Rockwell, Charles. Modern Crusades; Or, Holy Wars against Ministers by their People. Their Nature, Results, and Remedies. A Sermon Preached in the Congregational Church in Sharon, Connecticut, June 29, 1851. Hartford. Press of Case, Tiffany and Company. 1851. 22pp.

Fascinating sermon by Charles Rockwell [1806-1882]. Things have definitely not been going well, and he is about to let the church know! He would leave shortly after and take up a pastorate in the Catskills, where he would also author The Catskill Mountains and the Region Around. He had been engaged in another congregational controversy in 1842. 

Rockwell is clearly not happy; he rails against gossips, against those who stir up division led by “stupid men.” Clearly, Rockwell is just sick of whatever is happening and lets it all loose on a Sunday morning. While not recommended, I can appreciate that in light of the events of 2020 and 2021, today’s pastors may find solace in his frustration.

Aptly, it is inscribed, “from the Author.” Maybe a good space to vent with a fellow-laborer from 170 years ago and say, “Yes brother; it has been so with me as well. Let us whine and then let us pray.”