The Shoemaker
An
aged shoemaker wrote to Russell from Delhi, New York, in the fall of 1883. He
described himself as over seventy years of age, “a poor man, a shoemaker, or
rather a shoemender.” He was raised in the Presbyterian faith, but after
immigrating to America in 1839, converted to the Baptist faith “from
conviction.” He encountered George Storrs sermons in 1845 or 1846, and would
have read Storrs material after his exit from Millerite Adventism. He was
convinced by Storrs Six Sermons to abandon belief in inherent
immortality and expelled from the Baptist church for it: “The hand of
fellowship was withdrawn from me, because I believed I had no immortality now,
but rejoiced I had it as a prize before
me, and also because I believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.
The Bible then seemed to me like a new book, and I bless God it has been
brighter and brighter all along.” He also adopted Age-to-Come belief as
reflected in Bible Examiner.
He
was an active evangelist locally at least by 1882, subscribing to ten copies of
Zion’s Watch Tower that he used as missionary papers. He was less
successful than he wish, and reduced the number in August 1883: “I find some
actually refuse them; others refused to be interested; and as I do not believe
in forcing men, nor think it proper to cast pearls in an unseemly place, this
year you may send me five copies. It would give me pleasure to increase rather
than decrease the number, but when Jesus says, ‘Let them alone,’ I obey.”[1]
Despite
the many clues to identity found in his letter, we were not able to firmly attach
this letter to a name. However, of our limited choices, we believe the most
likely identity of our shoemaker is A. W. Webb. His biographical details fit
those of our letter writer. He was an immigrant, born in the United Kingdom in
1826. He came to Delhi in 1840 and was “actively engaged in the boot and shoe business.”
He was a temperance worker.[2]
1 comment:
Very interesting and honest, thank you.
Post a Comment