Prologue

I found it very difficult to find much on John Walter. I was able to use the book on reserve and found a nice biographical sketch. I also used a web resource to get a handle on what the theology would be that Walter may have preached. He wrote least seven hymns, none of which I was able to locate in the various hymnals in the Seminary library. I even tried a few that were in the archives. This is written from the perspective of him giving a brief address, reflecting on his life in his final illness.

As you all know, I have been ill. It seems that the strenuous pace of my life has caught up with me, and I know that I am probably not long for this world. As I approach my 37^th year, I have reflected upon my life and my call. I have been ill from tuberculosis since 1813, and it has caused me to stop traveling. At least I am still able to preach.

I was not always able to preach. I was born in 1781 as the son of Peter Walter in Berks County, in the New England area. I was part of a very large family. In 1801, I offered my services to Jacob Albright, but not as a preacher. In fact, I apprenticed under him as a tile maker. I originally helped Jacob with his business. I even moved right into his home as Jacob preached, and I helped take care of his business affairs.

Jacob was a powerful preacher. His preaching was straight forward and made a big impression on me. All alike are sinners, from the President to the former peasant. We didn’t have many theological questions in those days. We didn’t debate the authority of the Bible - we preached the Bible. Jacob and others like him seemed to reserve their debating skills for the only theological question that mattered then: predestination. God had not picked the few from all eternity to be saved while others were to be condemned. In fact, no preacher could stay among us who teaches the doctrine of predestination. I was taught what Captain Webb had taught: "that Jesus Christ tasted the death for every man, and that in virtue of it, a measure of Grace was given to every man to profit withal, and consequently that m an is free to choose or refuse."

This was the theology that converted me, and I was converted under Jacob’s preaching. I also witnessed to many while conducting business for Jacob and for business reasons. Unfortunately, I could hardly read or write at the time, and I realized that my lack of formal education would hinder me in my call. Therefore, I set about on a rigorous program of self education. So under Jacob’s influence and my efforts at self-education, I became quite a good Traveling preacher and writer.

I have always loved music and hymns, and in 1810 I was able to publish 56 German hymns, of with I wrote seven. It is a quite good little volume entitled A Brief Collection of Old and New Spiritual Songs.

Behind every good preacher stands a good woman, and in 1808 I married such a woman, Christina Baker. She was well grounded in faith matters, being from a prominent Evangelical family. We were finally able to settle in Lancaster near the town of Cocalico. I wrote her many letters expressing my devotion to my God and to her.

My travels had brought about many unusual experiences. It was a hard life as a Traveling preacher, but rewarding nonetheless. One incident that stands out in my memory clearly happened on August 8, 1808. I was on my way to preach at the home of John Thomas in Mifflin County. I lost my way, and feeling rushed, I fell and got entangled in the brush and the rocks and could not free myself. As I struggled the day wore on and on. Apparently, those waiting for me finally left the home of Thomas. I had been yelling for help, and those leaving his home heard me and freed me. I was very grateful, and was able to warm their souls with a two hour sermon.

I have also witnessed miracles as I preached. In 1805, I went to preach at a schoolhouse near the town of New Berlin. Now, it may be hard to believe, but there were many out there who were opposed to our Evangelical ways, and to Jacob’s and my message in particular. Well, when I got to the town, those who opposed the truth had locked the schoolhouse doors. The was not much more to do but to make do, so I preached outside.

I was on fire, and I preached a fantastic sermon. I was reaching the climax, and I shouted, "God has opened for Himself a door in New Berlin."