Reports of the United German Evangelical Luthern congregations in North America, especially in Pennsylvania

i

•^ OCT 15 1-391 ^.

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S»6ti©n.il4j^B

REPORTS

OF THR

United German Evangelical

LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS

IN

ISTORTH AMERICA,
ESPECIALLY IN PENNSYLVANIA,

WITH A PREFACE BY

D.JOHN LUDWLG SCHULZK,

OFUINAKY PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY IN THE ROYAL

PRUSSIAN Frederick's university, as also dirkctok of the

ORPHAN HOUSE AND ROYAL P^DAGOGIUM.

PUBLISHED IN THE ORPHAN HOUSE, HALLE, A. D. 1750.

TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY

Rev. JONATHAN OSWALD, D. D.

]N'o.

PHILADELPHIA:

LUTHERAN PUBLIC AlIOX SOCIETY

i38i.

COPYRIGHT:

LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY,
1880.

INQUIRER P. A P. CO.,

STEREOTYPERS AND PKINTFRS,

LANCASTER, PA.

^I.^-^

CHAPTER I.

PAGK.

Fifth Continuation of the Report of Several Evangel-
ical Lutheran Congregations in America, Especially
in Pennsylvania 5

CHAPTER n.

Continuation of the Report of Several Evangelical
. Lutheran Congregations in America, Especially in

Pennsylvania 220

CHAPTER IIL

Sixth Continuation of the Report of Several Evangel-
ical Lutheran Congregations in America, Especially
in Pennsylvania 246

CHAPTER IV.

Several Letters from Pastor Brunnholtz, in Philadel-
phia, During the Years 1749 and 1750 391

CHAPTER V.

Extract from Pastor Handschuch's Diary from the

7th of September, 1748, to the i6th of May, 1750. . 415
(iii)

A SHORT REPORT

OF SEVERAL

EVANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS

IN AMERICA.

CHAPTER I.

FIFTH CONTINUATION OF THE REPORT OF SEV-
ERAL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGA-
TIONS IN AMERICA, ESPECIALLY IN PENNSYL-
VANIA.

Continued report of Pastor Muhlenberg, con-
cerning Jus official transactions.

During the winter months of 1747, I noted
the following concerning the inward condition
of one soul and another. A woman in New
Hanover was suddenly seized with some sort
of epilepsy. When I arrived, the paroxysm
had just passed. I asked how it was with her
heart and conscience before God, if she should
(5)

6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

be called into eternity? She answered : I glory
alone in the bloody wounds which Jesus felt
in his hands and in his feet ; therein will I
inwrap myself to live in a truly Christian man-
ner, so that one day I may joyfully aspire to
heaven. I replied : Many thousands of people
in Christendom do this ; with an unbroken and
impenitent heart, they with their lips boast
themselves of the bloody wounds of Jesus.
Is it thus with you, also ? She said : Oh ! no,
I feel myself a sinner, and because the dear
Saviour receives sinners and rejects no one
who comes unto him, he also will not reject,
but receive me. The Lord Jesus was not
wounded for the angels and other creatures,
but for mankind who have sinned. When I
acknowledge and feel myself a penitent sinner,
I have a share in his wounds. I inquired :
What is a penitent sinner ? She answered :
Whosoever truly knows and confesses his sins
which he has committed from his youth up,
in thought, word, and deed, and by the omis-
sion of that which is good, feels penitence and
pain therefor, and would gladly have deliver-
ance therefrom, he is a penitent sinner. I
further asked: Is this your case? She an-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 7

swered : Yes ; my sins are heavy and very
£3^reat, and from my heart I repent of them —
clear me of them, and through thy death and
pains set me free, etc. When I further in-
quired : What are the wounds of Jesus ? She
answered : All the sufferings which my Jesus
endured from his birth unto his death, and
thereby obtained for all mankind an eternal
redemption. On the question : What is it to
inwrap one's self in the wounds of Jesus? her
answer was : If I confess and repent of all my
sins before God, God forgives me them for the
sake of the sufferings of Christ, casts them
into the depths of the sea, and looks upon me
in his Son as if I had never sinned, and gives
me strength also to follow my Jesus and the
guidance of his Spirit. I asked : If as a pen-
itent sinner you are so inwrapped, what must
then follow ? She answered : To inwrap myself
therein is one thing, to live in a Christian
manner is the other which follows. I added
the question : Have you experienced all this ?
Whereupon she declared : That which I have
not as yet experienced, the Lord will permit
me yet to experience through grace. I in-
quired further : But you ha\e forgotten one

8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

thing: tell me wherewith must we inwrap our-
selves ? Her answer was : Faith is the hand
wherewith we lay hold and inwrap ourselves.
On the question : Who worketh faith ? her
answer was : The Holy Ghost in a penitent
heart. I asked finally: What is said in our
hymn of faith ? And she answered : The
Holy Spirit renews the heart, reproves sin,
worketh repentance and sorrow, gives a clear
light concerning God's counsel, his Son
and his grace. He it is who gives us faith
and also sends down love to God into the
heart, etc. I presented her case to God in
prayer, who soon granted bodily recovery and
still carries forward his work in her soul.

An aged woman, who has lost her sight, but
in soul walks in the light, is indeed outwardly
uncomely, but within in a fine condition. She
has already often delighted me with her edify-
ing conversation. Her daughter also fears the
Lord, and before my time was joined in mar-
riage to an excellent, quiet man, born in Mo-
ravia. The man holds to the Moravian con-
gregation, but places no obstacle in the way
of his wife. The mother, father, and daughter
belong to our congregation. When the aged

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 9

mother for the first time visited me, and at the
door heard that I was instructing the young
people, and asked the question on the pass-
age Mark x. i6 : He that believeth and is
baptized, etc. : Children, can the Jews and
the Gentiles be partakers of the salvation
which is promised in this passage, as long
as they continue in unbelief and blindness,
and without baptism ? — and the children an-
swered : He that believeth 7iot shall be damned,
she afterwards said to me, her heart wept
when she heard that I condemned the Jews
and the Gentiles. The Jews, said she, are
surely the kinsmen of our Lord Jesus, and the
Gentiles are given unto him for an inheritance.
I pray day and night that the dear Saviour
may be a light to the Gentiles, and to the peo-
ple of Israel a praise. I answered : Dear
mother, that which you have said is partly cor-
rect, and it is well intended. The Jews are
our dear Saviour's kinsmen according to the
flesh, for Christ, who is over all, God blessed
forever, Amen, Rom. ix. 15, came of the
fathers, as concerning the flesh. Natural rela-
tionship, however, is not the ground of sal-
vation, for those are not all children who

lO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

have a natural descent from Abraham, but
those who are of his faith, Rom. ix. 7, 8, and
in Christ Jesus availeth neither circumcision,
i. e. the Jews, nor uncircumcision, i. e. the Gen-
tiles, but a 7tew creature^ Gal. vi. 15. Therefore
Paul also says, 2 Cor. v. 16, 17 : WJicrefore
henceforth we knoiv no man after the flesh, etc.
Therefore, if any man be in Christ he is a new
creature, etc. The passage speaks, and there-
fore is true : He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be
damned, be he called Jew or Gentile. This is
confirmed by John iii. 18 : He that believeth on
him is 7iot condemned, but he that believeth not is
condemned already, etc. Out of Christ, there-
fore, and without faith, neither Jew nor Gentile
can expect the salvation which is promised in
the Word of God ; but the condemnation
which is therein threatened. The heathen are
given to our Lord Jesus Christ for an inherit-
ance, and he has also, since his ascension to
heaven, harvested a great multitude of them,
and gathered them into his barn. But as
many as held the truth in unrighteousness, and
did not glorify God, but became vain in their
own imaginations, esteemed themselves wiser,

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I I

changed the truth of God into a he, such God
gave up, and permitted them to fall into the
ruin which they desired and sought — Rom. i.
21-32, God has so arranged from the begin-
ning, that no creature can justly accuse him.
She said : But there are, for all that, so many
thousands of poor people in all parts of the
world who have already sat in darkness for
some centuries, and who also, themselves with-
out God, cannot come to the light. I replied :
God has always presented to mankind the
means and the way to their true happiness,
and raised his standard high enough through-
out all times, and every economy, and also yet
holds faith before every one. Just think, there
is scarcely a corner in the four quarters of the
earth, no hidden place on the ocean, no gold
or silver mine, no rare plant, no costly spices,
no art or science, has been so high and hidden,
but the nations and peoples have searched it
out. Now, but for the wickedness of the
hearts of mankind, in virtue of which they
love darkness more than the light, there would
be no people in the world who could not, from
the beginning until now, have seen the light
which was set up, and thereby have come to

12 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the light of faith. She answered: This is true;
still we should think that those fathers, who in
special visitations of God violently rejected
the light, were the most guilty; for what could
the children and descendants help for that,
who in the various centuries are born in the
thickest darkness, and know nothing else?
Shall so many souls be lost because their
ancestors thrust the light from them ? Where-
upon I answered : This is another question.
In the first place, we must assign ourselves as
dust into the deepest humility; that we have a
little, low, imperfect, erring understanding and
knowledge; that we do not even understand
the very least part of those things which we
daily carry in and about us; therefore we must
believe it as an established truth, that our
thoughts are not God's, and God's are not our
thoughts. With your all, you cannot even
measure the finite space between this and
the most distant stars; and many thousand
times less is it possible that you, with your
finite little understanding, should measure the
infinite understanding and wisdom of God.
In the second place, we must diligently con-
sider the attributes of God, which he, from

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 3

great love, has revealed unto us in his Word,
by his Son ; especially compare his righteous-
ness and his mercy with each other, and reflect
that they all stand in the most perfect equality
with each other. Then will we reach the in-
fallible conclusion : God can and will eternally
do unto his creatures, not too much, and also
not too little, but exactly right. In the mean-
while remember it is seventeen hundred and
odd years since God sent his most beloved
Son himself among the Jews and invited them.
Again, the Son of God sent whole troops of
apostles, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers,
among both the Jews and the Gentiles. Did
they not scourge them, persecute them, drive
them from one city to another, crucify and slay
them ? Now, if the omniscient God had permit-
ted the people so to act, and yet forced one apos-
tle and servant after the other upon them, how
many thousand more righteous souls would
the Jews and the Gentiles already have slain
in the seventeen hundred years, and loaded
upon themselves incalculably more innocent
blood? With all this, the light of the gospel,
in all this time, was never wholly extinguished,
but has here and there stood upon the candle-

14 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

stick, SO that it might have shone into' the
eyes of all nations and peoples, if they had not
wantonly closed them, and loved darkness and
its works more than the light. Beyond this,
God has already, again and anew, permitted a
knocking at the door of both Jews and Gen-
tiles; but they still resist mightily. Only you
continue simply in the Word of God and
therein nourish your soul : thus will the extrav-
agant thoughts soon lose themselves. That
you pray for the Jews and the heathen, you do
well ; I do it also, for it is our duty, and uni-
versal love demands it. May the Lord gra-
ciously arise; let the fullness of the Gentiles
come in, and restore his Israel. She said : Oh !
yes; we will lay our hand upon our mouth,
and behold the goodness to those who stand,
and the severity on them who have fallen.

On another occasion, she came to me and
complained of the deep corruption of her
heart. I embraced the opportunity, therefore,
to inquire somewhat more particularly after
her condition. On examination, I found that
she was pretty well established in a knowledge
of repentance, faith, and godliness, and experi-
enced in practice. She was gradually enlight-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I 5

ened, and attained a consciousness of her deep
ruin, but also found the fountain of grace,
where she obtained purification and refreshment
for her poor soul, and continues in the reno-
vation. She said, that in repentance her sins
did not present themselves singly, but all to-
gether, so that they became for her as a heavy-
burden ; too heavy, until she was enabled to
cast them upon Christ, as the destroyer of sin.
At first when the Lord through grace forgave
her her transgressions, covered her sin, and im-
puted not her trespasses for the sake of her
Kinsman, she was very joyful, and could draw
near to the throne of grace with glad prayer.
After this time, one sin after the other which
she had committed from her youth up, came
into her mind. Against these she presented
to her dear Father in heaven the beautiful
promises, as e. g., I will not remember thy sins,
etc. But there is forgiveness zvith thee, that thou
mayst be feared. Now, although she perceived
a hatred and aversion to all sinful conduct, the
world and its lusts, and a longing desire after
all good, yet some vanity was ever ready to
spring up and grow from the root of sin,
vhereof the trunk and branches were cut off

1 6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

in repentance. When during the day, in quiet,
she observed her heart and all thoughts which
arose in it, she was ashamed and grieved, that
so much impurity proceeded from it ; now
self-love and self-sufficiency, and then soon
again other subtle inclinations would arise, in-
sensibly to lead her astray. But on the other
side, she was warned against this by the in-
dwelling spirit of God, that she must contend
against this, and pray. Create in me a clean
heart, etc. Soon a storm came from without
into the family, and would disquiet her. But
that which came from without did not give her
as much pain as that which came from within.
What she had to suffer on this account from
ignorant people, she did not regard at all, but
thought they knew no better. I gave her the
necessary admonition, and prayed with her, as
the wants required. When I, on Sunday, re
peated my sermon in church, by question and
answer, she gave beautiful and clear answers,
which served as an example to others for imi-
tation. She gladly visits the sick, as much as
her infirmity permits, and edifies them with the
Word of God. Her chief concern is, that she,
with her husband and daughter, may be saved.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. IJ

Another woman in Providence, who is yet
unmarried, gradually lost her sight, but,
through the grace of God, attained to a clear
knowledge of and faith in Jesus Christ. When
she arrived in the country, she was in debt for
the voyage, and her parents, on account of
poverty, were unable to assist her. She
worked from the first w^ith the Mennonites at
Skippack or Motecha, where one of our war-
dens lived. Now, as the Mennonites saw
that she walked honorably and worked dili-
gently, they desired much to persuade her to
re-baptism. At that time, the Lutherans had
as yet no preacher in Providence. She hov/-
ever adhered to the said warden, and was
present when he, on Sundays, read a sermon
for his family. After the congregation at
Providence was gathered, and preparation
made for divine service, she earnestly held to
it, and by a diligent use of the means of grace,
obtained more knowledge of her inward cor-
ruption and of the salvation in Christ. Her
parents had associated themselves with the
Herrnhuter, and desired to lead her on this
way also. But she said she could receive no
benefit from moving hither and thither, from
2* r>

1 8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

one party to another. She knew on whom
she beheved, etc., etc., and would keep her-
self to his word, and not sell her faith and her
birthright for a dish of lentils. She had no
need to seek the Lord Jesus here or there in
the wilderness, or in the chamber ; for he was
in his church, and with each believing member
of it especially, every day until the end of the
world. She had five English miles to church,
and two streams to cross each time, but not
like others the convenience of riding. Yet,
without necessity, she neglected no sermon or
opportunity for edification; and when there
was no other way, rather waded through the
water, as other poor people who had no
horses were obliged to do. Our dear warden
had by this time cared for it, that a long tree
was laid over the one stream to clamber over,
and a canoe provided for the other. This
poor person had received much injury by
wading through the cold water, and entirely
lost her sight. Now, as she had to support
herself by th-: labor of her hands, and was
hindered in it by this accident, she took her
mite, and other friends added thereto, that she
might employ a physician in the city; but it

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 9

availed her nothing. Afterwards her parents
took her away, and traveled with her several
hundred miles to a mineral spring in Virginia,
which indeed has a great reputation, but pro-
duced little effect. She also returned from it
again without improvement, and had to re-
main with her parents for a time. She was
obliged to hear it often, that she lost her sight
entirely in the Lutheran church. The Mora-
vians endeavored to make her mistrustful of
her faith, and according to their manner of
speaking, to lead her to the Saviour. But she
insisted that they could show her no better
Saviour than he who is the corner-stone in the
writing of the prophets and apostles, on whom
she had believed. Among other things, a
Moravian brother had said, that from a blind
love to me she was unable to distinguish
between the truths and falsehoods I preached.
But she answered, the Scripture remained
open to her for investigation, as it was to the
Bereans. Now she has again returned to us,
to her old place, and sings :

Let Thy Word feed me all the way,

Therewith my soul to nourish,
Me to defend that I may stay.
When affliction^ come thi> wav.

20 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

During the time that she was with her par-
ents, she labored dihgently with her brothers
and sisters, and so far convinced them, that they
would willingly be instructed and confirmed by
us if they could obtain the consent of their
wavering parents. She esteems it as one of the
greatest favors that the gracious God awakened
our fathers and so many patrons in Europe,
that they cared for the poor scattered sheep, and
sent them shepherds and assistance. She also
remembers them in her prayers before God.

The wife of the aforementioned warden
spoke with me concerning the state of her
soul, and said that from her youth she per-
ceived in her heart an aversion to evil, and a
desire after that which is good, and therefore
also never could hold fellowship with vain
young persons. She thought this resulted
from the following causes: (i) In her tender
youth, she had seen a good example in her
parents, and received a deep impression by
their admonitions from the word of God. (2)
She early came among strangers, and was
subjected to many afflictions, which taught
her to attend to the word. After she came
into the country here, and was deprived of

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 21

hearing the word of God, and placed among
sects of various sorts, she scarcely would or
could be comforted. For it is quite too pain-
ful to be deprived at once of the beautiful wor-
ship of God, and as a weak child be weaned
from the sincere pure milk. We cannot know
how p-reat the favor, when God's word dwells
richly among a people, until the hunger for it
occurs. She often thanked the Lord that he
heard the prayer of the wretched, and raised
his standard here among the dispersed. I
noticed in the narration and other circum-
stances, that in the feeling of the good and
evil, there was only an obscure and irregular
apprehension of the evangelical power, and of
the New Testament grace, or of the spirit of
adoption, whereby we call Abba, Father. I
therefore several times presented to her the
Lord Jesus, as a shepherd, as one who pities,
as a bridegroom and the like, who knows how
to speak to the weary at the proper time, who
does not extinguish the glimmering wick, nor
break the feeble reed, who refreshes the weary
and heavy-laden, who early fills the hungry
and the thirsty, gives them to drink and sat-
isfies them, etc. Now the more the loving,

22^ REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

gracious and compassionate heart of the Lord
Jesus was discovered to her through the gos-
pel, the more her heart melted and became
tender. She several times afterwards said to
me, that her heart ever became more sick with
a feeling of her misery, but that the Lord
Jesus also continually became more necessary
and important to her. At one time, there was
in her a deep sorrow on account of her own
and other people's sins and corruption, so that
the world became almost too narrow for her-
But when the consolations of the gospel came,
she experienced such an inward joy, as if a
birth had taken place. She shuns vain com-
pany, and delights to be where something
good and edifying is spoken. She has a
healthful relish for the word of God, and by
her hunger almost draws the words out of the
preacher's mouth. She has six sons, and an
unwearied care for their salvation. She en-
treats and admonishes the children, day and
night, yea, often with tears, and thinks that
she must betimes portray the Saviour, so dear
to her, before the eyes of the children, and
plant him in their hearts, that he may be
formed within them. Her husband is likewise

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 23

a true Israelite, in whom there is no guile.
He has now served the congregation and us
preachers altogether about five years as
warden, by prayer, word and deed, and by
good conduct, and is still unwearied in serv-
ing, by day or by night. Yea, if it is for the
glory of God, and the service of the congrega-
tion, and especially for the good souls in it,
there is nothing to which his heart cleaves,
nothing too dear, that he would not surrender
from the mite of his means of living. But if
we view such good souls from the side called
man, who is yet in imperfection, dwelling in
the sinful tabernacle, carrying the body of
death, and surrounded by sins, which still
adhere and would ever induce indolence, we
might notice many faults, and pronounce an
unkind verdict. It is sufficient, however, that
there is no condemnation to tJiem which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but
after the Spirit. As many of their faults as the
good God discovers to them by his word and
Spirit, so many they seek to put off in the
daily renovation.

In New Hanover I had opportunity to speak
with a sick married woman, concerning; the

24 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

state of her heart. The woman had scarcely
reached her thirtieth year, but ah'eady suffered
many afflictions and crosses. The afflictions
consist in many different kinds of maladies
and infirmities, so that she has scarcely had a
well day in several years. The cross she was
herself wont to describe by the verse : This is
my pain, this me grieves, that I cannot suf-
ficiently love as I should love thee (my Jesus).
This is concerning the inward; of the outward
she was accustomed to say : I must be called a
fool because I confess Jesus and esteem all as
loss, in comparison with the excellency of the
knowledge of him. Apparently the woman
has experienced a true change of heart, passed
from darkness to light and from the power of
Satan to God. and as a lost daughter returned
to her covenant Father in Christ. From her
heart she hates all ungodliness and worldly
lusts, and gives diligence to live soberly,
righteously, and godly in this present world.
Her minor children she not only nourishes
from her own breast, but seeks to infuse into
them the sincere pure milk of the Gospel also.
Therefore, we hear the minor tender lambs
lisping of their Saviour, in a sweet little pass-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 25

age of the Gospel or an edifying verse of a
hymn. She often bends her knees in secret
and prays to him who sees in secret, gladly
visits the sick, and also cares well for her out-
ward business, as much as is possible for her
in her infirmity. Her husband has not been
satisfied with her for several years past; partly
on account of her bodily weakness, as he is
apprehensive that it might be a hindrance to
him in their maintenance, and partly also, be-
cause he feared that she might pray too much
and become quite melancholy. Foolish people
advised him that he must keep her from pray-
ing and reading by force. Then, when the
husband manifested his displeasure, she arose
in the middle of the night, read some and
prayed in silence whilst the man slept. False
comforters also w^ere not wanting, who said,
she must not take so much to heart what
Miihlenberg said, or she would become mel-
ancholy ; whom she however answered : Dear
people, I have to do with my God ; if he
wounds and causes me to mourn, he is able
also at the proper time to heal and to comfort
me. I am engaged in his work, and this you
do not understand. At length, the dear God

26 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

also permitted affliction and sickness to befall
her husband, and is drawing at his soul. Now
the man asks pardon, and says he did not un-
derstand her case before. He acknowledges
and confesses that he is a poor sinner, who
cannot stand before God ; is sorry for his sins
and begins to hunger and to thirst after the
righteousness of Jesus Christ. This is a great
comfort for the poor wife, that she can now,
together with her husband, bow the knee and
pour out her heart. God help furthermore,
and lead the work begun to victory.

A young person, between twenty and thirty
years of age, often came to me and edified
himself with me and prayed. He said that he
was awakened by the powerful evangelical
hymns to seek his soul's salvation in Christ.
I was accustomed now and then, after the ser-
mon, to read a strong and edifying hymn
which suited the sermon, and briefly to explain
some of the expressions of the same, and to
recommend such hymns to the hearers. This
was not without a blessing; for the people won-
dered that such powerful expressions are found
in the hymns which they sung many hundred
times, and had not considered or understood.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2/

An aged widow, who lives nine English
miles from New Hanover, in the mountains,
and is afflicted with a rheumatic lameness, had
me called to her, and complained with tears
that she had been for several months in great
anguish of conscience and distress — that she

o

could sleep scarcely any night on account of
the exciting thought that she was lost and
condemned. Her children had furnished her
with various good books, among others with
Arndt's True Christianity. But the more she
read in it the greater became her anguish. In
the conversation I led her to this : Did she
perhaps commit some great sin ? and inquired
whether she did not receive other injuries to
her health in addition to her rheumatism,
whereby she became so depressed. But I
could find no other cause than this, that the
Spirit of God through his word was working
in her. She said that she in her anguish
prayed every text which treated of the blood
of Christ. Such passages and blessed prom-
ises had somewhat quieted the anguish of her
conscience, but she feared it might return
again. I presented to her the beautiful and
chosen examples of the New Testament, as of

28 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the prodigal son, the pubHcan who smote
upon his breast, and of the woman who was a
sinner, Luke vii., and said that she must ex-
amine herself according to these. The mightier
sin became in her, in the consciousness and
feeling of it, the mightier also would grace
become. For the greater strengthening of her
rising but weak faith, and to attain to a closer
communion with the Lord Jesus, she much
wished to partake of the Holy Supper, which
I administered to her, and which was received
by her with a sincere humbling of her heart.
She still remains under the operation of the
good Spirit, continues in prayer day and night,
and permits herself to be prepared for the
blessed eternity. We have otherwise many
sad examples of disobedient childien in this
country, especially when a widow is to raise a
small number of them, as the youth are easily
led astray and pride themselves on their liberty
as against their parents. This widow also had
a small number of children, and in addition,
must for the most part depend upon them, as
she became quite lame. But she reared her
children in love and seriousness, and by earn-
est supplication obtained so much by prayer

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 29

from her reconciled Father in Christ, that we
must rejoice over their piety and blameless
life.

A penitent married woman was oppressed
in mind, and desired instruction and consola-
tion. She complained in the first place of de-
jection and despondency, and was apprehen-
sive whether she would remain faithful to the
Lord Jesus, and not turn back again. In the
second place, she was troubled about her hus-
band, because he would not wholly give him-
self up to repentance and faith. She said the
man was frequently affected, and at certain
times acted as if he would wholly repent, but
at other times he was altogether disorderly,
and permitted his anger to rule, and also
showed himself harsh towards her and
towards his friends. In reference to the first
point, I reminded her that the work of grace
in repentance, and perseverance in that which
is good, was not dependent on her natural
powers, but upon the power of God. He who
has given the will, will also grant the doing,
Phil. ii. 13. He who has begun the good
work in her will also perform it, until the day
of Jesus Christ, Phil. i. 6, and our Saviour has

30 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

given the assurance that no one shall pluck
his sheep out of his and his Father's hand,
John X. 23-28. But in the meanwhile she
must not become slothful, as she still carried
the body of this death, and must truly contend
against the devil, the world, sin, and her own
flesh and blood, if she would be crowned.
Therefore she must watch and pray, and al-
ways be equipped with the armor o( God.
Conducting herself thus, she could rejoice, and
still work out her own salvation with fear and
trembling, Phil. ii. 12. In relation to the
second point, she should follow the admoni-
tion of Peter, i Pet. iii. i, and remain in Chris-
tian subjection to her husband, to speak a
word in season in love and meekness, but
chiefly seek to win the man without much
speaking, by a pure life, in the fear of God,
and evermore ask of God the precious adorn-
ment of womanhood, which consists in the
imperishable decorum of a meek and quiet
spirit. But in secret she should diligently
pray to God, that he should more and more
remove the hindrances out of the way of her
husband, and aid him to a perfect repentance.
Finally, she must have patience with her hus-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3 I

band, and reflect well, how long the gracious
God bore and still bears with her, herself, in
patience and with forbearance. She promised
to follow this advice, by the grace and help of
God, and requested that I might also admon-
ish her husband in love.

A widow in New Hanover received an in-
jury in her hand and arm, resulting from an
inflammation, so that it was feared that gan-
grene might ensue. She wept bitterly, be-
cause she still had several children about her,
not as yet grown. She regarded this accident
as a special punishment from God, because
she on a Sunday, mended her children's
clothes with the hand. I said to her, that the
hand was only an instrument, which worked
according to the determination of the under-
standing and will. She should therefore look
to the origin of her actions, and consider how
her heart was disposed towards God. She
cited many things, according to the first arti-
cle of our faith, concerning the preservation
and protection o( God, during her whole life ;
on her voyage, in perils by water and by land,
and especially in her widowhood, and hence
concluded that she had a gracious God, ex-

32 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

cept the before-mentioned fault, when she
worked on Sunday, and now received the pun-
ishment for it. But we pointed out to her
that the gracious preservation, defence and
protection happened for the sake of Jesus
Christ, and were to lead her to repentance and
faith. She thought that repentance and faith
were pre-supposed from baptism onward, and
knew how to cite beautiful passages in sup-
port of it. But when we inquired whether
she had preserved the covenant of a good con-
science, and the garment of righteousness in
purity, she desired on her part to bring into
the account an honest life. For this reason,
we had to show her that the law of God is
spiritual, and demands much more than out-
ward obedience, and this brought her to silence
and to poverty before God. The old tree was
digged around by the Law of God, and is still
manured by the gospel, to see whether the
Lord may yet gather some good fruit. After
the sickness, a man came who desired to marry
her. When she asked him of what religion he
was, he answered her by a short rhyme : Her
parsons he deems as fools, them esteems, etc.
She answered, he should go then and seek

CONGkEGATIONS IN AMERICA. 33

those like himself, and if he possessed the
whole world full of perishable riches, she had
found an imperishable treasure, which no thief
could steal and no moth corrupt.

In Providence I was called to a lad of twelve
years, who was sick. He is a fine child, in
whom the grace of baptism is sensibly per-
ceived. His memory is stored with choice
passages and edifying hymns, as also with the
principal parts of Luther's catechism ; and on
various occasions he is able to apply the truths
properly. When, previous to his sickness, his
mother had gone with him into the field
where the winter grain was sown, and com-
plained that the grain stood so thin, and could
easily result in a failure of the crop, the son
answered : Mother, do not grieve ; behold the
fowls of the air, they sow not, neither do they
reap, etc. Reflect how much bread the Lord
Jesus had when he fed the four and five thou-
.sand, etc. Thus is he in his intercourse, that
he applies the divine truths unto edification.
May God preserve this poor, tender shoot from
the many temptations and from the wind of
doctrine and offences in this countr\^ ! I asked
the father whether he would entrust the son to

C

34 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

me, and I would keep him to study, that he
might once, according to the will of God,
serve our church or school. The father an-
swered : The preachers here in this country
were so despised by the sects and in the news-
papers, must suffer so much, had no sure sup-
port, he would rather have him learn a trade,
whereby he might also serve God and his
neighbor, etc.

In Providence, a Reformed neighbor gave
his daughter in marriage to a man belonging
to our congregation. I had to marry them,
and was therefore obliged to be present at the
wedding. Now, Vv'hen friends and neighbors
meet on such occasions, we may count among
the number very many different kinds of peo-
ple, of various sorts of religions and opinions,
as the several sects may call themselves, but
mostly those born in Pennsylvania, and those
who believe nothing. Therefore I would some-
times rather be in an offensive prison than in
such company. There was also a mixed com-
pany present here, chiefly of self-invited guests,
who scoff at churches and parsons. The
parents of the bride placed me and my col-
league, Brunnholtz, who was on a friendly

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 35

visit to me at the time, together with several
Lutherans and Reformed, in a room alone, and
left the rest of the people in a side-room by
themselves. We sought to edify each other
with agreeable conversation, and also sang
spiritual hymns. The scoffers in the side-
room became as it were frantic, and disturbed
us, and gave offence to several of our young
people. We deplored this, and after we had
in vain admonished them several times, we
went home. Afterwards, the unruly people
did not rest until they had seduced the
young people into a dance. Several of the
youth whom I had prepared for the Holy Sup-
per withdrew from this vanity. Several others,
however, were involved in it, of which the rest
complained to me. The parents of the bride
apologized, and said, that they were unable to
resist, as the shameless people did not heed
their words, and were afraid of neither God
nor man. They had also not been invited to
the wedding, but had come of their own accord.
That such persons are somewhat tolerated and
are not willingly offended, this reason may be
assigned. The country people live separate,
and not together. Their whole wealth con-

36 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

sists in cattle and some grain. The grain they
have either in barns or stacked in the open
field. When such heads of families some-
times offend an audacious Irishman or intract-
able German, injury to their cattle or grain
easily follows during the night, as everything
is open and exposed to the revenge and fury
of such obdurate people. For before one
looks out of his house in the night, his barn
and all his possessions may already be con-
sumed, and before the nearest neighbor or the
Justice of the Peace is called to help, a man
may already have done the greatest damage,
and retreated several miles into the forest. I
will here relate what happened in my time to
my present father-in-law, Mr. Conrad Weiser.
As Justice of the Peace in his district, he had
adjudged a punishment to a certain family for
a crime committed. Some time after, his
house was closed from without during the
night, and a heap of straw taken into the ves-
tibule under the roof of dry shingles, and set
on fire. The smoke and crackling awakened
several of the children, who awakened the
rest. But as the door was bolted, they had to
leap out of the windows and extinguish the

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3/

fire. If the dear God had not watched over
*the house, in a short space of time ten persons,
viz: his whole family, except two children,
who were absent, would have been burned.
He had his suspicion as to who did this, but
could produce no proof according to the English
law. Now, although a believer does not fear
men, who only kill the body, and knows that
without the will of God not a hair can fall
from his head, and that the Lord and God of
Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers, but guards
the house ; still weak human beings are fearful,
and are anxious about their life and sustenance,
because they do not rightly trust God.

A young woman, who at the before-men-
tioned wedding- danced alongr with the rest,
afterwards avoided our divine service, until I
at length sought her and inquired wherefore
she separated herself She answered, that she
was ashamed before God, because she had not
been more watchful, and had not contended
better against the temptation. I set forth be-
fore her how unfaithfully she had hitherto acted
towards the many gracious workings of the
Spirit of God, and against her own soul, etc.
She complained of much disquietude of con-
4

38 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

science since she resisted the operations of the
good Spirit, but would ask of God in Christ
pardon, and for a new heart, and tliat this in-
jury should serve to make her circumspect.
I called another young person to account, and
asked him wherefore he acted thus at the
wedding. He confessed with sadness, that
they overcame him with much persuasion, and
at length succeeded so far as to have him bring
the musician. But when he had brought him,
and looked upon the vain life, he became so
afraid and alarmed that he left and went
home. He assured me that he was heartily
sorry, but would in the future follow the in-
ward workings of the Spirit of God better,
and walk more circumspectly.

A middle-aged married man lives in New
Hanover, who, together with his wife, never as
yet partook of the Holy Supper. He had
in part depended on his earthly possessions,
and therewith lead a life of excess. In part,
he was also so ensnared by the counsel of the
ungodly, walked on the broad road, and sat
where the scoffers sit, that we had the least
hope of his return. Now, when he some time
ac>-o uttered such things when drunk about an-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 39

Other man's wife which he could not substan-
tiate before court, and might easily thereby
have lost his honest name, I interposed for the
sake of his well-deserving father, and amicably
settled the matter between the two parties, so
that it did not get into the hands of the law-
yers and before court. The man thereby ob-
tained a love for me, and went to church dili-
gently, although he still continued his bad life.
Nevertheless, by-and-by a word remained,
until he at length perceiv^ed that on the broad
way he must go down to condemnation. As
he had before been a crier and merry-andrew
at every auction, he renounced his dishonora-
ble occupation, freed himself from his wicked
associates, took the Word of God in hand,
joined himself to his wife, with whom he was
at much variance before, and who was now not
a little encouraged thereby. They were both
instructed by me, manifested repentance and
sorrow for their sins, and a hunger and a thirst
after the righteousness of Jesus Christ ; and al-
though the wife was born of and raised by Re-
formed parents, she was gladly willing to be
confirmed in our congregation. After I had
bowed the knee with them in secret, they were

40 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

both, according to their desire, pubHcly con-
firmed in the presence of the congregation, and
admitted to the Holy Supper. The old asso-
ciates think it impossible to do without so dear
a comrade, and therefore daily try to persuade
him to fall back into the ways of sin again.
But the gracious God has hitherto not failed in
the chastisements and admonitions of his
spirit, although he is as yet very tender and
weak, and still unable to bear much. If they
scoff at him, he can well endure that, but it
grieves him more when they ridicule his par-
sons and churches and religion."

It is almost incredible what hard and lieart-
knawing expressions some bold and dissolute
persons utter in this free aixd licentious coun-
try. One of our churchmen came to a rich
scoffer, and desired to borrow money. The
rich asked the poor man : do you know where
my God is ? He answered : no. The rich
man pointed to his manure pile before the
door, and said : this is my God, he gives me
wheat and all I need. The poor man was terri-
fied, and rebuked him for such blasphemy.
The rich man said : you must borrow of your
God, to whom you pray and go to church, if

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 4 1

you are not satisfied with mine. The poor
man left, and would have nothing. Another
scoffer was admonished by a churchman, that
he should consider his end and the impending
judgment, and not do so wickedly. He an-
swered that he had already for a long time
considered his end, and concluded, as respects
the soul, to enter into the swine, as he was
fond of swine's flesh. This man afterwards
hanged himself in his house. The before-men-
tioned dunghill worm had a valuable horse,
and also used blasphemous language in rela-
tion to it. The liohtninc;- struck the horse
dead, when the man was only a few steps off.
I said to n\y hearers, when they complained
of such, they must not be surprised at this,
but be excited to greater zeal, as this was the
language from the beginning of Satan, of the
old liar, who speaks of his own. The govern-
ment had no time and wish to investigate such
matters ; and if we seek to convince the poor
worms, they accept of no valid proof, but only
blurt out, with their inconsiderate talk. For
this reason, I had a conversation with a man
of some pretentions in Philadelphia. As he
admitted a Supreme Being, I sought to show

42 Rt FORTS FROM LUTHERAN

him that unassisted reason in its theory was
without sufficient means for union with the
Higher Power, and hence could not give per-
manent happiness and inward contentment ;
that a nearer revelation was desirable, and not
only possible, but also, according to reason
itself, must actually be present. But he im-
mediately became rude in manner, spoke im-
properly of the sacred Scriptures, and said :
the parsons must speak thus and so, that they
may not lose their bread. As he would re-
ceive no argument, blasphemed still more
grossly, and recommended to me the writings
of Spinoza, Collins, Spinozer, Bayles, the in ■
dependent Whig, and such like, I said that 1
had read such writings in part, and found that
the authors, if they yet wrote anything that is
true, stole it from the nearer revelation ; but
with their own perverted propositions, they
had left no other impression of themselves
with sensible people than that which Wcis
given of them long ago in the description con-
tained in the 14th Psalm, i verse : The fool
hath said in his heart, etc. But as for himself,
he might reflect on what is written in Isaiah i.
3 : The ox knoweth his owner etc.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 43

An aged neighbor in Providence, who has
children and grand-children, and never as yet
partook of the Holy Supper, became attentive
to his heart and to the Word of God, through
a sickness of ten years duration. He certified
that he had been baptized in Europe, and in-
structed in Christianity, but never yet became
so heedful as during his protracted illness.
As it seems, the Word of God attains in him
more and more an appropriation and a power.
As often as my worthy colleague, Mr. Brunn-
holtz, visited me, so often has he also had edi-
fying conversation with this man, and refreshed
himself with him. He confessed that he had
for the most part forgotten the instruction of
his youth, and in his sickness, as a pupil en-
tered quite anew into the holy Scriptures.
When he* would promote his eternal well-
being, he finds in it a plain, even, although
narrow way. He knew of no other way for
re-union with God than that he, with acknowl-
edgment, confession, repentance and sorrow
for his sins, return, and by asking, seeking
and knocking, seek pardon and peace through
Jesus Christ the Kinsman. He hoped that
God would not reject, but graciously receive

44 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

him. As he could do nothing by his own
strength, God would more and more come to
his aid by his Holy Spirit and his powerful
word. In this frame of mind he is at present,
and thinks that the Holy Supper would be a
good means to strengthen his weak faith, and
to aid him to a closer union with the most
blessed God. I have seen what guide is found
under such circumstances by an otherwise
sensible person, who, by outward and inward
affliction, is driven to the holy Word of God,
if he reads and considers the holy Word of
God without falseness. When I visited him at
another time, he said the Lord Jesus appeared
to him in a dream, and had commanded him
to receive the Holy Supper. I answered him
that he must be very cautious and circumspect
with dreams. For although God in former
times revealed one thing and another in an ex-
traordinary manner by dreams, yet, in these
times, he does not require us to wait for this,
but has given us a sure word uf prophecy,
whereunto we should giv^e heed, 2 Pet. i. 19.
His dream was not to be condemned, because
it accorded with the Word of God, and gave
witness that his mind had been occupied dur-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 45

ing the day with such edifying matters. God
did not need specially to reveal it to him in a
dream, that he must partake of the Lord's
Supper, because he had before already clearly
commanded it in his Word. He might perhaps
at' another time dream something that ran
counter to the Word of God, and be injurious
to his soul. He should therefore always let
God's Word be the foundation and only guide
of his faith and life ; thus should he continue
on the right way. Afterwards, his illness in-
creased, so that he thought his end was near.
As he manifested a desire for the Holy Sup-
per, I administered it to him. But he still
lives, and still searches further into the Scrip-
tures, because they give him spirit and life.

A man from the mountains above New Han-
over, who professes the Evangelical Lutheran
religion, but may as yet possess little living
knowledge of the power of the gospel, came
to me and complained that his wife was mel-
ancholy and pensive. The woman sometimes
entered her chamber or the forest alone, and
prayed on her knees. The neighbors in part
had evil thoughts about his wife, as if she must
have committed some gross crime or wickedness

46 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

in Germany. When I questioned the woman
herself, she acknowledged that she had a
small number of unraised children around her,
sat there in the wild thickets alone, as her
husband must follow his trade round about,
and earn his bread, but that she knew of no
other melancholy than this : that God's Word,
which she occasionally hears in church and
reads at home, has become alive in her souL
She had indeed committed no gross offence
according to the letter of the Ten Command-
ments, as the neighbors thought, but she knew
that the law is spiritual, and that she according
to it was a great sinner, and worthy of con-
demnation. In this condition, she knew of no
better counsel and refuge than the sufficient
propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus Christ. She
therefore sought in silence, by prayer and sup-
plication, grace and peace from God the
Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ; and
she was also concerned for her children. I
gave her further instruction and prayed with
her, and also said to her husband that he
should treat his wife circumspectly, for it was
no melancholy, but a godly sorrow, which
worketh a repentance unto salvation, which no

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 47

one repenteth of, and which he must also ex-
perience, if he would be saved.

A man who was born in this country, of
Low Dutch parentage, lives three miles from
me, and two years ago was instructed and bap-
tized by me, together with fiv^e children, nearly
all of adult age, earnestly desired that he also
might come to the Holy Supper with his
family. His wife is a preacher's daughter from
German}', and came into this country together
with her mother, after she became a widow,
and one sister. In Germany, this widow and
her daughters, as they say, heard many good
admonitions to a true Christianity ; but here
in this country, they strayed like lost sheep
without a shepherd, and also had not partaken
of the Holy Supper. Amid emotion and
tears, mother, daughters, and son-in-law were
prepared with, exhortation and prayer, made a
confession of their sins and of their faith in
Jesus Christ, and received the Holy Supper to
their and my special edification. They, and
particularly the man, were sorry for the time
spent in ignorance. The man confessed that
in. his former years he lived in a heathenish
manner, and was given to drunkennesss and

48 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

lusts. But now he leads a Christian life, and
permits the Spirit of God to work in him,
through his Word and means of grace. He is
indeed weak as yet as a new-born child, and it
grieves him when he is scoffed at and derided
by some ignorant persons on account of his
change, but he has still been faithful hitherto,
and eager for the sincere milk of the gospel.
Those people who submit to the arrangement
of God, hold to the church, acknowledge and
accept the Word of God and the Holy Sacra-
ments as necessary means to repentance and
salvation, are despised by others, who do not
esteem these things, and yet live well by their
temporal possessions. There are very many
in this country who adapt themselves to the
Quaker form, and contemn churches, preach-
ers, sacraments, and the like, with the pretence
that such things are inventions whereby the
preachers obtain their bread. The poor people
do not value and understand God's Word,
and are confirmed in their sins by the perverted
religious disputes and scofifings.

In the month of March I made a journey to
the Northwestern mountains, fifty English
miles from Providence. Many German peo-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 49

pie live there poorly and scantily, and have
want in both spiritual and bodih' nourishment.
As several of our poor members moved to
that place, and called to mind their divine ser-
vice, they invited me to pay them a visit.
Many grow wild, and no longer value churches
and schools. Others employ such men who
have set themselves up as preachers. Others
still seek something edifying, and will have
nothing to do with the self-constituted preach-
ers, but fall on the other side, and attach
themselves to the Herrnhuter of Bethlehem.
My former hearers several times before sent
men to me and asked for help. As I at this
time had the assistant, Mr. Kurtz, with me, I
sent him up several times, and through my
father-in-law secured a little land from the
proprietor for a church. On this land they
were to build a wooden school-house or
church. If in time they became able to keep
a school-master, the children would thus first
be assisted somewhat. The school-master
was to read for them on Sundays, and I would
visit them once or several times a year. It
seemed as if they would for the most part
agree, and approve o( the proposal. They
; n

50 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

also beg-an to build a wooden church. In the
meantime, the Herrnhuter from Bethlehem
diligently visited the place, drew those to them
who were the richest, and persuaded them that
they were the genuine Lutherans; also cele-
brated the Holy Supper with them according
to the Lutheran mode, and sent a brother with
his family to the families won over, who was to
teach school. The other party seeing this, be-
came exasperated, and employed reproachful
expressions, and on this account the third
party also withdrew. Now, though they had
commenced to build the church, there has
been no progress made, and the building be-
gun stands there roofless until this day.
Those inclined to the Herrnhuter are willing
and able to finish the building, but on this con-
dition, that it must be a Brethren church ; but
to this I did not consent, as the land is yet in
my hand, and I have the hope in time to help
the poor Lutherans with their building. At
present I see no possibility of aiding such a
ruined and distracted multitude, and of effect-
ing an improvement, until the Lord provides
me with means and ways, as yet unknown.
On my present \M"sit, I preached there, baptized

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 5 I

several children, and exhorted my former
members to a dihgent reading of the Holy
Scriptures and prayer; and on their suppliant
entreaty and petition, I administered the Holy
Supper to two aged people, whose children
have associated themselves with the Herrn-
huter, whereat they secretly wept, and received
the Holy Supper in deepest reverence of heart,
and promised to remain faithful to their only
shepherd of souls, Jesus Christ, in life, in suf-
fering, and in death.

The reasons we are invited to go to a dis-
tance, here and there, are the following : Our
German Evangelical inhabitants, for the most
part, came the latest into this province. The
English and German Quakers, the Inspired,
Mennonites, Separatists, and other such small
sects, came in first, when the land was still
very cheap. Those selected for themselves the
best and richest tracts of land, and are now en-
riched. But in later years, after the poor Evan-
gelicals also found the way, and numerously
came into this country also, some perhaps
here and there still found some of the good
land. Most of them, however, had to serve
for several years for their passage as man-

52 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

servants and maid-servants, and afterwards
shift with the poor land, and eat their bread in
the copious sweat of their brows. At length,
also, not even poor land was any more to be
had; therefore the poor rented the superfluous
land from the rich. But the rich raised their
rents so high that the poor were unable to bear
it. Therefore they removed still further away,
into the wild thickets. Those who still had
somewhat of their own got other families, who
were also obliged to remove further to move
with them. Those who were in our congrega-
tions for a time, and from necessity had to go
further, into the still uncultivated wilderness,
sometimes wrote the most affecting letters, and
bewailed their hunger after the Word of God.
They also tell their neighbors how good it once
was with them, and desire to hear once more
words of life in the desert where there is no
water. I have noticed that within the five years
of my stay here, scarcely one-half of the first
members in the country congregations are left.
The other half is in part in eternity ; most of
them, however, moved away from forty to one
hundred English miles, to the borders of
Pennsylvania, to Mar3Hand, and to Virginia.

CONGREGATIONS IN AxMERICA. 53

In the meanwhile, tlie congregations did not
decrease, but much more increased, as still
more Germans arrived every year, and those
remaining settled their children around them as
far as they could find room and sustenance.
But some too are perhaps wont to remove
fi'om our region, who have a disgust and are
displeased with our churches and schools, and
would rather live in darkness, where their
works are not reproved by the light. In this
manner we preachers far and near, must pass
through honor and shame, through evil and
good report ; but rejoice in this, when the
gospel is spread abroad and the name of the
Lord is made known, and we long : " O that
the evening came, when it shall be so light,
and the bright lustre of the Spirit render us
very compliant to thee. Yea, what more? That
I might hear within, the night is past ! "

In the months of April and May, besides
my customary official labors, I was engaged
with those in New Hanover and Providence
who were being prepared for the Holy Supper.
Among these, the following persons were re-
markable beyond others in both congregations:

A woman whose father had been an exiled

54 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Frenchman, of the so-called Huguenots. It is
remarkable that such people, who were ban-
ished on account of the Protestant religion,
and suffered much discomfort, so easily grow
cold in this country, and permit their children
and grand-children to grow up unbaptized, in
darkness. The poor woman just mentioned
had indeed been baptized in youth, but grew
up without instruction and knowledge. After
her marriage with a man who is a Lutheran,
she diligently heard the Word of God, and at
length obtained a longing desire for a nearer
instruction for the Holy Supper. As much as
she was able, with the consent of her husband,
to leave her children and household work, she
came diligently to instruction. She obtained
an excellent knowledge of her ruined condi-
tion and of the grace of God in Christ Jesus ;
manifested repentance and sorrow for her sins,
and a hunger'and thirst after the righteousness
and peace in Christ Jesus, and also promised
with tears, that she would follow the guidance
of the good Spirit, according to the Word of
God, and by his aid remain faithful until
death.

There was among the confirmants a young

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 55

person, who had been neglected in his youth
as his parents were poor, and hved beyond the
Schuylkill, where they had no school conve-
niences. The \\'ant of good schools is one of
the saddest things, and one of the greatest ob-
stacles in building up the kingdom of God.
Quakers, Anabaptists and the like-minded are
for the most part rich, and can keep school-
masters at their own expense; but in their
schools they will not permit the youth to be
taught the catechism, or otherwise an order of
salvation, but their children must merely learn
to read, write and cipher with difficulty, so
that they betimes engage in trade and com-
merce in the world. In relation to those of
our religion, they are for the most part in
want of good school teachers, as well as of the
means to support them, and also of ability and
willingness to labor with their children them-
selves. When such arrive, who had been half
schoolmasters in Germany, they are apt to go
far into the country, and report themselves as
parsons. Others profess to be schoolmasters,
and desire to earn their passage-mone}' by
keeping school, but ha\'e need that they
should first go to school themselves. Our

56 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

principal places have hitherto always had
schools in winter. But it is highly inconveni-
ent when the children must go to school in
the rough winter season, from one to five
English miles, especially as some of the
parents are so poor that they cannot even
provide their children with the necessary
clothing thereto, much less make up the
school money, and in addition the support of
the preacher. The proprietor of the land, and
other wealthy inhabitants draw the revenues
and profits, but for the hurt of Joseph they are
not grieved. If the dear God should once
have helped us so far that we could have a
free school in each principal church, a relief in
many things would accrue to us. In summer
it is also difficult to keep school, because on
the one hand, the excessive heat and the pain-
ful torment of numberless flies render the chil-
dren indolent and displeased; and on the other,
the parents cannot do without their children
who are able to work, and the schoolmasters
cannot live from a (e\v children. But to return
to the before-mentioned youth ; he had indeed
been neglected, but was of a pliant and stu-
dious mind. On each occasion, he attentively

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 5/

listened to the instruction, and drank in the
sincere milk of the Gospel, like a new-born
child, and also renewed his baptismal covenant
before God with many tears.

Among the number of those who were con-
firmed was a married woman, who was pub-
licly baptized by me two years before. She
w^ept bitterly, that she could not love the
Lord Jesus so heartily since her baptism, as
he loved her ; and asked for m.ore strength and
faithfulness, that she might follow her souTs
bridegroom, unmoved and undefiled in love
and in sorrow, and, as a wise virgin, watch for
his coming. As far as I know her, she leads
a quiet and godly life, and prepares for eternity.

There was amonc^ them a widow's dauo^hter
of sixteen years, who desired to go to the
Holy Supper with us, but who, not under-
standing the German language, was instructed
in English by me. By the grace of God, I
brought her on so far that she was enabled to
make her confession of faith, and renew her
baptismal covenant along with the rest, before
the congregation. As much as I observed in
her, she attained not only to a theoretical
knowledge, but her heart also felt something

58 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

of the power of a living faith in the great
surety and mediator Jesus Christ, and also
permitted the purpose to work in her, to deny
herself, to take up his cross and follow him.

Likewise a young person of twenty-five
years, who has friends living here, came over
from Jersey, and desired instruction for the
Holy Supper. But he was master neither of
the German nor of the English language, and
therefore I had to instruct and confirm him in
Dutch. He improved very much in a short
time. He had a pliant and hungry heart, and
as I afterwards heard from his neighbors, he
leads a blameless life, and walks in a manner
worthy of his calling.

An unmarried woman of twenty-one years
also announced herself, and desired instruction
unto confirmation and for partaking of the
Holy Supper. The gracious God led this per-
son in an extraordinary way. From her youth,
she remained at one place, where the greater
number are scoffers. The father of this person
was much grieved that his child fell among
such people, but could not get her away, as,
according to the English law-, the parents
cannot command their daughters when over

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 59

eighteen years of age. She was also already
engaged to an unbaptized Pennsylvanian, and
desired to remain there. When she thought
herself most secure, a terror suddenly seized
her, as from an apparition, as she said, whereat
she and another woman who was with her
were both taken with epilepsy. The attack
was very severe, and now her father was per-
mitted to visit her. He asked me for medicine
for this grievous disease, and as I had some,
but very little, of a certain epileptic powder re-
maining, which was sent to me for poor peo-
ple by a patroness of distinction, I gave it, and
let him use it. This blessed powder helped
the poor person, so that she obtained relief for
half a year. Although she was very much
prejudiced against me and the church, neces-
sity obliged her to come to her father, and
visit the church with him. She heard the
Word of God with attention ; still her heart
and desire ever turned back to her former
place. After half a year the epilepsy returned,
and continues until this day. Affliction taught
her to give heed to the word, and God's
Word and his Spirit connected therewith also
wrought repentance and faith in the Lord

60 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Jesus Christ. She has attained to an excellent
knowledge, knows also how to praise God,
that he humbled her, and led her to repent-
ance through severity and affliction. Her
heart is broken, and faith, iiiter terrores con-
scienticE, i. e., amid the anguish of conscience,
Vv'as born. Her mouth is full of praise and
glorifying of God and her Saviour.

A married English woman made known her
desire for confirmation and the Holy Supper.
But as she lives about six English miles from
the church, and has several young children
around her, and also to overlook her house-
work, she could not come to instruction as
often as she wished. She is of Quaker parent-
age, and in her youth was kept to reading, but
knew little or nothing of God and the way of
salvation. Now as she at a suitable age was
married to a German, whose parents lived in
Halle and in Voigtland, and still retained some
feeling of piety, he sought to win his heathen-
ish wife with love, and bought her an English
New Testament. The woman read it dili-
gently, and became still more eager for it.
She had had but little direction, and yet, after
diligent searching, soon found what the calam-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 6 1

itous fall of man effected in her, and how
necessary to her was a mediator, deliverer and
Saviour; how God from infinite love ordained
his Son for the salvation of fallen mankind,
and through his sufferings and death found an
eternal redemption ; and how and in what
order the Son of God would lead fallen man
to the enjo)'ment and possession of the pur-
chased redemption. "When she in simplicity
had comprehended the principal things con-
cerning creation, preservation, the fall of
man, redemption and sanctification, she desired
through faith and holy baptism to be trans-
lated into the right and enjoyment of the bless-
ings of salvation purchased by Christ, and to
be made meet for a new life and behavior.
Since she had attained to this several years
ago, she now also desired to experience that
which her Saviour from infinite tender love
bequeathed to her and other fellow-Chris-
tians in his last Testament. From the Old Tes-
tament, she had read very little, but could give
a reason for her faith and hope from the New
Testament. During instruction, I prayed with
her several times, and found her much af-
fected, and sighing before God with tears.
6

62 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Among other things, it was edifying to me
that she said : that she indeed did not yet
know how sensibly the Lord Jesus would re-
veal and impart himself to her in the Holy
Supper, as she as yet had never received it,
and felt indeed her great unworthiness and her
rrakedness before her Saviour, but would not
enter into many speculations, but simply go
and take, because the Lord Jesus commanded
her. If her master had commanded that she
should pass through fire from love to him, she
must ; yea, and would gladly do it, on his
word and power. Wherefore then should she
not come, when he has invited her to a ban-
quet so blessed, in remembrance of him, and
for her encouragement ? She was confirmed,
and partook of the Holy Supper with our
small number of English in New Hanover,
with reverence and devotion.

The son of a warden, i6 years of age, was re-
markable among the persons confirmed. He
was an uncommon youth, of whom we should
almost suppose that he still stood in his bap-
tismal grace. As much as I heard from his
parents and neighbors during instruction, he
had his pleasure in the Word of God, and ac-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 63

cording to his ability meditated on it very dil-
igently. In case he found a suitable place in
the house, there he portrayed a strong passage
of the Bible with legible letters, which he had
learnt without instruction. He is very quiet
in his behavior, follows the guidance of the
Holy Spirit, hates that which is evil, and loves
that which is good. Towards his parents he
shows himself respectful and obedient ; to-
wards his brothers and sisters kind, and ex-
horts them to that w^hich is good. Towards
his fellow-men he is discreet and humble. In
the work of his calling he is faithful and in-
dustrious, and in special prayer, unwearied.
When other young folks would entice him and
draw him into their vain company, he reproves
them from the Word of God. When his
father occasionally gives him an hour for
recreation, he exercises himself in mechanics,
and makes various patterns and draughts of
his own invention. May God preserve this
excellent soul from the depths of Satan, and
keep him in his grace !

A man from the New Hanover congrega-
tion had three children, viz., daughters, con-
firmed. They had been much neglected in

64 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

their younger years ; partly because the father
had not much regard for the Word of God,
and partly because he, on account of poverty,
had to permit the children to serve with other
people, who were still less concerned about
the salvation of the souls of the children. The
man was the son of a landlord of distinction
in Germany, and had married an old preacher's
daughter in this country. They both fell into
poverty and debt, as they were not much
adapted to the hard work and housekeeping
of this country. In these circumstances, as
they had no living knowledge of God, and
could not get along well in temporal things,
they lived very discordantly and sinfully in
wedlock, and thereby gave their children a
bad example. But since I am here they have
come diligently to hear the Word of God, and
have also purchased a Bible for the family.
By diligently reading in it, the man was
brought to a saving knowledge and into better
ways, and now begins to be a family preacher.
They both assured me before God that they
experience repentance and sorrow for their
past sins and ignorance, and ask God the
Father that he would for Jesus Christ's sake

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 6$

pardon all their sins, and give his Holy Spirit
unto a better life ! The wife said to me par-
ticularly, that she thanked her dear Heavenly
Father many thousand times that he awakened
our highly venerable fathers and patrons in
Europe to care for the salvation of the souls
of the poor, and that he also gave them a
Bible in the house. For since they diligently
heard and read the Word of God and with it
prayed, they came as it were from darkness
into the light, and from death unto life. The
husband also said, that he could not suffi-
ciently admire the mercy and patience of God,
which with great long-suffering waited for
him so long in the blindness and slavery of
Satan, and in forbearance tolerated him. He
now forgets all his poverty and affliction, be-
cause each day he becomes richer in Jesus
Christ. Several scoffers have already at dif-
ferent times treated him with contumely, and
said: he will now at once become rich and pay
off all his debts, as he attached himself to the
Lutheran Church and parsons. He answered
them, that he loved his preachers, because
they besought him, in Christ's stead, to be
reconciled with God. In respect to his tem-
6* u

^ REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

poral poverty, since he with his family turned
to God, he had already noticed much relief in
his temporal affairs, and also more blessing,
and already paid off many an old debt. God,
who had given him his Son, would also in
things temporal, neither forsake nor neglect
him. The more he hitherto sought for the
kingdom of God and his righteousness, the
more blessedly the other things were added to
him, according to his need. He labors dili-
gently with his neglected children, who, by the
grace of God, are beginning to rise up again
like withered plants after a gentle rain. Oh
Lord give thy increase !

In the month of June, I was invited to un-
dertake a journey through Pennsylvania to
Maryland, after I had with God's aid passed
through Whitsuntide in good health, and
abundant official labor in both congregations,
amidst large assemblies of people.

On the loth of June, I, in company with
J. L., the schoolmaster in New Hanover, set
out, and eight miles from the place stopped
with an aged so-called Newborn, who some
twenty and odd years ago, married a widow
with whom he had five children whom the

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 6/

mother, as adults, against the father's will, in
the first years, gave over to me for instruction
and holy baptism, and for this reason had to
suffer much from her husband. The old man
alleges that he was born anew in the Palatinate.
The tokens of this birth however extend no
further, according to his oft-repeated assertion,
than that he separated himself from the Re-
formed Church and the Sacraments, and was
unwilling to take the oath of allegiance to the
Elector who attained to the government at
that time, for which he with others was called
before the Consistory, imprisoned, and in his
opinion persecuted for the sake of Christ and
the truth. He accepts neither proof from
reason, nor the higher revelation, according to
all its parts and in its whole import. He also
refuses to be instructed, as he is of weak un-
derstanding, of obstinate self-will, and violent
passions, and abuses Pennsylvania liberty in-
juriously. After he came into this country he
united himself with a sect which is called the
Newborn. These professed a new birth, which
they obtain suddetily, by a direct inspiration,
visions from heaven, dreams, and such like.
When they have gained the new birth in this

68 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

manner, they are, according to their conceit,
God and Christ, and also can sin and err no
more. Therefore, they use the Holy Word
of God no further than just that which seems
to favor their false positions. The Holy Sac-
raments are to them ridiculous, and their ex-
pressions concerning these are in the highest
degree vexatious. The woman, as she said,
imprudently took the afore-mentioned man in
marriage, and thereby prepared a rod for her-
self. When the five children were for the
most part grown up, and the mother was again
awakened to repentance and faith by a diligent
hearing of the Word of God, she industriously
instructed her children in secret and sent one
after the other to our school, until at length
they were baptized before the congregation in
New Hanover. W^hat they had to suffer on
this account, was all for the best for them.
The oldest daughter was grown, and was quiet
and retired. This was observed by a young
widower, A. E., who for several years had
been a teacher among the Herrnhuter, who is
also mentioned in the seven printed confer-
ences of Count von Zinzendorf Count von
Zinzendorf had married him to the only

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 69

daughter of an old separated friend, and as the
father related to me, with the following brief
negotiations, viz.: Benedict! I give your
daughter to E., you and your wife I take along
with me to Germany, and your estate belongs
to the Saviour ! He could not retain the
daughter, as he with a good intention had al-
ready committed himself too far. But that
the Count would even have the little estate in
addition, which has cost the man his sweat
and blood, was such a hard requirement, and
made such a deep impression upon him, that
he with his wife gradually returned again, and
thought it was sufficient to give up his daugh-
ter. Now the important brother E. had to be
preacher in the country, and then again in
Philadelphia, and his young wife had to be a
female elder. Their circumstances required
large expense and their income was small, and
for this reason the daughter came to the par-
ents once and again, and had her pockets filled.
At length the parents grew tired of this, and
said to their son-in-law that he should lay
aside his preaching and elder's office and fol-
low his trade of shoe-making, so that he
might properly support his wife and children.

70 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Necessity also drove him thereto, and the
parents were again helpful, so that the young
people purchased a piece of land in the moun-
tains, six miles from New Hanover. The old
people were glad that their son-in-law was
compelled from necessity to separate himself
from his brethren for a time. They sold their
land in New Hanover, and also built a house
on the children's place, in the hope of estab-
lishing a little congregation of their own
among themselves. Scarcely had they com-
menced building when the only daughter died,
and soon after the mother also. Now both
the old as well as the young widower, were
obliged to look around for wives. The latter,
as mentioned, applied to the daughter of the
aforesaid Newborn and persuaded her with
the promise that he would not disturb her in
her religion, but rather be helpful to her, until
she promised him marriage. The contract
was closed with the consent of the parents.
Now the question was, where should the
couple be married ? The bridegroom had al-
ready been disobedient to his brethren in
many things, and was afraid he might increase
his indebtedness Avith them, if he permitted

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 7 1

me to join him in marriage. But as mother
and daughter insisted that I should do it with
the object of withdrawing him still more from
the Herrnhuter party, they at length succeeded
so far, that the young people were regularly
published in our church, and to-day, June the
1 0th. they were married in the country. As
much as I observed afterwards, he still lives
in his retirement, but now and then permits
his wife to come to church. The first father-
in-law still lived with him in the country for a
short time, but in his own house. At length
he also took an aged widow in second mar-
riage and finally left his house, again pur-
chased a place for himself in New Hanover,
and now occasionally comes to our church, as
he well perceives that the separating of one's
self from the Word of God, and the holy
Sacraments is profitless. Otherwise he was
of the Separatists who call themselves the
silent in the land, but who for the most part,
become so quiet, that they fall quite asleep.

In the afternoon of the aforementioned lOth
of June, I traveled five English miles further, to
an aged God-fearing widow, who, with her
family and neighbors, longingly waited for us,

72 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and desired instruction. The widow had ex-
amined herself, and desired the Holy Supper,
which was administered to her, together with
two old men, after admonition and confession
before God. Two aged married people, who
lived far from the church, among many scof-
fers, and were very cold and dead, revived
again by the word of him who will not wholly
extinguish the glimmering wick. They prom-
ised with tears to use the means of grace, and
to follow the good Spirit, working by those
means. God be praised, who has given
strength to their good purpose ; as we see that
they walk conformably thereto.

In the evening we rode nine miles fur-
ther, and remained over night with an old
inhabitant of our church communion. The
man had long already rejoiced at our coming,
and edified himself with us by prayer and.
spiritual conversation. God awakened this
man in his old age, and he now seeks the
one thing needful, and rejoices much when he
finds opportunity to talk with us of the pro-
gress in Christianity. When his strength ad-
mits of it, the road to meeting of fifteen to
twenty-four English miles to New Hanover or

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 73

Providence is not too fatiguing for him, be-
cause the dehght in the worship of God out-
weighs all difficulties with him. He humbly
thanks God, who has awakened so many dear
children of God and patrons in Europe, to
make and forward the arrangement, that salva-
tion may be offered to the dispersed sinners
in this land.

On the nth of June we traveled eight miles
further, to a place w^here the Lutherans and
Reformed built a church together, and had al-
ready quarreled much with each other. Those
of both religions are inter-married in this coun-
try. Now both parties have already made the
attempt here and there, and built a union
church. But as this place is far off, so that
those of our faith there cannot well be cared
for by us, and they also are unable to support
regular preachers as in other places, they, as
well as the Reformed, have made choice of
those schoolmasters as preachers who came
of their own accord, and say that they would
i-ather have something than nothing at all, as
otherwise, the people would become scattered
among strange sects. Such preachers are
generally unconverted and uneducated. They
7

74 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

are ig-norant of the fundamental truths of reHg-
ion, and foohshlv wrang-le about external things
and ceremonies. Thereby quarrels and hatreds
arise among married people, neighbors, friends
and relations. The other sects profit by this,
and from such individual cases, form an opin-
ion of the whole. This little church began in
strife, and so ended, and as yet, there was no
assignment made in writing, either of the
church-land or of the building itself Now as
both parties requested me to prepare an as-
signment of the church-land and building, and
I, thinking of the future, when perhaps regular
teachers could be brought thither, arranged
matters according to the laws of this country,
and admonished both parties to true repent-
ance, faith and godliness. Their preachers,
however, have continued the quarrel, and the
Reformed, especially, were instigated to de-
mand their building expenses again, and let
the Lutherans alone have the church, who
afterwards accepted a certain preacher who
lived near it. In the afternoon we rode six-
teen miles further up the country, and in the
evening came to my father-in-law, Mr. Conrad
Weiser, at Tulpehocken.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 75

On the 1 2th of June, I edified myself with
my numerous relationship.

On the 13th of June, I traveled up six miles
further, preached a sermon on repentance, and
had confessional examination with the mem-
bers of the congregation who wished to receive
the Holy Supper on the day following.

On the 14th of June, on Trinity Sunday, I
preached before a large assemblage of people
on the regular gospel, baptized several chil-
dren, and administered the Holy Supper to
upwards of two hundred persons. In regard
to the congregation generally, I find many-
awakened souls in it, who should be led further
on, and set in better order. Some seem truly
eager for the sincere milk of the Word. Such,
also, are indeed not wanting, who merely de-
pend on the opus opcratni/i, or doing of the
outward work, and intrench themselves in this
against the nearer conviction of the Holy Spirit.
In general, however, they can judge of the de-
livery of the Word of God, as in the course of
years they heard many preachers of various
sorts, and in them may have had many task-
masters, but few fathers. " Lord Jesus Christ,
help th}' people, and bless thine inheritance ! "

^6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

In the afternoon I rode aside eight or nine
miles, to another congregation, who were very
attentive, as I preached the Word of God
to them. In that place, I had to publish
that in three weeks the Holy Supper would
be administered, and several young people
be confirmed. In view of this, they were
heartily admonished to repentance, and to
reconciliation with God. After the sermon,
one soul and another said to me, that by
the preaching of Mr. Kurtz, they were awak-
ened from their sleep of sin to repentance
and sorrow for sin, and to a hunger and thirst
after righteousness, and are willing also not to
rest until they had found the free open foun-
tain for sin and uncleanness. In relation to the
other external circumstances: the principal con-
gregation there was just engaged in building.
In the first place, a few years ago they built a
fine stone church, chiefly by their own means.
As yet they owed somewhat on it, and had no
pews in it ; but for this, Mr. Weiser advanced
the money. Afterwards, they purchased nearly
twenty acres of land at the church, that in time
a preacher might keep a horse and cow. As
they now had hope of getting Mr. Kurtz or

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. //

some other preacher of our college, and retain
him, they resolved to build a stone parsonage,
which they had already actually commenced,
and which cost the kind-hearted people much
labor, and many mites taken from their means
of support. In addition to this, they also pro-
vide for the support of the preacher as well as
any congregation in the country, and, as they
say, they do all joyfully, if they can only have
a true pastor living among them. May the
chief Shepherd Jesus Christ paternally care
for them, and ordain a man for that place
(Tulpehocken) according to his heart !

From the 15th to the 1 8th of June, I in-
structed several young persons who wished to
be confirmed, as the assistant, Mr. Kurtz, dur-
ing my absence, attended to my congregations
in New Hanover and Providence.

On the 19th of June, we traveled from
Tulpehocken towards the town of Lancaster,
and arrived there in the evening. On the way,
a landlord told us that a few days before, those
people, both in town and its neighborhood,
whom Mr. Nyberg had recruited for the
Herrnhuter, had gone to Bethlehem, to be
present at a solemnity.
■7*

^8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

On the 20th of June, I visited sev^eral war-
dens and elders, and inquired after the condi-
tion of their souls and the state of the concre-
tion. In whole and in part, alas ! things
seemed sad and disordered. The otherwise
numerous Evangelical Lutheran congregation
was now wholly divided. The greater num-
ber maintained the Church and its rights, and
from necessity with our consent, was attended
to by the assistant, Mr. Kurtz, from Tulpe-
hocken, as the Swedish preacher from Phila-
delphia would serve them no longer, and we
could not visit them often without injury to,
and neglect of our owm congregations. About
eight or ten of the richest families were led to
the Herrnhuter sect by Mr. Nyberg. They
separated themselves from the Church, as they
were unable to get the mastery of it by force
and fraud. These had in a short time and in
great heat built a new Moravian stone church,
in which, according to their rules, Mr. Nyberg
and other impartial, i. e., Herrnhuter teachers,
but none of us, should have liberty to teach.
In this church Mr. Nyberg preached the
Herrnhuter principles more boldly than be-
fore, and yet pretended with all to be called a

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 79

genuine Lutheran preacher. At that time a
Reformed preacher, Jacob Lischy, preached
alternately with him the very same doctrines.
At lenijth Bishop Kammerhof and others like
him were there also, the better to regulate the
new brethren. Mr. Kurtz preaches two Sun-
days for the Lutheran congregation, and two
Sundays he must again be in Tulpehocken,
when the congregation in Lancaster is without
a sermon. Now, when no one is present on
the two Sundays, some of our number go to
the Moravian church, as they wish to hear
something every Sunday, and also to be
incited in every imaginable, manner. The
Lutheran congregation keeps a schoolmaster,
but he is incapable, and has but few pupils.
The Herrnhuter have one or perhaps two
schoolmasters from Bethlehem, and attract
many children to them. Oh ! God ! how
much strife, contention and uncharitable judg-
ing have not hitherto prevailed among both
parties, so that true repentance, faith and god-
liness are wholly forgotten ! If we speak of
such important and most necessary articles,
the Herrnhuter scoff and say, that is Halleish,
and the wild and untaui^ht Lutherans are im-

8o REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

mediately alarmed lest we become like the
Herrnhuter, when we seek to turn them to
God, and say that they must become silent,
after the long noise and strife. The common
people are becoming wholly wild and obsti-
nate, as they are without a regular and con-
stant teacher, and no discipline and order can
be maintained. In a word, it seems as though
all would go to destruction, notwithstanding
our many troubles and afflictions which we
must suffer in that place. My heart aches
within me, when I must be here several da)^s
and see and hear the misery.

On the 2 1st of June, on the first Sunday
after Trinity, I preached in the church in Lan-
caster, catechised the youth, baptized children,
and permitted the congregation to elect one
warden, as one had died. Some of the old
wardens and elders wished to resign, as strife
had arisen among them. But I did not find it
expedient for them to do so, but exhorted them
to remain for the present, until more favorable
times, as I feared the already divided congre-
gation might receive still more rents. In the
afternoon I had to travel twenty-two English
miles further, as I had promised to preach in

Ct~>NGKEGATIONS IN AMERICA. SI

Maryland on the 24th of June. Ten miles
from Lancaster we came to the broad river
called Susquehanna. On this river, which is
one mile and a half wide, a violent storm arose,
which threatened danger. But God heard our
prayer and helped us safely over. During the
night we rode to the town recently located in
Pennsylvania, called York. In part, the peo-
ple yet ran together at midnight and rejoiced
at my arrival, and expected that I would ad-
minister the Holy Supper to them on the fol-
lowing Sunday, as was already long promised.
I was now in the district where the Lutheran
congregations commissioned Mr. Nyberg,
when they yet regarded him as a genuine
Lutheran, to write in their behalf to Sweden
for orthodox preachers. Mr. Nyberg had
promised them to get such an one, who was
still better than himself Meanwhile, he dili-
gently visited the congregations even into
Maryland, and also awakened one soul and
another by his lively discourse. Now, when
he thought that his party was sufficiently
strong, he attempted to introduce two of the
brothers from Bethlehem here, as well as in
Maryland; But the opposing party was un-

V

82 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

expectcdly too strong, resisted and said : That
they desired Lutheran preachers from Sweden,
and not Herrnhuter from Bethlehem ; — where-
upon a great division arose. Those people
who were awakened according to his method,
adhered strongly to him, desired to live with
him and to die with him, and after his per-
suasion they said we were false teachers.
The strongest party, notwithstanding, locked
their churches against him, and said they
would hold to our college. In the meanwhile,
the Nyberg party was supported and strength-
ened by the before said Reformed preacher,
Jacob Lischy, and others from Bethlehem.
The former had already labored for some time
in the Reformed confrreei'ations in this district.
But after it became known that he thought like
the Herrnhuter, his congregations here also
became divided. On account of this state of af-
airs, I found myself in great difficulty at times.
The awakened souls on both sides seemed to
hunger, and also loved my discourse, except
the words, law, repentance, prayer, combat
and such like, which the Herrnhuter-minded
could not bear, although I presented the mat-
ter clearly enough to them, from the Holy

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. St,

Scriptures and from our books of faith; and
when, from pressing necessity, I testified against
Nyberg and other Herrnhuter, they regarded
this almost as a sin against the Holy Spirit.
In the largest party I found with pleasure, that
by the contentions they were vigorously driven
to the Bible and catechism, for opposition
teaches attention to the Word. Their zeal for
orthodoxy was also worthy of praise ; if it had
only always remained within the proper bounds
of moderation, and the pure doctrine, accom-
panied by a holy life. In the mean time, I
can give assurance, that some of our people,
in the most dangerous disputes with the dis-
guised Herrnhuter, have conducted themselves
in a manner so steadfast, Christian, temperate
and wise, that we must attribute it to the
special grace of God, which preserves the
simple.

On the 2 2d of June, we traveled twenty-one
miles further, to the outermost place of Penn-
sylvania, where I also met with a congregation
in a like pitiable disorder. Some wardens and
elders adhered to Mr. Nyberg, and others were
against him. I sou";ht in love to unite them,
and promised that they should be visited now

84 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and then when one of us came to York, and,
if possible, I would, according- to their desire,
direct a schoolmaster to them, who could care
for their poor youth, and read a sermon for the
old. Some of Nyberg's adherents complained
that for a time the others had to do with a
certain imposter, Carl Rudolph, and had him
for their preacher. The others said that in
the beginning he seemed to be pious, and ex-
hibited to them great seals and letters as testi-
monials of ordination. But when they per-
ceived his godless life, they immediately drove
him away.

On the 23d o{ June, I preached there in a
large barn, because many people had assem-
bled from far and near. Some requested the
Holy Supper, but I said to them that they
must before be better led to repentance, and to
this end, be instructed in the Word of God.
The little children whom they brought were
baptized and the parents and sponsors heartily
admonished in reference to their duties. I
there found several acquaintances, who in the
first years had been my members. They wept
for joy, because they again heard the Word of
God, and complained that they were wholly de-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 85

prived of the means of grace. Two men from
Maryland were also present here to fetch me,
to show me the way and for company. In
the afternoon at 2 o'clock, I rode away with
them from this place, to go thirty-six miles
further. It immediately began to rain violently.
On account of the heavy rain and the deep
roads we got no further by daylight than
eighteen miles, and also found no house at
which we could stop. Night overtook us in
the wilderness. The rain became still more
violent and the roads deeper, so that our poor
horses had to wade in water and mud over
their knees. Half-dead and wholly fatigued,
we at length reached our quarters about 2
o'clock at night, and by the mercy of God we
safely passed over the thirty-six miles without
stopping, amid constant violent showers of
rain, and through morass and stream. I now
was in the region of the Monocacy, whereof
the Herrnhuter have made so much boast in
thjir relations. Here I found a wooden church,
and two parties in the congregation. Some
had associated themselves with the Herrn-
huter, and were hitherto served by one of
their teachers, iVIr. Nicky, who when I came,

CO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

had just traveled back to Bethlehem. The
other party had the before-mentioned imposter,
Carl Rudolph, as preacher, but had dismissed
him again some time before. The latter party
had just the same experiences with Mr. Ny-
berg, which those of York and Conewago
had, and at length also locked the church
against him, when he endeavored to introduce
a Herrnhuter brother as a Lutheran preacher.
They had now already for nearly a year anx-
iously petitioned that one of our Ministerium
might come and administer the Holy Supper
to them. We could not refuse their call, be-
cause since they left Mr. Nyberg and Carl
Rudolph, they held to us, and from love also,
contributed a mite to the church building in
Germantown. My arrival was to them very
delightful and joyful, but I was grieved in
heart as I saw the injurious division, and found
that those on both sides had dealt hard and
uncharitably with each other.

On the 24th of June the violent rain still
continued. We went to church, where most
of our Lutherans were present. Three or four
of the Herrnhuter-minded also appeared.
Before beginning divine service, the church

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 8/

book, at my request was handed to me, and I
wrote several propositions and articles in it, in
the English language ; among others, of the
following import : That our German Lutherans
acknowledge the Holy Word of God in the
writings of the prophets and apostles, and also,
the unaltered Augsburg Confession and the
rest of the symbolical books ; and when possi-
ble, have the Sacraments administered to them,
according to these by regularly called and or-
dained preachers ; and who, according to their
rules, did not allow open, gross and wanton
sinners against the holy ten commandments
of God, and the laws of Christian governments
to be regarded as members among them ; and
more of a similar import. This I publicly read
to the congregation, and explained it to them
in German, with this addition : whoever would
be and remain such a Lutheran, should sub-
scribe his name. Those Lutherans who were
present subscribed readily. But when the
turn of the Herrnhuter-minded came, they
were unwilling to sign, but presented the fol-
lowing complaints : In general, they had ob-
served all that before which I required in
those articles written in the church-book.

88 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

For they had for several years past been
deprived of regular teachers, and when, occa-
sionally, a Swedish or German preacher from
Pennsylvania visited them, he could not get
money enough, and they also, on account of
their poverty, could not raise enough, and
thus at last the visits wholly ceased, and they,
therefore, were obliged to call a Lutheran
preacher from Bethlehem. Now they deem
brother Nicky, whom they have hitherto had,
a genuine teacher, according to the Word
of God and the symbolical books ; but when,
some time ago, they wished to introduce him
into the Lutheran church, the larger party re-
sisted, and locked the church, and yet not-
withstanding all this, permitted the before-men-
tioned imposter, Carl Rudolph, who was not
ordained, false in doctrine and wicked in life,
to officiate as preacher in the church. These
circumstances, therefore, had obliged them to
separate themselves from such a church, and
to purchase a piece of land of their own, on
which to build a church and a school. The
others replied to this, and among other things
said : that they knew of no Pennsylvania
preachers who complained that they had not

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 89

received money enough. I asked them aho-
gether whether they meant me ? Whetlier
they had given me anything ? Or whether I
wished for anything from them ? Both parties
answered : no. In relation to other matters, I
said to them they had erred on both sides,
and given occasion to much cakimny and
scandal. The blessed Luther had given warn-
ing of a white and of a black devil, the emissa-
ries of both did much harm. We afterwards
sang a penitential hymn, and I preached on
Luke XV., concerning the prodigal son. After
the sermon, I asked the Herrnhuter-minded
whether they desired to unite again with the
rest, sign the articles in the church-book, and
do better ? They answered : yes, if I would
remain there, and be preacher. I answered
that this was not my calling, as they them-
selves well knew. But if they lived in har-
mony with each other, and had a true desire
for an orthodox and pious teacher of our
church, God would help and point out such
an one as they needed. They answered that
their brother Nicky from Bethlehem was such
a man; that he preached just the same truths
which I preached. The larger party rose, and

go REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

asked permission to say a word, and with
tolerable discretion, said : they had for the
first time heard me preach to-day, and I had
preached to them of repentance, faith and
godliness. The Brethren, on the contrary, in
their sermons, had nearly always scoffed at
repentance, law, prayer, combat, and the like
important truths. Avoiding all diffusiv^eness,
I again asked whether they would separate
themselves from the Herrnhuter party, and
subscribe ? They answered : not otherwise
than before stated. After a short affecting ad-
dress, and representation of the injurious con-
sequences, I inquired of both parties whether
they had personal hatred and enm.ity against
each other, and would retain it? They yet
charged each other with several hard expres-
sions which they had formerly uttered in
their dispute with each other, and forgave
each other these, at least in word. Of the
heart I cannot judge. The undersigned came
together, elected wardens and elders among
themselves, and promised according to said
articles, to support the church and congrega-
tion according to their best knowledge and
conscience. They afterwards once more affect-

COKGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. QI

ingly entreated me for the Holy Supper, and
said that they were almost forsaken, too far
distant from the preachers, and as they had
not partaken of the Holy Supper for a long
time, they were hungering and thirsting for it.
On my part, after much consideration, I could
not find sufficient reasons wherefore I should
wholly refuse the people. But, that I might
not burden my conscience, I again publicly
admonished them, in presence of the Herrn-
huter, to true repentance and faith, touched
their conscience as much as the Lord granted
me grace, and directed them as weary and
heavy laden to Jesus Christ and his righteous-
ness and sanctification in following him. We
humbled ourselves into the dust before the
majesty of God, wrestled in prayer and suppli-
cation, knocked as we had ability, made con-
fession, and then received the Holy Supper.
My reasons for writing something in the
church-book in this place, were the following:
Wherever the Herrnhuter come to, they first
seek to draw over to them the most honorable,
the most pliant and the richest. As soon as
they obtain a party in a place in this country,
a strife of words, perhaps also of tumult and

92 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

blows, begins about church and school build-
ings. Upon this follow the saddest divisions
and quarrels between neighbors and relatives,
parents and children, man and wife, brethren,
brothers and sisters, whereto they misapply
the beautiful passages. Matt. x. 34-37, but
that which is written in Jer. xiv., 14, chap, xxiii.
21, Gal. v. 15, 2 Cor. xii. 20, they are unwil-
ling to apply to themselves. The English au-
thorities hear the tumult, strife and quarreling
among the Germans everywhere, and do not
rightly understand who is in fault. The
Herrnhuter are able also so to calumniate and
make offensive to the authorities tne poor
people who oppose their proceedings, and are
unwilling to concede everything to them, as if
they were the basest rebels against God and
the laws of the country. Besides, the people
have some laws and rules necessary among
themselves, so that not every one according to
his notion may pick up any vagrant as
preacher, and thereby confuse and burden
others. But alas ! laws and articles and their
signature are of little avail, if we cannot come
to the help of the poor people with able and
honest teachers. In the meanwhile it is very

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 93

distressing, when we must see the sad state of
affairs, and know not how to remedy them.
I can testify in truth that I have as yet ob-
served but little difference between the two
parties. The party opposed to the Herrn-
huter might perhaps with right be angry, but
as they are as yet for the most part uncon-
verted, so they, on their part also, are not
without sin. They have, meanwhile, this
benefit by it, that they are driven to the Bible
and catechism, and we hope that the word
may in time attain a happy vigor, if they
should be served by able teachers of our
church. The other party, w^hich has united
isself with the Herrnhuter, and the members
of which esteem themselves far better and
higher, are alas ! just as well, base and corrupt
enough. Although sins do not prevail wnth all
in a gross form, they still love them, and they
permit them to rule under the cloak of piety.
The words and things of the law, repentance,
faith, holiness, and conflict in prayer, are con-
temned both by beginners as well as by those
who are advanced. Their faith rests for the
most part on playful fancies and sensible feel-
ing, and not upon the alone saving word of

94 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the prophets and apostles, of which Christ
Jesus is the corner-stone. Their love is very
partial. In a word, 1 found on my journey
that they need true repentance and amendment,
just as much as the eighteen on whom the
tower of Siloam fell, Luke xiii. 4.

On the 25th of June, we rode up ten miles
further, to a newly-located town, where sev-
eral Lutherans are living who belong to the
congregation, and who on the preceding day
were unable to come on account of the heavy
rain. The greater part of these signed the
articles in the church-book, and elected sev-
eral from among themselves as wardens and
elders. Three or four persons had joined them-
selves to another man, who formerly repre-
sented himself as a preacher in New Hanover,
who moved from there to Virginia, and now
back again to Maryland. There was a large
assemblage of English and German people in
that place. At their earnest desire, and after
preparation and prayer, I administered the
Holy Supper to several Lutherans, baptized
children, and joined two couples in marriage.
Both those in the town and in the country en-
treated that I might consider their dispersion,

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 95

poverty, and need of a teacher, and present
their case to our highly venerable fathers.
They would keep together as long as it was
possible. In the evening, we rode back again
the ten miles, to our former quarters, where
several had assembled, with whom I edified
myself with prayer and singing. They all
much desired that God might grant them a
true teacher.

On the 26th of June we returned. After
we had proceeded several miles, an English
gentleman met us, who was a patron and coun-
selor of the small number of Herrnhuter. He
invited me to his house, desired to converse
with me, as many things may have been re-
lated to him concerning me. He gave us some
refreshments, and inquired of me how I found
the condition of the German church people in
Maryland, I answered, that altogether they
had need of experiencing and practicing more
true repentance, living faith, and godliness.
He said : The large party is still very wicked,
and must experience this; but the small party
loves the Saviour. I answered : We people
are apt to see and judge by the appearance.
God sees and judges at the same time, accord-

96 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

ing to that which is within and without. He
said : I love the Saviour, and all those who
love him. I answered: If you love the true
Saviour, you must keep his word, believe and
live according to it; first have a universal love
for friends and foes, and then a special love for
the true followers of Christ. He presumed the
Moravian brethren were followers of the Saviour.
I answered: You must first receive more en-
lightenment, so that you may be able to under-
stand the pure doctrine of the Saviour, in the
whole and in every part; that you may be able to
compare the system of doctrine of the Moravi-
ans closely with it, judging their faith and walk
according to the doctrine of Christ ; and after
that, as a man who may err, decide cautiously.
The Englishman said : The Moravian brethren
are the only people who believe and live ac-
cording to the articles of our English high
church. I answered : When the chief of the
Moravian brethren, viz.. Count von Zinzendorf,
and his people are in Russia, they believe and
live just like the Greek Church. When they
are in Catholic countries, they believe- and
teach that which the pope and the councils
taught to their advantage. When they are

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 9/

in Switzerland, the\' li\^c and believe according
to the Synod of Berne. When they are
in Sweden, they conceal themselves behind
the Augsburg Confession ; and when they
have to do with the English, they just adapt
themselv^es to the English articles. How can
we say of such hypocrites, that they are the
true followers of Christ ? The Englishman
hastily said: You are an enemy of the good
people ! I answered : I am no enemy of their
persons, but of right I hate their crooked
ways and methods. That which I said before,
I can prove, partly by my own experience and
partly by the writings of approved men. The
Englishman replied : I have as yet found no
people in my whole life who were so like the
Saviour, in lo\-e, humility, gentleness, friendli-
ness, and ardent desire to win souls. In our
English church at home (/. r., in old England)
preachers and hearers are dead. Carl Rudolph,
whom the Germans had here, was an adul-
terer, a striker, and a drunkard. 1 answered :
To judge of a whole church so lightly is very
dangerous. To draw a conclusion of the
whole from individual cases, is not allowable ;
and in relation to Carl Rudolph, he is no reg-
9 CJ

98 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

ular preacher, but a vagrant and a cheat. And
if you have known him and others as open
sinners, still you must be cautious about the
rest. There are three kinds of messengers.
Those preachers who in their office live in
open sin and vice, are gross servants of sin
and embassadors of Satan ; against these, an
honest man in his natural state, not to say an
enlightened man, may guard himself, so as not
to follow their evil conduct. But Satan may
also transform himself into an angel of light,
and have messengers who, in the humility and
spirituality of angels, go forth in hypocrisy
and lies, and take men captive with excellent
and sweet words, as you see in the apostolical
letters ; and these are the most dangerous for
awakened, weak, and as yet unestablished
children in Christianity. The third kind are
the mediate messengers of Jesus Christ, who
keep themselves close to the revealed will of
God, believe it, teach pure doctrine, walk con-
formably to their calling, and also willingly
suffer for it. Such, however, are not plentiful,
because they do not run whither they are not
sent ; and that is the reason perhaps wherefore
you have seen so few of them as yet. The

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 99

Enf^lishman said: I hold the Moravian brethren
to be the true messengers and servants of
Christ, until I see the contrary. I answered :
You have liberty to do so, on my account.
Only thus much I desire, that you ma\' seek
the right way to heaven, through repentance,
faith, and godliness, according to the infallible
word of God ; aye, and not permit yourself to
be seduced into by-ways. The good Spirit of
God has for this reason faithfully warned us,
that we might learn wisdom from the loss of
the misled Christians of that time. If we
trust ourselves too much, and permit ourselves
to be led upon all kinds of by-ways, we mean-
while neglect the precious season of grace, re-
main perhaps wholly in the years of appren-
ticeship, ever learning and never attaining to
a true knowledge. The Englishman- said:
That is true. My only request and desire is
this, that I may find the nearest and the safest
way to the temporal and eternal welfare of
myself and of my family, and to walk in it —
not only begin, but also continue and perse-
vere. I love all mankind, and especially those
who with me seek the Lord Jesus, as the way,
the truth, and the life. I also have sincere re-

lOO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

spect for those preachers who are faithful in
their office, and seek to lead souls upon the
true rock and foundation. I replied : This
way you can most surely find, if you in sim-
plicity permit yourself to be led by the Spirit
of God through his word, and judge all human
systems of doctrine and opinions you meet
with by this holy rule. The Englishman in-
quired : But do you mean that the Moravian
brethren have a system of doctrine contrary
to the Word of God ? I answered : They
never as yet came forward so sincerely and
honestly with a full confession of faith like our
fathers in the Augsburg" Confession, and your
ancestors in their Articles, but have here and
there set their sails according to the wind ex-
isting at the time, and published a part of their
pretended doctrines ; and if we take all the
published parts together, there results a self-
contradicting giving and taking, turning and
twisting against the Word of God. But the
last piece, viz., the twelfth appendix, to their
collection of hymns, turned out the most im-
pious of all. The Englishman asked : Can
and will you show me this book? I answered:
It is written in the German lancruaire, and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 10 1

must first be translated by an impartial man ;
when this is done, I will impart it to you.
The Englishman said : Yet one thing w^ould I
request. When you have the opportunity to
recommend a preacher for this place, seek and
appoint a man who is impartial, and honestly
teaches the principal doctrines of repentance
and faith, and who also himself walks accord-
ingly. I answered : I will present the matter
to God and to my superiors. The Lord
will order it aright. Farewell ! We hereupon
rode away from there, and towards evening
again reached Conewago, where I had preached
on the 23d of June.

On the 27th of June we continued our jour-
ney, and arrived in the town of York at about
twelve o'clock, where the members of the
congregation had assembled, and desired to
have themselves recorded for the Lord's Sup-
per. I went into the house of a warden, took
those men and elders with me who had hitherto
cared, and had been diligent that the church
and congregation might not fall into the hands
of the Herrnhuter. I requested that they
should dismiss all scattering and contentious
thoughts, and turn their hearts to God, and
9*

I02 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

seek with him, through Jesus Christ, grace
and the forgiveness of sin, and also impartially
tell me, according; to their best knowledge
and consciousness, how each one had hitherto
conducted himself who would now apply and
come to tlie Holy Supper. Their aged school-
master, who had hitherto been diligent with
the children, and also read sermons for them on
Sundays, and thereby kept the congregation
together, was also present, and was questioned
concerning some complaints against him. On
account of his faithfulness and firmness, he
was a thorn in the ej'cs of the other party,
who charged him with many gross sins and
vices. On investigation, however, we found
that in most cases he was blamed too much,
and things said of him through hatred, al-
though he himself confessed that he had
once or twice offended. He promised to ask
the dear God for a wholly new heart, and for
his Holy Spirit, and to walk more circum-
spectly. One or more of the wardens had also
been too passionate and loud in the Herrn-
huter quarrel, for which they were repri-
manded in love and gentleness, and their
attention directed to the motive of the heart.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. IO3

Now when those present, one after the other,
gave in their names, there were found three
sorts of persons. Of some it was testified that
they hitherto dih'gently heard the Word of
God, and had conducted themselves orderly
and quietly. Of others it was said that they
had hitherto lived in strife with their neigh-
bors, and did not diligently hear the Word of
God. Of such it was desired that they should
come with their opponents and be reconciled.
Some were reconciled, and promised to give
room in their hearts to the Spirit of God and
his Word, and to resist no longer. The Jus-
tice of the Peace was himself present, and
complained of a quarrelsome neighbor ; he,
however, was rude and unruly, and was un-
willing to show himself, and therefore was re-
fused until amendment. The third kind were
some who were somewhat awakened by the
sermons of Mr. Nyberg and his adherents.
The warden complained that they did not dili-
gently come to the prelection on Sundays, but
rather followed Nyberg and others. They an-
swered : that the before-mentioned preachers
moved their hearts. They were awakened
from their sleep of sin by their discourse, ac-

I04 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

knowledged themselves as poor sinners before
God, and desired nothing more than that they
mis^ht become free from their sins, and receive
strength unto a new hfe. They moreover cer-
tified that they had a desire for the Holy Sup-
per, and not to turn away from the Evangel-
ical religion, but that they were more
established therein, as the Word of God and
the catechism of Luther had now, for the first
time, become truly tasteful to them. The
wardens desired that they should promise that
they would in future hold to their church
better, and be present at the reading, and no
more run after Mr. Nyberg. They replied
that we should not bind them up so closely,
and rob them of their liberty. But this they
would promise, if a true teacher of our college
came there and preached, it would be a joy to
them to hear the same, and to follow them, in
so far as they were the followers of Christ.
In the reading of sermons, they found no
power and no edification. Among these few
persons, were two daughters of a widow, whose
mother was present, and was asked how her
daughters conducted themselves. She said
that since the awakening, they diligently read

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. IO5

in the Bible and catechism, also prayed in si-
lence, and conducted themselves in a Christian-
like manner. I well saw how matters stood
on both sides, and therefore desired to speak
with the wardens alone, and afterwards with
these persons specially also. The wardens
said they rejoiced when souls were awakened
and led to better thoughts, but they had to
be somewhat strict, else the congregation
might become scattered ; on the one hand, led
to the Herrnhuter; and on the other hand, be
driven to the ungodly preachers, such as Carl
Rudolph and those like him who were in the
neighborhood ; and if this happened, the little
harvest might be prevented, which we other-
wise had hope for, if, in the course of time, a
teacher from our board were sent to them.
They had no enmity against Mr. Nyberg and
other persons, and also loved their gifts. But
as they were attached to the Herrnhuter sect,
the awakened souls would not continue in
their first simplicity, but would gradually be
misled. I approved of this, and said they
must nevertheless be somewhat circumspect,
and spoil nothing on either side, as we gener-
ally find a clinging love in the first awakening

I06 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

between teachers and such hearers, which in
the further growth is gradually corrected. In
the meanwhile their intention and conduct
were proper, as they did not act from personal
hatred and enmity, but had for their object the
true welfare of their congregation. I after-
wards also spoke with the before-mentioned
persons, admonished them to persevere in the
good work, yea, diligently to prove all things
by the Word of God and the catechism, and
to build their house, not upon the sand and
the opinions of men, but upon the true rock,
Jesus Christ. From three to four of these
people came to the Holy Supper, and several
remained away. In the afternoon at 4 o'clock,
we went to church, and had a blessed prepara-
tion on Matt. xi. 28, etc. The people were all
very attentive and hungry, and drank or drew
in the Word as the dry earth does a warm rain.
After the preparatory service and confession, I
took in hand the small number of young per-
sons, whom the schoolmaster hitherto in-
structed with considerable diligence, for con-
firmation. I examined them in the Order of
Salvation, and exhorted them to true repent-
ance and a living faith, and to a renewal of

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. lOJ

their baptismal covenant, which was now pub-
hcly to take place. After divine service, I
conversed particularly with several persons,
who spoke of what had been chiefly edifying
to them in the discourse, and inquired further
concerning that which they did not under-
stand. In the evening, I edified and refreshed
myself in the house with the wardens and
elders.

On the 28th of June, on Sunday morning
early, several as yet applied for the Holy Sup-
per who lived far away, and could not be pres-
ent the day previous. Some few of Mr.
Nyberg's adherents also yet announced them-
selves ; but when we desired to give them an
admonition, as the others, they showed them-
selves unruly, and remained away of their own
accord. The church was too small for us on
this occasion, and nearly one-half of the
hearers had to stand on the outside, because a
great multitude had come together from ten
to twenty English miles. I first as yet had
preparatory service and confession with those
persons who last announced themselves,
preached on the gospel of the Great Supper,
baptized a considerable number of children

I08 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

after the sermon, examined and confirmed
about fifteen young people amid many tears,
administered the Holy Supper to two hundred
communicants, and closed therewith the public
Sunday labors, after the whole congregation
had bowed the knee, and given thanks to the
Father in Jesus Christ for all unmerited grace.
In the evening, I was invited as guest by the
Justice of Peace.

Early on the 29th of June, I held a prayer-
meeting in the church, with the people of
town present, and took an affecting leave of
them. He that standeth may well take heed
lest he fall, in such confused and critical times.
We again crossed the Susquehanna safely, and
ten miles from Lancaster were received by
several wardens from that place, and escorted
thither.

On the 30th of June, I had all the wardens
and elders in Lancaster before me once more,
and sought with much trouble to prevent and
to remedy their seemingly dangerous rupture.
Oh ! Jesus, trample Satan under thy feet !
About 12 o'clock at noon, we rode out of
Lancaster, traveled thirty English miles, and
in the evening arrived safely in Tulpehocken.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. lOQ

The 1st to the 3d of July I employed in the
further instruction of several young persons
who were to be confirmed on the next Sun-
day, and admitted to the Holy Supper. They
were so far advanced, that of the most neces-
sary articles of faith they could give a reason,
and were not without some abilitx-.

On the 4t}"i of July, I traveled to a congre-
gation belonging to Tulpehocken at Northkill,
and had preparatory service and confession.
Those present were tolerably attentive and
affected. In the evening I rode back again.

In the forenoon of the 5th of July, I
preached at Northkill on the Gospel Luke xv.,
of the sheep lost and found again, baptized
several children, examined and confirmed the
young people amid an extraordinary awaken-
insf of the cone^reo-ation, administered the
Holy Supper, and afterwards hastened eight
miles further to the larger congregation, which
had an appointment in the afternoon at 3
o'clock. I preached there, and took leave of
the dear congregation, as I had now to return
again to my regular congregations. When,
after divine service, I returned to the house
again, with my father-in-law, we met a little

no REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

king or chief of one of the savage nations.
He had with him on horseback a grown son
and son-in-law, and desired to confer with Mr.
Weiser concerning some land and military
affairs. A retinue of women and children on
foot had already gone before. When we look
at the poor people, we must deplore their,
blindness and darkness in things spiritual ;
and when they see us, they think we are to be
pitied, which is in so far true, as we have the
light, and yet for the most part love darkness
more than the light. The French papists, al-
ready many years ago, made an attempt at
conversion among the northern savages of
Canada, but accomplished nothing, because one
and another of their missionaries offended
against the Sixth Commandment, whereof
they still recount the history and transmit it to
their posterity. According to the description
of Mr. Weiser, our savages are very wise and
sagacious in natural things, and although they
have no manner of writing among themselves,
yet they are enabled to know and to preserve
many historical facts which transpired long
ago, because they are diligently transmitted
and kept by oral tradition. Against white

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I I I

people they generally have an inveterate preju-
dice and mistrust, and say the whites sprang
out of the earth on the other side of the great
sea, but they on this side. The white people
should have remained on their ground from
which they were taken, supported themselves
there, and let them be unvisited on this side of
the sea. They had come over here to them for
no other object than to take away their land,
diminish their chase and catch of fish and
birds, and to make their livelihood more diffi-
cult. They also claim that their nations were
much diminished by various kinds of death
since they received strong drink from the
whites. If we desired to present to them
something of our revealed Word of God, the
proper phrases are wanting in their language
wherewith to express and make spiritual and
heavenly truths understood. A natural theol-
ogy, and the historical truths out of the Word
of God, might with difficulty be effected with
their language. Mr. Weiser once and again
endeavored to tell them something out oi^ the
books of Moses. They answered : That may
all be true which the Supreme Being revealed
to the white people on the other side of the

112 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAxM

sea, but this does not concern us. Our God
has revealed other things to us on this side.
Attend to your, and we will attend to our
affairs. When the English and French na-
tions wage war against each other, they do not
readily join themselves to one side, unless
moved thereto by very large presents from the
one party. They would rather remain neu-
tral, take presents from both, and say: The
white nations are never satisfied in this strange
land on this side of the sea. Let them destroy
each other, lest being once united among
themselves, they wholly destroy the savages.
Still they would rather see the English nation
triumph and keep the upper hand, because
they get their wares cheaper from them than
from the French. Their history of times of
peace and war, of alliances and treaties with
the white nations, are transmitted by some
aged, wise persons who can no longer support
themselves. The young people occasionally
meet together and let such an ancient pro-
fessor of history sing the history for them, and
in return for it they bring something from the
chase for his support. They have certain
tunes or kinds of melodies. According as the

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. II 3

matter is joyful or sad or moderate, so is also
the tone and the posture of the body ; so that
we find true natural orators among them. Mr.
Weiser thinks that if we desired to make an
attempt for their conversion, among many
other rules we should have to observe the fol-
lowing: I. One or several missionaries would
have to live among them^ seek to become
master of their language, adopt as much of
their customs, dress, and manner of living, as
could be without sin ; and as for the rest, re-
buke their national vices by a holy walk. 2.
They would have to translate the revealed
truths into their language, and make things as
plain as possible. 3. They would have to
learn the Indian tunes and melodies, and pre-
sent to them the law and the gospel in such
tunes, so that it made an impression, and then,
under God's blessing and aid, wait for the fruit
in patience.

On the 7th of July, I again traveled with
my companions to Providence, to my home,
and found my worthy colleague, Mr. Brunn-
holtz, and pastor Hartwick, on a visit in my
house. After a few days, my colleague, Mr.
Brunnholtz, complained of an excitement in
lO" H

I 14 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

his blood, whereupon the measles showed
themselves a few days after. We also ceased
not publicly and privately to pray for his re-
covery, and employed such remedies as we
had at hand. The gracious God granted a
favorable termination, so that he soon recov-
ered again, although he had been very sick.
Otherwise, at this time, not a few young and
strong people died with this malady. God,
however, gave us the dear brother once more
again, as we still need him so much. His
holy name be praised for this! The assistant,
Mr. Schaum, meanwhile attended to his official
duties in Philadelphia and Germantown, and
pastor Hartwick was also helpful. Neverthe-
less, the congregation longed soon again to see
and to hear their regular shepherd.

Our assistant, Mr. Kurtz, had served the
congregation in Tulpehocken from December,
1746, until now, as catechist, and had his resi-
dence and entertainment in the house of my
father-in-law. The Swedish preacher in Phil-
adelphia visited the rent congregation in Lan-
caster once every month. In the meantime,
a long Rescript from the Archbishop of
Sweden and from the chief consistory had ar-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I I 5

rived from Sweden, as an answer to the report
which Mr. Peter Kock had sent to Sweden
concerning the conduct of Mr. Nyberg. The
doctrine of the Herrnhuter was declared er-
roneous in the same, and the acts of Mr.
Nyberg much condemned. Our dear pastor
Brunnholtz and the Swedish preacher trans-
lated said Rescript into German, and the latter
read it publicly to the congregation in Lancas-
ter. But as the German language was too in-
convenient for the Swedish preacher, he re-
signed again after the lapse of several months.
Now the poor congregation was again without
a preacher. Mr. Weiser had to go to Lancas-
ter at certain times, to hold court there with
other magistrates. Now, as he knew of the
sad condition of the Lutheran conc!-re2:;ation in
that place, he inquired of us whether he would
be allowed to take Mr. Kurtz along with him
for once, and permit him to preach there.
We were agreed to this, and he took him
along in the month of February, 1747. When
Mr. Kurtz had preached there once, the war-
dens and elders gave us no rest until we
finally consented that he might occasionally
preach there. When this happened, the con-

Il6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

gregation was again drawn together, and the
Herrnhuter-minded came dihgently into the
Lutheran church. The wardens and elders
concluded, from the entrance of Mr. Kurtz,
that their congregation might again get into a
good condition if they had him as their
preacher all alone. But we could not permit
this for many reasons, although we had to
yield so far that Mr. Kurtz should preach two
Sundays in Tulpehocken and two Sundays in
Lancaster. This was very burdensome for
Mr. Kurtz, as the two places are thirty miles
apart; still he continued it from May until
into winter.

Many years ago, several Lutherans, among
whom was Mr. Weiser, took up a small tract
of land in Tulpehocken, and built thereon a
wooden church, and by its side a schoolhouse.
In the church they were wont to have reading
on Sundays, and now and then permitted a
traveling preacher to preach in it. After some
time, a man named Caspar Lentbecker, a tailor
by profession, came to Tulpehocken, continued
the reading in the church, kept school also, and
catechised. The united members of the con-
gregation prepared a call for a preacher, and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. IT/

desired that ]\Ir. Lentbecker should send it to
the court preacher Ziegenhagen in London,
and through him to forward it to Halle. In
this they petitioned for an educated and pious
preacher, whom they would support. When
in the meanwhile some time had elapsed,
Lentbecker himself began to preach, and al-
leged that a preacher named Bagenkopf, had
been sent by way of Hamburg and London,
but had died on sea. This, among other
things, gave rise to the separation of ]Mr.
Weiser and several others from Mr. Lent-
becker's congregation, as they suspected some
dishonesty with reference to the call, and the
man began to exalt himself and to undertake
something beyond his ability. Some ten or
twelve families remained with Mr. Lentbecker
and acknowledged him as their regular
preacher, as he even alleged that he was or-
dained. Others still had to do with another
known preacher, C. St The former with his
adherents, and the latter with his party, were
almost always in strife with each other about
the church, although the Lentbecker party re-
tained the superiority. At length Count von
Zinzendorf came into the country and also to

Il8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Tulpenocken, and stopped with Mr. Weiser,
who, among other things rekited to him the
condition and course of church affairs, and at
the same time inquired whether the Count had
a correspondence with the theologians in Halle.
The Count said : Yes, he had himself studied
in Halle, and stood in close connection with
the theologians there ; promised also to write
for a preacher from there for Tulpehocken, and
meanwhile to have the congregation served
gratuitously by several brethren from Bethle-
hem, and also immediately sent one after the
other there, but still only ad interim. Lent-
becker had already died before, and his ad-
herents immediately went with the Herrnhuter.
The other party which had Mr. St., and at last
V. K. as leaders, increased meanwhile, and
when they saw that the Herrnhuter had the
old church and school-house in possession,
they sought another place three miles from the
old, and began to lay the foundation for a stone
church at their own expense. When I came
into the country V. K. went to Lancaster and
St. conducted himself badly, so that he was
partly compelled to resign of his own accord,
and partly removed by his wardens. Under

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. II 9

these circumstances I was called to Tulpe-
hocken for the first time in 1743, and found
three parties there. Ten or twelve families
had the old church in possession, and Herrn-
huter brethren as teachers. Another small
number still adhered to Mr. St. The third
party held to the church newly begun, but
were without a teacher. These last desired
help from my superiors and from me. But I
could as yet promise them nothing, as I was
entirely alone, and Tulpehocken was too far
distant from my congregations. Whereupon
the party of the new church with my consent
called, but only ad interim, another preacher,
Mr. W., who had but recently arrived in the
country. He was unable to unite the two
other parties ; consequently, his third party was
too weak to support him with his large family.
Meanwhile, they continually held on to me,
that I should aid them in getting one of our
newly arrived preachers, who was without a
family. When Mr. W.'s, the last mentioned
preacher's second year agreed upon was up,
he resigned the congregation, and moved
further down to other congregations. By this
means, we were obliged to place Mr. Kurtz up

120 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

there, as he had ah-eady been there several
times on a visit, and was desired by all that
he should move to that place, as above men-
tioned. In December, 1746, with proper in-
structions, we permitted the two congregations
to have him as assistant, to preach and to cat-
echise. He was received in great love, and
esteemed by all the three parties. The con-
gregation increased daily and was encouraged
by Mr. Weiser to finish the church entirely,
and to build a new parsonage near it. In the
first winter, 1747, a man of the small number
of the Herrnhuter died suddenly, i. e., he owned
a mill, and unawares got under the cog-wheel
and was crushed. His grown sons were not
as yet wholly Herrnhuter-minded, but mostly
held to Mr. Kurtz, and wished to have him
buried on the Herrnhuter church yard. The
Herrnhuter teacher, however, would not bury
him, although the deceased had contributed
much to the new church building during his
life. Now when he refused, the sons asked
Mr. Kurtz to bury their father on the Herrn-
huter church-yard, and preach the funeral ser-
mon in the church. Mr. Kurtz consented
thereto, and went to the house of the deceased

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 121

to attend to the funeral. The sons sent some
one to the Herrnhuter preacher, and asked for
the key to the church. He answered : Mr.
Kurtz should first come to him in his house.
Mr. Kurtz said : That he might come to him,
to the house of the deceased, if lie had aught
to say ; which however was not done. They
went to the grave with the corpse, and sent
once more for the church key, but none came.
Now when they had buried the body, Mr.
Kurtz had to preach in the snow at the grave,
This conduct offended not only the sons of the
deceased, but also some others ; and on this
account the whole little company of the Herrn-
huter-minded fell into a bitter quarrel and dis-
sension among themselves. The congregation
at Bethlehem recalled their brother, the teacher
from Tulpehocken, in haste, and Mr. Spangen-
berg, Kammerhof, and others, came themselves
to extinguish the fire. But when they could
not agree, and the one party asked Mr. Weiser
for counsel and assistance, he advised that the
church council of Mr. Kurtz's congregation
should again take possession of the school-
house and place a lock on the new Zinzen-
dorfer church, because the land was at first

122 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

taken up for a Lutheran church and school-
house, and was hitherto illegally held by the
Herrnhuter. The advice was followed, and
our congregation took possession. Many let-
ters and embassies took place about this mat-
ter between the heads at Bethlehem and Mr.
Weiser, until the former at length disavowed
all friendship for Mr. Weiser. In the ensuing
autumn of this year, 1747, my worthy col-
league Mr. Brunnholtz. after he had regained
the strength lost by sickness, undertook a
concrreeational visitation to Lancaster, York,
and Tulpehocken, and when they opened the
Herrnhuter church for him, he reconsecrated
it, and dedicated it as an Evangelical Lutheran
church, according to the foundation of the
prophets and apostles, and our symbolical
books. Since then Mr. Kurtz occasionally
preaches in it, in the afternoon, as several of
the members of the congregation live in that
vicinity. What may yet be the issue we know
not. Three or four families partially hold to
Mr. Kurtz's congregation, and the other five
or six families still adhere to the Herrnhuter,
as their children are still in part living in Beth-
lehem, and in part are married to the Brethren.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 23

In the month of August, I traveled up and
visited the hill congregations in Upper ]\Iilford
and Saccum, chose judicious men for church
councils in both congregations, for the sake of
better order and administration, as I could but
seldom visit the congregations. I afterwards
examined the people in reference to their ex-
ternal and internal condition, as much as I was
able, and settled some little differences, and
hereupon had confession and the Holy Supper
with them. Like children, both the old and
the young willingly permitted themselves to
be examined by me; but they also readily quar-
rel like children, and keep everything until the
parson comes, so that he may have somewhat
to arrange. I therefore appointed the church
council, that they, among other things, might
settle their trifles themselves, and preserve
better order. There are such little coetns
iniscrabiliuDi, who easily touch each other
where it giv^es pain ; still, we also find among
them some excellent, awakened and simple
souls, who seem to be concerned for their sal-
vation. It is only a pity that we cannot have
them nearer at hand, and cultivate them more.
Still the hands of God are not shortened, and

124 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

his Spirit is able also to improve such souls.
A man in the congregation lying in the last
extremity desired the Holy Supper, which I
could not refuse him, as he before made a
beautiful confession of repentance and of faith
in his Redeemer, so that all present wondered
and were moved to tears. The day following
he died. For three or four days on this jour-
ney, I became thoroughly wet by a cold rain,
got a fever thereupon, and was obliged in this
condition, and in more rain and wind, to travel
back thirty miles to my home. On the way, I
had to administer the Holy Supper to a young
person, who was very sick in body, but well
prepared in mind.

As soon as I came home, I was taken with
an inflammatory fever, and lay three or four
days before I could properly collect myself.
But when I collected myself, and the fever
still continued, I experienced an uncommon
gnawing pain in my head. My English friends
of New Hanover immediately visited me, trav-
eled to Philadelphia, and brought medicine for
me from the English doctor. My dear col-
league, Mr. Brunnholtz, also came up to me,
aided me with prayer and consolation, and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 25

suffered much discomfort by me. The Lord
reward him for his faithfuhiess ! External cir-
cumstances and my family were a little dis-
quieting to me; still I committed these unto
the Lord. In relation 'to my soul's condition,
I saw on the one hand nothing but sin, defici-
ency and want, in office and station ; but on
the other, I inwrapped myself in the grace and
mercy of my dear Lord and Redeemer Jesus
Christ, and lived in the sure hope that my
God would not reject me for the sake of Jesus
Christ, but receive, and through grace, yea,
alone through grace, grant me a little room
among the least and meanest in heaven.
About my office I was not so much disturbed,
because I surely believe and know that God is
able to do all without me, accomplish his
work, and set others to the labor who are far
more faithful, earnest, better and wiser than
I am. Meanwhile, if I should still live, I will
pray the gracious God for an increase of faith,
of love, patience and faithfulness, and call
upon him that, for the sake of Christ, he may
not enter into judgment with me on account
of the sins of my office and station, and also
preserve in life my beloved brethren in office.

126 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and send more faithful laborers into the har-
vest, if he should call me into eternity. When
I had passed about two weeks with the inflam-
matory fever, and had to go out on account
of necessary official duties, I was thereupon
taken with the tertian fever and ague, and
labored under it for two weeks more.

During the past year, I lost four Sundays
on account of my sickness. Otherwise, when
at home, I have, by the grace of God,
preached according . to arrangement, every
Sunday forenoon in the principal church, and
catechised the old and young, but in the after-
noon I preached English, according to oppor-
tunity, in both congregations. In the week
days, I here and there cultivated the scattered
out-parishes on the Skippack, beyond the
Schuylkill, in the Oley mountains, with the
Word of God, and administered the Holy
Supper twice in each congregation, baptized
about one hundred and nineteen children, and
confirmed thirty-six young people. May the
merciful Father in Christ, according to his
promise, not let his word return wholly empty,
but accomplish the purpose whereunto he has
sent it! When I look at the circle of mv con-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 12/

gregations and out-parishes, it embraces more
than thirty miles, wherein the scattered mem-
bers of the congregations hve. That which
grieves me most is this : that quite too httle
time, strength and opportunity remains for the
ciira spcciali (special care). In the winter
months, we are often glad if we can only at-
tend to the common official duties in the
churches and out-parishes. In summer, the
household is too much overburdened with
work, so that we do not readily find any one
else in the house, except little children who
are shut in. The rest must, work, or else they
will have no bread. I find scarcely any other
time and opportunity than when, on Sundays,
I catechise the old during, and the young after
the sermon, and when the communicants an-
nounce themselves for the Lord's Supper a
week before, in sickness, deaths, baptism of
children, and the like. On Saturdays and Sun-
days, there is constant work and traveling,
without exception. During the week, I can
seldom be at home several days in succession.
On week days there is a private baptism to-
day, to-morrow a sick person, the day after a
funeral, and so on in succession ; and each act

128 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

requires nearly a day, because the dwellings
are so remote. Where is there time for study?
If there is still a day left, we gladly go in
quest of such souls as are under the work-
ings of the Spirit. But where is there time
remaining for the correspondence due the
highly venerable fathers and patrons in Eu-
rope ?

THE YEAR 1 748.

In this year God visited our country with a
grievous pectoral disease, which at certain
times quickly snatched away many people.
God has hitherto as yet graciously spared our
country congregations, when all around us
many were removed. On the other side
of the Schuylkill, in a distance of sixteen
miles, about fifty women became widows. Sev-
eral houses and families wholly died out, es-
pecially among the English. This chastise-
ment creates an alarm among many, and
teaches them to give heed to the Word, when
at another time they live in security and think
of nothing but their belly. In our congrega-
tions, the effect of the Word of God moves in
one and in another towards repentance and faith,
when otherwise they are indolent when they

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 29

are without trial an I affliction. This has given
me courage again, so that I think we should al-
ways confidently sow in hope, and commit the
blessing to the Lord. He has all manner of
disciplinary means at hand, and by severity
and goodness ceases not to call us human
beings to repentance. The deceased Professor
Francke, who is now resting in God, sometimes
prayed in his sermons that God might lock up
some little word in the heart of the hearers,
and preserve it, so that it in its time might
bear fruit.

In the month of January, a member of our
congregation beyond the Schuylkill died. He
was already considerably advanced in life,
born in Alsace, heard the Word of God dili-
gently, and made use of the Holy Supper.
He told me before, that he in his life endured
much poverty and affliction, which, however,
did not give him as much pain as when he,
here in this country, had to suffer scoffings
and reproach on account of his religion from
all kinds of sects, before God and our worthy
superiors sent in the preachers. He thanked
the Heavenly Father that he gave him the op-
portunity to enjoy his Word and Holy Sacra-

130 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

ments, for the edification and life of his soul.
In simplicity, he knew and believed what, ac-
cording to his catechism and the Holy Bible,
was necessary to his salvation ; and manifested,
especially in the last years, by his conduct,
that the gracious God had wrought the begin-
ning of repentance and of faith in his soul by
his Holy Spirit, by means of his Word, and
died with a fully assured heart.

Another, a young man of the same place,
was sick for several weeks. I visited him, and
examined him with reference to the state of
his soul. He had an excellent literal knowl-
edge of the order of salvation, knew also how
to speak and give answer concerning practical
truths, was a faithful member of the congrega-
tion, and neglected no meeting for edification
without necessity, and led a quiet life, as the
neighbors testified. He recovered from his
sickness again, but had scarcely been well for
a few days when a relapse ensued, and took
him out of time into eternity within twelve
hours, from his poor wife and minor children.

A man of the Reformed church, in the same
neighborhood, on the other side of the Schuyl-
kill, attended our preaching diligently, and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I3I

found pleasure in the Word of God. Having
been in our meeting a few days before, he
heard with emotion, and also answered when
I repeated the discourse by question and
answer. He was attacked by pneumonia in
such a manner that he quickly died. He de-
sired to speak with me, but as it was about
sixteen miles from my house, and I was away
from home, it was impossible for me to reach
him. Before his death, he bade them greet
me, and ask that I should bury him. There
were many Germans, English, and Irish, at the
funeral, of various opinions, and manifested an
eagerness to hear something, because they
were placed in fear and terror by the prevail-
ing disease, as there were still on that day from
six to seven corpses unburied in that neigh-
borhood. The English and the Irish entreated
that I should give them instruction in their
language, because they were in need of it in
these sad and dangerous times. I preached
for them for half an hour at the grave on Job
xiii., how we must repent, believe, and live,
if we would drive away the bitterness of
death and be saved. Afterwards I preached
for the Germans on i Timothy vi. 6, 7. The

132 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

people were all very attentive and affected.
May the Lord care for the poor dispersed and
wandering sheep !

One of our wardens was visited with afflic-
tion, inasmuch as his whole family, consisting
of six sons, were lying sick at the same time
with the measles. He conducted himself in a
Christian manner under these circumstances.
He often went in secret, bowed his knees, and
wrestled in prayer with his Saviour; committed
himself and his children for life and for death,
and in calmness and submission to the will of
God, obtained much consolation and joy in be-
lieving. By his prayer and faith, the children
were all preserv^ed, and recovered without
medicine.

In the month of February the pectoral mal-
ady raged still more violently, and carried
away many old and }^oung people into eternity.
An Irishman, who also understands German,
of the Reformed religion, and who comes
diligently to our meeting, desired to speak
with me. When I came to him, he was again
convalescent. He related to me what the gra-
cious God had done for his soul in his illness.
All the sins which he had committed from his

CONGKKGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 33

youth Up were placed before him. The more
he considered these, the greater and the more
innumerable they became. In this representa-
tion he had a deep impression of the holiness
and justice of God, of death, of the last judg-
ment and eternal damnation, and esteemed
himself worthy of all this. In this condition
he had passed two days and two nights with-
out the least sleep, with a cold death-sweat,
and could not find the least comfort, until at
length the mo.-t important passages of the suf-
ferings and death of Jesus Christ, and of his
sufficient righteousness and atonement oc-
curred to him, and impelled him to prayer and
supplication. Great strength was imparted to
him by these passages. When his wife and
children observed this, they assisted him by
pra\-er and reading of the New Testament.
As sinful, yea, so exceedingly sinful and
worthy of condemnation as before he saw
himself in his blood, so gloriously was the free
grace in Christ Jesus, his Kinsman, disclosed
to him in prayer and striving. Through the
living consolation and assurance of grace, the
sickness of body and soul was so lost, that he
no more felt any anguish of soul, nor pains of

134 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

body, and rose from that hour. As far as I
could understand, the sickness may perhaps
have been at its most dangerous height. Now
when such a poor soul perceives that the bond
between it and the body is to be broken, it
might well seek out the truths heard which
had long lain buried, and by the workings of
the Spirit connected with the word, experience
such a process. Still, I said to him that this
perhaps might only have been a draught of
the building itself As God had lengthened
out his life, so he should now seek to experi-
ence this still better in the proper order,
whereof he had an impression before. The
law of God, if he properly considers it, will
reveal to him his deep ruin, viz : the inclina-
tion to evil and the aversion to the truly good
on his part, and the essential, and to sinners
terrible, holiness and justice on the side of
God. Yea, if he would yet somewhat nearer
view the holiness and justice of the Most
High, and his own deep and unsearchable
ruin and guilt, he should earnestly follow the
Son of the Highest as his surety in the evan-
gelists, and consider how holiness and justice
oppressed him from Gethsemane to Calvary

CONGREGATrONS IN AMERICA. I35

for our sins ; and from the green tree draw a
conclusion with reference to the dry. If he
attained to such a fundamental knowledge of
his deep ruin, to a true hatred, disgust, and
aversion to it, and recognize sin as sin before
the most holy Majesty, so would the gospel
be to him a truly joyful message ; yea, a power
of God unto salvation and to a truly new life.
Then would Jesus Christ be his righteousness,
his peace, his joy, and his one and all, as he
could further read in the second chapter of the
second book of the late Arndt's True Chris-
tianity. But now, if he was not faithful, and
did not build his house on the true Rock. Satan,
the world, and his own flesh and blood might
again get the mastery, and take his soul cap-
tive anew, and finally suggest to him that he
only had a conceit or a melancholy incident in
his sickness. Therefore it is said : Thou wast
sick and art well, see that something worse
does not befall thee. He thought that it was
impossible to forget such an impression, and
promised to follow the workings and the
guidance of the good Spirit by means of his
Word.

A woman in New Hanover, of our congrega-

136 REPORTS FROxM LUTHERAN

tion, lay sick, and desired to be strengthened
in faith by the Holy Supper. When I arrived
there in the evening", several persons were as-
sembled. Before she received the Holy Sup-
per, I inquired of her what was the ground of
her faith, on wdiich she would live and die.
She gave a reason for the hope that was in
her, and spoke so clearly of penitence of
heart, of living faith, and especially of the jus-
tification of a poor sinner before God, which
she, as a poor sinner, had experienced through
faith in Jesus Christ, that I thought I heard
the blessed Dr. Luther speak ; whereat I most
heartily rejoiced, and all present were moved
to tears. She thereupon confessed in true
poverty of spirit, and received the Holy Sup-
per, as a pardoned Mary Magdalene^ beneath
the cross of her Master. She still lives and
profits by her talent among her acquaintances,
and gives me also great encouragement.
Among others, an Englishman was present,
who had been an elder in the English church
in Philadelphia, and now had moved into the
country, on whom the confession of this
woman made a deep impression. He spoke
with me, and wished that he mi^ht have such

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I 3/

an experience of living repentance, faith and
justification.

Some days afterwards, this same woman re-
quested me to go with her to the house of a
distinguished and rich Quaker, where a peni-
tent person was lying sick, and desired conso-
lation of me. When I came there with her. I
found a young man of twenty-five years, who
had recently arrived here from New England,
lying sick of the pectoral malady. The woman
had already spoken witli liim several times be-
fore, concerning the condition of his soul, and
found that the Lord had begun his work of
grace in him. I asked him how it was with
his heart ? He said that he was baptized in
the English church, brought up in it, and
taught to read and write. Rut in all his life,
he had not so experienced what actual Christi-
anity signifies, as in this sickness. For he feels
himself as the greatest sinner between heaven
and earth, who from his head to the soles of
his feet found no soundness in himself, but
only sores and abscesses ; yea, who has merited
God's wrath and condemnation, and is not
worthy to lift up his eyes toward heaven. He
felt and perceived more of the deep ruin of his

138 REPORTS FROM LUfHERAN'

soul than he was able to express in words.
But he could not help himself, nor recall the
time lost, much less blot out his sins and
transgressions, and reconcile God. I an-
swered him that if he sensibly felt that which
he said before, and believed it without hypoc-
risy, he must now look around for a sufficient
righteousness, which is able to cover the guilt
of his sins, intercede for him before the most
holy judgment of God cleanse him from all
sin, and place him in a state of blessedness.
He answered: this was just now his contem-
plation ; with this he was occupied. I asked
whether he had a conception of the great and
only Saviour of the world, and of the work of
reconciliation ? He answered that he in his
life had heard much of him, in sermons and in
instruction, but his heart was never so affected
as during this illness. He felt a hunger and a
thirst after his righteousness, and cast himself
at his feet, in the hope that he will not cast
him out, but issue grace instead of righteous-
ness. As I then observed a penitent heart,
and a beginning of faith in him (as far as man
can judge by outward signs), I inquired of him
how he would conduct himself if God should

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 39

lengthen out his hfe. He answered : that by
the grace and help of God, he would abide
with his crucified Lord Jesus and his word,
follow the workings of the good Spirit, strive
against the devil, the world and his corrupt
flesh, with the armor of God, and be and con-
tinue his Redeemer's own, body and soul. I
asked : whether he so loved his Lord Jesus,
that he was willing to do and to suffer the be-
fore-mentioned for his sake ? He answered :
that he indeed still found himself weak in the
faith, but still he already felt a sincere love to
Jesus, and would pray : Lord, strengthen my
weak faith. I thereupon gave him several
consoling passages. After this was done, he
desired the Holy Supper, and said that he had
not as yet taken it. He always had a secret
dread of it, and thought he might perhaps re-
ceive it unworthily; and perhaps even after its
reception again presumptuously sin, and there-
with add to his judgment and condemnation.
Now as he was ver}^ weak, and in danger of los-
ing his life, I asked him in the shortest possible
manner the most necessary parts concerning the
Lord's Supper, which he answered clearly. I
presented his circumstances to the dear God

140 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

in prayer, and inquired of the man whether
the state of his heart was such as I had
prayed. He said that wliich I had prayed he
had sighed. Thereupon I absolved and con-
firmed him with the laying on of hands, and
administered to him the Holy Supper, which
he received with humiliation of heart, and also
recovered soon after from his illness. May
God preserve the poor soul, amid so many
thousand allurements in the world, and especi-
ally in Pennsylvania.

In said month of February, I was obliged to
visit Upper Milford and Saccum. We had
very deep snow, and therefore concluded that
there was still deeper snow lying between the
mountains. I thought there was already a
beaten path to that place, but found no path
further than within ten English miles, and so
bad, that the ten miles were moi'e than a five
hours' ride. When I came into a particularly
deep valley betvv^een the mountains, it was
night. Now I had no path at all any more,
and very deep bogs and holes to pass. Back
I could not well get, and forward I had still
six miles to my quarters; and as I had no path
whatever. I also was unable to see the snow-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I4I

covered holes. First I rode about two miles
out of the right way, got too far to the left,
and had laboriously to work my way back
again. Afterwards I hit upon the road pretty
well, but several times I unexpectedly fell
with the poor horse, through the snow and
soft ice, into the sloughs ; but, by the help of
God, worked myself out again. The horse
became tired going forward in the untrodden,
deep snowy roads ; therefore I was obliged to
go before on foot, and make a path for the
horse, which fatigued me very much, as I had
as yet three miles to go. I would gladly have
remained sitting, on account of weariness; but
as it was fiercely cold, and I was in a copious
perspiration, I dared not rest, but in the name
of the Lord I gathered my remaining strength
together once more, and in the same night
safely arrived in my quarters. I was specially
refreshed in the congregations this time, as I
observed one and another good motion of the
Spirit of God through his word. We would
indeed sometimes gladly remain at home
when such bad roads and weather occur; but
as our coming must generally be announced
several weeks beforehand, and the people also

142 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

come together from a considerable distance,
tiie sects profit by it if we fail to p'lt in an ap-
pearance, and say to our people : such are
your parsons, they promise much and keep
little.

In the month of March, I was again nigh
unto death, which God however graciously
averted. I visited a sick person several miles
away, and had to ride on a narrow road, along
a precipice, which was still icy. I fell with
my horse, which luckily, however, turned over
with me towards the high side of the hill, and
remained lying so long, until I could loosen
myself, and hold on to the bushes. Had the
horse fallen on the other side with me, he
would have had to roll over about seven times
into the valley, and life have been lost. In
how many dangers has not the gracious God
spread wings over me ?

In this month the oft-mentioned Swiss
preacher, Mr. Jacob Lyschi, came to me, and
related the following: Since his awakening
from his fourteenth year, he in his fatherland
became acquainted with some awakened souls,
and finally with the Herrnhuter, and by reason
of the sweet doctrine of the atonement, and

CONGREGATION'S IN AMERICA. 1 43

their seeming lovely harmony, he thought
that the latter must be the best people in the
world. He had visited their principal places,
such as Herrnhut, Marienborn and the like, in
Germany, and also came to Pennsylvania in
connection with them. He was commissioned
by the Herrnhuteras a Reformed preacher, and
used for their plans, still he was never prop-
erly deemed a full brother. Now, when he
had preached among the Reformed for several
years, around about in the country, and awak-
ened some souls by the word and by his inter-
course, and also was present at the conferences
of the brothers, a part of his hearers insisted
on it that he should honestly confess whether
he was a Herrnhuter brother. These, on the
contrary, several times demanded that he
should say whether he was willing to work
by their whole plan ? In this manner, he for a
time hung between the. two, until at length
three written questions for answer were laid
before him from Bethlehem, viz : (i) whether
he was a natural brother of the congregation,
or (2) a friend, or (3) whether he intended to
be an enemy of the congregation in the future?
This induced him to set a time, and to go to

144 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Bethlehem, so that he might for once consider
their matters in proper connection, with impar-
tial mind, and come to a decision. Now when
he had been there several weeks, and impar-
tially reflected upon their affairs ; and having
heard very blasphemous expressions from
Bishop Kammerhof in public sermons, and in
priv^ate conversation purely offensive things,
he took leave, and recalled the fellowship
which he before had with them. The chief
heads, especially Mr. Spangenberg, tried their
utmost to retain him ; but he could not do
otherwise than to preserve a general commis-
erating love towards them, but was forced in
the first place to have a declaration printed in
mild terms, and to show wherefore he must
set himself free from their community. Should
they reply in their usual manner, with abuse
and lies, he has still much in store whereby he
is able to uncover their shame and nakedness.
I reminded him in love how greatly he sinned
in holding secret communion with these peo-
ple, and several times assuring his poor Re-
formed hearers in his sermons that he was no
Herrnhuter or Moravian brother. He did not
deny that he thereby occa.^ion<^d much sin

CONGREGATIOXS IX AMERICA. 1 45

and harm, but would ask of God grace and
pardon, and a pure heart, and a new and right
spirit, etc. He further said that now he stood
alone, and it was easy to imagine that the
Herrnhuter would invent and publish all man-
ner of reasons and motives concerning his
separation ; and he therefore requested that we
should include him in our prayer, that the
Lord might manifest in him the abundance of
his grace and mercy, preserve him from falling,
and give him strength to contend against the
devil and his artful assaults. For should he
now commit the least fault, the Herrnhuter
would trumpet it forth to all the world, and
say : There you see the reasons wherefore
Jacob Lyschi could not remain with us ! Af-
terwards he published his declarations, and
united himself to the Reformed preachers sent
by the Classis of Holland. He lives on the
borders of Pennsylvania, beyond the Susque-
hanna, where he purchased a piece of land,
and serves several congregations.

In this same month, I\Ir. Kurtz had to visit

the congregations on the Raritan once more,

according to our promise. The reasons of our

sending him there were the following: In the

13 K

146 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

montn of November last, the notorious Carl
Rudolph came to Raritan, after he had tra-
versed Georgia, Carolina, Virginia, Maryland,
and finally Pennsylvania also, and given us
much offence, being dispatched to that place
by a certain preacher by a letter of recommen-
dation. This he had showed to several in
Raritan, who may perhaps have had prejudices
against us; but to the rest he brought a friendly
greeting from us, and inquired how they were
disposed. Before the latter could receive in-
telligence from us, he had already attached
to himself a number of credulous people, and
made a written agreement with them concerning
the preacher's office. The more prudent in-
quired of us concerning his circumstances.
On the contrary, with cunning and fraud, he
represented to the poor people how dangerous
their fellowship with us was. Sensible persons,
who had powerfully experienced our work in
their souls through the Word of God, imme-
diately saw that it was a gross failure, opposed
the other party, and locked their two small
churches against him, and overran us with letters
and embassies and entreaties that we should not
withdraw our hand from them, on account of

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 4/

this precipitation, of which the imprudent were
chiefly the cause. They could not deny that
they themselves had at first thought that the
man had been sent by us, as he had brought
greeting from us and spoken in a Christian
manner. We gave them a necessary reproof,
lamented their condition, and promised to
send Mr. Kurtz once more in four weeks.
Perhaps we would soon receive intelligence
from Europe, and see further what was to be
done. In the meanwhile, Carl Rudolph still
thought himself established, as the English
about there united with his German party, and
promised him a moderate salary. But when
they read our report, and also saw that the
man began to practice lewdness publicly, and
to steal, they qufckly removed him. He wore
a black clerical dress which he had stolen
from old V^alentine Kraft. From Raritan, he
betook himself to the other part of Jersey,
where there were Germans also, but did not
remain there long, but came to Philadelphia
again and enlisted as a soldier for New Eng-
land, and where he now is we know not.
Grossly as Satan this time raged against us at
Raritan with his slanders, still he ijained but

148 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

little advantage, and honest souls were only
the more manifest thereby. Under these cir-
cumstances, we found it necessary to send Mr.
Kurtz to that place once more, as neither I
nor my colleague, Mr. Brunnholtz, had time or
strength to go there.

In the beginning of this month, a young
Swede came to me, complained with weeping
eyes, that the breast complaint prevailed with
them, and they had no preacher to comfort
them. The poor youth grew up in ignorance
and vanity. I was urged to come unto them,
and preach repentance. Two weeks afterwards
this man died, and I was brought to bury him.
The place lies between two streams, called the
Schuylkill and Manatawny, sixteen miles from
my dwelling. As the land is rich in that
tract, the Swedes first settled there, and after-
wards the English and others. For several
years, the Swedes were occasionally visited by
their national preachers from Philadelphia, and
had the holy sacraments administered to them.
The English neighbors, who professed to be-
long to the church, on such occasions had the
Swedish preachers preach for them in the
English language and administer the sacra-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 49

ments, as they also studied this language. At
length, a Swedish preacher, who had resigned in
Philadelphia, settled in this place, and suc-
ceeded so far that they built a small church in
which divine service was held in the Swedish
and in the English language. He was indeed
a man of good intention, but was unable to
harmonize properly with the people. Now, as
the Herrnhuter Avere in full wooing, so there
was also a Swedish student, Prizelius, sent to
that place by them. This student and others
like him had already stolen some hearts of
the Swedish. English, Irish, and German
people, and began to occupy the church with
them. Now, when he had appointed church
services on a certain day, and the old Swedish
preacher heard of it, he proceeded to the
church somewhat earlier, and awaited the new
recruiting-officer, who also came after the
people were assembled. The old man w^ent
out from his desk toward him, and said to the
young man : Thou comest into the sheep-fold
as a thief and a murderer; and with great
gravity struck him hard on the mouth. But
before the fight proceeded any further, the
members of the congregation came and sepa-
13*

150 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

rated them. The Swedish preacher did not
always remain in the place, and also could not
steal the hearts of the people like Absalom ;
consequently, the Herrnhuter obtained a foot-
ing there. Soon there came from them a
Swede, then a Scotchman, and soon a German,
and preached in their church. In the second
year after my arrival, several Swedes who
were disgusted with the Herrnhuter requested
me to come up for once and preach in the
English language. I did this, and they en-
treated that I should still, now and then, come
up during the week and hold divine service, as
they gladly heard a discourse of repentance,
faith, and godliness. When a new Swedish
preacher arrived in Philadelphia, he traveled
up, and offered to come there himself occa-
sionally, and to serve them with the Word of
God and the sacraments, as his predecessors
had done. This pleased me, as without this I
had burden and labor enough. But he re-
mained away, and the above-mentioned aged
Swedish preacher went to Europe ; conse-
quently the door stood fully open to the
Herrnhuter, who sent one preacher there
after the other, and had also concerted with

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I5I

Mr. Nyberg, of Lancaster, that he should occa-
sionally visit the congregation and help draw the
net. The Swedes and the English were very
well satisfied that the Herrnhuter preachers
demanded no support, but labored in hope.
But these expected to lift the principal at the
same time with the interest, and bring them
into their Saviour-treasury, which, however,
beyond expectation proved too difficult. The
Herrnhuter piped songs of Bethlehem quite
too sweet for the Swedes and others, and ever
said : Come and see ! But the people would
not. They had so far converted a rich Irish-
man in the same region, that he placed two of
his older children in their school establishment
in New Hanover. But he desired too much
to remain master over his children, and espe-
cially over his property, and when his other
children at home were taken with a mild type
of measles, and easily passed through them, so
he also wished to have the children home
from the Herrnhuter, that they also might
take the same kind of measles and recover.
But these, i. e. the Herrnhuter, noticed it very
well that they could not get control of his
property in the future ; therefore they gave up

152 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the children and became angry, left him, and
concerned themselves as little for his soul as
they did before. So far the Herrnhuter had
cultivated the field, when they left and went
away. Now when the sickness and the dis-
turbance would have taught the people to give
heed to the word, there was no word sowed by
the Herrnhuter, which remained in the trial,
but they were in ignorance, darkness, and in a
disconsolate condition. I was invited to bury
the above-mentioned young Swede, and at the
same time also an Englishman. After the
funeral sermon, several aged Swedes, the
above-mentioned Irishman, and an awakened
Englishman, who had moved up from Phila-
delphia, came together, and entreated with
tears that I should take their condition to
heart, and decide occasionally to come up on
Sunday and preach for them. As gladly as I
would have rid myself of such heavy work, as
much as I besides alleged the too heavy labor
of my extensive office, so unceasingly they
persevered, until they prevailed over me to-
promise them only something after a while. I
thereupon soon commenced and preached
there, once every two weeks on a working-day,

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I 53

and once every two weeks on Sunday after-
noon. This place is distant fourteen miles
from New Hanover, over a good road, and
only ten miles over a rough, stony mountain,
and beyond a stream. When I had finished
the divine service on Sunday in New Hanover,
and was through, about twelve or one o'clock
in the afternoon, I mounted my horse and
rode to the place in haste in the great heat of
the sun, so that I could be there about two or
three o'clock. I first preached an English
sermon, and afterwards made an exhortation
in German, as various poor German servants
and others of the Lutheran and Reformed re-
ligion live in that vicinity, and are also eager
to hear something. The Swedes and the Irish
understand English as well as their mother
tongue, because they are born and raised
here in this country among the English. In
the first sermons, I explained to them the
plainest passages of the New Testament con-
cerning repentance and faith. Afterwards, I
expounded for them the examples of holy
baptism, from the Acts of the Apostles. In
the week-days, when I had more time, I com-
menced catechising with old and young. It is

154 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

almost incredible how much ignorance is found
among old and young. Still they are attent-
ive and in fear, as various sudden deaths took
place among them.

On the 30th of March, God granted unto
me the special joy to see and to entertain in
my house the newly-arrived pastor Hand-
schuch, together with my worthy colleague,
Mr. Brunnholtz. According to all the circum-
stances, which we have accurately noticed
from the valuable letters of our fathers, we
believe that it was the gracious and perfect
will of the Lord to set this man, as a witness
of the truth, among the perverse generations
of Pennsylvania. God be praised forever,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, and recom-
pense our highly venerable fathers, and all
benefactors, in time and in eternity, for their
almost innumerable efforts and benefactions,
which they from pure pity and compassion,
showed from the beginning until now, unto
their poor, dispersed and intractable co-relig-
ionists. As we have understood, the beloved
pastor Handschuch had a hard and sorrowful
voyage, which fatigued him very much. Now
as the gracious God has made known his gra-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I 55

clous will unto us hitherto, from the past, by
circumstances, so will we in his name begin a
new era, call upon him diligently, let the pil-
lar of cloud go before, and gradually follow,
and see where the way is opened for us, and
we are permitted or commanded to enter in.
To this end we purpose to visit all our con-
gregations shortly. Pastor Handschuch first
began to scatter the seed of the divine word in
Philadelphia and Germantown. I intended to
administer the Holy Supper in my congrega-
tions on the approaching Easter festival. In
recording and examining those who desired to
come, I found one and another good evidence
of the grace of God working in them, which
delighted me.

On the 7th of April_, on Maundy-Thursday,
I had pastor Handschuch brought out to
Providence.

On the 8th of April, the quiet Friday, we
kept the holiday. I preached on the fourth
word of Christ on the cross, and held prepara-
tory service and confession with the communi-
cants. He testified that the day had been to
him important to his soul.

On the 9th of April, I was up with him in

156 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

New Hanover, and had preparatory service
and confession with the communicants of that
place.

On the tenth of April, the first day of Easter,
I heard the beloved brother preach for the
first time to a numerous congregation. God
be praised for the gift bestowed unto him.
After the sermon we administered the Holy
Supper, baptized a child in the neighborhood,
and traveled over again to Providence late in
the evening.

On the nth of April, pastor Handschuch
edified our congregation in Providence with a
sermon, and afterwards assisted in administer-
ing the Holy Supper. Mr. Kurtz arrived in
Philadelphia from Raritan on the 5th of April,
saw Mr. Handschuch there for the first time,
came up to me, and traveled on to Tulpe-
hocken, so that he might have divine service
there on the quiet Friday, and publish our
coming, as we had resolved to celebrate the
Holy Supper in that place on the first Sunday
after Easter.

On the 1 2th of April, I went with pastor
Handschuch seven miles to my out-parish on
the Skippack, and let him preach, and re-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 57

turned home afjain with him in the evenincf.
where we found our beloved colleague. Mr.
Brunnholtz, in good condition, although much
fatigued b}' the festival labors.

On the 13th of April we commenced our
journey to Tulpehocken, and took our friend
Mr. Vigera with us, as he gave us some relief
in external matters. About 1 1 o'clock a. m.,
we reached the Swedish-English congregation,
where I delivered an English, and Mr. Brunn-
holtz a German sermon, and performed several
baptismal acts, whereupon time passed almost
too quickly. There was a promise to preach
ten miles further on, in a small German
church. Pastor Handschuch with Mr. Vigera
now indeed rode on before, but came too late,
as the people for the most part were scattered
again. With those who remained he held a
meeting for edification.

On the 14th of April, we set out early,
passed the Schuylkill safely, and in the after-
noon arrived in good condition in the house
of Mr. Weiser, in Tulpehocken, where we were
received with much joy.

On the 15th of April, we rested, and before
God, remembered the gracious guidance and
14

158 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the highly venerable fathers, together with all
dear patrons in Christ whom we left in Eu-
rope.

On the 1 6th of April, we went five miles
further to the church, and held preparatory-
service and confession with the communi-
cants, not without noticable emotion ; visited
Mr. Kurtz in his dwelling, and in the evening
returned again to our quarters.

On the 17th of April, we all went to church
together, and each one of us had his part to
do. The one served before the altar, the other
baptized, the third held a short preparatory
service and confession, pastor Handschuch
preached, and afterward, with pastor Brunn-
holtz, administered the Holy Supper to up-
wards of two hundred communicants. Every-
thing was done in an orderly manner and unto
edification. In the afternoon, at about 4
o'clock, we proceeded to the contested Mora-
vian, or the now so-called old Lutheran
church, and heard Mr. Kurtz preach. Several
wardens from the town of Lancaster were also
present. In the evening we again returned to
our quarters, and edified ourselves with each
other by Christian conversation. We .sat until

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 59

12 o'clock at night. Scarcely had we gone to
bed, when Mr. Weiser was attacked with a
coHc so violent that it seemed as if he might
instantly die. This incident was among other
things very sensibly felt by me, because the
Herrnhuter had shortly before, in a shameless
manner, given him to understand, not indis-
tinctly, that they would as it were pra}^ him to
death. They would certainly have made an
improper use of his death, and said it resulted
from their power, because he opposed them.
In reference to his salvation, I had good hope;
because he, so far as we can judge by the
fruits, is in the faith which worketh by love,
and seeks to lay aside his infirmities and faults
by a daily repentance. We had no medicine
with us, and there was no doctor at hand. I
entreated my colleagues that they should
agree before God in Christ, in reference to his
life and true welfare. This they heartily did,
and when at break of day, a doctor from a dis-
tant place was called in, and ordered some
medicine, it had a good effect. But the prayer
likely availed the most.

At daytime, April the 1 8th, Mr. Kurtz also
came, and we humbled ourselves together in

l60 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

our chamber before God in Christ, and asked
for grace and compassion. After a prayer, we
went to the patient, and among other things, I
asked him, in the presence of my colleagues as
witnesses, on what foundation he would live
and die ? When he had answered thereupon,
in a few but strong words, to the satisfaction
of us all, I inquired once more whether his
conscience reproved him, that he proceeded
thus, and not otherwise, in reference to the
Herrnhuter. He answered, that he had acted
in the matter before God, according to his best
knowledo;e and conscience, and was conscious
of no correction on that account. As he had
not partaken of the Holy Supper the day be-
fore, he asked that we might administer it to
him, and also at the same time partake of it
with him. We made preparation thereto,
made confession together before God, and ac-
knowledged our sins with true humility of
heart. He permitted himself to be assisted, so
that he could bend his knees in the dust be-
fore God, offered up a penitent and believing
prayer with tears, and partook of the Holy
Supper with us.

On the 19th of Aj)ril, we rested, and edified

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA, l6l

ourselves with each other at home; and as our
beloved brother Brunnholtz and Mr. Kurtz
also complained somewhat of indisposition,
they were bled.

On the 20th of April, I had to bury the
wife of a warden from New Hanover. The
woman had gone to Tulpehocken eight days
before, to visit her children living in that
place, and died. She had chosen the 42d
Psalm for her funeral text, and for her death-
hymn : *'Alas ! God and Lord, how great and
heavy are my committed sins," etc., to show
thereby what had been her meditation in life
and in death. She lived with an aged man in-
wedlock, with whom she had nine children, of
whom eight are still living, and all are of good
hope, because the mother had used all possi-
ble diligence with them. Outwardly, she was
much afflicted by infirmity, and had otherwise
also not a little sorrow. Such tribulation
drove the woman to prayer, and attention
to the Word of God, and the faithful God let
this conduce to her faith and godHness. I
several times asked her specially concerning
the state of her heart, and she replied : that
she was indeed a poor sinner, worthy of death
14* L

1 62 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and condemnation, but the Lord Jesus had
blotted out her sins for his name's sake. She
knew on whom she beHeved. She thanked
the Lord that he led her to repentance,
through severity and goodness, and brought
her by his means of grace to a fellowship in
the suffering and joy of the beloved Lord
Jesus. She was indeed thereby crucified unto
the world, but the world was, on the contrary,
also an abomination to her. I tried her with
various objections, to ascertain whether she
had a true foundation for her faith. But she
answered with joyful lips: " If I look upon my-
self, I am a lost daughter, a Mary Magdalene;
but the Lord has clothed me with the gar-
ments of salvation, and with the cloak of
righteousness, so tliat I must sing to his
praise : ' Now beloved of my heart, I am no
longer mine, for what I am is altogether
thine ! My love and hatred I have left to
thee,' " etc. Two weeks previous she was with
me in Providence, and among other things,
manifested a desire soon to depart and be with
Christ, which the Lord also heard, and took
her home.

On the 22d of April we took leave of our

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 63

friends, traveled to Lancaster, and also took our
assistant, Mr, Kurtz, along with us. When we
were yet nine miles from Lancaster, all the
wardens of the congregation met us, as they
had received intelligence of our coming, and
with whom we arrived in tov/n towards evening.
On the 23d of April, we had many things
to discuss with the wardens and elders, and
told them that the object of our visit was not
to force upon them Mr. Handschuch or any
other preacher, but only to see whether they
would again unite themselves in love, and
once more enter into such order, that we might
advise and promote their best welfare. We
could make them no definite promise, as our
highly venerable fathers had sent only one
preacher, and the congregations at Tulpe-
hocken and Raritan were vacant. My col-
league, Mr. Brunnholtz, and myself were much
pressed and embarrassed, as to how we could
meet the will of God, in relation to the best
interests of the poor congregations. Now as
we were for once forced by necessity to offer
our hand to the congregation, and as the for-
saking of it would have caused its entire de-
struction, we could not decide otherwise than

164 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

this, that pastor Handschuch must labor in it
for a time on trial, until we might know the
will of God more clearly.

On the 24th of April, pastor Handschuch
preached an edifying sermon on the gospel of
the Good Shepherd, before a very numerous
congregation. After the sermon, my col-
league, Mr. Brunnholtz, and myself, together
with all the members of the congregation, re-
mained in the church, and inquired whether
they would give us liberty to appoint a
preacher for them, according to our best
knowledge and conscience, who was best
adapted to their circumstances and to their
edification ? They all answered : yes. We
further asked, whether they, according to the
manner of the other congregations entrusted
to us, were willing to elect a college of twelve
persons, and acknowledge them as superiors,
according to certain articles? They answered:
yes, so shall it be. We appointed the six
men for election who had hitherto been war-
dens, because they were the most respectable
and judicious, and added six others to those,
as good as we could find them. I hereupon
permitted six and six of the members of the

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 65

congregation to enter into the sacristy, to
whom my colleague, Mr. Brunnholtz, pre-
sented the names of the men. set up for elec-
tion, and allowed them to vote. After the
twelve men, consisting of the six old wardens
and six new ones, were chosen, they were ad-
mitted by the congregation by giving of the
hand, and had to subscribe to their instruction.
Thus there was joy in all good-meaning souls,
and fear in the Herrnhuter, because they v/ere
apprehensive lest some order should be ef-
fected.

On the 25th of April, my colleague, Mr.
Brunnholtz, and myself, passed our time in
anxious prayer and solicitude, that the be-
loved Father in heaven would grant unto us
to know his gracious will more clearly. Dear
pastor Handschuch had anxiety of mind, be-
cause he noticed that we intended to lay
on him the burden and the heat of the day
in this desolated vineyard. At length we
permitted the previously elected church coun-
cil to meet, and told them beforehand, that we,
after much reflection and prayer, knew of
nothing better than to appoint pastor Hand-
schuch as their pastor. We submitted this

1 66 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

to their consideration, and desired a brief an-
swer; but told them that if one only among
them was restless and dissatisfied with our
counsel and arrangement, we would turn to
the other still vacant coni^re^ations, and were
unable at present to aid them in any other
manner. After consideration, they were all
agreed, and asked for pastor Handschuch.
But thinking of the matter, we concluded only
to appoint him to that place at first on trial
for half a year, because he was altogether un-
willing on his part to accept the call for life,
but only on trial ; and we also desired to retain
our liberty, that we might always still more
deeply understand the will of God afterwards.
We accordingly prepared a writing, with the
consent of pastor Handschuch, and promised
to give him on trial as their preacher to the
cong'recration in Lancaster for half or at most
for one whole year, with this proviso, that if
one of us should die in the meantime, then
our first united congregations should have the
next claim to him.

On the 26th of April, we again departed
from Lancaster. We let Mr. Kurtz return to
Tulpehocken, and held divine service in Earl-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 6/

town, which Hes twelv^e miles from Lancaster.
The people had petitioned that they might
have a part in the new parson, which was con-
ceded to them, on condition that they would
unite themselves better, and give room in their
hearts to the Spirit of God by means of his
Word. But w^hether this was done, and
whether pastor Handschuch could endure the
laborious journeys, we have not as yet been
informed. After the divine service, we trav-
eled still seven miles further down, and in
cold and wet weather reached the house of a
doctor, who received and kindly entertained us.

On the 29th of April, the beloved brethren,
Messrs. Brunnholtz and Handschuch, traveled
down again together to Philadelphia, where
the latter as yet remained for a few weeks, de-
siring to set in order the affairs of his voyage,
and then enter upon his calling in Lancaster.

On the 2d of May, I also went to Philadel-
phia, and remained there a few days. The
congregation in York beyond the Susque-
hanna had long and earnestly petitioned us
that we should aid them in their forsaken cir-
cumstances. We therefore resolved to send
Mr. Schaum (as assistant, on trial to that

1 68 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

place), who had hitherto taught school in pas-
tor Bruimholtz's house, and occasionally
preached for him. The dear pastor Brunn-
holtz was willing alone to take the burden of
the two congregations in Philadelphia and
Germantown upon his sickly shoulders.

When I again reached home on the 5th of
May, I found my wife and two children down,
very sick with the measles. The wife was not
properly cared for in my absence, and the
wrong medicine was administered, by which
the measles were checked. This resulted in a
suffocating catarrhal affection on the next day.
It had proceeded so far that she had lost her
speech, and had assumed a brown color. I
employed in haste that which I had at hand.
She beckoned that I should pray for her.
When this was done, she forced herself to
pray, commended herself as a poor sinner to
the reconciled Father in Christ, exhorted me
to be faithful in my office and station, to fight
the good fight, and finish my course, and also
take care of the children, etc. By this earnest
praying and speaking, the choking rheum
passed away, her speech still became stronger,
and before we thought of it, the measles again

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 69

appeared, and were fully cured in time, so
that she and the children recovered by the
help of God. Under these circumstances, her
earnest and vehement prayer was crowned
with health of body and soul.

In this month, I also prepared several young
persons for the Holy Supper. Among these
were twins, a certain man's son and daughter
of eighteen years. The two young people
manifested various signs, from which we were
enabled to judge that the Holy Spirit, through
the Word, worked and was active to create in
them a new heart. The son of a warden, who
was brought up for the Lord by his parents in
discipline and admonition, showed himself
very pliant in the workings of the Spirit, and
gave good hope and joy to both me and to
his parents. The daughter of a man of the
Reformed church came diligently to our
church, and as her mother, after her father's
death, gave her liberty to receive instruction
and partake of the Lord's Supper with us, or
according to her father's denomination, she
chose the former, and during instruction, one
and another gracious drawing of the Holy
Spirit were noticeable in her. The rest were

I/O REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

cultivated and watered as plants along with
these, and according to their own and their
parents' desire, consecrated to the Lord who
bought them, by prayer and the laying on of
hands, after they had made their confession of
faith with tears before the congregation. In
the instruction and confirmation, we always
inculcated the importance of these things as
impressively as the Lord Jesus gave us grace,
and we trust to the living God and the Chief
Shepherd Jesus Christ, that he will himself
care for the work of his hands, and his dearly
ransomed souls. After confirmation, we sel-
dom see the poor youth together again, be-
cause in this extensive country the one must
go here and the other there. It is not as in
many places in Germany, when afterwards we
have them present in the instruction of the
children, and are enabled to give them further
information.

In the middle of the month of May, our
colleague, Mr. Handschuch, with Mr. Schaum,
departed from Philadelphia with many tears,
and entered upon his office in Lancaster,
and also traveled from there to York with
Mr. Schaum. and introduced him as assistant

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I /I

in that place, after he had been provided with
the necessary instruction. The reasons where-
fore we did not place pastor Handschuch in
Raritan or Tulpehocken. but in Lancaster, be-
sides that which can already be gathered from
that which has been related, and what the
direction of God placed in our hands by cir-
cumstances, are, among others, the following :
Both I and my colleague, Mr. Brunnholtz, are
infirm and, not without reason, anticipate a
speedy end or a bodily inability in such hard-
ships as we must suffer. Consequently there
must be some one near to take our united con-
gregations if it should please God to take us
away, if his Word and Sacraments, as a table
and candle-stick, are to be preserved here after,
us for the benefit of the little company of re-
turning sinners. Pennsylvania is particularly
assigned to us, therefore it is right that we
first make a trial in it with the gospel before
we accept of other more distant congrega-
tions. Lancaster is particularly an important
station. We also could not advise pastor
Handschuch to Raritan, because circumstances
there are still more complicated and laborious
than in Lancaster.

1/2 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

A young German married the daughter of a
Mennonite who was unbaptized, and after he
had Hved with her in wedlock for a few^ years,
he fell into some kind of craziness, whereby he
was able nevertheless to go about and do his
work. In this condition they notwithstanding
already have six children. The poor woman
thereby suffers much affliction and trouble, and
may perhaps also have disquietude of con-
science, because she has as yet not made the
covenant of a good conscience with God by holy
baptism. Her mother and brothers and sisters
are still living, and would perhaps gladly see
her baptized by the Mennonites and not by us.
She herself always thought still to wait until
her husband was better again, for she was of
the opinion that in the confused state of things,
when her life was scarcely safe, she could not
be a true follower of Christ. But we told her
that under these circumstances it was the more
necessary to have a true, durable foundation
and comfort, whereon she could stay herself
in life, in suffering, and in death, etc. Now, as
in the past months so many were removed by
the pneumonia, and also several of her brothers
and sisters had died, and she herself was in

CONGREGATIONS IN AMKKICA. 1 73

delicate health, and her Hfe in danger, she be-
sought her mother for permission to be bap-
tized by us. Her mother left it to her free
choice. She prepared herself by prayer and by
a diligent contemplation of the Word of God,
for holy baptism, and although she was unable
to repeat from memory the words of our cate-
chism, yet she had nevertheless obtained a
solid knowledge of all necessary articles of
faith from the New Testament, so that I was
surprised and most heartily rejoiced when I
examined her. After examination, she was
baptized amid much emotion of heart, and
promised with tears to be faithful to her be-
loved, reconciled Father in Christ, to submit
quietly to the workings of the good Spirit, and
to follow his guidance. May the merciful
Saviour not permit the poor soul to be wrested
from his hands, turn her cross and tribulation
to her advantage, and preserve her, that she
may obtain the end of faith, the salvation of
her soul.

On the 31st of May, I preached in the re-
cently accepted Swedish-English congregation,
concerning the repentance and baptism of the
centurion Cornelius, Acts x. After the ser-

174 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

mon, a young English woman came forward
and desired holy baptism. Her parents had
died early, and left her unbaptized, although
they had been of the English church. She
was nineteen years old, could read English,
and had diligently read in the New Testament,
learnt the catechism in the English common
prayer-book, and otherwise read edifying
books, and also took well to heart the sermons
preached here before, and especially the last.
She lamented with tears that she had in the
years passed wandered about like a lost sheep
in the wilderness, without a knowledge of and
fellowship with the Lord Jesus, but testified
that she had a heartfelt longing to be visibly
baptized with water, according to the command
of the Lord Jesus, and to be cleansed invisibly,
in heart and conscience, from inherited and
actual sin by his precious blood, and to be re-
ceived into communion with him for time and
eternity. Now, as I had before spoken with
her on several occasions, and inquired after
her circumstances, and also received good tes-
timonials of her Christian conduct, I could not
refuse her holy baptism. I examined her
publicly before the congregation, and when

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA.

/D

she had answered all questions clearly and
properly, she prayed the articles of faith and
renounced the devil. I encouraged the con-
gregation to intercession, and commended her
in prayer to the Triune God. She kneeled
with reverence, and received holy baptism.
All present, otherwise immovable souls, wept
almost aloud, and prayed with us. Several
aged Swedes, born in this country, said they
had now obtained a lively idea how it was in
primitive Christendom.

In the month of June, a married woman
announced- herself, and said that she long al-
ready had a desire for holy baptism. Her
parents and ancestors were Hollanders, who
came into this country almost with the first
settlers. She was twenty-four years old, could
read, and had obtained an excellent knowledge
from the New Testament. I examined her
after some time, and found that she could give
a reason concerning the articles of faith from
the Word of God, and also heard that she led
a quiet, orderly life. Consequently, I could
not withhold baptism from her, but buried her
by it into the death of Jesus Christ, and ex-
horted her. that she should walk in a new life

1/6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAxN

with him, by virtue of his death and resurrec-
tion, which she promised to do, by the aid of
the Holy Spirit. Her child, which was born
to her in wedlock, was baptized at the same
time.

In the same month of June, I again held
divine service in the Swedish-English congre-
gation. After the sermon, two adult daughters
of an English Quaker were invited forward,
who desired holy baptism. The father first
had a Swedish wife, and had two daughters
with her. The children desired holy baptism,
but could not attain to it with the father's con-
sent, and therefore waited until they attained
their majority, according to the laws of this
country. When the sons are twenty-one and
the daughters eighteen years old, they can
leave their parents and begin for themselves.
But before these years, they are subjected to
their parents, almost as vassals. Now, after
the daughters had attained their majority, the
father could no more prevent them, and I also
could not refuse them the water, because they
had prepared themselves for it. They, with
emotion, made their confession of faith pub-
licly before the congregation, and gave them-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I//

selves to him for a possession who redeemed,
gained, and won them, not with silver and
gold, but with his holy, precious blood, and by
his innocent, bitter sufferings and death, that
they should be his own, and live under him in
his kingdom. They were faithfully admon-
ished, that weary and heavy laden, they should
come to Christ, obtain rest, learn meekness
and lowliness of him, deny themselves, will-
ingly take up the cross, and follow him as
faithful disciples ; because we well saw, before-
hand, that derision and scorn would not be
wanting to tliem, and that they would have to
hear many an irritating slander on account of
holy baptism. Several years ago, I baptized
an aged Englishman, who on account of age
had a gray head, and on the top of his head a
baldness, which many old people get. A few
days after receiving baptism by virtue of his
calling, he came to an old rich Quaker, who
ridiculed him for it in the most irritating man-
ner for permitting the preacher to sprinkle
water on his old bald head. Whereby he em-
ployed such language as we hesitate to cite, it
being quite too offensive. At the present
baptism, there were few in church who were

1/8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

unaffected and were not encouraged to pray
with us for those who were baptized. The
Lord be their shepherd so they shall not want.
Still in this same month of June, I was
obliged to visit one and another scattered
sheep, in the so-called Blue mountains, from
forty to fifty English miles from my home.
When I came there, a great multitude of peo-
ple, Lutherans and Reformed, assembled. I
preached to them of the sheep lost and again
found, and of the piece of silver, Luke xv.
They were very attentive. After preaching, a
small number followed me into my quarters,
and desired 'to hear something more. I en-
tered into an edih'ing conversation with them.
I perceived among them several Lutherans
and Reformed who five years ago lived in
Providence as proprietors. They were still
able to tell me the chief contents of my ser-
mons in Providence, and assured me that many
a night they had pondered these truths upon
their beds. That which I have learnt by ex-
perience often gives rise to reflection. When
people have the Word of God abundantly and
in superfluousness, they readily become sa-
tiated and wearied, and when they for a time

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 79

must suffer want and hunger, they become so
voracious as if they would eat up the preacher
together with the Word. In the meanwhile, I
rejoice that a word remains with one and
with another, because it is an imperishable
seed from which regeneration shall take its
rise.

In the beginning of July, I visited the hill
congregations in Upper Milford and Saccum,
examined a small number of young persons in
the same, whom the schoolmaster had in-
structed with special diligence and faithful-
ness, and prepared for confirmation according
to our directions. After I had yet myself in-
structed the young people for a few days, I
confirmed them, and celebrated the Holy Sup-
per with the old and young, whereby I ob-
served one blessing and another, which en-
couraged me still to retain the congregations,
if God grants life and strength.

The congregations on the Raritan in Jersey
had long already petitioned that one of us
should visit them once more, and administer
to them the Word and the Holy Sacraments.
As the promise was made, the lot fell to me,
although I had some fear about going there,

l80 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

because our highly venerable fathers were un-
able to find a pastor for them. I therefore
consulted with my worthy colleague, Mr.
Brunnholtz, whether and how far we could in
future care for these congregations, or whether
we should separate ourselves from them ? We
had as yet no sufficient reasons to forsake them
altogether, because we yet found some good-
meaning souls among them, and because the
Herrnhuter lurked on the border, and other
adversely disposed persons might find matter
for scoffing and calumny by our leaving them.
On the other hand, we saw no possibility of
sufficiently aiding them. But as Mr. Schaum
had some unpleasantness in York, the thought
presented itself, whether we should remove
him from there, and again place him at Rar-
itan for a time. Thus matters stood when
I set out from Providence on the 25th of
July. I took the schoolmaster, J. L., along
with me for company, traveled thirty-five Eng-
lish miles the first day, and arrived at the great
river Delaware in the evening, which divides
Pennsylvania and Jersey. At the river I met
pastor Hartwick from New York, and two
wardens from Raritan. The latter intended to

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. iSi

fetch me. The former traveled further on to
Philadelphia, for the purpose of conferring
with pastor Brunnholtz.

On the 26th of July, I traveled further on to
Raritan, in company with the two wardens.
One of these had served on sea in his youth ;
left his fatherland early in life, and did not
take much knovvledge of the Evangelical relig-
ion along with him. At length he abandoned
the sea- faring life, and settled at Raritan, and
afterwards also began to concern himself more
about his religion, and to this end read the
holy Bible diligently, and also again learned
the catechism in the Dutch language, and at-
tained to a well-grounded knowledge and ex-
ercise of faith and life in Christ. He had a
son of twenty years, whom I confirmed with
other young people some years before. This
son had died, and according to his observa-
tion, had died an edifying and happy death.
Before his end, he presented to his father var-
ious passages and hymns concerning faith,
life and the resurrection, and said, thereupon
he would die with confidence, because he
knew that, through his Word, Christ was in
him, and he in Christ, etc. All this and more
16

1 82 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

he related to me on the way with tears. This
man is also very much esteemed by pastor
Brunnholtz, on account of his unfeigned and
sohd piety.

When we reached Raritan, we put up with
the most respectable man and warden in the
congregation, who is very well versed in the
Bible, and is affable.

The 27th of July I passed for the most part
in edifying conversation with several well-
meaning members of the congregation.

On the 28th of July, I traveled to the con-
gregation on Leslysland, held a catechetical
preparatory service, confession and the Holy
Supper with sundry members of the congrega-
tion. Those who had been on the side of Carl
Rudolph, and otherwise offensive in conduct,
remained away from the Holy Supper of their
own accord, because we told them that they
must first be still better cultivated, and led to
repentance.

The 29th of July I abode with the hill con-
gregations, and was obliged to settle one dis-
pute and another among neighbors, married
people and others. One family had fallen into
a bitter strife on account of the last will of

• CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 83

their deceased father, and would scarcely yield,
and gave us so much trouble, that we had to
labor with them until 12 o'clock at night be-
fore they were reconciled, and were willing
heartily to forgive each other. On the 30th
of July, I had preparatory service and confes-
sion in that place. On the 31st of July, I
preached, baptized several children, performed
a marriage, and also preached afterwards in
their language to the English people living
around there, and buried one aged man of the
congregation.

On the 1st and 2d of August, I visited the
sick, and prayed with them according to their
circumstances.

On the 3d of August, I had preparatory
service, confession, Sacrament, baptism and
instruction of children in the third small con-
gregation on Fosseberg.

On the 6th and 7th of August, I had pre-
paratory service, preaching, the Holy Supper
and baptism, in the fourth small congregation,
on Racheway, so called. After the German
service, I delivered an English sermon, be-
cause the English and the Dutch living around
there made much entreaty for it. The people

184 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN %

were much aroused and delighted, and said
that they would all unite with the congrega-
tion if some one of our college came there,
and preached English also.

In the intervening days, I visited the sick,
and otherwise had many useful conferences,
concerning the improvement of the internal
and external condition of the congregation.

On the last day, I had all the small congre-
gations come together once more. I repeated
before them by what circumstances we were
drawn into connection with them, how we had
dealt with them from the beginning until now,
what means we employed to improve their in-
ward and outward condition, what difficulties
presented themselves when no preacher could
be sent for them, and what is further to be
done, on their and on our part. Several
among them wept, set forth their forsaken
condition, their widows, their orphans and
awakened souls, used the most feeling expres-
sions, and thought that we had no sufficient
grounds for leaving them wholly. But I
could promise them nothing more than pres-
ent circumstances seemed to justify. I ac-
cordingly promised them, after the agreement

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 85

with my colleague, Mr. Brunnholtz, to let
them have Mr. Schaum on trial for one year.
In the meanwhile, we would have time to re-
port the circumstances anew to Europe. They
were all satisfied, and were willing to accept
Mr. Schaum for one year thankfully. More-
over, the question was, how should they do
about their necessary church-building, and
whether they could expect any aid from our
benefactors ? My answer was, that they
should arrange the building itself, according
to their own ability, and could expect no help
from Europe, because the congregation in
Philadelphia was far more needy than they.
Several of the elders offered to give fifty
pounds of the money of this country as their
part, if a stone church was built in the midst
of the four congregations, so that they could
have divine service every Sunday. Three of
the congregations were well satisfied with such
a building, but the fourth from the hills would
not consent, with the pretext that they lived
too far away ; but which others also might
have said, who reside from ten to twelve miles
distant. The three congregations agreed to
stand together, and gav^e time for considera-

1 86 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

tion to the fourth. In consequence of this, I
permitted each congreg-ation to choose three
men out of their midst, who together should
constitute a church council or board, to attend
to external order and arrangement. Besides
this, each congrreo-ation had also to elect two
wardens, to whom the superintendency was
entrusted at divine service.

On the 8th and 9th of August, I traveled
home again, and from the very great heat and
exertion, I had a violent attack of fever, which
was prevalent, by the way. But as I immedi-
ately made use of some remedy against it,
there were no further consequences. When I
reached home, I found my worthy colleague,
Brunnholtz, and pastor Hartwick there, with
wdiom I conferred about the consecration of
the church in Philadelphia, and the ordination
of Mr. Kurtz; and on the 12th of August, I
traveled with them down to Philadelphia.

On the 13th of August, pastors Brunnholtz.
Handschuch, Hartwick, and I were together,
and examined Mr. Kurtz, and let the wardens
and elders from Tulpehocken, who were pres-
ent, sign the call for him, and also let Mr.
Kurtz give a religious reciprocal obligation.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 8/

On the 14th of August, the tenth Sunday
after Trinity, the invited preachers and deputed
elders from our united congregations assem-
bled in and before the residence of pastor
Brunnholtz, and went to the church in proces-
sion. The Swedish provost, Mr. Sandin, and
pastor Hartwick, took the lead. These were
followed by pastor Brunnholtz and myself,
with the church councils from Philadelphia
and Germantown, and the deputies of the con-
gregations from Providence, New Hanover,
Upper Milford, and Saccum. After these
came pastor Handschuch, with the deputies
from the town of Lancaster, and from Earl-
town. Finally, Mr. Kurtz, with the deputies
from Tulpehocken and Northkill, followed.
Mr. Schaum could not very conveniently be
present with his deputies, because York lies
at the greatest distance, and the invitation,
on account of the short time, had not arrived
sufficiently early. In- the beginning of tlie
divine service, the hymn, Come, Holy Spirit,
Lord God fill, etc., was sung chorally and har-
moniously. All the preachers present stood
around the altar, and all the deputies from all
the congregations made a semi-circle around

1 88 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

these and the choir. After the hymn, one of
us read a congratulatory letter, which the old-
est Swedish preacher had sent, in the English
language, as he himself could not be present.
Thereupon one of us deliv^ered a short address,
and called to mind that the foundation-stones
of this church were laid with the object that
in it should be taught the Evangelical Luth-
eran doctrine, according to the foundation of
the prophets and apostles, and according to
the unaltered Augsburg Confession, and all
other symbolical books ; and also under what
sorrowful circumstances, temptations, and trials
God, and so many faithful patrons for the sake
of God, nevertheless kept a generous hand be-
neath us, so that the building has been erected
thus far with difficulty. Further, the whole
church, and all the parts of it, the pulpit, the
baptismal font and altar, were once more con-
secrated for the use of the alone saving Word
and the Holy Sacraments, according to our
symbolical books ; and the Church Board of
Philadelphia had to promise publicly and ver-
bally, that as long as God would preserve it
from fire, water, and other casualties, they,
with the help of God, would endeavor to

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 89

maintain the church for the before-named ob-
ject, from generation to generation. Finally,
it was called to mind that the church was only
an outward scaffolding raised for this purpose,
that thereby the hearts of all hearers should
be prepared for consecrated temples of the
living God. After this address, several verses
were sung of the hymn : Praise and glory be
unto the highest good, etc. Thereupon the
preachers and deputies kneeled down, and
with heartfelt and fervent prayer, commended
the now-called Michael's church to the omni-
present God. The Provost, Mr. Sandin, and
Master Nasman, prayed in the Swedish lan-
guage ; pastors Brunnholtz, Hartwick, Hand-
schuch, and Kurtz prayed in German, and the
import of their prayers was, that the name of
the most high God might be hallowed in this
house by pure doctrine and holiness of life, his
kingdom be promoted therein, and his v/ill be
done, and thereby the blessed design of all the
worthy patrons and benefactors be attained.
After this, we again sung, and performed a
baptismal act, when a truly edifying and
powerful sermon was delivered by pastor
Handschuch. After the sermon, we preachers,

190 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and several of the members of the congrega-
tion, partook of the Holy Supper, and closed
therewith.

In the afternoon, we again went to the
church in procession. Pastor Hartwick de-
livered an edifying sermon on the words of
Ezek. xxxiii. 8: Biit his blood will I regime' at
thine hand. After the sermon, the Provost,
Mr. Sandin, the pastors, Brunnholtz, Hartwick,
Handschuch, and myself, together with the
candidate, Mr. Kurtz, who was to be ordained,
surrounded the altar. The Reformed preach-
ers were spectators. The deputies from all
the congregations again formed a semi-circle.
One of us read the ordination formulary,
prayed in conclusion, and together with the
rest of the preachers, laid hands on the can-
didate, and therewith consecrated him to min-
isterial office.

On the 15th of August, we preachers and
deputies met in the church, and held the first
general conference, or synod as we may call it,
whose import however still for the most part
only related to the outward preparation.

In the month of September, I had to pre-
pare several adults for baptism in the Swedish

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I9I

English church. An Enghsh woman, who
has a Swedish husband, manifested a desire for
holy baptism. She had given diligent atten-
tion to the Word of God, and could also an-
swer very well when I catechised her. Her
mother is a Quaker, as yet living. As much
as I have heard from judicious people, she
leads a Christian life. The second person was
her sister, a grown-up maiden, who likewise
desired holy baptism, and who enjoyed instruc-
tion with her. The third was an unmarried
man of twenty-eight years, whose parents in-
deed belonged to the English church, but who
had died early. He lives among the Quakers,
and must bear many an insolent speech from
them. But as he can read, and uses the Bible
diligently, and is very attentive to preaching,
this establishes his heart the more firmly in
the truth. He asked me to furnish him with
edifying books to read, but I had none but a
small book, which was composed for the in-
struction of the Indians, and the books of
Thomas a Kempis, translated into English,
concerning the following of Christ, and a small
book on the Holy Supper. These I lent him,
and also noted the passages of our hymn of

192 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

faith. The fourth was an English woman,
whose husband led a dissolute life. She said,
that as she was at any rate forsaken in the
world, and without true consolation, she would
seek an abiding comfort in her Lord Jesus,
conform herself to his holy rule, and become
a member of his body through faith and holy
baptism. As is my custom always, I among
other things ask the persons to be baptized,
before the congregation, whether they perhaps
had secondary aims or worldly motives in ask-
ing to be baptized. But they answered, that
they had no other motives to holy baptism
than the command and promise of their Mas-
ter and Redeemer. They knew of no tem-
poral interest to be gained thereby, but much
more they must suffer therefor derision and
contempt, which, according to the state of
affairs in this country, we can readily believe.
During this month, I received the newly-
arrived student of theology, Mr. Weygand,
into my house. When the congregation in
York heard that we intended again to re-
move Mr. Schaum, and to send him to Rari-
tan, they again united, and obviated it in tjme.
We therefore gradually arrived at the thought

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I93

whether Mr. Weygand would not do for the
con^i^regation at Raritan, as was already re-
ported.

In the month of October, I was called down
to Philadelphia, as my beloved colleague,
Mr. Brunnholtz, lay very sick with inflamma-
tory fever. He had already labored under the
disease during the month previous, but now it
was fully developed, and to human eyes the
end seemed to be approaching. I much feared
his departure, because on the whole he is still
so necessary, and I have become dull and use-
less ; yea, almost disabled from managing my
country congregations : much less could I pro-
vide for the town congregation along with
these, even for a time only. Before pastor
Handschuch, in his enfeebled condition, could
travel sixty miles from Lancaster, and Messrs.
Schaum and Kurtz eighty miles from York
and Tulpehocken, and act as vicars, everything
might perhaps be in ruins. Hence the burden
came nearest to me, and it is for me absolutely
impossible. May the Lord graciously have
mercy upon us, do more than we ask and un-
derstand, and preserve the beloved pastor
Brunnholtz yet for a long time, for his name's
17 N

194 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

sake! It cannot be denied, that the station is
too difficult for him alone ; for there are
more inward and outward troubles, burdens,
and labors than we can describe. His spirit,
his faith, and his love are large enough for the
station, but the feeble bodily tabernacle cannot
keep pace. The English doctors have again
spared no diligence and skill in his case, and
it seems as if God would again give him unto
us once more. For this, his holy name shall
be praised.

In the said month of October, I was called
to a member of the congregation beyond the
Schuylkill, who was sick. The man com-
plained of a violent contest in his soul. I
asked him, whether he then was so afraid of
death, and still gladly wished to live. He an-
swered : no ; but the contest was on account
of sin. When he would think of his Lord
Jesus, comfort himself with his sufferings and
death, and through him obtain peace and rest,
all manner of wicked thoughts occurred to
him, which disturbed him in his good intention.
I said to him, that he was engaged in a good
work. The evil which occurred to him was a
proof of his inward horrible sinfulness. As to

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 95

where the thoughts come from, he should only
search deeper, and he would soon discover the
foul source whence proceed evil thoughts,
murders, adulteries, etc., Matt. xv. 19. But
that he also should not cease from earnestly
seeking the free and open fountain for sin and
for uncieanness, and so he would find rest for
his soul. He promised to lay his whole evil
heart before the Lord Jesus in prayer, and to
ask of him grace, peace and pardon. He also
desired that I should pray with him, and help
him to wrestle, which I did, and thereupon in-
quired, whether he had more strength ? He
answered : yes, the prayer was to him a per-
ceptible help, and strengthened his faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ. He had one of his friends
brought to him, who was by trade a tailor, and
charged him in my presence that he had once
seen him purloin something in cutting ; that
he should indeed leave off from such and all
other sins, and heartily repent, for the last
hours were very serious, when conscience
waked up. Many things occurred to him
lately, which he otherwise had not regarded as
sins. He had to strive much before he at-
tained grace, peace and pardon with his Lord

196 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Jesus. As for the rest, he made good use of
one and another strong passage and promise,
continued in prayer and suppHcation, until his
removal two weeks afterwards.

A widow in New Hanover lay sick for sev-
eral weeks, and desired the Holy Supper. I
had noticed sundry faults in her, which I rep-
resented to her in love and seriousness, and
thereby led her to the examination of her
heart. She confessed with tears, that she,
during several years past, was often awakened
to repentance and faith by the Word of God
and by his Spirit, but did not properly do vio-
lence to the kingdom of heaven, and permitted
herself to be prevented by many hindrances
which occurred. She now regretted it, that
she did not manifest more earnestness. She
was a great sinner, who, on account of her in-
tentional and unintentional sins, merited eter-
nal death and condemnation ; but that she
knew also, that the Lord Jesus would cast
none out who penitently comes to him. She
had not merited heaven, and to all eternity
could not merit it; but like the Canaanitish
woman, she would ask only for the crumbs
beneath the table, and be saved through grace.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I97

I said to her, that it is certainly to be regretted,
that we so squander the irrevocable time of
grace, and do not redeem it for the beginning
and advancement of true repentance and faith,
inasmuch as the gracious Father in Christ has
bequeathed and served up for his baptized
covenant people not a dog's, but a child's por-
tion, and fullness of bread in his holy Word
and Sacraments. If, however, we waste the
child's inheritance with the prodigal son, we
must then indeed seek the crumbs under the
table, if we would not be utterly destroyed
and perish. She confessed, and repaired to
the great grace and compassion of the recon-
ciled Father in Christ, and partook of the
Holy Supper with sincere humbling of the
heart, and also, in a few days thereafter, passed
away amidst prayer.

In the months of October and Nov^ember,
Mr. Weygand and I alternately instructed
twenty young people in New Hanover, who
purposed communing the first time. Among
these was a young married man, whose fither,
about eighteen years before, here in this coun-
try, had gone over from the Evangelical relig-
ion to the Anabaptists, but who was now
17*

198 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

dead. The father had permitted the son to be
taught to read and write, but he was not al-
lowed to learn the catechism, because the
father and those like him said, that it was a
book of the devil, wherewith the Lutheran
parsons bewitched the children. The father
would gladly have taken the son along with
him to those like-minded with himself, but he
could not ; as he secretly made use of our
hymn-book and catechism, and also diligently
went to our church. He was baptized in his
infancy, before his father's deviation, and with
the Holy Supper he intended to wait until he
was of age. But his father died at the same
time when he attained his majority, and con-
sequently he had his full liberty. He had
gathered an excellent knowledge of salvation,
and with it he had a docile and upright heart,
as far as I could judge from his intercourse
and behavior. Another young person, whose
father is called Reformed, but who leads a dis-
orderly life, came to instruction, and wept at
different times. When I asked for the reason,
she said : that nearly every time, when she
would go to my instruction, her father uttered
horrid imprecations against her and the par-

. CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 99

son. I said : that in silence at home she
should ask of God a penitent heart for herself
and for her father, and otherwise show herself
filial and respectful towards her father in all
things. This she observed, and not without
advantage; for her father himself was present
at the confirmation, and was not a little af-
fected. A young person of eighteen and a
girl of fifteen years, two children of a Re-
formed mother who lives ten miles from New
Hanover, requested permission of their mother
to unite with our denomination and congrega-
tion, and to be allowed to be confirmed on our
doctrine. The mother gave her consent, and
the children showed themselves very attentive
and wakened in the instruction. A young
man of fifteen years, who had to serve with a
Moravian brother until of age, but whose mis-
tress holds firmly to our conf^reg-ation, came
to instruction, and manifested a docile heart,
so that we cherish the hope of abiding fruit.
The rest were all children of our denomination,
and were cultivated by planting and watering,
according to the grace which God bestowed.
The Lord alone can give the increase.

In the night of the 5th of November, I was

200 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

taken to the father of a family in New Hano-
ver. The man had five children, whom in
part I had previously baptized. This father,
however, had been a foolhardy man ; he passed
his time here as a Separatist, and lived of his
own confused opinions. He also on one oc-
casion expressed his opinions in a long letter
against me and against Mr. Kurtz, because
Mr. Kurtz in my absence buried one of his
neighbors, and may have proclaimed him happy
in the funeral discourse. This was repug-
nant to the old man, as he would not have his
neighbor in heaven. The son in the meanwhile
did not wish to walk in the footsteps of his
father, but came to our church diligently, and
also read the Bible and Arndt's True Christian-
ity at home, which led him to better thoughts,
and upon the plain way upon which those do
not err who had been fools before. When I
came to him, he lay upon his bed sick, and
had seemingly the beginning of a hectic fever.
I inquired: How is it with you? Patient:
It is as bad with me as it can be with a
human being in this world. I : What should
be wanting to you ? You are a man who has
enough to live on, and a good testimonial

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 20I

from all your neighbors. Patient : I perceive
indeed that you would prove me, whether I
trust in the witnessing of man, and cherish a
Pharisaical righteousness. If men give me
the best testimonial for outward honesty, this
cannot in the least justify me before the most
holy God, for I am the greatest and most
abominable sinner on earth. I : Have you
then committed great sins and crimes against
the holy Ten Commandments ? Patient : I
have the germs of all sins against the holy Ten
Commandments in my heart, but outward cir-
cumstances were in my way, that such inward
evil inclinations did not always break out into
open sin. I : Do you also reckon the inward
evil propensities among the sins, although not
accomplished ? Patient : Yes ; the meditation
and the seekings of the human heart are evil
from youth up ; behold I zvas begotten of a sin-
ful seed, etc. I : Have you only propensities
to evil ? Patient : Alas ! I also find at the
bottom an aversion to that which is truly
good. For the flesh histeth against the spirit,
etc. I : Now tell me honestly, how do you at
present know and feel yourself to be before
God ? Patient : I know and feel myself full

202 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

of wounds and abscesses : viy wounds stink and
are corrupt, because of my foolishness ; my sins,
as a heavy burden, are too heavy for me. I :
Do you not think that God created you so
wicked, and for condemnation ? Oh, no! God
is faithful, and there is no evil in him ; he is
righteous and merciful; but I am begotten of
a sinful seed, and therefore lust conceived in
me, and brought forth sin, and when it was
finished, it brought forth death for me. I :
But in your infancy you were born again of
water and of the Spirit, to a new life, by holy
baptism. Patient : yes, I cordially believe
this; but, on my part, I did not keep the cove-
nant of a good conscience, but, with the prodi-
gal son, I have squandered my inheritance.
I : Are you then heartily sorry for this ?
Patient: Yes, I feel on this account heartfelt
repentance and sorrow in my soul. I : Then
how will you help yourself? Patient : Here
I lie, between heaven and earth, and can
expect nothing else than death and damnation.
I have well merited the righteous wrath of
God, and punishment into eternity. Still I
would not willingly perish. I: Have you any
knowledc'-e of the Mediator and Reconciler

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2O3

between God and man? Patient: Yes, I
know and believ^e from the Word of God that
God so loved the world that he gave his
Only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. I know that this Son is true God, born
of the Father in eternity, and in the fulness
of time became man, that as God and man he
might redeem all men from sin, death, the
devil and hell, by his perfect obedience and
bitter sufferings and death, and that he ap-
pointed the order of repentance and faith,
wherein we may become partakers of his
redemption and of salvation ; but very believ-
ingly and certainly, I cannot as yet appropri-
ate this to myself, because I am quite too
sinful. That which makes me most afraid and
timid is this : Some time ago I was once
already powerfully affected and awakened. I
felt my load of sin, and prayed in secret.
Weary and heavy laden I went to the Lord
Jesus, and also found some comfort and rest
for my soul. But when I afterwards began to
build my mill, I was gradually entangled in
the cares for a livelihood and the disquietude
resulting therefrom, and was thus drawn away

204 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

from my first love. Although I always re-
tained a drawing and a chastening, still the
proper seriousness and wrestling on my part
were wanting, as it is wont to happen in mills
and other public places, where much vain talk
takes place. I, indeed, did not wish to follow
the example of others, but I also did not
earnestly testify against it, but rather, from
a fear of man, remained quiet. Should the
merciful God, for the sake of Christ, once
more, out of pure grace, forgive me all my sins
and debts, give me his peace, and seal it in
me by his good Spirit, and also lengthen out
my life, I would, through his strength, lead a
wholly different life, deny myself, take the
yoke of my Lord Jesus upon me, and faith-
fully follow him. I: If your repentance is
genuine, as you have confessed to me, then
you are with the prodigal son, in the act of
going back to the father. In that example,
then, take to heart that which can give }'ou
courage. The son walked, and the father ran
to meet him. Like as a father pitieth his chil-
dren, etc. With him there is much forgiveness.
ThoiigJi your sins be as scarlet, tJiey sJiall be
white as snow. The weary and heavy laden

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 205

shall find rest, etc. But where sin aboi^nded,
grace did much more abound. Venture it and
come, and you shall not be cast out. Can you
believe this? Patient: Lord, I believe: help
mine unbelief! I : Will you pray with me ?
Patient : Oh, yes ! He desired to force him-
self upon his knees in bed, but could not on
account of weakness. I said to him that he
should bow the knees of his heart, and pray
after me, or sigh. After prayer, I inquired of
him whether the state of his heart had been
as I prayed. He answered with joyful coun-
tenance : I perceive more faith, and can hold
myself to the promises of God, and I feel
grace and pardon. He raised himself up in
bed, and was strengthened in soul and body.
Now, said he, one thing is yet wanting to me,
viz., the Holy Supper. Now, as he had never
partaken of it, and, according to his ancestry,
was of the Reformed persuasion, I inquired of
him whether he also had the right understand-
ing of it. In his reply, he gave to me entire
satisfaction from the word of God, and assured
me that he would receive it simply according
to the plain command and promise of our
Lord Jesus. And when I again asked whether
i8

206 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

he had any scruple to receive the same accord-
ing to Christ's command and promise in our
evangelical Lutheran persuasion, he said that
he had had sufficient time to examine in his
measure various persuasions in this country,
and found the greatest consolation in the
Evangelical Lutheran Church, because we
simply remain in the Word, and in its power.
By the grace of God he also wished to Hve on
it, and to die on it. After confession, I laid
my hand upon him, administered to him the
Holy Supper, and praised the Lord with him.
He said in conclusion, that if he should live,
I should come unto him, and still edify myself
more with him continually. But two weeks
afterwards, he fell asleep with confidence in
the Lord, and passed from faith to sight.

During the night in the said month of No-
vember, I was called from New Hanover
fifteen miles, to an Englishman. He lay very
sick. He asked me, whether I thought that
he might again recover? I answered: with
God there is nothing impossible, but according
to present appearances, he might perhaps soon
die. He said, that his soul's condition was
bad. because he was not reconciled to God. I

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 20/

inquired in what persuasion he was brought
up ? He answered : in the EngHsh church.
For long years he had been present at the di-
vine service, and also diligently prayed along
with them the common prayers. I : Have
you also experienced what true repentance is,
and a living faith, which worketh by love ?
Patient : I have never as yet been to the Holy
Supper, and have also not experienced repent-
ance and faith. I : Do you then now feel
somewhat of regret and sorrow, on account of
your sins? Patient: I feel a heavy load of sin,
and the righteous wrath and displeasure of
God, because of my sins. I cannoj: represent
God to myself, otherwise than as a stern
Judge. I : You are right. If you as yet
stood in your baptismal grace, and kept the
covenant of a good conscience, or if you had
again turned to God through faith and repent-
ance— been reconciled to him through Christ
Jesus, and had walked according to his Word
in the Spirit, you could represent God to
yourself as a beloved reconciled Father, and
rejoice in your departure. Patient: What
shall I do, that I may not perish ? I : It is
high time that you, with the malefactor on the

208 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

cross, turn to the great Saviour of the world,
to his atoning blood, and to his righteousness.
It is time that you, with the poor publican,
smite upon your breast, and ask that God, for
the sake of Jesus Christ, may forgive all your
sins. The faces of those who look upon him,
and run unto him, shall not blush with shame.
Patient : I cannot help myself; my sins are too
many, and my anguish is too great. I : Shall
I pray with you ? Patient : Yes, pray for me ;
I will sigh after you. After I had offered a
penitential prayer with him, I inquired how he
was ? Patient : I am somewhat more easy, and
am also able to believe somewhat, and I hope
that the Lord Jesus will not cast me out. I :
How do you stand with your fellow-men ?
Patient : So far as I know, I have lived in civil
peace with my fellow-creatures ; but I cannot
justify myself I hope that my neighbors,
whom I have offended, will forgive me for
God's sake, and if any one has offended me, I
also will willingly forgive him. I : You must
unceasingly turn in your thoughts and desires
to the Saviour of the world, and sigh : FatJier
I have sinned against Jieaveii and before thee,
and am no more zvorthy to be called thy so7i /

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2O9

Lord, ejiier 7iot into judgment ivith me ! Oh !
Lord, remember me in thy kingdom ! Oh !
Lord let grace be accounted for righteousness,
and mercy for Judgment ! Oh ! Lord, let the
atonement be valid for me, the great sinner !
Patient : Oh ! that I could receive the Sacra-
ment of the body and blood of my Lord Jesus,
for the strengthening of my weak and trem-
bling faith ! I : You have had sufficient time
in your days of health ; wherefore was it ne-
glected ? Patient : It was not properly en-
joined in our church. Still, I must admit on
my part, that I had often intended to partake
of it, because Christ had commanded it. But
when I had formed this purpose, a secret fear
and awe came over me, with the thoughts
that after having partaken of it, I might again
offend my Lord Jesus by sinning, and thereby
increase my condemnation. I : This malady I
find with many. Some have no proper sense
of the nature and object of the Sacraments,
and are unwilling to use the remedy before
they are well, and do not consider what Christ
said : the ivJiole need not a physician, but the
sick. Others would indeed receive it, if only
they need not experience repentance of heart
18* O

2IO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and faith, but might be permitted to continue
in their accustomed sinful course. You must
seriously examine yourself, whether there is a
true beginning of repentance and faith in you,
and an earnest purpose to forsake sin, through
the power of the holy Spirit, and to follow
after the Lord Jesus. Patient : I am sorry for
my sins, I believe on my Redeemer, Jesus
Christ, as well as he gives me strength to be-
lieve, and I am also willing, by the help of the
Holy Spirit, to amend my life. Because he
petitioned for it so much, and his illness in-
creased, I presented the saying of our sainted
Luther to him : He is truly ivorthy and zvell
prepared, who has faith in these zvords, Givoi
and shed for you for the remission of sins, etc.,
and administered it unto him. He said that
he was comforted and strengthened. Four
hours afterwards he died.

, At the close of the month of November,
when I visited the Swedish-English congrega-
tion to take leave of them, as the deep roads
and high water in winter would not admit of
our attending them, I had an edifying conver-
sation with a genteel English widow. The hus-
band had been naturally kind, hospitable, and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 211

benevolent towards the poor, and had died
about nine months before. The Herrnhuter
had wooed him much, but about his baptism
they had not been much concerned, but let
him die without it. The widow also was as
yet unbaptized, because her pai-ents, and espe-
cially her mother, held to the English Ana-
baptists. She said that she had been at our
Enelish meetincr on each occasion, and was
graciously visited by the Lord. As for Lydia,
so the Lord had opened her heart that she
gave heed to his Word. She was also con-
vinced that she, according to the command of
Christ, must believe and be baptized if she
would be a friend and a follower of him.
Since her widowhood, the faithful Saviour had
led her to repentance through pure goodness.
Whatever she recognized as sin and corruption
in her, she had wnth prayer presented before
her reconciled Father in Christ, and through
the Word of God obtained the assurance that
she should have life and salvation, and be
comforted, because she believed. At present
she could have joy and consolation in nothing
in the world, but the fliithful Saviour was her
nil. Much as she was afraid when God placed

2 12 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

her in the state of widowhood, having not
only a number of small children, but also the
sole management of an extensive household,
yet she found therein great alleviation, because
she perceived a special gracious providence,
even in the smallest affairs, and experienced
that the Lord would not forsake her in any
manner, nor yet neglect her. The Word of
God was her daily food and nourishment.
Still she must acknowledge when she read in
the Bible, and came to the places where some-
thing is said concerning holy baptism, she was
disquieted, because she had not as yet ob-
served the command of the beloved Saviour
concerning baptism, and yet he had expressly
said : Ve are my friends, if ye do zv hats o ever I
<oi)iinand yoii. She heard my farewell sermon
with great attention, on Matt, xxv., of the ten
virgins, and after the sermon invited me to
come to her house, seven miles distant from
the church. I took several witnesses along
with me, and spoke various things with her
relating to the command, the institution, the
necessity and promise, of holy baptism. In
the evening she requested that I should deliver
an exhortation in English to her domestics,

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 213

negroes and white people. After this was
compHed with, I yet prayed specially with her
and the two witnesses present, and then retired.
On the following day, she said that she had
meditated and prayed during the whole night,
and had been still more fully convinced of the
necessity of baptism, only she still had some
doubt about our mode of sprinkling, as she
found in the Acts of the Apostles that most
of the baptismal acts, were by immersion, and
various apostolic phrases, as: Buried ivitli him
by baptism into death, and the like, pointed to
immersion. I assured her that I would by no
means obtrude myself upon any one, and also
did not seek to get adherents, but to advance
the kingdom of Jesus Christ ; but if she would
receive an enlightened sense from God, she must
discriminate well between the essence and the
incidental circumstances in baptism. The chief
thmg in baptism was the covenant of a good
conscience with God, in virtue of the resurrec-
tion of Christ. There belongs to it on the
part of God the whole sufficient atonement by
the blood of Jesus Christ, his Holy Spirit, and
the water connected with his command and
promise. But on our side there is required

214 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

faith, which is wrought in children by the bap-
tismal act, but in adults through the Word of
God and his Spirit, and confirmed by holy bap-
tism. Now if the essential or necessary parts
are present, much or little water could add
nothing to it, but water would only be and re-
main a visible means whereby the covenant be-
tween the Triune God and the person baptized
was executed. When God, after the deluge,
made a covenant with eight souls, he ordained
the bow, resulting from natural causes, as the
token of the covenant executed. Now should the
bow appear whole, half, or the one-fourth part
of it, it could take nothing from the Noachian
covenant, nor yet add anything to it, and it
would still remain a sign of the covenant.
Some of our distinguished divines have them-
selves wished that immersion had been re-
tained, because baptism had its foundation in
the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and
in immersion the death of sin and the resur-
rection to a new life would have been better
represented to the senses. But according to
Christian liberty we dare not be punctilious
about such incidental and not absolutely nec-
essary circumstances, but may be satisfied if

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 21$

the main point is right. For it is not the put-
ting off of tJie filtJdness of the flesh, etc. Simon
the sorcerer had been immersed, but as on his
part a principal thing was wanting, viz., true
faith, much water did not help him. At the
washing of feet, Peter desired to be washed
all over, but his Master set him right ; it was
sufficient for this time if his feet were washed.
Whether the jailer was immersed is uncertain,
still the essentials were present in his baptism.
Whether Cornelius and his friends were im-
mersed is not clearly announced. In the time
of the apostles, and in the first three centuries,
many a believer on a sick and death-bed may
have been baptized without entire immersion.
If we used no water at all, as the Quakers
affect, we would do too little. If we should
stubbornly hold on to immersion, and cherish
besides false doctrines, like the Baptists, we
should lose the substance, and remain hang-
ing by the shadow. As respects the sensible
representations in immersion, or in our mode
of sprinkling, both modes counterbalance each
other ; because the Greek word ^a^r'i(,uy signi-
fies to sprinkle as well as to immerse, and in
sprinkling we can represent to ourselves, for

2l6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

edification, as many glorious passages concern-
ing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as
others can be applied in immersion. She at
length said that she had found spirit and life
in our doctrine, and now also had no more
doubt remaining concerning sprinkling, and
desired to be baptized. We prayed fervently
with each other, and she confessed the Chris-
tian faith, renounced the spiritual enemies, and
received holy baptism, amid many tears and
emotions of heart. Calumny and derision will
also not be wanting to her.

In the evening, I rode on towards New
Hanover on a new horse. The roads were
very deep, and when I had scarcely come into
the rough stony hills, dark night overtook me.
My horse lost the way, and got with me be-
tween morass and rocks. I dismounted, and
wished to find the way myself, but now and
then I fell into the bogs up to my waist. By
laboring so much, I became so heated, that
the sweat came through my double winter
clothes. I could not stand still, because per-
.spiring, I was afraid of being injured by the
cold. I was unable also to build up a fire,
otherwise I would have remained in the forest

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 21/

until day. After wandering about for two
hours, I at length came to a hedge, and found
a house, where I rested a Httle, and reached
the New Hanover school house about lo
o'clock. Several days afterwards I became
sick, as I have already mentioned elsewhere.

In New Hanover an aged widow was sick.
She had sent for me, but as I was not at hand
by reason of official labors, and first came to
her on the third day, she wept, and was of the
opinion that I did not wish to visit her, be-
cause she was a poor person, and a despised
widow before the world. I informed her in
love, that in surroundings so extensive, I, as a
man, could not be omnipresent, but with
great effort must plague myself in the bad
roads, in passing from one to another. As
much as I understood in the conversation
with her, she had already been a widow for
long years, had lived among Catholics in Ger-
many, and suffered much oppression, because
she was unwilling to let her children become
Catholics, but instructed them in the Protest-
ant doctrine. In this country she diligently
heard the Word of God, brought up her chil-
dren well, and governed them in a godly man-
19

2l8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

ner, and to all appearance she had been a true
widow, who remained solitary, placed her hope
in God, and continued in prayer day and night.
She contributed her mite to the building of the
church, and esteemed it a great favor and
kindness that the Lord sent teachers hither.
I prayed with her, and edified her with con-
soling passages, and administered the Holy
Supper to her. She wished me long life,
grace and blessing in my difficult office, and
said she hoped to see me again, in yonder life,
at the right hand of the Lord Jesus. A few
days afterwards I buried her, and understood
from those of her family that she continued in
prayer unto death, and also affectionately ad-
monished her children, that they should abide
in the Word of God and in the Protestant doc-
trine, and live aright.

In this past sixth year of my Pennsylva-
nia pilgrimage, I administered the Holy Sup-
per twice in my regular congregations and
out-parishes, and only discontinued the public
worship of God on two Sundays, because dur-
ing the rest of the time, in my necessary ab-
sence, the congregations were provided for by
my dear brethren in office. The number of

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2I9

children wlioni I baptized was about one hun-
dred and eighteen. I confirmed thirty-eight
young people, and buried twenty-nine persons.
The gracious Father in Christ be most heartily
praised, that he has borne with us in such
great patience and forbearance, kept my be-
loved official brethren in hfe, and preserved
our limbs in our journeys. May this same
essentially good God and Father be gracious
and merciful unto me poor Sinner, for the sake
of Jesus Christ, on account of my manifold
sins of office and station, errors and faults ; not
enter into judgment with me, but blot them
out as a cloud, and cast them into the depths
of the sea, grant me his Holy Spirit in my
difficult office, and through grace soon take
me out of this vale of misery unto himself, and
send laborers into his desolated vineyard, who
possess more faithfulness, strength, courage,
wisdom, experience, and gifts of office than I.
Especially may the Lord permit the beloved
Messrs. Brunnholtz and Handschuch to live
yet a long time, and increase and strengthen
their bodily vigor.

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.

CHAPTER II.

CONTINUATION OF THE REPORT OF SEVERAL
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS IN
AMERICA, ESPECIALLY IN PENNSYLVANIA.

/. Intelligence cancerning the most recent cir-
cumstances.

As may be seen in the previous article to
the the praise of God, among other things,
how the Lord had previously granted his
blessing on the labor of his servants in the
congregations in Pennsylvania, wherein that of
which pastor Muhlenberg has written more at
large, is to be so regarded, that a conclusion
may be drawn from it also in reference to the
work of the other preachers, so in this second
section, therefore, intelligence is to be commu-
nicated of that which transpired since the publi-
cation of the preceding fourth continuation, in
relation to the congregations in Pennsylvania,
and of the changes which have taken place
( 220)

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 22 1

in the situation, according to the more recent
letters hitherto received.

§ 2. As was already stated in the said former
continuation, two new fellow laborers were
again sent, Messrs. Heintzelmann and Schulze,
who in July, 175 1, began their journey from
Halle, by way of London, to Pennsylvania.
Now, as it was thought necessary that they
should be ordained in Europe, that on their
arrival they, according to circumstances and
necessity, might be immediately employed in
official acts, they took their way by Werni-
gerode, and after previous due examination of
their fitness, they were ordained there on the
nth of July, by the High County Consistory,
and besides also enjoyed many favors and much
kindness from the High County authorities,
and were abundantly refreshed by other good
friends.

§3. They thereupon continued their journey
by way of Magdeburg, Stendal, and Saltz-
wedel, in which two latter places they tarried
several days with the relatives of Mr. Heintzel-
mann, and not without special blessing, being
strengthened by them in the Lord and encour-
aged. Arriving in Hamburg on the 4th of
19*

222 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

August, they ag-ain went aboard on the nth,
and arrived in London on the 2d of Septem-
ber. After a short stay there, which they
sought to make use of for their further prepar-
ation and encouragement for their future cir-
cumstances, under the direction of the Royal
Court preacher of London, Mr. Ziegenhagen,
they again embarked at Gravesend, on the 17th
of October, and after a short voyage of eiglit
weeks, reached Philadelphia, safely and well,
on the 1 2th of December, where they were
received first by pastor Brunnholtz, and after-
wards also by the rest of the preachers, with
great joy and amid much praise to God.

§4. Among the many proofs of the provi-
dence of God on their voyage, they especially
recognized this as a great favor, that a mer-
chant from London traveled in company with
them from Hamburg to England, who on
their arrival directed them properly and kindly
cared for them, whereas otherwise, on account
of their ignorance of the English language,
they could not so easily have gotten along in
this strange and extensive city. And as they
moreover, in the short time they remained
there, could not acquire much of the said Ian-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 223

guage, so it was in like manner to their ad-
vantage that on their further voyage to Amer-
ica, a son of a very kind friend of the preach-
ers in Pennsylvania, from Philadelphia, was on
the vessel with them, who manifested much
love to them, and who was very useful to them
among the rest of the company, consisting
wholly of Englishmen, inasmuch as he spoke
both English and German.

§ 5. Now, when all the preachers had come
together and maturely considered all the circum-
stances, they esteemed it best that these two new
fellow-laborers first remain, at least for a time,
with the oldest two preachers, pastors Miihlen-
berg and Brunnholtz, as these needed help in
their congregations in their already considera-
bly wasted strength in the service of the Lord,
by accumulated labors. Accordingly, Mr.
Heintzelmann became the fellow laborer of pas-
tor Brunnholtz in Philadelphia, lives in his
house, and enjoys from him a free dwelling and
table, because at present the congregation is as
yet unable to decide upon a particular salary for
him. Until another capable schoolmaster is
found, he superintends the school three hours
each day, whereof he obtains the remaining

224 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

necessaries ; and assists pastor Brunnholtz in
preaching, catechising, and other pubHc and
private official acts. Now, as this arrangement
conduces to a perceptible alleviation, and his
upright intention and faithful assistance to a
great comfort for pastor Brunnholtz, so also has
the school (in which the organist does the re-
maining work) not only hereby attained to per-
fect order and good acceptance, but the most
certain blessing is also to be hoped for, when
the children enjoy solid instruction in Christian-
ity from their tender youth, and are led to
Christ, whereas labor with the old is often labor
lost. As respects Mr. Schulze, pastor Miih-
lenberg took him as fellow laborer in church
and school, and even from- his only moderate
salary, he allowed him the one-half for his
support for a time. Afterwards, the congrega-
tion at New Goschenhoppen made the request
that he should preach for them every two weeks,
which, with the consent of his colleague, was
also granted by pastor Muhlenberg, and ac-
cepted by Mr. Schulze, who in return for this
receives aid from this congregation.

§ 6. In that which relates to the other con-
gregations, it is to be observed in the first

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 225

place, that a change has occurred in the con-
gregation at Lancaster. Pastor Handschuch
had accepted of the office of preacher in the
same in May, 1748, for a time only on trial,
and exercised it there during three years with
indefatigable diligence and faithfulness. But
as the congregations in Philadelphia and Ger-
mantown became much too extensive on the
one hand, to be sufficiently cared for by one
preacher, and as the Theological candidate,
whom pastor Brunnholtz had taken for a time,
with the intent that each congregation should
at least have one regular sermon on each Sun-
da)', had meanwhile been sent to several other
con^recrations ; and as, on the other hand, vari-
ous circumstances counseled and required that
a change be made with pastor Handschuch,
all the preachers, after mutual consideration,
thought it good that he should take leave of
the congregation in Lancaster, and accept of
the call as preacher in the congregation in
Germantown, that he might labor in common
with pastor Brunnholtz, in both the congrega-
tions in Philadelphia and Germantown ; and as
necessity required, the one assist the other in
his official transactions.

P

226 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

§ 7. Now after this resolution was made
known by a letter of all the preachers, which
the schoolmaster read to the congregation at
the close of the divine service, many good-
meaning persons, who in part had been awak-
ened to a greater concern for their souls by
the services of pastor Handschuch, manifested
their grief at his approaching departure with
tears, and entreated him that he should remain
with them longer, and also repeated this re-
quest through several wardens. But he could
so much the less consent, as experience had
latterly taught him, that by most of the con-
gregation, his office was made burdensome to
him. He thereupon, on Sunday Cantate,
175 I, preached his farewell* sermon in Lancas-
ter, amid much emotion on the part of the
hearers, and removed to Germantown soon
after Whitsuntide, where he has hitherto ad-
ministered his office with a blessing.

§ 8. To gain more room in the church in
Philadelphia, several galleries not only had to
be built, but also various other things for
strengthening the building, and therefore
nothing of the debt amounting to over 2,800
Rix dollars could be paid; yet it was also not

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 22/

increased, because the faithful God, by his
kind blessing, presented the greater part to
defray these new building expenses. Now,
however, we hope that no further expenses
will be required. But the room obtained by
the galleries is not superfluous, inasmuch as
the whole church is for the most part so filled,
that there are no vacancies, whence the great
increase of this congregation is perceived
(consisting, however, mostly of poor members);
and it is very well understood, that whilst
Mr. Heintzelmann remains in Philadelphia as
the fellowlaborer of pastor Brunnholtz, and
the congregation in Germantown also has a
preacher of its own, that this is not more than
is needed, but that there is work enough for
all the three preachers in these congregations.
According to a more recent report, the church
debt in Germantown amounts to nearly 750
Rix dollars. May the faithful God still further
permit the fountain of his blessing to flow, that
first of all more aid be extended to both these
congregations, for the payment of the said
debts.

§ 9. In relation to the fruit of the Word of
God in the congregation in Philadelphia,

228 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

pastor Brunnholtz, under date of March i6th,
1752, reports briefly concerning it as follows:
*' As respects my Philadelphia congregation
of this place, of the most of them, and of the
outward great mass, I cannot exactly boast
much, as very much corruption is still among
them. But the Lord has granted me a small
gleaning in those who were awakened by the
Word to seek the path of peace, and who
permit themselves to be prepared for the rest
of God with seriousness in silence. Among
young married people, adult single persons,
servants, and children, I still always have the
most hope of seeing something accomplished.
I ever find at my instruction of the young
(Kinderlehre) (which I held in the church from
the beginning, and continued in these later
years with much pleasure and great earnest-
ness, and also since the close of the year 1 750,
began still another special instruction for the
youth, in my house on Friday evenings) occa-
sions such an attraction, not only among the
young, but also among others, as I perhaps
would not have obtained by mere preach-
ing, because the people comprehend and un-
derstand a discourse in question and answer

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 229

much better than a connected sermon which
sometimes is allowed to pass listlessly. On
Sunday afternoon, therefore, when I have in-
struction for the young in the church, there are
almost as many people present as in the fore-
noon, during the sermon. Many young men
provide themselves with small Bibles, take them
along to preaching and instruction, look for the
passages, and also indeed answer when neces-
sary. The most of them heretofore had no
small Bibles, but now, when they are put to the
blush by the youth they become eager to fol-
low them. Very many have their small Bibles
before them, and use ihem diligently during
the sermon and instruction ; so that I am my-
self often encouraged, because I see that by
these means they are kept more attentive ; and
they also have this advantage, that they
are the better enabled to repeat the ser-
mon at home, and to call to mind again the
truths delivered by the passages looked for.
A considerable number of the Halle Bibles,
therefore, have already been sold, and those
sent for this purpose are of great advantage
to us. Yes, the servants, or bought domestics,
indeed save something of the gratuities which

230 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

they occasionally receive, until they are en-
abled to purchase a Bible with it. If they are
altogether too poor, I indeed present them
with one-third of the price, so the object is
only attained. The young continually attain
to more ability and pleasure in answering, in
looking up the passages, and to show and to
draw the answers therefrom. This is indeed
not a real blessing, but still it is the beginning
thereto. The one soweth and the other reap-
eth, John iv. 36. May the Lord then not
let it be in vain that his Word is so abun-
dantly proclaimed here in this wilderness, and
also heard with much eagerness by both young
and old, and preserve this seed scattered, to-
gether with all the powerful emotions of heart
which are wrought thereby, that in time and
eternity an abundant and superabundant fruit
may accrue therefrom, to the praise of his
glorious name.

§ 10. By reason of the faithfulness which the
preachers exhibit in their congregations in
Pennsylvania, and the blessing which the
Lord bestows upon their labor, it is not to be
wondered at, that other congregations con-
tinually manifest a desire to be so happy also,

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 23 1

as in like manner to enjoy such faitliful pas-
tors. At least in such other congregations,
there are always found some souls, hungry
and eager for the Word of God, who not only
wish to be fed therewith themselves by faith-
ful teachers, but also when they see with
what indescribable trouble and indefatigable
diligence the Pennsylvania preachers gathered
their congregations, and brought them into
good order, they obtain the hope, that if their
congregations could share in such honest
teachers, these would be regulated in like
manner also, and thus the entire ruin of the
pure doctrine be avoided in the case of the
children and descendants.

§ II. It was this, also, which induced the Lu-
theran congregation in New York, which con-
sists in part of people from the Netherlands,
or who at least understand the Netherlandish
language, afterwards to call pastor Muhlen-
berg as their regular preacher, when he in a
journey to that region also came to that
place, and at the desire of the wardens
preached in their church. As they were at
the time without a regular preacher, and an
injurious division had arisen among them,

232 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

they very earnestly petitioned him that he
should not decline accepting this call, as they
hoped that the division would be healed, and
everything be fully brought into good order
again by his diligence and faithfulness. Al-
though he could not as yet determine to leave
his congregations in Pennsylvania, so also he
could not persuade himself to let the earnest
entreaty of the New York congregation be en-
tirely fruitless, without at least caring for
them meanwhile in some manner.

§ 12. For this purpose, he permitted himself
to be induced, not only to remain in New
York, in the year 175 I, from the i8th of May
until the 26th of August, conducted divine
service there, and fed both old and young
with the Word of God, but he was also willing
to go there again during the present year,
1752, for several months, when meanwhile
Mr. Weygand also, after the departure of pas-
tor Muhlenberg, had to remain in New York
for a time, and provide for this congregation.
In New Providence and New Hanover, during
the absence of pastor Muhlenberg, the ser-
mons and other official acts were provided for
by his colleagues, of all of which more ap-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 233

pears in the future articles of the report of
pastor Muhlenberg's official transactions. It
cannot be denied, that the worthy pastor
Muhlenberg, in his journeys to New York, and
his stay there, had to accept of many an in-
convenience and denial, as he left his family
in New Providence, and passed through many
a peril on his travels. But the desire of vari-
ous hungry souls found there, and the neces-
sities of the congregation so strongly moved
him, that he permitted nothing to prevent
him from serving them. Thus much may
suffice for the present, as a preliminary report
of the most recent circumstances, as in the
future continuations, the reports and letters of
the preachers themselves are to be communi-
cated, from which these and all other circum-
stances and changes will appear with additions.
§13. It can meanwhile not be otherwise,
but that the heart of the faithful servant of
God must bleed, who is truly concerned for
the advancement of his kingdom, when he
perceives the hunger for the pure publication
of the Word of God in so many forsaken
souls, and still has not the means in hand to
care for them effectually, and therefore must

234 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

let slip so many opportunities, when the work
of God might be advanced. The greatest fault
indeed consists herein, that so few of the large
number who have outwardly devoted them-
selves to the ecclesiastical order, truly have
the glory of God for their object, nor yet per-
mit a hunger for winning souls to influence
them ; and that among the few who have a
true desire in their hearts to carry forward the
work of God with zeal, there are still fewer
who are willing to deny their native land and
relationship, and to follow the call of God
abroad, not to say that there are many also
who have real hindrances in their way to keep
them back on account of their health, or their
parents and other obligations. Indeed, if this
lack of able and faithful laborers, so very much
to be deplored, did not prevail in our time,
such congregations, eager for the Word of
God, could sooner be helped, and God would
also impart the required outward means by his
hberal blessing.

§ 14. Nevertheless, it is also not to be denied
(as the Lord still has his true disciples and
followers everywhere, and among the rest,
also among the candidates for the preacher's

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2 7,$

office) that by the divine blessing, the neces-
sary laborers for the vineyard in Pennsylvania
may also indeed yet be gradually found. But
from the want of the necessary expenses
thereto, more cannot be undertaken for the
present to promote the salvation of these
souls. The congregations are unable to meet
such expenses, and so much has also not been
received by liberal benefactions, that even the
traveling expenses of one or the other fellow
laborer, to be sent, could be defrayed, or that
any further aid could be extended to the con-
gregations in Philadelphia and Germantown,
for the payment of their debts, We justly
commit to the faithful God (whom these souls
cost the blood of his Son) the care for their
deliverance, and for the extension of his king-
dom, who will also in due time hear the most
earnest prayer of his servants and children,
and himself send faithful laborers into his har-
vest, and consequently also whatever of tem-
poral blessings he recognizes as necessary for
the advancement of his work, he will gra-
ciously bestow.

§ 15. This is the fixed purpose of the court
preacher, Ziegenhagen, and of Dr. Francke

236 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

(who have hitherto faithfully cared for these
congregations, and to which they have been
accustomed for a long time) in all good insti-
tutions, having in view the glory of God and
the extension of his kingdom, to look only to
God, and to follow the tokens of his gracious
providence and guidance. Therefore, in order
to proceed in this most safe of all ways, they
also hitherto had no pleasure on their part, in
availing themselves of other means, although
in themselves unobjectionable.

§ 16. Thus it was proposed some time ago
to the preachers of Pennsylvania, by a certain
theologian earnestly concerned for the glory
of God, and especially for the salvation of the
congregations of Pennsylvania, to seek a gen-
eral collection in the evangelical states of the
Roman Empire ; and also for the gathering
of it, to send one to Europe by their own
means. But although there is nothing objec-
tionable in the thing itself, yet on account of
the many abuses which are otherwise wont to
occur with such collections, the above-men-
tioned servants of God hesitated to give their
counsel and consent to the employment of
this means. They rather committed it to the

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2^

only heart-directing power of God, in what
manner he would further awaken the hearts to
a voluntary contribution, and how many
means he would place in their hands, in whose
faithful application, they on their part would
let nothing be wanting.

§ 17. But some prejudices should be met on
this occasion, because Christian benefactors
might be hindered thereby from promoting
these good institutions. Some may think that
it is unreasonable to care for these people, as
the most of them went into this distant part
of the globe from their own irregular impulse,
and without necessity or calling, because it no
longer suited them to comply with good order
in their native land, and to support themselves
by the labor of their hands. Now, this con-
duct of these people is by no means to be ap-
proved, who as yet to this hour by hundreds,
yea, and by thousands, give up their regular
calling in which they already stand in Ger-
many, and by many deceivers coming from
America, permit themselves to be seduced to
go to Pennsylvania, but thereby plunge them-
selves into indescribable spiritual and temporal
distress. And that they should have any par-

238 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

ticipation in the irregularities of these people,
or approve of them and promote them, is a
thing far from the court preacher Ziegenhagen
and from Dr. Francke.

§ 18. But as regards those Germans already
living in Pennsylvania, it is quite a different
case. A great number of them have now al-
ready been born and raised there, and even if
their parents did wrong, and acted contrary to
the call of God when they removed to that
place, still their children cannot now atone for
that. But in relation to the old German im-
migrants who are yet living, or those who
only arrived in later times, they are now there
for once, and are unable to return again, and
also have so little calling, and as respects the
most of them, still less means for returning.
Now, if these acknowledge and repent of their
fault, and obtain a desire for the Word of
God, shall we on this account let them starve
with this hunger, not for bread, but for the
Word of God, because they placed themselves
in these circumstances ? Or shall we not now
rather seek to save their souls and to preserve
true religion among them and among their
children ? If God should never permit himself

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 239

to feel pity for the spiritual or temporal dis-
tress of those who plunged themselves into
it, we should all perish.

§ 19. Others think that the good institutions
established for these congregations are of no
permanence. Let such however consider on
the one hand what God has already wrought
hitherto, and how he has granted his blessing.
Shall he begin something, and not finish it ?
Or did he not hitherto prove that that which
is begun in his name, he is also able to keep
and to perfect ? On the other hand, the ser-
vants of God have to this time gone no fur-
ther, and in future also will go no further, than
the footsteps of the divine guidance go before
them, and the tokens of his providence mani-
fest themselves. Now, as they do not outrun
God, or undertake anything from their own
impulse, so they also trust, and indeed with
all right to his gracious aid, and confide in him
in strong faith, that he will still further show
his blessing.

§ 20. Others still are of the opinion indeed
that the institutions are already so far ad-
vanced that no further assistance is required
for them ; and they might well be strengthened

240 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

in such opinion, when they among other
things read in the preface of the twelfth part
of the Senior Doctor Fresenius' Pastoral Col-
lection: " How pastor Schlatter assures him
that the Evangelical Lutheran preachers had
already brought their congregations into a far
better condition than could have been done in
the case of the Reformed congregations ; which
resulted herefrom, that they began sooner,
and were bravely seconded by our fellow be-
lievers in Germany." This testimony of the
man (parson Schlatter) zealously exerting him-
self for the glory of God among the Reformed
congregations in Pennsylvania, may serve as a
proof of that which was adduced in these
reports, as already actually attained. But the
highly esteemed Senior Fresenius did not in-
tend by this that the institutions for the congre-
gations of Pennsylvania needed no further aid ;
inasmuch as he himself explained his opinion
in this behalf wholly otherwise in the supple-
ment which he subjoins to the communicated
true narrative of the shepherdless (Reformed)
congregations in Pennsylvania in the said
twelfth part of his Pastoral Collection ; as he
there, after the foregoing citation, adds what

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 24 1

was already done by the divine blessing for the
best interests of the Lutheran congregations
also : " Still I must here announce that more
honest teachers, as well as further respectable
pecuniary means, are necessary, if the great
need is to be thoroughly remedied, and the
American vineyard is to be so planted and
cultivated that its fruits may be perennial."

§21. As for the rest, we cannot read with-
out emotion that which said Reformed
preacher in Philadelphia, Mr. Schlatter, re-
ports of the condition of such Reformed con-
gregations in his published letter of the pas-
torless congregations in Pennsylvania, which
is inserted as noticed in the frequently-
mentioned 1 2th part of the Pastoral Collection
of Doctor fresenius. It cheers us, but also at
the same time justly shames us, when we see
therefrom with what zeal the highly-esteemed
Synod of Holland took to heart the distress
of these shepherdless congregations, and laid
it to the hearts of the rest of the brethren of
their faith, and which God also thus blessed,
that Doctor Fresenius could write in the pref-
ace: "There is no doubt that Mr. Schlatter and
his assistants are now also better enabled to

21 Q

242 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

attain their object, after such respectable aid is
put forth in Holland."

§ 22. All that which Mr. Schlatter truly re-
lates concerning the lamentable condition of
the Reformed congregations, may likewise be
applied to the Lutheran congregation. He
reckons the number of Reformed Germans in
Pennsylvania at 30,000, who are dispersed in 46
congregations, out of which 16 parishes might
be formed, and served by an equal number of
preachers. He reports that the congregations
united, and mentions what each one is able to
raise for the support of their preachers. But
he supposes, nevertheless, that for their sup-
port and foi the maintenance of a school-
master in each place, besides that which the
congregations give, an annual contribution of
2,000 Hollandish florins would yet be re-
quired; and with much zeal the Synod took
care to raise a capital, from the interest of
which these expenses might be defrayed.

§ 23. Now if (as may very properly be
done) we assume the number of German Lu-
therans to be twice as large, we may easily
understand that twice as many preachers also
and schoolmasters, and consequently also

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 243

twice as much would be required for their
support, if all the congregations are to be
sufficiently provided for. But as we in our
church in Germany have no such society or
assembly of theologians who could care for
such an exigency, with the emphasis as did
the Synod in Holland, so without extraordi-
nary help from God himself, we can indeed
hardly ever promise ourselves that the condi-
tion of our German fellow-believers in all
Pennsylvania will be brought into perfect
order and proper adjustment. Meanwhile, it
is nevertheless earnestly to be desired, that at
least the work begun in the congregations al-
ready standing under the supervision of the
preachers sent from Halle to Pennsylvania,
might be perfected and preserved in good
order and in faith, we justly confide in the
faithful providence of God, that he will thereto
further grant his blessing. Only remarking
yet, that this which was hitherto cited, was by
no means noticed to burden any one who is
not himself awakened of God to a liberal con-
tribution, as this would be wholly against the
intention of the said servants of God. We
have only desired hereby to remove the preju-

244 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

dices out of the way, which are found in
many.

§ 24. But on this occasion also, a reminder
is to be added for the sake of many members
of our congregations. It was mentioned be-
fore, that Mr. Schlatter thought it necessary
that sufficient aid be extended to those
preachers, besides that which the congrega-
tions collect for their support, but which is in-
sufficient, so that they may have a moderate
honest subsistence. It would also not at all
have been unreasonable, and where necessary,
it would likewise not have been contrary to
the design of the benefactors, if this could
have been done from the liberal favors re-
ceived, at least in the case of several Lutheran
preachers. For this reason also, many of the
members of the congregation may think that
their preachers have hitherto enjoyed the like
contributions, as they did not see that they
demanded even that which was promised to
them with any strictness, but rather were con-
tent with that which each one presented them,
from his own impulse and free will. But this,
until date, has still been wholly impossible,
inasmuch as the generous benefactions re-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 245

ceived were scarcely sufficient to defray the
required traveling expenses of the preachers
who were sent, and to make a small beginning
toward the payment of the church debt. Each
year, the preachers also transmitted to the
court-preacher Ziegenhagen and to Doctor
Francke, a full account of the remittances re-
ceived by them. In the present year they
also transmitted a repetition of this account
from the beginning until this time, from which
may be seen that all that they received of the
moneys collected was faithfully applied to the
wants of the churches.

§ 25. The Lord be humbly praised, that he
has begun graciously to care for the widely-
dispersed and perishing sheep by his Word
and by his servants. May he henceforth not
cease to send them faithful shepherds, and by
these to feed and to save them, and therein do
much more than we can ask and understand,
for the sake of his grace and compassion.
Amen !

CHAPTER III.

SIXTH CONTINUATION OF THE REPORT OF SEV-
ERAL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGA-
TIONS IN AMERICA, ESPECIALLY IN PENNSYL-
VANIA.

This present sixth continuation of the report
concerning the Pennsylvania congregations,
which is herewith presented to the kind
reader, contains the personal reports of the
oldest three preachers of both the years 1749
and 1750. What pastor Muhlenberg wrote in
said years of his official transactions is the
most detailed, although not near so circum-
stantial as the reports of the two preceding
years, communicated in the previous continua-
tion. The reason of this is easily found in his
journey to Albany, and in his subsequent
journeys to New York, where he remained
for several months, as well in the year 175 I as
in 1752. For as he is accustomed to make
an extract from that which he is wont to write
(246)

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 24/

of his official transactions for his own informa-
tion, and to relate somewhat more amply the
most important circumstances, especially of
the noticed workings of the grace of God in
the soul, it is easily conceived that these jour-
neys and the long absence from his regular
congregations, as well as the accumulated
work in these afterwards, did not permit him
to bestow as much time on writing this report
as he could spare thereto from his labor in the
preceding years. Notwithstanding this, the
kind reader will still find much therein which
is acceptable, and which may awaken him to
the praise of God for the blessing which the
Lord has bestowed upon his work.

Pastors Brunnholtz and Handschuch had
indeed also undertaken to arrange the report
of their official transactions in like manner.
But as these (in the constant contact and com-
mingling of official transactions in their town
congregations), had hitherto not so much time
left as was required thereto, they excused
themselves that they were not as yet able to
put their purpose into practice. Of the former,
therefore, there are only a few letters sub-
joined, or rather an extract from them of the

248 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

things which are most worthy of note, from
which, however, his honest intention, together
with his zeal for the glory of God, and the
salvation of the souls entrusted to him, may be
seen, as well as the condition not only of his
own, but also of the rest of the united congre-
gations. Now especially, as this faithful ser-
vant of God was at that time frequently very
infirm, he is so much the more excusable for
not having sent such a detailed account of his
official transactions as we could indeed have
wished for, as it cannot be doubted that it
would have been very acceptable and edifying
to read. He could not determine in mind to
send the diary, which he kept for his own in-
formation, without enlarging it, although he
even mentions that it would have been suffi-
ciently ample.

As on the contrary, the latter, pastor Hand-
schuch, sent a copy of his diary, just as he had
briefly written in it the daily occurrences, so
we have communicated an extract from it, in
the third article, although he did not send it
with this intent, but only for the information
of Doctor Francke. If this extract could
have been perfected by himself, it would doubt-

CONGREGATIONS IN AxM ERICA. 249

less have become much more circumstantial
and acceptable. In many places in his diary
he only noted in a few words that he had ob-
served the workings of grace in one and in
another during a visit in sickness, or on other
occasions, when in an extract made by him-
self he would doubtlessly have added other
circumstances which he remembered, of the
good perceived in these souls. But we did
not think it best to burden the reader with
such naked generalities, but omitted them in
the printed extract, together with most of the
narrations of his ordinary official transactions.
So much generally was otherwise to be seen
from it, that he manifested great earnestness in
his office. If any fault could be found there-
with, it is that he labored almost beyond his
ability and strength for the salvation of souls ;
inasmuch as he, not only for the most part on
Sundays, besides the two public services, but
also frequently on other da^^s, especially at the
time when those announced themselves who
intended coming to the Holy Supper, passed
the time from early in the morning until the
coming night, in attending to the numerous
calls, visiting the sick and the well, and in

250 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

other official transactions. It is also well per-
ceived that he had a favorable reception with
the most of them, although it was afterwards
not so acknowledged by all, as it justly should
have been. As for the rest, this extract is
connected with the printed extract in the
third continuation of his diary, kept on the
voyage, and in the beginning of his residence
in Pennsylvania, and therefore begins in Sep-
tember, 1748, but extends only to May, 1750,
because the report following that was lost at
sea.

In relation to the most recent events re-
ported in the last letters received from Penn-
sylvania, the following changes only are to be
noted for the present: i. Mr. Heintzelmann
was accepted as their second regular preacher,
by the congregation in Philadelphia. 2. As
pastor Muhlenberg could not leave his congre-
tions in Providence and New Hanover, the
congregation in New York called Mr. Wey-
gand as their preacher; to whose place, 3, in
the congregation at Raritan, Mr. Schrenck
was assigned, who is mentioned several times
in these reports, and who in the following
years always conducted himself well, and also-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 25 I

increased in theological knowledge and in ex-
perience from day to day. As for the rest, all
the preachers were well, and had recovered
considerably from the infirmity previously ex-
perienced. But of all this, and whatever else
further transpired, will appear in the extended
reports in the followmg continuations, whereof
the next will, with the divine aid, be published
at the future fair, and will contain much that is
edifying and acceptable of the years 175 i and
1752.

But the greatest concern of the preachers
consists herein, that for the instruction of the
numerous youth so few adequate institutions
are at hand, when nevertheless in a country
where such a multiplicity of sects and opinions
prevail, the highest necessity demands that the
young be established and fortified in time in
the knowledge of God and divine truth, by
sufficient instruction, so that they may not in
future permit themselves to be driven about
by every wind of doctrine. The preachers
have hitherto used all possible diligence and
care, but still the means which were required
are wanting to lay the foundation in several
places of school buildings which are still

252 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

wanting, and to appoint enough and capable
schoolmasters, and also to provide them with
the necessary support. In Philadelphia espe-
cially, as the chief city of the country, and
where the harbor is into which more than a
thousand, yea, perhaps several thousands of
Germans from Europe, annually are accus-
tomed to come, it is most highly necessary to
build a roomy school-house, and the great
number of youth require that at least from
two to three school colleagues should be ap-
pointed to labor in the school ; but the school
money received is insufficient to maintain even
one, and has hitherto only served to pay for
the remaining necessaries of Mr. Heintzel-
mann, except the table, with which pastor
Brunnholtz supplied him. The congregation
is unable to raise that which is necessary for a
school building, as they are yet involved in
much debt from building the church. In the
meanwhile, the preachers have the hope that the
Lord will further have pity upon the necessities
of the congregations, and especially bestow
the means for a school institute in Philadelphia,
when afterwards better arrangements can also
be thought of in the remaining congregations.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 253

Now, that it pleases the Lord to continue
his gracious providence for these poor congre-
gations, he has manifested by a very clear
proof in this, that besides other generous gifts
which arrived, a certain patron and kind bene-
factor out in Germany was awakened to appro-
priate a respectable capital for these congrega-
tions, and actually paid it over, of which he
retained the interest for himself until his death ;
but directed that after his decease it be applied
for the benefit of these congregations as neces-
sity requires, especially also among other
things for the establishment of good school
institutions, and that the entire disposition and
administration of it be entrusted to the exist-
ing directors of the orphan-house at Halle, ac-
cording to their best knowledge. The name
of the Lord be heartily praised, who has made
this dear patron willing to concern himself for
the advancement of the work of God amono-
these congregations, by such a generous and
considerable charitable foundation. May he
reward him for his great benefaction with a
superabundant blessing for time and eternity,
and grant his rich blessing to the future appli-
cation of the interest of this capital, which,

254 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

according to the will of the most worthy bene-
factor, is to be used as a permanent fund for
the Pennsylvania congregations. As this ben-
efaction, acknowledged indeed with all due
thankfulness to God and the dear benefactor, is
nevertheless quite insufficient to meet the
wants, the congregations also only have the
benefit thereof after the decease of the kind
founder, we also trust his kind paternal provi-
dence, that the Lord will further, from time to
time, graciously bestow as much as is neces-
sary to carry forward these institutions. Mean-
while, by this liberal foundation, these are es-
tablished as a perm.anent work, and the
servants of God, who have hitherto cared for
these, are thereby very powerfully strength-
ened in their trust in his providence, and en-
couraged anew not to let their hands sink, but
according to the grace which the Lord will
bestow, to advance and support these to the
utmost. But they look into the hands of the
Lord, and trust alone to his gracious aid and
blessing, which he may further bestow on all
efforts in behalf of these congregations. May
he also remember his messengers, whom he
has sent to these congregations, and care for

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 255

them in their manifold cares, wants, and suffer-
ings, strengthen them amid all labor, and ac-
company them with his blessing, that his name
may be praised therefor, and yet many souls
be saved eternally, for the sake of his compas-
sion. Amen !

Continued 7'eport of Pastor MuJilenberg' s of-
ficial transactions in the years 1^4^ and ly^o.

In the beginning of the winter of the past
year, a change occurred with the schools in
our congregations. For, when pastor Hand-
schuch and his congregation in Lancaster
were much concerned because they were with-
out a capable schoolmaster in the town for
their numerous youth, and I once intimated
that our schoolmaster and catechist in New
Hanover might perhaps suit that place, the
wardens of the Lancaster congregation took
the word, and ceased not until he accepted of
the service. Now the school at New Hanover
was not alone deprived of a teacher, but the
congregations of Upper Milford and Saccum
were also forsaken, and became dissatisfied
that their instructor of the youth was re-
moved.

256 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

As to the school in New Hanover, I sup-
plied his place with another young man, who
had kept school in the neighborhood for a few
years. He had come into this country when
young, and was sold to a distinguished
Quaker for many years. The little which he
collected in his mind of the Evangelical relig-
ion in Germany had prevented him from en-
tangling himself with the Quakers, although
he served many years among them, went
along with them into their meetings, and had
many temptations to go over to them, especi-
ally as he had no opportunity to attend Evan-
gelical divine service. When he had served
out his years, and consequently was free, he
applied himself to keeping school; but had in
the previous years grown up in darkness and
in ignorance, except that he had learned to
read and to write English, and had led a free
life. He came once and again into our meet-
ing in New Hanover, was convinced by the
Word of God, fell into a godly sorrow for his
sins, and now in this light, to his salvation, he
begins to know the one true God, and him
whom he has sent, Jesus Christ. He now at-
tends to the school before-mentioned in New

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 25/

Hanover, and also gives good hope that he
will ever better establish himself in true re-
pentance, faith and godliness.

As respects the congregations in Upper
Milford and Saccum, I cannot myself well
visit them in the rough winter months, be-
cause time and strength will not admit, nor
yet allow them to be visited by the present
schoolmaster, as by the former. Meanwhile I
must hear to my sorrow, that in Saccum a so-
called parson again crept in, who. on account
of his exceptionally vexatious life, had been re-
moved before, and that already one or several
brothers of the Zinzendorfer crept into the
houses here and there, and also baptized sev-
eral children. As soon as we have planted
only the least plant, and turn our back, the
parasites fasten on it, and devour ever}'thing.

In Providence, the neighbors around the
church also accepted of a schoolmaster who
had come from Germany. He has between
thirty and forty children to instruct, whereto,
however, the scliool-house is too small, as it
has only one room, and the schoolmaster has a
family. We will therefore be obliged to erect
another building by the side of it.

22* R

258 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Pastor Brunnholtz has taken our old friend
Mr. Vigera into his house, and lets him keep
school in Philadelphia. Our schools should,
notwithstanding, succeed better than they do.
The old trees die, and if we plant no young
ones, we cannot expect fruit.

January the ist, 1749. In the beginning of
this year, I had a funeral in New Hanover.
We interred the corpse this New Year's day.
A little girl of five years, who had pious par-
ents, died in the Lord. The child was a joy
to her parents and to me, because the Holy
Spirit had his temple and habitation in her.
She could repeat various edifying passages and
hymns, and stammer very sweetly and pleas-
antly of her Saviour, so that we could not
listen to her without emotion. The most of
her conversation (proportional to her age and
comprehension), was of the Lord Jesus, the
holy angels, and a speedy dissolution to be
with the Lord Jesus, amid which conversation
and prayer the child expired.

In the very same month, the father of the
before-mentioned child died also, aged thirty-
six years. From a desire to become rich, the
man had overdone himself in his younger

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 259

years by hard labor. But for several years,
the gracious God drew him to himself by se-
vere illness, and taught him to give heed to
the word. No less also was his pious wife,
with her quiet life and edifying speech, at the
proper time a promoter of his repentance.
She once heard him pray with tears : Alas !
blessed God, I have had so much love and in-
clination to earthly possessions. Root this
love and propensity out of my heart, and give
unto me a hunger and a thirst for my Lord
Jesus, and for his righteousness, etc., etc. At
another time, he was in his field, engaged in
the work of his calling. When his wife came
to him, he let the plough stand, and said : My
dear wife, I never could believe that I was a
sinner before God, because I led an honest
life, and w^as conscious of no gross vice. But
now the world is too narrow for me, and I feel
as if I should sink, because the Word of God
testifies against me in my conscience, and
heaven and earth from without testify against
me, and say, that among all men on earth, I
am the greatest sinner. Alas ! where shall I
find counsel and help for the hurt of my soul?
The woman answered : Now is the proper

260 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

time for us to bend our knees, and come to
the Lord Jesus, weary and heavy laden. With
various passages and verses out of the peni-
tential hymns, she sought to convince him
that he was welcome to the Lord Jesus if he
approached him with a truly penitential heart,
with a longing hunger and thirst for his grace,
and with an earnest purpose to amend his life,
through his strength. With such like encour-
agements, she also sought to awaken him, ac-
cording to the measure of her own knowledge
and experience, and remained his domestic
preacher until death. When I buried the hus-
band, and observed how the widow conducted
herself at the funeral, I found her sorrowful
indeed, but nevertheless not like the heathen.
She comforted herself with the Word of God,
and was very silent. Several of the foolish
people who were present at the burial con-
strued her calmness into a want of love to her
late husband, in which they however erred,
and gave me the opportunity to show the dif-
ference between converted and unconverted
widows, and to explain it to them in a manner
which they could comprehend.

On the 15th of January, I traveled with my

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 26 1

father-in-law, Mr. Weiser, to Philadelphia.
Now, as about this time four years ago, pastor
Brunnholtz, together with Messrs. Kurtz and
Schaum, arrived safely, we called to mind the
gracious guidance of God, and encouraged
ourselves to praise God for it, and to pray for
our highly venerable fathers, patrons, and ben-
efactors in Europe, and for our congregations
here, and thereby to be mindful of the whole
church militant.

On the 22d of January, I baptized a grown
child of an English neighbor in Providence,
for whom I had already baptized three adult
children. The woman is Low Dutch, comes
diligently to our meeting, and also permits
her children to go to our school. May God
give his increase, that they as branches may
abide in the vine, be purified daily, and bear
good fruit.

In the month of February, a man of the
Providence congregation died. He had been
troubled for many years with asthma and a
cough, and was miserable in body. When I
inquired after his soul's condition, I received
for answer,^ that he was a poor nothing, and
yet a sinful worm before God, worthy of con-

262 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

demnation, and comforting himself with his
Lord Jesus Christ. He gladly went to church
when his sickly condition would permit ; he
also read diligently in Arndt's True Christian-
ity. During his illness, he said to one of our
wardens, that he could not sufficiently thank
God that he had awakened our highly venera-
ble fathers to send teachers who cared for the
poor scattered souls. Shortly before his death
he had me called once more, confessed and re-
ceived the Holy Supper, and requested me
also, in taking leave, that I should bury him,
but not to remember his person, as he had
nothing at all in himself but corruption and
misery. But besides this, it is not our custom
to preach concerning the dead. We are wont
to tell the attendants briefly, that if they had
seen anything good in the deceased, they
should esteem it as a gracious gift from God,
and let it serve as an example in the order of
repentance and of faith. But where they saw
anything wicked, they should take it as an ex-
ample of their own corrupt hearts, and let this
serve them for a warning and for improvement.
He was buried in the Mennonite churchyard,
as he had lived near there. And as there was

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 263

a large attendance of various opinions and sects
present, I preached to them repentance to-
wards God, whereto they were very attentive.
After the sermon, one of the Mennonite
preachers repeated to me, with a deep sigh,
the verse, Deut. v. 29 : 0 that there were such
a heart in them^ that they zvotild fear me, and
keep all my Commandments ahvays. This
gave me opportunity to have an edifying con-
versation with him. At the funeral we had a
deep snow under foot, and a drizzle over head,
and I had to walk several miles to the place,
whereby I got into a profuse perspiration, and
caught cold by reason of the wet. This made
me sick and bed-ridden for four weeks.
Nevertheless, I had thereby to perform my or-
dinary official duties, and twice fainted on the
pulpit. I bled myself, but, as there is little
communication with the city in winter, because
of the bad weather, I had otherwise no medi-
cine wherewith to help nature, except domes-
tic and Indian remedies, which the Lord at
length blessed to my recovery.

In the month of March, one of the elders in
New Hanover died, whom I had found as an
elder, and for good reasons retained. He

264 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

was brought up in the evangelical reHgion,
and dihgently kept himself to the church,
both in Germany and in this country, but with
all this, did not lead the best life, etc. Yet
the gracious and long-suffering God loved his
poor soul, and would willingly save him from
destruction. Accordingly, he permitted him
to fall into a sickness seven years since, which
may indeed have been a natural consequence
of his sinful life, but was still accompanied
with chastening grace unto his salvation. He
could take nothing more of strong drink, with-
out recalling the most tormenting incidents.
Now he had seven years time to consider his for-
mer manner of life, to understand it, and to re-
pent of it, and to employ the present season of
grace for salvation. But before he perceived
the true cause of his malady, and would come
to the right physician, he employed all reme-
dies for the body which he met with. How-
ever, nothing would take effect. At length he
became silent, came to himself like the prodi-
gal, and testified several times that he regarded
his sickness as a special favor from God, as he
was thereby drawn away by force from his sin-
ful life, and by the saving grace of God gradu-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 265

ally rescued as a brand from the fire. In his
last will, he bequeathed three pounds to our
church in New Hanover.

In the same month, a man came to me
from the same congregation, and desired to
speak with me concerning the state of his
heart. He had already passed several years
in a legal work of repentance, desired to de-
liver himself from his sins without Christ, and
then always fell deeper into them. I spoke
with him several times, and directed him to
the destroyer of sin, Jesus Christ, which, how-
ever, was at no time quite successful. He said
that as often as he was in the church and heard
the Word of God, his heart and conscience
became tranquil and joyful, but when he
reached home the anxiety and fear again began.
It was almost with him as with the aged
Myconius, in the time of the Reformation, who
in the agony of his conscience had a sweet
dream of justification, and yet continued in the
same anguish when he awoke from the dream,
until he truly experienced the process of justi-
fication, by reflecting upon John the Evangel-
ist, and the epistle to the Romans. When
the before-mentioned man spoke with me on
23

266 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

this occasion, he assured me that for the sake
of Christ, the Heavenly Father had forgiven
him all his sins, as one who was weary and
heavy laden, and had imputed to him the suf-
ficient righteousness of Christ ; and now when
he was intent on leading a new life in faith, he
had already on various occasions to suffer
nicknames and mockery, which however occa-
sioned him more joy than sorrow. He testi-
fied that he was encouraged anew by the
funeral sermon of the before-described elder,
and driven to Jesus with his wounded heart,
when he ceased not to ask, to seek, and to
knock, until the paternal heart was opened
unto him in Christ, and he obtained thence
righteousness, peace, and free access to ineffa-
ble grace. We prayed with each other in
secret, which made him still more joyful and
confident. In taking leave, he said that I
would see that the Lord would shortly take
him out of this wicked world, although he had
only lived to see between thirty and forty
years, and must leave back a delicate wife and
uneducated children. In ten days afterwards,
he died with pleurisy, and requested me,
by his neighbor, that I should preach his

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 26/

funeral sermon on the text Isa. xxxviii. 17,
which he had experienced in Hfe and in death :
Behold, for peace I Jiad great bitterness ; but
tJwu hast ill love to my soul delivered it from the
pit of corruption, for thou hast cast all my sins
behind thy back.

Soon afterwards another man died in New
Hanover, who, in the first years of my pres-
ence here had been my bitter enemy, and who
permitted himself to be instigated against me
by associates. He led a profligate life, and
pretended withal to be a Lutheran, Now,
because I reprimanded him by the Word of
God, he conceived a furious hatred against me,
and also suggested to his brother's daughter
that she should make oath before the authori-
ties that I had desired wicked things of her,
and yet to my knowledge I had never seen
the woman. But before she could commit the
crime it was discovered, and the man appeared
publicly before the congregation, and acknowl-
edged his wickedness, said also that he was
sorry for it, and he gave it to me in writing
before witnesses that he had done this from
wilful spite. Afterwards he placed himself
at a distance, and again was present at divine

268 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

service, and also several times declared to
me that he would heartily turn to God,
whereto he was diligently admonished, and
also received from me spiritual and temporal
favors in his poverty, so that he might not
think that I entertained the least appearance
of revenge against his person and his family.
He at length still drew nearer, and heard the
Word of God with great attention. We also
observed a change in his conduct outwardly,
but whether a true repentance was effected in
his soul I cannot say with certainty. Thus
much a man of his relationship, who is some-
what enlightened, testified, that in his last ill-
ness he wrestled and contended veiy much,
and also said to his children and to those
present, O children, help me pray, for I have
mountains of sins resting upon me ! I must
otherwise sink if prayer does not prevail !
The before- mentioned friend said he had as-
sisted with prayer, according to his feeble abil-
ity, and thought that the patient had attained
grace before his departure. I was far away,
and was not sent for, otherwise I would gladly
have been at his death. He let them wish me
good night, and say that I should bury him

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 269

with the funeral text, Song of Solomon ii. i6:
My beloved is fume, etc. I did this, explained
the passage, and also the 2ist, 22d and 23d
verses of the i8th chapter of Ezekiel.

In the month of April, a young married
woman of the New Hanover congregation fell
asleep. She was enlightened by the Word of
God, and was able to give a reason of the faith
and of the love to our Lord Jesus, for she had
accepted of him in faith, and he had given her
power to be called a child of God, In inter-
course, I was several times edified by her
pious conversation, because she knew by ex-
perience how a weary and heavy laden sinner,
who has come to Christ and is pardoned, is
disposed, and also endeavors in his following
to learn meekness and heartfelt humility. Im-
mediately in the beginning of her illness, she
thought it probable that she would attain to
the rest which is yet remaining, and therefore
prepared herself properly for her departure. I
was invited to go up from Providence and ad-
minister the Holy Supper to her, but on ac-
count of other necessary official labor, I could
only go to her on the next day. When I

came to her, I saw that already some signs of
23*

2/0 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

approaching- death were present. She said : I
heartily desired to be once more strengthened
and refreshed in this mortal state with the
body and blood of my Lord Jesus before I die,
otherwise I might indeed already have de-
parted this life. When I asked her whether
she was prepared for a happy departure, she
answered : " I have a desire to depart and be
with Christ ! Lord, now let thy handmaiden
depart in peace, for the eyes of my faith have
seen thy salvation, etc. But that which makes
my departure hard are my minor children,
whom I must leave uneducated in this wild
and seductive land. Still, I have conmiended
them in prayer to my heavenly Father, and
hope that he will lead them in an even path
to heaven, and let none of them perish." She
confessed and prayed fervently with me, and
with hunger and thirst partook of the Holy
Supper, and fell asleep in the Lord five hours
afterwards, to the sorrow of all acquainted
with her. Her funeral text was taken from
John i. 47, Behold an Israelite indeed^ in
whom is no guile.

In the same month, I buried a man who
maintained his connection with the congrega-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2/1

tion in Providence, although he Hved some-
what remote. He was a diligent hearer of the
Word of God, and a benefactor to his pastor,
for which he had often to hear mockery and
backbitings from the sects among whom he
dwelt. At first he held to the body of people
with whom parson Andrea stands, but after-
wards came to us, and said that he wished
membership where he found the most edifica-
tion for his soul.

In the same month, a warden in the con-
gregation in New Hanover died. He had
been an officer in the military service of Sax-
ony for many years, led an honorable and
peaceful life, but may indeed have experienced
very little of a true change of heart, as in
most of his conversation he had the former
war history for a hobby, and manifested
thereby that of which his heart was full. He
suffered for several years from a dry cough,
but in the last year especially he lay in the
furnace of affliction. I visited him several
times, and said that he should turn to God
with his whole heart, and pray diligently with
David, that the Lord might not remember the
sins of his whole past life. He said, weeping :

2/2 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

I never thought that the last days could be so
bitter, when sickness and afflictions come, and
in addition, conscience awakes. I asked
whether one passage and another of the ser-
mons which he had heard in so many years did
not occur to him. He answered yes, and ac-
knowledged that God, by his Word and Spirit,
worked in his soul, and called him to repent-
ance, etc. He was admonished that he, ac-
cording to the fifty-first Psalm, should go back
with the holy David to the source of his cor-
ruption, and to consider well both original and
actual sins from his birth to the present time,
according to the law of God, and earnestly re-
flect upon the guilt and punishment of sin,
that he might be moved to a godly sorrow, re-
pentance and regret, and thereby be driven to
the Redeemer, who is our righteousness, etc.
He had time enough thereto, and as I hope,
the gracious God on his part tried all possi-
ble means for his salvation.

In this oft-mentioned April, the wife of a
church elder in New Hanover fell asleep.
She had been well instructed in her youth.
She could read, write and repeat beautiful
choice passages from the Word of God. By

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2/3

very diligent hearing of the Word of God in
the church, and studious searching at home,
she was gradually enlightened and drawn to
Christ. She had a consciousness and feeling
of her sinful condition, hungered and thirsted
after righteousness, and was also filled with
the rich blessings of grace in Christ. Accord-
ing to her confession, the penitential hymn,
From my transgression I will, etc., may have
been among others, a means to her more im-
mediate awakening and conversion. Now,
after she was refreshed in the Lord, she found
rich nourishment in the promises of God in
the Old and New Testaments, and among
others also, made good use of the beautiful
hymns ; as e. g., Alas all, which encompasses
heaven and earth, etc. ; O Jesus, my bride-
groom, how happy am I, etc. ; Wherefore
then should I myself grieve, etc. ; O thou
Triune God, etc. She had to suffer much in
her last illness, still she besought her Saviour
that he would grant her patience and faithful-
ness until her end, but melt everything away
which had yet been hidden of dross and im-
purities. When other foolish people regarded
the preachers as a burden, and their doctrines

2/4 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

as yoke-cords, she on the contrary thanked
the Lord with tears of joy, that he awakened
our highly venerable fathers, patrons and
benefactors in Europe to come to our help.
Her own brother, together with his wife, with
goods and chattels, had permitted himself to
be misled to Bethlehem to the Zinzendorfer,
which she heartily deplored, and made many
representations to him, in letters and orally,
but without the desired result. He thought
to bring her, and she thought to lead him, to
the right way. In her last illness, she admon-
ished me that I should remain faithful in my
office and in the Word of God, and not be-
come weary, that she might see me again with
joy before the throne of God. She had se-
lected for her funeral text, Psalm xciv. 19. /-'/
the multitude of uiy tJiougJits within inc, tJiy
comforts delight my soid !

In the same month, a young married woman
in New Hanover died in child-bed. She was
of Reformed parentage, and had several years
before, together with her husband, been con-
firmed by me, and prepared for the Holy Sup-
per. In her speedy departure I could not be
present, but still I heard that she calmly sub-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2/5

mitted herself to the Lord, and I had also be-
fore observed something of the hving seed of
regeneration in her. Her funeral sermon was
preached on I Samuel iv. 20.

On the 19th of April, a person of about
thirty-six years, the daughter of an English
widow, was united in marriage to her bride-
groom, in my house, by pastor Brunnholtz.
The mother was a Quakeress, and had also
dedicated this daughter to this sect, and con-
sequently also left her unbaptized. But when,
in the year 1740, a certain English preacher
filled Pennsylvania with the sound of the gos-
pel, -this person was awakened by the Word
of God, and led to repentance and faith.
Afterwards, she was variously and unceasingly
called, especially by the Zinzendorfer, to for-
sake the right way. But she diligently gave
heed to the Bible and to Arndt's True Christi-
anity, was wise as a serpent, but harmless as a
dove, and permitted herself to be seduced
upon no by-paths. Now, as she stood alone
and became acquainted with me, she came
diligently to our church, studied the German
language, showed a growth in grace, and at
length permitted herself to be examined in the

2/6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

congregation in her own language, and to be
baptized in the name of the Lord. She had to
suffer much on that account from both parties,
and the Quakers had already before sent her
a written ban or dismission, because she, ac-
cording to their manner of speaking, had asso-
ciated herself with the world. My colleague,
Brunnholtz, afterwards confirmed her, and ad-
mitted her to the Holy Supper. She walked
worthily of her calling, and proved herself a
Phoebe. Her mother was burdened with a
severe illness for eight or nine years, so that
she was most of the time in bed, and required
attention day and night. This daughter served
her mother faithfully, and for that reason re-
fused various seemingly advantageous oppor-
tunities for marriage, as she was unwilling to
leave her sick mother; and may therefore serve
as a pattern to all children, especially how they
should show their obligations to poor and
sick parents, according to the Fourth Com-
mandment, and comfort themselves thereby
with the gracious promises of God concerning
his providence. The faithful God grant that
these two persons in this newly-begun conju-
gal life may lose nothing, but daily grow in

CONGREGATIONS IN AN.ERICA. 2/7

grace, and attain the end of faith, the salvation
of the soul.

Just at this time, a student of philosophy
and law moved into my house, who in the
month of March had arrived in Philadelphia
in a ship from London. His name is Ludolph
Henry Schrenck, born in Luneburg. He had
heard the rudiments of the new philosophy
and some legal lectures in the university at
Erlangen. But after he had been at the uni-
versity several years, his means failed, so that
he could not subsist much longer. Now,
when he saw a report from Georgia, which was
translated from the English into German, and
printed at Gottingen, he was induced thereby
to go to America, and especially to Georgia.
For this purpose he went to London, and
tried whether, with the assistance of the trus-
tees, he could get to Georgia, and establish
himself there in conformity with his purpose.
But he received no attention, and in a few
weeks there consumed his remaining money
to such an extent, that he could scarcely get
on a Pennsylvania merchant vessel, pay for his
passage, and land at Philadelphia. When he
disembarked, he was an utter stranger, and
24

2/8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

knew not what to do or where to go, until he
was directed to pastor Brunnholtz, to whom he
complained of his present condition with tears,
asked for good advice, and exhibited the
printed report from Georgia, according to
which he had hitherto regulated himself Ac-
cording to universal love, pastor Brunnholtz
could not do otherwise than to care for him,
according to his feeble ability. But according
to the circumstances of this country, it is un-
commonly difficult to assist a German lawyer
to the extent that he may obtain a sufficiency
of bread. An advocate or notary he could not
be, because these must be thoroughly ac-
quainted with the English language and laws.
Besides, there are Englishmen enough here
who learn the art from the lawyers, like the
tradesmen in Germany. My father-in-law
thought of taking him to the Surveyor-General,
but he had only heard in part the theory of
surveying, and was without the English lan-
guage, which, besides, a German does not so
easily learn. An Englishman promised to
help him to his bread if he understood the
English language perfectly ; but who would
give him bread during the protracted time of

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2/9

learning it ? Of book-keepers, there is a
superabundance of the English nation. Mer-
chant or shop-keeper he could not be, as there
was no capital. For handicraft and coarse
farm work the educated are unfitted, and mili-
tary service there is none at all in Pennsyl-
vania. Tutors and preceptors educated Ger-
mans cannot become, as a sujfficient number
come in from Scotland and Ireland, who are
employed for these purposes. The German
schools are so constructed that a man can
scarcely live thereby, if besides he does not
follow a trade or the work of a day-laborer.
Thus poor Mr. Schrenck was in a bad predica-
ment, in order to get into a position to serve
God and his neighbor, and to support himself
honestly. He could neither get backwards
nor forwards. Pastor Brunnholtz shared with
him according to his ability whatever the ut-
most necessity required, diligently admonished
him to repentance and faith, and so arranged
matters that he should have his food and
maintenance for a time in my house. Accord-
ingly, he moved to me on the 19th of April,
and applied himself to the Studium Biblico-
Catecheticum, wherein he improved considera-

280 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

bly in a short time, and also gave me to under-
stand several times that it had an influence on
his heart.

Now, as above-mentioned, the congregations
in Upper Milford and Saccum were wholly for-
saken, and were enticed by rude, vicious, un-
called preachers, as well as the Zinzendorfer;
so we concluded to place Mr. Schrenck there
as catechist, on trial, after previous instruction,
and permitted him occasionally to prepare a
catechetical discourse, and after we had revised
it, preach it in the congregation. We told the
wardens candidly, how and in what manner
we received the man, and what our object was
thereby. The wardens had on each occasion
to send a sealed written testimonial of his dis-
course and of his conduct. They seemed de-
lighted with his discourse and behavior. In
the meantime, two very small congregations
petitioned to be received into our care, both
of which are fifteen miles from Saccum.
When, therefore, Mr. Schrenck had in about
every three weeks prepared a proposition or
discourse, and had the same revised by us, he
visited the four congregations successively, and
edified them with the one discourse, and again

CONGREGATIONS IN AxMERICA. 28 1

returned. The congrcf^ations are poor, live
far away in the rocky hills, cannot conveniently
maintain a regular preacher, but still they
would hear the Word of God, and not become
the servants of the Zinzendorfer, tolerably
near to whom they live ; hence we are forced
to do something tending to their welfare.

In the months of April and May, I instructed
fourteen young persons in the congregation in
Providence, confirmed them, and admitted them
to the Holy Supper. Among them was a per-
son of eighteen years, whose parents in the be-
ginning separated themselves from the congre-
gation in Providence, because the man was
proud, rude and foolish, and desired to rule
everything according to his own notions. The
circumstances were these : a small chest of
Bibles and hymn-books, etc. was sent after me
from London for the three congregations,
which were divided into three parts, and one
part given to each congregation. The wardens
of Providence said that their portion of the
books should be sold in the conereg-ations.
and the money used for church-building pur-
poses, thus it would be for the benefit of the
whole congregation, as there were not books

282 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

enough that each family, yea, not one in ten,
could get one, and consequently nine would
grumble wherever the tenth had the prefer-
ence, etc. This man, however, insisted on it,
that we should make a present of the books in
the congregation, and when this was not done,
he separated himself, proclaimed the church a
Babel, and held to those who (like him) were
opposed to us. Notwithstanding this, his
poor children held on to the congregation, and
wept over their father's obduracy, and were
often reviled and rebuked by their father on
account of their church-going. This person
was very attentive to the Word of God during
instruction, and experienced salutary emotions
by the Spirit of God through the Word. An-
other person of eighteen years also had indeed
been neglected in earlier years, because her
parents lived remote from churches and
schools, viz : in Oley. She was, however,
very tractable and desirous to learn, wherefore
I also permitted her to live with me for a time,
that she might lay so much the better founda-
tion, which she also did to my joy. Still an-
other, an orphan, who served with scoffers,
and was much neglected, but was set free from

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 283

these people by her guardian, and brought to
instruction, so that she might yet perhaps at-
tain to better thoughts, and be saved. The
master had put so many hes and calumnies
into the head of the poor maid-servant con-
cerning me, and among other things made her
believe that the parson would flay her and
strew salt into the raw flesh, that her guardian
had to bring her into my house almost by
force. I kept her in my house for about five
months, let her go to school, gave her to eat
and drink in the dear time, when I had to pay
even seven shillings and sixpence for a meas-
ure of wheat, and advanced her so far, that she
could make her confession of faith tolerably
well, and be confirmed with the rest. She at-
tained a fine knowledge of salvation, showed
herself pliant and affected, and afterwards
moved to her guardian. The rest manifested
themselves as usual, and were young plants of
the congregation, etc.

Towards the close of the month of May, I
visited the congregations in Upper Milford
and Saccum, exhorted them to unity, and
made known to them what we intended with
Mr. Schrenck, in their behalf. They were

284 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

much pleased with the proposal, and said, if
we did not set some one on the watch, the
congregations would gradually be scattered by
vagrants.

The congregation of York in Pennsylvania,
where Mr. Schaum has hitherto been sta-
tioned, earnestly petitioned us that we should
ordain their teacher. Now, as we had already
previously had permission from our highly
venerable fathers, we appointed the 4th of
June for the ordination, and the 5th for the
conference of the congregations, in the town
of Lancaster.

In the month of May, I was obliged to re-
visit the Swedish-English congregations, im-
possible as it seemed for us. The Quakers
and other sects around there had already pub-
lished various calumnies, and said the preacher
had not received money enough the year be-
fore, and therefore he remains away. The
English members, however, blamed the Swedes,
and these blamed the English, that I did not
come to them again, etc. Now, when I
preached there again for the first time, I re-
moved these prejudices, and showed them^
wherefore I had to hold back somewhat, and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 285

that my purpose with God is one more sum-
mer to take the burden upon myself, and to
care for the salvation of their souls. They
were very glad on this account, heard the
first sermon with tears, and entreated that I
should not forsake them. Thus are we en-
tangled beyond our ability. If I had an as-
sistant to aid me in my regular congregations,
I could take care of the poor forsaken little
side-masses along with the rest ; but so it is
impossible.

On the 29th of May, pastor Brunnholtz
came to us in Providence from Philadelphia.
On the 30th and 31st, he, together with
Mr. Schrenck and myself, rode fifty miles fur-
ther to Tulpehocken.

On the 1st of June, we remained in the
house of Mr. Weiser, edified ourselves with
the Word of God, and sought to rest our-
selves.

On the 2d of June, we traveled, in company
with Messrs. Weiser and Kurtz, thirty miles
further to Lancaster, and presented ourselves
to our brother, pastor Handschuch.

On the 3d of June, we examined Mr. Schaum,
finished the Vocationis Instrumenta, and had

286 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

them signed by the wardens and elders present
from York.

On the 4th of June, the second Sabbath
after Trinity, all the preachers and deputies of
the united congregations assembled at the
residence of pastor Handschuch, and amid the
ringing of the bells, went to church in proces-
sion, in the following order: I. Pastor Hand-
schuch and his church council ; 2. Pastor
Brunnholtz, Mr. Weiser, and the delegates
from Philadelphia and Germantown ; 3. My-
self and the delegates from New Hanover and
Providence; 4. Deacon Kurtz and the depu-
ties from Tulpehocken and Northkill ; 5.
Mr. Schaum and his church board of York.
My colleague urged me to preach on the gos-
pel of the Great Supper. After the sermon,
all present formed a semi-circle around the
altar, and were our witnesses, and prayed with
us when we ordained Mr. Schaum. After-
wards we preachers, together with some mem-
bers of the congregation, partook of the Holy
Supper, and closed therewith the forenoon ser-
vice. In the afternoon service, Mr. Kurtz
preached. In the evening at 6 o'clock, I had
to preach a sermon in our church for the Eng-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 28/

lish, as they had no preacher, and earnestly
desired this.

On the 5th of June, all the preachers and del-
egates went to church once more Mr. Schaum
preached, and afterwards we held a con-
ference for the improvement of our Evan-
gelical congregations. The congregations at
Raritan, Upper Milford and Saccum, had sent
no delegates, because they are so distant ; but
they sent letters instead, which were read be-
fore the conference.

On the 6th of June, pastor Brunnholtz,
Mr. Schrenck, and the deputies from New
Hanover and Providence, rode home with me,
and had a fatiguing day, on account of the
penetrating heat of the sun. We had also to
ride through the broad stream of the Schuyl-
kill by night; but notwithstanding this, by the
help of God we arrived in Providence at 12
o'clock, after we had traveled nearly fifty miles.

In this month of June, parson Klug visited
us, who already stood in office for several
years in a German Evangelical congregation
in the province of Virginia. From this coun-
try, Virginia, which otherwise is also called
Spotsylvania, several Germans (among whom

288 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

was one especially, called Stoever), went col-
lecting some years ago in all Germany, and
gathered a sum of nearly three thousand
pounds. They received the one-third part for
their traveling expenses and trouble, and for
the rest they built a wooden church, and
bought a tract of land and a number of black
slaves, from which land and slaves the parson
receives his salary liberally, and is not the
least burdensome to the congregation on ac-
count of his support. He complained that he
stood so entirely alone in that large and ex-
tensive country, as most of the inhabitants are
English, and was without the opportunity of
being cheered and edified by his German col-
leagues in office. He also said, that one and
another of the Zinzendorfer passed through his
congregation, but had obtained no firm foot-
ing. They also could not easily get into that
country, as the laws of the land are very se-
vere against such rovers, who are unable to
show a lawful calling and satisfactory testi-
monials. He promised to visit us again, 'i( his
life was spared, as he felt encouraged there-
from, although he lived perhaps three hundred
miles away from us.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA, 289

In the month of July, I was called two dif-
ferent times to an English married woman,
eighteen miles distant from my residence.
The woman was an assiduous hearer when I
preached in the Swedish-English church.
The woman lay very sick with violent epilep-
tic paroxysms. Both times I was unable to
speak with her, as she lay senseless in the
paroxysm for several hours. When I came to
her the third time, she remained sensible for
half an hour, wrung her hands, accused her-
self before God in prayer as a poor sinner, and
asked the Lord Jesus that he might have com-
passion on her, pardon her sins for the sake of
his blood and death, and set her free ; and de-
sired that I should continue the prayer, as she
was too weak, which I willingly did. Weep-
ing, she yet prayed perhaps for a half-quarter of
an hour with me, and fell into the paroxysm
again, and soon after died. The husband de-
sired that I should preach a funeral sermon
for her, which I did, on the text i Kings xix.
4 : // is enough, etc., in a large assembly of
various nations and sects.

In the same month, I was invited to visit
the small congregations in Upper Milford,
25 T

290 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Saccum, and Perkasie. I found in all the
three congregations one soul and another con-
cerned for their salvation, and eager for the
Word of God, which gave me joy, and moved
me still to send Mr. Schrenck to that place.
It is to be noticed that I had always to make
these trips on week-days, and on Sundays
hold divine service in my own congregations.
In the month of August, I administered the
Holy Supper in the said congregations at
Upper Milford and Saccum. I also visited the
two small newly-received congregations at the
great river Delaware and in Perkasie. In
Upper Milford I examined and confirmed
seven persons, for the most part adults, of
whom we have good hope, and admitted them
to the Holy Supper with the rest. In Saccum,
I confirmed two English married women, after
they had, during the examination, made their
confession of faith before the congregation,
and promised to live conformably to it. One
of these had been baptized the year before.
The merciful God did not permit himself to be
unattested in those souls, who gave room to his
gracious workings. I had fatigued myself much
in one day, but towards evening I had to travel

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 29 1

on, and as yet ride upwards of fourteen miles,
as I had to be in the third congregation on the
day following. They gave me two men along
as companions, as I did not know the road in
the pathless forest. Now, when night overtook
us, we lost our way, and came to a long
mountain, into dense thickets and bushes, had
to lead the horses, and with much trouble
creep around miserably for several hours. I
lacerated my face and tore my clothes in thq
bushes, and once also hung fast between wild
grape vines until my companions again cut me
loose. As for the rest, God preserved us from
serpents and other vermin, and at length let us
find a house where we could stop. Several
had told me in confidence that one of my com-
panions, who was unknown to me, was wont
to speak edifyingly, but did not always con-
duct himself conformably to his words. On
the way, I also noticed in conversation that he
had read edifying books, which delighted me.
But when we got into thickets, and knew not
what to do, and also in creeping through were
torn by the bushes, he became impatient and
cursed himself and his horse, for which I re-
proved him in love and earnestness, and said

292 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

a good tree yielded good fruit, and a bad tree
bad fruit ; a fountain doth not send forth at
once sweet water and bitter. The blessed
God enabled me to accomplish this journey
without perceptible injury to my health.

In the same month of August, I had once
more to enter upon the difficult journey to
Raritan, in Jersey, because it was promised and
was necessary. I there found Mr. Weygand
still active and well, and had a meeting of the
twelve church elders, and inquired : i. How
Mr. Weygand had conducted himself in the
past year in doctrine and in life? They all
answered, that he had taught sound doctrine,
assiduously cared for the young, and also vis-
ited the old, according to his time and ability,
and had conducted himself without offence.
2. Whether they intended to accept of and to
retain Mr. Weygand as their regular teacher?
Answer : Yes ; they desired for themselves no
other and no better, if he remained thus. 3.
Whether they would release us, and permit
Mr. Weygand to be ordained by the New
York preachers, because my colleagues in
office are infirm in body, and I am too feeble
to make such a long journey alone ? Answer:

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 293

No ; they would have nothing to do with the
New York preachers, but they entreated that
we, in their name, should most humbly request
our highly venerable fathers in Europe to con-
sent to his ordination, and to retain Mr. Wey-
gand under our supervision. 4. Whether they
intended to give Mr. Weygand a regular call,
in order that I could send out a copy of it?
Answer : They were afraid, as they had already
been unfortunate with Mag. Wolf, and appre-
hended it might also fail with this one, because
he was not regularly called by us, and also
not sent thus. Nevertheless, I should find a
middle way and preserve them from misfor-
tune. I accordingly wrote a call in the Eng-
lish language, wherein he was called according
to the pure doctrine of the apostles and pro-
phets, with this condition, to be their preacher
as long as he teaches and lives according to
it. But in case the contrary should appear,
he shall be obliged to submit himself to the
examination and judgment of our highly ven-
erable fathers. But as the ordination had not
as yet taken place, and we had still further to
test Mr. Weygand, so this call, which was
signed by most of the members of the congre-
2,*

294 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

gation, was to be preserved by the elders of
the church in the church-chest, and only a
copy of it be given to him, so that he could
not at any time misuse the original before the
authorities for a sword, as did Mr. Wolf This
was acknowledged as proper by Mr. Weygand,
and by the congregation. On the day follow-
ing, preparatory service and confession was
held with the congregation, and the young
people, in part married and in part single,
about thirty in number, were examined by me
on the Order of Salvation. I found that
Mr. Weygand had shown considerable dili-
gence and faithfulness to those young people in
their instruction, and I also observed that they
were much affected. In a word, the renewal
of the baptismal covenant and confirmation
took place amid many tears of the old and the
young, and of the preachers. After divine
service, Mr. Weygand conferred with me par-
ticularly, and I delivered to him the testi-
monial which we had drawn up to the Gov-
ernor of Jersey at his desire and the desire of
the congregation, concerning a collection for
their church. He then conversed with me
a Dutch married woman who was

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 295

already engaged in a difficult work of repent-
ance for about three months, and was as yet
without peace, but against her will was har-
assed with dreadfully wicked thoughts. I
had an opportunity to speak to the woman
herself, and found that some bodily infirmity
contributed much to her anxiety, whereby the
Spirit of God, by means of the Word, did not
leave himself unwitnessed, only nature and
grace, according to their operations, are difficult
to distinguish in such persons.

On Sunday, Mr. Weygand preached before
a numerous assembly, who sat so crowded in
an old wooden church building, that many
could scarcely guard themselves against faint-
ing in the exceptionally hot weather. After
the sermon, I made an address, and briefly
■presented the following: i. I showed under
what circumstances we became acquainted
with them, and were invited to care for the
congregation, besides our own. 2. How we
have hitherto been concerned for their souls'
best welfare. 3. In what manner Mr. Wey-
gand came to us. 4. That he was tried ac-
cording to his doctrine and life, first for a
quarter of a year by us in Pennsylvania, and

296 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

now three-quarters of a year by them. 5.
That accordingly, on the day previous, the
elders of the church and the members of the
congregation present prepared a regular call,
with the desire to obtain from our highly
venerable fathers in Europe a confirmation of
the same, and permission for his ordination.
6. According to our infirmity, we had now
done our part, given heed to the footsteps of
God, and heard what God spake with us by
the circumstances. 7. They might indeed
think with others — with the multitude abusing
their liberty — that there was no ordination
necessary, as the cause itself prospered so far.
But if they desired to be and to remain a part
of our Evangelical church in Pennsylvania,
and we altogether a part of the Evangelical
mother church in Europe, it was proper for us
to observe all good order. I have no doubt
but that the highly venerable fathers, after un-
derstanding the matter in connection, would
kindly give their consent, so that the ordina-
tion could take place at the next conference.
I would not promise to come again, and I also
had no certain order from my brethren in of-
fice to make such a promise. Thereupon, I di-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 29/

rected myself (8) to Mr. Weygand especially,
testified briefly what care and anxiety we have
had in our other official burdens for these wild
and forsaken congregations, and how readily
young persons sometimes at first take upon
themselves a call, and the burden of office,
when they do not sufficiently understand and
consider their own weakness, the importance
of the difficult office, and the heavy responsi-
bility, etc. I asked him whether he trusted
himself, by the grace and aid of God, to propa-
gate the pure doctrine according to the founda-
tion of the apostles and prophets, and our
Symbolical books, and to adorn it with a
godly walk, as an example to the flock ?
Weeping, he answered yes ; and thereupon
gave me his hand, and I said, if he by false
doctrine, and a disorderly life, should injure
anything by neglect, the Lord would demand
that blood at his hands ; but if he was faith-
ful, exercised his office in divine power, and
with all his heart, then also would grace,
mercy and peace from God through Jesus
Christ be multiplied over and in him, etc.

After this, I delivered a brief exhortation to
the congregation, and especially to the com-

298 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

municants, and administered the Holy Supper.
After the close of the divine service, I again
collected myself a little, and then preached to
the dispersed English church people, and to
the Hollanders, in the English language, on
Luke XV., of the son who was lost and found
again. Although I was indeed very faint, yet
as it seemed, the Holy Spirit accompanied the
word to the hearts of the hearers. May God
permit it to result in fruit and blessing to the
glory of his name ! The people of Raritan
have already built their church until it is un-
der roof, and it is a handsome massive brick-
work. They desired that I should once more
visit the fourth congregation in the hills, and
see whether they would not come hither again,
and unite with the new church. I did this.
but could accomplish nothing. They said that
they had in part from twelve to fourteen miles
to the new church, and could not take their
old people and their young children so far
without injury to their health, etc., and desired
that Mr. Weygand should preach for them
every third Sunday. The three united con-
gregations said that they had for this reason
built the new church as nearly as possible in

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 299

the middle of the four congreg-ations, and had
themselves also in part to travel from ten to
twelve miles ; that they could not let them
have their preacher on the third Sunday, as
this would curtail and scatter the three con-
gregations, and then the new church would
again stand there, empty and useless. They
said, that if they regularly held to the new
church, then Mr. "VVeygand might occasion-
ally, during the week, preach and hold in-
struction for the young with those living in
the hills. But they did not want this, and de-
sired that I should direct them to a preacher
of their own, etc. I took leave, and on the
following day traveled towards home. Late
in the evening of the next day, we reached the
great river Delaware, which divides Jersey and
Pennsylvania, and rode past a tavern where
there was a tumult and a clamor, as in Sodom
and Gomorrah. We had, therefore, to apply for
quarters for the night to a Hollandish widow
near there.

In the month of September, I was taken to
an English Quaker, five miles from New Han-
over. The man is of tolerably rich parentage,
and had also married a woman, perhaps for the

300 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

sake of riches, who was born of EngHsh
church people, baptized and raised by them.
Some years ago, the woman came to New
Hanover to church on several occasions, when
I preached English. But she was ridiculed on
this account by the friends of her husband.
Now, as she led a quiet, honorable life, and
still occasionally manifested a desire to hear
the Word of God in our church, the friends
employed flattering words, and said she had no
need of going to church, as she was surely a
pattern of virtue without this, and therefore
would be eternally happy. She at length per-
mitted herself to be lulled asleep, until she
came upon her dying-bed, when she said that
she must once more necessarily speak with
her preacher. The friends desired to bring a
Quaker preacher, wherewith, however, she was
not satisfied, but insisted that I should come to
her. Now, although they indeed regarded it
as almost disgraceful, still they dared not re-
fuse her dying request. When I entered the
room, I found a considerable number of the
Quaker relationship assembled, in part also
women preachers. The woman herself indeed
was still in the full possession of her reason,

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3OI

but nevertheless, we noticed some signs already
of approaching death. I inquired : What is
your foundation, on which you would live and
die ? Answer : The church. Question : The
word church has many different significations ;
do you perhaps mean the means of grace
which God has entrusted to his church, viz.,
the Word of God, i. e., the law and the gospel
and the holy sacraments, or do you mean the
head of the church, which is Christ Jesus, the
Saviour of the world ? Answer : I found my
salvation upon Jesus Christ. Question : Have
you also experienced repentance toward God
and faith in the Lord Jesus ? Answer : I am
no gross sinner. Question : Have you not
sinned against the holy Ten Commandments
of God ? Answer : No ; I have committed
no gross sins against the Ten Commandments.
Question : Have you not sinned against the
commands of God in thoughts, desires, and
inclinations ? Answer : O, I have been very
quiet and gentle from my youth up. Those
present corroborated this, and said that she
had been a singularly good person ; if only
all mankind were such as she, then they could
not fail of eternal salvation. I answered : You
26

302 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

are very near unto death, and therewith your
soul is in a dangerous condition, and if you
have no other and better righteousness than
the Pharisees, you will not enter into the king-
dom of heaven. The Pharisees trusted to
their outward honesty and piety, and yet, ac-
cording to their inward corruption, they were
an abomination before God, so that the Saviour
of the world, who tries the hearts and the
reins, uttered an eight-times-repeated woe
against them in the twenty-third chapter of
Matthew ! Your own righteousness, which
you would present before God, is only a filthy
garment. It may be that you have been pre-
served from the grossest crimes against the Ten
Commandments, but where has there been a
true, living fear of God, a perfectly pure love,
and a filial confidence in God ? How feeble,
slothful, and indolent have you not indeed been
to acknowledge the most holy name of God, to
honor, to praise, and to glorify him. How
little respect have you manifested towards the
sermon, the Word of God, and the Holy
Sacraments. And so examine yourself fur-
ther, according to all the Commandments,
which are spiritual, and of right require of us

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3O3

that which was entrusted by God unto our first
parents. We are carnal, and how shall we
stand before the most holy God with our tat-
tered morality and honesty ? When you have
considered this, think further wherefore the
most holy Son of God, as Saviour of the
world, suffered so much, as you may have
read in the gospels. He was surely most in-
nocent. Now there must certainly be reasons
wherefore he suffered so much and died. He
himself says : Thou hast made me to serve
with thy sins, thou hast weaned me with thine
iniquities. /, even /, am lie that blotteth out thy
trafisgressiofis, for mine own sake, etc. She at
length admitted that she had omitted much
good, and committed much evil in thoughts
and desires, wept and said : Did I then think
the Lord Jesus would reject and condemn
her ? I replied : That he would certainly not
accept of her for the sake of her own right-
eousness, and he also would not reject her on
account of her sins, if she acknowledged her-
self as a sinner worthy of condemnation, and
manifested repentance and sorrow therefor,
and took her refuge in the perfect righteous-
ness of Jesus Christ. For as Moses lifted up

304 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the serpent in the wilderness, so also was the
Son of Man lifted up on the cross so that all
who believe in him should not perish, etc. For
God so loved the world, etc. If she would
have part in it, she should indeed instantly
reckon her own righteousness and unbelief to
the most grievous sins, and with the poor sin-
ful woman, Luke vii., call to the Redeemer,
who is near to her heart, and with the Publi-
can, Luke xviii., smite upon her breast, and
pray for grace and reconciliation. In this or-
der, the Lord Jesus would not cast her out,
but graciously receive her, forgive her her
sins, clothe her with the garments of salvation
and with the cloak of righteousness, and con-
duct her as a bride to the Heavenly Father.
She began to pray penitently, that the Lord
Jesus might indeed not reject her on account
of her sins, but let grace and mercy prevail.
She also said, that if she should yet live some-
what longer, that she would regulate her life
somewhat differently, and through his grace
walk more seriously before him. Afterwards,
I bowed my knee, and prayed a penitential
prayer with her. Those present remained
standing, as they are not accustomed to kneel,

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 305

neither think fav^orably of loud prayer. After
prayer, I inquired liow it was with her ? An-
swer : She only desired the one favor, that the
Lord Jesus may not reject her ! I took leave,
and admonished those present that they should
spare her with their encomiums, and read
something for her out of the Bible of repent-
ance and faith. In going away, the man offered
me a piece of money, but I did not take it, and
left him with a word of exhortation. The
next night she died. She intimated that she
wished to be buried in our churchyard. A
person connected with the government of the
relationship, who loves the right, earnestly ad-
vised that they should bury her, and let her
repose with those of her faith. But it was not
done. The Quakers had to make a show
therewith, and bury her in their place of inter-
ment, as she was such a pattern of morality.
To me it was a matter of indifference as re-
spects the body, if only the poor soul found
its right home.

In the months of September and October,
besides my regular labor, I had to instruct a
small number of young persons in New Hano-
ver for the Holy Supper.

306 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

As one member and another of the Indian-
field congregation, which parson Andrea had
served hitherto, held to us in Providence, and
desired much that I should occasionally visit
them in their place, and edify them with a
sermon and catechisation, I was compelled
to concede to their request. But I feared
a disturbance by Andrea's party, who had
possession of the church, and threatened
very much, and I therefore several times had
a meeting with a small number in a private
house. But when this became too small, the
Reformed opened their church for us, where
before winter we met several times during
week-days. I once made an appointment to
preach there on a Sunday afternoon, when so
many people assembled that the Reformed
church also was much too small, and I had to
preach under the open heaven.

In the month of November, I confirmed the
young persons whom I had instructed in New
Hanover, and admitted them to the Holy Sup-
per. They were twenty-six in number, for the
most part adults, among whom was one mar-
ried man. They had memorized the Order of
Salvation pretty well, and were al«o diligently

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 307

led to the sense and understanding of it, and
unceasingly admonished to bring all into their
prayers and into practice, and therefore they
can have no excuse before God, that they had
not been sufficiently moved, and pathetically
affected. Most of them also assured me in
special conversation, that they had often at
home on their knees prayed in secret, and had
experienced the effective power of the Spirit
of God in their souls by means of the Word.
At their confirmation, kneeling, they renewed
their baptismal covenant before God and the
congregation with many tears. We can only
plant and water ; God is willing and ready to
give the increase, if only men themselves do
not forfeit his grace, and cast it to the winds.

On the 1 8th of November, I traveled sixteen
miles from my house to the Swedish-English
congregation, held divine service there, and
again returned ten miles to New Hanover, and
preached the following day as usual.

On the 20th of November, Mr. Schrenck
came from my house to New Hanover, and
was ready to go further with me. The ex-
treme necessity of helping the mountain con-
gregations, the good hope of Mr. Schrenck's

308 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

growth in grace, the consent of my brethren in
office, and the suppHant entreaty of the con-
gregations, induced me to introduce him there
as catechist on trial for one year. Accord-
ingly, we traveled on said 20th of November,
fifteen miles further to Upper Milford, where I
administered the Holy Supper to the con-
gregation after previous confession and prep-
aration. A couple of newly-arrived Wiir-
tembergers, who had given offence to the
congregation, by sporting and dancing,- were
refused, and exhorted to repentance, and an-
other was again received, who had been before
excluded.

After the affairs of this congregation were
brought into the order possible, we traveled
four miles further to Saccum, where, on the
22d of November, I had confession and the
Lord's Supper with delight, because the com-
municants showed themselves orderly, tract-
able and hungering after grace, and the mem-
bers of the congregation stood in pleasant
harmony. His new lodgings were pointed
out to Mr. Schrenck, who was much afraid, as
he was not accustomed to such poor circum-
stances. As it seems, there is still the largest

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 309

number of pliant souls and souls hungering
after grace in this congregation, although ob-
stinate ones also are not wanting.

On the 23d of November, we set out early,
and rode sixteen miles, in terribly cold weather,
to the recently-accepted congregation at the
river Delaware, at the Fork, as it was called.
I there held confession and the Holy Supper
with the members of the congregation, who
had been examined and recorded several
weeks before by Mr. Schrenck. I set things
in order in the congregation, and in the even-
ing rode through the river, for the purpose of
visiting a good friend in Jersey, and to pass
the night there.

On the 24th of November, we traveled
twenty-two miles back to the fourth congrega-
tion in Perkasie, as it is called. In this con-
gregation we became acquainted with one and
another well-meaning soul ; but as for the rest,
they seem to be a rude, wild multitude, who
had been much corrupted and hardened in
wickedness by the vagrant preachers.

On the 25th of November, I held divine
service in Perkasie, and endeavored to bring
the multitude somewhat into order.

310 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Now, as I had to hold divine service in
Providence on the 26th of November, and had
as yet to ride twenty miles to my residence, I
was obliged to set out from Perkasie on the
25th of November, in the afternoon at 3
o'clock. They gave me a guide. Night soon
overtook us, and therefore we could not ride
rapidly, and only came to the Perkiomen creek
at 1 1 o'clock at night, which is still two miles
away from my house. To our great surprise,
we perceived that the stream since my depart-
ure was frozen over hard, and covered with
ice, by reason of the cold weather. My com-
panion only had a small horse, which in addi-
tion was unshod, consequently I had to go
before and break the ice. I did this at the
peril of my life, and remained in the saddle,
notwithstanding the leaping and rearing of my
horse, and let my companion follow in the
footsteps and holes which my horse had
broken. In breaking the ice, my horse had
always to raise himself up in front, and at the
same time break a hole with the fore-feet, and
keep the piece of ice on the bottom until he
leaped after with the hind feet, and then went
still further forward. I got over safely, but on

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3II

account of the dark night, I missed the outlet
on the other side, and came with my compan-
ion to a bank, which was high and almost
perpendicular. Back I would not again ven-
ture, for the broken holes were not easily
found again in the darkness. We took off the
saddles, and by the aid of some bushes clam-
bered up on land, and resolved to make an at-
tempt with our horses also. We tied the
girths to the bridle of the small horse, and
compelled him to stand on his hind feet, so
that he could reach on the bank with his fore-
feet. We pulled, and the horse helped him-
self bravety onward with the hind feet, and
safely reached the shore, as he was young and
nimble. But when we would do the same
with my horse, that was old and stiff, the
bridle broke, and the poor beast fell backward
with all his weight into the ice, so that he lay
on the ground on his back in the water, with
his legs up, and locked in by the ice, and must
thus have been drowned. I gave up the poor
beast, because I saw no possibility to help.
My companion, however, would not rest, but
in great anxiety he cut a leaver with a small
knife, sprang down with it, and made a great

312 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Opening in the ice, helped the horse, that he
laid on one side, and at length worked himself
on his feet again. Thereupon the horse anew-
broke through again, and would go back on
the other side, but on account of weakness
stuck fast in the middle of the stream in the
ice, so that we could help no more in any
manner. We laid our saddles and baggage
upon the one horse, and wished to go the rest
of the way home on foot, lost ourselves in the
dark thickets, and walked around for about
half an hour in a circle, until the stars once
appeared in the heavens, and showed us the
country where we were, when we then got
home about 3 o'clock. Early in the morning
I sent several neighbors to the stream, who
met the horse as yet in the middle of the
stream in the ice. They released him with
trouble, and brought him home half dead. I
was active, so that on that day I was able to
perform divine service, but had to endure a
sickness afterwards, from which the gracious
God also permitted me to recover. I have
cited this so circumstantially, not to abuse
therewith the patience of my highly venerable
fathers and patrons, but only to show how we

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3I3

sometimes get into difficulty and danger, but
are also mercifully protected, if we remain in
our path of duty.

In the month of December, a young woman
of eighteen years fell asleep, whom I had bap-
tized and confirmed a few years before. Now,
as she had a father who ignorantly slandered
the holy Sacraments, I retained her in my
house with me for some time, and indeed
noticed in her a feeble life in the faith of the
Son of God, but could perceive no special
growth until she came to a sick bed with her
parents. As soon as the sickness began, she
entreated her mother that she should kneel
with her, and help her to wrestle and contend.
The mother did this, and was surprised at the
penitential prayer of the child. She accused
herself before God as the greatest sinner, la-
mented her slothfulness and unfaithfulness
towards the many calls of grace, and would
not relinquish her Lord Jesus, except he bless
her with a sufficient righteousness in his blood,
and an ever-enduring peace. The remaining
days she constantly occupied herself with the
hymn which I gave her, when she visited me
the last time, viz : Wrestle thou aright when
27

314 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

God's grace nozv doth thee draiv, etc. In her
remembrance of her past sins and errors, she
confessed to her mother, that in my family
she unawares melted a hole in a pewter plate,
and kept it secret ; that her mother should
make an apology for it in her name, and make
compensation. She was uncommonly melted
during her illness, and persevered in the faith.
Before she died, she desired to speak with me
once more. But I was sick myself and feeble ;
still, after much solicitation, I had to enter on
the journey, as the mother sent me word that
she had already wrestled with death for two
days, and could not die. When I arrived, her
sight was seriously enfeebled, her hearing had
nearly passed away, and her speech was im-
paired. Her mother called to her that I was
present. She raised herself up, fell upon my
neck, and wept bitterly, wished to say much
with her stammering tongue, but I could un-
derstand nothing of it, and therefore exhorted
all present to pray with me. I commended
this poor sheep into the arms of the Lord
Jesus, and to the perfect enjoyment of his pur-
chased possessions. As her mother told me,
she had been much grieved by her foolish

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 315

father, with these and such like blasphemies :
What good does your Baptism and Holy Sup-
per do you now ? you must indeed suffer
more than others, who are not baptized, etc.
After I had commended her to the Lord in
prayer, I took leave, and heard afterwards that
on the following day she delivered up her
spirit into the faithful hands of her Redeemer,
and had found her Bridegroom, as a favored
and wise virgin. The poor child had many
trials. On the one hand they would gladly
have drawn her into the net of the Zinzen-
dorfer, on the other to the rude world, and
from her own father she had more offense
than edification. The faithful God delivered
her out of all, and hastened with her into a
place of safety. I also was not a little edified
by the mother's Christian frame of mind and
assured heart. When 'I asked the mother
whether she would still gladly retain her
daughter, as I wished to adapt my prayer ac-
cordingly, she answered : no, as she has almost
entirely overcome, I would rather if the Lord
would take her home, still I will prescribe
nothing, but say : Thy will is best.

In the same month, the father of a family of

3l6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the congregation in New Hanover died. In
his youth he had been tolerably well instructed
in the fundamentals of the evangelical reli2"ion,
and had also filled the office of church warden
in Germany for several years, and also held no
less strongly and firmly to the confession of
the doctrine in Pennsylvania. He neglected
no opportunity where he could hear the Word
of God in his church, testified several times
that he could not sufficiently thank God, who
inclined and moved our highly venerable
fathers and so many patrons to care for the
poor scattered and despised Lutherans in
Pennsylvania, and to send shepherds, etc. In
the first years, he came to me wholly per-
plexed, and said he had heard from several as
though I also would at last let myself be mis-
led, and be made a Zinzendorfer. If I did
this, he would move where no human being
should see him again, and in all his life he
would neither believe nor trust any clergyman
again. I replied, that he should only be as-
sured and faithful, and pray the blessed God
that he should make his heart as evangelical
in a living faith as is his confession, that he
may not only have the language of Luther,

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 317

but his faith also, and the fruits of it, so that
he may be saved. As respects myself, he
should not regard the verdict of men, pray for
me, and believe in love that the blessed God
would not permit me to fall so for, but preserve
me faithful unto death, etc. He returned home
again comforted and joyful. When other
sects provoked him to disputation, and attacked
his religion, he was almost too passionate ;
still it was serviceable hereto, that they after-
wards left him untouched. Persons who think
nothing of the evangelical religion and denom-
ination, are frequently unwearied in disputa-
tion, and when they perceive that one is not
grounded in the doctrine, they cease not until
they have entangled him and led him away
from the church. On another occasion, I
asked him whether the Word of God, which
he heard so diligently, also produced repent-
ance and a living faith in his soul. He replied,
that that which he heard on Sundays in the
sermon, he could not again tell immediately
after the sermon, but during the week in his
calling, on the field, or wherever he worked,
there everything occurred to him again, one
part after the other, in such reality as if he
27*

3l8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

had heard it again. In the great heat of sum-
mer, he had injured himself by a drink of
cold water, and was still more injured in health
by violent medicines, and thence he was grad-
ually enfeebled and became ripe for death. I
visited him several times, and observed that
the faithful physician of souls, Jesus Christ,
operated in his soul by his Word. He was
afraid of death, because he yet had small un-
educated children and a weakly consort.
When I came to him the last time, and in-
quired somewhat strictly concerning his inward
condition, he said, weeping, that various sins
which he had committed in his youth occurred
to him, and which he otherwise had long since
forgotten. He had wished to banish such
thoughts from his mind, but could not rid
himself of them, I asked him if a woman
came to the time of birth, and felt the labor-
pains, would it be advisable and proper if she
suppressed them or ceased thinking of them ?
He answered: No. I therefore continued:
Now he should thus allow himself to be
directed and advised. He had heard much
good in his lifetime, and observed the opera-
tions of the Spirit, all which happened that

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3I9

there might be awakened and wrought in his
heart repentance and sorrow for all his sinful
misery, a hunger and thirst for the sufficient
righteousness of Jesus Christ, pardon of sin,
and peace with God, and a new life, etc. He
should bow his knees in secret, and with the
prodigal penitently ask for grace and forgive-
ness ; smite upon his breast with the Publican,
and flee to the bleeding wounds of Jesus; so
would he find rest for his poor soul, and die
with an assured mind. We prayed with each
other, and after prayer I inquired of him how
he felt. He assured me that he already per-
ceived some relief, and promised still to perse-
vere, which he also did, and a few days after-
wards fell asleep with a joyful and confident
heart, as those informed me who were present
at his death.

During the past year, I publicly adminis-
tered the Holy Supper twice in all my congre-
gations, and in each separately, and so far as it
was possible for me in my infirmity, I spoke
with each one specially, and exhorted them to
repentance and faith, as their condition re-
quired. Moreover, I baptized more than one
hundred children, buried fifteen persons, and

320 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

married twenty-three couples. In catechisation,
I went through the five principal articles of
the catechism of Luther, and therewith con-
cluded.

May the Lord not enter into judgment with
me on account of my innumerable sins of
office and station, but let grace be substituted
for justice, and mercy for judgment, for the
sake of his blood and his death !

If I have done aught amiss, from my heart do I grieve ;
As antidote, the blood and pains of Christ I receive.
For this, this is the ransom for all my transgression :
If I bring this 'fore God's throne, I'm crown'd with salva-
tion !

In the month of January, 1 750, after instruc-
tion, I granted holy baptism to an English
woman of twenty-one years. Her father was
called a member of the English church, but
was very seldom present at divine service ;
yea, did not even do so much as to bring for-
ward his children to holy baptism, and at
length was also miserably drowned when at-
tempting to ride through a much-swollen
stream. His daughter, as a poor orphan, had
to serve among other people, and abode with
English Quakers, who despise baptism. But

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 32 1

as this person could read, and held to the
church, she obtained a desire for it. She
learned the chief articles of the small cate-
chism, and desired the sooner the better to
execute the covenant of a good conscience
with the Bridegroom of souls. I therefore
held a meeting in her father's house, where
Quakers and various sects were present. I
preached in English of the necessity and use
of holy baptism, asked her concerning the
principal articles of faith, let her make her
confession, prayed with her, and to her con-
solation and joy in the Lord, I baptized her,
enjoined upon her her duties once more, and
closed with an English hymn.

In the same month, I was taken fourteen
miles, in the night, to an old man who had for
many years past adhered to the congregation in
New Hanover, and who was now dangerously
ill. He desired the Holy Supper, which I
could not refuse him, as he had led a quiet
life, and in his sickness had learned to give
heed to the Word, and testified with tears that
he was a great sinner, and also knew of no
other comfort and counsel than in the suffi-
cient righteousness which Jesus Christ had

V

322 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

purchased. Among other things, he lamented
that he went to church and to the Holy Sup-
per for so many years in Germany, but thereby
walked in blindness, and did not rightly know
his Saviour, etc. He showed himself peni-
tent, and partook of the Holy Supper, as it
seemed, with proper hunger and thirst, asked
his Saviour to shorten his sufferings and soon
set him free, take him home out of the wicked
world, and set him in a place of safety. This
also came to pass, as on the second day after
he commended his wearied spirit into the
faithful hands of Jesus, and attained the end
of faith. At my leave-taking, he wept, and
complained that I so seldom visited him, and
thought that perhaps I had an aversion to his
poor sick person and circumstances. But I
represented to him how fortunate the most of
the preachers in Germany were, who had the
sheep entrusted to them living together in
towns or villages, whom, without exception,
they could successively visit once or several
times each year. But as he knew, I had my
hearers scattered over a district thirty miles in
length and about twenty miles in breadth, dwell-
ing in the valleys and on the mountains, was but

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 323

seldom at home, and could scarcely perform
the most necessary official duties even if I em-
ployed many a night to help me, etc. He
agreed with me, and said, that under the cir-
cumstances I had indeed neglected nothing in
his case. As for the rest, he wished me to
say good-night to our beloved fathers and
benefactors, and to give them thanks for their
unmerited love and assistance, with this addi-
tion, that he hoped to see them all face to face
before the throne of the Lamb.

In the month of February, I prepared a fine
young man of twenty-two years for holy bap-
tism, who was born in this country of Dutch
parents, who had him taught to read and write
English. I asked the father why he did not
have his son baptized in his infancy. He re-
plied : Because there were so many sects in
this country, he did not know which was the
right one and the best; for if he asked the
teachers of all the sects one after the other,
each would say. Here is Christ, There he is !
Each one professes to have the best medicine
for the soul, and the nearest road to heaven,
etc. He himself had been baptized in his in-
fancy by the Reformed, but was not instructed

324 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

afterwards, consequently he did not know of
what advantage baptism was to him, etc. For
this reason also he waited until his son at-
tained his understanding, so that he afterwards
might himself choose, and select the best re-
ligion for himself. Now, as I knew that the
father inquired more diligently after the value
of money than after the nearest way to
heaven, so I sought to convince him according
to his comprehension, and asked him : Do
you know gold well ? Answer : Yes. Ques-
tion : What color is gold? Answer: It is
yellow. Question: Is gold all equally good
and of the same value? Answer: No. Ques-
tion: How and whereby can we certainly know
what is real or spurious ; what is good, better,
or the best ? Answer : Whoever understands
the art, can tell it by the touch-stone and in
the chapel. I made the application of it to
himself, and said : You have an impressed
desire to be happy and at rest, but you do not
find this in yourself, much less in the perisha-
ble things of this world, but rather disquietude,
accusing and excusing thoughts, and a fear of
death, etc. Experience sufficiently teaches
you and all mankind that we are creatures

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 325

wholly dependent on the Supreme Being. I
hereupon more extensively showed him that
the general revelation of God, in reason and
in the works of creation, was not sufficient to
teach the way to salvation, but that a nearer
revelation thereto was necessary, which, how-
ever, is to be found nowhere else than in the
Holy Scriptures, and directed him to his duty
often, and diligently to read this most vener-
able and most holy book with seriousness
and eagerness, and in calling upon God, and to
try his state and condition by this touch-stone,
by which course he would soon discover
which is the true religion. Thereupon I briefly
presented to him from the Holy Scriptures
the principal truths which belong to the order
of salvation, and added, that he must not just
read and consider all this superficially, or be
satisfied with merely knowing, but through
the revealed word, and the Spirit of God con-
nected therewith, to let his whole heart be
thoroughly changed, and prepared and culti-
vated unto a living faith in the blood-surety
and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. For without
faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. xi. 6,
and without holiness we cannot see him, Heb.
28

326 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

xii. 14. Now, if he had experienced such
practical truths in his soul, then he has an in-
fallible touch-stone in the Word of God, by
which he can try all sects and their composi-
tion. Now, whatever accords with the Word
of God is genuine gold. On the contrary, not
everything is gold which appears yellow or
red. He was affected thereby, and promised
to give the matter further consideration. The
young man was well read in the New Testa-
ment, and increased in knowledge. He mani-
fested repentance and sorrow for his past walk
in ignorance, and a desire to be united to the
Saviour of the world, through faith and holy
baptism, and to be a living branch in the vine,
Jesus Christ. I therefore examined him on
the most necessary parts of the Order of Sal-
vation, allowed him to make his confession of
faith, prayed with him, and imparted holy
baptism unto him. He received this amid
many tears, and promised, by the aid of the
Holy Spirit, to walk conformably to his call-
ing. May the Lord powerfully assist him, that
he may not fall by the cunning of Satan and
so many temptations, but that he be preserved.
In the months of March and April, I had

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 327

forty-two young persons in instruction in New
Hanover, that they might be confirmed, and
admitted to the Holy Supper. Among these
were ,two married men, who in their earhest
youth had been neglected. One of these was
weak, both in comprehending and in retaining
anything, but still was desirous of obtaining
a new heart. I taught him in a simple manner
how he must conduct himself with God in
prayer, and what he must ask of him. When
I once asked him whether he followed my ad-
vice, he related to me how and what he had
prayed to the reconciled Father in Christ, at
home in secret, and out in the field, in the
work of his calling, and what thereby was the
disposition of his mind. It was very delight-
ful to hear, and gave evidence of a simplicity
of heart. Generally, I have frequently admon-
ished all and each young person during instruc-
tion, that they should make each day's lesson
the subject of prayer at home, and apply it to
themselves, and when I thereupon inquired of
each one privately, whether they had followed
my counsel, they for the most part confessed
in simplicity of heart, that they bowed their
knees, and in secret asked of God a new heart,

328 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the one in the barn, the other in the field, the
third in the stable, etc., wherever he could find
a chamber and remain undisturbed. Although
I see innumerable hindrances and temptations,
which waylay the poor youths, and which I
cannot remove, but only fear and deplore, still
it cheers me, when young persons in their in-
struction and confirmation receive a living im-
pression of the Order of Salvation, and I com-
mit it to the heavenly Father, and to the
faithful chief Shepherd, who will try every-
thing possible to save whatever will yet permit
itself to be saved. About seventeen of this
number have come here from distant places,
and the rest are out of the congregation.

Towards the close of April, I made a jour-
ney to Lancaster, and as I had to baptize a
child on the way on my return, on the 2d of
May, an English Justice of the Peace, who
was present at the baptism, said that there
were many serving men and women of the
German nation, with the English, in that re-
gion, wiio desired that I should come and
preach, as the poor people did not understand
the English, and for a long time had no divine
service in their mother tongue. The Justice

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 329

said that he and his English neighbors would
open the church to me for the Germans on
this condition, that I also preached an English
sermon for them. Now, as they had a regular
preacher in the church, I answered, that I
would not make use of the church for the
Germans until they had asked the teacher
himself, and obtained his consent thereto, so
that no dispute may arise between the preacher
and his congregation, especially as I had
hitherto lived in concord with the preacher.
The Justice said that they had already asked
him before, and obtained his full consent
thereto, consequently I promised to come
there in several week.

In the month of May, I visited the four
small congregations in which Mr. Schrenck
has hitherto stood as substitute. I had to ad-
minister the Holy Supper to them and also
confirm young people, whom Mr. Schrenck
had instructed with considerable diligence and
faithfulness. In the congregation at the Dela-
ware, I confirmed a woman after an examina-
tion in the English lanGrua^e, who was of Re-
formed parentage, and married to a warden of
the congregation, and attained to an excellent
18*

330 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

knowledge and to faith in the Lord Jesus. As
for the rest, I was deh'ghted with the diHgence
and faithfulness which ]\Ir. Schrenck had
hitherto showed to the congregations. May
the faithful chief Shepherd make him con-
tinually more able and apt for the office, and
ever grant him more blessings ! By riding in
the great heat in the previous journey to Lan-
caster, and also in this, I was so affected by
the circumstances that I felt great pain, and
was nearly laid up before I had finished the
work in the congregations. I knew not what
to do, and entreated the heavenly Father that
he should remove the plague until I could
reach home again, and in grace chastise me
there as much as he found necessary for the
good of my soul, according to his paternal
faithfulness and wisdom. The Lord heard my
sighing in my distress, and took it away from
me in the same hour, so that I was enabled to
finish the work vigorously, and get home well.
The providence of the Lord extends to little
things, and he hears the prayer of the miser-
able. This I have experienced.

In the same month of May, an aged member
of the New Hanover congregation died. The

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 33 1

man had a considerable knowledge of the
Order of Salvation, and was concerned also to
experience repentance and a living faith in his
soul. But he was naturally very passionate,
and when he had formed a good resolution
and made a beginning in repentance, he was
at times overtaken by his passion, and every-
thing overthrown, which afterwards caused
him great distress and anguish, that he had
again to begin anew. In charity, I hope that
the Lord Jesus, who was so often portrayed
before his eyes, may still as yet have taken
form in him. For he entreated God to break
asunder the power of his sinful nature, and set
him fully free in his Son. He was also much
purified by a long and severe illness, as he
suffered much annoyance from a cough and
asthma. The more his body wasted, the more
room there was in the soul for the Spirit of
God, by means of the word, to work re-
pentance and faith in him, and lead him to
righteousness and peace through Jesus Christ.
At the time when the Zinzendorfer were at
their highest renown, and were most flourish-
ing, they had drawn him along with them up
to Bethlehem, and showed him their glory,

332 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and promised to point out a nearer way to
heaven. But after he had seen one institution
and another, and continued several examina-
tions, he inquired whether they had some-
thing more and better than that which was in
the New Testament, and which was proposed
for salvation and Hfe ? One, however, was so
honest and said : No ! Thereupon he an-
swered, thus, it is not necessary for me to
seek my salvation with you and in Bethlehem,
but only need to follow the Saviour who has
said : Search the Scriptures, etc. Him that
cometJi to me I will in no wise cast out, etc.
Afterwards they let him go away from them,
nor further looked after him. As long as I
have been here in office, he was diligently pres-
ent to hear the Word of God, and also partook
of the Holy Supper with devotion ; and except
being overtaken by his passion, he manifested
himself as a Christian in his walk, and also as-
siduously kept his family thereto. He was one
of those who rejoice in the Evangelical divine
service, and who acknowledge before God the
hearty endeavors of our highly venerable fath-
ers and benefactors in behalf of the forsaken,
and who observe the time of visitation.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 333

In the month of June, preparation was made
for the annual meeting. Providence was ap-
pointed as the place of meeting, and the 17th
and 1 8th of June as the time.

On the nth of June, pastor Brunnholtz ar-
rived in Providence to consult with me about
necessary matters, and to refresh himself by
the country air.

On the 15th of June, Mr. Weygand came
with three elders from Raritan, as also pastor
Handschuch from Lancaster ; but his congre-
gation sent no delegates, although requested
to do so. Moreover, the adjunct, Mr. Schaum,
came with two delegates from his congrega-
tion. At length came also the adjunct,
Mr. Kurtz, with three delegates from Tulpe-
hocken ; the substitute, Mr. Schrenck, with
four men from his congregations ; and in the
evening three more elders appeared from Rar-
itan.

On the 17th of June, being the first Sunday
after Trinity, there assembled in and before my
house Messrs. Brunnholtz, Handschuch, Kurtz,
Schaum, Weygand, Schrenck, Rauss, as also
the delegates, viz. : from Philadelphia, eight ;
from Germantown, six ; from Providence,

334 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

twelve ; from New Hanover, six ; from the
Swedish-English congregation, one ; from Tul-
pehocken and Heidelberg, Mr. Weiser and four
others ; from York, on the other side of the
Susquehanna, two ; from Lancaster, one, who,
however, came of his own accord, and was not
sent by the congregation ; from Upper Milford,
Saccum, Fork, and Sacony, four; from Indian-
field, two ; from Goschenoppen, two ; from
Tohickon, two ; from Macungie, two ; from
Raritan, six; from Cohansey, two. All these
went in procession from my house into the
church, and had divine service in quietness
and devotion before God. We had taken out
the windows, and made a shelter with green
bushes around the church, as the church would
not hold the multitude of people. Pastor
Handschuch preached the principal sermon.
After the sermon, I delivered a short address
to the people concerning the footsteps of God,
how these now in the eighth year drop fatness
among our dispersed Lutherans. Afterwards,
I as yet delivered a brief Latin discourse to
my colleagues in office. After divine service,
the members of the congregation of Provi-
dence, who lived nearest, took their strange

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 335

brethren along with them home, and for their
refreshment shared with them, from love,
whatever the Lord had given ; and I entertained
the preachers and other good friends, as many
as the house could hold.

On the 1 8th of June, we together went into
the church again. Mr. Weygand preached,
and afterwards we held a long conference con-
cerning the external regulation and improve-
ment of the congregrations. Of the necessity,
purpose, and use of such an annual meeting
and conference of the preachers and deputed
elders of the congregations, much might be
written, if it were not apparent to every one
how and wherefore this is necessary. After
the conference, about eighty persons were en-
tertained at the table according to their need,
and the preachers were divided among them,
who during the meal sought to edify the dep-
uties and other members of the congregations
with good conversation. After the repast was
over, the conclusion of the conference was pre-
pared in writing for each congregation, and
given along, and the delegates set out on their
journey home. In this meeting and confer-
ence everything proceeded in a very orderly
and Christian manner.

336 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Afterwards, I made a trip of seventeen miles
into the region where many of our German
domestics are at service with English people.
The English church was opened to me, where,
according to promise, I first preached an Eng-
lish sermon, and afterwards a German. The
English hearers were very attentive and af-
fected, and desired that I should frequently
come. The wife of a warden desired to speak
with me alone, and confessed that she had been
awakened before, but again fell asleep. Now
she would begin anew to seek the Lord, who
from infinite love and compassion purchased
her with his blood, etc. She requested me to
visit her, but the way is too far and the time
too short. The Germans also wept among
each other, as it is wont to be on such occa-
sions, when they for a long time have heard
nothing from the Word of God. The Eng-
lish were astonished at our singing, and almost
enraptured, as some people had fine musical
voices, and sang harmoniously.

Since the past spring, I had to visit the
English and Swedish congregations on Sunday
afternoon from New Hanover. But I feel that
it is injurious to my health.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 337

In the month of July, I examined and bap-
tized an English married man in the Swedish-
English church. The man had an excellent
understanding, and could publicly give a reason
of the hope that was in him ; leads an edifying
life, as tliose testify who live near him and
have intercourse with him. May the Lord
preserve this engrafted branch and purify it
daily, that it may bear fruit and abide in the
vine ! John xv.

My father-in-law, Mr. Conrad Weiser, was
ordered by the royal government of Virginia
to undertake an embassy to the savage nations
dwelling upon the borders of Canada. He
had to travel upwards of three hundred miles
to that place, through the provinces of Jersey
and New York, and he offered to take one
of us along, free of expense, to the place
where pastor Hartwick lives, as he had to pass
near by him. Now pastor Hartwick had
maintained pleasant relations with us, and sev-
eral times visited us at his own expense, and
on that account suffered diverse calumnies
from evil-minded persons and enemies. He
had always encouraged his congregation that
one of us would pay a \isit in return. Now,
29 W

33^ REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

as this had not as yet taken place, some also
made insinuations to the well- disposed as
though perhaps he did not visit us, but the
Zinzendorfer, in Pennsylvania, etc. It was
therefore almost necessary that one of us
should go to that place. For this reason I
conferred with my colleagues in office, and
would gladly have seen one of them under-
take the journey, but as it would not suit
either of them, it fell to me. I had to ride
about two hundred and ten English miles to
pastor Hartwick's, and I still had my old stiff
horse, which had stuck fast in the ice the pre-
ceding year. On the i6th of August, I en-
tered upon the journey in the name of God,
and rode thirty miles to Mr. Schrenck in Sac-
cum, whom I met well and active at his post.
On the 17th of August, I traveled six miles
further with Mr. Schrenck, to Bethlehem,
where Mr. Weiser also arrived with his com-
panions, and was invited to coffee by the Zin-
zendorfer bishop Kammerhof. We were cour-
teously treated by him, and entertained with a
political discourse, as the time was too short
to dispute about the plans. They have
erected several large, massive buildings as

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 339

churches and common halls, and have a con-
siderable number of grown people, and espe-
cially of children, at that place; and the coun-
try is pleasant to the eye, as a broad water
flows on the one side, called the Lehigh, and
on the other side lies a land which rises gradu-
ally until it becomes high mountains. In the
afternoon, Mr. Schrenck again returned home,
and we continued our journey, and passed
over a beautiful level road ten miles further to
Nazareth, the other celebrated place of resi-
dence of the Herrnhuter, but which in com-
parison with Bethlehem has the appearance of
a farm only, and is inhabited by agriculturists.
Mr. Kammerhof related to Mr. Weiser that he
had been among the savage nations a few
weeks before, where he was going, which
seemed doubtful to him. In the evening, we
traveled still five miles further, to an inn,
where we lodged for the night.

Early on the morning of the i8th of August,
we continued our journey, ascended the first
chain of the Blue Mountains, and had to lead
our horses for several miles between rocks and
stones. We traveled about thirty-six miles,
and in the evening stopped with a Dutchman

340 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

of distinction who knew Mr. Weiser, and in-
vited him together with his company to remain
with him. The man Hves on the borders of
Pennsylvania, and had been a Justice of the
peace for several years, but had retired and
was already very old. I could not speak with
him, on account of a heavy cold on my breast,
and great hoarseness. My father-in-law how-
ever entered into an edifying conversation with
him. He spoke in a very Christian and edify-
ing manner, prayed before and after meals, and
also on retiring, so devoutly and impressively
that it cheered and heartily delighted us.

On the 19th of August, we left Pennsyl-
vania, passed over the great river Delaware,
and came into the province of New Jersey,
and traveled about thirty-two miles on that
day. In the evening we visited a Reformed
Dutch preacher, and spoke of various edifying
matters, as far as there was opportunity.
However, my hoarseness still increased.

On the 20th of August, we proceeded about
forty miles, and came out of the province of
New Jersey into that of New York, through
wild and untrodden forests. We dined with a
distinguished Dutch Justice of the peace, and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 34 1

Major of the militia of the province. He was
an old acquaintance of Mr. Weiser, and knew
much to speak of In the evening we were
still in the forest and saw a bear, which took
flight before us, and also met a number of
savages, with whom Mr. Weiser spoke. We
thereupon rode yet somewhat further, and had
to pass the night with a man whom they call
the Spaniard, because his father had come into
this countiy as a captured Spaniard; but his
mother had been a Dutch woman. We re-
ceived no supper, and had straw only to lie on.

On the 2 1 St of August we set out on our
journey early, and rode the whole day in hot
weather, and were fed at an inn with raccoons,
or American badgers, and pumpkins, and after
riding forty-one miles we came to the town of
Kingston at the Hudson in the evening. We
had now passed over two hundred English
miles from our home in five days, and were
indeed tired of our journey, but praised God,
who graciously preserved us by his aid from
all harm.

On the 22d of August we lay still, because
of violent rain. Mr. Weiser could have pro-
ceeded further on in his journey on this side
29*

34- REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

of the Hudson river. But he also much
wished to visit pastor Hartwick, and once
more to see good friends and his former place
of residence, where he first lived with his
parents on their arrival in this country.

On the 23d of August we rode a few miles
from the town of Kingston to the Hudson
river, and had ourselves together with our
horses conveyed over in a boat, and rode from
there to Rhinebeck, where Mr. Hartwick lives.

Our arrival awakened joy in all those who
still knew Mr. Weiser, and who entertained a
good opinion of the Pennsylvania preachers.
Many now came together in the dwelling of
pastor Hartwick, who desired to see the so-
long-expected Pennsylvania preacher, and had
much to say to him; but speech was very diffi-
cult for me, on account of my continued cold
on my breast, which was a great plague for
me, as the people ceased not, but for all that
much desired to have discourse and answer
from me. I found pastor Hartwick indeed
sound and well bodily, but the affairs of the
congregation were in considerable confusion.
For pastor Hartwick, partly by his friendship
maintained with us, and partly by the earnest-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 343

ness manifested in his office, from a good
intention, had drawn upon himself the envy
and opposition of several neighboring preach-
ers, who accused him of being a secret adher-
ent of the Herrnhuter, merely for this reason,
because he sought and maintained an acquain-
tance with us. Such accusations were made
known in publicly printed letters, whereby
many of his congregation were prejudiced
against him, and were ever more provoked
against him, by evil-minded persons. It was
easy for the opponents to raise all manner of
complaints, which consisted in part of narra-
tions of unreliable people, collected together
in part, of acts wrongly construed and per-
verted, and also in part of errors of infirmity
magnified, which, however, relate only to sub-
ordinate things, and not to main points. These
complaints were sent by a certain preacher to
Doctor Kreuter, preacher of a German con-
gregation in London, through whose media-
tion pastor Hartwick was at first called and
sent, but who was too discreet to pass judg-
ment on such ex parte complaints, and sent
these which had arrived against him to pastor
Hartwick for his reply. But with this the

344 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

former was not satisfied, but continued to pub-
lish his revilings in print, and proceeded so far
that he, with several other preachers whom he
had drawn to his side, came into pastor Hart-
wick's congregation, and assembled all the
opposing members of the congregation, and
assumed to remove parson Hartwick by a dif-
fusively written declaration. The cause of his
removal was the Crypto-Herrnhuthianismus,
or the secret cherishing of Herrnhuter errors.
But as it was impossible for them to prove
such charges, and as Mr. Hartwick also as yet
had some members on his side, who through
his office, by the blessing of God, were brought
so far that they loved the truth in Christ, they
could not attain their object, nor wholly dis-
possess him of his congregations. Shortly
before my arrival, the notorious imposter,
Carl Rudolph, who calls himself the prince of
Wiirtemberg, and who already endeavored to
create disturbance everywhere else, also came
into Mr. Hartwick's congregations, and in-
creased the confusion. In one of his congrega-
tions called Camp, where Mr. Hartwick has the
most opponents, they let him preach in the
church, on which account Mr. Hartwick re-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 345

called his office in that church, and would
have nothing more to do with them, This in
brief was the condition of affairs, as they were
on my arrival in Rhinebeck.

On the 24th of August, Mr. Weiser left
Rhinebeck, and we two preachers accompanied
him twenty miles, until beyond the Camp, to a
distinguished English gentleman, to whom the
land in part properly belongs on which the
Germans live. We were well received, and
were informed by him that the French of
Canada had brought over on their side most
of the savage nations to whom Mr. Weiser
was going, and who otherwise stood in alli-
ance with England. This intelligence occa-
sioned anxiety to Mr. Weiser. In the evening
we took leave of Mr. Weiser, left him with the
English gentleman, and rode back five miles
to the Camp.

On the 25th of August, several men of the
congregation came to us, and desired me to
preach in Camp on the following day, it being
the eleventh Sunday after Trinity. Mr. Hart-
wick thought that I should not refuse, al-
though he had given up the congregation on
account of their irregularity. I had therefore

346 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

to accede to this demand for preaching, in the
hope that a new union might be formed.

On the 26th of August, we went into the
church. I well saw that there were two par-
ties ; the one came into the church, and the
other remained outside, and harkened at a dis-
tance. My voice was still somewhat hoarse,
therefore I had to exert myself to the utmost
to be only somewhat intelligible. Now, as
Carl Rudolph had last preached in this
church, I first of all entreated the blessed God
that he should again cleanse this house, gather
the poor scattered sheep, and forgive those
who introduced such a stain as the imposter
Carl Rudolph is, and let him preach therein.
I also told the people what kind of a man he
is, and afterwards I preached as well as I
could. After the serm.on, one and another old
warden came and promised that they would
again begin anew to help care for the con-
tinuation of the divine service, although there
were so many opponents in the congregation,
who let themselves be incited by other
preachers, and by the printed slanderous let-
ters. Hereupon, we in the same week visited
yet another out-parish, in Tarbush, so-called,

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 347

about six or seven miles from Camp. This
region is called Tarbush because tlie Germans
whom Queen Ann sent into New York in the
years 1709 and 1710 had to burn tar or pitch
for a time. Camp is the tract of land along
the Hudson where these same Germans first
established their encampment, and called it
camp, or encampment. In Tarbush only a
few came together to my preaching, because
nearly the most of them hold to the oppo-
nents, and the whole number also were not a
little dispersed by Carl Rudolph. After we
had again returned to Camp, I made use of
some medicine, which had a good effect in a
few days, so that my voice was again restored.
During the last days of the week, we traveled
back again fifteen miles to Rhinebeck, where
we were diligently visited by the well-minded
members of the congregation, and we our-
selves also visited several.

On the 2d of September, I preached before
a large congregation in Rhinebeck. There
were several Dutch in the meeting, who as-
sured me that they satisfactorily understood
everything. As far as I could perceive, a
general joy and encouragement arose among

348 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the people on that day, and it seemed as if all
might be harmonized again. In the afternoon
Mr. Hartwick delivered a beautiful catechetical
sermon, and afterwards instructed the numer-
ous youth.

On the 3d of September, a general conference
was held at Rhinebeck, to which Mr. Hart-
wick invited the elders and wardens of all the
four congregations, as also all the members of
the congregations who were willing to appear,
and requested me to be present. In this con-
ference, two points, among others, were specially
treated of First, pastor Hartwick took up
the complaints which were made in writing to
Doctor Kreuter in London, but again returned
by him to Mr. Hartwick for his reply. We
asked the friends and the enemies present con-
cerning the points of the complaint, and pre-
sented one after the other for their answer;
when, to speak impartially of the matter, ac-
cording to my weak insight, I could not un-
derstand it otherwise than that pastor Hart-
wick indeed, in several unimportant matters,
with good intention, was somewhat hasty in
the modo proccdendi, or in the mode and man-
ner— that he may not have acted with sufficient

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 349

circumspection ; but that with this exception
the complaints are false, and perverted by
manifest enmity, unjust and brought in and
magnified, contrary to the truth ; as any im-
partial lover of the truth can easily see, that
if tliere had been no enemies and instigators
there, that which gave occasion to the com-
plaints either would not have been seen or
noticed at all, or rather would have been reck-
oned to the proper zeal of a pastor. The
second point was whether they thought it
best that Mr. Hartwick should resign his call,
and go with us to Pennsylvania, or whether he
should go there for six months ? To the
former many well-meaning people would, not
consent, but to the latter all present assented,
with this condition ; that we of Pennsylvania
would send some one in his place, who in the
meanwhile would administer his office. Thus
matters remained. The most important mat-
ters discussed in this conference were written
and subscribed to by all the elders present.

The remaining days of the week I employed
in visiting some dissatisfied members, and
tried whether they might not be molhfied.
But the opposition to pastor Hartwick seemed

35 O REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

to be already too deeply rooted, and to be
maintained by the appearance of those \A(ho
were opposed to him, as also by many passions
of private conceits. It is very sad when such
contentions and disturbances arise in congre-
gations. For the members of the congrega-
tions are almost universally allied with each
other by marriage, relationships, and the like,
but the dissatisfied cease not until they obtain
an ever-increasing faction, and attain their ob-
ject, and the preachers have no refuge any-
where, nor help nor aid.

On the 9th of September, I preached in an-
other out-parish called Ancram, which lies in
the mountains, about eighteen miles from
Rhinebeck. The divine service was held in a
large barn : German in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon English. I found several souls
in this small congregation who testified that
they had been awakened by the sermons of
pastor Hart wick, and gave him a good testi-
monial.

On the lOth of September, I traveled fifteen
miles with a guide, and again came into Camp,
visited several discontented members, and
preached there once more, after much solicita-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 35 I

tion, on the I2th of September, where both
parties, as also the English proprietor, were
present, and showed themselves much pleased.

On the 13th of September, I took leave in
Camp, and again traveled to Rhinebeck.

On the 1 6th of September, I preached in
Rhinebeck in the forenoon, and Mr. Hartwick
in the afternoon, and also took leave there.
Generally, the souls seemed much delighted
by my visit, and to be encouraged thereby, and
also desired to get into closer friendship and
communion with our Ministerium of Pennsyl-
vania.

On the 17th, we visited the fourth small
congregation in Staatsburg, so called, held
divine service there, and I took leave of all
who were there assembled yet once more in
crowds, from the other congregations.

On the 1 8th of September, we had our things
taken to the Hudson river, into the house of
a member of the congregation living not far
from it, for the purpose of waiting there for
a vessel to take us to New York. The whole
time which I spent in pastor Hartwick's con-
gregation, as much as possible according to
my weakness and the grace of God, I sought

352 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

to contribute my part towards the general
pacification and edification, and otherwise did
not concern myself about the personal circum-
stances of the quarrel, or enter into their
investigation.

My old horse, which has now carried me
hitherto until into the seventh year, through
mountain and valley, through thorns and
bushes, I could not take along again by water,
consequently, I was obliged to sell saddle and
bridle for the payment of traveling expenses,
and to make a present of the horse to a poor
man.

From the i8th to the 22d of September we
had to tarry at the river, as we had come
somewhat too late, and the vessels from
Albany were already past. During this time
we had many visits, by both old and young
people of the Rhinebeck congregation, and
we also visited the consort of a certain gentle-
man, who refreshed us on her estate with
edifying conversation.

On the 2 2d of September we left the place
where we had been staying, in a small boat,
and came again to Kingston. We there
visited the Dutch Reformed preacher, who

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 353

receiv^ed us in a very friendly manner. He
complained that he also, several times, had
strife in his congregation, and there were still
some dissatisfied persons in it. In the even-
ing about 8 o'clock, we sailed further in a
small ship, and thanked God that he granted
us an honorable ship's company, such as we
very seldom meet with.

On Sunday the 23d of September, we sung
an English Psalm, and Mr. Hartwick deliv-
ered an English discourse, as the most of our
ship's company were Hollanders, who also
understood English, whilst we were not suffi-
ciently master of the Dutch. In the afternoon
at 4 o'clock we were already beneath the fort-
ress of the old renowned city, which was
formerly called New Amsterdam, but is now
called New York. Within twenty hours we
had made about ninety miles. The Lord be
praised for this also.

I would gladly have passed by the town, as
I was well aware that old and new vexatious
disputes prevailed among the (cw Lutherans
there; but I had nevertheless to stop, and
wait another opportunity for our further jour-
ney. Whilst we had to lay by, I endeavored
30* X

354 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

to obtain a proper knowledge of the circum-
stances of the Lutheran congregation, of which
we present the following in connection : The
small Evangelical Lutheran congregation in
this city of New York had almost taken its
origin at the same time with the first peopling
of this country. When the country as yet be-
longed to the States of Holland, the few Dutch
Lutherans had to hold their divine service
secretly. But after the city and country came
under the sceptre of Great Britain, they ob-
tained liberty from all the successive governors
to hold public divine service, without hinder-
ance. As may be seen from a certain protocol,
there were in the more recent times, from 1703
until this present year, three preachers in this
congregation, viz.: Messrs. Justus Falckner,
Christoph William Berkenmeyer, and Christian
Knoll. In the times of pastor Berkenmeyer
the old wooden church was removed, and a
new massive stone church erected in its place.
But the members of the congregation of that
time, among whom our esteemed friend Mr.
Schleydorn had also been, found themselves
unable to build the church by their means
alone ; but through the intercession of pastor

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 355

Berkenmeyer, they received kind donations
from other denominations of New York, and
from our fellow believers in Europe, especially
from London, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Den-
mark, and other places. In the times of
Messrs. Falckner and Berkenmeyer, the con-
gregation was as yet pretty numerous, but in
later times it gradually declined. The old
Dutch separated themselves in part from the
church, and the young persons were also for
the most part scattered and joined other de-
nominations. As respects the external order,
usages and ceremonies in divine service, the
before-mentioned preachers introduced a church
service, which they prepared according to the
pattern of the church service in the Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church in Amsterdam, and
which all the elders and deacons subscribed to,
and hitherto they used the Liturgy of Amster-
dam, which was very conveniently and edify-
ingly arranged according to American circum-
stances. Now, as in later years a considerable
number of Germans settled in and around
New York, who indeed in part were studious
of the Dutch language, but in part continually
complained that they could neither learn nor

356 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

understand Dutch, and thus much dispute
arose whether pastor Knoll should not occa-
sionally hold divine service in German for the
latter. The elders and wardens frequently con-
sulted about the matter, and also formerly ob-
tained an opinion from our Pennsylvania Min-
isterium, and consented to a forenoon or after-
noon sermon, or a sermon between times, in
the German language, sometimes on the third,
and occasionally on every other Sunday. One
part of the Germans were satisfied with this,
and have remained in the church until this
day, with the congregation and their arrange-
ment. But the other part of the Germans,
which consists of people who are led by sev-
eral quarrelsome heads, have never been at
rest or satisfied, held to the church at one
time and at another time separated themselves
from it without just cause, as the church register
shows. A few years ago this disorderly multi-
tude attached themselves to a vagabond, who
here called himself Hofgut, but who under his
proper name was degraded from office in Wur-
temberg, on account of a gross violation of the
sixth commandment, and had cftme to America
with a young woman. They held divine ser-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 357

vice with him, for a time, in a private dweUing-,
until the kingdom divided and the preacher
went from thence further into the country, to
those who are Hke him, after the government
had interdicted his preaching until he pro-
duced proof of his ordination. Thereupon
they again began to treat with pastor Knoll
and his Dutch and German congregation,
about German divine service. According- to

o

the register, their desire was acceded to once
and again ; but it was without permanence, for
as soon as they heard that a young preacher,
by the name of John Frederick Riess, had
arrived in Pennsylvania, they called for him
and accepted him as their preacher, and at
length bought a building set apart for a brew-
ery in a distant part of the city, and obligated
themselves to pay ;^250 for it in time. After-
wards they borrowed ;^50 more, to arrange
the house somewhat more conveniently for
divine service, and also obtained permission
from the Governor to collect alms in New
York, under the pretext that they did not
understand the Dutch in the old church, and
that the Dutch would not allow any divine
service in German, etc. Now the division

358 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

among the Lutherans was completed. That
part of the Germans which went over to
Mr. Riess, sought to acquire the one-half
right in the old Lutheran church, so that
they might prescribe laws, and set up every
vagrant as preacher, and use one-half of the
alms and church property, according to their
own will and pleasure. But the church coun-
cil replied to them, that they dared to alienate
neither the half nor a part of the church and
its property in this manner, but that the
church was built and dedicated by their mite
and the liberal contribution from Europe, for
an Evangelical Lutheran church, according to
the unaltered Augsburg Confession, and had
its established order and liturgy, and accord-
ing to these was at the service of all fellow-
believers, from whatsoever nation they may
be, etc. But the leaders of the opposing
party were not satisfied therewith, but when
they could not attain that object, they desired
to have a church of their own, and expected
to take up many collections for that purpose,
both here and in Europe, under various good
pretenses. To this end, an emigrant, lately
arrived, as he told me himself, had already

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 359

represented to a teacher of consequence in
Germany, as impressively as it was possible for
him, the imaginary wants of the Germans. It
is sad that in this country some of our Ger-
man nation are so readily found, who accord-
ing to their life and conduct are not even
worthy to be called Lutherans, but yet put
themselves forward, separate themselves from
churches which are built and well regulated,
and from good order, and desire to build
their own churches, not indeed at their own
expense, but in the hope of receiving aid from
Europe. By such disorderly heads, and by
the uncalled preachers, our Evangelical de-
nomination suffers the greatest injury. The
Lutheran Church in New York is at present
still large enough for both parties, and there
is opportunity enough for both Dutch and
German divine service, if the people had in
view only the general good of our religion,
and not their own hatred, pride and self-
will, and interest! But now, the disorderly
party has, without necessity, involved itself in
debt, and must also support its self-chosen
preacher.

As respects the small number of the Dutch

360 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and German nation who still hold to the
church, they have already lived in a misunder-
standing with pastor Knoll for several years
past. Shortly before my arrival in New York,
he settled with the church council, laid down
his office for a certain sum of money, and gave
up in writing all demand on the church and
congregation, whereupon the money conceded
to him was paid out of the church treasury. I
found an advertisement in the English news-
paper, which he had inserted himself, and
therein announced that he had resigned his
office, and had resolved to keep school.
From which, then, it was clearly manifest, that
the Lutheran church and congregation were at
the present time without a preacher.

On the 24th of September, Mr. Hartwick
and I went out and visited Mr. Riess, the
preacher of the party which had separated.
He was very glad to see us, and called several
of his wardens, hoping that I would stand by
their party, and that I would preach for them
on the next Sunday, in what had been a
brewery. I however refused, and put him in
mind that I advised him in Philadelphia that
he should have nothing to do with the disaf-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 36 1

fected in New York, as pastor Knoll was still
the lawful preacher there, so that he might
not give occasion to the separation, as it is
now manifest. Mr. Riess acknowledged to
me that two heads only of his party managed
the whole affair ; that the men set themselves
up as chiefs, and that otherwise they had a
very bad name in the city, on account of their
gross sinful lives. Nothing the less, they
were all in good spirits, that their German
church would shortly get the upper hand, as
the Governor had granted them liberty to take
up collections in New York, that the men had
already gone out for this purpose, and already
obtained something from those who did not
know their circumstances. Others, however,
refused the collectors, with the answer that
there was a Lutheran church there already,
and that it was unnecessary to build another.
It is said that shortly one or several men are
also to go to Germany to make collections
there.

On the 25th of September, we visited sev-
eral elders of the church and congregation,
whom we knew by name, because they several
times sought an opinion from us in reference
31

362 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

to their matters in dispute. They desired that
I should preach in their church on the next
Sunday, as they were without a preacher at
the present time, as Mr. Knoll had resigned
his office. Now, as I had seen from the
above-mentioned advertisement that it was so,
I could not well refuse them.

On the 26th of September, we took a trip
to a place called Flushing, to visit an acquaint-
ance there, a gentleman of our religion, viz.,
Mr. Melchior Joachim Magens. His father
had been Danish preacher in St. Thomas, and
had left many possessions to his son, who had
studied law. Now, as he thought the climate
of New York, and other circumstances, more
suitable to his health and that of his family, he
purchased a landed estate for himself in said
place. He understands Latin, Greek, and also
many European languages, and is especially
well versed in theology, and holds firmly to
the Evangelical Lutheran doctrine and denom-
ination, and is also anxious to raise his chil-
dren well. He had heard that pastor Hartwick
had been persecuted on account of his zeal
for the power of godliness, and was therefore
induced to write to him twice, and to call him

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 363

for his domestic preacher, which pastor Hart-
wick however was unwilling to accept, and to
leave his congregation without urgent neces-
sity. He received us in a very friendly man-
ner, edified himself with us in conversation,
and on several evenings allowed Mr. Hartwick
to hold a meeting for edification in the English
language.

On the 29th of September, we again re-
turned to New York. Towards evening, we
understood that pastor Berckenmeyer had ar-
rived in New York. The elders and wardens
had written to him a k\v weeks before, and
requested him to come and give advice how
the ruined congregation could be best aided.
For this reason, I wished again to decline the
sermon with which I was commissioned, so as
not to forestall him. But as the wardens
again requested me in this behalf, I went to
him in the evening, related the circumstances
to him, and inquired whether I could preach
with his permission, otherwise it would not be
proper. He received me courteously, and
gave his consent in the presence of two wit-
nesses ; stipulated, however, that for certain
reasons he could not be present at the service.

364 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

On the 30th of September, I preached in
the church, German in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon in English, as I was not suffi-
ciently master of the Dutch. In the after-
noon, there were three awakened Englishmen
of the Presbyterian congregation present in the
church. One of these, who was a merchant,
invited us to his residence, and together with
the rest carried on an edifying conversation,
and in the evening took us along into their
church, in which the celebrated Mr. Pember-
ton is teacher. But a new preacher preached
on this occasion, whom the congregation had
recently accepted as an assistant or deacon.

On the 1st of October, we took leave in
New York. We went by water, and arrived in
Brunswick towards evening of October the
2d. We could there find no room and night's
lodging in the inn, because just then a meeting
of Freemasons was held there. On that ac-
count we turned in with an English Presbyter-
ian preacher, Mr. Arthur, who received us in
a very friendly manner, and kindly lodged us.
He entertained us with edifying conversations
concerning the kingdom of God, gathered his
household, and offered an excellent spiritual

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 365

and instructive prayer for every condition
throughout Christendom. This good man
soon after died, in his best years, to the great
regret of his congregation, and of all others
who are concerned for the hurt of Joseph.

On the 3d of October, Mr. Hartvvick con-
tinued his journey to Philadelphia, but I went
aside by way of Raritan to visit Mr. Weygand,
whom I met in ill health on the 4th of Octo-
ber, and tarried with him over night. We en-
couraged ourselves with necessary conversa-
tion and with prayer.

On the following day, I continued my jour-
ney, and lodged with an awakened widow
from Holland, and at length came home safely
on the 6th of October. Our first business
after having finished our journey, was to pre-
pare the young candidate, Mr. Rauss, with in-
structions, and send him to Rhinebeck and
Camp for six months on trial as a catechist.
Now, as Mr. Rauss was to do the work in
Mr. Hartwick's congregations, so on the con-
trary Mr. Hartwick promised to take his
place with us, sometimes to relieve pastor
Brunnholtz of some of his labor, and at the
same time attend to the country congregations
31*

366 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

in Old Goschenhoppen and Indianfield, which
had dismissed parson Andrea, because he had
successively given two living husbands to one
woman, on which account he fell into the
hands of the authorities, and was imprisoned
twice. Now, Andrea is still in the congrega-
tion in New Goschenhoppen, and a few con-
gregations attached, and also as yet continues
to slander us bitterly.

In the remaining part of October and in
November, I cultivated my regular congrega-
tions, administered the Holy Supper, and in
the special examination of the communicants,
I found to my consolation some traces of the
power of godliness. I also once more visited
the Swedish-English congregation, my rela-
tions, and the adjunctus Mr. Kurtz in Tulpe-
hocken, and came home again in good condi-
tion.

Towards the close of November, the col-
leagues in office, Messrs. Brunnholtz, Hart-
wick, Handschuch, Schaum and Kurtz, all
together came to my house, to start from here
on the journey to Raritan in Jersey, and at
the desire of the congregation to consecrate
the new church, and to ordain Mr. Weygand.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 36/

My dear colleagues in office wished to spare
me this time, as I was still fatigued with the
former journey, and I was not willing to leave
my congregations so soon again. So far as I
have heard, the transactions at Raritan were
satisfactorily accomplished before a very great
multitude of people, in a very orderly and edi-
fying manner, and so as to be happily remem-
bered by the numerous youth who had never
witnessed such a thing before. May God's
great and holy name be hallowed also here in
the wilds of America — praised and glorified
now, henceforth and forever. Amen !

Many vessels with Germans arrived during
the past autumn, who were distributed and
scattered in the country in crowds.

In the month of December, I unexpectedly
received a letter in the Dutch language from
the elders of the congregation in New York,
dated in November, in which they gave me a
call to become their preacher, and in which
they set forth at length that they are in danger
that their congregation (as it is already divided
and distracted) be wholly ruined, and many
souls not only for themselves, but with their
children also, be estranged from the pure doc-

368 REPORTS FROxM LUTHERAN

trine of the gospel, if they do not soon receive
an honest man, yea, rather a father, for their
teacher ; who, as they express themselves,
might again gather the scattered souls under
the shelter of the pure doctrine of our gospel.
They therefore entreated me most earnestly
that I should care for them in this trouble,
and not refuse this call. But if I should not
be able or willing to accept of it permanently,
they requested that I should at least accept
the office of teacher with them for one, two or
three years, or as long as I should think it
best, so that in this time, if possible, the sepa-
rated members might be brought in again,
and they afterwards obtain another honest and
zealous man for their teacher, through my in-
terposition, who would set me at liberty again.
That I should hereupon declare myself as
soon as possible, and then seek to come to
them — the sooner the better.

I understood at the same time, from various
special letters which I received on this ac-
count, that after my departure, the elders and
wardens (pastor Berckenmeyer also being
present), had a long conference and consulta-
tion, how the fallen church affairs of that place

CONGREGATIOxN'S IN AMERICA. 369

might be helped up again. Now although,
among other things, the advace was given
them, that they should again call a preacher
from Germany, still the most of them, and the
most judicious of the church-board, objected to
this, that as their congregation was at present
in such doubtful circumstances, it was quite
too critical a matter to await an unknown
teacher from Europe, of whom they could not
know how he would turn out. For if they
should not succeed well with him again, entire
destruction and ruin would be inevitable.
Now, when the elders and wardens afterwards
had much consultation among themselves,
although warned against the Pennsylvania
preachers as dangerous people, they neverthe-
less came to the conclusion to try whether
they could get Muhlenberg for their preacher.
But first of all they had found it necessary to
invite Mr. Riess and his party, which had
separated from the congregation, to a confer-
ence, and make the proposal whether they
would again unite with them, and in common
with them call Miahlenberg. But they would
consent to no union, unless Mr. Riess would
be accepted as preacher by both parties ; but

370 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

to this it was objected, that on the one hand
he was incapable, on account of the EngHsli
and Dutch language, and on the other, that he
had also given an offence hereby, inasmuch as
he aided in causing the separation in the con-
gregation, and had hitherto maintained it.

This proposal and call, which reached me
contrary to anything I could have conjectured,
placed me in not a little embarrassment, inas-
much as I did not at all wish to be precipitate
on the one hand, but on the other, I could
not regard such a call as wholly accidental,
which came to me without my seeking, and I
did not know whether God had not his wise
designs thereby, which I would not willingly
hinder. I especially lamented the ruin and
distraction of this congregation, and as the
orderly part of it must so much the more have
had a good design by this call to me, as
from prejudice and affectation they were
warned against me by those who were in re-
pute with them, so I held myself bound in
conscience to care for them as much as possi-
ble. I directed my answer accordingly, and
testified that I esteemed myself wholly and
entirely unworthy, and also that I did not

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 37 1

possess the necessary facility in the Dutch
language, nevertheless I rejoiced that the
Lord had still preserved some zeal in their
hearts to be concerned (at this time, when
faith, love and hope have almost vanished) for
their own and for the salvation of the souls of
their descendants, and for the maintenance of
the pure doctrine of the prophets and apostles.
That the circumstances of their congregation
and church are mournful enough, and so con-
stituted that it is difficult to improve them, al-
though not wholly impossible through the
power of God in faith; but for me it would be
very hard to leave the congregations com-
mitted to me and my worthy colleagues and
brethren in office, as also my relatives. But
as it seems that they had foreseen all these
difficulties, and therefore only desired that I
should make the experiment for one, two or
three years, my answer to this proposal is the
following: i. I know that the congregation
needs speedy help. 2. I am prepared to re-
nounce all ease for the sake of the things of
God. 3, I depend alone on the grace and aid
of the Lord, who alone can fit me for the holy
office. 4. I must care that my congregations

3/2 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

in the meantime are provided with a faithful
teacher and laborer, so that I do not close a
hole on the one side of the sheepfold, and on
the other let the door stand open for the
wolves. 5. I am under the supervision of
Doctor Francke and the court preacher
Zeigenhagen, to whom I must give notice
thereof 6. I must have liberty to be present
with our united Ministerium in Pennsylvania
at the annual meetings, and on other occa-
sions, and to visit here and there a forsaken
congregation, where, by my feeble interposi-
tion, some improvement could be made. 7.
I could at first only preach German and Eng-
lish, and would require two or three months
to attain to a readiness in the Dutch language.
8. I would first have to set in order my exter-
nal affairs. Now, as all these circumstances
require some time for preparation, and a
further investigation of the gracious will of
the Lord, I would meanwhile await another
answer from them, and leave it to their choice
whether they, according to their best and im-
partial insight, leave me, and look around for
a better man, or send me a regular call for a
trial for two years. In the latter case, I would

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 373

inquire into the will and pleasure of God, and
amidst heartfelt prayer seek to become sure
of it by observing the circumstances, and if I
should be assured of it, come over as soon as
it is possible, according to the will of God and
surrounding circumstances.

Alas ! how afraid I often become when I
think of the heavy responsibility of the
preacher's office, and my great unfitness for it.
Alas ! only be not thou terrible to me, but
gracious and merciful, and for the sake of
Jesus Christ and his merits, cast my sins of
office and station behind thee, O Lord ! and let
grace be instead of righteousness, and mercy
instead of judgment. Amen ! Kyrie eleison !

TJie folloiving is an appendix to the report of
pastor Muhlenberg' s official transactiojis , con-
sisting of an extract from a letter of the
same to the court preacher ZiegoiJiagen, at
London, and to Doctor Francke, at Halle, of
December the 2gth, //./p.

The mercy of God in Christ permits me to
hope that my humble letter shall find our ven-
erable fathers still alive, in good spirits, and
confident at their important posts in the
32

374 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

church militant and in the kingdom of the
cross of Jesus Christ. Whoever sees with
enhghtened eyes, and can judge impartially in
what condition the evangelical church at pres-
ent floats upon the boisterous ocean, and con-
siders how kw sit at the helm who have suffi-
cient experience, ability, and will to steer be-
tween the waves and the rocks, will heartily
call upon the Lord with us, for your further
preservation. Now, as earnestly as we desire
and pray that the highly venerable fathers may
be commanded by Jehovah, our gracious
Father in Christ, to tarry yet many years in
the church militant, to labor for the whole ;
so eager you may also be to hear from our
small and unimportant part, whether here and
there a stone has been found among the rub-
bish prepared and fitted to fill up a gap in the
completed building of the kingdom of Jesus
Christ. You highly venerable fathers have a
right to this, as well as all other estimable
patrons and benefactors, because your great
efforts and gifts of love had this for their ob-
ject, that forsaken and scattered souls be
sought, and be turned from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan to God.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 375

But here I must immediately make com-
plaint by way of anticipation, and acknowledge
a truth which daily experience in my office
furnishes me with, viz. : luith true repentance,
and co7iversion according to the Word of God,
the progress is difficult and peculiar. I can by
no means ascribe the fault to the most holy
God, and to his powerful Word, and to the
Holy Sacraments, much less to the ceaseless
intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ and his
dear children ; but I indisputably find it in the
wicked heart of man, which in truth, accord-
ing to its innate corruption, loves darkness
more than the light and the truth, as also in
the thousand-fold obstacles which Satan and
the world cast in the way, and not less also in
my inexperience in my important office. But
experience also teaches me this fact, that it is
easier to convert men to a sect or denomina-
tion wherein certain limits are fixed to which
the natural temperaments may attain by their
own powers, find sustenance and a false rest,
and avoid the ways which are unpleasant to the
flesh, viz. : of repentance and faith, together
with godliness, which the rule of the Divine
Word requires. How easy it is to convert un-

3/6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

converted people to Quakerism ! for here in
this country so many respectable persons of
the magistracy, who govern the country, who
possess honor, respectability, power, and
riches, profess to belong to it. In this de-
nomination, the people need not trouble them-
selves with the written Word of God and with
the Sacraments. They need give salary to no
preacher. They wear the very plainest dress,
and all can teach and prophesy when they
have good ideas. They love each other, if
they are loved in turn. They help the poor
of their denomination, and a naturally honest
life they fix as the basis of eternal happiness ;
and they remain good converted members,
if they only appear twice a year in the
great meeting. Is such a repentance still
too cumbersome for the flesh ? — then an
easier way is found. For we have many here
who separate themselves from all things visi-
ble, and pretend to worship God in Spirit and
in truth, and call themselves the silent in the
land. These belong to no denomination at all,
permit themselves to be reprimanded by no
one, have no compassion or feeling for other
members, as they are separated, explain the

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 37/

Bible according to their pleasure, darken
the very plainest truths with their strange
speech, and find therein great mysteries
which the ordinary man indeed must leave
unsolved. They write books and lament
and deplore it, that all mankind do not find
the light and the Saviour in themselves. As
silent however as they and theirs are, when
they are to care for the common and special
want and poverty, they are still found loud,
active, and efficient enough at the markets
where there is trafficking. If there are melan-
choly natures, who would gladly be wholly
out of the world, there is a convenient denom-
ination provided by various crafty men, which
is called the denomination of the Seventh Day
Baptists. There is a beautiful and rich tract
of land purchased, large common halls for
single men and women, and the like ; also
brew and bake-houses are built by the sweat
and blood of the self-denying members. O
what wonderful institutions and converts are
these ! According to their pretension, we dare
look upon Christ no further than as an exam-
ple, but only give heed to the men who have
become like to Christ in holiness, and thereby

J2*

3/8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

obtained the power of regenerating, so as to
be able to beget spiritual children. We have
nothing there of a righteousness apprehended
by faith. If they only affect a righteousness
of life by fasting, mortification, hard work, and
a ridiculous manner of dress, give their goods
and chattels into the common treasury, let
themselves be dipped in their community, and
ruled for life, body and soul, by the chief
taskmaster, then they are such a convert, and
pity all others who do not also wish so to en-
joy life. But this denomination is still much
too circumscribed, and adapted only to one or
two kinds of temperaments ; and for this reason
Count Zinzendorf has contrived a still more
convenient denomination, wherein all sorts of
temperaments find sustenance. Here in this
country many a wanton fornicator and adult-
erer has given his house and farm in order to
be absolved by such new teachers from his
gross vices, without repentance and faith, and
to be assured that his natural disposition is
well adapted to the remaining cross-bills and
beasts, if he brings g-oods and chattels, and
makes himself friends with the unrighteous
mammon. The last conversion would be still

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 379

far more universal if it did not act so hard on
property, and left more food for the natural
disposition. If one would rather himself con-
trol his goods and chattels, and still become
something extraordinary, that has more show
than the common church life, he can be con-
verted to the denomination of the so-called
Dippers. With himself he has soon finished,
if he can only repeat a few passages of the
Revelation by John, concerning Babylon and
the beast and the whore, makes an outward
figure therewith, and allows himself to be pub-
licly immersed by them. Their lessons are
easy to nature, and convenient to learn. They
have only to scoff at infant baptism, and to
judge all others who do not hold with them,
especially the parsons and the church people,
and among other things believe that the devil
and the damned shall again be released from
hell. Conversion to the Mennonite denomi-
nation is also very easy, convenient, and ad-
vantageous, and well-nigh one of the most
tranquil.

But I must also lament over those of our
own religion, and confess that the greater part
entertain the erroneous opinion that they are

380 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

already converted when they have performed
the opus opcratum, external worship of God,
and have sung : Now praise God it is finished;
although on other occasions, under cover of
human weakness, they curse that heaven
might shudder at it, get drunk, and follow
other worldly vanities. These poor people are
strengthened in their misconception by nine
or ten so-called Lutheran preachers, who have
here in part set themselves up to teach, and in
part were degraded from office in Germany on
account of gross vices, and came here to this
country — they are falsely assured by these of
the certainty of their salvation, for the sake of a
handful of barley, and lulled to sleep; yea,
indeed, very diligently persuaded that other
preachers, who so earnestly insist on repent-
ance, have deviated from the Lutheran doc-
trine. We dare not think that the people first
fell into this error here in this country, but
they brought it with them from various
places in Germany. In a word, in this coun-
try, Satan, who deceives the whole world, has
his complete fair, and almost all possible
kinds of sectarian forms; still they all agree
herein, that they have the semblance of godli-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 38 1

ness, but deny its just power. So far, the un-
bridled so-called liberty of conscience, may
serve this mortal and sinful generation.

And now, highly venerable fathers, you, and
other worthy patrons and benefactors might
justly ask, what have we hitherto built up?
To building belongs as well the removal of
obstacles, the preparation of materials, the
digging of the ground, and the raising of the
scaffolding, as the actual symmetrical placing
together of the parts. How many hindrances
does not Satan occasion us, and also the rude
and subtle world, the unbridled liberty, and
especially the condition of all human hearts
which have lost the original image of God,
and become instead as an involved and tangled
mass of weaver's yarn. We had to spend sev-
eral years before they even let us pass for
honest people, because the preacher's office
has been far too much prostituted, and ren-
dered suspected in this country by those so-
called clergymen, who lead a vexatious life,
and under the black coat perpetrate subtle
frauds. How difficult it is to dig a deep and
permanent foundation in hearts which our
Master compares to the wayside with stony

382 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and thorny ground ! We bravely dig into
them with the holy law of God, and animad-
vert upon all possible kinds of sin, but there i^
very much resistance. External preparation,
i. e., the building of churches and school-
houses, wasted much time for us. Our dear
colleagues in office in Europe have a great ad-
vantage over us, because the outward scaffold-
ing already stands. They receive their neces-
sary support without care. They have an
external hedge around their congregations,
and are protected by Christian governments,
though at one place more or less than at an-
other, so that they may dig on with confidence
and unhindered with the law in the hearts of
those entrusted to them, and build up with the
gospel as a power unto salvation ! In many
Protestant places it would be just as difficult
as it is with us, if they had at present first to
build their churches and school-houses, without
any certain charitable foundation from voluntary
contributions. For the rich have nothing left
for churches and schools, for the maintenance
of preachers and school teachers, but many
indeed rather wish that such were banished
from the country. The poor would sometimes

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 383

willingly give, but are unable. Now, although
we know the difference between particular
churches, those which have the outward
equipment and those which have it not, those
which have a hedge and those which have
none, those which have governments as nurs-
ing mothers and those which have none, yet
it is exceeding well with us beneath the
shadow and protection of the Most High, and
we have hedge and wall enough, if we believe
the promise of our Master: Lo, I am with you
ahuay, etc. We also will not murmur that
we are without aid from Bracihio seculari, the
secular arm, but most humbly thank our Je-
hov^ah, that he is the help of our countenance
and our God ! We do not wish to be under-
stood as though we thought that we alone
have made and still make the outward prepa-
ration here ; but it remains an everlasting
memorial, that in this century, the essentially
good God awakened many honest souls in the
Protestant church of various stations, dignities
and honor, and endowed them with distin-
guished faith, and who quickly strove to be
active through love, and especially had, and
still have for their object, the spreading abroad

384 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

of the kingdom of Jesus Christ among the
heathen, the Jews, and even in lukewarm
Christendom. This most gracious God, and
his dear children in Europe, the dispersed,
erring and forsaken Lutherans in Philadelphia,
Germantown, Providence, New Hanover, Up-
per Milford, Saccum, New York, Perkasie,
Tulpehocken, Heidelberg, Lancaster and York,
have most humbly to thank, that in the midst
of the most dangerous time of war, they with
much trouble and heavy expense, sent them
five preachers free, and when the mites con-
tributed by the first united congregations did
not suffice by far to provide the most neces-
sary buildings for divine service and for
schools, the highly venerable fathers, bene-
factors and patrons gradually sent over so
much, that, by the donations in connection
with the mites of this place, a church was re-
paired in New Hanover, and a new school
house built, and several acres of land pur-
chased, and in Providence a substantial stone
church and school house were finished from
the foundation. In Germantown the second
half of a church was erected, and in Philadel-
phia a piece of land was bought, and a church

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 385

built on it, which last, however, alone is yet
involved in the most debts, as building in the
city is exceedingly expensive. The members
of the congregation are for the most part poor,
and as yet young beginners. The house had
to be built the largest, and accordinsr to a
close comparison, a pound in building reaches
no further in the city than one dollar in Ger-
many. As many groschen as are given to a
laboring maji a day in Germany, so many
shillings must be given here to English
tradesmen. The accounts and receipts which
pastor Brunnholtz has already sent, and will
still send to the highly venerable fathers, will
certify all the before-mentioned. Now, whether
some souls are won and saved by the many
efforts, gifts of love and institutions, or that
we, since God is with us, waste our strength
among them, only as a witness, still, accord-
ing to the infallible promises of God, the great
endeavors and gifts of love, yea, the least
drink of cold water of our highly venerable
fathers, and of all worthy benefactors, will not
remain unrecompensed and unrequited. All
our endeavor and care, although in great
weakness, accordingly tend to this, tiiat we
3r, Z

386 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

(conformably to the blessed desigri of our
highly venerable fathers, patrons and bene-
factors, and of our office), so believe, teach,
live, pray, wrestle and fight, that our congre-
gations entrusted to us, and each member of
them particularly, be won and saved if possi-
ble, by our sei'vice.

In this order, our dear colleague in office,
pastor Brunnholtz, labors, now in the fifth
year, with all faithfulness and patience in the
congregations in Philadelphia and German-
town. He preaches publicly, not with the
words of human wisdom, but in demonstration
of the Spirit and of power. He holds special
prayer-meetings in his house. He is edifying
in intercourse with his own people and all
kinds of sects, and concentrates all his dis-
course to the improvement of the understand-
ing and the will. He visits the sick by day
and by night, if necessary, often also when he
himself is weak and faint. He meditates, prays,
contends and wrestles in his chamber for all
congregations, and for those entrusted to him
especially, for the fathers, and for all the mem-
bers of Jesus Christ in Europe, He is very
much occupied with the instruction of the

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 387

young. He is greatly burdened with the cor-
respondence, as all our letters are delivered to
him for distribution. He faithfully cares for
the external burdens of the church and for the
debts, and attends to it, that the interest is
collected. He is satisfied with that which the
members of his congregation from good will
offer him, and spares the poor, duns no one,
shifts along from hand to mouth, and if he has
anything left, he shares it with the poor. He
shows himself in all things a servant of God,
and a faithful steward of the mysteries of God.
His labor also is not without a blessing. For
the preaching of the gospel will be unto some
a savor of life unto life. God, however, does
not upon the whole make known to him the
blessing, in order that he may remain in pov-
erty of spirit and in humility. He has already
removed man}^ obstacles out of the way, dug
a deep foundation in some, and laid the founda-
tion by the grace of God. The fire of tribula-
tion will preserve and reveal it. But now I must
announce it with sorrow that he has already
nearly consumed himself, whilst he shone as a
light to others. For he has been sickly nearly
the whole of the past summer, so that I was

388 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

anxious on his account. I took him with me
into the country for a few weeks, whereby he
again recovered somewhat. At length, in
autumn, he had a very dangerous attack of
malaria fever, that twice already we expected
his death. He indeed employed English doc-
tors, but next to God the essentia diilcis helped
him to his feet again after a long and severe
illness, by which however he was very much
enfeebled. In these circumstances a lessening
of labor is indispensably necessary to him.
But none of us are able to assist him, for we
are scarcely able to help ourselves situated as
we are. Pastor Brunnholtz and myself have
in our calls the first united congregations.
He and I are both scarcely as yet strong
enough for one man, therefore we both need
an adjunct. Now, highly venerable fathers, if
according to your paternal love to us, and to
our poor congregations, you could select a
suitable person and send him in, pastor Brunn-
holtz could at least for a time stay with me in
the country until he recovered, and labor as
much as his strength permitted, and thus I and
all the four congregations would be all the
better aided. He mio;ht also for exercise now

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 389

and then visit the other colleagues in office,
and give them advice and comfort. Although
my income is pretty small, yet God will not
forsake nor neglect us. For we have a rich
Father over all. I know that he will be satis-
fied as God directs. He shall have as much
privilege in my house and surroundings as I
have myself. In relation to the expenses of the
voyage, the Heavenly Father will also provide
in time.

As fearful as pastor Handschuch was at first
to go to Lancaster, he still finds a good en-
trance, and already labors with a blessing.
He suffered a severe sickness in the latter part
of this summer, so that we almost feared his
death. But God graciously averted it, and be-
stowed him unto us again. Mr. Schaum, who
was ordained this year for the congregation in
York, also had a severe fever, and otherwise
one trial and another ; still, as yet no tempta-
tion but human has perplexed us, but God is
faithful, etc. Mr. Kurtz I suppose has re-
ported his circumstances himself. He has
hitherto faithfully performed his office, and
enjoyed reasonably good health.

In the past summer, I had to travel to

390 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Raritan once more. Mr. Weygand finds a
good entrance there, and has hitherto as yet
conducted himself well. The three congrega-
tions there gave him a formal call in my pres-
ence, and ask our highly venerable fathers
through me, whether they would let this rest,
and grant full power to us to ordain the said
Mr. Weygand at our next synod. We have
lifted the Darmstadt collection, and decreed
the one-half to Providence and the other to
Philadelphia.

As for the rest, I commend my family, espe-
cially my dear colleagues in office, congrega-
tions, and all other concerns, to the further
love and favor, and chiefly to the earnest inter-
cession of our highly venerable fathers,
patrons, and all acquaintances in the Lord.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.

CHAPTER IV.

SEVERAL LETTERS FROM PASTOR BRUNNHOLTZ,
IN PHILADELPHLV, DURING THE YEARS 1 749

AND 1750.

/. Extract of a letter to the court preacher,
Mr. ZiegenJiagen, in London^ and Doctor
Fraiicke, in Halle, of the nth of April, ij^g.

My last letter to the same address was dated
in November of last year, wherein there were
several supplements. I hope all may have
arrived safely, although I have no intelligence
as yet of the ship wherewith it was sent. As
the Delaware was frozen over for a long time,
no opportunity occurred from here from that
time until now, when a ship again leaves.

Now, as we all hope and wish that our
fathers and other patrons and friends in Europe
may still be alive and in tolerable health, so we
may announce that it has pleased the good
God to preserve us all in life and unity to-
gether.

(391)

392 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Our dear brother Handschuch has now
labored for nearly a year in the vineyard in
Lancaster, with all faithfulness, but also under
diverse circumstances, which generally are not
wanting in the kingdom of the cross of the
Lord Jesus Christ, and especially also not in
this country and among these people. We
write to each other on every post-day, and
comfort and encourage each other as God
gives us ability. We have not many servants
and children of God here, at least not near
together, with and among whom we might
have pleasant intercourse and constant encour-
agement. Still the hand of the Lord is not
too short, and his Spirit is not lar from us, and
is able to compensate for the want of all this
the more abundantly and purely. As we have
ever to learn as long as we live, so we have fine
opportunities here to learn that which we
indeed as yet never knew, and also perhaps
had never learned in the old country. And
although obstacles are met with here which
are not there, so also there are advantages here
which are wished for th^re but are not obtained.
Christ, the head of the Church, faith and trust
in and to him will so support us, that in the

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 393

end his wisdom and goodness will be extolled.
May he give unto us the spirit of love, of
power, and of discretion, and make us wise,
courageous, and patient, triumphantly to finish
the fight and the race set before us.

The said brother Handschuch has obtained
pastor Muhlenberg's schoolmaster from Han-
over, Jacob Loser for Lancaster. He had in-
deed been deathly sick recently, but God has
helped him up again. He is a fine man, con-
ducts the school in that place, and is at the
same time chanter and sacristan in the congre-
gation.

Mr. Schaum is still in York, and as
Mr. Handschuch has written, it seems that the
congregation there, intend to call him as their
regular preacher and to have him ordained.
In these days pastor Handschuch goes over
there to administer the Lord's Supper, and to
see how matters stand. Mr. Kurtz, as far as I
know, is still well, keeps school in his house
during winter, and as is known, regularly
officiates in Tulpehocken.

The young candidate, Weygand, of whom
we made mention in our last, is stationed at
Raritan, and on his account we made inquiry

394 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

of your highly venerableness, and still await
the answer. He writes occasionally. During
the past week he and an elder from that place
were with me over night, and reported the
condition of things there. He seems to be
hiOnest. But he must pass through many
trials yet, so that the true character in him,
may be so much the more established. The
congregation is well satisfied with him. There
is a gentle spirit in his delivery, and this
winter he diligently instructed the children on
week days. This spring the congregation
there purpose building a stone church in com-
mon for all, and pastor Miihlenberg will
doubtless have to go over this summer to visit
the congregation.

Pastor Miihlenberg and his wife were with
me on the 15th of January of this year, just
when I entered upon my fifth year in this
country. They were with me for several days
when we animated and cheered ourselves with
prayer and supplication to God. He is indis-
posed now and then, and had also been sick
this winter. He cannot endure the labor any
more as he did formerly, inasmuch as his con-
stitution becomes weaker. As we cannot often

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 395

meet, we make amends for the want by letters,
and confer about that which is most needful.

Since my last, God be praised, I had no
need to miss a sermon on account of infirmity,
except on New Year's day, when I, in riding
out to Germantovvn, was so frozen through by
the furious cold, that I could only preach for
fifteen minutes. God in great mercy so
strengthened me in my weakness, that in my
sermons I could feel the aid of the Holy
Ghost. And when I obtained a little more
rest, as the most disquietude of the external
church building is past, I am enabled to labor
more for the internal. When I examine
myself before the Lord, I must confess to the
praise alone of unmerited grace, that in so far
as I know myself, I am solely concerned for
the eternal salvation of my own soul and that
of others, and therefore I hope that the bless-
ing can fail as little as the holy cross and the
assaults of the arch enemy. I am according
to my feelings the weakest and the most mis-
erable without and within, and to know this is
also grace. Still this will not hinder the work
of God, for I place my trust not in myself, nor
upon any other thing in the world, but upon

396 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

him who is all in all, worketh all in all, and
will eternally be all in all. On account of my
infirmity I cannot indeed do as much in ex-
ternal matters as I willingly would, and if I
could, I indeed might accomplish more good.
In case of necessity, I still ride around to visit
the members. Still I hope that the Lord
himself will compensate for this deficiency,
by either, giving me more strength, so that
that which is not done now, may be ac-
complished in future, or that he himself, by
the gracious influence of his Spirit (who at all
events must do all) will succor the souls. In
my public preaching, one of the principal
points I urge, is to direct the hearers to the
Bible, to search in it diligently at home, to
read in it, and with prayer to bring that which
they read into their lives. I also observe
some profit in many, and especially in young
families. The hinderances to true repentance
and to the progress of the work of the Lord
in the soul I point out to them according to
ability, and show them how we may overcome
them. Those who are moved and affected, I
publicly request to come to me for more par-
ticular instruction. Some also actually come.

CONGREGATIOxNS IN AMERICA. 397

At the afternoon service in Philadelphia, which
is every two weeks, I endeavor to direct the
children and the poor servants (z. e.^ those men
and maid serv^ants, who are sold for several
years on account of their passage, who come
diligently and of whom there is a large num-
ber in the city) to Christ and to true piety. I
represent to them the great danger in which
they especially stand, on account of their
)'outh and the circumstances of the country,
etc. On Easter, as is done in Halle, I had
passages printed and distributed among the
smaller children for their encouragement. In
the evening prayer meetings, which I hold on
Wednesdays in the schoolroom in my house,
I repeat in a regular manner the sermon which
I preached the Sunday previous. In the sum-
mer I may do it in church, as there is not
room enough in the house. Various English
people have indeed desired me to preach Eng-
lish, and inquired when it could be done. It
seems to mc, however, that it is not as yet the
time, in case I were able. My office is prin-
cipally with the Germans, among whom I have
more to do than I am able to accomplish.
Now, as there is a regular printing office in
34

39^ REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the city, which the English printer and post-
master, Mr. Frankhn, has purchased, and ap-
pointed a German printer over it, we have op-
portunity, when useful and necessary, to have
anything printed. And as the printer, who is
of the Lutheran religion, desired to print for
sale the small catechism of Luther for chil-
dren, and had requested me to arrange it, I
did so, and am now enabled to make use of it
in the instruction of the youth. The first edi-
tion is for the most part sold. Perhaps we
may shortly have a new appendix printed to
the Marpurg hymn-book, as many spiritual
hymns are wanting, and we cannot readily in-
troduce another entire book. The printer also
intends to print John Arndt's True Chris-
tianity, if he can get subscribers enough. I
very often publicly recommended it, and in
this and that matter, direct them to it. As
the grace of God workcth unto true repent-
ance in several in my congregations, so this
also particularly is taking place in Mr. N., in
whom I now observe a very marked change
within a year, and I hope for permanency.
His eyes are opened more continually, and he
is very eager for instruction, and has also al-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA, 399

ready enjoyed some true grace, and now also
labors with all earnestness in his family. He
weeps over the deception in which he lived
until old age, and yet esteemed himself an
earnest and a true Lutheran. God help him
through, together with others. His example
has a good influence upon others. Another
Mr. N., who is our friend, and who has much
love for us, is, and often indeed becomes un-
easy ; he also neglects no sermon, but his
reason is too exalted. Men would rather dis-
pute about matters of controversy, and decide
these, than attack the heretic within us. It is
easier for many to praise a sermon, or to criti-
cise it, whether it was regularly arranged, than
to examine his heart by it. It is a difficult
thing to give up the old Adam unto death, to
deny the worldly spirit, and regard all our
own prudence and fancied wisdom as foolish-
ness and ignorance. Still God is able to hum-
ble us when his time comes. More particulars
of this and of that one I cannot at this time
give, for many reasons. My highly venerable
fathers know already from longer experience
how it is in the congregations of to-day, when
we must often be satisfied with the gleanings,

400 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and generally watch and wait for the divine
workings, where, when, and in whom, and
whether the Spirit would give an abundant
harvest.

Mr. Vigera has had a fine school this winter,
and so instructed the children, that it was a
pleasure to the parents. God has at length
so ordered it, that he can now remain here,
and continue the school in the city.

I have inclosed an extract from the Phila-
delphia church accounts, etc., so that my
fathers may also see from it that which is the
most necessary. As the concourse of hearers
multiplies, especially since many Reformed go
to our church (as on the Sunday when I am
in Philadelphia, they have no sermon in the
forenoon), and as our own congregation in-
creases, necessity requires it that the elders of
the church build a massive gallery this sum-
mer, when it is to be hoped that we shall be
fully done with the building. If we should
further receive any collection, we would need
it most in this place. I am but little burden-
some to the congregation, as I desire nothing
from any one except that which anyone gives
me from his own free will, as moved by his

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 4OI

own conscience. I am only glad when the
revenues of the church do not suffer. When
the church is once out of debt, he who comes
after me may indeed have it better. May God
only rule according to his pleasure.

Peter Brunnholtz.

//. Extract from a second letter of the sanie^
of the 3d of July, iJ4g.

After I had finished with the catechumens,
and Whitsuntide was past, I went to Cohansey,
thirty-six miles from here, in Jersey, beyond
the Delaware river, to put things somewhat in
order there, and also promised to visit them
twice a year.

Immediately thereupon we held our annual
synod, or general church meeting, of all the
united preachers and wardens of the united
congregations, in Lancaster. On application
of the congregation in York, at the Codorus,
where Mr. Schaum has hitherto been stationed,
and after finding it necessary, we, after exami-
nation, ordained the said Schaum, Dom. II.
after Trinity, publicly and in presence of the
dele"[ated elders of the united concrreg-ations,
and called and installed him there as our col-
31* 2 A

402 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

league. The synod was held the Monday
following, and everything, thank God ! passed
off to the delight of us all. I only mention
this preliminarily.

It continually becomes more manifest to us,
that God in his supreme wisdom and om-
niscience destined the dear brother Hand-
schuch for the service of the congregation in
Lancaster before we could think of it. Still
his infirmity affects him much. When we had
returned from Lancaster, we had a visit from
pastor Kluge, from Virginia, three hundred
and thirty miles from here, who went there
ten years ago. He desired to see our arrange-
ments, and to become acquainted with us.
We received him kindly. He left rather
quietly and pleased. God grant that the jour-
ney may be a blessing to him.

The heat is extraordinary at this time, and I
cannot easily express how difficult it is for me
to preach on Sundays to a large assembly.
Yet God still gives support so that I am en-
abled in some measure to penetrate the con-
sciences of many. I have, God be praised,
no distant journeys to make until autumn.
But pastor Muhlenberg will perhaps have to

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 403

go to Raritan in August. Thus much I have
been enabled to announce for this time duti-
fully, in weakness and in haste, as the ship
will leave this afternoon.

Peter Brunnholtz.

///. Extract of another letter fi-om the same,
of the 2 1st of May, 17 jo.

It is of the goodness of the Lord that we
are not utterly consumed, and his mercy is
still without end, for it is not only new every
morning, but everlasting. Hallelujah !

What relates especially to my own circum-
stances here as well as to those of my brethren
and colleagues, I mention in passing, that we
three preachers and two assistants, Messrs.
Kurtz and Schaum, flow together in paternal
love, and that envy, suspicion, mistrust, and
the like are far from us which occasions us
great encouragement in our occasional and an-
nual meetings. This is a rare and great
grace. In relation then

I. To my own circumstances, and indeed {a)
to my person, I have been very infirm since
July, 1749, until the present time. Besides
the sickly turns which I have had from my
youth up, the changeable climate here and the

404 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

confused circumstances of the country, and of
the office here, contribute much to the impair-
ing' of my bodily constitution. Besides the
yearly illness which I have had, I have often
been confined to bed for several days, whereby
I lost about five Sundays this year, in which
I could not preach, which occasioned some
grumbling with people, who know not what
it is to be sickly. In this time also the gen-
eral correspondence with Europe, Georgia and
in the country here was considerably inter-
rupted, because under such circumstances we
are fitted for, and delight in nothing, (b) My
congregations considered according to out-
ward condition, it may be observed that the
congregation in Philadelphia has had a reg-
ular school hitherto in my house, of which
Mr. Vigera has the oversight, and whom I also
employ in case of necessity, to read a sermon
before public congregation, here and in Ger-
mantown, where there is a school likewise,
but there are more difficulties connected there-
with, because the people are so much scat-
tered, and the smaller number of the congre-
gation live in Germantown. The young
student Rauss, mentioned in my last, is with

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 4C5

me. After I had kept him in my house for
a long time gratuitously, and he had nothing
to do but to study for himself, and the congre-
gations signified a desire to have divine ser-
vice every Sunday, and wished that I should
accept of an assistant; so brother Muhlenberg
and I together, took this young man for a
year and a half, in which time he is to assist
me in preaching, and in other similar occupa-
tions, for which I am obligated to pay his
passage of about £16, provide him with
decent clothes, food, drink, and everything.
Now when he was accepted, the wardens
indeed desired to have church every Sunday ;
but to make me any contribution, for the pay-
ment of his passage and other expenses, they
were neither able nor willing, whereas food
and raiment cost much in the city, especially
as Mr. Rauss was badly provided with clothes.
The Philadelphians say they have enough with
one preacher, they wish to have him alone,
that the Germantovvn congregation was at-
tached to them to their damage, etc., on which
account they also presented a petition to the
Synod, etc. I now help myself through with
Mr. Rauss as well as I am able, although it is

406 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

burdensome to me, in respect to diverse things.
He has a good gift in preaching, whereto he
has sufficient help in my Hbrary, as he is not
as yet sufficiently versed in theology, although
he is well skilled in the humanities, phil-
osophy, and the like. He preaches in my
congregations every Sunday, and now and
then I send him to pastor Miihlenberg to
assist him.

If Germantown were out of debt, and able
to keep another preacher, I would immediately,
with the consent of my fathers, resign the
place to another, and remain in Philadelphia
alone; but it is as yet too soon. In both con-
gregations there is still considerable tranquility
and unity. They come to church diligently.
The church reckoning of the year 1749, is
herewith presented. They have now at length
resolved to build the gallery, for which they
have already purchased the materials. In
Germantown they have stipulated for the mak-
ing of the pews for £$6 of Pennsylvania cur-
renc}^ and have built a small sacristy for me
at the side. But to obtain the money I had
to spend about eight days indeed, riding
around among the members of the congrega-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 407

tion, to make them willing thereto. This
congregation has occasioned me more trouble
in relation to the building, than the congrega-
tion in Philadelphia, on account of the dis-
agreement of the members of the Church
council. The Darmstadt collection, which
amounted to £iO'j of our money, was divided
on the 14th of November, a. p., at a meeting
of several elders from Philadelphia and Provi-
dence. In relation to the internal state of my
congregations, it is so, that it might indeed be
better. Generally, it seems the present time
in Pennsylvania is a time of lethargy, shame-
lessness and security among all sects. Avarice,
drinking and all kinds of vice prevail. The
judgments of God may not be far off, from
which we have hitherto been spared in this
province. That which is good in some in the
congregations, is in danger of being choked.
This humbles one much, when we think of
it, and look upon our own weakness, and
the great power of the devil. Still, I hope as yet
upon the Lord, whose right hand can change
all. At Easter and Whitsuntide, I, this year,
instructed and confirmed a considerable num-
ber of young people of from twelve to fifteen

408 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

years, in both congregations. We must some-
times receive them when young, and in hope
that they may not afterwards, if we permit
them to get too old before they are confirmed,
grow entirely wild amidst the Pennsylvanian
masses. Every Sunday afternoon I publicly
instruct the young in Germantown as well as
in Philadelphia. With the smaller children, I
use Luther's small catechism ; but with the
larger, I review the order of salvation, and lead
them into the Bible. In Philadelphia there are
a great many servants, i. e., sold domestics, and
I also hope for some benefit to these by the
instruction. If only all of them had small
Bibles ! When I am well, I would gladly
instruct the youth twice during the week, but
the children over ten years, must work ; there-
fore, we cannot get them together during the
week, and much less the servants. The
prayer-meeting is continued every Wednesday
evening, when I am well. O Lord, Lord !
forsake us not for thy great name's sake.
Break the wrath of Satan and his great power,
and preserve thy kingdom from him. When
all seemed to dissolve, I was still conscious of
thy aid.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 4O9

2. In relation to pastor Muhlenberg, who
has at the present time gone on a journey,
with his father-in-law, Mr. Conrad Weiser, to
Albany, in New York, where Mr. Hartwick is
stationed, I observe that he is tolerably well ;
still he has various sickly turns now and then.
Matters stand moderately well in his congre-
gations. He has besides several out-parishes,
and an extensive circuit. In Saccum, Upper
Milford, etc., where he formerly preached on
week days, he has a catechist, viz : Ludolph
Schrenck. He came into this country in Feb-
ruary, 1749, is a Luneburger, and had studied
law at Erlangen. He wished to go to Geor-
gia, but came from London to Philadelphia,
and addressed himself to me. At first I did
not accept of him, but when he staid in Phila-
delphia about ten weeks, conducted himself
quietly, and had nothing more to live on,
Mr. Muhlenberg took him on my recom-
mendation, and that of Mr. Vigera. He was
with him for half a year, and diligently read
the Bible and theological books, until he,
under the direction of Mr. Muhlenberg, be-
came catechist in the above-mentioned congre-
gation, where he has now been stationed for
35

410 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

almost a year. We are well satisfied with
him, I provided him with the necessary
books.

3. Our dear pastor Handschuch, whose
diary herewith also follows, is weakly, but
labors faithfully and patiently among the wild
people in Lancaster. Our dearest fathers will
see more from his journal.

4. Mr. Kurtz is well. He succeeds well in
Tulpehocken, is earnest, zealous and obedient.
I hope, as he is of sound constitution, and
continually grows more in experience, that he
may continue the work begun after our de-
cease.

5. Mr. Schaum is also still well. His con-
gregation declare their satisfaction with him.
He grows in knowledge and experience. The
town of York, which has now obtained a
county, or the name of a Shire, increases.
Many people from here move over there. In
Conewago, twenty miles from there, he is now
also to preach every four weeks. Thus he
has to labor enough.

6. Mr. Weygand is also still in good health.
Everything was arranged for his ordination on
the day previous to the Synod. But for good

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 4II

reasons it was deferred until the dedication of
their church. Otherwise, the building of their
church progresses finely. They have also
purchased a plantation near the church for
;^I20, where Mr. Weygand may live, but
whereby they involved themselves in debt
very much. How it may be in the future,
time must tell.

7. The Archbishop has recently sent over
three preachers, of whom the one is provost.
All three seem to be honest men, and show
love towards us. They are willing to hold
friendship and communion with us, because
he, as the new Provost told me, had orders to
this effect in his instructions. The just-men-
tioned Provost, Acrelius, is in Mr. Trauberg's
place in Wilmington. The second, Mr. Unan-
der, is where the late Provost Sandin was sta-
tioned, and the third, Mr. Perlin, came here
into the city in the place of Mr. Nassmann.
From, the Swedish tracts against the Herrn-
huter, brought along with them, of which
they presented several to me, as I understand
the Swedish language, I see that the letter of
Mr. Weiser to me has been translated into the
Swedish language and prmted. The former

412 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

parson of Lancaster, Mr. Nyberg, goes to Eu-
rope, likely to Count Zinzendorf.

8. Last autumn about twenty-five ships ar-
rived here with Germans. The number of
those who arrived alive was 1049, among
whom there were also about twelve who were
in part regular schoolmasters in the old
country, but on account of small pay, and
in the hope of improvement, moved into
this, and in part they had been engaged in
other pursuits. They would have better re-
mained where they were. Some come who
in part have public certificates, and in part
letters to me from their parsons. I, however,
can help them but little. In this month, ships
again frequently arrive with Germans, so that
about ten have already come. The province
is crowded full of people, and living becomes
continually more expensive. Those who come
in free — who had something in the old coun-
try, but consumed that which they had, <pn an
expensive voyage — and see that it is otherwise
than was represented to them, whine and cry.
Woe on the emigrants, who induced them
to this ! One of these in Germantown had
wishe.d to shoot himself recently from des-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 413

peration. The Newlanders, as they are here
called, are such as do not work, and still
wish to become rich speedily, and for this
reason they go out into Wiirtemberg and
vicinity, and persuade the people to come
into this country, alleging, that everything
was here that they could wish for, that such
a country like this there was none in the
world, and that every one could become as
rich as a nobleman, etc. These deceivers have
this profit in it, that they with their merchan-
dise are brought in free, and in addition, for
every head they bring to Amsterdam or to
Rotterdam, they receive a certain sum from
the merchants. The owners of these vessels
derive much money herefrom in freightage.
They pack them into the ships as if they were
herring, and when they arrive, there are so
many sick and dying among them that it is piti-
ful to behold them. Those, however, who have
nothing, and are in debt also for their passage,
are taken into small huts, where they lie upon
straw, and are corrupted like cattle, and in
part half deprived of their reason, so that they
can scarcely perceive anything of the parsons
consolations. The government and assembly
35*

414 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

have meanwhile made some ordinances and in-
stitutions, but whether the difficuhy will be
remedied thereby time will show. It would be
just and right if a regular report of such things
were put into the German newspapers here
and there in Europe. Still what good would
it do ? The farmers don't get to read the papers,
and many indeed would not believe it, as they
moreover have a mind to come.

Peter Brunnholtz.

CHAPTER V.

EXTRACT FROM PASTOR HANDSCHUCH'S DIARY
FROM THE 7TH OF SEPTEMBER, 1 748, TO THE

I 6th of may 1750.

On the 7th of September, 1748, 1 went with
two wardens and a mother to the plantation of
a Mennonite, to speak with him concerning
his servant, the son of this mother, whether
he would not permit him to come twice a
week, from one to four o'clock, to a prepara-
tion for the Holy Supper, to which he was
quite willing, on certain conditions.

On the 14th of September, I rode to Earl-
town, preached there, and held instruction for
the youth. After divine service, a so-called
new-born woman addressed me, whose three
adult children I found extremely ignorant in
the instruction given to the youth. She apol-
ogized for the children, and complained that
they were not even baptized, nor their father,
but that she had a great desire to have them
(415)

4l6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

instructed and baptized, and that her husband
would have nothing against it. Her husband,
who heard all at a distance, came up to us, and
I represented to him his great indifference for
his own and for the souls of his family. He
excused himself herewith, that his father also
held him to nothing, and permitted him to grow
up thus, but that he now understood indeed how
injurious it was, and that he should do much
better by holding to the church. There was
no good done at home surely; and in future he
would at all times send his children to church.

On the 23d of September I was not at all
well. Still I had to preach a funeral sermon.
In visiting her diligently, the deceased woman
had given me some hope of a true repentance,
and of a simple longing after grace.

On the 7th of October, the usual meeting
of the elders and wardens, or as it is here
called, the church council, was held, which
was continued from two o'clock until late in
the evening, inasmuch as a matter in dispute
between a father and his sons was amicably
settled. Much was also spoken concerning a
school-house, which was to be rented of a
schoolmaster, who was to be accepted, and of

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 417

his business and pay; and finally, the pre-
lection in the church the following Sunday,
was entrusted to a warden in my absence and
in the absence of the schoolmaster.

Early on the 8th of October, at the most
urgent request of Mr. Kurtz, I rode to Tulpe-
hocken. In the evening, at six o'clock, I ar-
rived safely at the house of Mr. Conrad
Weiser.

On the 9th of October, the eighteenth Sun-
day after Trinity, I baptized three children.
After the sermon, Mr. Kurtz examined thirty-
one young people, who stood the test tolerably
well. I still as yet submitted several ques-
tions to their consciences, and confirmed them
after renewing their baptismal covenant upon
their knees, in the name of the Triune God.
Thereupon we administered the Holy Supper
to one hundred and thirty communicants.
The many persons present, both young and
old, seemed to be considerably affected by
these holy acts. It was four o'clock before we
had finished with all. The day following, I
again returned.

On the 22d of October, I, in company with
several wardens and members of the church

2B

41 8 REPORTS FROxM LUTHERAN

council, inspected our church, the sills of
which had wholly rotted away. We also ex-
amined several houses which were proposed for
a school house. Soon thereafter, Jacob Loser
came, who had been school master hitherto in
New Hanover, and who had been proposed as
school masterfor this place. He brought letters
along with him from pastor Muhlenberg, He
was this day as yet presented to the church
council, which met with me, and a conference
was held with him in his presence, and finally
it was resolved to let him give a proof pub-
licly on the morrow.

On the twentieth Sunday after Trinity, I
rode to Earltown early, baptized a child,
preached, had a rehearsal and instruction for
the young, and easily perceived in both young
and old that my labor hitherto had not been
wholly without blessing.

On the 25th of October, I preached in Lan-
caster, and presented to the people that which
was most needful in reference to the education
of the youth, and the necessity of a good
schoolmaster. After the close of the divine
service, the congregation tarried, and I spoke
with them (i) concerning the choice of a new

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 4I9

schoolmaster, (2) concerning the renting of a
convenient school house, and (3) of the speedy
repairing of the church, which begins to sink
quite rapidly. But nothing could be deter-
mined, as many of the members of the con-
gregation and the principal persons of the
church council were absent. Still, some of
those present, at my request, promised to con-
tribute something certain thereto.

On the twenty-first Sunday after Trinity,
after divine service, we spoke again with the
regular members of the congregation, con-
cerning a new schoolmaster of his yearly
salary and of his dwelling, and at length we
arrived at a settled conclusion in everything.
In the afternoon, there was a meeting of the
church council again. The call to Jacob
Loser to the service of the school in this place
was written, and signed by the members of
the church council, and by the wardens.

On the afternoon of the 6th of November, I
visited a certain Herrnhuter. This man had
been one of the greatest enemies of our
church in the church quarrel of this place,
who would immediately hew into everything
with his axe ; therefore, also, so many of our

420 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

people are opposed to him. He now indeed
confesses that he was deceived by the Herrn-
huter, but still he will not fully side with our
church, as he alleges that they are all dead peo-
ple. At the bottom of his heart, the reason may
indeed be self-righteousness. In the mean-
while, he neglects no sermon. In church he
looks for a passage in his Bible, and repeats
the sermon with his wife and children.

On the 19th of November, I had preparatory
service and confession with the people in Earl-
town, who announced themselves for the Holy
Supper.

On the twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity,
confession was as yet held with some before
the sermon, and afterwards the Holy Supper
was administered to forty-one communicants.
I then gave notice to the congregation, that
on account of the distance, the violent cold of
winter, the deep snow, and the streams to be
crossed, and also on account of my infirmity,
I was obliged to discontinue during the fol-
lowing three severest winter months. I also
appointed a reader, and exhorted the whole
congregation to peace and unity.

On the second Sunday of Advent, after the

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 42 1

sermon, I examined and confirmed the youth,
thirty-four in number, which lasted until
towards 2 o'clock, and as I hope may not
have been wholly without blessing. During
the remaining time, many living at a distance
announced themselves to me for the Holy
Supper.

On the 5th of December, the people an-
nounced themselves the whole day until even-
ing for the Holy Supper. The same on the
6th of December also, so that not a quarter of
an hour remained to take a meal, as I sought
to speak with all fully concerning the state of
their souls.

On the 7th of December, I summoned two
women to my room, to inquire into their stiff-
necked rancor of many years standing, and
finally to put an end to it. Although these
women reproached each other with everything,
still they conducted themselves pretty sensi-
bly, and forgave each other, whereat I rejoiced,
and praised God in prayer. During the time
remaining, people of various sorts as yet an-
nounced themselves for the Holy Supper.

On the 8th of December, I had a church
council meeting from 2 o'clock, p. m., until
36

422 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

evening, in which one of the church council
was very much awakened, and with affecting
words asked of all present pardon for his of-
fences which he had hitherto given. A recent
misunderstanding between a church council-
man and a warden was also disposed of, and
all was concluded with prayer, and by all with
purely good resolutions.

On the 9th of December, many again an-
nounced themselves for the Holy Supper.

On the lOth of December, it continued thus
until I went to church, at about I o'clock, to
preach a preparatory sermon and engage in
penitential and confessional devotion. Be-
tween the sermon and the confession, a young
person who was sick of late, was confirmed,
and a man publicly spoken with, who was
unwilling to appear before the church council.
I still had many calls afterwards.

On the third Sunday of Advent, I had
many calls before divine service. After the
sermon, I administered the Holy Supper to
144 communicants.

On the 28th of December, there was a
meeting of the church council, in which the
man several times mentioned, who had been

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 423

a Herrnhuter, and who had shown himself
hostile enough to our people in the former
church dispute, declared that he, from the pre-
sent time forward, would conduct himself as
an honest brother in the faith, and help to
advance the best welfare of the congregation,
as much as possible. After adding a hearty-
admonition he was again regularly received
into the congregation.

On the 1st of January, 1749, I baptized
three children and preached. In the after-
noon I had a repetition and instruction for
the youth. The growth of both great and
small gives me considerable joy.

On Epiphany, the 6th day of January, I
baptized a child, the conduct of whose father
had otherwise been very bad towards me, but
who now asked pardon, and promised amend-
ment.

On the 7th of January, in the afternoon,
our present schoolmaster, Jacob Loser, ar-
rived here safely, together with his family,
and brought letters along for me from pastor
Muhlenberg. It can scarcely be credited what
trouble, difficulty and anxiety, this schoolmas-
ter business occasioned to me and to the be-

424 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

loved Mr. Muhlenberg, before it could be
accomplished.

The afternoon of the first Sunday after
Epiphany, I spent in visiting the sick. When
I returned home again, I met four men who
were waiting for me ; one of whom was
affected by the sermon of to-day, whose wife
and two children (one of four and the other of
one year) were not as yet baptized, requested
me to baptize his children on the next Sunday.
This evening was edifying to me and to the
others present, for the Lord filled my heart
with comfort, and my lips overflowed abun-
dantly in consolation and prayer.

On the nth of January, I was visited by the
above-mentioned man, who had been much
affected, who with his wife, an English Baptist,
and their children desired to go over to our
church.

On the second Sunday after Epiphany, dur-
ing divine service, I baptized three children,
of whom two belonged to the man mentioned
on the first Sunday after Epiphany and the
nth of January, one of which was over four
years, but the other one year old. I was un-
able to perform this baptismal act without

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 425

emotion, because the mother, an Enghsh Bap-
tist, brought the one child in her arms, and
was very attentively present in the whole
transaction before the baptismal font, although
she understood little or nothing of the Ger-
man. Thereupon I preached to a large con-
o-regation of people of various sorts and sects.

In the days from the 17th to the 21st of
January, I had sundry experiences of the
power of the Word hitherto preached, whereat
I rejoiced. On the contrary, I have had many
a grievance from some people.

In the forenoon of the 28th of January, I
was quite unexpectedly visited by Mr. Spang-
enberg, who calls himself Baron of Watteville,
otherwise denominated Langgut, and by an-
other Hernnhuter named Schnell. After they
had introduced themselves, they declared to
have had a desire to know me. Spangenberg
was very hard on the Constitution of the Lu-
theran Church, and thought that no honest
servant of Jesus Christ could teach it untram-
meled, nor remain in it with a good conscience.
He especially reviled our Universities very
much, which he called scholas diaboli, schools
of the devil ; the methods of the theologians,
36*

426 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

which he called weapons of the devil against
the Saviour; the consistories and their uncon-
verted members, and the preachers in Berlin,
etc. I contradicted him briefly, but according
to my best knowledge, with sound arguments,
wherein Watteville himself gave assent to me,
and he said nothing more. I afterwards asked
him upon his conscience, whether he could go
and move along in this, his chosen way, with
true conviction and joyfulness of heart. To
this he was silent for a time ; but he at length
assumed the joyfulness in words and gestures,
with which he assured me he could not do
otherwise. Watteville boasted much of the
heathen congregations planted in America and
in St. Thomas. He could represent every-
thing right lovingly and charmingly, so that if
I had not known this sort of people and their
repentance, I would have believed many
things. Schnell was altogether quiet. In tak-
ing leave, I entreated them, for the sake of
God, not to be so frivolous in the conversion
of the people, to urge the true divine order of
salvation better and more earnestly, and to
propound the doctrine of the Triune God and
his works and benefactions more clearly and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 427

scripturally. To do this, they promised with
their hps.

On the 30th of January, the people began
to announce their children to me to be pre-
pared for the Holy Supper.

On Sunday, Estomihi, two Englishmen came
to me in the afternoon, with the request that I
should baptize the debilitated child of an Eng-
lish widow. I went there without delay to do
this. Soon after my return home, two of the
members of the congregation came to tell me
of the hard trials of the wife of one of them.
They entreated me much to visit her on the
morrow as soon as possible.

On the 6th of February, as soon as I had
spoken that which was most necessary with
several who had come with me, I went out to
the tempted woman, mentioned yesterday, with
whom I had a very edifying and pleasant con-
versation. She seemed to me to be a miser-
able person taken in the true sense. Although
she cannot read, she knows how to speak very
properly of spiritual things, from her own ex-
perience.

On the 14th of February, after I had various
visits nearly the whole of the forenoon, I held

428 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the first meeting for preparation with the youth
in the church. After its close, I spoke many
edifying things with a member of the congre-
gation, until late in the evening.

On the 1 6th of February, I also began the
meetings for preparations with our youth in
my room, whose number this time is only four-
teen.

On the 17th of February, I spoke much
with several Mennonites who came to me, and
who desired to be edified by me, because they
were awakened by my preaching, as they said.
On the 28th of February, the father of two
of the girls who come was present all the time
along with them at the meeting for prepara-
tion, and afterwards as yet remained a good
while with me, when he related many good
thincfs to me of his wife, and assured me that
her great earnestness in Christianity was
blessed both to him and to his children.

In the afternoon of Sunday, Latare, I joined
in marriage a Mennonite with a Reformed
woman, whose associates, by questions, pre-
sented me with a fine opportunity to speak to
all their hearts. The whole Mennonite com-
pany seemed to go away pleased. Thereupon

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 429

I had many another call, and very late I was
taken to a man, D. K., who was suddenly
taken sick, and whom I met in a fine and
awakened frame of mind.

On the 7th of March, I was early taken to
a plantation above six miles from here, to per-
form a marriage with a wedding serm.on.
People from far and near of various sects were
present who, during my address showed them-
selves very polite and attentive, especially sev-
eral aged respectable Quakers and Mennonites,
who, contrary to their custom, so long as I was
there, had their hats off, and otherwise, amidst
a very large bridal party, a loud word was
scarcely heard.

On the loth of March, I went early with
three of our church council to an aged sick
woman, whom I had visited yesterday, and to
whom I administered the Holy Supper, after a
previous admonition to repentance and self-
examination. As she gave proof of her hearty
contrition, in her great weakness, the entire act
was very edifying to me and to the others
present.

On the 24th of March, viz.. Good Friday,
four of the church council came to my room

430 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

early, and soon after two, who had been
Herrnhuter, who, after perceiving their sin-
ning against our church and the holy doctrines
of faith, asked pardon for the offences which
they had given, and promised with hand and
hps to be more faithful fellow-believers in
future, together with their families, and to seek
the welfare of the church. They were there-
fore regularly received into the congregation,
and permitted to go with us to confession to-
day. After divine service, I had almost con-
stant visits until I went to church again, and
preached a preparatory sermon, and held peni-
tential and confessional services with one hun-
dred and eleven who made confession. The
whole evening I was overrun by many people,
so that my strength was failing me.

On the first day of Easter, I preached to an
unusually numerous congregation, and after-
wards administered the Holy Supper to the
above one hundred and eleven communicants.
Afterwards, I had many visits from strangers
until I went to church to baptize three chil-
dren, and to repeat the sermon. In the even-
ing I again had much company.

On the second day of Easter, after divine

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 43 I

service, I went with the schoolmaster to visit
the sick D. K., who with time gives still more
hope of a change of heart. This great change
is already manifest to the eyes of all people ;
he speaks and conducts himself wholly other-
wise than he did even half a year ago.

In the afternoon of the 28th of March, I
had a wholly unexpected visit from an aged
man, who had been a Seven Day Baptist, but is
now a Mennonite, who says he heard me
preach several times, and to have had a feeling
of the spirit by which I speak to the people;
and therefore he could not avoid visiting me
once himself. This old man related how,
twenty-three years ago, he was powerfully
awakened in Switzerland, and thereupon he
soon came here into this country, and fell
among the Seven Day Baptists, whose whole
concern he found much too light and super-
ficial, and therefore left their fraternity and
went to the Mennonites, with whom also he
did not meet the right thing, but only decay
and ruin among them. Still he would as yet
remain with them only for the purpose of be-
longing to some particular denommation — that
he esteemed me highly, and admonished his

432 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

children to come in to my preaching; and that
if it were not so very tar for him (the old man),
he would himself come more frequently.

On the 14th of April, in the forenoon, I had
a funeral, and preached a funeral sermon to a
numerous assembly. As soon as I had eaten
a little, I rode to York, as I promised to have
confession there to-morrow, and to celebrate
the Holy Supper the day after. Beyond the
Susquehanna, I was met by Mr. Schaum and
a warden from York. I arrived there safely
before night, with my company, although
much wearied; and had for several hours the
most necessary conversation with the wardens,
elders, and schoolmaster.

On the 15th of April, I preached a prepara-
tory sermon, and held penitential and confes-
sional services with more than two hundred
people. The whole afternoon, however, I
spent with the wardens and elders, to consider
the state of the congregation with them.

On Sunday, Jubilate, I still had penitential
and confessional services with some twelve per-
sons, who had come from a distance. After
the sermon, I administered the Holy Supper
to two hundred and six communicants, among

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 433

whom was a fine Moor, as also one who sev-
eral years before had gone over to the Menno-
nites, but before we went to church, declared
his regret for it in the presence of the elders
and of the wardens; and with the giving of his
hand promised, from a true conviction, to hold
to our holy doctrines of faith, and thereon to
live and die. This then was also publicly pre-
sented to the congregation, and they were re-
quested to receive him again in love as a
brother in the faith. The rest of the day was
spent in consultation, how the best and per-
manent planting of the church could be pro-
moted. Accordingly, the elders and others,
with many arguments, represented to me the
necessity for the speedy ordination of Mr.
Schaum, and entreated me to urge it in the
strongest manner. I had also to write a peti-
tion for this purpose, in their name and pres-
ence, to our united preachers, to which they
all subscribed.

On the 17th of April, I rode away again in
company with Mr. Schaum and several others.
I had to wait above two hours at the Susque-
hanna, to which a Catholic father came, in
whose company I was conveyed over the two
37 2C

434 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

miles wide and very dangerous river. His in-
tercourse was modest and frank. Some miles
from the river, several of our church council
met me.

On Sunday, Cantate, there was a meeting of
the church council after divine service, in
which the highly necessary repairing of the
church and of the organ, as also the intended
election of several new wardens, were con-
sidered.

On the 24th of April, the repairing of the
church at length began. Oh ! how difficult it
is to move the people to anything in church
affairs.

On the 29th of April a young man was
buried. Three months ago he had been at
his brother's wedding, at which very scandal-
ous conduct continued for three whole days
and nights. The bride died suddenly five
miles from here, and was to be buried on the
day before I rode to York, whilst another
funeral occurred here in town. These two
deaths are remarkable to me and to others,
because all my entreaty at the time, and admo-
nition in the room, and publicly in the church,
were so utterly ineffective that, according to

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 435

the declaration of the people, a like ungodly
wedding there had not been since the exist-
ence of Lancaster.

On Sunday, Rogate, in the forenoon sermon,
I published the confirmation of the youth on
next Sunday ; and the Holy Supper on Whit-
Sunday, and the election for new wardens on
this afternoon. After the review, we pro-
ceeded to the latter this afternoon, and, with
the congregation, elected two old and two
new wardens, which passed off pretty orderly
and quietly.

On the 1st of May the people began to
announce themselves to me for the Holy Sup-
per. On this afternoon I had the last meeting
for preparation with the youth, and not with-
out emotion of heart and abundant tears on
their part.

May the 3d. Yesterday and to-day the
people were with me announcing themselves,
from early until late in the evening, with all
of whom I spoke as fully as I could, and also
baptized one child in my room, which was
brought from a distance.

The festival of the ascension of Christ.
This forenoon I preached to a numerous con-

436 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

gregation, consisting also of many strangers.
The Word preached also manifested its power,
as I heard of several, and, among others, of a
Mennonite. During the remainder of the day
I had many calls from all sorts of people.

Sunday, Exandi. In the forenoon, after the
sermon, fourteen young persons were con-
firmed and consecrated. Between the forenoon
and afternoon service, I could scarcely eat on
account of the many visits ; and in the after-
noon the schoolmaster had to attend to the
instruction of the youth. After this was over,
I married a couple and visited several sick.

On the 8th of May I had a severe attack of
spitting of blood, and had to be bled on this
account.

In the forenoon of the thirteenth of May,
I have had, as in the days hitherto, many
visits; and in the afternoon I preached the
preparatory sermon, and had besides peniten-
tial and confessional services.

Whitsunday. Seven children were baptized
before the sermon, of which one was three
years old, and after it the Holy Supper was
administered to one hundred and seventy-nine.
An extraordinary multitude of people of all

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 437

kinds were in the church and before the doors
of it. In the afternoon I preached again to a
great number.

On Whitmonday, after the sermon in the
forenoon, the two old and the two new war-
dens were placed before the congregation,
their duties presented to them, and their
observance promised by them, with hands and
lips. On account of my debility, I permitted
the schoolmaster to attend to the instruction
of the young, and after that I married a
couple.

May the 22d. In the afternoon I had a
session of the church council, wherein many
necessary things were agreed upon, and,
among others, many external circumstances
relating to the impending church meeting; and
afterwards the church account was rendered.

On May the 24th, I was visited by various
married persons, who have not as yet been to
the Holy Supper, and who announced them-
selves for instruction and preparation there-
unto. In examining their case, I found, espe*
cially in the instance of one woman, a fine
awakening and conviction.

On the first Sunday after Trinity, D. K.,
37*

43 8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

who had been sick, was in church again for
the first time after his severe illness. I also
visited him afterwards. As some time before,
so during his sickness, the Lord worked power-
fully in his soul ; and from his own experience,
he begins to speak so properly of spiritual
things, that I heartily rejoice, and hope that
he, by diligent faithfulness and constancy, may
be an instrument of the mercy of God in our
congregation.

May the 30th. In the forenoon, I viewed the
work in the church, which was enjoined the
day previous, where I was informed by sev-
eral of the church council that a man of the
Reformed church had been with them, who en-
treated them much to say to me that his sick and
likewise Reformed wife had a particular desire
for a call from me ; and that I should come to
her without delay. Now, when I had visited
our sick warden living nearer, I also went with
one of the church council into the house of
these Reformed people, where more persons
speedily assembled. This sick person could
not sufficiently express in words her love to-
wards me, and her strong desire for my visit;
and alleged that neither she nor her husband

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 439

readily neglected any of my sermons, and that
she had therefrom obtained a great blessing
for her soul, and wished that the Lord would
abundantly reward me for all the good which
she had from thence felt in her soul. I sought
to re}-)ress that which was violent in her love
and in her expressions, and spoke with her of
the true motive of her heart, etc. She com-
plained that her husband and herself had per-
mitted themselves to be taken in by the
Herrnhuter, and had been among them for a
time in Bethlehem, really persuaded that these
persons were a peculiar people of God ; but
that they had found themselves mistaken.
Since I was in Lancaster, they had nothing
more to do with them, and could edify them-
selves sufficiently by the Word of God and by
my sermons, whereby she related many things
from my sermons of nine or ten months ago,
which I myself did not even righth' remem-
ber any more. Of her husband, how^ever, she
complained, that to her great sorrow, he still
went with them, until he began to hear my
sermons six months ago, since which time he
endeavors to free himself from them; but they
let him have no rest at all. The man himself

yj/jO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

related how they follow him everywhere. I
sought as much as possible to ascertain the
state of the woman's soul, and found that she
had a considerable degree of scriptural and
evangelical knowledge.

June the 2d. As the ordination of Mr.
Schaum, the preacher in York, was appointed
for the next Sunday, and also the general
meeting of the synod here in Lancaster on the
following Monday, so my beloved colleagues,
Messrs. Miihlenberg and Brunnholtz, together
with their companion, Mr. Schrenck, a fine
candidate of law, arrived this afternoon. To-
wards evening, Mr. Schaum, from York, also
came. As soon as we had outward rest, on
account of the people, the whole evening, until
late into the night, was passed in necessary con-
versation.

June the 3d. We went to the preparatory
service in the afternoon. Mr. Brunnholtz
preached, and I held the penitential and confes-
sional services. Among the twenty who con-
fessed, there was a man, at whose request and in
whose name I entreated the congregation to par-
don the vexatious life which he had hitherto led.
He also was not satisfied that I alone did this.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 44 1

but he did it himself also, in his own words,
amidst many tears. Whereupon he was again
heartily admonished by me ; and he earnestly
promised that by the grace of God he would
radically amend his life. Towards five o'clock,
we preachers took Mr. Schaum, who had
hitherto been our assistant, in hand for exami-
nation, which was done by us alternately,
amidst many profitable recollections. After its
close, we let the elders, wardens, and other
members of the congregation in York, on the
Codorus, who were present, come before us,
and spoke with them concerning Mr Schaum's
call and ordination. Pastor Muhlenberg, as
the senior, chiefly led the conversation. The
Yorkers then drew up their call to Mr. Schaum.
On the second Sunday after Trinity, I bap-
tized a child ; and Mr. Muhlenberg preached.
After the sermon, he also made the address to
him who was to be ordained, set before him
the duties of his office, etc. Mr. Brunnholtz
prayed, and after the prayer we consecrated
him by the laying on of hands. During the
act of ordination, each and all authorized
church counselors and wardens of the congre-
gation united with us, stood around the altar

442 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

as witnesses. Before divine service in the
afternoon, I buried a child of one of the
church council of this place. The funeral at-
tendance was extraordinarily large on account
of the many strangers. Afterwards Mr. Kurtz
preached, methodically and unto edification.
About five o'clock in the evening, Mr. Miihlen-
berg preached for the English in their lan-
guage.

On the 5th of June, at 8:30 o'clock, all the
members of the church councils and the war-
dens of the united congregations, assembled
before our dwelling, with whom we went to
church by pairs, each preacher with his own.
Mr. Schaum delivered the synodical sermon.
After the close of divine service, our ecclesias-
tical convention was held, God be praised ! in
good order, love, and unity. About three
o'clock, p. m., the present church meeting was
concluded, and we went out of the church
three and three, each preacher with his own,
through a part of the town, into the house of
one of the members of our church council,
where a meal was prepared, and upwards of
sixty people fed. During the repast, they al-
ternately began to sing edifying hymns in

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 443

each room, and everything terminated in
beautiful tranquihty, love, and contentment.
Mr. Cockson, one of the most distinguished
governmental personages in the country, and
Mr. Conrad VVeiser, during meal-time, passed
from one room to another, and showed their
satisfaction with the good order.

Very early on the 6th of June, man\' people
came to take leave of my most worthy col-
leagues. About seven o'clock they again de-
parted, accompanied by strange church coun-
cils, and by the church council of this place ;
and I was grieved that I could not at all prop-
erly enjoy them, on account of the many
labors, disquiet, and the press of the people. At
noon our school children were fed at the same
house with that which was left. The school-
masters and several members of the church
council had the superintendence.

On the 9th of June, several members of the
church council brought Mr. Samuel Kluge,
parson in Virginia, to me, and who, to my
gratification, remained a long time with me;
and whom I again accompanied down town.

On the third Sunday after Trinity, I baptized
a child, preached, and after the sermon, I read

444 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the resolutions of our last synod to the con-
gregation, and thereby duly inculcated that
which was most necessary. At noon, parson
Kluge, who had yesterday been with me
nearly the whole day, dined with me again;
and I had him to preach for me in the after-
noon. On the next day, he took leave of me,
and continued his journey to Philadelphia.

From the 13th to the 17th of June I daily
visited our sick warden. On his sick bed, for
three weeks, his bearing was such that I hope,
that the Word of God laid to his heart may
not have been in vain. To-day, before nine
o'clock, he had me called to him once more.
That which was most necessary I yet enjoined
upon him, prayed and thanked God for the
mercy manifested to him in the last weeks of
his life, all of which he gave ear to, in the full
exercise of his reason, as in all his illness, and
this whilst he wrestled with death, which,
however, I could not wait for on account of
my other official duties. About twelve o'clock
I heard that he gently fell asleep.

June the 23d. Yesterday Parson Kluge
came to me again, on his return from Phila-
delphia, and to-day took leave of me.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 445

On the 7th of July, four men, sent from a
small congregation at Beaver Creek, twelve
miles from here, visited me to request me to
take care for their souls, and to accept of their
congregation. After having spoken the most
necessary matters with them concerning this
thing, I directed them to come to me again at
another time for a decision.

On the 19th of July, I rode five miles from
here to people, with whom a sick young man
is lying, who had wished for me very much.
I had scarcely arrived home again, when I
heard that a little while before the most
respectable head of the Herrnhuter had shot
himself

On the 20th of July, one related to me that
he had been at the funeral of the shot Herrn-
huter, and heard how his brethren pronounced
him blessed, and said the Saviour wished to
have it so, they desired to be where he is, etc.
I was also assured by others that, a few days
before, he requested his Herrnhuter wife that
she should let me be called, that he desired to
speak with me concerning his soul ; but the
woman resisted in every mode and manner,
and always said: What will the brethren say
to it ? etc.
3«

44^ REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

On the 26th of July, I was taken to the
above-mentioned small congregation at Beaver
Creek, twelve miles from here, where, after
several inquiries concerning the condition of
the congregation, and the manner of life of
persons who were to hold children at baptism,
I held divine service; and after the sermon I
put them in mind more fully of whatever else
I thought necessary for the true improvement
and Christian regulation of their congregation.

On the 31st of July, I was visited, among
others, by a Seven Day Baptist, who is the
son of a Lutheran preacher from Cleves, and
who associated with the Herrnhuter for seven
years. I was likewise visited by a Sunday
Baptist. Both pretended to be friendly, but
the latter sought to excuse himself with his
ignorance, when I reproached him and asked
him wherefore he separated from the Lutheran
Church. Both entreated me very much soon
to visit them and their neighborhood, ten
miles from here, because there were many
souls in that place who were hungering after
grace, who long for me, and by whom I would
not be unblessed.

On the twelfth Sunday after Trinity, after

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 447

the forenoon sermon, I let all the men and
young lads remain who desired to hold faith-
fully to the church, and proposed to them the
following eight points, giving the reasons
therefor, which, according to the resolution of
the church council, was required from all who
desired to be members of the congregation
and enjoy the rights of the congregation, viz. :
(i) Each one shall have his name publicly
recorded by the schoolmaster. (2) The mem-
bers of the church council and the wardens
shall be acknowledged as such in love and
obedience by every one. (3) Every one shall
firmly and steadily hold to our good and
Christian church discipline, so that the one
may give heed to the other, and duly notify
the pastor of whatever is of importance. (4)
The young people of both sexes shall not
come to the church in levity, and shall visit
the instruction for the youth more diligently.
(5) At funerals all drinking to excess shall be
prohibited ; everything proceed quietly and
orderly, and two and two follow the corpse,
first the men, and afterwards the v/omen. (6)
The church account shall be heard by the con-
gregation every year. (7) The preacher's sal-

448 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

ary shall be received by a member of the
church council appointed thereto. (8) Every
one retains his full liberty to unite with the
congregation, or to leave it again, only notice
must always be given of it to the pastor. Who-
ever would not consent to these points could not
be regarded as a member of the congregation,
nor partake with us of the Holy Supper. The
recording of names now proceeded quietly and
orderly. One who had been a Herrnhuter
also publicly united with the congregation,
who sought to excuse himself herewith, that
he, like many others, was misled through
ignorance. Everything was commenced and
concluded with prayer.

August the 1 8th. A woman whom I joined
in marriage to an Irishman, and who is of
Lutheran parentage, but was neglected by her
step-father who is a Dunker, and not kept to
the church, entreated me with tears that I
should instruct her, and prepare her for the
Holy Supper.

On the 14th Sunday after Trinity, I again
requested the congregation to remain after
divine service. I again set before them the
points established two weeks ago, and added

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 449

thereto the necessary admonition, directed to
the improvement of the whole congregation,
whereupon the names of the rest of the men
and unmarried (male) persons, and then, also,
the names of the women, were recorded by
the schoolmaster. All this continued until
after ten o'clock.

August the 29th. In the afternoon I, in
the name of the Lord, began the preparatory
meetings wMth the youth, and with three mar-
ried women. A certain man, of Separatist
origin, who had otherwise been very rude and
restless, came and heard a part with consider-
able attention, also afterwards conducted him-
self very properly and discreetly towards me,
although he had since I am here occasioned
me great trouble. This one was still there,
when the widow of a man who was buried
to-day, and who had only been a wife for two
weeks, came with her step-son, who was sold
to a Mennonite, and entreated me most earn-
estly that I should receive her and her poor
child.

On the fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, in the
evening, towards eight o'clock, when I had
scarcely returned home again from visiting
38* 2D

450 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

the sick, I was taken to a plantation to a
poor strange English widow, to baptize her
three children who were born to-day, of whom
I found the one, and indeed the strongest,
already dead; but I administered holy baptism
to the other two.

On the sixteenth Sunday after Trinity, I
found m)'self uncommonly weak, as I was for
several days already ; still, I ventured on the
all availing power of God to hold divine ser-
vice myself in the forenoon. After the public
service, I continued to speak to the whole
congregation concerning their improvement,
and to let the names of those still left to be
recorded by the schoolmaster. I also, as yet,
inculcated the following admonitions, viz. :
(i) By the grace of God they should introduce
(and the sooner the better) a cordial, brotherly
love among and towards each other, and no
longer remain rams, which only push and rub
themselves against each other, as they had
hitherto done. (2) They should advise and
aid each other according to ability and the
opportunity which each one may have, in all
simplicity and from sincere brotherly charity,
and no longer permit themselves to be made

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 45 I

ashamed herein by other sects. (3) They
should anticipate each other with civiHty and
respect, and lay off all rude behavior. (4) If
one has cause to reprimand another, or to
make information to the preacher of his
conduct, he should first enter into his own
heart and sigh to God that he should have
compassion on him himself, and at the same
time grant him love, wisdom and humility for
the necessary correction of his brother. Thus
all unbecoming bluster, and all hard and rude
words, would be avoided, and, on the con-
trary, the one would become kind, friendly,
gentle and humble towards the other. (5)
They should hold together as much as possi-
ble, and permit no separation or schism to
arise among them. (6) Since we cannot know
how long I shall live, as my strength daily
diminishes more and more, whereto the grief
occasioned to me, by many among them con-
tributed not a little, I would beseech them for
the sake of God, and for the sake of the
numerous youth, that in case I unexpectedly
died, they should with all their ability accord-
ing to all grace, which the Lord will willingly
give to every one, firmly and constantly hold

452 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

among themselves, to the regulation intro-
duced— love and honor their schoolmaster —
be satisfied with the occasional assistance of
my beloved colleagues, and fervently call upon
God the Lord, that he may lead the hearts of
our fathers and superiors, again to call and to
send another in my place. I hereupon dis-
missed the congregation for this time, and
promised, if the Lord granted me life and
health, I would let them tarry again the next
time, and have all their names read off once
more, so that the longer we might get the
better acquainted with each other, and know
who properly belongs to our congregation ;
and then those yet remaining shall also be
received who are content with our order, and
are willing to comply with it. Thereupon I
prayed, and blessed the congregation. All
this was done in the extremest weakness, so
that I had to sit before the altar. But the
name of the Lord be praised for his help
bestowed to me in my infirmity.

On the 20th of September, several members
of the church council came and related to me
with emotion and joy of heart, how yesterday
at the election of the new town magistrates, it

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 453

was SO quiet and orderly as never before since
the existence of Lancaster ; and one of our
church council, D. Adam Simon Kuhn, was
elected chief burgess of the town and the
whole county or shire ; another Lutheran, and
member of the congregation, viz. : Jacob
Schlauch, was elected second burgess of the
town ; and yet another member of the congre-
gation high constable; and three of our church
council as assessors, together with another
member of the congregation. I rejoiced
heartily that nearly all of our Lutherans, on
my heartfelt entreaty and representation on
the past Sunday, avoided all the otherwise
usual disorders in this election. Whilst for-
merly none were more complained of than our
Lutherans. From this government we may
promise ourselves much good for our town
and congregation, if they administer their
offices faithfully and honestly.

Early on the 1 8th of September, the newly-
elected chief burgess came to me and took
leave, as he, together with the high constable,
had to take the oath of allegiance with the
Governor in Philadelphia, and he had to be
confirmed in his office. I "-ave him the admo-

454 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

nitions most needed. This man has hitherto
let grace have room in his heart, so that a
noticeable change is observed in him. God
grant that he may in future permit himself to
be drawn by it through the Word.

On the 5th of October, I baptized the child
of an Englishman in his house, in presence of
many English and of five Jewesses, who showed
themselves very orderly and devout outwardly,
so that I would not have thought them Jewesses
if I had not been told afterwards. Before and
after the baptismal act, I had opportunity to
have a long conversation with Mr. Cockson,
who is one of the principal persons connected
with the government in the country, and is
favorable to our church, and also assists our
congregation as much as he is able. I thanked
him for this, his good inclination manifested
hitherto, and requested his further aid, which
he promised, and declared himself to me as
most friendly towards our church.

On the twentieth Sunday after Trinity, at
the close of the sermon, I was taken with a
violent pain in my left shoulder, and was
seized with a severe chill, so that I had
scarcely-^trength enough to close with prayer

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 455

and the benediction. In the utmost feebleness,
I baptized a child in my room, whose sponsors,
on account of a fever which they had, did not
trust to go to church.

From the 9th until the 14th of October, on
account of extraordinary pains in my limbs
and back, I could find no rest neither day nor
night for the poor body, nor speak with any
one.

On the twenty-first Sunday after Trinity, the
schoolmaster had to hold divine service both
in the forenoon and afternoon, and publish to
the congregation that although I was ex-
tremely weak, yet I would venture it, on
the repeatedly-experienced special help and
strengthening of the Lord my God, and permit
those who needed it most to announce them-
selves to me for the Holy Supper in the first
four days of the week, and to speak with each
one as infirmity of mind and body permitted;
and if it is only in some measure possible, to
preach a penitential sermon and hold confes-
sional services on Saturday, and on the Sun-
day following administer the Holy Supper,
From this afternoon until the 21st of October,
there were more than one hundred and fifty

456 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

people with me, among whom perhaps the
half had recently arrived, and to speak with
all according to necessity, I had to force my-
self much in the continued pains in my limbs
and in my great weakness. But my hope and
heartfelt desire were for holy reasons not ful-
filled for this time by God the Lord. For on
Saturday and Sunday, I was so miserable and
sick that I waited for my happy end every
hour. I had therefore to let the schoolmaster
again hold divine service on the twenty-second
Sunday after Trinity, and excuse me to the
congregation.

On the twenty-third Sunday after Trinity,
the schoolmaster again read in the church,
and in the beginning of this week my illness
increased not a little.

On the 4th of November Mr. Kurtz came
here to take my place in the forenoon and
afternoon of the twenty-fourth Sunday after
Trinity; and, as I heard from many people, he
preached a regular and edifying sermon.

On the twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity,
the schoolmaster again held divine service, as
I, like the whole week previous, was extremely
feeble. On Monday, however, I was some-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 45/

what better. In this, my severe illness, and
great weakness of soul and body, I still per-
ceived some special gracious care of God over
me, inasmuch as in many cases of necessity I
was enabled to regain strength through his
strength, and provide for that which was
necessary in my office — attend to the repeated
visits of the people in relation to their own
and the affairs of the congregation. I also
baptized nine children, married six couple,
made the external arrangements for about
twelve funerals, and afterwards let the school-
master attend to them. In like manner I
wrote various letters to my colleagues, and a
letter of congratulation in Latin to our Gover-
nor, James Hamilton, who, on the 2d of this
month, visited Lancaster for several days as
his proper town. God also awakened various
persons in the congregation to bring me some
refreshment, and among those such of whom I
indeed would least have expected it. which,
although I often could eat nothing for eight
days together, except chicken and plum broth,
was still acceptable to me as a token of their
love. As for the rest, I must confess, to the
praise of the Lord, that during the past nine
39

45 8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

months, the congregation has improved much,
which also is manifest to all the rest of the
inhabitants of the town, and to the whole
region. In relation to internal Christianit}', I
have observed various traces of the power of
the preached Word in the hearts of my hear-
ers. Now all this the Lord my God hath
wrought ; but I can ascribe nothing to myself,
except official mistakes and infirmities, which
may my heavenly Father forgive me, through
grace, for the sake of Jesus my Redeemer.
Amen !

. On the 23d of November I married an
English couple who, with their very numer-
ous company, showed themselves very devout.
Shortly afterwards, I was entreated, with many
tears, to come to a very sick member of the
congregation, who has a great longing to see
me. I ventured, in the name of God, and
went out again for the first time after my
severe illness, and found this man very weak,
and filled with a desire to see me.

On the twenty-seventh Sunday after Trinity,
the schoolmaster had again to hold divine ser-
vice, as I was much worse during the whole
week after my going out the first time.

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 459

On the forenoon of the 28th of November I
ventured it once more, and went out a httle to
visit our school and school children.

On the first Sunday of Advent, although I
could not sleep much during the past night,
still I ventured with the new church year
(which may God bless to me and to all my
hearers) publicly to begin my office myself
again.

On the 9th of December, an old father,
with his already grown up son, came here
some twenty miles, with the request that I
should accept of his son and confirm him to
our church, so that he could come to the
Holy Supper at the next opportunity. For
he was strongly tempted by various sects, and
especially by the Zinzendorfer, and enticed
over to their party. Now, after I had exam-
ined him, and laid that to his conscience which
was most necessary, and he also thereupon
declared himself very properly,. and not with-
out emotion. I promised, when he has exer-
cised himself still more in a literal knowledge,
to confirm him on the holy e\^e of the coming
Christmas, between the preparatory sermon
and the confessional services, and permit him

460 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

to come to the Holy Supper on the first holy-
day afterwards. The aged father desired to
have his daughter, twenty-two years old, to
be examined along with him and confirmed at
the same time, if she got well again ; and also
that he would himself go with them to the
Lord's Supper, as he had not received it in
fourteen years, and now feels a great longing
after it.

On the third Sunday of Advent, I found
myself very feeble, especially as I could not
sleep well the night before. Nevertheless, I
preached the forenoon sermon, and published
that which was most necessary ; and after
divine service I also had a conversation with
the congregation, which remains standing.
(i) Concerning the silver cup and wafer dish,
presented from thankfulness to God by one of
the church council, who has returned from
Europe, and I requested the people to look at
these now and not permit themselves to be
disturbed in their devotion on the coming
Sunday, when first made use of (2) Concern-
ing the reception of new members of the con-
gregation, as many German Lutherans have
recently come into the country. (3) Concern-

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 46 1

ing some arrangement in reference to the
salary of the schoolmaster, for the benefit of
poor children who are unable to pay the
school money, of whom there are many in the
congregation. The great cold, however, pre-
vented our perfecting the last matter under
consideration. Immediately after returning
home, I had a call in reference to the second,
so that I could not even eat a little. Then I
married a couple, baptized two children of
Reformed parentage, and otherwise attended
to many calls this evening.

On the 19th of December, after having had
various visits, I buried an English woman, at
the request of her brother, on the English
churchyard according to the English manner,
at which many English of various kinds and
sects were present. In the house of mourning
I took occasion to speak with the company
of the sinful custom which the people have
introduced here in this country at funerals, of
giving as much wine and other strong drink
to the funeral attendants as they are willing
and able to drink, from which many disorders
arose, especially out in the country.

On the 23d of December I preached a

462 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

preparatory sermon, and held penitential and
confessional services. But, between these ser-
vices, I, in the presence of the congregation,
examined and confirmed the man of twenty-
four years mentioned on the 9th inst. He
was properly awakened.

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, I preached
to a very numerous congregation, and ad-
ministered the Holy Supper to eighty-four
persons. During the administration, a great
indisposition often came over me. But the
Lord still strengthened me so far that I
could finish my work. But as soon as the
last communicant had received it, I could
contain myself no longer, but hastened to the
sacristy; and, after I had recovered a little, I
went before the altar again, prayed and blessed
the people, in much weakness.

December the 29th. In the past days, I
several times visited a very sick member of
our congregation, and found his soul's condi-
tion improved day after day. As he to-day
manifested a hearty longing for the Holy
Supper, and I, by further instruction, led him
still more to the examination of his heart,
amidst much emotion, he described himself in

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 463

his own words so well that I had no reason to
doubt in reference to his true repentance.
After prayer, I administered' the Holy Supper
to him. Singing, prayer, the humble declara-
tion of the sick, and the whole transaction
made some impression on those who were
present.

On the 2d of January, 1 750, I visited the
school with the church council and the war-
dens, and examined the children. I must
acknowledge that the children improve percep-
tibly. After I had closed with prayer, and
several verses were sung from a New Year's
hymn, one of the wardens distributed a cake
to each child for their greater encouragement.
The number of children at this time was sixty,
who regularly visit the school, and among
these there was one negro also.

From the 3d to the 5th of January, I have
had almost constant visits from people who
announce themselves for the Holy Supper.
Several times it became too burdensome to me,
especially as the people are mostly wholly spir-
itually blind and dead, and there is much talk-
infT to be done to direct their attention to their
deep corruption, and to the necessity of a true

464 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

change of heart. The new-comers especially
are very ignorant. Oh ! how I often sigh
under this burden !

On the 13th of January, I preached a pre-
paratory sermon in the afternoon, and had
penitential and confessional services.

On the second Sunday after Epiphany, the
Holy Supper was administered to sixty-eight
communicants.

On the 15th of January, I again visited a
man of the congregation who has already
been sick for a very long time, who in his
great weakness of body, among other talk
which showed his longing after grace, com-
plained with emotion that he perceived nothing
at all of faith, although he called upon God
the Lord for it day and night.

On the 1 6th of January, I heard from the
lips of credible witnesses, how the man men-
tioned yesterday, who died this forenoon, sev-
eral hours before his death said with joyful
lips, that it was now truly well with him, and
that he already sees the New Jerusalem, and
would soon be set free.

On the 29th of January, the newly-arrived
Reformed preacher, a man already advanced

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 465

in life, and appointed to this place, visited me.
We spoke chiefly of the honest and pure ob-
ject which an evangelical preacher must have,
especially here in this country, if anything is
to be built up and produce fruit. I rejoiced
not a little that the Reformed had now also re-
ceived their own preacher.

On the 8th of February, at his earnest de-
sire, I examined a fine young English Quaker
of twenty-one years, and thereupon baptized
him in the presence of two Englishmen as his
baptismal witnesses. The man, as well as his
sponsors also, was of good understanding, and
not a little awakened, on account of which I
had uncommon joy. The name of the Lord
be praised for the grace shown to this young
man. May he keep him constant unto the end.

On the 22d of February, I visited four sick
members of the congregation, among whom
one begins to come to a knowledge of his
former wicked life. My exhortation in the
days of his health seemed then to be utterly
in vain, but now he is more attentive. In the
afternoon, a woman who had been ruined a
year before came (whom I had already several
times directed to a true repentance of heart)

2E

466 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

and made acknowledgment of the sins which
she had committed, with tears and emotion of
heart. She also made known her repentance
therefor, and her great desire for the Holy
Supper, with the offer, readily and willingly to
submit to a Christian church discipline as an
example to others.

On the 2d of March, I was early taken
three miles from here, to a sick man, who was
troubled with all kinds of hard thoughts dur-
ing the past night (which were published by
the people as temptations), and who had a
great longing to see me. After having given
him instruction, and offered up prayer, I left
him, in the hope that these horrible images
may conduce to his true repentance, and to
the salvation of his soul, with the promise to
come again as soon as I could, and to admin-
ister the Holy Supper to him, according to
his repeated request. In the meanwhile, he
should examine himself still more. His sick-
ness did not seem to me to be unto death, but
for his radical conversion.

On the 3d of March, I had many calls by
the people. In the afternoon I preached a
preparatory sermon, and held penitential and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 46/

confessional services. Sixty were present who
made confession.

On Sunday, Invocavit, after I had baptized
three children, and preached to an extraordi-
nary multitude of people, the Holy Supper
was administered to the above-mentioned sixty
persons, among whom some seemed to be
very contrite and much affected.

On the 5th of March, I began, with several
of our church council, to visit our members
from house to house, whereby I was convinced
of the necessity of frequent house visitation,
by every one especially. If only strength of
mind and body could endure all ! I resolved
in the name of God to do it every week on a
certain day throughout the whole summer.
In the winter it cannot well be done, on ac-
count of the very bad roads, the weather, the
wind and snow. The Lord my God grant
unto me much time, strength, and a compas-
sionate love. At noon, after twelve o'clock, I
went with the same four miles from here to
visit some sick, and to administer the Holy
Supper to the man mentioned on the 2d inst.
He was extremely weak, so that he could
speak but little; still he had a great longing

468 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

for it, and related to me with a weak voice
how three angels appeared to him and flew
over his bed, from which moment he experi-
enced in himself a special joyfulness of faith
and an assurance of the forgiveness of his
sins. I directed him from these extraordinary-
things much more to the revealed Word of
God, and showed him several reasons from it
whereby he could assure himself of the par-
don of his sins, which also must stand forever.
After I had held up before him the regular
way to attain to grace and salvation, I prayed,
absolved him, and administered to him the
Holy Supper.

On the 9th of May, I visited a man who
had been sick for a long time already, whom I
met in the utmost weakness, so that he could
with difficulty speak, much as he desired to;
still he gradually expressed this much with
many tears, that he had not partaken of the
Holy Supper in many years, on account of
the divisions in the congregation, and now had a
great desire for it. To make preparation thereto
I went home, and on my return I found him
sitting in bed and weeping bitterly. All that
was spoken with him, and his humble and

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 469

penitent declarations, did not pass without
emotion, whereby I obtained a fine opportun-
ity to speak to the hearts of the wife, the
children, and other people who were present.

April the 5th. This afternoon I held the
last preparatory meeting with the young
people who are to be confirmed. Immedi-
ately afterwards I had to go a mile from here,
over the stream, to a sick girl, who serves
with Separatists,, and has had a great longing
to see me. When I came there, I found the
maid in great bodily weakness, .but also in a
fine state of penitence, and longing after grace
and the Holy Supper. This I also at length
administered unto her, upon her repeated re-
quest, after further previous examination and
her own declaration, which was very edifying,
so that her repentance could not be called in
question.

On Palm Sunday, after the sermon, I exam-
ined and confirmed twenty-four persons, among
whom were two women of other sects, and the
rest were for the most part adults.

On the 14th of April, I had an extraordi-
nary press of people from many places, who
as yet announced themselves for the Holy
40

4/0 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

Supper, among whom were some who wept
very bitterly. In the afternoon I preached the
preparatory sermon, and held penitential and
confessional services with two hundred and
forty-three persons, who made confession.

On the first day of Easter, I preached to a
very large multitude of people ; and after the
sermon I administered the Holy Supper to the
above two hundred and forty-three.

On the 28th of April, the dear brother
Brunnholtz, to meet whom, together with one
of our wardens, I rode out nine miles, arrived
here safely to my joy and consolation.

On Sunday, Misericord, I baptized a child
in the forenoon, but Mr. Brunnholtz, weak as
he was, preached for me, and not without edi-
fication. In the afternoon I preached, and let
the schoolmaster, Jacob Loser, instruct the
youth, so that Mr. Brunnholtz might also for
once hear him. After the afternoon service,
we had various calls, and my beloved brother
gave himself the pleasure, and distributed pas-
sages to the children.

On the 30th of April, I took Mr. Brunnholtz
along with me into the prison, where I had to
visit two women who had been confined

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 4/1

hitherto for infanticide, and upon whom crimi-
nal justice was to be held this day. The one
whom I had already visited on one occasion,
1 found in many tears; but the other seemed
to be very obdurate and malicious. In the
afternoon we went into the school. Meanwhile,
Mr. Muhlenberg had arrived. Mr. Schaum,
from York, also came in the evening.

Early on the 1st of May we v/ere visited by
Mr. Conrad Weiser, and Messrs. Kurtz and
Schaum. After having taken fraternal leave,
Messrs. Miihlenberg and Brunnholtz rode
away again, as the former had promised to
hold a meeting forty miles from here, on the
Philadelphia road, and to baptize several chil-
dren, which the people depended upon.
Messrs. Kurtz and Schaum accompanied them
for several miles. I cannot sufficiently thank
God for my dear colleagues. The favor and
consolation of standing in brotherly love and
unity among and with each other in this coun-
try, to see each other together, or only to read
a letter from one another, can scarcely be
expressed.

On the 5th of May, at noon, I had a funeral
and a funeral sermon. The deceased maid

472 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN

had already served as maid-servant for three
years with Separatists and scoffers at religion;
but still had given God the glory during her
illness, and had me called to her on several
occasions. She also partook of the Holy
Supper in the presence of those who had the
mastery over her, in great contrition and sim-
plicity of faith. These people, together with
all their neighbors, all Mennonites and people
attached to other sects, brought in the corpse,
and were orderly and attentively present at the
funeral sermon.

In the forenoon of the 15th of May I mar-
ried a couple, members of the congregation,
of whom the bride was in a fine state of peni-
tence last year; and this spark, as I would
hope, is not yet wholly extinguished.

On the i6th of May I visited a sick man
twice, whom I had already visited several
times, and found him in a fine condition of
soul. I met him in great bodily weakness,
but his soul built upon the true foundation ot
faith. It seems as if he was approaching still
nearer to his end. May the Lord make him
still more faithful and trustful every day until
his death. My soul must praise the Lord mj

CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 473

God for all grace, patience, health and help
which he has permitted me to experience
hitherto. I entreat for nothing more than that
my office may be blessed to souls, and that I
myself may be saved, together with many of
those who hear me. Highly venerable fathers,
diligently include me and my whole congrega-
tion in your faithful intercessions.

John Frederick Handschuch.
40*

INDEX

PAGE.

Acrelius, Provost 411

Amsterdam 413

Anabaptists 55, 211

Ancram 350

Andrea, Rev. Mr 271, 306, 366

Archbishop of Sweden, Rescript of. 1 14

Arndt's True Christianity 27, 135, 200, 262, 275, 398

Arthur, Rev. Mr 364

Bagenkopf, Rev. Mr 117

Baptism, Its mode 213

Baptists, Seventh Day 377, 431

Beaver Creek 446

Benefactions from Germany 253

Berkenmeyer, Rev. Christoph William 354, 363

Bethlehem 77, 338

Blue Mountains . , 339

Brunnholtz, Rev. Peter, 34, 43, 113, 12a. 148, 168, 247, 258,
278, 285, 386, 440, 470.
visits Lancaster, York and Tul-

pehocken 122

taken seriously ill 193

report of Philadelphia Church.. 228
impaired health 403

Caetus Miserabilium 123

(475)

47^ INDEX.

PAGE.

Canada, The Indians of no

Catechism, How regarded 198

Luther's Small 398, 408

Church contentions 73j 79> io8> I49

Cockson, Mr 454

Consecration of St. Michael's Church in Phila 187-190

Conewago 86, loi

Conference meeting at Lancaster 287

Cohansey. 401

Conversion of American Indians, How to be done 113

Conversions, special cases, 5-66, 129-140, 172-178, 194-218,
258-276, 313-315.

2 Cor. V. 1 6, 17 10

Crypto-Herrnhuthianismus 344

Darmstadt collection 407

Deut. V. 29 263

Devil, white and black 89

Doctrinal basis stated 87

Dreams, how to be interpreted 44

Early piety. Case of, 258

Earltown 166,415,418,420

Ecclesiastical order urged 296

Epilepsy at New Hanover 5

Evangelicals serving out their passage fees 296

Falckner, Rev. Justus 354

Fork 334

Fosseberg 1 83

Francke, Rev. Prof. 129, 235, 245

Franklin, printer and postmaster 398

Fresenius, Senior, Doctor, Pastoral collection 240

INDEX. 477

PAGE.

Gal. vi. 15 10

Gentiles, Their Salvation 9, 13

Germans, Arrivals of 367, 412

Gottingen 277

Goschenhoppen 334, 366

Halle. 60, 118

Hamburg 221

Hamilton, James, Gov 457

Hartwick, Rev. John Christopher 113, 180, 190, 342

Handschuch, Rev. John Frederick, 154, 163, 170, 189, 247

285, 334, 389, 410.

visits York 432.

removes to Ger-

mantown 225

Heathen, The, Christ's inheritance lo

Heb. xi. 6 325

xii. 14 326

Heidelberg 334

Heintzelmann, Rev. John Dietrich Matthias 221

visits Brunn-
holtz, 223, 250

Hofgut 356

House visitation 4^7

Huguenots 54

Hymns, Reading of 26

Immersion 215

Incendiarism 3^

Indianfield 3^6, 366

Indians, American no

Isaiah i. 3 42

Inspired, The 5 '

478 INDEX.

PACK.

Jews, Their salvation 9, 13

John i. 47 270

iii. 18 10

X. 23-28 30

Kammerhof, Bishop 79, 121, 144, 338

I Kings xix. 4 289

Kingston, N. Y . 342, 352

Kluge, Rev. Samuel 287, 402

Knoll, Rev. Christian 354, 356

Koch, Mr. Peter 115

Kraft, Valentin 147

Kreuter, Rev. Dr 343

Kuhn, Adam Simon 453

Kurtz, Rev. J. N., 49, 76, 115, 145, 148, 285, 366, 389, 410,
417,471.

is examined for licensure 1 86

is ordained 190

I^ncaster, Church of 77> 163, 225

Rev. Handschuch's Ministry at 1 70

Leslysland 182

Leutbecker, Mr. Caspar I16

Lischy, Rev. Jacob 79> 82, 142

Liturgy of Amsterdam 355

Lord's Supper received unworthily 139

London 222

Loser, Mr. Jacob 393, 418, 423

Luke xiii. 4 94

Lutherans, German, in Pennsylvania, their numbers. .. 242

Magdeburg. ... 221

Mageus, Mr. Melchior Joachim 362

INDEX. 479

PAGE.

Macungie 334

Manatawny 148

Marienborn 143

Mark x. 16 9

Marriage, a disorderly 34

Matt. xi. 28 106

Matt. XV, 19 195

Mennonites I7> 51, 472

Majority, when attained 176

Moravia 8

Moravians 19, 96

Motecha or Skippack 17

Muhlenberg, Rev. H. M 25

journeys inland 48

journeys through Pennsylvania 66

visits Upper Milford and Saccum. . 123, 140,

I79> 2Ss

is taken ill 1 24, 142, 263

wife and children ill 168

visits Raritan 180-186, 292-299, 389

abundant in labors 2l8, 290

labors in New York 232

method at funerals 262

visits Lancaster 328, 440, 471

visits New York 337-365

called to New York 367-373

Myconius 265

Nassman, Rev. Mr 189,411

Nazareth 338

Newborn, The 66, 67

New Hanover, special cases of awakening 5, 23-60

school at 151

480 INDEX.

PAGB.

New Goschenhoppen 224

Newlanders 413

New York 231, 353

calls Rev. Weygand 250

uses the Liturgy of Amsterdam 355

Nicky, Mr 85, 88

Northkill 109

Nyberg, Mr 77, 103, 115, 151, 412

Oley Mountains, The 126, 282

Opus Operatum 75, 380

Palatinate, The 67

Papists, The French 1 10

Perkasie 290, 309

Perkiomen Creek, crossed 310

Perlin, Rev. Mr 41 1

1 Pet. iii. 1 30

2 Pet. i. 19 44

Phil. i. 6 and ii. 13 29

ii. 12 - 30

Philadelphia, St. Michael's consecrated 187-190

enlarged 226

prayer-meetings , 397

Pneumonia 131

Providence 1 13, 257, 281

special cases 17. 33. 34» 43- 53

Psalms xiv. I 40

xciv. 19 274

Quakers, English and German 51, 55, 215

Racheway 183

INDEX. 48 1

PAGE.

Raritan 145, 179.334,365

Mr. Schrenck at 250

church consecrated 366

Rev. Weygand ordained 366

Rauss, Rev. Lucas 333, 365, 404

Reformed congregations pastorless 241

Rhinebeck 342, 347

Riess, Rev. John Frederick 357

Romans i. 21-32 ii

ix. 7, 8 10

ix. IS 9

Rotterdam 413

Rudolph, Carl 84, 88, 97, 146, 182, 344

Sacteum 123, 257, 280, 289, 308, 334, 338

Sacony 334

I Sam. iv. 20 275

Saudin, Provost 189

Saltzwedel 221

Schlauch, Jacob 453

Schaum, Rev. John Helfrich.. 114, 167, 170, 185, 192, 284,

389, 401, 410, 471

ordained at Lancaster 286

Schlatter, Pastor 240

Schleydorn, Mr 354

Schools, want of 55, 25 1

Schuylkill 148

Scoffers 40, 48, 65, 129, 177, 191, 472

Schrenck, Ludolph Henry. . . 277, 285, 290, 307, 329, ^^8,

409, 440

Schulze, Rev. Christian Immanuel 221

assists Rev. Milhlenberg a«»

4^2 INDEX.

FAGB.

Separatists 51, 7i, 200, 469, 472

Sickness prevails 128, 132

Silent, The 71

Skippack or Motecha 17

Spangenberg, Rev. Mr 121, 144, 425

Staatsburg 351

Stendal 221

Studium, Biblico-Catecheticum 279

Stoever, Mr 288

Susquehanna River 81, 108

Synod, organized 190

meetings of 333-335> 402, 440

Tarbush 347

Thomas a Kempis, books of 191

Tohickon 334

Trauberg, Rev. Mr 411

Tulpehocken 77, 116, 334

Unander, Rev. Mr 411

Union churches 73

Upper Milford 123, 280, 289, 308

Vigera, Mr 157, 258, 400, 404

Virginia 19, $2, 287

Visits, pastoral 469

Vocationis instrumenta 285

Voigtland 60

Weiser, Mr. Conrad. . . 36, 74, 76, no, 113, 115, 157, 285,

337, 471.

Wernigerode 221

Weygand, Rev. J. A. 192, 197, 232, 292, 335, 365, 366, 393

INDEX. 483

PAGE.

Wilmington 411

Wolf, Mr. Mag 293

York 81, lOl, 167, 284, 401, 410

Rev. Schaum, pastor at 170

Ziegenhagen, Rev. Fred. Michael 117, 222, 235, 245

Zinzendorf, Count Von 68, 96, 117, 412

studied at Halle 118

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