LETTERS by R. Rockwood

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 29, 1857

LETTERS

By R. Rockwood

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Bro. Rockwood.

BRO. SMITH: I take pleasure in addressing you for the first time by letter to inform you that I listened to the lectures of Brn. Bates and Waggoner while the tent was here; and am happy to say that I believe those lectures left a deep impression on the community. I know that there was a strong opposition on the part of the Baptists, Methodists and Spiritualists, but truth is mighty and must prevail. Since the tent left, eight or ten have made up their minds to keep the Sabbath, though they meet with opposition on every hand.

I feel interested in this subject, as it seems to be so closely connected with the Third Angel's Message. I have always felt a deep interest for the truth. As regards the doctrine of the second advent of Christ, I have believed and said often, in public and private, that if I lived to old age I should see him coming in the clouds of heaven.

On the subject of immortality in this life, I never believed we had it here. I was brought up by Methodist parents, but never believed in creeds, nor the doctrine of the trinity. When I came from the State of New York I was twenty years of age. I came to Ohio, and after two or three years joined the Huron Christian Conference, was ordained by that body, and preached in Ohio six years. I came to this place two years ago this Fall.

As regards this Sabbath question, I believe that every truth is adapted to its time, and so is this; and now when God requires, and circumstances demand that there should be a separation, O how few there are that are willing to stand out and be tried by the truth. I am glad that this last message to the world brings men to this test. Truth cries, Come out of her my people. The woman on the scarlet-colored beast has made all nations drunk with the wine of her fornication, and now in this last warning, we must know who are her daughters, and who they are that keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Let separation come, and with it the Saviour, that he may find some planted on the rock.

I believe if you could send some competent man here to preach a few more sermons, it would result in good. Where is Bro. Waggoner or Bro. White? Will not they or some one else come over and help us? We have a large school-house here, and some are desirous to hear again.

Yours in hope of heaven.

R. ROCKWOOD. Burr Oak, Mich., Oct. 15th, 1857.