{"product_id":"1845-john-winebrenner","title":"1845 JOHN WINEBRENNER. Rare Autograph Letter by Founder of the Church of God General Conference.","description":"\u003cp\u003eAddressed to Bishop J. H. Bamberger, Martinsburg, Bedford Co, Pennsylvania.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA superb original, and previously unpublished letter by John Winebrenner (1797-1860). Though the Church of God General Conference was begun by Winebrenner in 1825, by 1845 its expansion meant a need for more formalized structure. At the 1845 meeting of Elders, he was elected the first President of the General Eldership of the Church of God. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally ordained with the German Reformed Church, Winebrenner's revivalism, which he saw as in continuity with earlier German pietism, included the use of camp-meeting and revivalist style services, and the adoption of a revival hymn book. This at last caused a breach. He and the many parishioners who followed him left the German Reformed communion after arriving to church one Sunday to find the Synod had locked the doors against them. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough reformed in origin, the church developed quickly. Always revivalist in in nature, they quickly identified as advocates for the abolition of slavery, were general pacifists, and adopted feet-washing as a third ordinance, in addition to baptism and the Lord's supper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny manuscript or autograph material by Winebrenner scarce. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe letter in full:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarrisburg. Oct. 10th 1845\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDear Brother:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYours of the third Inst has come to hand. In reply to your inquiry, touching the Comprehensive Commentary, I would say, that I can furnish you with one copy by the time of the Eldership, for $15 in extra binding - or, in plain binding for $10.50. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf you wish me to get you a copy write me to that effect.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI am pleased to hear, that the brethren are well, and that the church is prospering. Nevenism, does not disturb us hear [sic]; but we have other troubles, of which you hear \u0026amp; know little or nothing perhaps, in your country. Howbeit, It is written, \"As thy day, so shall thy strength be!\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTimes with us are about as usual since the Camps are over. The \"Religious Project\" is progressing slowly. Bro. Thomas Hickernell is in from Ohio, \u0026amp; says the frost \u0026amp; drought operate much against the success of the Project in their country. How this matter will finally result, I can hardly foresee. I am still in hopes all will come right. No more at present, save my love to all the saints.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYour brother in the Lord.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Winebrenner\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eN.B. Please tell Bro J. Mateer I shall expect the balance due on ac by the time of the Eldership.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a very good state. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Specs Fine Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44180201996324,"sku":null,"price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0093\/3910\/9435\/files\/05-15-2026SpecsFineBooks-17.jpg?v=1779135154","url":"https:\/\/specsfinebooks.com\/products\/1845-john-winebrenner","provider":"Specs Fine Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}