting, New Hampshire. At that time, I was a “Primitive Methodist” preacher; was pastor over a flock in the city of Lowell, Mass., concerning which I will not now go into particulars, not considering it necessary, as I see you have some account of the circumstances connected with my coming out, together with my return to England, and a sketch of my labors there; as referred to in “Life Incidents,” page 152, which is a book I had the pleasure of reading a short time since, which did me much good, and gave me many new ideas which I consider of vital importance.

When the Advent ship ran into “Snag Harbor” on account of the supposed failure in the “prophetic periods,” or the time set for the Saviour to come had passed by, which caused quite a revolution in the minds of many with regard to religious matters, I got so sadly abused and disappointed that I was driven to the greatest perils. Just at that time a Mormon ship came along, and found me in great perplexity, not knowing which way to steer or look for salvation. They told me they were bound for Zion, and offered me a passage, and invited me, with many inducements, to come on board. After some conversation concerning their claims, and the advantages of the country to which they were bound, I went on board their craft and started for Zion, which was represented to me as being in Salt Lake Valley, Utah Territory. I expected to find something resembling that which had been represented, if not the very thing itself; but alas! I was disappointed once more. I spent sixteen and one-half years, trying to find a people who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, but failed to find them in Utah. I came back again to the States, in 1870, still in search of Zion, expecting to find a people more like the old model, and have been trying for three years, but have not succeeded to my satisfaction until very recently, I heard that an Adventist preacher would give lectures on different subjects relative to the faith and doctrine of S. D. Adventists. At that time, I was lame and could not walk; therefore, only heard two or three lectures, viz., on the Sabbath, Mark of the Beast, Sanctuary, and Millennium, which opened my eyes to many things which before were dark, mysterious, and unintelligible. I became acquainted with J. Bartlett, and had considerable conversation on various subjects. I obtained several books and tracts, and, by the help of the good Spirit, in the perusal of them I obtained much light and information, for which I feel truly thankful to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift.

I am now a subscriber for your paper, called the “REVIEW AND HERALD OF THE SABBATH,” also the Health Reformer, which I deem “meat in due season,” and I esteem it more than my necessary food. I hope to have more of the works on the faith and doctrines of the S. D. Adventist people. Whether I shall be able to indorse every sentiment advocated therein I am not prepared to say. But I have not as yet seen or heard anything but what I can fall in with, except the unconsciousness of the spirit while absent from the body; but I do not think this is absolutely necessary to salvation, as the Bible is almost silent concerning the matter.

I will conclude by saying, May God bless you, and prosper the work of your hands, and all those who are engaged in such a grand and noble enterprise. I wish it to have my sanction and hearty co-operation.

Yours, in bonds of love and friendship,

R. WINTER.

Hall Creek, Monona Co., Iowa.