Section^l&S 
 
 H., vu. 
 
REPORTS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 United German Evangelical 
 
 LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS 
 
 IN 
 
 TTOETH AMERICA, 
 ESPECIALLY IN PENNSYLVANIA, 
 
 WITH A PREFACE BY 
 
 D. JOHN LUDWIG SCHULZE, 
 
 ordinary professor of theology and philosophy in the royal 
 
 Prussian Frederick's university, as also director of the 
 
 orphan house and royal p.edagogium. 
 
 PUBLISHED IN THE ORPHAN HOUSE, HALLE, A. D. 1750. 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY 
 
 Rev. JONATHAN OSWALD, D. D. 
 
 JSTo. 1. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 
 LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 
 
 1880. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by the 
 
 LUTHERAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION, 
 
 In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
 inquirer p. & P. CO., 
 
 STEREOTYPERS AND PRINTERS 
 LANCASTER, PA. 
 
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 To the English-speaking Lutherans in the 
 United States, I offer this translation of the 
 Reports of the first Evangelical Lutheran Mis- 
 sionaries to America, and especially to Penn- 
 sylvania, in the hope that God may thereby 
 be glorified. 
 
 We cannot read these Reports without (by 
 the blessing of God) becoming wiser and bet- 
 ter Christians. For the soul to be without 
 knowledge is not good, and it cannot be good 
 for Lutherans in America to be any longer 
 ignorant of the early history of their Church 
 in this country. J. Oswald. 
 
 York, Pa., Oct., 1879. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Kind Reader: — As is known, the Evangelical 
 Lutheran German congregations in America have 
 been strong and numerous there, since the beginning 
 of the present century. They, indeed, found their 
 bodily sustenance ; but those who did not also at the 
 same time forget their religion with their Fatherland, 
 found it very disadvantageous for themselves, and their 
 growing children, that in most places they were either 
 wholly wanting in pastors, or they had to entrust 
 themselves and theirs to such persons who, without a 
 regular call and ordination, had arbitrarily set them- 
 selves up as teachers, and in part only sought to ob- 
 tain their livelihood thereby. This occasioned, that 
 several of those Germans who had emigrated, earnestly 
 entreated that we should send them teachers from 
 Europe, who were in earnest to save souls, and to 
 lead them on the way of salvation. As this request 
 was already brought in here, and in other places, in 
 the year 1733, so the history of the preachers sent 
 from Germany to America actually already extends 
 back more than half a century. But it is not my ob- 
 ject now to continue this history from its first begin- 
 ning until the present time. It is fully carried out 
 in this first volume, which is now closed with the six- 
 (v) 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 teenth continuation, and which properly begins with 
 the year 1742, in which the as yet surviving D. Henry 
 Melchior Muhlenberg, the present truly meritorious 
 senior of the German Evangelical Ministerium in 
 North America, safely arrived in Philadelphia, and 
 was received with much joy, as the first regularly 
 called and ordained preacher sent out from here. 
 
 To this from the beginning extraordinarily active 
 first teacher, until to his present age, adorned with 
 glory and merit, there were afterwards some assist- 
 ants sent from here, as the further extension and 
 wants of the congregations there required ; to men- 
 tion all of whom in this place would be too prolix, 
 and indeed, unnecessary also, for this reason, that the 
 principal matters concerning their mission, arrival 
 and official transactions, were sufficiently noticed 
 according to the succession of time, in the several 
 articles of this volume. Some of them have long 
 since entered into their rest, as Messrs. Brunnholz, 
 Handschuch,Schaum, and Heinzelmann, but whose 
 memories are still blessed. The other older fellow- 
 laborers, -whose life, as far as we know, God has pro- 
 longed until now, and who have for the most part 
 been in office for more than twenty years, as the 
 preachers, Voigt, Krug, Schulze (Christ. Immanuel), 
 Helmuth and Schmidt, to whom as yet came Mr. 
 Kunze, since 1770, are often mentioned with merited 
 renown in the several continuations. Their names 
 must also be written down as a blessing, as they 
 gloriously emulated the example of their worthy 
 senior, and administered their office with all faithful- 
 
PREFACE. Vll 
 
 ness, which can even be testified of them, as men of 
 known learning-, who were drawn as yet to other offi- 
 ces, of which there is something to be cited hereafter. 
 The number of the before-mentioned preachers, who 
 all received their call here from abroad, seems indeed 
 to be somewhat large ; but for the wants of the congre- 
 gations there, living scattered here and there, who 
 cannot all support their own teacher, it had still been 
 insufficient. Repeatedly, and sometimes under cir- 
 cumstances when we could not immediately give the 
 aid, several honest teachers were desired, after they 
 in America saw the great difference, which put itself 
 forth between these, and those who went there of their 
 own accord, without being called and approved. 
 From the beginning of the present century and until 
 now, good Pennsylvania has had the lot, that many 
 who had either not studied at all, or yet in Christian- 
 ity and knowledge had radically accomplished noth- 
 ing, or indeed, even if they already had a spiritual 
 office in Germany, they had forfeited it by bad con- 
 duct — went there, and ingratiated themselves with 
 individuals or congregations, and thus crept into the 
 teachers' office. It is readily imagined, how bad it 
 proved for souls by means of such, who only seek for 
 their own, and when they believe to find it better 
 elsewhere, immediately leave their congregations 
 again. But great disorders were also occasioned by 
 such hirelings in several congregations, and at length 
 the desire was excited in them, that they might also 
 be provided with approved and trustworthy pastors. 
 But when capable men could not always be found 
 
Viii PREFACE. 
 
 immediately, it was a great relief that the preachers 
 there took young men, who were present with them, 
 and who gave rise to good hope under their instruc- 
 tion, directed them for several years, and then, after a 
 previous examination in common in a synodical con- 
 ference, appointed them on trial for'a fixed time in 
 such congregations that needed their services, and 
 afterwards also, if found capable and faithful in 
 the exercise of their office, appointed them over the 
 congregations which desired them for their regular 
 teachers. In this manner the number of the lawfully 
 ordained Evangelical Lutheran preachers in America 
 gradually increased considerably. As I just now find 
 in the Liturgy published last year in Philadelphia, 
 the names of all the then members of the Evangelical 
 Lutheran United Ministerium together, I deem it use- 
 ful to cite them here. There are altogether 24, viz. : 
 Mr. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Doctor of Theology, 
 and senior of the Ministerium, Mr. Nicholas Kurtz 
 (the older), Mr. William Kurtz (the younger), Mr. 
 Ludwig Voigt, Mr. Jno. Andrew Krug, Mr. Christian 
 Immanuel Schulze, Mr. George Bager, Mr. Justus 
 Christian Henry Helmuth, Doctor of Theology, Mr. 
 Jno. Fredr. Schmidt, 'Mr. Jno. Christopher Kunze, 
 Doctor of Theology, Mr. M. Henry Muhlenberg (the 
 younger), Mr. Conrad Fredr. Wildbahn, Mr. Jacob 
 V. Busskirk, Mr. Jno. Friderici, Mr. Christian Streit, 
 Mr. Jno. George Jung, Mr. Conrad Roller, Mr. Jac. 
 Curing, Mr. Daniel Schroter, Mr. Daniel Lehmann, 
 Mr. Henry Moller, Mr. Frederick Ernst, Mr. Fred- 
 erick Valentine Melssheimer, and Mr. Daniel Kurtz. 
 
PREFACE. IX 
 
 Last year there was as yet added to these, Mr. John 
 Frederick Weinland, of whose mission, arrival and 
 present advancement, I have here to report. He 
 was born in Romhild, and studied theology from 1769 
 to 1772, in the Royal Prussian Frederick's University 
 of this place, during which time he commended him- 
 self by his diligence and quiet Christian conduct, and 
 also labored in the schools in the orphan-house here, 
 not without profit to the youth. Then already my 
 predecessor, now resting in the Lord, D. Freyling- 
 hausen, had selected him, to offer to him the call to 
 America. Bodily weakness, however, which re- 
 mained from a fever which he had shortly before 
 passed through, did not at that time permit him to 
 undertake a journey so distant. After the close, 
 therefore, of his academical studies, Mr. Weinland 
 returned to his native country, to wait for the ways 
 which the Lord would show unto him, whilst he 
 meanwhile endeavored to make himself useful as a 
 family tutor, and also diligently exercised himself in 
 preaching. Now, when the Reverend Ministerium, 
 and the members of the united German Evangelical 
 Lutheran congregations in Pennsylvania, in the year 
 1784, had made application to send them two new 
 preachers from here if possible, and this desire was also 
 again made known in 1785, 1 resolved in the name of 
 the Lord, to offer the call to this candidate, whom we as 
 yet had in good remembrance, and of whose continued 
 purity 1 was sufficiently assured by a worthy friend, 
 who had observed him well, and had sometimes, also, 
 let him preach for him. Now, although I had to leave 
 
X PREFACE. 
 
 it to the nearer divine direction, and could not per- 
 cisely specify beforehand, to which place he, accord- 
 ing to the circumstances of the American congrega- 
 tions, would be appointed, he let himself be found 
 willing to go there, wherever the Lord would make 
 use of him. After his examination and ordination by 
 the high county Stollberg Consistory in Wernigerode, 
 his departure over Holland followed in April of last 
 year. At the close of May he embarked at Amster- 
 dam, and under Divine guidance arrived safely in 
 Philadelphia, on the 18th of August. The congrega- 
 tion at Germantown chose him for their preacher, 
 which offer he also willingly accepted. May the 
 Lord by his Spirit ever fit him more for his import- 
 ant office, and set him for a blessing for his Zion 
 there ! 
 
 It was mentioned above, that some of the older 
 preachers have gotten into various learned connec- 
 tions. I therefore deem it useful, for its elucidation, 
 as yet to add something, especially as perhaps but few 
 among us may have a sufficient knowledge of the 
 more recent arrangements which have been made in 
 Philadelphia and in New York, for the advancement of 
 science. Many a misunderstanding may also beob-. 
 viated thereby, which might result therefrom, that in 
 the more recent continuations several of the older 
 preachers, who were always only met with under this 
 name, are cited as doctors and professors. The mat- 
 ter stands thus: Until the year 1779, there had been 
 only one academical gymnasium in Philadelphia, but 
 which in said year was raised into a university, and 
 
PREFACE. XI 
 
 twenty-four wardens (trustees) were appointed, among 
 whom also the first preachers of all religions have a 
 place. The gymnasium was retained under the name 
 academy, but is distinct from the recently established 
 university, and is properly only an institute for the 
 Germans, who therein lay the first foundation, and 
 must daily bestow two hours upon learning the Eng- 
 lish language, so that they may benefit by the English 
 lectures when they get into the university. In the 
 university even a German Professor of Philology has 
 been appointed, who propounds rudimental science 
 and the learned languages in German, with whom 
 those who, after a previous examination, are discharged 
 from the academy (gymnasium), continue the study 
 of the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages (which 
 last, however, as the German also, has not, as yet, 
 found many lovers among the young Englishmen), 
 but visit the philosophical and other lectures, with the 
 English professors. The German professorship of 
 Philology was transferred to the preacher Kunze, who 
 now from that time appears under the name of Pro- 
 fessor in the sixteenth continuation, first of Latin and 
 Greek, but afterwards of the Oriental languages. 
 This new arrangement may be very useful for the 
 culture of science generally, and especially also for 
 the Germans in America. It has also made rapid 
 progress, as already in the year 1784 a public exami- 
 nation was appointed in the university, and the young 
 physicians were examined in Materia Medica, Chem- 
 istry, and Anatomy. They also then began to confer 
 academical honors. Several of the young students 
 
Xll PREFACE. 
 
 who distinguished themselves by their ability in the 
 public and private examinations, the latter of which 
 are somewhat more rigid, have already been made 
 bachelors. They have also undertaken promotions 
 in the higher faculties. The honor of a Doctor of 
 Theology was imparted to the Professors Kunze and 
 Helmuth, as well as to the deserving senior, Mr. 
 Muhlenberg, as a mark of just esteem for his many 
 years' service. Dr. Kunze had indeed accepted of a call 
 to New York, where a university was likewise estab- 
 lished, in which he is professor of the Oriental lan- 
 guages. The vacated place of Professor of Philology 
 in Philadelphia, was again occupied by Dr. Helmuth. 
 Now as much as the labors of said preachers were 
 increased by their learned occupations, into which 
 they were drawn on account of their zeal for the pro- 
 motion of good objects, and their recognized ability, 
 yet they did not, on that account, neglect their chief 
 destination, but administered their office as preachers 
 with all faithfulness. 
 
 In proof of how much they now in Pennsylvania, 
 and especially in Philadelphia, take to heart the 
 welfare of the Germans, who often arrive in America 
 in the most deplorable condition, and endeavor to 
 mitigate their misery, I will, in conclusion, only 
 briefly mention several laudable arrangements. The 
 one is known by the name of the German Society. 
 It has no learned occupation for its object, as might 
 be inferred from the name, but its object is to aid the 
 newly arrived Germans, and to guard them from 
 being overreached by merchants and ship-captains. 
 
PREFACE. Xlli 
 
 It is known that the Germans who are unable to pay 
 for their passage, must obligate themselves to servi- 
 tude for certain years ; which hard destiny was for- 
 merly so much the harder, as the magistrate to whom 
 they had to apply did not understand German. But 
 now about one hundred noble-minded citizens, of 
 various religious denominations, have formed them- 
 selves into a society, who care for the welfare of the 
 arriving Germans; and one of their number, a born 
 German, eactf time, himself, prepares the letters of 
 service. Similar societies have also been established 
 in New York and Baltimore. Another ' laudable 
 arrangement has been effected by the so-called over- 
 seers of the poor, who are distributed throughout 
 Pennsylvania, who care for this, that the shame-faced 
 poor are provided for according to necessity, and 
 when they die, that they are decently buried. These 
 arrangements honor the promoters as well as the 
 partakers, and are a proof that the spirit of the Gospel 
 has penetrated their hearts, and made them willing 
 for active love towards their needy neighbor. 
 
 The Lord grant grace, that his word may also be 
 further proclaimed with a blessing in the regions 
 there, and bring forth much good fruit. To his faith- 
 fulness and paternal kindness we commend all the 
 laborers there, and those also who wait upon their 
 office. His grace be and remain with them all. 
 Written in the Royal Frederick's University, at Halle, 
 on the 27th of April, 1787. 
 
 D. Jno. Ludwig Schulze. 
 
PAGE. 
 
 Preface 5 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 A Short Report of Several Evangelical Lutheran Con- 
 gregations in America 17 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 A Continuation of the Short Report of Several Evan- 
 gelical Lutheran Congi-egations in America 63 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Second Continuation of the Short Report of Several 
 Evangelical Lutheran Congregations in Pennsylvania 
 and Neighboring Provinces, in America 87 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 Third Continuation of the Report of Several Evangel- 
 ical Lutheran Congregations in America, especially 
 in Pennsylvania 121 
 
 (xv) 
 
XVI CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Extracts from Pastor Handschuch's Diary, which he kept 
 on his voyage from England to Pennsylvania 164 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Fourth Continuation of the Report of Several Evangel- 
 ical Lutheran Congregations in America, especially 
 in Pennsylvania — A Report of Most Recent Cir- 
 cumstances — The Mission of Two New Assistants — 
 What was Reported in the Latest Letters from Penn- 
 sylvania — Reminiscences against Count Von Zinzen- 
 dorf, which are subjoined as an appendage 217 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 Report of Pastor Muhlenberg's Official Transactions 
 Hitherto 270 
 
A SHORT REPORT 
 
 OF SEVERAL 
 
 EVANGELICAL 
 
 LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS 
 
 IK" AMERICA. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 § I. The precious kindness of God, which 
 he shows to so many places, especially also at 
 this time, by the abundant publication of his 
 word, is, alas, properly recognized by the 
 smaller number of those who superfluously 
 enjoy it. Nor is it used for their soul's salva- 
 tion according to the loving purpose of God, 
 that they might permit themselves to be led 
 to Christ through the instruction out of such 
 word of God. On the contrary, we notice 
 that those from whom this privilege has been 
 taken away for a season, and to whom God has 
 sent a hunger, not after bread but for his zvord 
 2* B 
 
1 8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 (Amos viii. ii), then first learn how highly 
 this should be esteemed. Therefore, also, if 
 God again grants them his word anew, and 
 permits the same to be published to them in 
 spirit and in power, they receive it with much 
 more desire. If this does not happen with all 
 to whom the Lord grants the privilege of hear- 
 ing his word again, yet there are many who, 
 like starving sheep, use this word of God as 
 the food for their souls, with longing desire for 
 their salvation, and heartily thank God for it. 
 An example hereof may be furnished by those 
 German Evangelical Lutheran congregations 
 in Pennsylvania, of which this short report 
 treats. 
 
 § 2. It is known that towards the close of 
 the preceding century many immunities and 
 privileges were promised to the new settlers in 
 the English colonies in North America, from 
 which time many hundreds of families from 
 Germany went thither, and in great numbers 
 settled in other provinces and lands, as well as 
 in Pennsylvania specially. Pennsylvania is that 
 territory on the coast of Canada, in North 
 America, belonging to the English, which lies 
 between Maryland, New Jersey, New York, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 9 
 
 and the country of the wild Iroquois, and was 
 granted by Charles II. in 1681 to the rich 
 Quaker, William Penn, whose name it bears, 
 that he might cultivate and settle it. 
 
 § 3. With the external condition and the 
 present form of government of this country we 
 do not now concern ourselves. Whatever re- 
 lates to church affairs in the same, we have the 
 regulations of other church parties and sects, 
 the names of many of which will hereafter be 
 mentioned. But we shall investigate their 
 worship just as little, as specially to notice the 
 Swedish Lutheran congregations which are 
 here and there well supplied with preachers. 
 The discourse is here only of those Evangelical 
 Lutheran congregations consisting of born 
 Germans. 
 
 § 4. These, at least the greater part of 
 these, were wanting in a sufficient provision 
 in churches and schools, so that they had as 
 yet no regularly called preachers, by whom 
 they could be instructed out of the word of 
 God, and enjoy the regular use of the holy 
 sacraments. Therefore their children, for the 
 most part, grew up in their ignorance without 
 instruction, wherever the parents themselves 
 
20 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 were incapable of leading them to some knowl- 
 edge of God and divine things. Such persons, 
 indeed, were not wanting, who from selfish 
 motives offered themselves as teachers. But 
 experience taught that such not only cared 
 little for the souls of the hearers, but that they 
 also, by their bad life and example, only did the 
 more harm — the disorder of the congregations 
 thereby ever becoming greater and more sad. 
 
 § 5. In such mournful circumstances these 
 forsaken congregations found themselves, that 
 at length, several of these, about the year 
 1733, were constrained by this necessity to 
 look to Europe for help — to make known 
 through several delegates their souls' peril, 
 both in England and Germany, and to ask 
 earnestly for help, as well for the building of 
 the necessary churches and schools, as especi- 
 ally also for the appointment of competent 
 teachers. They were properly the congrega- 
 tions of Philadelphia, the chief city of this 
 land, and of the places lying perhaps nine or 
 ten German miles in the interior, New Han- 
 over and Providence, which had recourse in 
 their solicitations especially to the worthy 
 royal British court preacher, in the German 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2 1 
 
 Lutheran Castle Chapel, in London, Mr. Fred- 
 erick Michael Ziegenhagen, who not only him- 
 self took a heartfelt interest in their need, but 
 also was of advantage to them by his com- 
 mendatory letters to worthy theologians and 
 preachers. 
 
 § 6. Among others, the court preacher Zie- 
 genhagen gave to one of these delegates, viz., 
 Daniel Weissiger, an impressive letter of re- 
 commendation to a certain now deceased 
 preacher in Hanover, dated January 28th, 
 1734, in which he especially wrote the follow- 
 ing, " That it is, alas ! too true, that the Evan- 
 gelical congregations scattered here and there 
 throughout America, especially in Virginia, 
 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, etc., are in a very 
 bad condition, especially in reference to the 
 word of God and the holy sacraments, and 
 such necessary institutions as are required for 
 the instruction and understanding of the word 
 of God, and the right use of the holy sacra- 
 ments. I have many letters of complaint from 
 various congregations, in which they urgently 
 request Bibles, books of prayer, catechisms, 
 preachers and other helps, and even acknowl- 
 edge that, on account of the great destitutions 
 
22 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 of these means of grace and salvation, they 
 and their children must needs again become 
 heathen. It grieves me not a little that I know 
 not how to relieve this misery. The congre- 
 gation of Philadelphia especially, of which 
 Daniel Weissiger is a member, sent me a long 
 letter of complaint in October of the previous 
 year, in which, among others, is found the 
 following : We live in a land full of heresy and 
 sects. We arc in the utmost want and poverty of 
 soul, and are unable to rescue ourselves by our own 
 means, if God does not show us help and means 
 from another place. The great number of young 
 people growing up are miserably to be zveptfor, 
 who knozv not which is left or right, and on ac- 
 count of the want of churches and schools, it is to 
 be feared, if help does not soon come, the most 
 of them might be led into grievous ways of error. 
 The blessed God who tries the heart and reins 
 knows how necessary to us is the help of other 
 fellow Christians. In gathering the collection 
 requested, we certainly sought for nothing else 
 than the glory of God and the salvation and 
 welfare of so many poor human souls scattered 
 abroad in this land. We care nothing about 
 rearing stately buildings; if we only had so 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 23 
 
 much that we could put up houses in some places 
 in this land, in which we could regidarly meet to 
 praise and magnify our God, and instruct the 
 youth. But zve still hope that the merciful God 
 will not forsake us, but azvake?i benevolent hearts, 
 that will run to us in our need, so that zve fail 
 not utterly. We cannot therefore cease, reverend 
 sir, once more most humbly to entreat and im- 
 plore you, so far as possible, to care for us, etc. 
 It is indisputable that this and other evangeli- 
 cal congregations in America are in great 
 distress, and besides, their necessity in other 
 places is not sufficiently known, and where it 
 is known, it is not properly considered or taken 
 to heart. In the meanwhile, with such poor 
 people, the misery ever increases in things 
 spiritual. Reverend sir, if you can assist 
 Daniel Weissiger in his purpose, I shall have 
 requested it most respectfully. Have com- 
 passion on the perishing lambs and sheep of 
 Christ in America, and help, that they may 
 speedily be revived. Though I have not as 
 yet the means in hand, I will also venture in 
 the name of the Lord, to send to different con- 
 gregations in America a number of Bibles, 
 New Testaments, prayer and hymn books, 
 
24 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 catechisms, and ABC books." No notice 
 will be taken at present of other letters whereby 
 the court preacher Ziegenhagen sought to pre- 
 sent the need of these congregations to Chris- 
 tian theologians and patrons in Germany, 
 especially to Dr. and Prof. Franke, in Halle, 
 and to encourage them to consider their case. 
 - § 7. But to make the sad condition of such 
 forsaken congregations better known . in Ger- 
 many, the said Daniel Weissiger printed over 
 his own signature a short report from America, 
 at Hildesheim, dated May 3, 1734. He also 
 published the letter cited of the court preacher 
 Ziegenhagen, and likewise a report drawn up 
 concerning the oft-mentioned Lutheran congre- 
 gations, attested by the royal English gover- 
 nor, nothing of which needs repetition in this 
 place, inasmuch as this short report, according 
 to its full import, was inserted in the 24th arti- 
 cle, page 973, etc., in the collections of choice 
 materials for the building tip of the Kingdom of 
 God, which was published in Leipsic, in which 
 also there is nothing more concerning the con- 
 dition of these congregations than has already 
 been noticed and becomes evident by that 
 which follows. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2$ 
 
 § 8. Now when so many Christian hearts 
 were moved to pity by the destitution of these 
 congregations, as well by this printed report as 
 also through other written and oral publica- 
 tions, and were led by the heart-guiding power 
 of God to consecrate some of their means 
 to bear the expenses required to commence 
 churches and^schools, and the employment of 
 able teachers, and according to direction sent 
 many loving favors to the now deceased Dr. 
 Pfeiffer, of Leipsic, to Dr. and Prof. Franke in 
 Halle, to the senior Urlsperger in Augsburg, 
 and to pastor Maier in Halle ; we feel it a duty 
 not only hereby once more publicly to bear 
 witness to the sincere gratitude with which 
 those kind benefactions were received, but also 
 to give notice to the most worthy benefactors, 
 how their temporal gifts were employed for the 
 honor of God and the welfare of these oft-men- 
 tioned congregations. 
 
 § 9. The before-named Daniel Weissiger, 
 prior to his departure for Pennsylvania, not 
 only again very urgently made request both in 
 Germany and England, before all things else, 
 to send to the congregations a worthy teacher, 
 who could serve them by instruction out of the 
 3 
 
26 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 word of God and the holy sacraments, and 
 under whose supervision all things might again 
 be brought into good Christian order; espe- 
 cially since John Christian Schulze, who was 
 accepted by them as preacher, and was dele- 
 gate with Daniel Weissiger, could not return 
 again : but the congregations also, themselves 
 afterwards, frequently in many letters, impres- 
 sively repeated this request. Therefore, from 
 this time they endeavored to find a suitable 
 man hereunto. 
 
 § 10. However, a considerable time elapsed 
 herewith, because, besides the scarcity of hon- 
 est and suitable laborers in such a work, other 
 important hindrances were also in the way : 
 still at last the merciful God removed these for 
 the most part, and gave his blessing to the ef- 
 forts made, so that a man was found who was 
 already in the ministry for some time, and had 
 given proof therein of his self-denial and faith- 
 fulness, and also had irmch experience; the 
 hope could, therefore, be entertained with refer- 
 ence to him, that by God's blessing and help he 
 would not labor among these forsaken congre- 
 gations without usefulness. Such was Henry 
 Melchior Muhlenberg, born in Eimbeck in 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. ' 2J 
 
 Hanover, who had been deacon hitherto at 
 Grosshennersdorf in Lusatia, also inspector of 
 an orphan-house of that place, and who already 
 before this manifested an inclination to serve 
 God according to his will in strange lands. 
 
 § II. Now after the call was actually given 
 him in September, 1 741, by Doctor and Prof. 
 Franke in Halle, in the name of the frequently 
 mentioned German Lutheran congregations in 
 Philadelphia, New Hanover, and Providence, to 
 become their preacher, God also convinced 
 his heart in many ways concerning his will, 
 and made him willing to accept the call, so 
 that after he had obtained his dismission from 
 his office as preacher in Grosshennersdorf, he 
 set out for Pennsylvania, by way of England, 
 where he arrived on the 17th of April, 1742, 
 and remained there until June of the same 
 year. 
 
 § 12. Inasmuch as it was thought proper, for 
 good reasons, that he should first visit Eben- 
 ezer, in Georgia, for the purpose of making 
 the acquaintance of the experienced preacher 
 of the Saltzburg congregation, Pastor Boltzius, 
 to consult with him about his future employ- 
 ment, and to inquire concerning the state of 
 
28 • REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the country, and whereby it was hoped, at the 
 same time, that he might possibly be induced 
 to accompany him to Pennsylvania, and assist 
 his entrance into his future congregations, 
 pastor Muhlenberg, after he had specially 
 strengthened himself by a blessed intercourse 
 with the court preacher, Ziegenhagen, went on 
 board of a vessel, which sailed for Charleston, 
 in Carolina, on which there was also a new 
 Saltzburg family going to Ebenezer, and com- 
 menced his voyage on the 23d of June, 1742. 
 On this voyage, not only was this Saltzburg 
 family served by him with the word of God 
 and the Sacrament of the Holy Supper ; but 
 although his knowledge of the English lan- 
 guage, chiefly attained in London, was as yet 
 very defective, yet on several occasions he 
 could not refuse the earnest desire of the rest 
 of the ship's company to edify them with an 
 English service, and sought to be a pattern to 
 them, and also to awaken them with Christian 
 consolation. God also wrought many a con- 
 viction and good resolution in them by his 
 intercourse with them. 
 
 § 13. In externals, he had to pass through 
 many trials on this voyage. Because of calms, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 29 
 
 the ship was detained an unusually long time 
 on the ocean, viz.: for the space of fourteen 
 weeks and three days. For this reason, the 
 stock of water was already so diminished on 
 the 27th of August, that the allowance had to 
 be limited, but at length it failed altogether. 
 If God had not soon sent a favorable wind, 
 nearly the whole company would have per- 
 ished with thirst. Although a favorable wind 
 arose on the 29th of AJlgust, yet afterwards 
 frequent calms and contrary winds occurred, 
 so that they had either to lie still or be driven 
 away. When final 1 y they saw land at a dis- 
 tance on the 15th 6f September, after they had 
 subsisted several days on sweet oil and vine- 
 gar, etc., a contrary wind again drove them 
 back from land, so that they only entered 
 Charleston harbor on the 21st of September, 
 in which six days they must have perished of 
 thirst (because already on the 16th, every 
 kind of beverage on board was fully ex- 
 hausted) had they not, on the said day, met 
 two English ships of war, which supplied them 
 with several tuns of water. 
 
 § 14. On the 24th of September, pastor Muh- 
 lenberg continued his journey, together with 
 3* 
 
30 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the Saltzburg family, from Charleston towards 
 Ebenezer via Savannah, in a boat on the Savan- 
 nah river. He arrived in Ebenezer on the 4th 
 of October, in company with Rev. Gronau from 
 that place, whom he met in Savannah. The 
 Saltzburg family arrived on the 6th of October. 
 He tarried eight days in that place, which time 
 he employed after his wearisome journey, in 
 strengthening and refreshing himself by the 
 word of God in intercourse with the upright 
 preachers of that place, Revs. Boltzius and 
 Gronau. His joy over the temporal and spir- 
 itual blessing of God granted to this Saltzburg 
 colony and its good management, he expressed 
 in his diary at his departure in the following 
 words : " So I must leave Ebenezer. The Lord 
 be its protection and shield, and beneath his 
 blessing let it flourish, bloom, and bear much 
 fruit. The worthy patrons and benefactors in 
 Europe did not bestow their favors in vain. It 
 really seems here just as represented in the 
 printed reports in Germany, and in many re- 
 spects still better than it was represented. In 
 temporal affairs it is a marvel how the poor 
 people prospered by the help of God, and in 
 things spiritual, a blessed harvest is also to be 
 hoped for." 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3 I 
 
 §15. Nothing the less did the before-men- 
 tioned teachers of the Saltzburg congregation 
 testify in many passages in their letters, and in 
 their daily register, than that they were very 
 much refreshed by the short stay of pastor 
 Muhlenberg in their place, and by the upright- 
 ness of mind manifest in his sermons and in 
 his general intercourse, and also that they were 
 conjoined to him in cordial love. To notice 
 only one of the more recent passages, they 
 write in their diary of the 25th of February, 
 1743 : "A Saltzburg family, consisting of father, 
 mother, and three children, came to Ebene- 
 zer five months ago with pastor Muhlenberg. 
 Whilst they were aboard, death as it were, 
 stared them in the face, by reason of the pro- 
 tracted voyage and the utmost scarcity of 
 water, and yet they were providentially saved 
 by a most favorable wind which, in their utmost 
 need, carried them near several English ships 
 of war. Wherefore we have reason to unite 
 ourselves publicly in the praise of God in our 
 memory; not only with them, but also mutu- 
 ally to praise God on account of the blessed 
 guidance of the loved pastor Muhlenberg, 
 which recently came to our knowledge, (by 
 
32 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 which is understood his happy reception by 
 the congregations in Pennsylvania); for the 
 heavenly Father has so ordained that through 
 the Spirit of his Son we are united to him in 
 great love, and sympathize with him in every 
 good thing which may befall him. We have 
 prayed for him openly and in secret, and now 
 we must also praise God with him and on ac- 
 count of him." We shall not notice at present 
 any more passages from their letters in which 
 they set forth in language still more impressive 
 their joy over the uprightness of mind of the 
 Rev. Muhlenberg and their special love for 
 him. 
 
 § 1 6. After the Rev. Muhlenberg had recov- 
 ered somewhat from the fatigue of traveling by 
 his short stay at Ebenezer, he thought of the 
 further prosecution of his journey. Although 
 pastor Boltzius saw many important hind- 
 rances before him, to keep him from going with 
 pastor Muhlenberg to Philadelphia, yet from 
 love of the work of God, he resolved to over- 
 come these, and accompanied him back to 
 Charleston on the 12th of October, with the 
 intent of finding opportunity there to go all the 
 way to Philadelphia. When, however, they 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 33 
 
 had reached Charleston, on the 20th of Octo- 
 ber, and understood that no vessel would sail 
 for Philadelphia before spring, and the jour- 
 ney by land was impossible, pastor Boltzius re- 
 turned again on the 24th of said month to Eb- 
 enezer. Circumstances did not permit him to 
 wait all winter in Charleston for an uncertainty, 
 and thus neglect the congregation intrusted to 
 him. After his departure, pastor Muhlenberg 
 for the most part passed the time in instruct- 
 ing several German children, and on Sunday 
 preached several times to the Germans who 
 had come hither. 
 
 § 17. On the 1st of November, a shallop 
 arrived there from Philadelphia, which was to 
 return again. All his friends and the master 
 of the vessel himself assured him that it was 
 too small and might be dangerous in winter, 
 and also that no accommodations were to be had 
 on it for travelers. These difficulties, however, 
 could not detain him, inasmuch as they were 
 outweighed by the great desire to come to the 
 help — the sooner the better — of those forsaken 
 congregations in Pennsylvania. Moreover, the 
 greatest possible hasting of his journey seemed 
 to be required, as the danger of a still further 
 C 
 
34 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 disorder was threatened by the efforts of Count 
 Zinzendorf, according to the printed reports 
 which he saw at Charleston. He accordingly 
 embarked on this shallop on the 1 2th of No- 
 vember, and in the name of God sailed for 
 Philadelphia yet on the same day, and once 
 more endured, on this vessel, much fatigue and 
 peril of life for the space of two weeks. Be- 
 cause of the violent tossings of the small ship 
 he had to keep his bed nearly all the time on 
 account of sea sickness. As the waves and the 
 rain dashed into the small, cabin of the vessel, 
 he was weakened not a little, as well by the 
 wet as by the cold and constantly wet clothing. 
 Finally, however, he arrived in Philadelphia 
 safely on the 25 th of November, 1742. 
 
 § 18. This is not the place to give a detailed 
 account of the condition of the land, and es- 
 pecially of this its chief city. Still, so far as 
 the design of this short report is concerned, 
 it would not be useless, nor unacceptable to 
 the reader, if we here insert from a letter of 
 Pastor Muhlenberg, addressed to a worthy 
 theologian of a certain university, dated Au- 
 gust the 1 2th, 1743, that which he therein says, 
 as well for the praise of the help of God on 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 35 
 
 his voyage, as of the condition of the country. 
 He writes : " Reverend Sir, 1 still distinctly 
 remember the last acceptable letter which I 
 received from you in London. One word in it 
 was to me more than others comfortable and 
 impressive, viz.: Reverend Sir, you were pleased 
 to write with my voyage and other circum- 
 stances, the Lord will make all things zuell. 
 Certainly the Father reconciled in Christ did 
 well, by me, unworthy and unprofitable worm, 
 according to his mercy. Well, in London, 
 with the court preacher Ziegenhagen. Well, 
 when I embarked alone and as a stranger. 
 Well, when on the ship I had to be among a 
 strange nation and a people of a strange 
 tongue. Well, when on board I had to pass 
 through many trials, serious illness, and acci- 
 dents. Well, when we with an old ship and 
 without human convoy wandered through many 
 contrary winds, through enemies, and dangerous 
 regions. Well, when I had opportunity to set 
 forth in the English tongue, to sinners, my 
 brethren, the. great salvation which is in the 
 Saviour of the world and the judgment sure to 
 come for despising grace. Well, when we 
 were chastened by violent heat and a torment- 
 
36 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 ing thirst. Well, when the Lord heard the 
 prayer and sighs of the distressed, and granted 
 a favorable wind, when asked for in faith. 
 Well, when he delivered us out of danger, want, 
 and affliction, and permitted us to land safely 
 at Charleston. Well, when he also delivered 
 me from evident danger on my journey by 
 river from Carolina to Georgia. Well, when 
 he led me in Georgia, to the dear Saltzburgers 
 in Ebenezer, our brethren in the faith, and 
 there permitted me to hear, to see, and to en- 
 joy much good. The Lord did all things well, 
 when he brought me back again by river from 
 Georgia to Charleston. . Well, in this that he 
 powerfully succored and strengthened me in 
 Charleston as a stranger, a forsaken and tempted 
 man. Well, when in winter I had to continue 
 my voyage from Charleston to Pennsylvania 
 in a mean shallop over the sea, through storm, 
 discomfort, and grievous sickness. O worthy 
 father, help me together with the rest of the 
 friends of Christ to praise and magnify the 
 merciful and long-suffering God ! As respects 
 the state or condition of things of this country : 
 In the principal city, Philadelphia, which is 
 very large, there is one English Episcopal 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 37 
 
 church which has two preachers, who receive 
 their salary from Societate de Propaganda Cog- 
 nitione Christi, in London. The English 
 Presbyterians have one meeting-house in the 
 city of Philadelphia. The Quakers, as also 
 the English Anabaptists, have their meeting- 
 house in the city. The Moravians have also 
 built a meeting-house. The Catholics have 
 their meeting-house and two or three preach- 
 ers. The Swedes have one church. In the 
 country there are yet almost numberless sects 
 and sect-houses." Towards the close of this 
 letter he continues : " Money is scarce, but 
 the land is so rich in all kinds of produce, that 
 it may be said to flow with milk and honey. 
 On the one side we still have the Indians or 
 heathen, and on the other side we have the 
 sea. As respects climate, Pennsylvania is for 
 Germans the best country in America. In the 
 country the houses are not together, like the 
 villages in Germany, but there are always 
 several thousand acres in one tract, whereof 
 one man sometimes owns 500, 400, 300, 200, 
 100, 50, 20, or so and so many acres. Such a 
 region is at first all a forest. When it is settled 
 it is called a township. Certain roads are then 
 
 4 
 
38 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 opened which lead towards the city of Phila- 
 delphia. If one travels on the road, he travels 
 constantly in thicket or forest, with here and 
 there a house several miles apart, standing 
 near by the road. Most of the houses, how- 
 ever, stand remote from the highway. In the 
 country are various rivers which quickly rise 
 and fall again. They are without bridges over 
 them, but one must ride through them and 
 sometimes also cross them with a boat. When 
 I travel from Philadelphia to the country con- 
 gregations, I must always cross three streams. 
 In the winter they are frequently dangerous." 
 § 19. It is readily understood that the many 
 sects mentioned in this letter might easily have 
 deterred even an experienced man from accept- 
 ing this call, and together with a deficiency in 
 a knowledge of letters and the ignorance in 
 divine things which had increased from year to 
 year, must be a great hindrance to a real 
 blessing of the word of God in entering upon 
 the office of teacher in these congregations. 
 Pastor Muhlenberg, however, found on his arri- 
 val, besides these general, also various special 
 hindrances. The principal among these were, 
 because of the long non-arrival of the regularly 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 39 
 
 called preachers, the congregations had in part 
 accepted as their teachers, preachers who had 
 been dismissed elsewhere, partly persons who 
 otherwise were unfit for the office, but the 
 congregation in Philadelphia especially had a 
 preacher named Valentine Kraft, who had been 
 dismissed in Zweibriicken ; and besides, Count 
 Zinzendorf was in Philadelphia, and had a 
 considerable party. However the first had not 
 only themselves soon to betray their impurity 
 more clearly than it had been before, and the 
 congregations were glad when pastor Muhlen- 
 berg produced before them the written call 
 given him in their name and at their request 
 (together with the testimonials and letters in 
 his possession), and, therefore, received him 
 with joy as their teacher, and freed themselves 
 from the pretended preachers ; although the 
 aforesaid Kraft pretended to a particular con- 
 sistorial arrangement, and wished to constitute 
 himself a superintendent. The last also, Count 
 Zinzendorf, could not hinder the work of God. 
 Under the assumed nam^ of a T.ord (Herrn) 
 von Thurnstein, he represented himself as 
 Lutheran preacher and inspector in Pennsyl- 
 vania, and in a lengthy conversation concerning 
 
40 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the Lutheran Church-book, which he had ap- 
 propriated to himself, he desired pastor Muh- 
 lenberg to recognize him as such, and because 
 he had passed him by make an apology to him. 
 He also sought to prevent him from preaching 
 to the Lutherans in the Swedish church, and 
 exerted himself to the utmost to make him 
 distrusted by the congregations, and to turn 
 them away from him. But pastor Muhlenberg 
 received permission from the Swedish church- 
 wardens to use said church for worship both 
 for himself and his congregation, because the 
 old hired Lutheran meeting-house was too 
 small and unserviceable. He was not only 
 accepted by the congregations as their regular 
 teacher, but furthermore acknowledged as 
 such. Count von Zinzendorf was also earn- 
 estly directed to return the Church-book of the 
 Lutheran congregation ; but soon afterwards, 
 (January 1st), he left Philadelphia. Thus his ef- 
 forts, as well as afterwards those of his remaining 
 adherents, were in vain to hinder pastor Muh- 
 lenberg's entrance into the congregations. His 
 chief care now was, how to employ his time 
 most usefully and best fulfil his office, and also 
 how he might serve to the best of his ability 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 4 1 
 
 the three congregations in Philadelphia, New 
 Hanover and Providence. 
 
 § 20. Although Philadelphia and New Han- 
 over (from which Providence was not far off) 
 were distant from each other thirty-six Eng- 
 lish or nine German miles, and the frequent 
 traveling to and fro burdensome, and also on 
 account of the intervening streams, occasion- 
 ally dangerous, yet he resolved as far as his 
 strength permitted, to take charge of the three 
 congregations, until God gave more assistants. 
 He arranged it so that he might remain one 
 week in each congregation, and throughout 
 the week (because of the want of capable 
 schoolmasters) teach the youth the doctrines 
 of Christianity, and conduct the worship of 
 God on Sunday. There was also between 
 New Hanover and Philadelphia a small village 
 called Germantown, in which there were a Lu- 
 theran church and congregation, and through 
 several members they manifested their desire 
 to enjoy instruction out of the word of God, 
 along with the rest. He therefore determined 
 to serve this congregation also, as much as 
 possible, during the week appointed for Phila- 
 delphia, and to preach there at least once, in 
 
 4* 
 
42 REPORTS .FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the hope that when God would grant more 
 assistants, Germantown might be united with 
 Philadelphia, and New Hanover and Provi- 
 dence be served by the other preacher. 
 
 § 21. In each place he directed his first care 
 to teaching the nearly grown-up youths, as a 
 number of them, who were in part eighteen, 
 nineteen, and twenty years old, had made ap- 
 plication for instruction. Although they had 
 as yet made no beginning, as little in reading 
 and writing as in the knowledge of God, yet 
 they made him glad by their desire to learn 
 something. But there were yet older persons 
 present whom he had to teach the first prin- 
 ciples of Christianity. On the ioth of Janu- 
 ary, 1743, a widow in New Hanover brought 
 her daughter to him, twenty-two or twenty- 
 three years old, and who since her seventh 
 year had been among the English Quakers, 
 and who not only was wholly ignorant of 
 .Christian doctrine, but had also lost the Ger- 
 man language. She had therefore to be taught 
 in English, and so fully comprehended the in- 
 struction that on the 6th of February she was 
 able to make her confession of faith in the 
 English language, publicly before the congre- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 43 
 
 gation, and was admitted to the Holy Supper. 
 The congregation was much moved on this 
 occasion. On the 6th of June, 1743, he reports 
 the following : " I have had to teach from neces- 
 sity. One week I teach school in Philadelphia, 
 the next in Providence, and the third in New 
 Hanover, solely to prepare the adult, neglected 
 people for confirmation and the Holy Supper, 
 and also in part for holy baptism. In Provi- 
 dence I have already prepared twenty, con- 
 firmed them, and admitted them to the Holy 
 Supper for the first time. Among these were 
 some already married people. In New Han- 
 over I also prepared and confirmed twenty per- 
 sons, in part from twenty-four to twenty-five 
 years old. In Philadelphia I still as yet have 
 a small number in a state of preparation, who 
 for the most part are not advanced. On Whit- 
 Sunday we had preaching in New Hanover. 
 There were so many that they crowded each 
 other. After the sermon I baptized eleven 
 children in the presence of the congregation, 
 and also a married woman, who had been pre- 
 pared for it for some time. The woman was 
 of Mennonite and Anabaptist parentage, and 
 had during the time attained a fine living 
 
44 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 knowledge. On Whit-Monday we had preach- 
 ing and the Holy Supper in Providence, with 
 a large congregation. Six adults, who were in 
 part married persons, were confirmed ; two 
 youths and two children were baptized." On 
 the 1st of July, 1743, he announces that one 
 of the Anabaptists was instructed by him, and 
 afterwards publicly examined before the con- 
 gregation, and admitted to the Holy Supper. 
 On the 25th of November, 1743, he gives the 
 following notice: "I baptized a mother with 
 five adult children, in the Germantown congre- 
 gation. They were so moved, that they might 
 almost have been baptized with their tears. I 
 also baptized a married man at that place. 
 The baptized stand, by the grace of God, in a 
 beautiful growth and bloom." 
 
 § 22. From the few particulars reported, it is 
 easily understood in what a ruinous condition 
 and great ignorance pastor Muhlenberg found 
 these congregations. They had been without 
 any instruction from the word of God ; the 
 youth had grown up without being taught, and 
 even adults and married persons, who them- 
 selves already had a number of children, had 
 yet to be baptized. He writes in his diary on 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 45 
 
 the 5th of January, 1743, of the condition of 
 the congregations : " It seems as if now were 
 the time in which God would visit us in Penn- 
 sylvania with his special grace. It is indeed 
 high time. If it had remained thus for a few 
 years more, our poor Lutherans would have 
 been wholly scattered, and gone into heathenism. 
 There are some who are not baptized who are 
 married, have children who are also without 
 baptism, and with it are countless sects, opin- 
 ions and allurements." After mentioning the 
 different religious sects which have churches 
 and meeting-houses in Philadelphia, he con- 
 tinues to describe, to the aforesaid theologian, 
 the condition of the country: "There are not 
 wanting atheists, deists, naturalists, and free 
 masons. In short, there is not a sect in the 
 world which is not cherished here. There 
 are people here of almost every nationality. 
 Whatsoever is not tolerated in Europe finds a 
 place here. The most scandalous things are 
 heard freely and publicly spoken against God 
 and his holy word. In the whole land there 
 are many thousands who, according to their 
 baptism, education and confirmation, should 
 be Lutherans, but they are in part scattered. 
 
4-6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 There is such a pitiable condition and ruin 
 among our poor Lutheran people, that it cannot 
 be sufficiently wept for with tears of blood. 
 The youth grew up, and the parents have pel - 
 mitted their children in part to grow up with- 
 out baptism, without instruction and knowl- 
 edge, and go into heathenism. So I found it, 
 when I arrived in Philadelphia." He likewise 
 wrote in another letter, dated September 22d: 
 " The great mass remains uncultivated, and 
 it is easily imagined that the disorder and 
 confusion, which crept in during thirty years, 
 could not be abolished in one year." To say 
 anything more in this place concerning the 
 lamentable condition of these congregations, in 
 reference to the knowledge and worship of 
 God, on the arrival of pastor Muhlenberg, 
 would be superfluous, as it is readily imagined 
 by every one. 
 
 § 23. Although a single laborer seemed in- 
 sufficient to restore to order, in some measure, 
 not only one but more such desolated congre- 
 gations, and also to accomplish only some 
 good, yet pastor Muhlenberg did not suffer 
 himself to be deterred, but sought, by divine 
 assistance, to do his part according to his 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 47 
 
 ability, and according to the before-mentioned 
 arrangement to exercise his office in all hon- 
 esty and untiring industry, until it might please 
 the Lord to give him some help. God also 
 did not permit his endeavor to be without any 
 blessing, inasmuch as the hearts of the hearers 
 were turned to him to receive the instruction 
 the more eagerly and attentively. Many also 
 who were either scattered among other sects or 
 hitherto separated themselves from the worship 
 of God only for this reason, because they 
 would have nothing to do with the uncalled 
 preachers, returned again, and now for the 
 future could enjoy the instruction from the 
 word of God with the more blessing. As may 
 also be seen from the preceding, the instruc- 
 tion was not without a blessing to adults and 
 children. Among others, he makes mention 
 of an aged woman of ninety years, in the con- 
 gregation at New Hanover, that she in her 
 preparation for the Holy Supper made him very 
 glad with believing and edifying conversation. 
 In various letters he reports that anxiously as 
 things were progressing in his office, and cor- 
 rupt as the congregations had been, the Lord 
 still granted some blessing here and there ; the 
 
48 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 word did not' return again altogether empty. 
 His only regret was, that from the want of 
 some fellow laborers he could only work 
 upon the whole mass, and not sufficiently look 
 to the special care of souls. On the 25th of 
 November he writes : " In the Germantown 
 congregation, the Lord gave some blessing; 
 among others, the gospel won an old, gray- 
 headed man, who had been one of Dippel's 
 adherents, and brought him to the knowledge 
 of the sufficient atonement of Christ. He 
 afterwards died happy, and his end was edify- 
 ing." He hopes when he receives assistants, 
 and the work through the word of God in the 
 congregations be constantly persevered in, there 
 might, with the help of God, a true improve- 
 ment be effected, and the Lord manifest a 
 greater blessing. 
 
 § 24. As the divided and scattered Lutherans 
 by this time began to gather again, and in 
 Philadelphia the hired meeting-house had be- 
 come too small and unserviceable, and the 
 Swedish congregation could spare their church 
 for the use of the Germans no longer than un- 
 til the arrival of their new preacher, who was 
 then still expected; and in Providence also the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 49 
 
 worship of God had hitherto to be held in a 
 barn, not without great inconvenience, in which 
 there was not even room enough, by reason of 
 the increase of the congregation; thus the 
 highest necessity seemed to require that they 
 should think of building churches of their own 
 in both places. 
 
 § 25. In Providence there were fewer diffi- 
 culties than in Philadelphia, because the con- 
 gregation in that place is less numerous, and 
 therefore the church would cost less. Con- 
 cerning the building of which pastor Muhlen- 
 berg reports, under date January 5th, 1743, as 
 follows : " On Wednesday, the 5th of January, 
 we celebrated Epiphany in Providence, and I 
 again preached for the congregation in the 
 barn. The people of this congregation are at- 
 tentive and eager to hear the Word. The dear 
 wardens of this congregation have resolved in 
 the name of the Lord to begin building a 
 church. I have already twice published it to 
 the congregation, and encouraged them to 
 prayer and trust in God. A church is very 
 much needed by us. For this purpose I wrote a 
 letter, and permitted the wardens to go around 
 with it in the congregation, and note that which 
 
50 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 each member would contribute from a willing 
 heart. We have here, thank God, no want of 
 meat and drink ; but money is scarce, because 
 the country people must carry their produce 
 to the city, and receive very little for it. It is 
 not well to build with timber here, because it 
 speedily decays, and to build with stone is ex- 
 pensive. I have added a draught of a stone 
 church. According to the design it may easily 
 reach two hundred pound sterling. God has 
 remarkably stirred their hearts and made them 
 zealous to build, for after we had visited the 
 whole congregation, nearly one hundred pounds 
 of our money was subscribed. One pound 
 sterling makes one pound and a half of our 
 money. The congregation indeed exerted it- 
 self to the utmost, as every one admits. Now, 
 Reverend Sir, whatever of the remaining col- 
 lected moneys are in your hands as their third 
 part, we expect to apply with what we have. 
 But where is the rest to come from ? May 
 the merciful God awaken hearts in Europe to 
 come to our help ! The members of the congre- 
 gation are so united (they are already hauling 
 stone to the place), that I am delighted. We 
 have also already built a wooden school-house. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 5 I 
 
 In this township there is an English church 
 and a Mennonite meeting-house, but there 
 never was as yet a Lutheran church, and now 
 the first is to be built. The masons wish to 
 begin work on the 1st of May." He then no- 
 tices the following in a letter of the 6th of 
 June, 1743: "On the 2d of May we laid the 
 corner-stone of the first Lutheran church in 
 Providence. A very great multitude of people 
 was present, both English and German. We 
 first sang the hymn, ' Befiehl du deine Wege,' 
 etc. Afterwards I delivered a German dis- 
 course on Zech. xiv. 7. After its conclusion I 
 also preached in the English language. By 
 the help of God, the masons had already 
 raised the wall to a considerable extent in the 
 beginning of June. Here many difficulties 
 must also be passed." In another letter of the 
 22d of September, 1743, this is likewise re- 
 ported : "On the 31st of August we placed 
 the roof on the new church in Providence, and 
 on the 1 2th of September we left our barn and 
 for the first time had divine service in the new 
 church. It is not as yet completed, but we 
 shall not consecrate it until it is entirely fin- 
 ished. Meanwhile the congregation in New 
 
52 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Hanover, where there was already a wooden, 
 but still unfinished church, built a school-house, 
 which by the help of God was erected on the 
 ist of September. 
 
 § 26. In Philadelphia, however, there v were 
 many more hindrances to be overcome, inas- 
 much as the numerous Lutheran congregation 
 in this extensive city not only required a larger 
 and consequently more expensive church, but 
 the sites in this city had become scarce, ^nd 
 many evil-minded persons sought to place dif- 
 ficulties in the way. Nevertheless, God also 
 helped in this case to overcome all opposition, 
 as may be seen in the following report of pastor 
 Muhlenberg. Among other things, he writes 
 in his diary: "Tuesday, January the 18th, 1743. 
 Thirty or twenty years ago, a place for a church 
 and churchyard could have been obtained in 
 the city for a small sum of money. Now there 
 are scarcely any locations more to purchase, or 
 if there were one as large as a small field that 
 could be bought, according as it is in the city, 
 they may ask four, five to six hundred pounds. 
 A location could more readily be obtained by 
 paying ground-rent, but they ask, per foot, two 
 and a half, three, and also four shillings ster- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 53 
 
 ling, annually. In this manner we would have 
 to pay yearly for an indifferent church location, 
 ten or twelve or more pounds sterling. And 
 yet the purchasable, as well as the ground-rent 
 sites, are becoming dearer every day, and the 
 Lutherans increasing every year. The longer, 
 therefore, the building of a church is deferred, 
 the more difficult and impossible it becomes. 
 We resolved, therefore, to place these circum- 
 stances before the congregation. I made a 
 note of several points. On Sunday, the 23d 
 of January, after the sermon, I read to the con- 
 gregation that which I had written concerning 
 the building of a church, and said whoever 
 would contribute something to this object 
 should remain in the church, and have his 
 name recorded. The most remained and sub- 
 scribed what they would give, and God blessed 
 the beginning, so that one hundred and twenty 
 pounds of our money was subscribed. I made 
 agreement with the church wardens, that they 
 might, in the name of God, look around for a 
 church location. February 18th, 1743. Our 
 wardens have again exerted themselves to the 
 utmost with reference to a site for a church, 
 but failed in obtaining one. I presented the 
 
54 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 matter to the All-wise God in prayer. If it is 
 his will that we should have a church here, 
 then he will also show us a place. Saturday, 
 the 1 2th of March. The wardens of Philadel- 
 phia related to me, with inward joy, that they 
 were contracting for a church site, which would 
 cost nearly two hundred pounds. It is much 
 better to purchase a place than to pay ground- 
 rent. But we have enemies who gladly cast 
 stones in our way. It is still uncertain whether 
 we shall get the location or not. Our people 
 are very eager to build a church, and have 
 subscribed so much that we may have over 
 two hundred pounds of our money. If we 
 fail in church building, we shall scarcely suc- 
 ceed with the Lutheran congregation. If the 
 Lord does not build the house, we cannot." 
 
 § 27. The preliminaries to the building of a 
 new church in Philadelphia had at this time 
 progressed thus far. The actual beginning of 
 the same he reports in a letter of the 6th of 
 June, wherein he notices, among other things, 
 the following : " In the week before Easter, 
 the gracious God granted us a location for a 
 church in the centre of the city. The site is 
 excellent, and affords also at the same time a 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 55 
 
 churchyard. It costs one hundred and some 
 pounds sterling, and we could immediately 
 obtain twenty pounds more, if we desired to 
 sell the place again. We are and will be more 
 and more necessitated to begin building a 
 church in Philadelphia, in reliance upon the 
 living God. If this is not done, the little com- 
 pany of Lutherans will gradually fail. On the 
 5th of April, we, in the name of God, laid the 
 corner-stone of the first German Lutheran 
 church in Philadelphia. The Swedish preacher 
 from another place, who during the present 
 vacancy in the Swedish church occasionally 
 conducts the public service, was present. The 
 English preacher also desired to be with us, 
 but a case of necessity occurred, so that he 
 was obliged to take a journey into the country. 
 There were very many people present, enemies 
 as well as friends. When we were once 
 necessitated to build, we had also to care for 
 our descendants. We therefore adopted a 
 proper size ; 70 feet in length, 45 in breadth, 
 and 27 in height, without the arch of 9 feet. 
 We also erected a steeple for a pair of bells. 
 At the lowest, the building is estimated at 
 eight hundred pounds sterling. We rely upon 
 
$6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the living God. Building is a heavy burden, 
 especially if you are poor and have so many 
 enemies. Notwithstanding the many obstacles, 
 the gracious God has already helped us so far 
 that the masons have nearly finished one story, 
 in the beginning of June." He further writes, 
 on the 1st of July: " In Philadelphia the masons 
 expect to finish the wall within four weeks. 
 The hand of God is in it. We did not begin 
 the work through temerity, but from pressing 
 necessity. According to the English and the 
 laws of this country, no sect or religion was 
 permitted to build a church, except those be- 
 longing to the English church, and besides 
 these, the Lutherans. Whilst then we were 
 permitted to build a church, so had we also to 
 erect a steeple for bells, 85 feet in height. 
 Those who envied us expected that we should 
 soon get into prison and be disgraced, if we 
 could not pay." In another letter, he further 
 writes: "The estimate of the cost most accur- 
 ately made is 5,500 Rix dollars according to 
 German money. In such a public building 
 the English workingmen will not do anything 
 until some one obligates himself to pay, either 
 verbally or by writing. Accordingly, four of 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 57 
 
 our church-wardens agreed, and obligated 
 themselves for the building. The men indeed 
 are not very rich, but they are true-hearted, and 
 venture it upon God's credit. Our Lutheran 
 companions in the faith, in a new town called 
 Lancaster, sixty miles from Philadelphia, pre- 
 sented us with 100 Rix dollars according to 
 German money." 
 
 § 28. Finally pastor Muhlenberg reports the 
 completion of the exterior of the building, in 
 his last letter of the 25 th of November, in the 
 following words : "Amid these troubles the 
 gracious God prospered the Philadelphia church 
 so far, that it is under roof and the steeple is 
 erected. The gracious God has ordered it 
 even so. As the Swedes have received their 
 own preacher, they need their church them- 
 selves and cannot accommodate us, because the 
 days are too short. We have indeed as yet 
 no windows in our church, and the scaffolding 
 as yet stands on the inside; but we have in the 
 meanwhile closed the twenty-eight windows 
 and the three doors with boards, and to my in- 
 ward comfort and that of many others, held 
 divine service in it for the first time on the 20th 
 of October, as the twenty-fifth Sunday after 
 
58 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Trinity. Oh God ! what a favor this in a land 
 so strange and wild ! Our opponents have still 
 ever hoped, that the four men who had under- 
 taken and were responsible for the building, 
 would get into prison on account of the debts, 
 before the church was so far finished. On this 
 Lord's day we again sang the beautiful hymn, 
 " Befiehl du deine Wege," etc. Instead of the 
 epistle, I read from the fourth chapter of the first 
 book of Maccabees from the 36th verse to the 
 end of the chapter. Afterwards I explained the 
 prayer of Solomon, first Kings, eighth chapter, 
 22d verse, etc." This two-fold church-building 
 in Philadelphia and Providence is that to which 
 was applied whatever remained of the collections 
 received and already actually transmitted to 
 Pennsylvania for this purpose, after deducting 
 the traveling expenses of pastor Muhlenberg, 
 and that which would yet be required for the 
 mission of several new laborers. It is, how- 
 ever, easily perceived that this was far from suf- 
 ficient to defray the expenses of this extensive 
 building of churches, especially, also, as a con- 
 siderable sum was yet required for doors and 
 windows, and whatever else is necessary in the 
 interior of a church. But we have trust in the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 59 
 
 gracious God that he will also provide for the 
 remaining need." 
 
 § 29. As pastor Muhlenberg in all his letters 
 set forth the necessity of sending him several 
 assistants both for church and schools, the 
 congregations also, through him, earnestly 
 making entreaty for the same, so God also 
 herein graciously heard the prayer of his ser- 
 vants and children. He ordered it, that a suit- 
 able candidate of theology, Mr. Peter Brunn- 
 holtz, born in Niibul, a village of the principal- 
 ity of Gliicksburg in the dukedom of Schles* 
 wig, was proposed thereto, by the consent of all 
 those who were acquainted with the state of 
 things in Pennsylvania, and with his gifts and 
 faithfulness. He had not only laid a good 
 foundation in theological knowledge, but had 
 also hitherto sought to keep the mystery of 
 faith in a pure conscience. After his univer- 
 sity years he had given proof, on the estates 
 of a certain Christian nobleman, of his faith- 
 fulness and gifts in public preaching of the 
 word of God and in intercourse with souls. 
 After he had examined what was the will of 
 God, he was also willing to accept the call, 
 given him through Dr. and Prof. Franke, of 
 
60 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the Pennsylvania congregation, whereupon he 
 was examined by the most noble Stolberg 
 Consistorium at Wernigeroda, and on the 12th. 
 of April, 1744, he was ordained in the palace 
 chapel of that place, and then continued his 
 journey to Hamburg via Hanover. There 
 were also two other blameless students of the- 
 ology found, not far from Giessen — Messrs 
 Schaum and Kurtz — who were accepted as 
 chanters, and followed him to Hamburg, and 
 already, on the 1st of July last, began their 
 voyage to Pennsylvania by way of England. 
 
 § 30. As divine Providence was again clearly 
 perceived, as well in the election and calling of 
 these new assistants, as in their departure also, 
 so there was no reason to doubt that it was the 
 gracious purpose of God, who commanded the 
 light to shine out of the darkness, to let his 
 light shine ever more clearly for the congrega- 
 tions of Pennsylvania, that among them also, 
 through the teachers granted to them, might 
 arise the light of the knowledge of the glory of 
 God in the face of Jesus Christ. When the 
 entrance of pastor Muhlenberg and the present 
 mission of these new assistants became known 
 in some places, God raised up so many bene- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 6f 
 
 factors, who sent in so much, that not only the 
 voyage to England of the latter was paid for, 
 but forty pounds sterling remained over. Be- 
 sides the 547 Rix dollars, from another Christian 
 patroness of distinction, who has interested her- 
 self in this work with extraordinary zeal, which 
 were already transmitted to England for their 
 benefit, may likewise be so used, that should 
 the sum retained from the former collections be 
 insufficient for the further voyage to Pennsyl- 
 vania of the new assistants, it should be fully 
 paid herefrom, but the residue be applied to 
 the before-mentioned church-building. For 
 these benefactions we hereby publicly and 
 again heartily thank all the high patrons and 
 most worthy friends, and humbly call upon 
 God for their temporal and eternal recompense. 
 We also have this reliance upon him, that ac- 
 cording to his heart-controlling power he will 
 raise up more benefactors, and advance this new 
 rising blessing by their kind and voluntary 
 help. But whoever has at heart the extension 
 of the kingdom, of God and the salvation of 
 souls, will also be awakened by this brief 
 notice to humbly praise God for his help al- 
 ready shown, and further call upon him in 
 
62 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS. 
 
 childlike prayer, for his aid on the voyage of 
 the just-mentioned other preacher and the two 
 chanters, as also for his further blessing on the 
 exercise of their office of all the laborers. But 
 God, who can do exceedingly more than all we 
 ask or understand, conduct these new helpers 
 upon their voyage, and bring them under his 
 protection through every danger in blessing to 
 their place ! Through their labors, may he also 
 rescue many souls out of the kingdom of dark- 
 ness, and translate them into the kingdom of 
 his dear Son, to the glory of his name. Amen, 
 So may it be." 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 A CONTINUATION OF THE SHORT REPORT OF 
 SEVERAL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGRE- 
 GATIONS IN AMERICA. 
 
 During the past year a short report of sev- 
 eral Evangelical congregations in America 
 was issued from the press, from which, among 
 other things, is seen in what manner the Ger- 
 man Evangelical congregations in Philadelphia, 
 New Hanover and Providence, in the province 
 of Pennsylvania, occasionally, for a number of 
 years, besought Dr. and Prof. Franke in Halle, 
 and the royal court preacher of Great Britain 
 in London, Frederick Michael Ziegenhagen, 
 that a regular preacher be sent them. It also 
 appears therein, that after the removal of sev- 
 eral difficulties, Mr. Henry Melchior Muhlen- 
 berg was sent thither in fulfillment of this 
 desire, and how he also, after his safe arrival in 
 Philadelphia, November 25th, 1742, was re- 
 ceived by the said three congregations, to 
 (63) 
 
64 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 which Germantown was added, with great ea- 
 eerness and love. It is likewise noticed in the 
 same short report, when the work could not be 
 accomplished by one preacher alone, how he, 
 together with said congregations, anew ear- 
 nestly entreated that more assistants in church 
 and schools might be sent him, and how there- 
 upon, Mr. Peter Brunnholtz as second preacher, 
 and two assistants or catechists, Messrs. 
 Schaum and Kurtz, after having accepted the 
 call, began their voyage from Hamburg to 
 England and Pennsylvania on the 1st of July, 
 1744. Nothing the less is it known from the 
 same source, that the formerly-remitted kind 
 favors from benevolent hearts, for these con- 
 gregations, were applied as well to defray the 
 expenses of the voyage of all the "laborers, as for 
 the necessitated building of churches in Phila- 
 delphia and Providence, although not as yet fully 
 sufficient for this purpose. The kind reader will 
 also remember from the same short report, 
 what a blessed reception, notwithstanding all 
 obstacles, pastor Muhlenberg had in these con- 
 gregations, after they had been so long a time 
 without regular teachers, so that the old and 
 the young, with great eagerness, permitted 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 65 
 
 themselves to be instructed out of the word of 
 God. Parents with their children, or other 
 aged people, received holy baptism ; and besides 
 these, also other adults, and in part married 
 persons, were prepared for their first commun- 
 ion. Altogether the attention, the eagerness 
 and obedience with which such people received 
 instruction from the word of God, awakened an 
 inward joy in pastor Muhlenberg, and made his 
 heavy labor sweet. 
 
 § 2. As it has frequently been asked, whether 
 any news had as yet come from said pastor 
 Brunnholtz and his companion's arrival in Penn- 
 sylvania, and whether the blessing which 
 the Lord began to give to the publication 
 of the Word still continued, we could not 
 refuse to make known hereby, to the joy of 
 all patrons, friends and benefactors, who heart- 
 ily desire the extension of the kingdom of God 
 generally, and also in this region, and in part 
 advanced by their kind contributions, that such 
 news, after some delay, was recently received. 
 On the 22d of May, of this year, the long-ex- 
 pected letters arrived from Philadelphia, from 
 pastor Muhlenberg, and from pastor Brunnholtz 
 himself, to the court preacher Ziegenhagen and 
 6* ' E 
 
66 . REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Dr. and Prof. Franke, in Halle. They were 
 written in March of the present year, and con- 
 tain : I , The safe arrival of the new laborers ; 
 2, of many trials pastor Muhlenberg had to 
 endure until then ; 3, of the continuance of 
 the blessing of the Word, and 4, of church 
 building — many memorable things, of which, 
 briefly, the most necessary and important are 
 hereby communicated, to the praise of God. 
 
 § 3. As respects the first item, viz., the safe 
 arrival of the new laborers, every one who re- 
 members from the former short report, what 
 an extensive, and on account of much travel- 
 ing, very difficult work, pastor Muhlenberg 
 found in the aforesaid four congregations, and 
 how faithfully he assumed the whole — without 
 respect to his ease — may easily imagine with 
 what lonsring desire he looked for the arrival of 
 additional laborers and assistants. All diligence 
 was also used, to hasten to the utmost the 
 mission of such fellow-laborers, because it was 
 well understood, how necessary it was to come 
 to his help, lest he should in the meantime 
 succumb to the work. These last also were 
 not wanting in the desire to be in America 
 speedily, that they might offer their hand to 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 6/ 
 
 pastor Muhlenberg. But they must needs also 
 learn to surrender this their good impulse and 
 desire to the will of the all-wise God. In 
 their voyage from Hamburg to England, they 
 were detained three weeks by contrary winds. 
 In England they had to wait a considerable 
 time for the departure of vessels. Also after 
 they had embarked at Gravesend, September 
 22d, 1744, on a ship bound for Pennsylvania, 
 they were again detained more than nine 
 weeks in the English harbor, until they could 
 go to sea on the 29th of November, under pro- 
 tection of the fleet of Admiral Davers. 
 
 § 4. Concerning their voyage and arrival in 
 Pennsylvania, it is furthermore stated, that on 
 the third day the said fleet was separated from 
 them by a violent storm, with the exception of 
 one man-of-war, which convoyed them through 
 the Spanish sea, to Cape Finisterre, where they 
 left it on the 9th of December ; and after they 
 had eleven days of fair, but after that four weeks 
 of contrary winds for the most part, and occa- 
 sionally such violent storms that they had to 
 fasten the rudder, they arrived safely at Phila- 
 delphia, on the 26th of January, 1745. During 
 the entire voyage they had not seen a hostile 
 
68 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 ship, and were perfectly well on their arrival. 
 When they had landed and were about going 
 to the city, a German approached them out of 
 the forest, and when he observed that they 
 were strangers from the vessel which had just 
 arrived, he asked them whether no evangelical 
 preachers came along with it ? After they had 
 made themselves known to him, he with great 
 joy brought them to a German merchant in 
 the city, by whom, as well as by the wardens, 
 and other members of the congregation, who 
 came together on the report of their arrival, 
 they were received and welcomed with much 
 gladness. All heartily praised God for their 
 safe arrival, as he before had been called upon 
 publicly and specially, for his protection and 
 help on their voyage. But pastor Muhlenberg, 
 who was in his country congregations, was 
 forthwith cheered with the pleasant tidings by 
 a messenger. 
 
 § 5. Now, after his immediate return to Phil- 
 adelphia, Mr. Brunnholtz preached on the fol- 
 lowing Sunday, for the congregation of this 
 place, and was recognized and accepted as 
 their teacher and second preacher. His call 
 also, drawn up in their name, was undersigned 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 69 
 
 and ratified by the wardens and all the mem- 
 bers. The same was likewise done in German- 
 town on the 5th of February; on the 7th of 
 the same month, as the next Sunday, at Prov- 
 idence ; and on the 9th of the same, at New 
 Hanover also. He was presented to all the 
 four congregations for this purpose, that he, 
 with pastor Muhlenberg, might at first do the 
 work in the same in common, alternating in 
 it, and also, when they had afterwards regu- 
 larly divided the work, according to the clearly 
 recognized will of God, they could the better 
 assist each other, and both work together for 
 the same object in all the congregations. After 
 earnest prayer to God, and mature considera- 
 tion of all the circumstances, they had already 
 made the arrangement with reference to the 
 two assistants or catechists : Mr. Kurtz was 
 assigned to the newly-built school-house in 
 New Hanover, but Mr. Schaum remained in 
 Philadelphia ; and both had commenced to 
 teach school, in which, also, old people were 
 present, who were not ashamed to sit among 
 the little children and learn their letters. As 
 for the rest, the congregations acknowledged 
 the benefit which they had received, through 
 
JO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the newly sent laborers, in church and schools, 
 with hearty thanks to God and the instruments 
 he had hereunto employed. 
 
 § 6. Besides, pastor Brunnholtz mentions 
 particularly that said congregations cherished 
 a special love and esteem for pastor Muhlen- 
 berg, after they observed a different spirit in 
 him than was found in those who assumed to 
 be teachers without a regular call. He also 
 exercised his office with much industry, labor, 
 and care, and in all uprightness, and God 
 noticeably stood by him in all the difficulties 
 and trials which had hitherto befallen him ; and 
 also blessed his-faithful service, that much was 
 not only brought into tolerable order externally, 
 but also a true internal amendment followed in 
 many souls, or is yet to be hoped for, to win 
 whom his kind and humble walk contributed 
 not a little. Furthermore, that he, pastor 
 Brunnholtz, would endeavor according to the 
 grace which God should bestow, to follow him 
 in the earnest and faithful exercise of his office, 
 and not only publish the word of God pure 
 and unadulterated in public discourse, but also 
 to labor especially, in all faithfulness, for the 
 salvation of souls. In order that he might 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. J\ 
 
 become better acquainted with the sheep com- 
 mitted to his care, and might know how to 
 reprove, teach, instruct, and exhort his hearers 
 according to the condition of each one, he had 
 commenced to visit them in their homes. On 
 this wise, he had already found many hearts 
 eager for the word of God, of whom he, be- 
 sides pastor Muhlenberg, would take the more 
 care, and would seek to lead them upon the 
 true foundation. 
 
 § 7. Concerning the second item, viz.: the 
 various trials which pastor Muhlenberg had to 
 endure hitherto, in the exercise of his office, it 
 is sufficient to mention the following only, from 
 his letters. He says that, first of all, he was 
 not in a little trouble, as well because the 
 arrival of the needed assistants was delayed 
 beyond expectation, as also because the letters 
 sent to him from England and Germany did 
 not arrive in due time on account of the mari- 
 time war. Besides the increase of his own 
 grief and care, several enemies not only siezed 
 the opportunity to deride him, that he was now 
 also forsaken by his patrons and friends in 
 Europe, but some also sought in every way to 
 make him distrusted by the congregations, and 
 
72 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 among other things to accuse him, as though 
 he applied the money collected to his own use. 
 But the calumny was refuted by the letters 
 which at length arrived, and the remittance 
 thereby of the collections. The chief author 
 of this slander was a preacher who had been 
 degraded in Germany, who also afterwards 
 sought to occasion him many a displeasure. 
 But when pastor Muhlenberg's faithfulness to 
 the congregations was sufficiently revealed in 
 the conscience of all his hearers, their confi- 
 dence in him was not weakened, but rather 
 strengthened the more by the manifestation of 
 his innocence; and those who were prejudiced 
 by him, were won again, and set in good order. 
 After this, indeed, slanders yet more gross and 
 shameless were not wanting; but God made his 
 innocence manifest everywhere. To mention 
 other reproach, in this place, which befell him 
 for the sake of Christ, would be too lengthy. 
 We may say however that his person as well 
 as his office were publicly and particularly re- 
 viled by one and another, and names invented 
 were given him by the world, in contempt of 
 true Christianity, whereby, indeed, the enemy 
 sought to hinder the blessing of his office. But 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 73 
 
 God did not permit him to succeed, but was 
 the more powerfully with the pastor for the 
 conviction and winning of souls. Yea, the 
 more the perverse exerted themselves to make 
 him despicable, without his seeking the more 
 he was honored by the unprejudiced, and in the 
 greater consideration he was held by his hear- 
 ers, according to the afore-mentioned testimony 
 of pastor Brunnholtz. 
 
 § 8. But thirdly, in relation to the actual 
 fruits of his office, the Lord not only granted 
 him the necessary health and strength to pros- 
 ecute his work uninterruptedly, but also did not 
 permit the enemy to place any hindrance in his 
 way, in the public or private publication of the 
 Word ; but also continued and increased the 
 blessing, noticed in the first short report, 
 whereof he only mentions the following few ex- 
 amples, in his foregoing letters. In the German- 
 town congregation he instructed a small number 
 of young people, and admitted them to their first 
 communion. In the same place, he also bap- 
 tized three adult children in one house, and 
 a married man of nearly forty years, with 
 his two adult children, who, in their simplicity, 
 heartily besought their father that he might 
 
74 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 receive holy baptism. In Philadelphia, also, a 
 young- woman of twenty-five, of Quaker pa- 
 rentage, was publicly baptized, and a woman 
 was confirmed. In New Hanover, a Quaker 
 with four children was baptized, whose wife 
 had already received the Holy Sacrament of 
 baptism on New Year, 1744. Both married 
 people, besides two others, were afterwards ad- 
 mitted to the Holy Supper, and now, with 
 theirs, lead a Christian life. Finally, he re- 
 cently baptized a respectable German with five 
 children, who already for a long time had been 
 affected by the power of God's word, but be- 
 cause he consulted with flesh and blood, could 
 not resolve to receive holy baptism, until he at 
 length had* prevailed, and overcome every ob- 
 stacle. It may be hoped of all, that' they were 
 of good intention ; inasmuch as, in this free 
 country, they could neither expect temporal 
 enjoyment and profit, nor yet honor and re- 
 spectability before the world. Besides these per- 
 sons brought again into the communion of the 
 Evangelical church, the Lord Jesus manifested 
 himself so powerfully in many souls, through 
 his holy word, that he hopes to see fruit 
 thereof in the life to come*. Some, also, already 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 75 
 
 died happy. He might, indeed, yet write of 
 more seeming particular fruits, but he would 
 first see whether it be anything well-founded 
 and permanent. In the meanwhile, this little 
 will be sufficient to awaken to a hearty praise 
 of God Christian readers, who have their de- 
 light in the works of the Lord, who has already 
 permitted his word to accomplish in some, that 
 whereunto he sent it. May he further bless it 
 hereto evermore, that his glory and the salva- 
 tion of man may be promoted. 
 
 § 9. It yet remains, in the fourth place, to 
 notice briefly the circumstances reported con- 
 cerning the building of churches, to which we 
 consider ourselves the more obligated, inas- 
 much as the money remaining of the collec- 
 tions, after defraying the traveling expenses of 
 the teachers, was applied to this object, as al- 
 ready stated. The chief design of this report, 
 besides the glory of God, is, that the most wor- 
 thy patrons and benefactors might know how 
 their kind gifts were used. It may also be re- 
 membered as yet, from the former short report, 
 that a beginning was made to build a large 
 church in Philadelphia, and a smaller in Provi- 
 dence, and the same also so far completed, that 
 
y6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the worship of God could be held in both, al- 
 though not as yet entirely finished. The 
 church in Philadelphia, according to the more 
 exact estimate made, would cost iooo pounds 
 sterling, or 5500 Rix dollars, but the church in 
 Providence, only 200 pounds sterling or 11 00 
 Rix dollars. Besides these two churches, a 
 school-house was built in New Hanover, where 
 there was a church already, though not entirely 
 completed. As this building of churches 
 might seem to many as either quite unneces- 
 sary, or at least hasty and premature, or the 
 arrangement of the same too costly, pastor 
 Muhlenberg mentioned that the worship of 
 God, which was held in a barn in Providence, 
 was not only subject to much inconvenience, 
 but that the barn was also too small to contain 
 the ever-growing congregation, so that many in 
 public worship were incommoded by the 
 weather on the outside under the open heavens, 
 and therefore the building of a church by the 
 congregation of this place could not be thought 
 amiss by any one. There was a similar neces- 
 sity in Philadelphia also, as the old hired 
 Lutheran meeting-house was too small, and 
 besides the congregation had a suit in law 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. JJ 
 
 with some who laid claim to it; and although the 
 German congregation at first by special grant 
 of the Swedish congregation, had obtained 
 permission to worship in their church, which, 
 notwithstanding the envy of other parties, was 
 given them, until they could meet in their own 
 church, as mentioned in the former report, 
 about the time when the German congregation 
 began the worship of God in their own church, 
 the expected Swedish preacher arrived ; conse- 
 quently that church was used by their congre- 
 gation, and could by no means any longer be 
 given to the Germans, as the short days of win- 
 ter were approaching. Hence it is sufficiently 
 clear, that this building was not prematurely 
 begun, but is much more to be recognized, as 
 a providence of God, that it was yet completed 
 in due time; because otherwise the worship of 
 God must have been nearly altogether inter- 
 rupted, for a time ; at least, there was no place 
 at hand, where the whole congregation would 
 have found room for their meeting. 
 
 § 10. As for the rest, that this congregation 
 was tolerably large also appears, among other 
 things, from a more recent letter from pastor 
 Brunnholtz of April 23d, 1745, which just 
 
?8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 arrived when this was thus far written. In it 
 he mentions that the newly-built church in 
 Philadelphia is indeed pretty large, still it is 
 entirely filled on Sundays, and more continually 
 returned to the congregation, of those who 
 had formerly separated themselves ; as for 
 example, a man from the Germantown congre- 
 gation made application a few days since, who 
 had not gone to church in eighteen years, who 
 also desired to have five grown children bap- 
 tized. Whence it is manifest that the building 
 of this church was not begun on too large a 
 scale, and as pastor Muhlenberg elsewhere 
 mentioned, that on account of the size re- 
 quired, it could the less be built of timber. 
 "He indeed also at first advised this to save 
 expense. But as such a wooden structure 
 would nevertheless have cost over 1,000 Rix 
 dollars, and the wardens represented to the 
 congregation that it could not be of long 
 duration, especially as the timber in that coun- 
 try decays sooner than in this, on which ac- 
 count the members objected to giving any- 
 thing because, after some time, it would be 
 labor lost. It was necessary, therefore, to re- 
 solve upon building with stone, and trust to 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 79 
 
 God that he would provide the necessary 
 means. To cite in detail whatever more he 
 mentioned hereof, would be too lengthy in this 
 place. In the meanwhile, this little may suffice 
 to see the necessity of this church-building, 
 and besides, any one will easily understand that 
 without the most urgent need, they would not 
 have involved themselves in a work so exten- 
 sive, and taken such a risk, as did pastor 
 Muhlenberg and the wardens. 
 
 § II. But as these commenced, all in reli- 
 ance upon the help and sure aid of God alone, 
 so he also did not hitherto permit them to 
 come to shame, but has already given them 
 very clear proofs of his timely care, inasmuch 
 as the church in Providence is not only entirely 
 finished now, but the church in Philadelphia 
 also had, in a rather short time, been so far 
 completed that the congregation can worship 
 in it. Next, God has also already provided so 
 much for the payment of both, that of the debts 
 originally incurred, only a little more than 400 
 pounds sterling, or over 2,200 Rix dollars, re- 
 main to be paid on the church in Philadelphia, 
 and 50 pounds sterling, or 275 Rix dollars, on 
 the church in Providence; which stands on in- 
 
SO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAxV 
 
 terest, because, as already reported, the congre- 
 gation exerted itself to the utmost in this mat- 
 ter, and the congregation in Philadelphia espe- 
 cially had collected about 200 pounds sterling 
 before the building was commenced. Several 
 neighboring congregations made a present, and 
 200 pounds sterling of the former collections 
 were transmitted to Pennsylvania from Europe. 
 Besides, there were 40 pounds sterling, or 220 
 Rix dollars, collected in the German Lutheran 
 church in London, and 547 Rix dollars from 
 Germany, as already reported, which can be 
 sent for that object, to which yet belong 30 
 pounds sterling, or 165 Rix dollars, which were 
 since appointed for this church building by kind 
 benefactors, and transmitted to Pennsylvania in 
 the beginning of this year, which will soon be 
 followed by 150 Rix dollars. 
 
 § 12. But we hope that God will further 
 vouchsafe his favor, that these poor German 
 congregations and their teachers may still fur- 
 ther receive assistance, and the newly-rising 
 blessing in this strange land not only be retained, 
 but extended further evermore ; of which, also, 
 many a hope manifests itself. We have this 
 special confidence in his goodness, that he will 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. Si 
 
 awaken Christian hearts, that will again freely- 
 consecrate something of the blessing, which he 
 has placed in their hand, to him from whom they 
 have all, for his service in promoting the pros- 
 perity of these congregations. For although 
 God, who has helped hitherto, is to be praised, 
 that even those who thought that pastor Muh- 
 lenberg or the wardens would be imprisoned 
 for debt, before the completion of the building, 
 or be forced to abscond, may be convinced 
 that God's special hand is in the work, still the 
 burden of the remaining debts encumbers the 
 congregations not a little, especially as in the 
 church in Philadelphia, besides the annual in- 
 terest of the debts, the windows are yet to be 
 made, and the pews to be finished. With this 
 heavy burden, it will be hard for this congre- 
 gation to support the preachers and assistants, 
 as most of the members of the German con- 
 gregations have little wealth, and have already 
 contributed so much of their means to church 
 building. It must also be remembered, that in 
 the beginning pastor Muhlenberg indeed had 
 the choice, if the congregations were unable to 
 give him the necessary support in the first 
 years, to take it from the collections. He also 
 6 F 
 
52 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 signified his willingness, to retain a yearly sal- 
 ary of the before mentioned 200 pounds ster- 
 ling, as the congregations could scarcely give 
 him anything much in the first years; and he 
 had the misfortune to lose two horses by much 
 traveling, which, with an increased expendi- 
 ture for clothing for such journeys, was rather 
 burdensome; but as the buildings for church 
 and school pressed the congregations so 
 heavily, he afterwards did not do it, but gave 
 the whole sum .to church building, in the hope 
 that God, according to his paternal faithful- 
 ness, would provide for him in time. 
 
 § 13. Finally, besides the above mentioned, 
 there still remains somewhat to be noticed, from 
 the aforesaid last letter of pastor Brunnholtz. 
 He writes that he, together with pastor Muh- 
 lenberg, and the two fellow-laborers or cate- 
 chists, are yet in good health, that he does not 
 regret it that he accepted the call thither, al- 
 though he must feel the weight of importance 
 of his office, whereby he, in poverty of spirit, 
 recognizes his unfitness and unworthiness 
 thereto. He daily seeks the sheep entrusted to 
 him, and publishes to them, publicly and par- 
 ticularly, the counsel of God for their salvation. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 83 
 
 The power of the word of God did not leave 
 itself without a witness in many, who fre- 
 quently visit him, when he has opportunity to 
 ascertain whether they advance or backslide. 
 It is necessary to have a special eye to all, be- 
 cause they are exposed to manifold danger of 
 seduction, on the right hand and on the left. 
 At another time, when he preaches publicly, 
 he has a mixed multitude before him, in which 
 various religionists appear; but he seeks to pre- 
 sent to the congregation the truths as they 
 regularly flow from the text, when error and 
 lies are spontaneously exposed together. For 
 the sake of our own people, he also on occa- 
 sion gladly gives testimony from the writings 
 of Luther, that they may see that he remains 
 by the truth taught by him out of the word of 
 God. Mr. Schaum continues his school in 
 Philadelphia, which is ever increasing; God is 
 with him and helps him forward. He also oc- 
 casionally preaches for pastor Brunnholtz. Mr. 
 Kurtz has a large school in New Hanover, and 
 much labor, and the congregation also is well 
 satisfied with him. In Philadelphia, whenever 
 he is in this congregation, he (viz., pastor 
 Brunnholtz) preaches twice on Sundays. Since 
 
84 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 his former letter, he was in the country congre- 
 gations in New Hanover and Providence for a 
 fortnight, and pleached once in each, as pastor 
 Muhlenberg in the meanwhile served the con- 
 gregation in Philadelphia. In this time he had 
 also been in a place called Oley, ten English 
 miles from Hanover, and preached for the Lu- 
 theran congregation of that place, in a house 
 in which they assembled. During Lent, how- 
 ever, he was in the city continually, and pre- 
 pared the children for the Holy Supper. In the 
 week previous to dispatching his letter, he like- 
 wise went, by urgent request, to Cohansey, a 
 place opposite the Delaware, 36 English or 
 about 9 German miles distant from Philadel- 
 phia, and preached to the forsaken Lutheran 
 congregation of that place, who indeed have a 
 church, but no preacher, and are unable to keep 
 one. In the meanwhile they helped them to a 
 schoolmaster, and gave him the late Prof. 
 Franke's Postil, to read a sermon therefrom 
 every Sunday. They were also entreated from 
 various other places to visit them occasionally 
 and preach for them. But inasmuch as they 
 had their own congregations, they also had to 
 apportion themselves, to use the regular time 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 85 
 
 for their work, that they might preach the word 
 of God profoundly and plainly. They were 
 unable to serve them at all times, as they 
 wished; still, they could not always refuse, and 
 did with pleasure as much as they were able. 
 Those people are so scattered in their dwellings, 
 that they cannot all support preachers, espe- 
 cially as they are poor — as most German people 
 came poor into the country. May the faithful 
 God graciously care for these still uncared-for 
 congregations ! 
 
 § 14. Thus much we desired to communicate 
 to the Christian reader, concerning the efforts 
 made to help these German congregations of 
 the Lutheran church in America, in providing 
 them with the divine means of grace, and of 
 the blessing of God given thereto. All this, 
 indeed, is of small account in the eyes of the 
 world ; but whoever reflects in what a forsaken 
 condition the congregations had hitherto been, 
 and into what a ruin they must ultimately have 
 fallen if God had not manifested his help to 
 them, at the proper time, will find cause to 
 acknowledge this as a special favor of God. 
 We then doubt not that it will be acceptable to 
 the Christian reader to find in these few pages 
 
86 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 a short but sufficient account, taken from the 
 teacher's own letters, of the course of the 
 newly-rising blessing in America, in relation to 
 the congregations in Pennsylvania. But he 
 will also permit himself to be awakened hereby, 
 to praise God for such grace, and heartily call 
 upon him for his aid and blessing. But to 
 him, the merciful God, whose gracious will is 
 not that any one should perish, but all come to 
 the knowledge of the truth and attain eternal 
 salvation, be humble thanks given, that he also 
 turned with compassionate grace to these con- 
 gregations, as perishing sheep without a shep- 
 herd, and has already done more than we before 
 could understand or hope. May he protect all 
 who hear his word and thence his kind shep- 
 herd-voice, from despising such grace, and 
 graciously grant that they truly turn from their 
 error, and as sheep found, permit themselves to 
 be gathered to the flock of Jesus Christ. 
 May he also, for this purpose, send his word 
 ever more richly into these distant regions, and 
 ever furnish his servants there with more power 
 for its proclamation, for the glorification of his 
 great name, and especially of his compassionate 
 love of mankind, for the sake of Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 SECOND CONTINUATION OF THE SHORT REPORT 
 OF SEVERAL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CON- 
 GREGATIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA AND NEIGH- 
 BORING PROVINCES IN AMERICA. 
 
 It is no doubt recollected, from a short 
 report printed two years ago, and its first con- 
 tinuation, published last year, how the merciful 
 God a few years since began to care for various 
 until then forsaken German Evangelical Luth- 
 eran congregations in Pennsylvania, especially 
 in Philadelphia, Germantown, Providence and 
 New Hanover, providing them with regular 
 teachers, and setting his word on the candle- 
 stick among them. Since not only Mr. Henry 
 Melchior Muhlenberg, sent thither as the first 
 regularly called preacher of these congrega- 
 tions, and arriving among them on the 25th of 
 November, 1742, but also Mr. Peter Brunn- 
 holtz, who as their second preacher, besides 
 two assistants, Messrs. Schaum and Kurtz, 
 were sent afterwards and arrived there January 
 (87) 
 
88 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 26th, 1745, who heartily care that a good and 
 Christian order be re-established among them; 
 and by the divine blessing, they also have so 
 far succeeded, that already many, who had sep- 
 arated themselves from communion with the 
 church, have returned again, and in part re- 
 ceived holy baptism with wife and children. 
 
 § 2. Although, in consequence of the inse- 
 curity of navigation hitherto, such circumstan- 
 tial reports as we wished for, could not arrive ; 
 still in consequence of the many inquiries of 
 good friends, we have been induced to give a 
 second continuation of such short report, from 
 the letters and accounts received, for the glori- 
 fication of the name of God, and to the praise 
 of his great mercy, in the hope that this little 
 may be for the pleasure of patrons and bene- 
 factors. Information will herein be given: I, 
 of the exercise of their office and work of both 
 the preachers and assistants ; 2, of the bless- 
 ing of the word of God published, as of the 
 genuine fruit of the office, and the reported 
 signs and traces thereof; 3, of church-building; 
 and 4, of the desire of more German congre- 
 gations in Pennsylvania and surrounding re- 
 gions, for true teachers. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 89 
 
 § 3. In the first place, then, as respects the 
 exercise of the office and work of the two 
 preachers and their assistants, it was already 
 mentioned in the first continuation, that, as 
 pastor Muhlenberg served the above-said four 
 congregations, until the arrival of the new fel- 
 low-laborers, so also was pastor Brunnholtz 
 accepted by all of them, as their regular 
 teacher and second pastor • and both, at first, 
 alternated with each other, that they might 
 have more time to examine the traces of the 
 divine guidance, before they regularly divided 
 themselves in the work, and agreed which con- 
 gregations each one would undertake specially 
 to serve. When, therefore, they had maturely 
 considered all the circumstances, they finally, 
 in June, 1745, mutually, and with the approval 
 of the congregations, agreed that pastor Muh- 
 lenberg particularly devote himself to the con- 
 gregations in Providence and New Hanover, 
 and for this purpose settle at the former place. 
 On the other hand, the special care of the con- 
 gregations in Philadelphia and Germantown, 
 fell to the lot of pastor Brunnholtz, who lives 
 in Philadelphia. However, in this arrangement, 
 they agreed that each one should also take a 
 8* 
 
90 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 hearty interest in the welfare of the other con- 
 gregations, and that the one would not un- 
 dertake anything of importance, without the 
 knowledge and advice of the other; thus they 
 occasionally have a meeting and fraternal con- 
 ference, and in sincere love and unity, consider 
 and agree upon all things necessary. 
 
 § 4. In preaching, they accommodate them- 
 selves as much as- possible to the capacity of 
 the hearers, and condescend to them, that they 
 may have a real benefit from the discourse. 
 For some time already, before the arrival of 
 the new fellow-laborers, pastor Muhlenberg 
 immediately repeated the sermons, in questions 
 and answers with the congregation, whereof 
 he perceived a profit and a blessing. They 
 are not satisfied with the public annunciation 
 of the word of God, but they also seek oppor- 
 tunity to influence the hearts of the hearers 
 particularly. For this reason, they not only 
 gladly receive their visits, but speak with them 
 according to their condition, out of the word 
 of God. They also permit those who would 
 receive the Holy Supper, to announce them- 
 selves to them the week before, that they may 
 examine them, and. speak to them that which 
 
CONGREGATIONS -IN AMERICA. 91 
 
 is needful ; but they also visit them, as much 
 as possible, in their own homes. Pastor Brunn- 
 holtz, after his arrival, especially sought to 
 become acquainted with the hearers entrusted 
 to him, by such home visits. The sick were 
 also particularly visited, and as several epidem- 
 ics prevailed in Providence and New Hanover, 
 much time, indeed, was required, but not with- 
 out a blessing also. A great burden, however, 
 is connected herewith for the preachers, as the 
 members of the congregations do not all live 
 together ; but many are scattered here and 
 there, on plantations or fields cultivated by 
 them, in part from twelve to sixteen English, 
 or two to three German, miles from the city ; 
 hence the preachers must always keep a horse, 
 that they may at all times go to their hearers 
 whenever their office requires it, as they, for 
 the most part, have to ride over streams and 
 through morasses and forests. On account of 
 those who are most remote, and cannot always 
 come to church, or carry their children across 
 the streams, they occasionally have divine ser- 
 vice during the week in some places nearer to 
 them, that they may also have opportunity to 
 be edified by the word of God. There is also 
 
92 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 a small congregation, twenty English miles 
 from New Hanover, which has a church, and is 
 served by pastor Muhlenberg and his assistant, 
 Mr. Kurtz, every four weeks, in which region 
 there are also other out-parishes. As for the 
 rest, they still continue to care for other con- 
 gregations, not yet provided with preachers, as 
 much as is possible without neglecting their 
 own congregations, whereof there will be 
 opportunity to say more hereafter. 
 
 § 5. As respects the work of the assistants, 
 the arrangement made in the beginning 
 remains, which was noticed in the first contin- 
 uation, viz : that Mr. Schaum lives in Philadel- 
 phia, and Mr. Kurtz in New Hanover. Until 
 their arrival, pastor Muhlenberg had employed 
 a young man as schoolmaster, whom pastor 
 Brunnholtz still retained with him for some 
 weeks, for still better preparation ; afterwards to 
 let him go as schoolmaster to other places. 
 Mr. Schaum took possession of this school 
 immediately after his arrival, and now, after 
 pastor Brunnholtz remained in Philadelphia, he 
 lives with him, in the house rented by him, in 
 which he instructs the children under his 
 supervision ; who also testifies concerning him, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 93 
 
 that besides his faithfulness to the youth, he is 
 also edifying to many by the fervor he mani- 
 fests in his own Christianity. Moreover, pastor 
 Brunnholtz also began to instruct those adults 
 in reading and writing, who had been ne- 
 glected. 
 
 § 6. Mr. Vigera, of whom mention is several 
 times made in the reports of the Saltzburgers 
 in Ebenezer, had the care of the school in the 
 school-house recently built in New Hanover, 
 to the satisfaction of pastor Muhlenberg ; and 
 whenever they could not have a sermon, he 
 also read for the congregation. After Mr. 
 Kurtz had taken the school, he at first remained 
 with him yet for some time, but is disposed to 
 take another school again, in some other place, 
 and meanwhile assisted the preachers in the 
 instruction of those who were preparing for 
 their first communion, and otherwise gave a 
 helping hand also. Besides this labor for the 
 youth, both assistants also preach every Sun- 
 day in those congregations where the preach- 
 ers cannot themselves attend the worship of 
 God, and they alternate with them ; wherefore 
 they are also called assistants by the congre- 
 gations, which designation, besides, is not un- 
 
94 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 known in Wurtemberg and in other places 
 along the Rhine, and is equivalent to substi- 
 tute. As for the rest, both preachers give as- 
 surance that they are faithful and diligent in 
 their calling, and that the congregations gave 
 hearty thanks for their election and mission. 
 It was also recognized by pastor Muhlenberg, 
 as a sign of the divine providence, that he 
 found an excellent young person, whom he can 
 employ under his supervision in the instruc- 
 tion of the youth in Providence. 
 
 § 7. As it is not a small favor to the con- 
 gregations to be provided with faithful preach- 
 ers, so is this also, that their children are duly 
 taught, as before they must needs grow up 
 without any instruction whatever. The con- 
 gregations also acknowledge such a doubly 
 great favor, with hearty thanks to God and 
 their patrons and benefactors in Europe, by 
 whom the preachers and assistants were sent 
 to them, and the means provided for their voy- 
 age ; and learn to esteem them ever more 
 highly, as they more clearly perceive that they 
 mean it well with them, and seek not their 
 own, but their true and eternal salvation, and 
 permitted no trouble or inconvenience herein 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 95 
 
 to offend them. They, therefore, did not al- 
 low their gratitude to be attested by their 
 preachers only, but some of the wardens them- 
 selves sent a letter of thanks, of this import ; 
 how they heartily thanked, in their name, and 
 in the name of the congregations, the court- 
 preacher Ziegenhagen in London, Dr. Franke 
 in Halle, and all patrons and friends, that in 
 their greatest distress and anxiety they came 
 to their help, and cared for them so faithfully 
 and paternally, that they were not only pro- 
 vided with faithful and honest preachers and 
 laborers in church and school, but also re- 
 ceived a contribution for their church and 
 school-building, which was carefully remitted 
 to them. They heartily praised the goodness 
 of God for such benefits, and called upon him, 
 that he, the faithful God, who does not permit 
 a drink of cold water to pass unrecompensed, 
 would reward them richly. They moreover 
 pray that they not only further care for them, 
 but also, in future, help the preachers and as- 
 sistants where it is needful, with intercession, 
 counsel, and aid; as they stand so much the 
 more in need of this, inasmuch as they, like all 
 faithful teachers of upright intention, must meet 
 
96 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 with much opposition, so that their courage fail 
 not, but that they may patiently endure and ex- 
 ercise their office faithfully in the future. The 
 preacher especially, who was degraded in Ger- 
 many, and mentioned in the first continuation, 
 is one of the most shameless among the 
 slanderers and traducers, and ceases not to sin 
 by all manner of abuse. The preacher noticed 
 in the first short report, who was also dismissed 
 somewhere in Germany, and who, before the 
 arrival of pastor Muhlenberg, intruded in Phil- 
 adelphia, still indeed takes sides with the 
 former, but is otherwise rather quiet in his 
 congregations. In their places they now have 
 tolerable rest from the Moravians, as there 
 never was much room left for them in the same, 
 but elsewhere they are still active. 
 
 § 8. In the second place, there is somewhat 
 to be said of the effects, and of the blessing of 
 the preached word of God, as the genuine fruit 
 of the office, and the reported tokens and signs 
 thereof; which also is the chief thing, to cheer 
 the Christian teachers, and can awaken to the 
 praise of the name of God, to whom alone all 
 praise therefore is due. In general, the preach- 
 ers report that they exercised their office in 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 97 
 
 weakness indeed, and many obstacles and pre- 
 vailing disorders cannot be so soon and at once 
 removed; therefore, they seek to continue and 
 to persevere the more earnestly and unweari- 
 edly with the preaching of the word ; neverthe- 
 less, they can already really perceive some 
 fruit also, especially since the one never 
 extols the blessing which God grants to the 
 labor of the other. Among other things, after 
 he had given thanks for the election and mis- 
 sion of Mr. Brunnholtz, pastor Muhlenberg 
 writes, November 1st, 1745 : " He accommo- 
 dates himself well to the circumstances of this 
 country. He takes care of himself, of his doc- 
 trine, and of the poor sheep. The grace of 
 God is mighty in him, in his weakness. By 
 it he is able to contend and suffer, and pass 
 through honor and dishonor, through evil and 
 good report, etc. The Lord also gives him an 
 open door, and crowns his office with blessing, 
 which is to me a great joy; and I hope, that if 
 in patience we still persevere in the preaching 
 of the word, all things will in time be brought 
 into good order by the help of God." He 
 gives similar assurance in several letters. Pas- 
 tor Brunnholtz testifies the same of the office 
 9 ,; 
 
98 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 of pastor Muhlenberg, whereof the blessing 
 was not only manifest before his arrival, but is 
 also ever more revealed to him, in his special 
 intercourse with souls, when many confess that 
 they were awakened by his sermons. On 
 December the 9th, 1745, he writes to a good 
 friend of the blessing generally : "As respects 
 the building up of the kingdom of God in this 
 place, you may have seen occasionally, by the 
 reports sent, which are likely communicated to 
 you, how it progresses, in much weakness in- 
 deed, but still with some fruit. We would not 
 extol our affairs so much as others are accus- 
 tomed to do, who of three or four half-con- 
 verted persons (still God knows them), make 
 up a congregation of the Spirit, worthy of ad- 
 miration. I have a real loathing for such 
 boasting, because at the foundation there is a 
 corrupt motive." In an account transmitted, in 
 which he reports his and his colleagues' exer- 
 cise of office, during the first half of the year 
 1745, he mentions many whom he either visi- 
 ted in their homes, or was visited by them, in 
 whom he found something good, and a soul 
 longing for salvation with whom he could have 
 an edifying conversation concerning Christian- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 99 
 
 ity, and in part notice that they were not inex- 
 perienced therein, or had already also laid a 
 good foundation, so that he was heartily de- 
 lighted. 
 
 § 9. But besides these of which only a brief 
 notice is taken, more particulars are mentioned 
 of others — to use his own words : " On the 23d 
 of January, 1745, I baptized a child in church, 
 whose parents are Reformed and came over the 
 sea with me, etc. The mother was powerfully 
 affected by the word preached on the ship to 
 the German families on board from Switzerland, 
 to which she also belonged, and has made a 
 good beginning in true repentance. On the 
 ship, I held a daily prayer-meeting with these 
 Swiss, and also noticed in some of them pow- 
 erful workings of grace. In the evening of the 
 30th of January, I, together with my colleague, 
 rode to a mill to visit a very sick woman. I 
 heartily rejoiced over the composure of this 
 sick person, and her love declared of the Lord 
 Jesus. It is as balm on my head, when here 
 and there I find an upright soul. On the 15th 
 of February I visited a Reformed woman, who 
 is truly penitent, and a negress or black slave 
 entered, who testified to have a desire for the 
 
IOO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Christian religion and true knowledge, with 
 whom I conversed somewhat in the English 
 language, for her further encouragement. 
 On the 26th of February, a man visited me, 
 who complained that he indeed was often af- 
 fected by the preaching of my colleague, but 
 still as yet never made a right beginning of a 
 true Christian life. He knew well, that he 
 must begin over again, and so he is now re- 
 solved to do. I conversed with him of the 
 true change' of mind, and of the new birth, and 
 sought to strengthen him in his good purpose. 
 On the 22d of March, a woman belonging to 
 the congregation was with me alone, who 
 hitherto came to the evening meeting, in which 
 I instructed the adults in reading and writing, 
 and revealed to me her anxiety and disquietude 
 of soul, on account of certain sins committed 
 in Germany. I sought to lead her into a true 
 penitence of heart. She said that she would 
 willingly consent that I should publish it to 
 the whole congregation, if she should thereby 
 be delivered from her anguish. Whereupon I 
 explained to her, that this was unnecessary 
 here. As no one in our congregation knows 
 anything of it, it was not advisable, first, to 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. IOI 
 
 make known the sins, by such a public notice, 
 which also of itself would not give her con- 
 science peace. She must especially heartily 
 call upon God, and pray for a right knowledge 
 of sin, and for light, to understand the whole 
 abomination of the heart ; and then come to 
 Christ as weary and heavy laden, so will she 
 find rest for her soul. On the 3d of April, the 
 woman was with me again, and I rejoiced that 
 the Lord, by all appearance, had led her into 
 true penitence." 
 
 § 10. At another time, under date of June 
 nth, mention is made of two married people, 
 who were indeed baptized in their youth, but 
 never held to a church, and remained without 
 any instruction in the Christian religion until 
 pastor Muhlenberg had come into the country, 
 whose preaching they diligently attended, and 
 were awakened by the same to a true longing 
 desire for salvation. Pastor Brunnholtz yet 
 particularly instructed them, and prepared them 
 to partake of the holy Supper. The utility of 
 conducting their office faithfully also manifests 
 itself herein, that as pastor Brunnholtz writes, 
 April 22d, 1746: "The churchly Lutherans 
 (as they are called by other parties), are now 
 9* 
 
102 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 again, as it were, respected by them, whereas 
 they, at another time, had become wholly de- 
 spicable with them, through the scandal of 
 carnally-minded preachers, who in part thrust 
 themselves into the office, without a regular 
 call." He continues : " Oh ! that we might 
 shine only as lights among our people, and 
 that their darkness might become light ! If 
 among our hearers, more would still be 
 awakened to walk as children of the light, in 
 the light, so would also such offense given to 
 others, more and more fall away." 
 
 § II. Various examples are also presented 
 of such who grew up without receiving holy 
 baptism, and either held to other parties 
 hitherto, or lived wholly without religious ex- 
 ercise in the community, and who, after instruc- 
 tion, received the Sacrament of holy Baptism, 
 in part with their children, whereof pastor 
 Brunnholtz, in the aforesaid writing, reports the 
 following : " On the 28th of February, my 
 colleague arrived in Philadelphia from Provi- 
 dence, and related to me that he had baptized 
 a father and four children in the country. The 
 man had been already for a long time convinced 
 of the necessity of baptism, but could not so 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. IO3 
 
 soon conquer himself and actually resolve upon 
 its reception. In the meanwhile, he diligently 
 heard the word of God, until at length God 
 gave him grace to break through every ob- 
 stacle. On the 24th of March, my colleague 
 baptized two daughters of Mennonite parent- 
 age, who are soon also to partake of the holy 
 Supper. Early on the 31st of March, I rode 
 to Germantown, preached and baptized several 
 children. After the sermon a man came to me 
 who has five grown-up children, who are still 
 unbaptized, and requested me to baptize them 
 and prepare them for it, whereof there was 
 something, yet only preliminary, mentioned in 
 the first continuation. I rode with him to his 
 plantation, or cultivated estate, about five Eng- 
 lish or one German mile from the church, con- 
 versed with the children themselves, and prom- 
 ised to instruct them in the necessary articles. 
 The man is already in the country seventeen 
 years, and has otherwise an excellent knowl- 
 edge of Christianity, and is also provided with 
 good books. It maybe inferred herefrom, into 
 what a ruin these Christian congregations 
 would in time have fallen, if they had not been 
 supplied with regular teachers, when parents. 
 
104 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 even of good knowledge, permitted their chil- 
 dren to grow up without baptism. It is easy, 
 therefore, to draw a conclusion from such, 
 with reference to ignorant people, and have the 
 more reason to praise God, that he let his 
 light arise, yet in due time, as it were, in the 
 midst of darkness. As respects the five adult 
 children already mentioned, the three older, 
 after having received sufficient instruction in 
 Christianity, were baptized on the 9th of June, 
 1745, on Trinity Sunday; but the two younger 
 a few weeks afterwards, before the public con- 
 gregation. A married _ woman also, together 
 with her two brothers, after enjoying instruc- 
 tion in the fundamental truths of Christianity, 
 received holy Baptism on the 16th of June, in 
 Providence, not without being affected them- 
 selves, as also the whole congregation. Other- 
 wise they live in Matetscha, four English miles 
 from Providence, and are reckoned to that 
 congregation." 
 
 § 12. But as this account only extends to the 
 beginning of July, 1745, so we have no suffi- 
 cient intelligence of that which transpired in 
 the other half of the year, except that which 
 was yet to be seen from several letters of pas- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 105 
 
 tor Brunnholtz, from which the following 
 double extract will not be unacceptable. The 
 first is from a letter to a good friend in Ton- 
 ningen, in which, among other things, it is said : 
 "When I have a funeral, which is always ac- 
 companied with a sermon, I often have hearers 
 of all kinds of religions and sects that are in 
 the world ; for all the neighbors round about 
 are invited to attend the funeral. There I am 
 often able to speak an edifying word, and many 
 sects then hear, that we insist on a true Chris- 
 tianity; whereof they are accustomed to believe 
 the opposite, as they imagine that the church 
 people (so they call those who go to church) 
 place their salvation in church-going. I re- 
 cently buried several children in Germantown, 
 and the funeral exhortations delivered on the 
 occasion so pleased a separatist, that when 
 a child died for him soon after, he desired me 
 to bury it with a sermon also. When I ar- 
 rived, it was found that the child was unbap- 
 tized, and therefore I at first refused to do it ; 
 when, however, I became acquainted with the 
 man's disposition of mind, I buried it, and 
 afterwards baptized four little children for him, 
 in the presence of all kinds of people, who did 
 
106 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 not remain unmoved, when they saw how wil- 
 lingly the children kneeled and suffered them- 
 selves to be baptized, after they had themselves 
 answered my short questions, according to 
 their comprehension and understanding." The 
 second extract is from a letter to his family, 
 whereof this is especially worthy of note. 
 " Since my arrival, we have baptized many adults 
 here and there. On Sunday after Michaelis, 
 the church in Providence was solemnly conse- 
 crated, on which occasion, besides ourselves, 
 there were two other Lutheran preachers and 
 many hundred souls present. We baptized on 
 that day three blackamoors, who were publicly 
 examined." It is however, to be regretted, that 
 of these especially, no fuller report can as yet 
 be given, inasmuch as it is one of the most re- 
 markable circumstances, that the merciful God 
 also^let his light arise on these, who were born 
 as heathen, and brought up as Moors, and gave 
 them grace unto repentance." 
 
 § 13. In the third place, a short account of 
 the building of churches is yet to be given. 
 The consecration of the church in Providence 
 was briefly noticed in the extract just cited. 
 Elsewhere pastor Brunnholtz mentioned the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. IO7 
 
 following, concerning the same : " The new- 
 church at Providence proved a great success. 
 It is entirely finished, except that something is 
 yet to be done to the galleries. It is built of 
 stone, and therefore proportionally not near so 
 expensive as the church in Philadelphia, as 
 nothing can be had there except bricks, 
 which are exceedingly dear, especially as 
 several hundred houses are built in Phila- 
 delphia every year." As it was elsewhere 
 said, that they would not consecrate it until 
 everything was finished, , it is presumable, 
 that that which was at the time yet to be 
 done in it to the galleries, was completed 
 before said dedication, although this is not 
 specially reported. In the church in Phil- 
 adelphia, however, the windows are yet to be 
 made, and otherwise various things to be done. 
 Therefore, in the worship of God especially, 
 the wind penetrating the windows in cold 
 weather, occasions much inconvenience. But 
 the congregation has not as yet been in a con- 
 dition to finish altogether that which was 
 wanting, inasmuch as the load of debt is still 
 too heavy for them. As for the rest, in the 
 most recent letter of pastor Brunnholtz, of April 
 
108 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 22d, 1746, the following exact account is given 
 of that which they have yet to pay : " On the 
 14th of March, the wardens presented to my 
 colleague and myself their church account, in 
 Philadelphia. After the church had received 
 150 pounds of our current money, it is found, 
 that its indebtedness is still 694 pounds of said 
 money (about 2540 Rix dollars), for which we 
 annually pay near 42 pounds (or 154 Rix 
 dollars) interest. The church as it stands, 
 without windows, floor, pews, pulpit, and the 
 like, that must yet be made, costs 1 3 10 £. 
 17s. 9-^d. curfent money (about 4800 Rix 
 dollars). Of this there was paid 616 £. 4s. 9d., 
 so the above still remains in arrears. May the 
 benevolent God yet help us so far, that we may 
 at least be able to pay the debts within about 400 
 pounds which would amount to about 24 pounds 
 (or nearly 90 Rix dollars) yearly interest, which 
 the congregation would have to pay, until the 
 whold debt could be liquidated. We also need 
 an ordinary bell, but must have patience, until 
 God gives us the means to pay for it, so that 
 we do not venture so far that we cannot retrace 
 our steps. The congregation in Philadelphia is 
 one of the largest, but also one of the poorest, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. IO9 
 
 and as respects the membership, changes often, 
 inasmuch as the fewest of them are regular in- 
 habitants and settled people. When the Ger- 
 mans arrive here from the ships, those who 
 cannot pay their passage must as it were sell 
 themselves, together with their families ; when 
 they must serve until they have paid for their 
 passage by labor. Such are called servants.. 
 When they have paid for their passage, and 
 earned something besides, they gradually move 
 up into the country and purchase homes 
 for themselves. Nevertheless, the rich God 
 will not forsake us in our church-building, but 
 will help us abundantly. May he only grant 
 that Zion be built up within, and may he arise 
 and have mercy on it ! How much the church 
 at Providence cost, and how much the remain- 
 ing debt, I cannot now exactly tell, as my col- 
 league serves the congregations there, and who 
 will himself soon transmit a regular account 
 thereof. He cannot now write with me, be- 
 cause up in the country he can have no infor- 
 mation of the departure of the ship. This 
 much I however know, that they have received 
 their share of the common collection money." 
 The greatest necessity also required that the 
 
IIO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 church in Germantown be enlarged, which 
 pastor Brunnholtz not only mentioned several 
 times before, and indicated such necessity, but 
 also wrote the following in his last letter, of 
 the actual beginning of the enlargement : " On 
 April the 15th, of this year, we, in the name 
 of God, laid the foundation stone in German- 
 town, of the new building of the Lutheran 
 church. It will be 30 feet longer and 6 feet 
 wider than it had been. The estimate is about 
 160 pounds of our money (568 Rix dollars.) 
 Sixty pounds thereto were subscribed or prom- 
 ised by members of the congregation and by 
 friends, the rest we must take on interest.- Six 
 years ago there were scarcely six members of 
 the congregation there, and the church was too 
 large ; but now there are about seventy regular 
 families." 
 
 § 14. As the building of churches was of 
 the highest necessity, the preachers and war- 
 dens of the congregation commenced the same 
 at first, as well in Philadelphia and Providence 
 as now also in Germantown, in reliance upon 
 God — that although they saw no sufficient 
 means at hand, he would nevertheless gra- 
 ciously provide them. They also extol his 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I I I 
 
 name, that he has already richly manifested his 
 gracious providence, so that nearly half of the 
 expense of the church building in Philadelphia 
 may be paid, as a larger share of the favors re- 
 ceived of the congregation of that place, were 
 applied thereto, because the expenses were the 
 greater. In the meanwhile, they say that, 
 nevertheless, the debts yet to be paid exceed 
 their present ability, and if some help, at least, 
 does not yet come, they are unable to carry 
 them. Not to mention other passages from his 
 letters, under date of November 1st, 1745, 
 pastor Muhlenberg, among other things, writes : 
 "A great request, which seemed almost impos- 
 sible to man, the Lord has fulfilled, by sending 
 fellow-laborers to me. The other burden, 
 which still weighs very heavily upon us, are 
 the debts of church-building, which we are un- 
 able to pay, for which, however, the patrons in 
 Europe have already done much, and are still 
 doing." But they also have this reliance upon 
 the goodness of God, that he will still commu- 
 nicate some favors to them, and not permit 
 them to come to shame in their hope, but as 
 he has helped hitherto, he will still help, that 
 his name may be praised therefor, and the bless- 
 
I I 2 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 ing which has newly arisen, be retained and 
 promoted. 
 
 § 15. We have besides just reason to praise 
 God, that he not only graciously had mercy on 
 this forsaken and scattered flock in the four 
 united congregations, and gave them shep- 
 herds, who gather them again, seek the lost, 
 restore the wandering, minister to and care for 
 the sick, and can feed the perishing sheep with 
 the saving word of the gospel, which they 
 have also done hitherto, according to the abil- 
 ity which the Lord has given, and therein 
 richly experienced the blessing of God. Thus 
 it also conduces to the acceptance of the Evan- 
 gelical church, that by these means the pure 
 doctrine is preserved in these congregations. 
 Since, on the contrary, it was to be feared, that 
 otherwise not only more would 'continually 
 rather have separated themselves from the com- 
 munion of the church, than to have held to those, 
 who imposed themselves as preachers, occa- 
 sioned in part great scandal by their irregular life, 
 and brought a great reproach upon Evangelical 
 religion with others. But it might have been 
 that as the youth would have grown up with- 
 out any instruction, or even without receiving 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. II3 
 
 holy Baptism, nothing else would have resulted 
 therefrom than this, that the light of the pure 
 doctrine would have been wholly extinguished 
 in their descendants. Yea, the blessing of pro- 
 viding for the four above-said congregations is 
 not to them alone, but it seems also to be the 
 gracious will of God to extend the same still 
 more, and also to place his word on the candle- 
 stick in other congregations and in other re- 
 gions, to prevent the prevailing darkness in 
 them also, as among other things appears from 
 that which follows. 
 
 § 16. There is in the fourth place something 
 to be added concerning the desire of several 
 German congregations in Pennsylvania and the 
 surrounding regions for true teachers. After it 
 became still more known by others, how faith- 
 fully pastor Muhlenberg, and afterwards pastor 
 Brunnholtz also, hitherto sought to care for 
 their office and for the congregations entrusted 
 to them, it produced a desire in many, that 
 they might indeed also enjoy the preaching 
 of the word of God. Several, who for the 
 most part on account of their poverty were 
 unable to support a preacher of their own, 
 have urged them with much entreaty to visit 
 
114 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 them occasionally and preach for them, whose 
 request also they could not wholly refuse, al- 
 though overburdened with work in their own 
 congregations, but sought to serve them, as 
 much as possible, without neglecting these. 
 Among such congregations, among others, are 
 that at Oley, Cohansey, Chester, and on the 
 Schwartzwalde. At Oley, before the arrival of 
 the new assistants, pastor Muhlenberg had 
 already baptized four grown children at the 
 request of their mother, who has a heart hun- 
 gering after grace, whereat, indeed, the father 
 was at first displeased, but afterwards was sat- 
 isfied, and gave them liberty to go to church 
 and to school, and also visited the preachers 
 himself, and conversed with them in a friendly 
 manner. They preached there on several oc- 
 casions, as well as at Cohansey, and noticed that 
 the people were considerably affected. The 
 last-mentioned place lies thirty-six English, or 
 about six German miles from Philadelphia 
 The before-mentioned young man, who had 
 taught school in Philadelphia, and to whom 
 pastor Brunnholtz yet, for a time, gave further 
 preparation, was assigned to the congregation 
 there, as schoolmaster, and an edifying postil 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I I 5 
 
 given him, to read therefrom a sermon for 
 them on Sundays, as was also already noticed 
 in the first continuation. Concerning a ser- 
 mon delivered at Chester, pastor Brunnholtz 
 reports • the following in his diary : "On the 
 25th of March, 1745, a man was with me, and 
 desired that I should come to Chester and 
 preach to the Germans there ; that the English 
 preacher had promised to open the church for 
 them, in case they should secure a regularly 
 called minister to preach for them. On the 
 30th of June, after service, I, together with a 
 good friend and several elders of the congre- 
 gation in Philadelphia, drove to that place. 
 This village is sixteen English, or about three 
 German miles from Philadelphia. We arrived 
 at two o'clock, in the heat of the day. The 
 Germans, who for the most part are servants, 
 and serve with the English, and therefore 
 speak half German and half English, were as- 
 sembled, and the English preacher permitted 
 them to hold their worship of God in the 
 English church. During the sermon many 
 English people were present. Afterwards I 
 had all the Germans to meet at a German's 
 house, and admonished them to come together 
 
I 1 6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 on Sundays, and to have a sermon read for 
 them by one of their number who could read 
 best, for which I also promised them a collec- 
 tion of sermons. They stood around about 
 me like children, or as sheep perishing, that 
 are without a shepherd, and wept, which af- 
 fected the people who came with me from Phil- 
 adelphia very much, as those who now no 
 longer have such a destitution in the preaching 
 of the word of God. In Germany, where they 
 can hear one, two or three sermons every Sun- 
 day, the fewest value it; but here many rejoice 
 if they hear a sermon once in a year. Those 
 in Chester did not hear a German Evangelical 
 sermon in six years. The German Lutherans 
 in Schartzwalde, a place between Tulpehocken 
 and New Hanover, have built a new church in 
 union with the Reformed, and indeed accepted 
 one as their preacher, who had been a school- 
 master in Germany ; still, they were much de- 
 lighted when pastors Muhlenberg and Brunn- 
 holtz, on their return from a journey to 
 Tulpehocken, passed through that place, and 
 the latter, at their request, preached for them. 
 These few things are cited as an example, how 
 such congregations, which for the most part 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I 1 7 
 
 have no preachers of their own, but of which 
 there may yet be more, participate in some 
 measure in the favor which God has granted 
 to others. 
 
 § 17. But different other congregations, 
 which either had not been supplied with regular 
 preachers, or whose preachers had left, have 
 through pastors Muhlenberg and Brunnholtz, 
 urgently petitioned for several faithful teachers, 
 whom they also promised to support. In a 
 town somewhat more than a day's journey 
 from New Hanover, the Lutheran congregation 
 delivered to pastor Muhlenberg (who at their 
 desire had visited them several times, and also 
 prepared some young people for their first 
 communion in that place), a formal letter of at- 
 torney, as a call for a new preacher, and be- 
 sought him, until his arrival, to care for them 
 as much as possible ; and he says, that a faith- 
 ful servant of Christ could there have a wide 
 field for labor, as many Germans live far and 
 near around that region. Another congrega- 
 tion in the province of New Jersey, had re- 
 quested that their assistant, Mr. Kurtz, might 
 be assigned to them for a time, and in the 
 meanwhile also a preacher be written for, for 
 
I I 8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 them. In consequence hereof, Mr. Kurtz was 
 on the 1 8th of March, 1746, sent to them for a 
 season, in whose absence the young man men- 
 tioned before, whom pastor Muhlenberg other- 
 wise made use of to keep school in Providence, 
 has the oversight of the school in New Hanover 
 under the supervision of Mr. Vigera. At the 
 desire of said congregation, pastor Muhlenberg 
 also not only visited them several times during 
 last year, and instructed twenty-four adults, 
 and prepared them to partake of the holy 
 Supper, but also twice during the present year ; 
 and pastor Brunnholtz, according to his last 
 letter, also intended to go there once this sum- 
 mer. The German Lutherans, at the Maquai- 
 schen River, in the province of New York, 
 have also solicited them for a preacher, to 
 whom, however, they as yet promise nothing 
 with certainty. In the meanwhile, in all letters 
 they most earnestly entreat us, at the desire 
 of the congregations and in their name, to se- 
 lect two capable men, to call and send them, 
 for their preachers. But it depends upon the 
 Lord himself, and his gracious government 
 and aid, to show the persons suitable thereto, 
 and to remove the obstacles; among which one 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. II9 
 
 of the greatest is this, that the congregations 
 are as yet unable to pay the expenses of the 
 voyage, but ask that the same might be ad- 
 vanced from the benefits received for Phila- 
 delphia, Providence, and places belonging 
 thereto, to which they would again restore the 
 same, to pay their debts for the building of 
 churches; for which, however, since the bene- 
 fits which were sent to them until now, only a 
 small portion has arrived, so that no advance 
 can be taken from it for such a voyage. 
 
 § 18. But God, who can do exceedingly 
 more above all than we ask or understand, is 
 abundantly able also to remove these and 
 other hindrances, and also will in his time, 
 and make known thereby, that he rules all 
 circumstances for the advancement of this 
 thing, and shows the means and the way 
 thereby. In the meantime, it is our duty 
 humbly to praise his name for that which he 
 has already done, and present before him the 
 need of the congregations yet unprovided, in 
 fervent and believing prayer, and call upon 
 him, that he also will let his kingdom come unto 
 these, and grant them the opportunity to hear 
 his word, and learn from it the way how they 
 
120 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 may come to him through Christ, and save 
 their souls from everlasting destruction — which 
 call may he graciously hear for his eternal 
 mercy's sake, according to which he has no 
 pleasure in the death of the sinner, but that 
 he may repent and live. But to those congre- 
 gations which now have opportunity to hear 
 God's word preached abundantly, may he grant 
 obedient hearts to accept it, and to their 
 teachers more and more power and grace, still 
 to publish to them the counsel of God for their 
 salvation, unwearily and in rich blessing. 
 Finally, may he also, through grace, repay such 
 kindness to all patrons and benefactors, who 
 hitherto came to help of these congregations 
 with their loving gifts, and the same be to him 
 as a sweet savor and an acceptable offering, 
 and again, fill all their wants, according to his 
 riches, in the glory in Christ Jesus. But to 
 God and our Father be glory for ever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THIRD CONTINUATION OF THE REPORT OF SEV- 
 ERAL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS 
 IN AMERICA, ESPECIALLY IN PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 I . Report of the circumstances generally, which 
 hitherto transpired in these congregations. 
 
 The works of God have little show before 
 the world. They are wont to have small be- 
 ginnings, and to advance under much pressure 
 and diverse trials. God, for the most part, 
 employs small, and in the eyes of the world 
 despised instruments ; but which in his and in 
 the eyes of his children, are esteemed glorious. 
 Outwardly, these create no great surprise nor 
 pomp. Besides, the world regards nothing 
 less, than that which God does in his kingdom 
 of grace, so that in this respect also, the word 
 of the Lord Jesus is being fulfilled : The king- 
 dom of God cometh not with obsei'vation, Luke 
 xvii. 20. Nevertheless, the work of God, and 
 whatever his servants begin in true faith, for 
 
 II ( 121) 
 
122 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the spreading abroad and the glorification of 
 his name, does, as long as it pleases him to give 
 his blessing thereto, grow and increase, and 
 therein, according to Matt. xiii. 31, 32, is like 
 a grain of mustard seed, which is the least of all 
 seeds ; but from which a great tree grows. 
 Yet the works of the Lord, even in their first, 
 and as yet low beginning, deserve more atten- 
 tion, and are more important, than all the deeds 
 of man ; inasmuch as one soul saved from ever- 
 lasting destruction, is of much more value than 
 the whole world and all its treasures. As 
 little therefore as those who permit no earnest 
 care for their own souls' salvation to arise 
 within them, concern themselves about that 
 which God does for the salvation of the souls 
 of others, so heartily, on the contrary, the 
 children of God, whom God has chosen out of 
 the world, rejoice when they hear that else- 
 where also, in the distance, yea even in other 
 parts of the world, God shows many souls the 
 same mercy which they experienced in them- 
 selves, or when he only begins to extend his 
 kingdom in other places, and to permit the lost 
 sheep to be sought ; and from the heart they 
 praise his name also, for the least blessing 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 23 
 
 § 2. That which God has hitherto done 
 among several Lutheran congregations of the 
 new German settlers in Pennsylvania, is a bles- 
 sing which is as yet like a small grain of mustard 
 seed, and first began to bloom eight years ago, 
 when pastor Muhlenberg, of Halle, was first 
 sent to said congregations, and after he arrived 
 in Philadelphia on the 25th of November, 1742, 
 and found a blessed entrance there, with the 
 word of God. In the year 1744, the second 
 preacher, Mr. Brunnholtz, besides two assist- 
 ants, Messrs. Schaum and Kurtz, were sent 
 after him, and arrived in Pennsylvania in the 
 beginning of the year 1745. The difficulties 
 which they at first encountered in these con- 
 gregations, but how God very powerfully aided 
 them to overcome these, and to set the worship 
 of God in good order again, also for this ob- 
 ject to erect two churches in a short time in 
 Philadelphia and New Providence, with large 
 expense and small means ; and how the Lord 
 especially powerfully blessed their office to 
 many souls — all this, with more, is to be seen 
 from that which was already published in the 
 year 1 744, and in the short report reprinted 
 this year, besides the two continuations of it, 
 whereof the last was printed in 1746. 
 
124 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 § 3. Now, after many inquiries have hitherto 
 been made, and a desire manifested by many, 
 that something might be made known of the 
 further progress of this blessing in the congre- 
 gations in Pennsylvania, it certainly was 
 reasonable (as many dear patrons and bene- 
 factors in the kindest manner sent in their 
 generous contributions, for the advancement 
 of this blessing), that by this notice an ac- 
 count, as it were, be given them, how their 
 benefactions were applied, and what was 
 hitherto accomplished. That this could not 
 be done sooner, was chiefly occasioned by the 
 loss of the principal and most circumstantial 
 letters of the preachers, which were in part on 
 the ships taken by the Spaniards and the 
 French, and in part also on vessels wrecked in 
 storm The other letters which arrived, con- 
 tained no sufficient account of the condition 
 of things there, which would be satisfactory to 
 the Christian reader. Although some letters 
 are still back, and especially a full account from 
 pastor Brunnholtz of his official transactions 
 hitherto, which was also lost, and could not as 
 yet be re-written and sent by him, on account 
 of frequent sickness, and want of time and 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 25 
 
 strength ; yet were we unwilling to delay 
 longer, in making known the most important 
 circumstances noticed in the letters received, 
 and whatever transpired hitherto in relation to 
 these congregations. Such intelligence, how- 
 ever, will only be briefly given at this time. 
 The greater part of it will be further explained 
 and confirmed in the fuller reports which will 
 be communicated in the following continua- 
 tions. In the next continuation especially, 
 which with the help of God is to be published 
 yet this autumn, the beginning of an edifying 
 report from pastor Muhlenberg of his official 
 transactions in these congregations is to be 
 brought to light ; and this, besides other letters 
 and intelligence, be gradually fully made known, 
 in the following continuations, for the edifica- 
 tion of the Christian reader. 
 
 § 4. In this first section, then, intelligence is 
 to be communicated of the circumstances gen- 
 erally, which have transpired, of which the first 
 and most important is, that again a new 
 preacher was called and sent to Pennsylvania. 
 It is known from the second continuation, that 
 it was then already mentioned, how the preach- 
 ers, as several congregations applied to them for 
 
126 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 teachers, in all their letters most urgently en- 
 treated, that two capable men be most speedily- 
 called as preachers, and sent to Pennsylvania. 
 Now, after this desire was still more pressingly 
 repeated in the letters following, Dr. and Prof. 
 Franke also, from that time, earnestly exerted 
 himself to fulfill the same. 
 
 § 5. Mr. John Frederick Handschuch, from 
 Halle, who had hitherto labored as collaborator 
 at Graba in Salfeld, was for some time al- 
 ready known to him, as a man who was as 
 little deficient in solid studies, and the capacity 
 required for the preacher's office, as in genuine 
 faithfulness, and who also had already attained 
 to much experience and exercise in his office. 
 Thus he did not hesitate to permit the call, in 
 the name of the preachers and of the congre- 
 gations in Pennsylvania, to come to him. 
 After examining and having recognized the 
 will of God, he accepted the same, already in 
 July, 1746, after God had before prepared his 
 heart for such a resolve, and released it from 
 attachment to earthly things. As he expressed 
 it himself, since the great change of his heart, 
 that he had given himself wholly and without 
 any reserve to his, with respect to himself, so 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 27 
 
 highly meritorious, good and gracious Lord, to 
 let himself be used in his kingdom, and sent 
 as and whither it may seem good to him, and 
 desired nothing more, than only to become 
 right obedient and very useful to him, and be 
 able to spread abroad his glory and his king- 
 dom ; and also that he would gladly, according 
 to his gracious will, venture upon it body and 
 life, goods and blood, every advantage and 
 honor of this temporal life, for the sake of 
 highly honoring his Lord and God, to ac- 
 knowledge him honestly before the world ; and 
 also, for the sake of one soul, to save it, to 
 undertake ever so much. He continues : the 
 fatigue of the voyage, with his bodily infirmi- 
 ties, at first indeed gave him some concern; but 
 after he had given himself to God in prayer, 
 he was enabled to say to his heart : What 
 then have you to say to it, if now your Lord 
 would have you go there ? And as it ever 
 and always was his manner, for the most part, 
 to employ in his kingdom the most miserable, 
 the weakest and the most despised, he was as- 
 sured, if God sent him to America there to 
 help build up his kingdom of grace, then he 
 also will and must give power and strength suf- 
 
128 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 ficient, as he acknowledges himself unfit and 
 unworthy. 
 
 § 6. As it was the intention to send two new 
 fellow-laborers, according to the above-men- 
 tioned desire of the Pennsylvania congrega- 
 tions and their preachers, it was thought best, 
 that pastor Handschuch should tarry over win- 
 ter at Halle, during which time they would 
 use all possible diligence to discover yet an- 
 other suitable instrument, who in the follow- 
 ing spring could enter upon the voyage with 
 him, to Pennsylvania. Some not unsuitable 
 candidates were indeed also proposed, and 
 the call actually extended to one now, and 
 then again to another. But everywhere, 
 partly from the relatives and partly from the 
 persons themselves who were proposed, so 
 many hindrances occurred, that the divine will 
 could not be recognized in that matter ; — since, 
 in the works of God, nothing can be forced, 
 and all the experienced servants of God are 
 wont to observe the signs of the divine gov- 
 ernment and providence, that they may follow 
 them, so far as they are able to recognize them, 
 but where these are lost, stand still, and wait 
 for the Lord by the direction of circumstances, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 29 
 
 further to reveal his will to them, and thus 
 permit themselves to be guided by his eyes, 
 and the hints he gives to them. Thus it was 
 considered as more advisable, since it did not 
 please God to point out the other preacher, to 
 rest in his will, and in the meanwhile send pas- 
 tor Handschuch alone. Perhaps the congre- 
 gation over which such another preacher might 
 have been placed, had not as yet earnestly 
 enough called upon God for a faithful teacher, 
 or had not as yet become sufficiently eager for 
 the word of God. However, God will in his 
 time find for himself some faithful assistants, 
 and send them out into this most extensive 
 vineyard, in which the harvest is great, but the 
 laborers still few. But how, in the meanwhile, 
 those congregations which stood in the most 
 need were cared for, will with more appear 
 from that which follows. 
 
 ' § 7. In the meanwhile June had arrived, and 
 the departure of pastor Handschuch dared no 
 longer be delayed. He therefore left, in the 
 name of God, on the second of said month, to 
 go to England by way of Hamburg, and safely 
 arrived in London on the 4th of July, and re- 
 mained there about six weeks, and embarked 
 I 
 
130 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 on the 25th of September at Gravesend, and 
 reached Philadelphia only on the 5th of April, 
 1748. As he experienced many things on this 
 long voyage, and many remarkable circumstan- 
 ces are found among those which he recorded 
 from day to day, it will not be amiss to the 
 kind reader if in the next section of this con- 
 tinuation we add a brief extract from his diur- 
 nal register. 
 
 § 8. After the arrival of pastor Handschuch 
 in Pennsylvania, and the accustomed mature 
 consideration, it was resolved that he should 
 undertake the care of the Lutheran congrega- 
 tion at Lancaster, which also accepted him as 
 ther preacher on the 16th of May, 1748, 
 whereupon he preached his introductory ser- 
 mon there on the 26th of said month, which 
 appears below among other things, from his 
 own diary, where at the same time an account 
 is given of the congregation at Earlstown, 
 which on certain conditions was united with 
 the congregation in Lancaster as a second 
 church. But in relation to Lancaster itself, 
 pastor Handschuch describes this town in the 
 following letter, of the 7th of October, 1748. 
 He writes : "According to the gracious will of 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 3 I 
 
 God and the judgment of my dear brethren, I 
 am already in Lancaster over four months, a 
 town of about four hundred houses, to which 
 more are still added. It is 64 English (16 
 German) miles from Philadelphia, and is chiefly 
 inhabited by Germans. On account of the 
 good means of living, people still move to this 
 place, so that it may likely in a few years be- 
 come a large and populous town. It contains 
 one tolerably large Lutheran, one not as yet 
 wholly finished English, one Reformed, one 
 small Catholic, and one Zinzendorf church. 
 Through parson Nyberg, who had been a Lu- 
 theran, the Zinzendorfers occasioned many di- 
 visions and offences, not only among the Luth- 
 erans, but also among the Reformed. Since I 
 am here, Mr. Spangenberg was in this place 
 perhaps four times; and as I hear, he exerts all 
 his cunning and industry to keep his people 
 together, and to make our church suspected by 
 them." 
 
 § 9. Thereupon Mr. Handschuch continues 
 in said letter, to give the following account of 
 his labors also : " I have work enough in this 
 place. I make a sketch of every sermon, 
 meditate on it thoroughly, and prove it accord- 
 
132 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 ing to the word of God, as much as time per- 
 mits. Then I speak in the name of the Lord, 
 and care for no man, whatever religion or sect 
 he may be. My hearers often consist of diverse 
 sects, never as yet heard of. Of a real blessing, 
 I cannot as yet boast much, unless outward 
 approbation could be called a blessing. The 
 youth, so very numerous, give me the most joy 
 and hope. Every Sunday afternoon I have a 
 repetition of the sermon, and catechetical in- 
 struction. I then mostly have from seventy to 
 eighty young people, adults and children, 
 standing around me, who intentionally seek to 
 anticipate each other. The rest, who do not 
 belong to our congregation, remain sitting in 
 their places, and listen attentively. Our school 
 is ever increasing, so that we were recently 
 necessitated to dismiss sixteen English chil- 
 dren, for want of room. In truth, if Nyberg 
 had not occasioned the disturbances and divis- 
 ions here, and if our people were more, and 
 more earnestly concerned for the building up 
 of the kingdom of God, the congregation in 
 Lancaster should gradually have become the 
 strongest, and by an abundant and faithful 
 preaching of the word of God, and with the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 33 
 
 divine aid, the most blessed, in the whole land. 
 But the injury done by him is nigh irrepara- 
 ble. I neglect no opportunity to preach pub- 
 licly. Marriages and funerals I also take, to 
 help as much as possible. To God's mercy I 
 would hope, it may not pass wholly empty 
 and without a blessing. I instruct the young 
 people twice every week, who are being pre- 
 pared for the holy Supper, of whom there are 
 thirty-three; and some among them are very 
 ignorant, and several have to go perhaps nine 
 English miles to my house. It is seldom that 
 one fails. For my dear brethren in office, 
 Messrs. Muhlenberg and Brunnholtz (he adds 
 in conclusion), I cannot sufficiently thank God. 
 Only I am very sorry that we live so far from 
 each other, and can so seldom be together. 
 However, our diligent exchange of letters com- 
 pensates for this, in some measure. Next 
 week Mr. Muhlenberg goes to Tulpehocken, 
 whither I go also, that we may confer with each 
 other. The Lord permit all to conduce to the 
 glory of his name, and to the solid building up 
 of his kingdom of erace, in this land, for the 
 
 DO' > 
 
 sake of his goodness and truth !" 
 
 § 10. Of the dissensions and divisions men- 
 
134 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 tioned in the foregoing letter, which were occa- 
 sioned by the preacher Nyberg in Lancaster, 
 the circumstances most clearly and particularly 
 appear from the following narration of pastor 
 Muhlenberg, which is taken from the transmit- 
 ted continuation of the year 1747. He writes : 
 " On the evening of the 28th of June, I was here 
 in York, invited as a guest by the justice of the 
 peace, who was Reformed and was a particu- 
 lar friend of a preacher at that time, as yet in- 
 clined to the Herrnhuter. He had also invited 
 several of his relations, who were wardens 
 here, and had been captivated by Mr. Nyberg. 
 I suspected that the conversation would be di- 
 rected to Mr. Nyberg and the Herrnhuter, and 
 therefore permitted a few of the wardens of the 
 congregations to be present, that I might have 
 witnesses, and so that my words could not be 
 perverted. They then asked me, after some 
 other conversation, how it happened that we 
 could not harmonize with Mr. Nyberg. As 
 those present, and the justice of the peace 
 himself also, desired a candid answer, I said 
 that I would so relate the whole course with 
 Mr. Nyberg, as I could prove the same before 
 God, the government, and the whole church, 
 from documents in hand. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 35 
 
 § II. "My narrative therefore was this: 
 The present split congregation at Lancaster, 
 was several years ago a large and numerous 
 congregation. They desired a genuine Luth- 
 eran preacher, and on that account petitioned 
 to his Reverence, the Archbishop of Sweden, 
 by a Swedish merchant in Philadelphia, and re- 
 quested a teacher according to the holy Scrip- 
 ture, the Augsburg Confession, and the other 
 symbolical books. The congregation col- 
 lected the money for traveling, sent it before- 
 hand, and patiently awaited the arrival of a 
 preacher. Mr. Nyberg, according to his own. 
 declaration, desired at first to learn engineering, 
 but afterwards chanced upon theology, upon 
 which, however, he could bestow but little 
 time, because he came to it late. According 
 to the assertions of some persons, known by 
 name, he, when he had finished his academi- 
 cal years, had been preceptor with a certain 
 Count in Sweden, and was finally recommended 
 to the Consistory by his principal, when he 
 discovered, that there was a call with the Con- 
 sistory from Pennsylvania. Mr. Nyberg then 
 himself sought this call, through the interces- 
 sion of his principal, after he had before ob- 
 
I36 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 tained intelligence of the Zinzendorfer denom- 
 ination, through a certain one called Gradin, 
 and was delighted with their plans. As he 
 now knew that Count Zinzendorf sought to 
 establish his cause in Pennsylvania, he thought 
 to get into the proper element, by means of 
 the call to that place. In the examination, he 
 assumed to be a genuine Lutheran, and did not 
 hesitate to swear to the Symbolical books, al- 
 though in heart he had accepted the Zinzen- 
 dorfer plans. 
 
 § 12. "Thereupon, this Mr. Nyberg went from 
 Sweden to London. In London he first sought 
 for Mr. Spangenberg, and the Moravian breth- 
 ren, and was received into their community. 
 Mr. Spangenberg, however, who was just on 
 the point of going to Pennsylvania also, did 
 not think it advisible to depart with him on 
 the same ship, but they set out each alone, on 
 different vessels ; and as the one arrived in 
 Pennsylvania unknown to the other, the Penn- 
 sylvanians would be without suspicion, and re- 
 ceive him as an orthodox Lutheran preacher. 
 They both related this to Mr. Conrad Weiser 
 in Tulpehocken, and boasted of it as a special 
 cleverness. The Swedish preacher, Mr. M. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 37 
 
 Nyberg, had come into the country some time 
 sooner, and had related to me and to Mr. Koch 
 somewhat of Mr. Nyberg's attachment to the 
 Herrnhuter. When afterwards he had come 
 into the country himself, he was asked by Mr. 
 Koch and myself, whether he was acquainted 
 with Count Zinzendorf, his doctrine and his 
 plans ? He wholly denied everything, saying 
 that he knew no one but Mr. Gradin in Sweden. 
 § 13. "The congregation in Lancaster re- 
 ceived him as an angel of God, and accepted 
 him as their preacher, but with the condition 
 that he show himself such an one as they had 
 written for, and continue in the pure Lutheran 
 doctrine. O, had the man been impartial in re- 
 spect to the Moravian sect, and a converted 
 faithful steward, according to the Lutheran 
 doctrine, and had cultivated the field pointed 
 out to him with faithfulness and patience, he 
 would have gathered a great harvest for the 
 Lord Jesus into his barn ! When, however, he 
 had once entered into the plan of the Zinzen- 
 dorfer, his preaching, catechising, and his in- 
 tercourse with the members of the congrega- 
 tion, was nothing else than a constant pulling 
 down of the Lutheran doctrine, and a building 
 
I38 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 up of his accepted Zinzendorfer schemes. He 
 ridiculed the main doctrines of the law, of re- 
 pentance, faith, holiness, prayer and combat, 
 etc. He mutilated the holy doctrine of Christ 
 Jesus, of his person, nature, offices and states, 
 and excused himself with a denial, when asked 
 concerning his communion with the Herrnhuter. 
 Yet he carried on a secret correspondence with 
 them, visited their meetings and conferences, and 
 from the pulpit denounced those as liars, who 
 said that he had intercourse with the Zinzen- 
 dorfer. He flattered those over measure, who 
 were inclined to bow their heads to his designs. 
 He represented me, my brethren and officials, 
 to his congregation, and also on occasion in 
 part to our own members, as most dangerous 
 people. Finally he took a Herrnhuter sister 
 to wife. As he now thought of closing his net, 
 a large conference of Zinzendorfer from Beth- 
 lehem was arranged for, in Lancaster, by means 
 of a private correspondence. This was at 
 Advent, 1745. He appointed the quarters for 
 the numerous brethren who were coming, ob- 
 tained the key of the town-house, visited the 
 conference ; his members, whom he had won 
 over, he led along into it, and laughed at the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 39 
 
 other wardens, who warned and entreated him, 
 that he should not go into the conference. 
 
 § 14. " Now, when the remaining wardens 
 and members of- the congregation, who protes- 
 ted against him, saw that he publicly turned to 
 the Herrnhuter party, they refused the church 
 to him on the following Sunday, and guarded it. 
 He came, however, with his adherents, took the 
 church by force, and preached to his people 
 with locked doors. The protesting party there- 
 upon twice petitioned the Governor, who 
 ordered the church to be locked. But he with 
 his followers went to the Governor, and took 
 recommendations along with him, from several 
 creditable English gentlemen, and said to the 
 Governor that he was a genuine, pure Luth- 
 eran, sent by the Archbishop, and not a Mo- 
 ravian brother, and that his opponents were 
 restless and rebellious people. Now the Eng- 
 lish government, indeed, can decide no religious 
 questions, and has only to care for the political 
 peace. The Governor, however, gave him this 
 advice, that he should have the matter in dis- 
 pute investigated by other German and Swedish 
 preachers in this country. He answered that 
 no one could inquire into his case except the 
 
140 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Archbishop of Sweden (because he was at the 
 greatest distance). The Governor looked at 
 the recommendations of the English gentle- 
 men, and directed that they should again open 
 the church for him. When the protesting 
 party likewise inquired, how they were to 
 conduct themselves, the Governor referred 
 them to a formal suit at law, which however, is 
 here wont to be very tedious and expensive. 
 
 § 15. ** Mr. Nyberg thereupon preached to his 
 adherents each Sunday forenoon, and the pro- 
 testing party went to church in the afternoon, 
 and read a sermon from a book. And thus 
 matters continued for a time. At length the 
 latter also for once desired to have divine ser- 
 vice in the forenoon, on a festival-day. But 
 when Mr, Nyberg and his people were unwill- 
 ing to grant this, and answered, they must be 
 satisfied that they can have church in the after- 
 noon, they were thereby very much provoked, 
 and again locked and nailed the church on 
 every side, and prevented Mr. Nyberg from 
 entering. This so violently offended the Zin- 
 zendorfer, that they accused eight of the most 
 prominent men of the protesting party to the 
 authorities, as common disturbers of the peace, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I4I 
 
 and cited them to appear at the next great 
 court-day. In the meanwhile the church had 
 to remain locked until the judicial decision. 
 The court-day drew near. The Nyberg party 
 thought they would certainly win, and obtain 
 the church, and the others return again, sub- 
 mit to their plan, and ask pardon. We re- 
 ceived an account of everything, and were un- 
 ceasingly entreated to be present on court-day, 
 and assist the forsaken protesting party, ac- 
 cording to our ability. I and my colleague, 
 Brunnholtz, traveled to that place, preached 
 twice for the protesting party on Sunday before, 
 in a private house. When the matter in dis- 
 pute came up, Mr. Nyberg and many others 
 of his party swore against the eight men, and 
 earnestly desired to have them convicted of a 
 breach of the peace, according to the laws of 
 this country. Before the suit began, we made 
 every possible proposal, for the peace and union 
 of the two parties. With the Zinzendorfer, 
 however, it was all in vain. They employed 
 the two keenest lawyers, and gave them money 
 enough. The other party had a lawyer less ex- 
 perienced. But the judicial decision unexpect- 
 edly resulted in the declaration that the eight 
 men were innocent. 
 
142 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 § 1 6. " Now matters remained as they were, 
 because it was not decided which party should 
 have the church, and therefore the church still 
 remained locked. The Zinzendorfer main- 
 tained that they were the Lutherans ; the others, 
 on the contrary said that they were the Luth- 
 erans; and the authorities could not well decide 
 such a case according to the English laws. 
 On that account Mr. Conrad Weiser and an- 
 other Judge tried anew, after the court-day, 
 whether an amicable agreement could not be 
 reached between the two parties. Mr. Nyberg 
 and his party, however, were unwilling to yield, 
 and therefore this effort also failed. In the 
 meanwhile, he still preached in the town-house. 
 But when an English Justice of the peace, who 
 had been his great friend, fell out with him 
 also, and reported to the Governor that Ny- 
 berg was a Moravian brother, he could no 
 longer preach in the town-house. Some time 
 after, viz., in the beginning of the summer of 
 1746, the protesting party prevailed with me 
 to come up and preach for them. I traveled 
 up, but was very much concerned when I heard, 
 the day before, that this could not take place 
 in the church without a disturbance. For the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 43 
 
 Zinzendorfer told me boldly, that some of their 
 people would set themselves in opposition. I 
 resolved, therefore, for this time, for the pur- 
 pose of avoiding all angry tumult, to preach 
 in the town hall, and for this purpose asked 
 permission from the town Judge, in the pres- 
 ence of several Zinzendorfer. Early on Sunday 
 the protesting wardens and the congregation 
 came together, and when I informed them that 
 I was willing to preach in the town hall, be- 
 cause I was afraid of a sinful tumult, they ad- 
 vanced their reasons, and showed that it would 
 be better now again to assert the right to the 
 church. This I could not decline, but still I 
 said it was necessary for me first to report this 
 to the English town Judge and the Zinzendor- 
 fer, because I had the day before asked for the 
 town-house, in the presence of the Zinzendor- 
 fer. This was accordingly done. I wrote an 
 English letter to the Judge, and a German to 
 the Zinzendorfer, and sent both letters half an 
 hour before the opening of the church. We 
 rang the bells regularly, and quietly went to 
 church. I preached on Luke xiii. 6-9, of the 
 withered fig tree, etc. Now, Mr. Nyberg in- 
 stigated his adherents to build a new church, 
 
144 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 and indeed in the manner of the Zinzendorfer, 
 and assign it according to their plan. 
 
 § 17. " Now what else did the poor man ac- 
 complish by such proceedings, but that he of- 
 fended the most holy God by his dissimula- 
 tion, occasioned great scandal, made many un- 
 necessary expenses for the poor congregation, 
 and exhibited himself as a liar before the whole 
 world, because numberless times he had said 
 publicly and privately that he had no inter- 
 course with the Zinzendorfer, that he was no 
 Moravian brother, but a genuine Lutheran. 
 The poor ignorant multitude, who are accus- 
 tomed to include the whole in individual cases, 
 said aloud : If the preachers who preach 
 learnedly and in an edifying manner are such 
 conscienceless deceivers, whom then, in all the 
 world, shall we any more trust ? He himself, 
 however, kept a bold front, and said that he 
 was glad that the Saviour conducted the mat- 
 ter to so glorious an issue. So it must be ac- 
 cording to the words of the Saviour, Matt. x. 
 34, 35 ; 1 Cor. xi. 19. All those present who 
 heard this, my narration, could not do other- 
 wise than disapprove of the conduct of Mr. 
 Nyberg." 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 45 
 
 § 18. Thus far the narrative of Mr. Muhlen- 
 berg. The Lutheran preachers did not enter 
 into this quarrel of the Lutheran congregation 
 in Lancaster, with parson Nyberg, or have any- 
 thing to do with it, except that which, after 
 repeated solicitations on the part of the Luth- 
 erans, they, in virtue of their office, could not 
 refuse. They did not approve of the hastiness 
 of the Lutherans, but, as elsewhere reported, 
 they much more sought to restrain them from 
 all violence, by the most impressive represen- 
 tations. Nor did they properly take part in 
 their lawsuit, but labored chiefly to prevent 
 greater disorders, and that those who had de- 
 parted from the pure word of God, and the 
 genuine doctrine of our church, might be won 
 again, and the matter laid aside in a friendly 
 manner. Neither did they insist on receiving 
 this congregation and providing them with an- 
 other preacher ; but they would much rather 
 have seen them supplied again with a true 
 preacher from Sweden, or that other Swedish 
 preachers had cared for them. But as the 
 congregation perceived that their desise for a 
 regularly-called preacher from Sweden could 
 not be attained without much loss of time, 
 
I46 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 especially as the German candidates in Sweden 
 are scarce, and they, viz., the congregation, 
 which consists of born Germans, could not 
 always sufficiently understand the born Swedes, 
 although they had learned the German lan- 
 guage, and the preaching also, in the German 
 language, was too burdensome for the Swedish 
 preachers themselves ; thus the congregation 
 did not cease urgently to entreat pastors Muhl- 
 enberg and Brunnholtz to let them have one 
 of the preachers written for from Germany, of 
 whom, as was stated, they expected two, and 
 until their arrival, to visit them occasionally, 
 and also permit them to be visited by the 
 assistant, Mr. Kurtz. The Swedish preachers, 
 who were in Christian harmony with them, 
 declined the care of this congregation, and 
 requested them to take charge of it. As they 
 could not discard them, nor forsake this con- 
 gregation in their manifest need, they not only 
 visited them several times themselves, and 
 administered the Holy Supper, but Mr. Kurtz, 
 who had already for some time conducted the 
 worship of God in the congregation at Tulpe- 
 hocken, had also, not without many hardships, 
 on approval of the preachers, undertaken to 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 47 
 
 serve this congregation at Lancaster along 
 with the other. He remained alternately two 
 weeks at Lancaster and two weeks at Tulpe- 
 hocken, until pastor Handschuch entered upon 
 his office there, which he also, according to the 
 latest intelligence, exercises among them, with 
 much blessing. 
 
 § 19. But although only one preacher could 
 be sent, yet that they might come to the aid 
 of several congregations in their necessity, it 
 was thought proper to ordain to the preacher's 
 office, the assistants, Messrs. Kurtz and Schaum. 
 In the business entrusted to them hitherto, 
 they had shown all faithfulness in the congre- 
 gations, and not only attained to still more 
 experience and aptness for the ministerial 
 office, but also secured the love and confidence 
 of the congregations. For this purpose, as 
 well as for the closer union of the preachers, 
 and the associated congregations among them- 
 selves, as also for mutual consultation and con- 
 cert, in relation to the circumstances of all the 
 congregations, a meeting of the preachers, 
 elders and wardens of all said congregations, 
 was arranged for at Philadelphia. 
 
 § 20. The united congregations were in the 
 
I4-S REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 beginning only the three in Philadelphia, New 
 Hanover and Providence, which, at first, in 
 common, applied to the court-preacher Ziegen- 
 hagen, in London, and to Dr. and Prof. Franke, 
 in Halle, and requested of them the election 
 and calling of several suitable preachers for 
 them. When the first preacher, Muhlenberg, 
 arrived in Pennsylvania, the fourth congrega- 
 tion at Germantown united with these. After- 
 wards the congregations in Tulpehocken and 
 Lancaster, besides those at Nordkiel and Ear- 
 lingstown, as second churches of these"' last 
 two, joined the other congregations. Two 
 small congregations at Upper Milford and 
 Saccum, likewise united with the congregations 
 in Providence and New Hanover, as out-par- 
 ishes. From all these congregations the dele- 
 gated elders and wardens, besides the preach- 
 ers, appeared at this meeting. On proper 
 invitation, there were present also, in friendly 
 confidence, the Swedish provost, Mr. Sandin, 
 and Mr. Hartwich, a preacher called by the 
 Reverend members of the Ministerium in 
 Hamburg, at the desire of a congregation in 
 Jersey, and sent thither. This closer union 
 had been wished for and desired by the. con- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 49 
 
 gregations, and five years before an attempt 
 was made by a meeting, which at that time 
 however was interrupted and failed, through 
 the opposition excited by the preacher Nyberg. 
 But in this meeting, everything passed off 
 peaceably, and all the congregations obligated 
 themselves to each other, to remain united as 
 one congregation, and also, in like manner, for 
 this purpose, to meet together once a year. 
 
 §21. The evangelical congregation at Tul- 
 pehocken had most strongly insisted, that they 
 be provided with a regular preacher, and ap- 
 plied for Mr. Kurtz, who had hitherto served 
 them with preaching and catechising. On 
 their repeated request, Mr. Kurtz was ap- 
 pointed and ordained to the office of the 
 evangelical teacher, by the preachers of the 
 united congregations on the .14th (25th) of 
 August, 1748, in presence of the wardens of 
 the congregations, assembled on account of 
 the appointed synod, and in presence of the 
 Swedish provost and preachers. This was 
 after he was examined by the assembled pas- 
 tors, and sufficiently proved in reference to his 
 fitness for exercising the office of the evangel- 
 cal teacher, and the congregation had given 
 
I50 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 him a formal call, and he had drawn up an 
 obligation, that he would continue in the pure 
 doctrine of our Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
 according to the word of God and our confes- 
 sions of faith, and not depart from it. From 
 this time he faithfully exercised the preacher's 
 office in the congregation at Tulpehocken. 
 
 § 22. Besides the above mentioned, there is 
 yet another congregation in York, on the bor- 
 ders of Pennsylvania, beyond the Susquehanna 
 river, twenty English or five German miles 
 from Lancaster, which has also for a long time 
 already sought aid from the Messrs. Muhlen- 
 berg and Brunnholtz, and desired to be received 
 into communion and union with the other con- 
 gregations. In the spring of 1748, the other 
 assistant, Mr. Schaum, was assigned to them for 
 a time. The distance, however, and the short- 
 ness of the time, prevented him and the dele- 
 gates of the congregation from being present 
 at the above-mentioned meeting of the other 
 congregations. It was also thought proper, 
 that the congregation should first become bet- 
 ter acquainted with Mr. Schaum, and some dif- 
 ficulties in it be removed, before his ordination 
 took place, and therefore it was deferred for 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I 5 I 
 
 the present. In the meanwhile, he had shown 
 all faithfulness to the congregation, in public 
 and private instruction, and God had not left 
 his labor without a blessing ; wherefore the 
 congregation also had a cordial love for, and a 
 friendly confidence in him. There being no 
 further hesitancy in ordaining him, at their 
 request, which then was also done, by the 
 preachers in the following year, at the second 
 meeting of the united congregations held in 
 Lancaster in the month of June, 1749, and he 
 was appointed as their regular preacher. 
 
 § 23. These are the principal external changes 
 which hitherto occurred among these congre- 
 gations, to which is yet to be added an account 
 of the building of churches, and the kind 
 benefactions which arrived in their behalf. The 
 church in Philadelphia was so far completed, 
 that it was consecrated on the 25th of August, 
 1748, the day before the meeting of the synod. 
 The ground on which the church was built, 
 together with the exterior building, had cost 
 1310^" 17s. 9^d., Pennsylvania currency, as 
 already stated in the second continuation. 
 The interior, viz., the pulpit, pews, windows, 
 and the like, cost 296^ 16s. u^d., Pennsyl- 
 
152 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 vania money, according to the account ren- 
 dered in the year 1749. Thus the whole cost 
 of this church was, in Pennsylvania money, 
 1607^" 14s. 9%d., and in German money, 
 nearly 5,900 Rix dollars. Of this the congre- 
 gation yet owed, in April, 1749, 77o£, or 2823 
 Rix dollars and 8 Kr., which, until payment, 
 required s\.6£ 4s., nearly 370 Rix dollars, inter- 
 est. Because the congregation, and the num- 
 ber of hearers at preaching, were always in- 
 creasing, a moderate gallery was also to have 
 been built in the summer of 1746. We have 
 however no intelligence, as yet, whether this 
 was actually done, or at what cost. For the 
 aforesaid debt, ten responsible men, together 
 with pastors Muhlenberg and Brunnholtz, have 
 become surety, and had to assign their prop- 
 erty therefor. But how much was paid of 
 this debt since April, 1749, by the favors trans- 
 mitted from Germany, or again, how much 
 was added to it, by the erection of the gallery, 
 may be noticed hereafter, inasmuch as intelli- 
 gence hereof is still expected. In reference to 
 the church in New Providence, it was already 
 mentioned, in the second continuation, that it 
 was finished and also consecrated, and proba- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I 53 
 
 bly the congregation owes but little more on it, 
 or perhaps are already fully paid, of which also 
 accurate information is still wanting. At New 
 Hanover the unfinished church was not only 
 wholly completed, but a new school-house was 
 also built, and some acres of land purchased, 
 both for the church and the school. All this 
 was also paid for with the portion which the 
 congregation received of the favors sent from 
 England and Germany, and by the contribu- 
 tions from their own means. In relation to 
 the church in Germantown, God awakened the 
 high princely Consistory of Wiirtemberg, by 
 the presentation of the most humble petition 
 by a member of the congregation, a native of 
 Wiirtemberg, to graciously grant 300 Fl. from 
 the ecclesiastical treasury, as a kind contribu- 
 tion to this church. 
 
 § 24. As from a letter of thanks of Nov. 
 27th, 1748, sent by pastor Brunnholtz, to a 
 chaplain in ordinary to a prince in Wiirtem- 
 berg, the account of this church in German- 
 town not only most clearly appears, but many 
 other circumstances are touched upon, and 
 that which was already noticed established, we 
 will insert an extract from it : " Revd. and 
 
154 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 highly venerable sir, you have not only shown 
 a paternal love to my congregation in German- 
 town, in the most humble presentation of a 
 petition, to you and to the high princely Con- 
 sistory of Wiirtemberg, in presenting 300 flor- 
 ins from your ecclesiastical treasury, and 
 transmitting it to us, but you have taken the 
 trouble to notify me of this from Stuttgard by 
 a letter of the 13th of March. Revd. and 
 highly venerable sir, in the name of my whole 
 congregation in Germantown, I now humbly 
 and cordially thank the high princely Consis- 
 tory, and all the high patrons, by whose inter- 
 cession the contribution was secured, and as in 
 duty bound acknowledge the receipt of 300 
 florins in the money of this country, which was 
 sent by exchange from London to this place, 
 with the assurance that the congregation will 
 not fail to include them as their dear benefac- 
 tors in their public intercessions. I especially 
 have reason to humbly give thanks, Revd. 
 and highly venerable sir, for the joy and en- 
 couragement, which God gave to me by your 
 comforting and instructive letter, inasmuch as 
 I can assure you, that it was as a balm to me 
 in this wild land, in distressed circumstances, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 55 
 
 and under a heavy official burden, to receive 
 such paternal encouragement from you. Revd. 
 and highly venerable sir, I sought to do my 
 duty on the ioth of May of this year, by send- 
 ing a letter of thanks to them for this bene- 
 faction. But as the vessel by which I sent it 
 was taken by the enemy, it, together with many 
 other letters and reports, was lost. Since that 
 time I have been sickly nearly all summer, and 
 nigh unto death even; therefore I most obedi- 
 ently ask to be excused for the delay of this, 
 and desire that these lines may be received, 
 and you, Revd. and highly venerable sir, peruse 
 them in life and good health. As respects the 
 external circumstances of my church and con- 
 gregation in Germantown, I, for my part, had 
 much rather that instead of a bell, assistance 
 in money was given us. For after our church 
 here was so far completed that we could wor- 
 ship in the dry, to pay the building expenses 
 we had to borrow 800 Rix dollars in German 
 money, and annually pay 48 Rix dollars in- 
 terest on it. The congregation, when the 
 building commenced, had exerted themselves 
 to the utmost. To pay the yearly interest and 
 other necessary expenses, and also to finish the 
 
I56 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 church altogether, was as much as they could 
 do, the principal remaining unpaid; and thus it 
 was a great relief, that we were enabled to pay 
 one-fourth of the debt, and consequently di- 
 minish the interest. God, our Father in Christ, 
 has not denied us the greater; he will also find 
 out means for the smaller. He has hitherto 
 helped us mightily, paternally and wonder- 
 fully; he will do it still, according to his prom- 
 ise, if we trust in him. In the congregation in 
 Philadelphia, where I live, we were much more 
 deeply involved in debt, in building a church, 
 as building is more expensive there, and the 
 greater part of the congregation poor. Still, 
 Revd. and highly venerable sir, the Lord will 
 give us help here also, and awaken our breth- 
 ren in the faith in Europe to make a collec- 
 tion for us, as we have already received many 
 contributions through the tireless exertions of 
 the court preacher Ziegenhagen and Dr. 
 Franke. When the church debts are once 
 paid, and we are free from the heavy interest, 
 I hope our congregations will be able to sup- 
 port their teachers, as long as they are satis- 
 fied with the necessaries. Amid many afflic- 
 tions from without and from within, God has 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 $J 
 
 made us glad this year, by the arrival of a new 
 colleague, Mr. Handschuch, who now labors 
 with a blessing in the town of Lancaster, and 
 seeks to bring the congregation there into 
 order, which was distracted by the going over 
 to the Herrnhuter of Nyberg, who had been 
 sent from Sweden. On the tenth Sunday after 
 Trinity, we also had the pleasure, solemnly, in 
 the name of God, to consecrate the church in 
 Philadelphia, the corner-stone of which was 
 laid in 1743, on which occasion the Swedish 
 Lutheran Ministerium of this country, and its 
 provost, were present, together with several 
 other regularly-called preachers. On the other 
 hand, we were heartily grieved, when God 
 shortly after called away from this world 
 provost Sandin, who had only been sent in 
 spring by the Archbishop in Upsala, and soon 
 after, the oldest Swedish preacher, Tranberg, 
 as we stood in the fraternal official union with 
 them. At the same time, Hochreutiner, a 
 Reformed preacher, had the misfortune to be 
 suddenly killed by the careless discharge of a 
 gun. As respects the internal condition of our 
 congregations, it is certainly true that the 
 greater part, among the old and the young, are 
 »4 
 
I58 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 yet earthly-minded, and in great ignorance. 
 Yet, in many, not a little desire is manifested 
 to be instructed in the word of God, and with 
 the most of them, a reverence and devotional 
 quiet during public worship; and many also 
 show a tender love and cordial confidence in 
 us as their teachers. There are, indeed, few, 
 yet some in both my congregations, of whom 
 I have a well founded hope that they were 
 awakened from the spiritual sleep of sin, and 
 drawn by the Father unto the Son, and who 
 give evidence of an earnestness in their souls' 
 salvation. To lead these further, and keep 
 them in the wholesome pasture of the word, 
 requires much watchfulness, effort, opposition, 
 and divine wisdom. We now have but little 
 offence from the Herrnhuter. They are being 
 revealed here also ; one after another leaves 
 them again. Their chief seat and retreat is in 
 Bethlehem, about sixty miles from Philadelphia. 
 My most worthy colleague, Mr. Muhlenberg, 
 who is the oldest among us, lives twenty-five 
 miles from here, in Providence, and we teachers, 
 by the grace of the Lord, stand in fraternal 
 union and love, the one for all and all for one. 
 So our congregations also, though lying far 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 59 
 
 apart, are yet joined together, as one congre- 
 gation, with whose elders we united preachers 
 have an annual meeting. We all commend our- 
 selves to the intercession of our dear fathers 
 and- patrons in Germany, and cordially desire 
 that God may especially, for a long time yet, 
 preserve and powerfully strengthen you, rev- 
 erend and highly venerable sir, for the good of 
 his church." 
 
 § 25. Thus then the goodness and paternal 
 care of the faithful God is to be heartily 
 praised, who did not hitherto suffer his servants 
 to come to shame, in the important matter of 
 building churches, when they could not calcu- 
 late on any collection from the country, or any 
 other sure income, but had to ventnre all upon 
 the gracious aid of God. Although the re- 
 maining debts of the church in Philadelphia, 
 as a heavy burden, as yet oppress the hearts 
 of the preachers and of the hearers, still this 
 is a sufficient proof of the faithfulness of God, 
 viz., that he has not yet forsaken them under 
 it ; yea, that by his liberal hand he has already 
 graciously provided for more than the half of 
 the cost, and thereby strengthened their faith, 
 that he surely, also, will impart the rest by his 
 
l60 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 blessing; and furthermore, that he will yet 
 awaken many Christian hearts to give liberal 
 contributions for the full payment of these 
 debts, and thereby also, at the same time, pro- 
 mote the spiritual blessing in these congrega- 
 tions, which cannot be obtained without ex- 
 ternally good institutions in church and 
 schools. If the debts of the congregation in 
 Philadelphia, on account of church building, 
 are large, so also is the Lord rich, who, if it 
 be his will, is able to impart this and more, 
 and abundantly supply this want. 
 
 § 26. To the glory of his paternal care, the 
 temporal blessings must also be remembered 
 here, which were given in these last years to 
 the united congregations in Pennsylvania, by 
 the hands of several most worthy benefactors, 
 and whereof the greater part was applied to 
 the payment of the church debts in Philadel- 
 phia. In June, 1745, 200 Rix dollars were 
 remitted by a person of high rank, which the 
 late wife of the Counselor Majorin, of Bremen, 
 set aside in her will, for the promotion of good 
 institutions, of which the half was given to 
 the congregations in Pennsylvania. A high 
 princely person of rank in Brunswick, sent 20 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. l6l 
 
 Rix dollars in the beginning of the year 1746. 
 A high baronial person of rank made a present 
 of five ducats, and soon afterwards sent 50 Rix 
 dollars, which his deceased mother had most 
 kindly bequeathed in her last will, to the con- 
 gregation in Philadelphia. A worthy patroness 
 in Anhalt, sent pastor Handschuch 20 Rix 
 dollars, to which another anonymous benefac- 
 tress contributed one-half, and soon after five 
 Rix dollars more ; and an unnamed friend also 
 consigned 100 Rix dollars to the same. At 
 the Easter fair, 1748, 100 Rix dollars were 
 paid, besides other legacies, to other objects, 
 which John Frederick Berner (with whom we 
 of Halle never had any acquaintance,) formerly 
 canon and subsenior of the cathedral of St. 
 Boniface, in Hameln, had kindly dedicated to 
 church building in Philadelphia. In February, 
 1746, in March, 1747, in February, 1748, and 
 in February, 1749, a Christian school-man in 
 Westphalia, sent 1 1 Rix dollars each year. 
 Other kind favors without distinction are 
 remembered with tender thankfulness, but for 
 the sake of brevity cannot be cited in this 
 place. The Landgrave of Hessen-Darmstadt 
 is to be praised with the most grateful ac- 
 14* ' L 
 
1 62 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 knowledgment, as on the repeated most hum- 
 ble application of the congregations in Penn- 
 sylvania, he graciously permitted a collection 
 to be taken in his principality and lands for 
 the building of churches in Pennsylvania, in 
 view of the fact that many of the children of 
 his country were found among them, and 
 which collection altogether amounted to 579 
 Gulden, 10 Alb., and 5 Pf. The Lord be 
 magnified for this liberal blessing, and recom- 
 pense the most serene ruler of this land, as 
 well as all others also who aided in securing 
 permission for this collection, and. manifested 
 their active love by a contribution. The Lord 
 reward their disposition of mind and their 
 favors with superabundant blessings, and never 
 permit any want to arise in this land in a rich 
 and faithful preaching of his word. For this 
 benefit conferred, may his spiritual and tem- 
 poral blessings become great in it, for which 
 the congregations in their public assemblies 
 will not fail to pray, as well for the whole land 
 as for its gracious ruler, after the sum of this 
 collection has already been carefully sent to 
 them, and actually received, by them, and in 
 whose name most humble and heartfelt thanks 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 63 
 
 for it, are hereby given. We assure all other 
 high and worthy benefactors of the most 
 humble and sincere thankfulness for all the 
 generous gifts, whether noticed here or not, 
 and cordially desire for them the rich reward 
 of grace from him who has promised to let no 
 drink of cold water pass unrecompensed. This 
 name — the name of the gracious God, and his 
 paternal providence — be humbly praised and 
 glorified, as well for all temporal blessings 
 received and help shown, as especially also for 
 all spiritual blessings granted, and for the 
 manifested fruit of his word ! 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 2. EXTRACTS FROM PASTOR HANDSCHUCH's DI- 
 ARY WHICH HE KEPT ON HIS VOYAGE FROM 
 ENGLAND TO PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 On the 25th of September, 1747, I went on 
 board of the ship Burlington, which immedi- 
 ately set sail from Gravesend, and anchored in 
 the Downs of Deal, where our convoy and the 
 rest of the ships, seventeen in number, joined 
 us on the 1st of October; whereupon we ar- 
 rived at Spithead, on the 6th of October. On 
 the 14th of October, our captain resolved to 
 cast anchor near the Isle of Wight. For our 
 ship had leaked very much, for many days, 
 and notwithstanding all the efforts made in the 
 harbor, the exact place of the leak could not 
 be found. For this reason, it was, during the 
 ebb, to be examined anew, and all around, and 
 the leaks closed with all diligence. This even- 
 ing, some of our people caught fine lobsters, at 
 the shore of this beautiful island, which held 
 to the light, or to the sun, whilst living, are al- 
 (164) 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 65 
 
 most wholly transparent, and have a very good 
 taste. They also caught a particular kind of 
 snail, of good taste, and a wonderful fish, a 
 span long, with a thick and very broad head, 
 and two strong horns, half an inch long, of a 
 dark brown color. On tiu 15th of October, at 
 9 o'clock in the morning, we again set sail; 
 nevertheless at 1 1 o'clock, we had to anchor 
 again on account of a contrary wind. On the 
 1 6th of October, we sailed further away, but 
 on account of a light wind, were unable to 
 reach the harbor of Plymouth, before the 
 22d of October. On the 24th of Octo- 
 ber, the captain commenced to have the ship 
 unloaded, for better examination, as the leak, 
 which hitherto admitted so much water, could 
 neither be discovered in the harbor at Ports- 
 mouth, nor at the Isle of Wight. 
 
 About noon, on Nov. 6, I was conveyed 
 ashore by a passing boat. The boatman en- 
 tered into conversation with me, and urgently 
 besought me to visit him at his house in a 
 small neighboring village near the harbor, 
 and if it were only for half an hour. In 
 the evening, on my return to the ship, I 
 met him in our cabin, and heard that he 
 
1 66 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 was a shoemaker. We conversed much with 
 each other, to our mutual edification, and 
 did not permit the disquiet in the cabin to 
 interfere with us, much less were we ashamed 
 to confess Christ and his grace given unto 
 us, before all the people present. At his 
 departure, he again very cordially invited me 
 to visit him, because there were yet others liv- 
 ing in his neighborhood, who desired to speak 
 with me. On the 7th of November, the cap- 
 tain of a ship from Stettin sent to bring me 
 aboard. On the way, the boat stopping at a 
 vessel from Holland, the captain urged me in 
 a very friendly manner to come on board his 
 ship for a little while, which I also could not 
 refuse. We could not sufficiently wonder at 
 the costliness and uncommon cleanliness of 
 this ship. Afterwards he went with me on 
 board of the vessel from Stettin, where there 
 was another captain from Dantzic. At table, 
 I sought to edify them according to the grace 
 which God granted, and it was very agreeable 
 to me once again to speak German with Ger- 
 mans. In the afternoon we went into town 
 together. In the evening, about 8 o'clock, tak- 
 ing a lantern, I returned with our captain, who 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 67 
 
 had as yet had some letters to write. When 
 we were having ourselves taken to our ship, 
 and were in the midst of the water, scarcely 
 the distance of a gunshot away from our ves- 
 sel, one of the boatmen alleged that he be- 
 longed to a man of war, and must first go to 
 it, which however was very far off. As it 
 rained very hard and the water was in unusual 
 commotion on account of the violence of the 
 wind, the captain would by no means agree to 
 this, and seized the helm himself. Amid the 
 violent opposition of the sailor, we finally 
 reached a ship lying near ours, which had 
 been taken from the French, and which our 
 captain had hired to put our lading in, 
 that the repairs might the more conveniently 
 be made ; and I was obliged, on the captain's 
 repeated calls, to place myself in safety, by a 
 leap into the large boat of this ship, although 
 the two boats could not properly meet to- 
 gether. But as from a total disuse, it was en- 
 tirely full of water, I fell into it over my knees, 
 and had to stand in the water, until our people 
 drew me out of the boat, and carried me to 
 our ship. In the forenoon of the 9th of No- 
 vember, the Stettiner, the Dantzicker, and the 
 
1 68 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Hollander, came aboard our ship, to visit me 
 and to fetch me away. I related to them what 
 it was, with which I had just been edifying 
 myself out of the word of God, showed my 
 call to them, and gave them the first report of 
 our congregations in Pennsylvania. After a 
 long conversation, they brought me on board 
 of the vessel from Dantzic, where we dined 
 together. The Hamburger was not inexperi- 
 enced in the Scriptures and in Christianity ; 
 therefore, whilst we were together, edifying con- 
 versation was not lacking for a moment, which 
 related chiefly to the justification of the poor 
 sinner before God, what are good works, and 
 the. like matters. When towards evening, I 
 came on board of our ship, the cook, an 
 already aged man, received me in a partic- 
 ularly friendly manner, and immediately began 
 a long conversation with me concerning the 
 state of his soul. He alleged that he knew 
 and felt his spiritual misery, and disapproved 
 of the life of his comrades. I wished him a 
 true earnestness, and entreated him to repent 
 with all his heart. On the nth of Novem- 
 ber, I again took a meal in town, and indeed 
 in company with many French prisoners, of 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 69 
 
 the last six conquered ships of war, and 
 with whom I conversed much, according to 
 opportunity. They were all uncommonly 
 courteous. One of them, however, seemed to 
 have a very special confidence in me, and may 
 have been a Protestant, secretly. This even- 
 ing, I had to wait for nearly two hours in the 
 passage house, as the boat could not leave on 
 account of the high wind and waves. In 
 the meanwhile, the landlord engaged in a 
 spiritual conversation with another man. This 
 man, to me unknown, spoke of spiritual 
 things very properly and affectingly, but the 
 landlord opposed him continually, and was 
 of the opinion, that it was only necessary to 
 speak of regeneration, of Christ, and of faith, 
 etc., to Jews, heathen, and Turks, but not to 
 Christians, with whom all this is already to 
 be taken for granted. It was impossible for 
 me to remain silent any longer. I therefore 
 briefly corrected him, and from the word of 
 God pointed out to him, the way of eternal 
 life as well as I was able in the English 
 language. The stranger conceived a particu- 
 lar love for me, and in the boat he related to 
 me how he was awakened and converted. 
 *5 
 
170 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Afterwards I spoke with him several times in 
 Plymouth, and during the conversation noticed 
 that his heart was much affected, which he 
 was^inable to suppress or to hide, although we 
 conversed with each other on the street, many 
 people going and coming. In the forenoon of 
 November the 12th, I was in an English church, 
 and in the afternoon, for the first time, in the 
 French Reformed church of this place. The 
 French preacher, Mr. Bordier, edified me very 
 much, as he preached so instructively and pro- 
 foundly of the sonship of God, that I left the 
 church full of admiration and joy. On the 
 13th of November, after meal time, I desired 
 to go around the town somewhat. When I 
 came to the citadel, the French preacher just 
 mentioned overtook me, saluted me in a very 
 friendly manner, and invited me to come to 
 his house. He said that he had particularly 
 noticed me yesterday afternoon in church, and 
 had taken me for a Hollandish preacher from 
 one of the war vessels from Holland lying 
 here. In the expectation of an edifying con- 
 versation, I did not refuse to go with him to 
 his house, where he showed me much courtesy, 
 and invited me to dine with him as often as I 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 7 I 
 
 wished. Our conversation on this occasion, 
 related to myself, my country, and my call, and 
 the difference in doctrine of our respective 
 churches. On the 14th of November, the 
 shoemaker, mentioned under date of 6th inst. 
 in this report, came and took me in his 
 boat to his house. The whole company at 
 table consisted of eight upright persons. I 
 sought to edify them as well as I could in 
 English, but they edified me much more 
 by their affectionate simplicity. Our meet- 
 ing was closed with several edifying English 
 hymns, and an affecting prayer by the shoe- 
 maker. On the 15th of November about 
 noon, I went to town to the French preacher, 
 because I had promised him to dine with 
 him. He was very kind, and even inquired of 
 me whether I would not preach in his church, 
 which however I declined. In the forenoon 
 of the 1 6th of November, I was in the large 
 English high church, where the great detected 
 conspiracy was solemnly commemorated. The 
 sermon was wholly directed to this circum- 
 stance, and many historical facts of those times 
 were related at length, to awaken the people 
 to the praise of God. Afterwards I saw the 
 
172 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 whole magistracy in their attire, together with 
 the preachers of the high church, the con- 
 stables going before, marching two and two 
 through the town, with delightful music and 
 flying colors. At noon I was invited to dine 
 by a Mr. Kinsmann. He, his wife, and all his 
 house, feared God in simplicity. In the after- 
 noon, I had to go with him to one who had 
 been a strong negotiant, a Mr. Mignan, who 
 received me in a very friendly manner and 
 edified me not a little. For his heart was 
 nearly always full of the most tender and 
 affecting praise and thankfulness to God. I 
 had to close our interview with a prayer in 
 the French language, for in English I did 
 not as yet trust myself to do it without dis- 
 traction of thought. On the 17th of Novem- 
 ber I dined with Mr. Mignan, not without my 
 own, and I hope the edification of the whole 
 company at table. His niece, a woman of 
 uncommon understanding, and of rare gifts, 
 was especially much affected by our conversa- 
 tion, and wept at parting. Thereupon I went 
 to the post-office, and afterwards to the church, 
 to which Mr. Mignan had directed me, for 
 prayer and the hearing of several chapters of 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 73 
 
 the Bible. After church, I took a walk with 
 him, at his request. His heart and lips were 
 full of the praise of God, both for the work of 
 creation and for the redemption of mankind. 
 On the 1 8th of November the wind seemed to 
 become favorable ; therefore, by order of the 
 captain, we had all to be ready to sail next 
 day, although without a convoy. Without 
 delay I went into town to take leave of my 
 dear friends, Mr. Mignan, Mr. Kinsmann, and 
 the French preacher, Mr. Bordier. Each one 
 wished me to stav for dinner, but for good rea- 
 sons I promised the last. Our conversation at 
 table related to the kingdom of God in Ger- 
 many, and the East and West Indies. After 
 dinner, I had to go with him to a navy officer 
 eighty-four years old, who sent for us by his 
 grandson, also an English navy officer. He 
 related to us his many troubles and dangers 
 through which he passed, in so many naval 
 battles, and gave me a letter to his niece in 
 Philadelphia, and requested me to visit her 
 personally. At leaving, I wished this old man 
 much divine grace, to employ his time yet 
 remaining properly for eternity, which he also 
 promised to do. Afterwards, Mr. Bordier and 
 
174 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 myself went out of town on a hill, from thence 
 to see Captain Saumares brought to town, who 
 had been mortally wounded in the last naval 
 battle between the English and the French 
 fleets, near Cape Finisterre, and died on his 
 ship in the harbor at the king's dock. He was 
 accompanied by more than sixteen boats, in 
 one of which was the admiral himself, but in 
 the rest sea-captains and other officers. In 
 town the whole funeral cortege was right 
 princely, and as long as it continued, from the 
 moment he was lifted from the deck of his ship 
 into a boat, until he was lowered into the 
 grave, a space of nearly three hours, a cannon 
 was fired each minute by all the ships of war 
 lying around here, and at last by the citadel 
 also. On account of his valiant conduct, the 
 king had him buried so magnificently. The 
 whole court of aldermen, in their attire, all 
 navy officers stationed here, the whole priest- 
 hood of the English church from town and the 
 neighborhood, and finally several companies of 
 marines, constituted this beautiful and orderly 
 procession. One thing and another were in- 
 structive to me. Among other things, I 
 thought : If an earthly king shows his people 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 75 
 
 such distinguished honor for their good con- 
 duct, what will not the Most High King do, 
 through his infinite grace, for those who serve 
 him faithfully and uprightly, denying their 
 own will and all the advantages of this life, and 
 by his divine aid contending, as valiantly as 
 they are able, against all his and their foes ? 
 
 On the 19th of November the wind again 
 became quite contrary for us. In the forenoon 
 I went into an English, and in the afternoon 
 to the French church, at the door of which I 
 met Mr. Mignan, who was very glad to see me 
 again. In going into the church, he related to 
 me, with satisfied looks, how Mr. Bordier to- 
 day prayed for me publicly, and for the blessed 
 success of my calling, which I, myself, also 
 heard this afternoon, still with such words 
 only wherewith he described me and my voca- 
 tion. After church, I had to go with Mr. 
 Mignan to his house. 
 
 On the 23d of November, about 12 o'clock, 
 I had to go on board in all haste, whereupon 
 we immediately sailed out of the harbor. This 
 evening I began to feel the sea-sickness. Be- 
 fore it was quite evening, we met the fine East 
 India fleet under Admiral Boscowen, in whose 
 
I76 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 company we expected to sail some three or 
 four hundred miles. Wind and weather were 
 favorable enough for us until the evening of 
 November the 26th, and my sea-sickness was 
 endurable all this time. But this evening ter- 
 ribly stormy weather and a heavy rain set in. 
 The wind became continually more violent, 
 and, for us, altogether contrary. From this 
 night onward I was very sea-sick. Early on 
 the 2.7th of November the East India fleet was 
 wholly dispersed, and in the evening not a 
 ship was any longer visible. On the 28th and 
 29th of November we had to consign ourselves 
 entirely to the wind and waves. On the 30th 
 of November the people could no longer 
 endure the severe labor, and we were in con- 
 stant danger of being at last swallowed up by 
 the waves. Therefore, the captain resolved to 
 return again. In the evening we met a large 
 English ship of war, in a similar condition. 
 We were interrogated by its captain, and we 
 inquired of him where we were. He gave us 
 the wrong information, but doubtless igno- 
 rantly, and thereby occasioned us to take such a 
 course, that when on the day following, Dec. 1st, 
 it cleared off, our people saw themselves less 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. \yj 
 
 than half a mile from a great many sea-cliffs, 
 whereat all were much frightened. They there- 
 fore began to strain their sails as much as they 
 were able, to escape this manifest danger. 
 After we were at a distance, several came to 
 my bed, and with great joy related all to me, 
 when I had a fine opportunity, to speak a word 
 of exhortation to them. 
 
 On the 2d of December, at noon, we again, 
 thank God, safely entered the harbor at Ply- 
 mouth. On account of my debility, I thought 
 it advisable for my recovery to land, and 
 the sooner the better. I therefore went to 
 town to Mr. Mignan. They received me, full 
 of joy and surprise at our return, and praised 
 the Lord with me, for my deliverance out of so 
 many dangers. I afterwards went to Mr. 
 Kinsmann, whose whole house received me with 
 much gladness, and invited me to lodge with 
 them ; which I the more willingly accepted 
 with all thankfulness, as my bed had become 
 very damp by the continual rain. On the 6th 
 of December, I was informed, when, soon after 
 meal time, I had myself conveyed to our ship, 
 that two preachers, one English and one a 
 German, with his wife, were on a ship lying 
 M 
 
I/O REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 near, called the Snow, which came here from 
 London a few days ago, and desired to speak 
 with me. I accordingly had myself taken over, 
 and found that the married man was no German, 
 but a Swede, and that he understood very lit- 
 tle, and his wife understood no German at all. 
 Now, as he could speak neither English nor 
 French, we spoke in Latin to each other, and 
 each inquired concerning the nature of our 
 calling. The English preacher was not pres- 
 ent. The former was sent from Stockholm to 
 Pennsylvania, for the Swedes, but the latter 
 goes to New London. As it became late, we 
 took a friendly leave, and promised each other 
 to maintain a good friendship in Pennsylvania, 
 and if possible to see each other again, on 
 board of one of our ships. About 4 o'clock 
 on the 8th of December, I had to go with Mr. 
 Kinsmann to an upright goldsmith, Mr. Frey- 
 mann. We were altogether contented with 
 each other, and with the grace granted to us. 
 In the evening of December the 9th, I took 
 supper with Mr. Bordier. Our intercourse was 
 useful and pleasant, and I could not sufficiently 
 jvonder, that he received all in such love, that 
 under the circumstances was said for the glory 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 79 
 
 of God, and for the advancement of his king- 
 dom here in Plymouth. Early on the 13th of 
 December, I was called on board of the ship. 
 I hastened all I could to speak with the cap- 
 tain himself. He, however, allowed me no 
 more than one hour's time. I then took leave 
 of my friends in all haste, and was presented 
 by Mr. Stephen Mignan with a supply of Span- 
 ish wine, for the voyage. Early on the 14th of 
 December, the wind again became wholly con- 
 trary for us, and we were obliged to remain 
 in the harbor. Several of the passengers again 
 landed, but I went on board of the ship Snow, to 
 visit the Swedish preacher, with whom I spent 
 nearly the whole day, although we had but little 
 external quiet. On the 15th of December, I 
 again went into town, where my acquaintances 
 again received me very kindly. In the even- 
 ing at 6 o'clock, I went to preaching. After 
 service, complaint was made to me that a Ger- 
 man Moravian brother arrived here to-day 
 from Exeter, and it was much to be feared that 
 he would get such a party here, and occasion 
 such a violent division among the children 
 of God, as he did in Exeter; especially as from 
 three to four persons of this place were already 
 
ISO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 attached to him and his brethren, although 
 they seek to conceal it — that I should, indeed, 
 according to my conscience, warn all my ac- 
 quaintances here of it, as they would sooner 
 take it of me. This I also did, on every op- 
 portunity given me thereto. On the 17th of 
 December, about 10 o'clock, I was informed 
 that the wind had become very favorable, and 
 that we would certainly sail this afternoon. I 
 went once more into the French church. 
 Afterwards I talked of many things with Mr. 
 Bordier. Young Mr. Mignan also came to in- 
 vite me to his house to dinner, that I might be 
 on hand, if indeed we should yet set sail to- 
 day. In the evening, about 4 o'clock, I was 
 taken on board, and at 5 o'clock we went under 
 sail. The convoy was the Intrepid. Early on 
 the 1 8th of December, we saw ourselves de- 
 serted by our convoy, and our whole fleet con- 
 sisted of only five ships. This morning my 
 sea-sickness commenced again. On the 19th 
 of December my sickness increased, and our 
 ship was separated from its company. This 
 night, contrary wind, rain, and storm, set in 
 again, whereby we all, and I especially, on ac- 
 count of my debility, suffered much di^c^m- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. iSl 
 
 fort. The ship was left to cruise, and as the 
 stormy weather and the violent contrary wind 
 would not cease for so many days, and we 
 were in constant danger of an accident, or of 
 hostile corsairs, we were obliged, about 10 
 o'clock on the 26th of December, to return 
 again. On the 27th of December we thought 
 nothing else than that we were not far from 
 the Channel, and very near to land, and there- 
 fore we were afraid to approach the land any 
 nearer, on account of the continuance of the 
 same violent stormy weather, especially as it 
 had become quite dark. We therefore re- 
 mained in the Channel, as we thought, and 
 let the ship cruise in its midst. On the 28th 
 of December we could not do otherwise than 
 remain in a similar situation, on account of the 
 continuance of the same stormy weather. On 
 the 29th of December I began to be somewhat 
 better, after I had suffered much. To-day, the 
 sea became more calm, and the weather more 
 endurable, after it had been all this time very 
 terribly stormy. We desired to go with the 
 wind to Falmouth, for safety in the harbor of 
 that place, and await a more favorable wind. 
 We were of the opinion that we were very near 
 16 
 
1 82 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the French coast. We therefore sailed in a 
 cross direction for several hours, although 
 somewhat against the wind. In so many hours, 
 however, we were unable to discover any land. 
 This induced the captain to examine our situ- 
 ation more particularly ; and after the reckon- 
 ing, we found that we must be very near the 
 shores of Ireland. Now, as the wind was in 
 that direction, and it was cheaper in Ireland 
 than in England, the captain resolved to sail 
 for Kinsale. But in the evening, about 5 
 o'clock of the 30th of December, instead of 
 Kinsale, we arrived at the sound of Waterford. 
 A pilot was demanded by several discharges 
 of cannon, who also came on board yet this 
 evening, at a very late hour, and informed us 
 that we were in the bay before Waterford, 
 about seven miles from that town. On the 3 1st 
 of December the wind again became favorable 
 for us to the West Indies. Therefore the cap- 
 tain was unwilling to sail further in the bay, 
 but desired to lie at anchor here for only one 
 night more, until he had again supplied the 
 ship with fresh water, the want of which we 
 had already felt considerably. He, with one 
 passenger, a native of Waterford, and whose 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 83 
 
 father is living there still, went ashore, but for 
 the above reason would take no one else with 
 him. 
 
 On the 1st of January, 1748, the wind again 
 became contrary, and our captain also did not 
 return. At noon, therefore, I had myself, be- 
 sides four other passengers, taken ashore. We 
 landed in a small town which the people call 
 the Passage, wholly inhabited by Roman Cath- 
 olics, and dined there very cheaply. At 3 
 o'clock we left, and went to the city of Water- 
 ford, five miles strong from the Passage, for 
 exercise, and to deliver my letters personally. 
 In all my life, I never saw such miserable and 
 such poor country people, nor such mean far- 
 mers' huts, as on this road. And thus it is 
 said to be, almost throughout all Ireland. At 7 
 o'clock we entered into the city. As our cap- 
 tain, who met us in the bay, called to me, that 
 I should immediately go to the city, to the 
 above mentioned passenger, captain Roche, as 
 he had secured a comfortable lod^ingr fo r me 
 at a reasonable price, so I did not delay to 
 have myself taken there. I met his father, 
 himself, and several relatives together, and was 
 retained for supper, and thereupon taken to 
 
184 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 my lodging by him ; which was in the house of 
 a Roman Catholic widow, where I also met a 
 French Protestant, Mr. Verducam, who gave 
 me some candid advice in reference to my stay 
 in this place. On the 3d of January, at the 
 request of Mr. Verducam, I went with him 
 out of the city, to an honest Frenchman, who 
 is a merchant and has a large sugar manufac- 
 tory here. This man received me in such a 
 friendly manner as if he had known me for 
 many years, and. after supper also accompanied 
 me home. At noon on the 1 3th of January, I 
 went to the house of Captain Roche's father, 
 whither our captain also unexpectedly came, 
 and gave me notice that I should be on board 
 to-morrow between 12 and 1 o'clock. There- 
 upon, I took leave wherever it was most nec- 
 essary, but was obliged to tarry with an aged 
 lady over two hours, and not without edifica- 
 tion. On the 14th of January, after 9 o'clock, 
 I left Waterford for the harbor. With diffi- 
 culty I arrived on board after 1 o'clock, and 
 immediately after we set sail. Early on the 
 15 th of January, the pilot told me that the day 
 before yesterday they had accidentally discov- 
 ered the proper leak, which had- hitherto ad- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 85 
 
 mitted so much water into the ship, and given 
 them all so much concern and labor. At 3 
 o'clock in the morning of the 28th of January, 
 there was the most violent storm we ever had, 
 with terrible thunder and lightning. It con- 
 tinued with the same violence, until about 8 
 o'clock. The people suffered much by it. 
 They had scarcely put on dry clothes and 
 eaten a little, when there suddenly arose a far 
 more violent storm, which, according to the 
 acknowledgment of all, could not have been 
 worse. All was frightful to behold, and to 
 hear. The water of the waves dashing over 
 the ship, rushed into the cabin mightily ; and 
 when I at last ventured to rise, I had to go 
 about it in the wet without shoes or stockings 
 for more than an hour (as by the violent com- 
 motion everything in the cabin was in confu- 
 sion,) to get my things together and put them 
 on wet as I found them, for it was impossible 
 to get dry clothes out of my trunk. At 10 
 o'clock the captain with a part of his people 
 came into the cabin, and said to me : " but do 
 you not see what a frightful storm and tempest 
 we have ? It can actually be no more violent. 
 God only save our souls as yet ! We have 
 16* 
 
1 86 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 done all that was possible, but the ship is no 
 longer under control." I could answer nothing 
 more, than that the Lord could still easily help 
 us ; they should only go and do their part. 
 Contrary to the supposition of all, God also 
 very strangely preserved the ship, according to 
 his power and goodness. At I o'clock the 
 violence of the storm abated somewhat, where- 
 upon we ate a little, which however took place 
 in a very distressing manner. Whilst eating, 
 several mighty waves came through our cabin 
 window, upon me, as I was nearest to them, 
 and poured all over me and several others. 
 The cabin was filled by it with water, perhaps 
 an ell deep. We could nowhere hide ourselves 
 from the water. On deck everything was far 
 worse, especially as one side of the ship was 
 already lying very deep in the water. The 
 cabin windows were closed as soon as possible 
 with strong shutters, and the water dipped out 
 of the cabin with much trouble, which how- 
 ever was of little use, as the waves also dashed 
 in through the door, which could not always 
 remain closed. About 7 o'clock, the water 
 was for the most part removed. But when I 
 looked after my things, I found my bed, as 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 87 
 
 well as my trunk, thoroughly wet. Conse- 
 quently, I had to stay up all night in my wet 
 clothes. A fire was kindled in the cabin, of 
 turf and stone coal, to dry both the cabin and 
 ourselves again, but we suffered beyond de- 
 scription from the smoke, which found vent no- 
 where. In this dreadful storm I recognized it 
 with humble thankfulness, as a special favor 
 and mercy of God, that I was not only not sea- 
 sick in body, and so needed no outward help, 
 but that I was also enabled to subject my will 
 wholly to the divine will, and in patient and 
 quiet composure, trust him to do with me as 
 he would, according to his wise counsel — if 
 he only in danger and in death does not for- 
 sake me by the power and comfort of his Spirit, 
 which he will not do, because of his boundless 
 love to me in Christ my Lord. I ascribed this 
 so much the less to my own strength, as in the 
 previous storm I had to contend in my mind 
 with many cares as to what perhaps my dear 
 fathers, brothers, friends and relations, and es- 
 pecially the dear brethren in Pennsylvania who 
 have looked for help so long, would think if 
 they should hear nothing more of me. God 
 especially granted to me at this time, a partic- 
 
1 88 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 ularly joyful certainty of my salvation, in case 
 I should lose my temporal life in the sea, ac- 
 cording to the will of God. On the 29th of 
 January, when the captain was in the cabin for 
 breakfast, he with strong emotion of heart ad- 
 dressed me thus : " The Lord make us thankful 
 for the wonderful deliverance out of this 
 danger ! It certainly was not in our power to 
 save our ship and our life. I had already given 
 up all for lost, and I must confess from the 
 heart, the power of God has done this. I and 
 all of us shall be much obliged to you, if as 
 soon as convenient, you preach for us a praise 
 and thanksgiving sermon, and so awaken us to 
 the praise of God." This I promised him, if 
 they could sufficiently understand my bad 
 English. In the evening the time was passed 
 in relating all the circumstances of this twice- 
 repeated very frightful storm — the unexpected 
 good conduct of all and every sailor, and of the 
 so unlooked-for gracious and mighty deliver- 
 ance, out of the very greatest danger. Now as 
 the captain attributed all this to the hand of 
 God, this gave me occasion for many a joy and 
 edifying conversation. Towards evening of the 
 30th of January, wind and weather were some- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 89 
 
 what better, and most of the people gathered 
 around me on deck, to whom in the way of dia- 
 logue, I preached a genuine sermon on repent- 
 ance. 
 
 On the 3d and 4th of February, I became 
 very sick, and therefore had to wait with 
 the desired English sermon. Very stormy 
 weather also set in anew. From the 5th to 
 the nth of February, we had continual con- 
 trary wind and often very stormy weather, and 
 were several times in great danger during the 
 night. I was however extraordinarily miser- 
 able on February 1 8th ; at the repeated request 
 of the captain, I had nevertheless, finally to 
 preach in the English language. The text was 
 Psalm xci. 1 5 ; I will be with him in trouble, etc. 
 The people, English, Presbyterians, Quakers, 
 Roman Catholics, were all present and very 
 attentive. In the afternoon of the 25 th of 
 February I had to preach on the remaining 
 part of the above text; and I believe that it was 
 not without a blessing, of which I had some 
 indications. God also gave me a greater read- 
 iness in the English language. 
 
 At the solicitation of the captain, I had to 
 to preach again in the afternoon of the 3d of 
 
I9O REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 March. Text, I Tim. i. 15. On the 10th of 
 March there was hard wind and storm, with 
 tempest, which hindered our meeting together 
 to hear a sermon meditated on by me the day 
 before. On the 17th of March, the sea was 
 calm and the weather fine. At noon, at table, 
 the captain asked me to preach for them in 
 the afternoon, which I did, on Rom. viii. 32. 
 March 19th, from 6 o'clock in the morning 
 until towards evening, we had no wind at all. 
 This evening, after some wind had again arisen, 
 several of our sailors, from the height of a mast, 
 noticed a ship in the distance. Our cannon 
 were loaded anew, in apprehension of a hostile 
 pirate, and soon after we prepared for a great 
 storm of wind which was approaching, that we 
 might weather'it out, and which also continued 
 throughout the whole night. On the 24th of 
 March the ship was not permitted to sail dur- 
 ing the whole forenoon, on account of the vio- 
 lence of the wind. To-day, it was colder than 
 at any time before on my voyage. By some 
 observations made at noon, during transient 
 glimpses of the sun, our people became aware 
 that we were too far north. The ship was 
 therefore turned southward, with the gentle 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. I9I 
 
 wind which followed. On account of the dis- 
 quietude, we could not meet for public service 
 to-day. At noon of March the 28th, we were 
 somewhat alarmed by a tolerably large sloop, 
 as with the wind it came directly and very 
 rapidly towards us. However, when they saw 
 everything was prepared for battle, and our 
 large flag raised, they took another course. 
 From various circumstances, we suspected that 
 their intention was hostile. In casting the lead, 
 we found bottom to-day for the first time. 
 March the 29th : During last night, until 10 
 o'clock this morning, there was a lack of wind. 
 At noon a sloop again came very near to us. 
 One hour after, they raised their flag, we did 
 the. same, and they sailed away on their course. 
 In the afternoon we saw land for the first time, 
 although very faintly, whereat there was great 
 joy with all. In the evening another sloop 
 came very rapidly towards us. We immedi- 
 ately raised our flag, and they did the same. 
 When we discovered that they were English, 
 we permitted them to approach nearer to our 
 ship, and inquired of each other through 
 speaking trumpets, when we found that we 
 were thirty miles too far north, and on the 
 
192 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 coast of New Jersey. We therefore soon 
 tacked ship. On the 30th of March, we had 
 contrary wind, but very fine weather. At 1 1 
 o'clock a sloop came near us. They were in- 
 quired of who they were and whither they 
 were going, but they returned not the -least 
 answer, although the questions were several 
 times earnestly repeated. This finally obliged 
 the captain to fire upon them. Thereupon 
 they answered all we desired to know. They 
 were from Rhode Island, and bound for Phila- 
 delphia. 
 
 On the 1st of April we had fine weather 
 but contrary wind. Another tolerably large 
 ship sailed not far from us, on the same course, 
 but it never came too near us. After meal 
 time, the captain sent five of his people with 
 the large boat, to land at Cape Henlopen, to 
 get a pilot, after we had given notice by sev- 
 eral discharges of cannon, and none had come. 
 Four of our. men returned again late in the 
 evening, but had to leave the fifth for a pilot, 
 as no one was allowed to go on board of a 
 strange ship, until some of their people had 
 been examined by a magistrate of a neighbor- 
 ing village. We understood that this was done 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 93 
 
 for the reason that a fleet of twenty Spanish 
 ships of war, large and small, under the known 
 Don Pietro, cruised about the coast here, and 
 the inhabitants daily feared an attack. From 
 the 2d to the 5th of April, we had scarcely 
 any wind. Nevertheless, by the aid of the 
 tide, we gradually advanced so far up the Del- 
 aware, that early on the 5th of April we were 
 only eight miles from Philadelphia, but could 
 proceed no further. After breakfast the mer- 
 chants sent a boat to meet us, to fetch away 
 letters. As everything was packed up early 
 to-day, and I was otherwise ready to land, I 
 went ashore, and into Philadelphia, with our 
 captain and six passengers, in the Philadelphia 
 boat, where we arrived in the evening about 5 
 o'clock, safely and well. The Lord our God 
 be praised for all his goodness, patience and 
 loncr-sufferincr ! I did not find Mr. Brunnholtz 
 at home, as he had to be in Germantown on 
 account of a funeral and other official duties ; 
 but I met Mr. Schaum. 
 
 On the 7th of April the churcfci council re- 
 quested me in church to preach for the con- 
 gregation in the afternoon, as they all desired 
 and expected it. Although I would rather 
 17 N 
 
194 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 have as yet rested this day, still I could not 
 refuse them. I therefore, according to the 
 grace which God granted, preached on I Thes. 
 v. 9, 10; and, in the introductory prayer, I 
 publicly praised and thanked God for all the 
 spiritual and temporal favors shown me on the 
 whole voyage, which Mr. Schaum had also 
 done in the sermon in the forenoon. After 
 church I met my dear brother, Mr. Brunnholtz, 
 at home, who received me with much joy, and 
 on the 9th of April rode with me to Provi- 
 dence, to pastor Muhlenberg, whom, however, 
 we did not meet at home ; therefore, I only 
 spoke with him for the first time on the 10th 
 of April, in the house of an Englishman, not 
 far from the church in Providence. He wel- 
 comed me in these words : They that sozv with 
 tears shall reap with joy. On the 1 1 th of 
 April we again rode to Philadelphia, where, on 
 the 14th, I preached on John xix. 6-16. On 
 the 17th of April we had a visit from the 
 Swedish preacher of this place, and Mr. Sandin, 
 who had recently arrived in York, who was 
 sent here as provost and commissary from 
 Upsal, and with whom I had already spoken 
 on several occasions, in the harbor of Ply- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 95 
 
 mouth. Our intercourse was very friendly and 
 profitable, and may perhaps yet have its bless- 
 ing in the future. April 18th I preached in 
 Germantown, on Titus ii. 14. About 4 o'clock 
 I left here for Providence, to go to pastor 
 Muhlenberg, and on the 19th heard him preach, 
 to my no small content. The people, by their 
 attention, their devotion in singing, and their 
 reverence in their public confession on their 
 knees, were to me uncommonly edifying. At 
 dinner, Mr. Conrad Weiser came with an In- 
 dian king and his son. After dinner these per- 
 sons left for Philadelphia on business. To- 
 wards evening of the 20th of April, I rode 
 with Mr. Vigera and a warden to New Hanover, 
 where Mr. Muhlenberg had preparatory service 
 that day. In the forenoon of April the 21st, 
 I preached there on the Gospel for the first day 
 of Easter, and then assisted in the administra- 
 tion of the holy Supper, to perhaps three hun- 
 dred communicants. After Mr. Muhlenberg 
 had baptized eight children here, we had to 
 go two miles further to baptize the ninth. 
 April the 22d, I preached in Providence in the 
 forenoon, and assisted in administering the 
 Lord's Supper to equally as many communi- 
 
I96 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 cants. On the 23d, a. m., I rode in company 
 with pastor Muhlenberg to Skippack, where 
 in a large room I preached on John xx. 24, to 
 a considerable number of Lutheran and Re- 
 formed people. Early on the 25th of April we 
 set out on our journey to Lancaster, viz., my 
 dear brethren Messrs Muhlenberg and Brunn- 
 holtz and myself, together with Mr. Vigera. On 
 the way Mr. Muhlenberg preached in english to 
 the Swedes in their own church in Schwartz- 
 walde, and Mr. Brunnholtz delivered a discourse 
 in German to the Germans who were present. 
 Several children were also baptized, and a 
 couple joined in marriage, the ceremonies of all 
 of which lasted until nearly 3 o'clock in the 
 afternoon. As a sermon was also promised 
 to the people living in and around Exeter, and 
 they were to meet at 3 o'clock, I had to go 
 there in all haste, with Mr. Vigera. Messrs 
 Muhlenberg and Brunnholtz, on the contrary, 
 still remained with the Swedes, waiting for Mr. 
 Conrad Weiser with the Indians. At 5 o'clock 
 we came to a house not far from the church, 
 where indeed there was a number of people, 
 but an uncommonly great multitude of people 
 of all sorts from a distance had already left at 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 97 
 
 4 o'clock. As those still remaining wished for 
 instruction, I had them come into the room, 
 and preached for them on John v. 40, in con- 
 siderable weariness and weakness ; yet I under- 
 stood afterwards, that it was not without a 
 blessing to many. During the closing prayer, 
 Messrs Muhlenberg and Brunnholtz arrived, 
 who yet baptized two children. Early on 
 the 26th of April, we again left, and arrived 
 safely in Tulpehocken in the afternoon, which 
 place Mr. Weiser, with his Indians, had already 
 reached several hours before. About 10 o'clock 
 of the 27th of April, Messrs Muhlenberg and 
 Brunnholtz rode four miles further to church, 
 for service preparatory to the holy Supper. 
 They left me at home, however, to rest some- 
 what, and to meditate on my sermon for to- 
 morrow. Early on April the 28th, we rode to 
 church together, where we met uncommonly 
 many people from far and near. Before preach- 
 ing, Mr. Muhlenberg had preparatory service 
 with a considerable number of people who 
 were not present yesterday, and yet desired 
 to partake of the Lord's Supper. After that 
 Mr. Brunnholtz baptized a child, and then I 
 preached on Matt. v. 6. After the sermon, 
 
I98 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Mr. Muhlenberg made an exhortation to the 
 communicants, and then Mr. Brunnholtz and 
 myself administered the holy Supper to a great 
 multitude of people. In all those exercises 
 the people were very quiet and attentive, and 
 at least outwardly devotional ; all of them also 
 remained to the close. At 4 o'clock we rode 
 together two miles to a church recently built, 
 where Mr. Kurtz had to preach, which the 
 Herrnhuter had wished to appropriate to them- 
 selves by fraud. 
 
 Early on the 3d of May we traveled from 
 Tulpehocken to Lancaster, where we arrived 
 safely towards evening. May 5th, as the Sun- 
 day Misericordias Domini, of the old alma- 
 nac, I preached here in Lancaster on the Gos- 
 pel John x. 12, to an uncommonly large con- 
 gregation. Before sermon, Mr. *Brunnholtz 
 baptized nine children. After service, the dear 
 brethren, Messrs Muhlenberg and Brunnholtz, 
 remained in the church to speak with the con- 
 gregation, and to elect a church council and 
 new wardens, which lasted until two o'clock. 
 In the afternoori Mr. Brunnholtz preached. In 
 the afternoon of May the 6th, Mr. Muhlenberg 
 made the proposal to me, in the name of the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 1 99 
 
 congregation, whether I would for a time un- 
 dertake to labor in this congregation, to which 
 I consented, under the very wise written con- 
 ditions presented to me, which I and the whole 
 church council undersigned, and thereupon 
 gave each other the right hand. May 7th I 
 preached in Earltown, fourteen miles from 
 Lancaster, on Acts v. 31, and assisted Mr. 
 Brunnholtz in administering the holy Supper 
 to a considerable number of communicants, 
 after Mr. Muhlenberg had had preparatory 
 service with them. In the afternoon we con- 
 tinued our journey, but on account of the 
 rainy weather had to stop by the way, and 
 thoroughly wet, we only arrived again in the 
 afternoon of the 8th of May, in Providence. 
 May 10th, I, with Mr. Brunnholtz, again left 
 this place, and towards evening, thank God, we 
 again safely arrived in Philadelphia. Early on 
 the 1 2th of May, I rode to Germantown, where, 
 as the people say, I preached to an extraordin- 
 arily large congregation of Lutherans, Re- 
 formed, Mennonites, and six negroes. On the 
 1 6th of May, on the arrival of Mr. Muhlenberg, 
 who came day before yesterday evening, we mu- 
 tually considered and agreed upon many things 
 
200 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 which relate to the congregations and the ex- 
 ercise of our office. I cannot sufficiently thank 
 the Lord our God, for these dear brethren and 
 colleagues, who are of such advantage to me. 
 This forenoon we were visited by the Swed- 
 ish provost, Mr. Sandin, and in the afternoon 
 Mr. Muhlenberg again departed. On the 17th of 
 May, in the afternoon, we received a visit from 
 the Presbyterian preacher, viz., Mr. Tennent, 
 who is much beloved by us. The conversa- 
 tion was instructive, pleasant and kind. He 
 remained here until late in the evening, and not 
 without our great delight and edification. May 
 19th I preached in Philadelphia, both in the 
 forenoon and afternoon, and baptized a child. 
 Mr. Brunnholtz was in Germantown. On the 
 23d of May I set out on my journey to Lan- 
 caster, in company with Mr. Vigera, who, for 
 my relief in external matters, goes with me 
 for a time. On the 24th I had to baptize an 
 English child at an English inn, by the way. 
 After our arrival in Lancaster, I first of all 
 called upon God for all I thought most neces- 
 sary for us. This I did in my room, with the 
 members of the church council and wardens, 
 and the school-master, who had come to meet 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 201 
 
 us as far as the last stream. The remaining 
 time was passed in edifying conversation on 
 various topics. On the 26th of May, after the 
 close of the forenoon service, the members of 
 the congregation tarried, to whom the school- 
 master read Messrs Muhlenberg and Brunn- 
 holtz's letter to the congregation, in relation to 
 me. I then went before the altar, and ad- 
 dressed the whole congregation, had the twelve 
 members of the church council come around 
 the altar, read every article to them which they 
 had subscribed to at their election, and again 
 asked them if that was their intention still, and 
 if they would abide by it ? Whereupon, one 
 after the other, having given me their hand, 
 promised me to do all this with the help of 
 God, whereto I heartily wished them much 
 grace from God. After that I had the six 
 wardens come before the altar. I set forth 
 before them their special duties as wardens, 
 and exhorted them to do all that which God 
 should give them opportunity to do to advance 
 his kingdom in our congregation. All of 
 which they also promised me, with a clasp of 
 their hands, and I wished them grace thereto. 
 Finally, I closed with a prayer, wherein I 
 
202 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 presented everything circumstantially to God. 
 These exercises did not pass without emotion 
 and tears. At 3 p. m., Mr. Schaum preached. 
 Several persons from Earltown, from Beaver 
 Creek, and Strasburg township, came to speak 
 with me, whether I could also serve them with 
 the word of God, and when, whom I informed 
 as well as I could at present. At noon of May 
 the 28th, I, together with Messrs Schaum and 
 Vigera, rode to Yorktown, a place recently ( 
 located on the other side of the Susquehanna, 
 which is a very broad stream, and on account 
 of the many rocks, a dangerous river. As 
 soon as we had arrived in the evening, I in- 
 formed myself of the circumstances and of the 
 condition of the congregation. Early on the 
 29th of May, we were taken to several of the 
 most respectable members of the congregation, 
 with whom I had many things to consult upon. 
 Thereupon I had notice given, that the mem- 
 bers of the Lutheran congregation should 
 meet this afternoon at 3 o'clock in our church, 
 to confer with me concerning new wardens and 
 elders, as the time of the former had already 
 expired long ago. In the afternoon I stated 
 our object to the assembled congregation, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 203 
 
 and after singing and prayer, proceeded to 
 the election of two new wardens and elders. 
 They were elected by a plurality of votes, and 
 as I had very heartily called upon God that 
 he might direct the election, so also, perhaps, 
 we could not have obtained any better than 
 we did get. After that, several necessary mat- 
 ters were yet spoken of with the congregation. 
 On the 30th of May, I conversed the whole 
 forenoon with those who applied to me for the 
 holy Supper, and whom, with the assistance of 
 several of the best members of the congrega- 
 tion, I sought to examine, and to give to each 
 one the necessary exhortation, according to 
 the grace given from God. After this we went 
 into the church, where there was an indescrib- 
 able multitude of people of all kinds of sects, 
 of whom many, on account of want of room, 
 placed themselves around the church. Before 
 Mr. Schaum's sermon, I baptized two children. 
 After the sermon I presented the two new 
 wardens and the two elders before the whole 
 congregation, put them in mind of their duties, 
 and prayed for them. Afterwards, I read to 
 the congregation the instrumaitum vocationis 
 (the call) of Mr. Schaum to York, composed 
 
204 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 by my dear brethren, Messrs Muhlenberg and 
 Brunnholtz, introduced him there, gave him, 
 according to my apprehension, the most neces- 
 sary admonition, and closed this act by prayer. 
 Finally I invited those to come forward who 
 were to be confirmed, of whom there were six- 
 teen, and examined and confirmed them. They 
 could still repeat the catechism tolerably well. 
 In each principal article, I sought to press 
 home to their hearts the most necessary doc- 
 trines. Kneeling, I in the name of all renewed 
 the baptismal covenant by a prayer, wherein 
 nearly all the people in the church prostrated 
 themselves with us, and this also did not pass 
 without tears and emotion. Between each of 
 these acts mentioned, I had a suitable verse of 
 familiar hymns sung. Towards evening, three 
 wardens from Conewago, twenty miles further, 
 on the borders of Maryland, announced them- 
 selves to take me to that place. According to 
 the arrangement of my dear brethren, I was to 
 see whether York and Conewago could not be 
 united, and the worship of God be alternately 
 attended to in these places by Mr. Schaum. 
 Early on the 31st of May, many still as yet 
 applied to me for the holy Supper. At 9.30 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 205 
 
 we went into the church in York. I delivered 
 the preparatory discourse ; afterwards we all 
 kneeled, and after confession, I made a short 
 prayer and absolved them. When Mr. Schaum 
 had preached, I administered the holy Supper. 
 In the afternoon, until late in the evening, we 
 were much occupied with an old, deeply rooted 
 matter in dispute, which, however, after much 
 prayer and affectionate persuasion, was laid 
 aside and wholly removed. To relate the 
 matter would be far too lengthy. It certainly 
 will make an impression, and occasion joy in 
 the whole congregation, and so much the more, 
 as much depends on the contending parties. 
 
 Early on the 1st of June, Mr. Vigera, as also 
 a warden from the congregation in York, one 
 from Conewago, and I, rode to the last named 
 place. As soon as we came into that region, 
 we had the other wardens, who live from three 
 to four miles apart, come together as soon as 
 possible. One of them, however, who had 
 hitherto taken sides with old Mr. Kraft, ex- 
 cused himself. When I noticed that there 
 was a division in the congregation, and that 
 Mr. Kraft was to preach to-morrow, I refused to 
 preach for them. However, after much en- 
 
206 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 treaty on their part, I promised it, on condition 
 that it could be done by the approbation of 
 all. We had all therefore to mount again, and 
 although somewhat late, we rode four miles to 
 the absent warden, who is regarded as of con- 
 siderable respectability. When we came to 
 him, I made known to him the nature of my 
 business, and that our object was not to dis- 
 possess Mr. Kraft. Just when I interceded for 
 him, that they should annually give him some- 
 thing certain, on account of his advanced age 
 and other great infirmities, especially as a con- 
 siderable part of their congregation had ac- 
 cepted of him by writing for one year, the 
 old man himself entered the room. I imme- 
 diately related to him the import of our con- 
 versation; and the particular reasons of our 
 presence, but could obtain no suitable answer 
 from him for our purpose but this, that it 
 would be agreeable to him if I preached for 
 him to-morrow, but to retire again from the 
 congregation would be a disgrace to him, as 
 many had accepted of him for one year as 
 their regular preacher. Otherwise I spoke 
 much with him of the importance of the 
 teacher's office, and of the heavy responsibil- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 207 
 
 ity of the preachers in their unfaithfulness and 
 carnal purposes, to which he said not a word. 
 On the 2d of June I preached in Conewago at 
 the school-house, in the open air, whilst parson 
 Kraft sat on my right at a small table, and a 
 great multitude of people of all kinds of sects 
 were gathered around us, among whom there 
 was also a Moravian preacher. I also baptized 
 two children, and thank God, everything passed 
 off quietly and orderly. After service, to my 
 surprise, old Mr. Kraft and the above men- 
 tioned warden showed themselves uncom- 
 monly courteous toward me. In the after- 
 noon, escorted by several wardens, having 
 meanwhile much conversation with each other, 
 we returned, and in the evening arrived safely 
 in York again. June 3d, I, together with 
 Mr. Vigera, returned to Lancaster. On the 7th 
 of June, seven persons from Earltown were with 
 me, and very humbly requested a sermon on 
 the 2d — Whitsuntide — which, however, not- 
 withstanding their persevering entreaty, the 
 church council of this place and the wardens 
 refused. On the 15th of June the first church 
 council in Lancaster was held, with the assis- 
 tance of the wardens; and among other things, 
 
208 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 it was enacted, that every four weeks, on Sat- 
 urday afternoon, the twelve church councilmen 
 and the six wardens should come together to 
 me, and no one absent himself without urgent 
 necessity. Every two weeks, on the contrary, 
 only those who could and desired it, should 
 meet. On the 16th of June I rode, together 
 with six wardens and church councilmen, from 
 Lancaster to Earltown, fourteen miles from 
 this place, preached there, had a repetition and 
 instruction, and talked of many things with the 
 congregation concerning their future arrange- 
 ments. The resolution of the church council 
 of Lancaster, and the conditions under which 
 they could also participate in my calling, was 
 also made known to them by a writing pre- 
 viously examined in the church council. On 
 the 22d of June I held the second session of 
 the church council and of the wardens, where- 
 in it was resolved, that after divine service to- 
 morrow the congregation be requested to re- 
 main, that I might entreat them to give notice 
 of those children and young people, of Luth- 
 eran parentage, who are at service with those 
 of strange religious relations and sects, as we 
 are bound to care for these poor children to 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 200, 
 
 the utmost, and to hold them to the service of 
 God, and to instruct them. Delegates from 
 Earltown also were present in the church 
 council, and brought along with them the con- 
 sent of their congregation to the conditions 
 enacted. Early on the 26th of June I rode to 
 Earltown, where I spoke with the whole con- 
 gregation in the church concerning the election 
 of new wardens, and to the satisfaction of all, 
 two very fine men were selected by a plurality 
 of votes. After sermon I presented the two 
 newly elected wardens before the congregation 
 with prayer, and gave a charge to them concern- 
 ing the duties resting upon them. I then invited 
 the young people to come forward, and held a 
 rehearsal and catechisation. On the 29th of 
 June I held the third session of the church 
 council here in Lancaster, wherein it was unan- 
 imously resolved, that once every week, two 
 church councilmen and one warden should visit 
 our daily increasing school with me. June 30th, 
 between the morning and afternoon service, 
 people who were sent by a small Lutheran 
 congregation from Strasburg township, came 
 and most earnestly entreated that I should in- 
 deed also care for their souls, to whom, how- 
 18* O 
 
210 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 ever, I could not as yet give a certain answer, 
 but many a necessary admonition. 
 
 On the 3d of July. Nyberg, who had been 
 a Lutheran, and became a Moravian preacher, 
 who occasioned so much division and irrepar- 
 able injury here, removed from this place to 
 Bethlehem. July the 7th, I had much to do 
 with several people from Strasburg township, 
 who would by no means take a refusal. Upon 
 their many entreaties, I had at last to promise 
 that after eight days I would visit them and 
 preach for them. On the 9th of July I rode 
 into the country to visit some people on their 
 plantations, where I found sundry excellent 
 people ; and among others, a young man w T ho 
 was awakened on last Whitsuntide, gave me 
 pleasure and a good hope that he would per- 
 severe in the good begun. July 19th I visited 
 our school, which increases very much, and 
 consists of English, Irish, Germans, Lutherans, 
 and also of one Reformed, although one Eng- 
 lish and one German Reformed school are in 
 this place. The people harass the school- 
 master much with their children, all of whom 
 it is impossible for him to receive or attend to. 
 Early on the 24th of July I was taken to Stras- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 211 
 
 • 
 
 burg township, fourteen miles from here, to 
 preach and to take charge of the congregation 
 of that place. I entreated the people very im- 
 pressively, publicly and particularly, to spare 
 me if they were not very earnestly concerned 
 for their edification unto salvation, as I had 
 more to do in two other congregations than I 
 could well attend to, and the road to them was 
 too far and entirely too fatiguing, as it was 
 necessary to ride over a tolerably large stream, 
 two pretty large rivulets, and several stony and 
 marshy tracts of country. 
 
 On the 4th of August, the holy Supper was 
 administered to 185 communicants, with whom 
 preparatory service and confession were held 
 yesterday and to-day. The number of these 
 would yet have been far greater, if many, liv- 
 ing in a disorderly manner, had not been turned 
 away. In the afternoon, I had rehearsal and 
 instruction. On the 6th of August, after a 
 marriage sermon, I united in wedlock two fine 
 people, of whom the man is Reformed; at 
 which one of the principal Indian women was 
 present, in her strange costume, and who con- 
 ducted herself quietly and modestly all the 
 time. For twelve days past, upwards of thirty 
 
212 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 • 
 
 Indians are here on public business. August 
 the 9th, as our school has almost daily in- 
 creased for two months past, and it is impos- 
 sible for our school-master to attend to and to 
 superintend it, we were constrained to apply to 
 Mr. Vigera for assistance, who was also found 
 willing to take twenty-four of the children. He 
 began this labor in the school on the 3d of 
 July, and has continued it to this time, and not 
 without a perceptible advantage ; although it 
 often became very burdensome to him, on ac- 
 count of much too little room, and the frequent 
 very great heat. On the 12th of August, Mr. 
 Schaum, with a justice of the peace, his land- 
 lord in York, came to visit me. We had much 
 to say to each other about York, Conewago, 
 and yet another place called Bermudian. Yet 
 this evening delegated wardens from Conewago 
 came, who in their letter to us very humbly 
 asked for Mr. Schaum. On the 17th of August, 
 a meeting of the church council was held, and 
 three members of that body and one warden 
 were chosen as delegates to attend the church 
 dedication, the ordination of Mr. Kurtz, and 
 the synod in Philadelphia. But the rest were 
 at liberty, according to their external circum- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 213 
 
 • 
 
 stances, to attend or not. In Earltown, a war- 
 den was also elected for this purpose. On the 
 2 1st of August, I set out for Philadelphia, and 
 arrived there safely on the day following. Pas- 
 tor Hartwick also came soon after. On the 
 23d of August, the most important questions 
 of every part of theology were proposed to 
 Mr. Kurtz, to be answered in writing. On the 
 24th of August, after the arrival of pastor 
 Muhlenberg from Providence, he presented his 
 written answer to all questions proposed to 
 him, which we read through together, and ex- 
 amined them a little, and thereupon an oral 
 examination of him was instituted. After- 
 wards, whatever was necessary in relation to 
 Mr. Kurtz was talked over with the whole 
 church council from Tulpehocken. On the 
 25th of August, about 10 o'clock, we preachers 
 together with the church council, elders, and 
 wardens of each congregation, proceeded to 
 church by pairs. Mr. Muhlenberg consecrated 
 the church recently erected in Philadelphia, 
 which each preacher, kneeling around the altar, 
 confirmed by a brief prayer. The sermon was 
 delivered by me on the Gospel of the ioth Sun- 
 day after Trinity. After the sermon, Mr. Hart- 
 
214 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 wick and I held the communion, in which we 
 united preachers all participated. In the after- 
 noon, Mr. Hartwick preached, and after his ser- 
 mon, Mr. Kurtz was ordained. That which 
 was necessary, Mr. Muhlenberg set before him 
 affectingly and impressively, and thereupon, 
 he, the Swedish provost, Mr. Sandin the 
 Swedish preacher, Mr. Naessman, Mr. Hart- 
 wick, Mr. Brunnholtz, and myself, laid hands 
 upon him, and then we all wished him much 
 blessing from the Lord. On the 26th of 
 August, Mr. Kurtz preached. After preaching, 
 a synod was held, wherein everything passed 
 orderly and peacefully, for which we cannot 
 sufficiently thank God. On the 27th of Au- 
 gust, I went with Mr. Muhlenberg from Phil- 
 adelphia to Providence, and the day following 
 from there to Lancaster. 
 
 On the 17th of September, a beginning was 
 made in the preparation of the youth for the 
 holy Supper. This was done publicly in the 
 church, in presence of the church council, the 
 wardens, the parents and masters, and some 
 other people. All the children of the school 
 had to be present also. First of all, I delivered 
 a discourse on 2 Tim. iii. 15-17, and in the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 215 
 
 application put five different questions to the 
 hearts of the youth, which they all answered 
 by audibly saying yes, and each one by strik- 
 ing hands. There are already twenty-eight 
 young people, who all desire this prepar- 
 ation, among whom there are five who can- 
 not, as yet, even read, and several of them 
 live from six to nine miles from here, and 
 are also mostly from eighteen to twenty years 
 old. I then placed them before the church 
 council, to examine them and their parents, 
 and to point out to me that which was nec- 
 essary for their best well-being. Now as 
 they promised the church council and the war- 
 dens obedience and love, giving their hands on 
 it, I instituted a short examination, spoke with 
 the parents and masters, and then it was de- 
 creed that the youth should meet me twice a 
 week for preparation. This act did not pass 
 without a blessing and emotion. More, it 
 seems, may be effected with the young people 
 than with the old. They also manifest consid- 
 erable industry in learning the most important 
 passages which are given them. At instruction 
 there are of people, large and small, generally 
 some seventy, who give to me both joy and hope. 
 
2l6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 The Lord, my good and faithful God, must 
 be praised by me here, and into all eternity, 
 that he gives strength to me, the weak, and 
 graciously supports me from week to week, 
 and from one work to another. According to 
 his mercy may he so continue, and that for 
 which I implore him most, not to permit the 
 work of my calling to be in vain, neither in my 
 own nor in the souls entrusted to me, but let 
 it lead to a true and eternally-abiding blessing, 
 for the glory of his name 1 
 
 John Frederick Handschuch. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 FOURTH CONTINUATION OF THE REPORT OF SEV- 
 ERAL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS 
 
 IN AMERICA, ESPECIALLY IN PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 A REPORT OF THE MOST RECENT CIRCUMSTAN- 
 CES THE MISSION OF TWO NEW ASSISTANTS 
 
 WHAT WAS REPORTED IN THE LATEST LET- 
 TERS FROM PENNSYLVANIA REMINISCENCES 
 
 AGAINST COUNT VON ZINZENDORF, WHICH ARE 
 SUBJOINED AS AN APPENDAGE. 
 
 Although it was promised in the preced- 
 ing third continuation that this fourth should 
 follow yet the same autumn, and that therein 
 should be communicated the welcome intelli- 
 gence from pastor Muhlenberg, of many 
 edifying examples of various persons, now for 
 the most part deceased, who were awakened to 
 a concern for their souls' salvation, through the 
 preaching of the word of God ; many ob- 
 stacles, however, coming between delayed the 
 fulfilment of this promise on the one hand, and 
 on the other this delay was also occasioned 
 19 (217) 
 
2l8 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 by the expectation that yet, before the winter 
 just passed, two new fellow-laborers should 
 set out for Pennsylvania. For it was intended 
 at the same time to communicate some infor- 
 mation concerning these, but this matter being 
 deferred from one time to another, so this 
 continuation was in like manner, unperceived, 
 delayed thereby. 
 
 § 2. But now, that under many indications 
 of the Divine providence, two new assistants 
 are on the point of making ready for their 
 departure, this article should be delayed no 
 longer, wherein, first of all, in this section, 
 some circumstances relating to them are to be 
 noticed, and then to note that which is most 
 necessary of the latest intelligence from Penn- 
 sylvania, which was received since last fall. 
 
 § 3. As respects the first, when pastor 
 Handschuch was sent in 1747, it did not please 
 the Lord to indicate a second candidate, and to 
 make him willing to accept the call. Therefore, 
 although two were desired, he had to go alone. 
 It was, however, easily foreseen even then that 
 the preachers as well as the congregations 
 would still further present their necessities and 
 desire that more be sent. Now, although the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2IO, 
 
 nearest want of some congregations was re- 
 moved for the present by the commission of 
 Messrs. Kurtz and Schaum as their regular 
 preachers, it was manifest from the following 
 letters of the preachers, that the labor in the 
 congregations already supplied with preachers 
 not only increased, but also that the desire 
 arose in still more congregations likewise to 
 participate in the instruction of the word of 
 God. 
 
 § 4. In the letters received during the last 
 year, this, among other things, was ascertained 
 and reported, that the preachers, especially 
 pastors Brunnholtz and Handschuch, as their 
 labor daily increased, needed help, on ac- 
 count of their bodily infirmities. Also, that 
 various other forsaken congregations, whicJi 
 will be more fully noticed hereafter, applied to 
 them anew, and requested that they might in 
 part be supplied with preachers of their own, 
 and in part visited by them occasionally, and 
 be instructed in the word of God, and also that 
 the holy Supper might be administered to 
 them. Therefore they, viz., the preachers, en- 
 tered in their name and in the name of the con- 
 gregations that several new assistants might, by 
 
220 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the next opportunity, be chosen for them and 
 sent over by Dr. and Prof. Franke, of Halle. 
 This petition was also strongly seconded by 
 the royal court preacher of Great Britain, 
 Mr. Frederick Michael Ziegenhagen, who from 
 the first interested himself for these Pennsyl- 
 vania congregations with a laudable zeal and a 
 special care, that first of all, two suitable labor- 
 ers might be sent, to see meanwhile how far 
 these would suffice for the present necessity. 
 § 5. But the congregations, partly because 
 they still had church debts to pay, and partly, 
 also, on account of their own poverty, were not 
 at present able to defray the expenses required 
 for the voyage. This occasioned not a small 
 trial. Dr. Franke did not like to leave the hith- 
 erto faithful laborers without help, and the 
 sheep as yet straying without a shepherd to per- 
 ish, on the one hand ; and on the other, had not 
 sufficient means in hand, upon which he could 
 reckon to defray expenses. Something must 
 therefore be ventured on the kind providence 
 of the rich God, for whom it is a small thing to 
 give whatever he sees necessary for the ad- 
 vancement of his kingdom ; in the hope that 
 his heart-controlling power would awaken 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 221 
 
 benevolent patrons, kindly to contribute some- 
 thing of their temporal blessings, for this exi- 
 gency, that these new co- laborers may be sent 
 in free, by such assistance. 
 
 § 6. In this reliance upon God, the first step 
 was taken in the matter, and it was earnestly 
 thought of, that the two fellow-laborers longed 
 for, might under divine guidance be found. 
 For this purpose a number of theological can- 
 didates were proposed, among whom was Mr. 
 Frederick Schulze, from Konigsberg in Prussia, 
 who had already, in the autumn of 1 750, shown 
 himself almost willing to follow the will and 
 call of God to Pennsylvania, and to let him- 
 self be used there, as necessity might require. 
 
 § 7. Now, in the meanwhile, when every ef- 
 fort was made in seeking for the second candi- 
 date also, the faithful God began to manifest 
 his help, inasmuch a* he awakened an unknown 
 benefactress in Germany, to remit to the well- 
 remembered court preacher Ziegenhagen, a 
 generous contribution of 800 Rix dollars, for 
 the advancement of the institutions in Penn- 
 sylvania; whereby, therefore, the anxiety con- 
 cerning the expenses of the voyage was re- 
 moved and such a wonderful and kind help 
 19* 
 
222 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 from God was acknowledged with so much 
 the more humble thanks, as except this, there 
 was nothing whereof that which was neces- 
 sary could have been taken. His name be 
 praised, that in this matter he did not permit 
 his servants to hope for his aid in vain, and 
 their faith to come to shame. May he also, as 
 our Father in heaven, who seeth in secret, re- 
 ward this unknown benefactress for such a lib- 
 eral contribution, publicly and with an endless 
 blessing. 
 
 § 8. Now, although this providence of God 
 conduced to renewed encouragement to think 
 the more earnestly of the second candidate, 
 and although there was no cessation in offering 
 the call to this vineyard to those in whom we 
 could have confidence, that they might be 
 employed with advantage, yet some were pre- 
 vented by their parents from accepting it, and 
 others were unable to come to a conclusion 
 thereto, by reason of their own circumstances. 
 Whereupon not only the preceding autumn, 
 but the winter also, passed without finding the 
 second laborer. Yea, as so many difficulties 
 presented themselves, and in the spring of the 
 year still more occurred, the whole business 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 223 
 
 might almost have been given up for this year, 
 under the impression that perhaps it might as 
 yet not be the proper time, if new and urgent 
 representations had not been made from Eng- 
 land, that nevertheless the necessity required 
 that yet this year some one be sent to Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 
 § 9. In the meanwhile letters again arrived 
 from Pennsylvania, in which pastor Brunnholtz 
 reported that as his bodily constitution was 
 feeble, it was too burdensome for him when he 
 was frequently called to visit the sick in Ger- 
 mantown in the severest cold, or in stormy, 
 rainy weather, or had a funeral there, or other 
 official duties, and besides had to attend to his 
 daily labors at home, in the congregation in 
 Philadelphia ; that both congregations, and 
 especially that in Philadelphia, are dissatisfied if 
 he does not himself preach every Sunday, and 
 as he cannot do this in both places at the same 
 time, he was obliged only to have a sermon 
 read from a postil at the one place. Neverthe- 
 less, the congregation in Germantown was" 
 unwilling to part with him. But if a preacher 
 were sent from Halle, and accepted as his 
 adjunct, and lived in Germantown, preached 
 
224 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 there regularly, and performed the other duties 
 of a preacher in the congregation, and they 
 occasionally exchanging pulpits with each 
 other, they were ready to provide for his 
 necessary support. The congregation in Phila- 
 delphia would also thereby be satisfied, as they 
 frequently complain that they lose much by 
 the Germantown congregation. 
 
 § 10. Now, as the necessity of the speedy 
 mission of the assistants was recognized anew, 
 from this intelligence, and for this object prayer 
 was further persevered in, God heard and 
 graciously designated the second laborer in the 
 person of John Dietrich Matthias Heintzel- 
 mann, born in Saltzwedel in Altenmarck, who, a 
 few weeks ago, with the consent of his beloved 
 parents, accepted the call offered to him, and 
 now, together with the before mentioned 
 Schulze, is about to enter upon the voyage to 
 Pennsylvania. But that they may be prepared 
 for all official duties as soon as they arrive in 
 Pennsylvania, conformably to order, they will 
 •first be ordained. 
 
 § II. Both candidates studied in the univer- 
 sity of this place, Mr. Schulze, however, be- 
 fore already for five years at Konigsberg in 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 225 
 
 Prussia, where he was born, and educated in 
 the celebrated Collegio Friedericiano, and in 
 the institutions of the orphans' house, were still 
 further prepared for the service of the Lord. 
 As a superintendence of the orphans had been 
 entrusted to both here, so they already with 
 such opportunity became more intimately ac- 
 quainted with each other, which in the future 
 also will contribute not a little to their more 
 intimate union in the Lord. 
 
 § 12. Now, as from the above mentioned 
 circumstances it appears, that first of all one 
 of these new fellow-laborers must be accepted 
 as the adjunct of pastor Brunnholtz — that pas- 
 tor Handschuch also needs a co-laborer in his 
 congregations, and as will be stated below, 
 among other things, three new congregations 
 wish for a preacher, and others desire that they 
 may at least be visited sometimes ; it is easily 
 foreseen, that these two are insufficient to meet 
 every want. Now, as no more can be sent, it 
 was rather left to the judgment of all the 
 preachers, as to what arrangements and regu- 
 lations they should make for the necessary re- 
 lief of the preachers, as well as also that the 
 new congregations may be served as much 
 P 
 
226 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 as possible, by the frequent visits of their co- 
 laborers, until it may please the Lord to send 
 more faithful laborers into this harvest. 
 
 § 13. The name of the Lord be praised, who 
 indeed not under manifold trials only, but also 
 certainly just as little, without many indica- 
 tions of his special government and providence, 
 made these two candidates willing, first to give 
 themselves to the Lord, and then to his ser- 
 vants, and according to their desire, permitted 
 themselves to be sent where they can be em- 
 ployed for the spreading abroad of the king- 
 dom of Christ. This also perhaps deserves 
 especially to be noticed, as a proof of the 
 strange divine guidance, that when we sought 
 for the second candidate during half a year, 
 and may perhaps also have thought of Mr. 
 Heintzelmann several times, we did not sup- 
 pose that he would so readily resolve to accept 
 of this call, or obtain the consent of his beloved 
 parents. In the meantime, nevertheless, the 
 Lord in secret so prepared his heart for it, that 
 he indeed did not feel a particular inclination 
 to go there if the call should come to him, but 
 latterly especially, he rather perceived more 
 disinclination, but was more frequently re- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 227 
 
 minded of it, that the call might reach him, 
 which served to awaken him to call heartily 
 upon God, that he would permit nothing to be 
 done against his will; and thus, because the 
 matter had already in his heart frequently 
 passed through contest and prayer, after the 
 call was actually given to him, and fell upon 
 his heart as a very weighty matter, his resolu- 
 tion was perceptibly facilitated. From this we 
 may learn that the Lord also there, where it 
 pleases his wisdom to try his servants and 
 children by delay in hearing their prayer, yet 
 already in secret, as it were, makes preparation 
 to fulfill the desire of their hearts. 
 
 § 14. As for the rest, it is certainly to be re- 
 garded as a favor from God, and especially 
 should it be acknowledged with due thankful- 
 ness by the congregations in Pennsylvania, that 
 at this time yet, also, when worldly-minded 
 people perhaps esteem nothing as more con- 
 temptible than to be so much concerned about 
 the glory of God, as for its sake to leave one's 
 native land, and undertake a voyage so distant, 
 whilst so many hundreds of people, either from 
 mere curiosity, or from an insatiable hunger 
 after riches (the most miserable human pas- 
 
228 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 sion), daily do the same thing. It is a divine 
 favor, and should be an occasion of thankful- 
 ness, that God still prepares instruments, who, 
 not from a want of interest in their native land 
 and its advancement, but from a true obedience 
 towards the will of God, and a hearty desire to 
 assist in the promotion of his kingdom, deny 
 their native land, and accept of the fatigue of 
 the voyage and all the remaining circumstances. 
 These, however, also lose nothing in fact, but 
 have not only their bodily support, except 
 which, at all events, man can have nothing of 
 all the riches of this world, and which they can 
 also just as well obtain from the faithful pater- 
 nal hand of God, in another part of the world, 
 and prepare for themselves a blessing for eter- 
 nity, if in true faithfulness they seek to pro- 
 mote the glory of God and the salvation of 
 mankind, until their happy end. 
 
 § 15. We hereby awaken ourselves to call 
 upon the Lord heartily, that he may also not 
 only protect these messengers of the gospel, 
 prepared and sent out by him, from all danger 
 on their voyage, but also equip them with the 
 necessary gifts of his Holy Spirit, that they may 
 come to the congregations in the full blessing 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 229 
 
 of the gospel, for whose sake they renounced 
 all the advantages of their native land, and that 
 through their service in the Word of God 
 many may be awakened from the sleep of se- 
 curity. Generally, however, we should call 
 upon the Lord that the blessing of the Word 
 of God may the more richly manifest itself in 
 these congregations, as they before for so long 
 a time were destitute of faithful teachers, and 
 such had hitherto always to be sent to them, 
 not without many difficulties. Besides, it now 
 pleased the faithfulness of God graciously to 
 impart that which was needed for the voyage 
 of the new fellow laborers, by benevolent 
 hands. Thus may he continue to grant that 
 which is requisite, as well for the payment of 
 the remaining church debts in Philadelphia, 
 which makes it very difficult for the congrega- 
 tion there to provide for the necessary support 
 of their teachers, and also present that which 
 is needed for the other wants of all the congre- 
 gations in Pennsylvania, and for the promotion 
 of good institutions, and to this end further 
 raise up kind benefactors for the glorification 
 of his honor. 
 
 § 16. As mention was already made of the 
 
23O REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 arrival of several more recent letters from 
 Pennsylvania, it remains to communicate some 
 intelligence from these in this section, concern- 
 ing the principal circumstances in relation to 
 the preachers and the congregations. Gener- 
 ally so much is manifest from them, that all 
 the preachers, Messrs Muhlenberg, Brunnholtz 
 and Handschuch, together with the two asso- 
 ciates in office, Messrs. Kurtz and Schaum, are 
 most cordially united in fraternal love, so that 
 when they meet together they are refreshed by 
 each other, and with affectionate love the one 
 assists the other upon every opportunity, 
 whereby their burdens and their cares are 
 much alleviated. 
 
 § 17. It is therein reported, that on the 1 8th 
 of June, 1750, a meeting of all the preachers and 
 wardens of the united congregations was again 
 held, in which the congregations in Goschen- 
 hoppen, Indianfield, Perkasie, Macungie and 
 Cohansey, also made application by several 
 delegates, and desired that they might be re- 
 ceived in communion with the others, and the 
 preachers care for them, that they be provided 
 with regular clergymen ; but that those among 
 them who are unable to support one of their 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 23 1 
 
 own, might occasionally be visited by the 
 preachers and their assistants. The assembled 
 preachers and wardens also promised them, that 
 as much as possible they should be cared for. 
 The first two, Goschenhoppen and Indianfield, 
 were especially encouraged hereby, that pastor 
 Muhlenberg would visit them as soon as he 
 was able, and inquire to what extent they 
 could be provided for. The congregation at 
 Perkasie is also to be united with these, and 
 the three constitute one parish. Hope was 
 given to the congregation at Macungie, that a 
 catechist, Mr. Schrenck, who had been ac- 
 cepted in Mr. Muhlenberg's out-parishes at 
 Saccum and Upper Millford, should visit them 
 now and then .and preach for them, as it was 
 as yet impossible to give them a preacher con- 
 stantly. As respects the congregation at Co- 
 hansey, the fitness of their schoolmaster was 
 first of all to be next investigated. Besides, it 
 was proposed at this meeting, as necessity re- 
 quired it, that for the sake of good order, a 
 superintendent be annually chosen over all the 
 united congregations ; whereto pastor Brunn- 
 holtz was appointed for this year, which also 
 he could not refuse, although the wardens of 
 
232 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 his congregation remonstrated against it, on 
 account of his sickliness and his many other 
 labors. 
 
 §18. In relation especially to the congrega- 
 tion in Philadelphia, and the congregation be- 
 longing thereto in Germantown, besides what 
 has already been said, it is reported, that pastor 
 Brunnholtz has been very infirm since July, 
 1749. And as he besides had several severe 
 attacks, with which he has been visited in later 
 times almost every year, he often otherwise 
 had to keep his bed for several days, and could 
 not always preach; which not only grieved 
 him very much, as he would gladly attend to 
 his office with all possible faithfulness, but also 
 gave rise to some dissatisfaction with several 
 in the congregation. Besides his naturally not 
 very strong bodily constitution, which he also 
 often felt with much inconvenience in Ger- 
 many, his excessive labors in his office as 
 preacher added not a little to his infirmity. 
 May the faithful God, who has set this worthy 
 man in the congregations in Pennsylvania for 
 many a blessing, graciously restore to him the 
 strength wasted unweariedly in his service, 
 and yet long preserve him and the rest of the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 233 
 
 preachers, in part feeble also, for the good of 
 his church in Pennsylvania. May he also so 
 strengthen them, that they may still be able, 
 for the glorification of his holy name, and for 
 the promotion of the eternal salvation of the 
 members of the congregations entrusted to 
 them, to labor for them with the proper ac- 
 tivity. 
 
 § 19. In this sickly condition of pastor 
 Brunnholtz, the congregations nevertheless 
 manifested a desire to have a regular sermon 
 every Sunday at each place. As it hitherto 
 could not be arranged otherwise than this, that 
 pastor Brunnholtz had service one Sunday in 
 Philadelphia, and on the other in Germantown, 
 in the forenoon and afternoon, Mr. Schaum for- 
 merly, as long as he was in Philadelphia, at- 
 tended to the worship of God at the other place, 
 and after he took charge of the congregation 
 in York, Mr. Vigera, the school teacher at the 
 time in Philadelphia, read a sermon to them. 
 This induced him to take on trial, for a time, 
 as assistant or fellow-laborer, a certain theolog- 
 ical candidate, who had come to Pennsylvania 
 sometime ago, and whom he kindly took into 
 his house, where he had opportunity to estab- 
 
234 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 lish himself still more in the knowledge of the 
 divine truths, until other assistants should come 
 from Germany. After the arrival of these, said 
 candidate could then either return again to 
 Europe, or further, in one way or another, find 
 his work in Pennsylvania, where, according to 
 the foregoing, the harvest is great, but the 
 laborers only few. 
 
 § 20. In Philadelphia, the school is regularly 
 kept by the before mentioned Mr. Vigera, in 
 the house of pastor Brunnholtz, who also, 
 as already noticed, in case of necessity, at- 
 tends to divine service by reading an edifying 
 sermon, and who has done many and useful 
 services for all the preachers, since his resi- 
 dence in Pennsylvania. In Germantown there 
 is likewise a regular school, in which the diffi- 
 culties are much greater, because the members 
 of the congregation are much scattered, and 
 for the most part live out of town on the plan- 
 tations, or on their cultivated property. 
 
 § 21. Every Sunday afternoon, at the place 
 where pastor Brunnholtz conducts divine ser- 
 vice, public instruction is held, in which Luth- 
 er's smaller catechism is reviewed with the 
 smaller children ; but the larger are led more 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 235 
 
 into the order of salvation, and the Bible, 
 whereof a benefit also is expected for the sold 
 domestics,* of whom there are a great many in 
 Philadelphia, and it is only wished that such 
 poor people had small Bibles. During the 
 week it is perhaps impossible to have such in- 
 struction, because the children from the tenth 
 year are kept to work, and therefore cannot 
 come together, except on Sundays and festival 
 days. In both congregations a considerable 
 number of young people were confirmed after 
 a sufficient preparation, and for the first time 
 admitted to the holy Supper. On Wednesday 
 evening, if his strength permits, the pastor 
 holds a prayer-meeting in his house. Other- 
 wise the pastor is much humbled and grieved, 
 on account of the sloth and security of the 
 greater mass of the people, although there 
 is considerable harmony observable among 
 the members in both places, and they are also 
 diligent in attending the public worship of God. 
 Still the blessing also is not to be denied, which 
 the Lord bestows to the preaching of his Word, 
 
 * Germans and others who were compelled to earn their 
 passage money after they arrived in this country, by working 
 for persons who paid it for them to the ship captains. 
 
236 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 although often for a season the greater part of 
 it remains hidden from the eyes of his servants. 
 
 § 22. In relation to the debt for the building of 
 the church in Philadelphia, it is known from the 
 previous article, that in April, 1749, it amounted 
 to more than 2,820 Rix dollars according to 
 German money, for which the congregation had 
 annually to pay about 170 Rix dollars interest. 
 However, as yet in 1749, 48 pounds Pennsyl- 
 vania, or 176 Rix dollars, were paid on the 
 principal. But on the contrary, in 1750 it was 
 finally resolved actually to build the gallery, 
 for a long time already thought necessary. 
 We must wait for further information as to 
 whether this was done by this time, and 
 whether the debts were not thereby again in- 
 creased. In like manner the pews of the 
 church in Germantown, together with a sa- 
 cristy, were to be built, and already stipulated 
 for, at 56 pounds Pennsylvania, or something 
 over 205 Rix dollars, which the congregation 
 would endeavor to raise among themselves. 
 On the contrary, it is probable that nothing 
 could have been paid on their church debts ; at 
 least there is nothing reported to this effect. 
 
 § 23. In relation to pastor Muhlenberg and 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 237 
 
 his congregations in Providence and New 
 Hanover, he was on a journey to Albany in 
 New York, in August, 1750, when the first of 
 the recent letters from Pennsylvania left; con- 
 sequently there were no letters from him at 
 that time, and in January, 175 1, when the last 
 letter was dated, oft account of the rough 
 weather and the bad roads, opportunity was 
 wanting between Providence and Philadelphia; 
 therefore no letters could have been expected 
 from him at the latter place, prior to the sail- 
 ing of the vessels. No special information can 
 therefore be communicated at this time, of him 
 and his congregations, except the little before 
 mentioned, of a recently accepted catechist in 
 several out-parishes ; which deficiency, how- 
 ever will be compensated, in the next following 
 section — the commencement of his edifying re- 
 port, of the most remarkable circumstances of 
 his official transactions, from the beginning 
 among congregations in Pennsylvania. 
 
 § 24. From pastor Handschuch, in Lancas- 
 ter, on the contrary, more ample intelligence 
 has been received. But as hereafter a copious 
 extract from it may be communicated, it suf- 
 fices for the present, if we only make the state- 
 
238 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 ment generally, that since May, 1748, in which 
 month, he entered upon his office there, he has 
 exercised it not without a perceptible blessing. 
 To the praise of the Lord it must be acknowl- 
 edged also, that the power of God in the 
 preaching of his word has abundantly revealed 
 itself in the hearts of the hearers, so that many 
 have been awakened to an anxious concern for 
 the salvation of their souls, as well as also 
 generally, that a noticeable improvement has 
 taken place in the external order of the whole 
 congregation. 
 
 § 25. Of parson Kurtz, in Tulpehocken, as 
 well as of parson Schaum, in York, the other 
 preachers report — that the congregations are as 
 yet well satisfied with them and as they grow in 
 experience and wisdom, they labor in them 
 with ever increasing blessing. The congrega- 
 tion of the latter is multiplying, since the town 
 of York has became a county-town. A 
 congregation at Conewago, 20 English miles 
 from York, also united with it, and is visited 
 every four weeks by Mr. Schaum, and edified by 
 a sermon. On the contrary, there is a disorderly 
 old German preacher, who otherwise occasions 
 him much disquiet and disturbance in this 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 239 
 
 neighborhood, as he knowingly acted contrary 
 to the laws of the country, was arrested, and 
 lost his plantation or estate. 
 
 § 26. Some years ago already, a candidate 
 of theology, born in Hanau, Mr. John Albert 
 Weygand, and who had studied at the uni- 
 versity at Halle, was taken along with a com- 
 pany of colonists as their preacher, who left 
 the Palatinate for Pennsylvania, and came with 
 them to Philadelphia. But as it is the custom 
 of the so-called Newlanders, to promise the 
 people whom they persuade to go to Pennsyl- 
 vania many more advantages than they can 
 obtain when they arrive in America, they, for 
 the most part, find themselves placed in sor- 
 rowful circumstances. Thus, also, it is wont, 
 to be no better with the preachers than with 
 the rest, whom the Newlanders are glad to 
 take along with them for this reason, viz., that 
 they may procure the more colonists. For as 
 the most of such colonists are unable to pay 
 for their passage, they must be satisfied to be 
 sold as servants or domestics, and consequently 
 be scattered here and there on the plantations, 
 and of course such preachers be left without a 
 congregation. This, then was the situation in 
 
24O REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 which Mr. Weygand saw himself placed, after 
 his arrival in Pennsylvania. As he had ac- 
 cepted the call given him by these people with 
 a good intention and purpose, the preachers 
 also received him the rather in cordial love re- 
 tained him for some time, and employed him 
 in their office for their relief, when he mani- 
 fested all faithfulness in the instruction of the 
 youth and in preaching. 
 
 § 27. Now, when instead of the two ex- 
 pected new preachers, only one arrived, and 
 besides the congregations to which Messrs. 
 Kurtz and Schaum were assigned, there was 
 yet another congregation, in the province of 
 West New Jersey, at Readingstown (or, as it is 
 commonly called, Raritan), which applied to the 
 ministeriumofthe united congregations of Penn- 
 sylvania, and requested that they might assist 
 them to a regular preacher. Thus the before 
 mentioned Mr. Weygand was sent to that place, 
 in the autumn of 1748, as was done before at 
 different times by Messrs. Kurtz and Schaum, to 
 serve them by preaching and the instruction of 
 the youth, until it should appear, whether a 
 God-pleasing order could be introduced among 
 them, and a preacher of their own given them. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 24 1 
 
 § 28. Now, when Mr. Weygand had re- 
 mained two years in the congregation, and la- 
 bored with much profit and blessing with both 
 old and young, they desired to have him for 
 their regular preacher. All the preachers, 
 therefore, of the united ministerium of Penn- 
 sylvania, assembled themselves at their request, 
 on the first Sunday of Advent, 1 750, in the 
 new stone church, built by the congregation, 
 consecrated it by the word of God and prayer, 
 for the use of the worship of God ; and at the 
 same time, after previous examination and a 
 receiprocal religious obligation, the said Mr. 
 Weygand was ordained, as regular teacher and 
 preacher of this congregation, consisting of 
 several different congregations. 
 
 § 29. Thus much we had to communicate 
 for this time, of the united German conoreofa- 
 tions in Pennsylvania, to which there is a little 
 more to be added, viz., that during the past 
 year three preachers were also sent to Penn- 
 sylvania, from Sweden, for the Swedish con- 
 gregations, Messrs. Acrelius, Unander and Per- 
 lin, of whom the first is provost in the place 
 of the deceased Mr. Sandin. These have from 
 the beginning manifested much friendship for 
 21 Q 
 
242 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the German preachers, and seek to unite them- 
 selves with them, for the same object, as they 
 also were advised in their instructions from the 
 Archbishop himself in Sweden ; which also 
 will still contribute not a little to the promo- 
 tion of the general edification, as experience 
 has already taught, that the confidence which 
 obtained from the beginning, between the Ger- 
 man and the Swedish preachers, has resulted 
 in much advantage to the congregations of 
 both. Otherwise we have understood con- 
 cerning Mr. Nyberg, the former preacher in 
 Lancaster, sent from Sweden, who went over to 
 the Herrnhuter sect, that he was willing to go to 
 Europe, probably to the Count von Zinzendorf. 
 § 30. We might herewith fully close this first 
 section, if we had not yet to add the present 
 appendix, and in it, (more on account of the 
 promptings of some good friends, than the im- 
 portance to us of the matter itself,) make a 
 little reminiscence in several interspersed erro- 
 neous representations by Count von Zinzendorf, 
 in a book iiepi EATTOT, or Natural Reflections, 
 concerning the congregations in Pennsylvania, 
 as much as relates to the preachers sent out 
 from Halle. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 243 
 
 § 31. In the first place, we cannot sufficiently 
 wonder that the Count, in the ninth article of 
 said book, page 143, Num. 63, also reckons 
 among his applied officia, or efforts for a solid, 
 or fundamental investigation, a " Remonstrance 
 to the inspector of the bookstore at Halle, con- 
 cerning the printed calumnies of Muhlenberg," 
 with this addition, " Not answered." When in 
 the letter received from Marienborn, dated May 
 29th, 1745, under the name of a certain John 
 Jacob Muller, which without doubt is the so- 
 called Remonstrance, no other explanation is 
 to be found than this : " That if we in Halle 
 are interested in historical truth, and were will- 
 ing to compromise on the decision of the esti- 
 mable society de propaganda cognitione Cliristi, 
 in London, the Count incontinentia (i. e., upon 
 the spot,) would show, that the report found 
 there concerning him and the Moravian breth- 
 ren, is false in all its circumstances. 
 
 § 32. We briefly remark here, that first of 
 all, so much less doubt could remain of the 
 historical truth of that which was cited in the 
 first article of this report, both in the author 
 and the inspector of the bookstore in which it 
 was published, as its accuracy, besides other 
 
244 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 credible proofs, rests upon the investigation 
 and the verdict of the regular city government 
 in Philadelphia. Besides it is known, that the 
 very estimable society de propaganda cognitione 
 C/iristi, in London, stands in no connection 
 whatever with the congregations in Pennsyl- 
 vania; consequently it is by no means the forum 
 in which the correctness or incorrectness of 
 the historical truth of that which relates to the 
 Count von Zinzendorf, in our report of the con- 
 gregations in Pennsylvania, could have been 
 announced, investigated and decided. Now as 
 all this cannot be unknown to the Count him- 
 self, no one can find fault with us, that said 
 letter remained unanswered. But if the Count 
 had been able to show the least untruth, he 
 would have done it, without waiting for our 
 compromise, and can do it yet, where and as 
 he will, if *it is only done fundamentally and in 
 a suitable manner. 
 
 § 33. The other place in which many erro- 
 neous representations concerning these con- 
 gregations occur, is in the tenth article of the 
 book indicated, from page 206 to 215. We 
 cannot enter into the details, nor at all delay 
 ourselves with several inaccuracies, in acces- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 245 
 
 sary circumstances, but only touch upon such 
 as are of importance. 
 
 § 34. It is needless to inquire whether the 
 Count von Zinzendorf received any call, sent 
 to Germany from his adherents among the 
 German Lutherans, to come to Pennsylvania 
 to be their parson and inspector, admitting it 
 has no semblance of probability, as he himself 
 alleges, that he had not the least correspon- 
 dence with Pennsylvania, prior to his arrival 
 there. This, however, is hard to reconcile here- 
 with, that he himself shortly before alleged, 
 how the residence a year ago of the beloved 
 Bishop Nitschmann, the Reverened father of 
 the dear Anna (as he is pleased to call her,) 
 and of Lady Molther, of Seydewitz, had con- 
 tributed most to the attainment of his object 
 before his arrival, and without whom, his going 
 there would have been of no effect at all. This 
 much is certain, that neither all the Lutherans, 
 nor yet the greater part of them, fully united 
 themselves with his party after his arrival, but 
 only some individual Lutherans whom he act- 
 ually drew over to his side, among whom was 
 one warden, who put the Lutheran church 
 book into his hands, which, however, the city 
 
246 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 authorities enjoined him to return again. A 
 manifest proof this, that he had nothing at 
 all, by which he could in any measure make 
 his call as a Lutheran preacher to Philadel- 
 phia probable, of which, nevertheless, he would 
 make so much show. 
 
 § 35. On the contrary, about the year 1733, 
 the whole Lutheran congregation in Philadel- 
 phia, already applied to the court preacher 
 Ziegenhagen, in London, and to Dr. Franke, 
 in Halle, and imploringly entreated for capable 
 teachers and preachers, and as it could not im- 
 mediately be complied with, they several times 
 repeated their request, until pastor Muhlen- 
 berg was sent by them, and towards the close 
 of the year 1742, arrived in Philadelphia. Con- 
 sequently, as long as their petition was con- 
 tinued for a preacher from Halle, they could 
 not for the time, without dishonesty, have to 
 do with a stranger, who came even without a 
 call. And since some individual members did 
 this, it is rather to be ascribed to the persua- 
 sion of the Count, and his previously sent ad- 
 herents, and they may be excused on account 
 of the doubt arising whether the preacher 
 whom they desired would yet come, than re- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 247 
 
 garded as a proof in favor of the Count, that 
 he was the ordinarius loci — the regular teacher 
 of the place, who had accepted of this office 
 upon a tearful call, after a strict examination 
 of the unanimity of those making the request, 
 whereof directly the opposite appears from the 
 above, and was confirmed by the judicial ver- 
 dict of the city government. For if the Count 
 could only have shown that the greater part 
 of the Lutherans in Philadelphia had accepted 
 of him as their preacher, they could not have 
 ordered him to restore the church book. 
 
 § 36. Now, as the Count von Zinzendorf 
 cannot even show his regular call, as preacher 
 of the Lutheran congregation in Philadelphia, 
 and inspector in Pennsylvania, it is incompre- 
 hensible how he and his adherents can boast 
 themselves of a Juris prioritatis, or a right of 
 priority which, if it depended on this, must in- 
 contestably be on the side of the preacher 
 from Halle, who was longed for, expected, and 
 still anew desired many years before. Much 
 less can the Count represent the Lutherans in 
 Pennsylvania (under him as their pretended 
 pastor and inspector, and prior to the arrival of 
 pastor Muhlenberg), as a quiet, orderly, and 
 
248 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 fully awakened society, in harmony with all 
 their associates, in love and peace, and describe 
 pastor Muhlenberg as a stranger, who had 
 come into such a quiet body unannounced, 
 sought for himself adherents everywhere, who 
 ran to him from their regular teachers (the 
 Count and his followers). And how can the 
 Count accuse those, who sent him, after such 
 manifold entreaties, that they sent persons to 
 disturb the legitimate teachers (which the 
 Count pretends himself and followers to be), 
 and who thereby created a schisma, or divi- 
 sion ? And where did Mr. Muhlenberg seek 
 an office with the people subordinated or sub- 
 jected to his pretended consistory ? He 
 never sought for this, and the greater part of 
 the wardens and members of the congregation 
 at whose desire he was sent, immediately ac- 
 cepted of him as their lawful and regularly 
 called preacher. Except some few, they did 
 not consider the Count their preacher, nor rec- 
 ognize his consistory. 
 
 § 37. But as the three congregations in 
 Philadelphia, New Hanover and Providence, 
 applied for a preacher from Halle at the same 
 time, so all the three also accepted of him, and 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 249 
 
 as appears from the first article of this report, 
 he at first exercised his office in the three 
 places, by many fatiguing journeys. 
 
 § 38. But how the above description of his 
 quiet denomination agreeing with all their as- 
 sociates in love and peace, is it to be reconciled 
 with the event which transpired with Mr. Pyr- 
 laus (who is not a Lutheran but a Zinzendor- 
 fer preacher, which certainly was not without 
 violence and many a collision, in June 1742, 
 consequently not half a year before pastor 
 Muhlenberg's arrival), is left to the judgment 
 of every impartial reader. It consisted in 
 this, that the Reformed who used a rented 
 meeting-house in common with the Lutherans, 
 tore the said Pyrlaus down from the pulpit, and 
 dragged him out of the church, not because 
 he preached too legally, but because he, with- 
 out key, otherwise forcibly entered this meet- 
 ing-house, and would preach in it against the 
 will of the lawful proprietors. 
 
 § 39. In the meanwhile, when the Count 
 would assert to have had the peacable posses- 
 sion by such an alleged quiet organization, 
 which he pretended to, as regular Lutheran 
 preacher in the congregation in Philadelphia, 
 
250 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the occurrence mentioned is a proof, that the 
 proprietors of the union meeting-house did not 
 recognize him as such, as they refused the key- 
 thereto, to his preacher Pyrlaus, and opposed 
 his violent intrusion with violence; and the 
 party of the Count, or of Mr. Pyrlaus, were 
 also refused by the authorities, and their right 
 to the meeting-house denied. Hence the alle- 
 gation that the Reformed most humbly asked 
 his pardon is a mere fiction. Otherwise it would 
 be altogether incomprehensible, wherefore, al- 
 though they had most humbly apologized, they 
 should yet have been accused by the Count's 
 party as disturbers of the peace before the 
 authorities, who would not have investigated 
 the matter of their own accord. 
 
 § 40. Now, although in these acts of violence 
 which transpired, not without offence, the Lu- 
 therans took as little part as possible, still in 
 their place they did not give up their rights, 
 but sufficiently asserted them before the city 
 authorities, by the injunction repeatedly ob- 
 tained, that the Count should restore their 
 church-book. As meanwhile, the Count him- 
 self attributes these acts of violence to the 
 Reformed, it is inconceivable how he could 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 25 I 
 
 call Mr. Muhlenberg's Lutherans, the faction 
 that tore Mr. .Pyrlaus from the pulpit, and 
 therefore denominated Mr. Muhlenberg the 
 chief, the head, and the leader of this faction. 
 
 § 41. But for the rest the Count had also to 
 give Mr. Muhlenberg this testimony ; that his 
 conduct for himself was none of the worst, and 
 that he used more moderation and discretion 
 than was expected of him, when he, in a con- 
 versation with the Count, in the presence of 
 his adherents, was forced to upraid the Count 
 with his falsehoods, frauds, misleadings of the 
 people, intrusion, and such like. This is an 
 acknowledgment whereby his Christian and 
 temperate presence of mind, had to be admit- 
 ted by the opponents themselves. 
 
 § 42. But he was instructed neither from 
 Halle nor from London, to set forth such ac- 
 cusations and characterizings of the Count, but 
 he was forced by circumstances to censure the 
 conscience of the Count, and to make his con- 
 fession. And as he did this in a manner so 
 uncommonly simple and moderate, that the 
 Count even wondered, and believed that his 
 object seemed to require more, it is manifest 
 to every one that he did not act in this matter 
 
252 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 from affectation, and that his object had not 
 been to characterize and to accuse the Count, 
 but only to confess the truth. That which 
 he had to say to the Count in this com- 
 pany, of his habit and readiness in such con^ 
 duct, he had no need to hear from those who 
 sent him, as they had him with them for a 
 short time only, and so speak as it were out of 
 their mouths, although they were not without 
 many examples of all the points here cited. 
 He knew to speak of this matter from his own 
 experience, as he was in the preacher's office 
 for a considerable time, so very near Herrn- 
 hut, at Grosshennersdorf, and had opportunity 
 of a near view of all that transpired in the in- 
 stitutions established by the Count 
 
 § 43. What besides Mr. Muhlenberg was re- 
 proached with, in the exercise of his office, is, 
 that he administered the Lord's Supper to 
 those people, to whom they (i. c, the Count's 
 party) ought to have administered it, but which 
 they could not do, and thereby directly freed 
 them from the people, who would have plagued 
 them to death. By this it is intended to accuse 
 him, that he did not use due earnestness in 
 preventing the unworthy from coming to the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 253 
 
 holy Supper. Of this the opposite is manifest 
 from the reports of his official transactions, and 
 it is clearly seen what pains he as well as his 
 colleagues took, to obtain information concern- 
 ing the life and conduct of those who were 
 not as yet sufficiently known to them, to in- 
 struct the ignorant, and especially to have them 
 understand what constitutes true worthiness 
 for the holy Supper, — to keep back the profli- 
 gate and open sinners, until their amendment, 
 and to labor with them for their conviction and 
 conversion, and also to take care that the pub- 
 licly given offence was settled by the congre- 
 gation in an edifying manner, before their ad- 
 mission. 
 
 § 44. What is elsewhere alleged, that the 
 wardens of Philadelphia had said, their in- 
 spector (meaning the Count), had built the 
 church for them gratuitously, and therefore 
 they did not need any further collection thereto, 
 needs no refutation. That the Count built a 
 church gratuitously, i. e. t out of the Saviour's 
 treasury, for his adherents, and not for the Lu- 
 therans, these owe him no thanks. But that 
 the said wardens should have said, they be- 
 lieved that Mr. Muhlenberg was sent, not so 
 22 
 
254 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 much from love to them, as from jealousy of the 
 Count and his adherents, they effectively refuted 
 by their joyful acceptance, and by their repeated 
 written and oral attestation of their thankfulness 
 for the favor thereby shown them. 
 
 § 45. Whatever else is interspersed concern- 
 ing the Swedes must have reference to that 
 which transpired with Mr. Nyberg, some years 
 afterwards, and is circumstantially related in 
 the third continuation. From a close compar- 
 ison of this narration, conformable to the truth, 
 and demonstrable in all points, the errors will 
 be easily detected in that which the count has 
 produced. We hereby only note the following: 
 1. That the congregation which Mr. Nyberg 
 formerly had, was not Swedish but German, 
 of whom only some few remained with him, 
 after he went over to the side of the Count. 
 From the time that he publicly acknowledged 
 himself of the Count's party, the most of them 
 would not even recognize him any more, as 
 their preacher, consequently it was not at all 
 necessary, that pastor Muhlenberg should have 
 written to Synod, to compel them to a with- 
 drawal from the communion of the Count and 
 his party, who also could not call themselves 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 255 
 
 Mr. Muhlenberg's predecessors. 2. Generally, 
 whatever is falsely said of those Swedish 
 preachers who were ordained in Stockholm, 
 that they alleged that they were instructed by 
 the Archbishop, that the Zinzendorfer breth- 
 ren are pure in faith, but on the contrary, that 
 the preachers who have since then come from 
 Germany, and their constituents, or those who 
 sent them, were erroneous in doctrine, was 
 only Mr. Nyberg's allegation, which the rest of 
 the Swedish preachers in Pennsylvania, as well 
 as the theologians in Sweden, contradicted in 
 writing and in deed. 3. That the latter had 
 no information of all this, and therefore were 
 necessitated to have pasquils come from Ger- 
 many, for the purpose of putting a doubt on 
 the question asked, not by Mr. Muhlenberg, 
 but by the Swedish wardens, and indeed, upon 
 the provocation of Mr. Nyberg, is a defama- 
 tion of these very worthy men, which is with- 
 out a probability, even, as it is against the 
 respect due to them to call their testimony a 
 pitiable testimonial, and allege that it is full of 
 evident falsehoods. 4. Whether this testimo- 
 nial was subscribed to by Mr. Muhlenberg, 
 and how expressed, we are not particularly in- 
 
256 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 formed. 5. In the testimonial mentioned sev- 
 eral times, there is nothing said of Evangelical 
 Lutheran preachers, but of Mr. Nyberg, who 
 was manifestly an adherent of the Count von 
 Zinzendorf, but whether he belonged to the 
 Moravian or Lutheran company of the brother- 
 hood, and whether the Lord's Supper is not 
 even given by him to a Moravian brother, is 
 not the question here. 
 
 § 46. Finally, we cannot pass unnoticed the 
 fact, that it is a very grave accusation of the 
 blessed theologians of Halle, when the adher- 
 ents of the Count call themselves their genuine 
 and legitimate followers, for which they would 
 .never acknowledge them, as they with such 
 great earnestness insisted upon a true and ear- 
 nest repentance, but these (the adherents of the 
 Count) only scoffed at this order of God, not 
 to mention other evidently great deviations. 
 
 § 47. Everything that is contained in the 
 answer of the so-called Lutheran consistory, 
 in Philadelphia (the Count understands by 
 this, his adherents), wherewith he concludes 
 his Pennsylvania, falls away for the reasons 
 above cited. Therefore we shall no longer 
 detain ourselves therewith, as besides this re- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 257 
 
 miniscence became somewhat diffuse, contrary 
 to our intention and expectation. 
 
 § 48. Whoever compares the whole connec- 
 tion of that which transpired with the Count 
 von Zinzendorf, in Pennsylvania, with the lit- 
 tle that is here cited, in relation to the Ger- 
 man Lutherans, cannot avoid regarding these 
 congregations, according to all circumstances, 
 right worthy of pity, with still greater com- 
 passion, because they were brought into still 
 greater trouble by him and his adherents. 
 For so many years the poor people were with- 
 out regular instruction in the word of God, the 
 children grew up without information concern- 
 ing God and divine thiags, yea, in part without 
 baptism, and wolves and hirelings also were 
 not wanting in this spiritual wilderness. On 
 the one hand the scattered sheep were over- 
 come by diverse sects, or at least driven around, 
 and on the other, preachers and schoolmasters, 
 who were degraded in Germany, or other 
 persons who were of not much account at 
 home, when they came to Pennsylvania, set 
 themselves up for preachers, and occasioned 
 much injury among them. It is easily imag- 
 ined that such persons were very little con- 
 22* R 
 
258 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 cerned about showing the hearers the right 
 way and instructing them, and that their dis- 
 orderly conduct must only have conduced to 
 scandals. At last the Count von Zinzendorf 
 yet came thereto, who, where the confusion 
 and disorder was still not sufficiently great, 
 entirely confused and disordered everything. 
 
 § 49. Is it not, therefore, an adorable mercy 
 and grace of God, that he again so paternally 
 cared for these poor congregations, and 
 granted them such faithful teachers, who with 
 great denial, without greed of reward, and with 
 indescribable trouble and labor, gathered the 
 scattered flock again, led them into the clean 
 pasture of the word of God, instructed their 
 children and had them instructed, and by word 
 and conduct sought and still seek to win and 
 save their souls, and upon whose work the 
 Lord has also already placed many a true 
 blessing, which in eternity they will find again? 
 Yea, it is plainly perceived from all this, that 
 the Lord as yet has thoughts of peace towards 
 these congregations, and would establish his 
 work among them. Now, although this had 
 at first to commence in a small way, and under 
 many trials, and is still continued under many 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 259 
 
 difficulties; nevertheless it has already con- 
 siderably advanced, and may, if the Lord will 
 further grant his blessing thereto, still gradually 
 extend itself, ever more gloriously. 
 
 § 50. But now is still the time of affliction, 
 in which the ruined walls of this Zion must be 
 built amid many difficulties. Various congre- 
 gations long to have a preacher of their own, 
 but are not in a condition to support him. 
 For, as there is no church property or old 
 charitable institutions extant to pay the preach- 
 ers, the support for preachers and school- 
 masters can be raised in no other way than 
 this, that the members of the congregation 
 contribute this from their own means, which, 
 however, is too burdensome for them, where 
 the congregations are small and many poor 
 people among them. Although most of the 
 inhabitants raise so much that they and theirs 
 need suffer no want in what they eat and drink, 
 yet they cannot readily convert provisions into 
 money, especially when they are far from the 
 city. As money is very scarce in the whole 
 country, of course they can spare but little 
 out of their families, applicable to teachers, 
 churches, and schools. Others could, perhaps, 
 
260 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 although not without difficulty, support a 
 preacher in case of necessity. But as all the 
 preachers must be sent in from Germany, they 
 cannot defray the great expenses required for 
 such a long voyage, not to mention that faith- 
 ful laborers, who do not seek the wool but the 
 sheep, are very rare even in Germany ; and, 
 besides, the circumstances of every one do not 
 permit the acceptance of a call into such a 
 distant land. Now, even if a congregation is 
 provided with a preacher for the present, and 
 new laborers could not still be sent afterwards 
 into this vineyard, such a congregation would 
 yet not be permanently cared for, but if he was 
 removed by death, they would be just as 
 forsaken as they were before. In Germany it 
 is understood much too little what a favor of 
 God it is that each village, or at least several 
 contiguous places, have their own preacher, 
 and if one dies they can get another without 
 great expense ; and, in addition, the salary is 
 taken from old charitable institutions, so that 
 those now living need contribute very little 
 thereto. 
 
 § 51. But the congregation in Philadelphia 
 especially is not as yet in such circumstances 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 26 1 
 
 that they, without the contributions of liberal 
 benefactors, could be placed in such a condition 
 as to see themselves and their successors 
 provided for permanently. The same is, 
 indeed, perhaps, the most numerous congrega- 
 tion ; but a very large part consists of such 
 poor sold domestics, who have yet to serve 
 for some time to pay for their passage, and 
 who, after they have paid for the same by their 
 labor, and acquired something for themselves, 
 must see to it that they purchase a plantation 
 for themselves further up the country on which 
 they may support themselves, and thus it 
 almost constantly remains the poorest congre- 
 gation in the whole country. Besides, they are 
 yet nearly 3000 Rix dollars in debt for the 
 church which they built, for which they must 
 pay a heavy interest ; which, as is readily per- 
 ceived, is a great burden to them in maintain- 
 ing their preacher. It would therefore be 
 desirable that, first of all, this poor congrega- 
 tion should further be made glad with a 
 contribution from the liberal hand of God, 
 which- could be applied for the extinction of 
 this debt, as the preservation and continuance 
 of the arrangements here made, exert a great 
 
262 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 influence on all the other congregations, since 
 Philadelphia is the principal city, in which also 
 all strangers first arrive. In time God will also 
 give them the ability to build the requisite 
 dwellings for preacher and school-teacher, who 
 must still live in rented habitations. 
 
 § 52. Of laying the foundation of a sure en- 
 dowment for the future maintenance of 
 churches and schools, and the teachers in the 
 same ; and also for sending them over from 
 Germany, could not as yet be thought of; and 
 before all, we were entirely satisfied with the 
 kind providence of God, which has hitherto 
 graciously cared for the present necessity. 
 He, the faithful God, who has begun to 
 help, will, as is hoped, further manifest his 
 aid. As there are so many poor people as 
 well in the congregation in Philadelphia as 
 in other congregations, it is not a little 
 grief to the preachers that they are not even in 
 a condition to keep the quite poor children free 
 at school. The schoolmasters have no other 
 support than that derived from the schools, and 
 can scarcely live from it, as most of the children 
 are employed by the parents in field work and 
 otherwise during the summer, and are only 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 263 
 
 kept at school in winter. For the education 
 of poor, forsaken orphans, means are likewise 
 wanting, and everywhere the condition of the 
 congregations is so constituted as it is possible 
 with such as are first brought into order. 
 
 § 53. Now, although it cannot be denied, 
 that there are also rich people among the Ger- 
 man inhabitants of Pennsylvania, still the most 
 of those who possess this world's goods have 
 gone over to the party of the Anabaptists, 
 Quakers, and other sects ; which is not to be 
 wondered at, when we consider that these poor 
 people had no regular teachers for so many 
 years. But as the Quakers had from the 
 beginning been the lord-proprietors of the land, 
 these parties have the upper hand in it, and 
 whoever would attain to importance, finds no 
 better opportunity than to go over to their 
 side. One and another German of the sects, 
 who found no true rest for their souls among 
 them, have indeed again left them. But true 
 concern for the soul seldom comes readily into 
 the hearts of those who have everything in the 
 world which they wish for, but generally first 
 finds room with the poor. Under such cir- 
 cumstances, the rich inhabitants of the country 
 
264 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 are the very least to be reckoned upon ; al- 
 though some respectable and wealthy mem- 
 bers of the congregations have already honestly 
 contributed their part, like many of the poor 
 also, according to their ability, yea, have ex- 
 erted themselves beyond their ability. 
 
 § 54. All hope, therefore, rests upon the mer- 
 ciful God alone, who is rich over all who call 
 upon him, that as he has given his gracious bles- 
 sing hitherto in spiritual things to the preach- 
 ing of his word in these congregations, he will 
 also liberally bestow the temporal blessing re- 
 quired, for the continuation of that which was 
 begun by his aid. And as he holds the hearts 
 of mankind in his hands, and can lead them as 
 the waterbrooks, it is a very small thing for 
 him to awaken one or another who considers 
 the condition of these congregations to a ten- 
 der compassion in their behalf, and make him 
 willing to give of his temporal riches a volun- 
 tary contribution according to his ability, for 
 the promotion of the good institutions of which 
 a beginning has already been made. 
 
 § 55. Those who have been benefactors 
 hitherto, who have opened their hearts and 
 their hands towards their poor brethren in the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. » 265 
 
 faith, in the new world, may see from these 
 reports, that their generous gifts were not 
 uselessly applied, and that much more was 
 already accomplished for the welfare of these 
 congregations than could at first have been 
 hoped for or expected. In less than ten years, 
 seven faithful laborers were sent out from Halle 
 into this harvest, viz., Mr. Muhlenberg, Mr. 
 Brunnholtz, besides his two traveling compan- 
 ions, Messrs. Kurtz and Schaum, sent as cate- 
 chists, and afterwards ordained as preachers, 
 Mr. Handschuch, and those new co-laborers 
 now on their voyage, Messrs. Heintzelmann 
 and Schultze. The eighth, Mr. Weigand, the 
 Lord led to that place in a different manner. 
 Of several churches, some were newly built, 
 and some repaired and enlarged. The princi- 
 pal church in Philadelphia and the church in 
 Providence are new. The church in German- 
 town was enlarged. The church in New Han- 
 over was fully completed, and a new schoolhouse 
 founded. But besides this, the congregation 
 in Readingstown erected a new stone church, 
 whereto they, however, had received no con- 
 tribution from the collections, but encumbered 
 themselves with debt. And in some other 
 23 
 
266 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 places, the congregations, which are in part 
 only occasionally visited by the preachers, 
 have at least prepared a house for meeting for 
 divine service. From all of which so much is 
 manifest, that those servants of God who have 
 hitherto cared for these congregations, were 
 not idle in providing for them, and the preachers 
 also were not inactive in arranging with all 
 diligence whatever pertains to external prepar- 
 ation. But that that also, which is surely 
 the principal thing, the inward building up of 
 the kingdom of God, was not neglected, one 
 and another example has indeed been hitherto 
 given in these reports. But in the following 
 report of Mr. Muhlenberg, in the second sec- 
 tion, and whatever he may communicate further 
 in the subsequent continuations, a number of 
 instances will be presented, from which it ap- 
 pears, that the salvation of souls was really the 
 chief work of the preachers, and that God 
 also granted his rich blessing thereto. 
 
 § 56. Now, should some additional generous 
 charitable contributions be placed in the hands 
 of Dr. and Prof. Franke, in Halle, and the 
 court-preacher, Ziegenhagen, in London, they 
 will not fail to apply these faithfully also, and 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 267 
 
 make profit thereby for the glory of God and 
 the best welfare of these congregations. First, 
 a contribution would have to be made thereof 
 to the congregation in Philadelphia, for the 
 payment of their church debts ; and next, it 
 would have to be considered, that in case new 
 laborers were again required, the expense 
 of their voyage would have to be defrayed out 
 of this. 
 
 § 57. May God, who can do exceedingly 
 more than we ask or understand, let his word 
 ever run among these congregations with still 
 increasing blessing and be glorified. And as 
 he already, in another part of America, con- 
 siderably distant from Pennsylvania, in Ebene- 
 zer, in Georgia, has planted, as a branch, a 
 small number of Saltzburgers, exiled from their 
 fatherland for religion's sake, which already, by 
 its delightful fruits, refreshes those from far 
 and near who rejoice in the word of God, 
 thus, as he has begun to stretch out his hands 
 in the remote wilderness, may he also continue 
 his work begun among the German Lutherans 
 (who, indeed, for the most part, went over to 
 Pennsylvania not with the purest purpose), as 
 they are now eager for his word, that not only 
 
268 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 they and their descendants may be preserved in 
 the true doctrine, according to the word of God 
 and our symbolical books, but that it (viz., the 
 pure doctrine) may also manifest its power 
 among them for the kindling of a living faith, 
 and for the radical change of the hearts of 
 many, yea, of the most, and, if possible, of all 
 and of every member of these congregations, 
 that thus his honor also might be glorified in 
 this region of America. Further, that thus 
 other sects also may be convinced by their 
 example that the doctrine of the Lutheran 
 church by no means teaches that the people 
 may continue in their profligacy, but is surely 
 so constituted that by it the people are renewed 
 in heart, and receive power for a holy life, if 
 they do not resist the power of the word. 
 Yea, that even the wild Indians and heathen 
 also, as they were hitherto so greatly stumbled 
 and offended by the lawless life of many who 
 call themselves Christians, may also again see 
 many true Christians among them, and through 
 them be convinced of something better ; yea, 
 that a friendly disposition may thereby be pro- 
 duced in them towards Christianity, and some 
 way be prepared beforehand, that if in the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 269 
 
 future the Lord's will is to let the light of the 
 gospel arise brighter for them, the message of 
 peace may find the more access to them. His 
 name be praised forever, and his glory fill all 
 Ian Is! Amen. 
 23* 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 2. REPORT OF PASTOR MUHLENBERG'S OFFICIAL 
 TRANSACTIONS HITHERTO. 
 
 /. Beginning of report of Jus official transactions 
 in which that which is most remarkable, from 
 i J 4-2 until i J 4-6 y is communicated. 
 As at present, the outward preliminary pre- 
 paration for building has ceased somewhat in 
 the congregations entrusted to me in the coun- 
 try, I will, in childlike simplicity, report some 
 little concerning my official transactions, and 
 first notice several circumstances of the time 
 when I was yet alone in office. 
 
 In the beginning, I met with a man in Phila- 
 delphia, who was born in L . His wife 
 
 related to me, that he had been addicted to 
 excessive drink, card-playing, and dice in Ger- 
 many, whereby they were so impoverished, 
 that they were at last necessitated to seek the 
 new world. He was disorderly enough in this 
 country also, still, necessity compelled him to 
 (27°) 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2*] t 
 
 apply himself to his trade. His external 
 knowledge of Christianity was, as yet, consid- 
 erable. He could read and write well, and re- 
 peat his catechism with the proof texts, and 
 had knowledge both in the Bible and in the 
 Augsburg Confession. But in the practice of 
 the truths, he was very deficient. As great as 
 was his readiness, at one time, to repeat the 
 Divine truths, so great was it, at another, for 
 cursing and jesting. He acknowledged, in- 
 deed, that he was a great sinner, but his right- 
 eousness consisted in this, that he did not deny 
 his faith, and that he did not go over to the 
 Herrnhuter sect, as others did at that time. 
 Yea, his zeal had so provoked him against the 
 Herrnhuter, that he even assailed them with 
 reproachings and execrations. Now as I was 
 generally instructed by my highly venerable 
 fathers, that I should not unnecessarily have 
 much to do with controversies, and also saw 
 that under the circumstances, this would do 
 more harm than good, I did not discuss any 
 particular disputed questions in my sermons, 
 but for the most part urged repentance to- 
 wards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 I boldly declared to gross sinners that their 
 
272 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 not joining the Zinzendorfer, did not constitute 
 them children of God; steadfastness in their Pro- 
 testant Lutheran doctrines of faith, according 
 to the unaltered Augsburg Confession, is laud- 
 able and necessary, but they must also show by 
 their life that a living faith was completed in 
 them, inter terror es conscicntice, amidst the ter- 
 rors of conscience. The before-mentioned man, 
 indeed at first thought, that perhaps I might 
 also be a secret Herrnhuter, because I did not 
 use words of reproach against them ; still he 
 neglected no sermon, and heard with great at- 
 tention. At length, he fell into a lingering 
 disease, viz., dropsy, and was punished with 
 that wherewith he had sinned. On such a 
 sick-bed, he was, at first, very impatient, and 
 had a great fear of death. But after the body 
 was chastised for a considerable time, he ulti- 
 mately attained to better thoughts. With sad- 
 ness he remembered his sins from his youth 
 up. The well known Doctor Zwiefler, who is 
 a. Zinzendorfer brother, attended him, and now 
 and then desired to speak with him of his plan, 
 but he would have nothing to do with it; still 
 he said to me that he was sorry that he had 
 been indiscreetly zealous against these people, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 273 
 
 yet was glad also that he was preserved from 
 their triflings. According to appearances, this 
 man attained to a still deeper feeling of his 
 fathomless ruin, and when he complained one 
 day, that his sins, as a heavy burden, had be 
 come too heavy for him, I directed him to 
 Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of the whole 
 world, and consequently his sins also, together 
 with several choice passages ; as it seemed (I 
 say seemed, as we see the surface only, but 
 God looks upon the heart), he found permanent 
 rest for his poor soul several days before his 
 death. Believing, he was enabled to keep 
 himself to the words : But where sin abounded, 
 grace did much more abound. Rom. v. 20. 
 He was most humbly thankful towards the 
 highly venerable fathers and benefactors in 
 Europe, that they, next to God, sent help. 
 The more the assurance of the grace of God, 
 and of peace in Christ Jesus, increased in him, 
 the more joyful he was to meet death, of which 
 he would neither hear nor know anything be- 
 fore. On the evening before his death, as they 
 stood around him and thought it was over, he 
 began to sing with a loud voice : " Spread out 
 both wings, O Jesus," etc. On the last day he 
 
274 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 stretched forth his hands and called without 
 ceasing : " Come, O death ! thou brother of 
 sleep," etc., " Oh, that I could yet this day 
 quit the prison of this body," etc., until he at 
 length gently passed away, at the age of some 
 thirty years. The English Episcopalian war- 
 dens granted me permission to bury him in 
 their churchyard, as ours was not yet ready. 
 If God plucked this poor soul as a brand from 
 the fire, his holy name must have the praise ! 
 
 In the year 1744, a widow lived in New 
 Hanover whose husband was one of those 
 wardens who first petitioned for a preacher 
 and for help to our dear fathers, but who died 
 before my arrival. These married people had 
 many children, to whom the father, however, 
 had permitted too much liberty and self-will, 
 so that the mother was unable to train them 
 all in the fear of the Lord, according to her 
 desire, as they were already grown up and were 
 proud of the liberty of the country. She her- 
 self conducted herself as a true widow ; hoped 
 in God, and continued in prayer day and night, 
 admonished her children with many tears, cor- 
 rected them according to ability, as much as 
 they were, willing to be corrected. She need- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 275 
 
 lessly neglected no sermon, and each time 
 heard the word of God amid the sheddine of 
 many tears. Several of her daughters hum- 
 bled themselves, and walk in her footsteps, as 
 they are joined in marriage to godly men, who 
 aid herein as much as possible. The most of 
 the sons follow their sinful ways, involve them- 
 selves in misfortune, and scoff at the word of 
 God and good institutions. The widow was 
 with me several times, and wept bitterly over 
 herself and her children. I gave her the nec- 
 essary instruction. At length the Lord laid 
 her on a bed of sickness, and worked powerfully 
 in her soul by his Spirit and word. The most 
 of her conversation was concerning her deep 
 misery, and the exceeding grace and mercy of 
 God in Christ Jesus. After she had also man- 
 ifested a longing desire for the Holy Supper, 
 and was refreshed thereby, she stretched out 
 her hands towards her Saviour, and expired 
 with great courage, amid singing and prayer. 
 She desired for our highly venerable fathers, 
 and all other dear benefactors in Europe, many 
 thousandfold blessings for their aid, and bade 
 them good night ! The Lord let her memory 
 remain with us in blessinc. 
 
 \ 
 
2j6 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 A man in New Hanover, P. B., who had 
 studied commerce in Germany, lost all his 
 property on the voyage, and had to maintain 
 himself in the country here wearily, and in a 
 scanty manner, was my first fellow traveler, 
 who accompanied me from Philadelphia to New 
 Hanover. He led a Christian, quiet life, heard 
 the word of God diligently, and at home edi- 
 fied himself with Arndt's " True Christianity.', 
 He often testified to his inward joy, that God 
 thought him worthy, to live to see some order 
 yet in the congregation. Otherwise he was 
 already afflicted for some years with an asth- 
 matic affection, dry cough, and breast com- 
 plaint, which, with other afflictions, led him 
 still nearer to God. In his youth he enjoyed 
 good instruction, which was of advantage to 
 him, so that he could give a reason for the hope 
 that was in him. Towards other sects he was 
 circumspect and peaceable, and sought to be 
 neighborly with every one, yet so to live as to 
 give away nothing of love and truth. At 
 length his malady increased, and his end 
 seemed approaching. I was with him a few 
 days before his death, and inquired strictly 
 after his righteousness, wherewith' lie expected 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 277 
 
 to stand before God, because I secretly feared 
 that something of self-righteousness might 
 cleave to him. But he answered with earnest 
 countenance, that he knew nothing in the 
 whole world, much less in himself, that had 
 interceded or could intercede for him before 
 God and his most holy judgment, except the 
 only sufficient, precious, invaluable ransom, viz., 
 the blood of Jesus' Christ, in which, as the very 
 greatest sinner on earth, he had and would still 
 more inwrap himself in faith, and of this no death 
 nor devil could rob him. In reference to the 
 righteousness of life, he found therein, on his 
 part, numberless deficiencies and errors ; but he 
 believed that his Intercessor with the Father in 
 heaven had blotted all out and cast them into 
 the depths of the sea for the sake of his prom- 
 ise. Burdensome as it was wont to be when 
 the asthma increased, and breathing became 
 difficult, he still continued for several days and 
 nights in great patience, and with Christian 
 calmness, looking to his Saviour, and with 
 prayer and supplication committed his poor 
 spirit into his hands, after he had lived some- 
 what over fifty years. When he was yet living, 
 he charged me in his name most humbly to 
 24 
 
278 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 thank all the high patrons and benefactors in 
 Europe. 
 
 Seven miles from Philadelphia there was 
 an aged woman, whose husband, G. H., lived in 
 Halle in the beginning of this century, where 
 he indeed experienced something of the work- 
 ings of the grace of God in his heart; but on 
 account of his unfaithfulness attained to no 
 entire change of heart, and afterwards betook 
 himself to separation. He came into this 
 country already many years ago, and joined 
 himself with those of like mind with himself. 
 The children whom they had in Germany were 
 baptized, but those born in this country were 
 for the most part grown up, and not as yet 
 baptized. The before-mentioned woman still 
 had some glimmering of faith which she had 
 received in Germany, but did not dare to say 
 anything because she was palsied and lame, 
 both in her hands and feet; and besides, her 
 husband exercised a rigid rule over her. Sub- 
 sequently the eldest daughter was married to a 
 pious Hamburger, from the congregation in 
 Philadelphia. He did not rest until the remain- 
 ing children were baptized also. The mother 
 secretly encouraged the children to request 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 279 
 
 baptism. Finally the father permitted them to 
 be baptized, but of the Lord's Supper he would 
 know nothing. The children comforted them- 
 selves herewith, that they would partake of it 
 when they attained their majority, and, accord- 
 ing to the English law, the father had no more 
 control over them. The poor mother did not 
 dare to move herself at all, could not come to 
 church, yet in the last kw years she heard 
 several funeral discourses, which I delivered in 
 her neighborhood. Finally a severe sickness 
 overtook her, and when she noticed that her 
 end was approaching, she threw off restraint, 
 and said in the presence of her husband and 
 her children, that she would wait no longer for 
 the holy Supper, that she had long enough 
 suffered hunger and thirst after it, and sighed 
 almost eighteen years : Oh ! how my soul 
 hungers, friend of man, after thy goodness, etc. 
 I was to come to her, but was so far away up 
 the country, that I only reached her house in 
 two days. During this time she lay wholly 
 exhausted, as if in the last extremity, so that it 
 was thought she would die every moment. 
 When I arrived, she wholly revived, raised 
 herself up, lifted her eyes to God, and with 
 
280 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 sadness complained of herself before him, as 
 his lost sheep. She knew how to present 
 before God his promises in Christ Jesus, and 
 to enter into them. I cannot decribe with pen 
 how eagerly, fervently, attentively, wakefully 
 and trustingly this starving soul partook of the 
 holy Supper. If she was unable to raise her 
 lame hands, so much the more she lifted up 
 her heart and stammering tongue when she 
 had received it, and with me prayed the twenty- 
 third Psalm. Afterwards her desire increased 
 to be speedily set free and to be with Christ, 
 that she, with David, according to the seven- 
 teenth Psalm, might be satisfied with his like- 
 ness, whom not seeing, she here loved in 
 weakness and in imperfection. The Lord also 
 soon hastened home with her, and permitted 
 her with joy to come out of this vale of misery, 
 unto himself in heaven, after an exile of some- 
 what more than fifty years. My worthy 
 colleague, Brunnholtz, won the husband, so 
 that he is now a zealous member of the Ger- 
 mantown congregation, and in many things 
 gives a helping hand. 
 
 There was a man in Providence, J. N., who 
 most sincerely rejoiced over the good begin- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 28 1 
 
 ning in erecting the church, and unwearily put 
 his hand to the building, and encouraged 
 others. In Germany he was given to drunken- 
 ness, but in this country he led a sober and 
 honorable life, took pleasure in God's word and 
 edifying books, and therefore obtained a fine, 
 solid understanding/although in a rough ex- 
 terior. It was with him as with the illiterate 
 patient, who feels his sickness and the opera- 
 tion of the medicine, but cannot tell where the 
 cause of the disease is located and retards con- 
 valescence. He was affected by almost every 
 sermon, felt his ruin, and heard of the good 
 physician Jesus Christ, but did not know how 
 to adapt himself properly in the matter. At 
 length he became very sick, and learned to 
 know himself as a great sinner, and came to 
 Christ weary and heavy laden and found rest. 
 The less time he had, the more earnestness he 
 manifested in true repentance, without suffering 
 himself to be delayed, and went into eternity 
 with the beautiful verse I Tim. i. 15 : This is a 
 faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, 
 that Christ Jesus came into the world to save 
 sinners, etc. This love for church and schools 
 he at last yet exhibited herein, that he be- 
 24* 
 
25? REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 queathed ,£50 Pennsylvania money, to our 
 church in Providence, which however, could 
 not be obtained until after the death of his 
 wife. 
 
 In New Hanover, there was an aged married 
 woman, who may have burdened her con- 
 science not a little with gross sins. In hear- 
 ing the word of God, it seemed as if something 
 of a knowledge of sin, of repentance and sor- 
 row for it, and a hunger and thirst after right- 
 eousness, were there, as she was seldom 
 present at preaching without tears. But she 
 had no long time to hear, for the Lord laid her 
 on a bed of sickness. Although I had spoken 
 with her several times before, I had no oppor- 
 tunity to be present at her death, as it was my 
 week in Philadelphia. Those who were pres- 
 ent at her death, assured me afterwards, that 
 on the day she died, she unceasingly lifted up 
 her hands and called out : " / will not let thee 
 go, except thou bless me ;" and that with these 
 words she passed away : " I will not let thee go, 
 Lord, and thou also wilt not forsake me !" 
 
 An aged widow in Philadelphia rejoiced 
 heartily, that she could again hear the word of 
 God in her mother tongue. Although she was 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 283 
 
 palsied, and trembled in every limb, she but 
 seldom neglected a sermon, and permitted a 
 strong man to lead her in and out of the church. 
 She said that she had come into this country 
 long years ago with her husband, and found 
 nothing of their divine service, but were as if 
 forsaken. Her husband therefore learned the 
 Swedish language, that he might attend divine 
 service with the Swedes, as they from the be- 
 ginning had been supplied with preachers. 
 She, however, was unable to learn this lan- 
 guage, and therefore had to remain without 
 instruction also. The prayers which she had 
 learned in her tender youth, she had sought to 
 gather up again, and supported herself with 
 these. " Oh ! how often," she said, " have I 
 thought of Germany, where they have spiritual 
 food in abundance, and are so little thankful." 
 The short rhymed prayer : Christ s blood and 
 his righteousness, etc., she would not part with 
 for all the treasures of the world, because she 
 obtained great comfort from it during many 
 years. She was simple and childlike, contrib- 
 uted her widow's mite for church building, and 
 said : " If our fathers and patrons in Europe 
 manifest so much love and mercy to us poor 
 
284 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 and forsaken people, I will give my mite also ; 
 God will not despise it." At length, God took 
 her home in peace, after she had been visited 
 once more by my worthy colleague, Mr. 
 Brunnholtz, who also afterwards buried her. 
 
 Our old praying Hannah in New Hanover, 
 of whom something was said in our first nar- 
 ration, also ultimately fell asleep praying. She 
 was long already dead unto the world, and 
 would know of nothing else, than to kiss her 
 crucified Saviour. Her age was nearly ninety 
 years. 
 
 A young married woman of thirty, in said 
 New Hanover, who had an earthly-minded 
 husband, lived in a mill, and sighed amid the 
 tumult of the world, was awakened, so that 
 she entered into herself, saw her ruin, and 
 hungered and thirsted after the righteousness 
 of Christ. She thought that she, with the 
 woman who was a sinner (Luke vii.), had cast 
 her sins upon Christ, and obtained forgiveness 
 from him, together with the sealing of the 
 Holy Ghost. She spoke of death with pleas- 
 ure, and was wont to say : She zvcts like a bride ', 
 who waited for the bridegroom, and if she re- 
 mained in the world and its confusion, she 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 285 
 
 might perhaps lose her first love and grow 
 cold. She lived five English miles from the 
 church, yet did not readily neglect the meet- 
 ing. When she went home from the church, 
 on the way she frequently went into the forest 
 alone, bowed her knees and prayed fervently. 
 When asked for the reason, she answered : 
 When she heard the word of God in the con- 
 gregation, her heart became filled with hunger 
 and thirst for Jesus ; then, when she could pour 
 out her heart's desire in silence, she received 
 power from the Lord Jesus, to stand against 
 her spiritual foes and their seductions. My 
 dear colleague, Mr. Brunnholtz, once had an 
 edifying conversation with her, and- rejoiced 
 very much that he met with so fine a soul, in 
 the rough and wild thickets. She represented 
 to herself the day of her death as a bridal day, 
 and chose for her funeral text, Psalm xvi. 6, 
 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places ; 
 yea, I have a goodly heritage. At length she 
 also speedily attained her wished-for desire, 
 and died in peace, and was enabled to say : I 
 know that in Jesus' blood and wounds, etc., 
 from the hymn : Who knows how near to me 
 is mine end, etc. As both English and 
 
286 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Germans followed to the grave, I preached in 
 English on Job xix. 25, For I know that my 
 Redeemer liveth, etc. ; and for the Germans I 
 preached from her chosen text. 
 
 The wife of a church warden in Providence 
 had much care and trouble with worldly 
 matters, but desisted therefrom half a year 
 before her death, and concerned herself about 
 the one thing needful. She was more fervent 
 in prayer, in her heart she considered the 
 sermons better than before, and heard with 
 tears. Her husband read diligently for her at 
 home, from Arndt's True Christianity, and from 
 her conduct testified that a real change had 
 taken place in her. She had chosen for her 
 funeral text, Lamentations v. 16, The crown is 
 fallen from our head: woe 7 into us that we have 
 sinned! The husband lives near the Mennon- 
 ite meeting-house, and had formerly assisted in 
 constructing their church-yard, on which he 
 had in part laid his family, and wished, there- 
 fore, to have his wife buried there also. A 
 great many had assembled at the funeral, as all 
 sects go to funerals, as they say, for the sake of 
 the universal love. After we had interred the 
 dead, I desired to preach under a tree, on 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 287 
 
 account of the great heat. But the three Men- 
 nonite preachers present came to me and said 
 that I should preach in their roomy meeting- 
 house. I answered that as under our gracious 
 king's government all parties who acknowledge 
 a Supreme Being are tolerated in this country, 
 I would not disturb them in their liberty and 
 occasion consequences. But they were unceas- 
 ing in their petition, and said that I should not 
 despise their house. I thought that they per- 
 haps might the more willingly receive the 
 word if I fulfilled their desire. On entering, 
 the oldest preacher whispered to me that I, 
 however, should use no strange ceremonies, 
 whom I answered that I would make use of 
 no other than the usages of my Evangelical 
 Lutheran Church. After the conclusion of the 
 sermon, the old man apologized, and said that 
 I should forgive him for his speech ; he had not 
 known what ceremonies we used. With tear- 
 ful eyes they all thanked me that I had sounded 
 the trumpet of repentance, as they called it, in 
 their house. I afterwards had to preach four 
 times in the same house on funeral occasions, 
 distant from our congregation. The preachers 
 were present each time, and said that their 
 
288 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 souls were awakened and blessed, and also 
 requested good friendship and good neighbor- 
 hood. In these sermons I did not discuss the 
 points in dispute between us, but proclaimed 
 repentance, faith, and godliness, which we all, 
 without exception, need most and before all. 
 
 In New Hanover, a lad of ten years, came 
 out of the school of our dear co-laborer Wra. 
 Vigera, and was suddenly taken sick. Shortly 
 before his death, he asked for the New Testa- 
 ment, and opened at the beautiful passage, John 
 iii. 1 6, For God so loved the zvorld, etc., read 
 it over several times, and said : " Dear 
 mother, with this verse I will go to heaven. 
 Since God has so loved me as to give his only 
 begotten Son, I cannot be lost," etc. Shortly 
 after he joyfully died. 
 
 Another lad of six years, whose father feared 
 God from his heart, lay sick. Before he died, 
 he called his father to his bed, and said : " My 
 dear father, I am going out of this wicked 
 world into heaven, where my dearest Redeemer, 
 Jesus Christ, and all holy angels dwell. There 
 I will forever praise and glorify my dear God, 
 who created me, and redeemed and sanctified 
 me. Remain pious, my dear father; be dili- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 289 
 
 gent in prayer, continue to love the Lord Jesus 
 and his word, then will he also soon take you 
 to that beautiful place." After he had spoken 
 thus, he requested that his father might yet sing 
 with him a verse of a beautiful hymn. With a 
 weeping heart the father sang, and the child fell 
 asleep. 
 
 A gray head in the New Hanover congrega- 
 tion bowed itself unto death. This man had 
 many cares on account of arrangements with 
 his children. I first removed these out of the 
 way and composed his last will. Afterwards 
 we had much to do with the only sufficient 
 righteousness which is valid before God, and 
 self-righteousness that is a filthy garment. I 
 often think of the words of our pious fathers : 
 We are triinistri gratice, and not magistri, i. c, 
 servants, not masters of grace. We present 
 the means of grace, pray to God for help and 
 blessing, and as for the rest, observe how the 
 Spirit of God works by these, and what the 
 hinderances are which stand in the way. This 
 old man, according to his confession, did not 
 wish to die otherwise than trusting to the 
 blood and death of Jesus as a poor sinner, and 
 in himself worthy of condemnation. During 
 2S T 
 
29O REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the last years, his life had been Christian-like 
 and quiet, and he had great pleasure and delight 
 in the word of God. In his testament he be- 
 queathed ,£5 of our money to our church, 
 which the heirs carefully paid. 
 
 A young married women lived scarcely one 
 and a half years with her husband, when she 
 fell into a severe sickness, which gradually 
 wasted her away. During her illness, she at- 
 tained to a salutary knowledge and sense of 
 sin, was repentant and sorry on account of 
 them generally, and especially for one sin, 
 which she had committed in Germany, and 
 which she revealed to the assistant, Mr. Kurtz, 
 who visited her in my absence. With her 
 weary and heavy-laden heart, she was directed 
 to him who received publicans and sinners ; 
 who sought for the hundredth sheep which was 
 lost ; who has promised to cast none out who 
 come unto him, and who goes out to meet the 
 prodigal on his return. Oh! shouldst thou see 
 his heart, etc., from the hymn, My Saviour re- 
 ceiveth sinners, etc. From some signs we might 
 conclude that the poor soul found the true foun- 
 dation, where her faith and hope could anchor. 
 She became tranquil and gave up her spirit. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 29 1 
 
 A young man of thirty served us in the New 
 Hanover congregation as leader of the choir. 
 He sought and loved the one thing needful, 
 therefore hated evil company, and would not 
 follow the rude multitude, and on this account 
 was scoffed at. But he had fallen into certain 
 Circumstances, which followed and injured him. 
 He, with his aged father, had rented a piece of 
 land, purchased the cattle necessary, and all 
 this on credit. But as he was unfortunate with 
 the cattle, he was unable to pay. The debts 
 oppressed him very much, and are even not all 
 paid as yet, after his death. If a countryman 
 here, who begins empty-handed, is unlucky 
 with his cattle, and gets into debt, he is some- 
 times troubled with it all his life. Said young 
 man had hired himself as a furnace clerk, to a 
 respectable Quaker and justice of the peace, 
 where he might perhaps have paid off his 
 debts, but would have been subjected to many 
 temptations and seductions. He had, however, 
 scarcely entered upon his office there, when, 
 riding on a wagon, the horses started suddenly, 
 overturned the wagon, and caused him a fatal 
 fall. Early on Sunday he desired me to come 
 to him at the house of his employer ; but as I 
 
292 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 could not put off the sermon in the congrega- 
 tion, I only arrived towards evening, and found 
 him indeed fully in his right mind, but very 
 near unto death. His friends and acquaintances 
 stood around him and wept, on account of his 
 fall. As soon as he saw me he also wept. I 
 said that he must now in a moment appear 
 before the judgment-seat of God, to receive as 
 he had done in the body. Who could inter- 
 cede for him, and how would he appear before 
 it? Weeping, he said: "I have before now 
 united myself in faith with my Intercessor; in 
 weakness I have loved him, and know none 
 other, neither in heaven nor upon earth, who 
 has and who can mediate for me, but my Lord 
 Jesus Christ. He will not enter into judgment 
 with me." Afterwards I had all the people 
 leave him, and yet spoke with him one thing 
 and another concerning that which I thought 
 necessary for him, and according to my weak 
 understanding. I found that he was considera- 
 bly collected in mind. He had a longing 
 desire to partake of the holy Supper before he 
 died, and said that the hunger and thirst after 
 it had upheld him so long, or else he would 
 already have died in the forenoon. In the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 293 
 
 presence of many people of various opinions, 
 he offered up a penitential prayer before God, 
 and in it cast all his cares upon the Lord, par- 
 took of the holy Supper like a healthy person, 
 after its reception prayed with me, and also 
 sang with us in an audible voice the fourth 
 verse of the hymn : Jesus, thy deep wounds, 
 etc. Yes, for all that me doth grieve, and thy 
 wounds give power, etc. When we had sung 
 this verse, he adjusted himself and said : " Now 
 I die in the Lord." We sung the last verse of 
 the same hymn : If I have thee in my heart, 
 thou fountain of all goodness, etc. ; and in the 
 midst of singing he fell asleep gently and happy. 
 On account of his quiet life, his employer, and 
 other Quakers also, loved him, and followed 
 him to the grave, for whom I delivered an 
 exhortation in the English language. 
 
 In the year of 1746, my wife's grandfather, 
 the old Conrad Weiser, came to my house, 
 who had lived in New York since 17 10, and 
 latterly on the borders of New England. The 
 reasons of his coming to us were the follow- 
 ing: First, it was very dangerous to live at his 
 place, as in the present war times the French 
 Indians, or savages from Canada, rove about 
 25* 
 
294 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 and kill the English subjects in a cruel man- 
 ner. When a French Indian has murdered an 
 English subject, he draws off the skin with 
 the hair, which covers the skull of the slain, 
 attaches it to a long pole, enters in triumph, 
 and receives ten pounds in money as a reward 
 for each scalp from the French government. 
 Now as several Germans in his neighborhood 
 had already been massacred, and were treated 
 thus, he was unwilling to give his gray head 
 into the hands of the savages. In the second 
 place, he desired to see his children and his 
 children's children once more, and to speak 
 with me of the way of salvation. Thirdly, he 
 desired to have his resting-place with us in 
 Pennsylvania. He was so wearied by his long 
 fatiguing journey and his great age, that he 
 was nearly dead when brought to my house. 
 After he had lain in bed for twenty-four hours 
 and taken some nourishment, he revived again, 
 and in half-broken words began to pray the 
 hymn : " Soar up unto thy God," etc., and 
 especially repeated the third verse : " Have I 
 done aught that is amiss," etc. His eyes were 
 very dim, his hearing lost, so that I could not 
 speak much with him. But I could not listen 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 295 
 
 to him without tears of joy, how heartily he 
 continually repeated the very strongest proof- 
 texts, concerning the gracious reconciliation in 
 Christ; as e. g., "Surely He hath borne our 
 griefs" etc. "This is a faithful saying and 
 worthy of all acceptation," etc., " God was in 
 Christ, reconciling the world unto himself," 
 " For God so loved the world," etc. To which 
 he added the passages which specially relate 
 to appropriation, viz. ; " Come unto me all ye 
 that labor and are heavy laden," etc. " Him 
 that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out," 
 etc., " Father, I have sinned against heaven 
 and before thee," etc., " God be merciful to me 
 a sinner !" The sixth verse of the hymn : 
 " Who knows how near to me is my end," etc., 
 "Oh! Father cover all my sins," etc. I had 
 everything quieted around, so that he did not 
 know or notice that any one was present, so 
 that he alone and in spirit might hold converse 
 with the omnipresent God. O how well it is if 
 in youth we gather a treasure out of the living 
 Word of God ! Even if it does not instantly 
 attain to vigor and bear fruit in practice, on 
 account of various hindrances, still God re- 
 mains faithful and does all thing's well in his 
 
296 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 time. It seems to me that I had and saw a 
 beautiful example in this soul how the Spirit 
 of God is truly conjoined with the Word. It 
 is a real joy when we see the old evangelical 
 Lutheran truths become quickened in a soul. 
 How sad, on the contrary, when persons from 
 a desire for innovation, trample under foot as it 
 were the old valuable treasures, and form new 
 sects, which externally indeed seem somewhat 
 more polished than the old mode, but in sub- 
 stance not to be compared with it. After the 
 old man had again somewhat recovered his 
 strength, we had several short edifying conver- 
 sations. The subject each time related to two 
 points, viz.: Our incomprehensibly deep ruin 
 with which we are charged in the moral law, 
 which is spiritual, and the inscrutably high grace 
 of God in Christ Jesus, which is offered unto 
 us in the gospel, and in a certain order, freely be- 
 stowed. Of both he made his confession in the 
 first and in the second person, viz. : " Whither 
 shall I flee," etc., "Oh! Jesus full of grace," 
 etc., " With me are many sins, but with thee 
 there is much forgiveness." He afterwards 
 manifested a longing hunger and thirst for the 
 holy Supper, and said that he had not par- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 297 
 
 taken of it for several years on account of the 
 want of preachers in his place. As it was Sun- 
 day, and several members of our congregation 
 were with me before service, he made a confes- 
 sion of his sins, humbled himself before his 
 Saviour as a poor worm worthy of condemna- 
 tion ; asked for grace and pardon, and for the 
 Holy Spirit unto a better life, and was so edify- 
 ing to all present that with him they were 
 melted into tears. After he had received the 
 holy Supper, he prayed the twenty-third 
 Psalm with us, and refreshed himself with the 
 hymn: "When my sins do grieve me," etc. 
 The few days he yet tarried with us he em- 
 ployed for the edification of his soul by the 
 Word of God, and did not weary in praying 
 the hymn : " O thou Triune God whom I have 
 chosen," etc. The fifth and sixth verses of 
 this hymn he chose as his funeral text, and 
 with the tenth verse he especially edified him- 
 self. In the meanwhile my father-in-law sent 
 a wagon and a bed, had him brought to him 
 fifty miles further up the country, and when he 
 had blessed us, reached the place with great 
 fatigue, and yet lived for a short time with his 
 Joseph in Goshen, he at length fell asleep amid 
 
298 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 the affectionate prayers and sighs of his chil- 
 dren and children's children standing around 
 him, after wandering on this pilgrimage between 
 eighty and ninety years. 
 
 A man of the Reformed church, who kept 
 school several miles from Providence, attended 
 our meetings diligently, and on each occasion 
 listened with attention, and also perceived in 
 course of time, that more than the form or ap- 
 pearance of godliness was necessary for salva- 
 tion. The good which was wrought in his 
 soul by the Spirit of God, by means of his 
 word, also had an influence upon his family. 
 He gave his children and grandchildren whom 
 he had with him, a good example, and kept 
 them to prayer and in the fear of God. Sev- 
 eral of his grandchildren died with dysentery, 
 who with their little sighs of heart, and singu- 
 lar patience, edified and gave not a little joy to 
 the neighbors. This is especially noticeable in 
 the country, that we frequently observe very 
 special and welcome signs of grace, when par- 
 ents have anything good in them, and give 
 evidence of it, and also take care of their 
 young ingrafted branches, and water them with 
 the word of God. An outward help thereto, 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 299 
 
 is, that the people do not live so near together 
 as in towns and villages, and the children are 
 not enticed so early by wicked examples, if 
 they are not neglected. At length, this man 
 was also overtaken by a severe sickness. One 
 of our wardens in Providence, who lived near 
 him, diligently visited the sick man, and spoke 
 with him of the one thing needfnl. And as I 
 had to bury one of his grand-children, the old 
 man, who was lying very sick, requested me 
 to preach the funeral sermon on the outside be- 
 neath his window, that he in the inside might 
 hear and be edified. I did this, and expounded 
 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8, for the awakening of both those 
 who were without and those who were within. 
 And as the circumstances had permitted me 
 beforehand to speak specially with the sick 
 man, I inquired of him, whether he had much 
 to do with the sickness itself, and with his 
 bodily pains. Persons sometimes say: The 
 anguish of my heart is great, and when wc 
 strictly inquire, the poor soul sleeps in sin and 
 in security, and it is the natural feeling only 
 which writhes and moans over the aches of 
 the body. He answered : That his disease 
 did not give him the least concern, even if the 
 
300 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 body should molder into dust. Yea, he could 
 say, that he did not even think of his pains, 
 but set his thoughts on his undying soul and 
 the important change impending. Judging 
 from several incidents, I said to him, that he 
 perhaps may shortly have to enter upon the 
 great journey from time into eternity. He an- 
 swered : " Ah! yes, I have a difficult journey 
 before me to thee, into the heavenly paradise ; 
 there is my true fatherland, on which thou hast 
 bestowed thy blood!" I said: " Since then the 
 time is so short, and the change so near, heart- 
 ily examine yourself, how you stand with God 
 and his Son, the Judge of the living and of the 
 dead. Are you a sinner?" He answered: 
 "Alas ! yes, I am the greatest sinner upon earth, 
 and I have committed more sins, in thoughts, 
 words, deeds, and omission of that which is 
 good, than there is sand on the seashore." I in- 
 quired : " What is the cause ?" He answered : 
 " My unbelief." I asked : " Does the Spirit of God 
 reprove you for this ?" He answered : " Yea, I 
 am convinced, that I did not believe, and of 
 myself cannot as yet believe." I inquired 
 further : " Where then do you wish to remain 
 with your sins ? do you desire to take them 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3OI 
 
 with you into eternity ?" And when he an- 
 swered : "Oh ! no, there is no sacrifice more for 
 sin there," I said to him : "Then gather together 
 your whole load of sin and cares, and in heart- 
 felt prayer, weary and heavy laden, cast your- 
 self with them at the feet of the great Re- 
 deemer of the world. By his wounds you 
 also, as a contrite sinner, shall and can be 
 purified and healed. Do you believe this?" 
 With tearful eyes he answered: "Lord, I believe; 
 help thou my unbelief. Lord, I believe, help me 
 feeble one, yea, let me not despair," etc. As he 
 was weak, and unable to converse much, we 
 who were standing by kneeled, and presented 
 his cares before the Lord, and inquired* of him, 
 whether his case was such ? He answered, Yes, 
 as a poor penitent sinful worm, he desired to 
 abide by the sufficient atoning blood of his 
 Jesus, and although with weak faith, yet thereon 
 to live and to die. We sang : " Oh ! Father 
 cover all my sins with the merit of Jesus," etc. 
 He afterwards lived yet a few days, and made 
 good use of the promises of God, until he at 
 length as we charitably hope, passed from faith 
 to sight. 
 
 An aged man-, and a member of the New 
 26 
 
302 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 Hanover congregation, could not believe for a 
 long time that he was aoepfc, or ungodly, as all 
 men are by nature without the righteousness 
 of Christ. Against this he knew how to cite 
 many witnesses, both from Germany and this 
 country, who knew him as an honest and 
 peaceable man. But as he diligently gave 
 heed to the sermons, and attended a meeting 
 for edification, in which several examples from 
 the Saltzburg and Malabar reports were read, 
 and old forcible Lutheran hymns were ex- 
 plained, he gradually perceived that his honesty 
 and his own garment of righteousness were 
 insufficient. Still, he thought it might be 
 impossible to attain to a better and more perfect 
 righteousness. The excellent examples of 
 Nicodemus, Paul, Mary Magdalene, the pub- 
 lican, and the prodigal son, he referred to the 
 times which are past, and the experience of his 
 preachers he ascribed to their calling and 
 station. The more recent examples which 
 were read he would rather have seen with his 
 own eyes, than heard of from a distance. Yet 
 the Lord, who loved his redeemed soul, granted 
 grace, that he at length became poor in spirit, 
 and gradually lost his false supports. He did 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 303 
 
 not know how to say much about it, still he 
 lamented his condition, and began to hunger 
 and to thirst after a better righteousness. He 
 at last fell into a mortal sickness, and called to 
 God and his Son for grace and pardon ; and 
 when I visited him in his sickness, and inquired 
 of him whether he had nearly gotten the new 
 garments of salvation ready, or whether he 
 intended to appear before the most Holy God 
 with his filthy garment ? He answered, That 
 now he knew of nothing more than the blood 
 of Christ and his righteousness, that this should 
 be his dress and robe of honor, wherewith he 
 would stand before God and enter into heaven. 
 With those standing by I prayed to God, pre- 
 sented his case in simplicity, and commended 
 him to the mercy of his Redeemer. He said 
 that the hymn which we sung last in the meet- 
 ing, was always present to his mind during his 
 illness, viz. : " Wherefore then should I grieve," 
 etc. By day and by night, even when suffer- 
 ing the severest pain, this hymn sounded in his 
 heart. He thought that he had a certain assur- 
 ance of his state of grace, and that nothing 
 more could separate him from the love of God 
 in Christ Jesus. He desired that I might 
 
304 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 be present at his departure, and see how happy 
 and joyfully he would leave this world. " For," 
 said he, " I must experience that which is con- 
 tained in my hymn, verse seven : Intrepid and 
 without a fear, must a Christian, where'er he is, 
 still let himself appear, etc. Wherefore, I know 
 that my Redeemer liveth, etc." With a confi- 
 dent heart he passed away a few days after- 
 wards. I was in another congregation at the 
 time, and therefore could not be present at his 
 death. From love to our church and school, 
 which are still somewhat in debt, he bequeathed 
 ;£i2 of our money in his last testament. 
 
 Two aged married people in New Hanover, 
 who held to the congregation, were, according 
 to their temperament, wholly melancholists, 
 and devoted to the riches of this world and the 
 cares of business. The thing had become such 
 a habit with them, that all my trouble and 
 labor with them seemed in vain. Withal, they 
 were outwardly honorable, in business transac- 
 tions sharp and accurate, in attendance upon 
 the worship of God untiring, and their morning 
 and evening prayer without intermission. It 
 seems to me that such a temperament is the 
 most fit to show forth the semblance of godli- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 305 
 
 ness, and to deny its power. If you mention 
 the points whereat the heart is especially sick, 
 they have numberless replies, drawn partly 
 from the Word of God and partly from reason, 
 and in conclusion generally appeal to God> 
 who trieth the heart and the reins. I, and the 
 assistant, Mr. Kurtz, have several times spoken 
 with them in love and earnestness, and held up 
 the most necessary truths before them. They 
 agreed with us in every important article of 
 faith, and in respect to examination and appro- 
 priation, they had already experienced much, 
 and promised, by the grace of God, to put the 
 rest in practice also. But if we look for the 
 signs which must necessarily follow repentance 
 and faith in regeneration, matters now and 
 then seem very deficient. According to their 
 confession, they did not wish to die otherwise 
 than as poor penitents, but through Christ 
 pardoned and justified sinners. But it would 
 be more comforting to us if we had perceived 
 more and clearer tokens of a radical change of 
 heart and repentance in them. Still I am, for 
 my part, a poor creature, and deficient in judg- 
 ment, and therefore often err on one side or 
 the other. I find that in judging of the repent- 
 U 
 
306 reports from Lutheran 
 
 ance of others, if we either go away too far 
 beyond the common signs, which God the 
 Judge of hearts has clearly revealed in his 
 word, and judge others too strictly according 
 to our own experience, or remain too far there- 
 from, and determine according to the feelings 
 or more general signs, than God has given in 
 his word, we sin in both instances, pronounce 
 many happy who before God maybe unblessed, 
 and many unblessed who before God may be 
 esteemed as happy. In funeral discourses we 
 are careful and do not like to say more con- 
 cerning the dead than that which we consider 
 useful and edifying to those who are yet living. 
 Oh ! Lord, grant unto us thy spirit of wisdom, 
 and let us continually learn to understand 
 more fully what this means : Thou hast pleas- 
 ure in mercy and not in sacrifice ! Let thy 
 thoughts become more and more our thoughts, 
 so that we may not go into eternity with an 
 erroneous system of our own thoughts. The 
 man died and bequeathed a beautiful cloth for 
 the altar ; the woman died also, and gave £$ 
 to be distributed among poor people. 
 
 An old man who lived with his family about 
 twelve English miles from the New Hanover 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2)°7 
 
 church, among various sects, held to our con- 
 gregation, and visited our meetings diligently 
 whenever his infirmity, the weather, the roads, 
 and the water permitted. But whenever he 
 could not be present, he edified himself and 
 his family at home with Arndt's True Chris- 
 tianity, Spener's Doctrine of Faith, and especi- 
 ally with the Holy Bible. In the intercourse 
 I had with him, I observed in his life and 
 conversation that God's word and the holy 
 sacraments were dear to him. He died during 
 the rough winter season, so that I could not 
 well be with him and wait for his end. His 
 family related to me that he had anticipated 
 his death, perhaps a quarter of a year before, 
 and had taken leave of his friends when he was 
 last in church. He had, therefore, especially 
 latterly, diligently and unceasingly prayed to 
 his reconciled Father in Christ, that he would let 
 him depart in peace, and also fell asleep amid 
 prayers and sighs. I was called to his funeral, 
 whereat not only many of the members of our 
 scattered congregation, but also many English 
 and German people of other religions and sects 
 were present, who all testified that he had led 
 a Christian and exemplary life among them. 
 
308 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 A man of thirty-one years lived in New Han- 
 over who held to the congregation, but was 
 otherwise involved in extensive worldly busi- 
 ness. He had the superintendence of a large 
 tract of land, which belonged to certain mer- 
 chants in Philadelphia, and which was leased 
 to poor German people by the piece. The 
 man was of pliant but volatile mind, and was 
 otherwise benevolent and obliging to all who 
 gave him a kind word. But the circumstances 
 of his calling were such that nearly in every 
 business transaction he had to be in some tavern, 
 at auctions, or before the authorities. Now, 
 when it is remembered how inclined nature is 
 when left to itself, to be ensnared in all manner 
 of sin by such opportunities, we can readily 
 form an estimate of the Christianity of such a 
 man. In the meanwhile, he neglected no 
 meeting unnecessarily, but in later times did 
 not come to the holy Supper from a sense of 
 his unworthiness, as he, on account of his 
 office, was at one time involved in a lawsuit, 
 and at another fell into this and into that sin. 
 As many sermons and funeral discourses as he 
 heard, so many new resolutions he made to 
 forsake the broad for the narrow way, to turn 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3O9 
 
 from darkness to light, and from the power of 
 Satan to God. But the first opportunity drew 
 the poor man on each occasion back again into 
 his old sins. I now and then specially admon- 
 ished him, when good promises on his part 
 were never wanting. After some time he came 
 to me and said with emotion of heart : " I per- 
 ceive that everything in the world and in my 
 heart is vanity. I have hitherto desired to be 
 a great man, and in all things do as others do 
 in company ; in a word, I walked in the broad 
 way, which leadeth to destruction. I will dis- 
 encumber myself of everything, curtail my 
 affairs, and turn to my gracious God in Christ 
 with all my heart ; although my associates may 
 also scoff at me on this account and call me a 
 preacher's fool." I answered him : This is 
 again a new resolution, and it, like all which 
 have gone before, if begun in reliance on your 
 own strength, and not with prayer and earnest 
 reliance upon the co-operative and all-sufficient 
 grace and power of God and his Spirit, will 
 also be dissipated by the first wind of tempta- 
 tion. If he would become a true disciple of 
 Jesus and a child of salvation, there must be a 
 radical change in him — in heart, mind, spirit, 
 
3IO REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 thoughts and all the faculties. If this takes 
 place by the grace of God, it will have an in- 
 fluence upon his outward calling, be it great or 
 small." In reference to his employment I 
 readily acknowledged that he might obtain 
 some alleviation if he laid it aside, abridged it, 
 and followed his profession. But repentance 
 itself must nevertheless be wrought, in its 
 order, by the Spirit of God and the means of 
 grace, although confined in a chamber or a 
 desert. It seems to me that the pretext con- 
 cerning extensiveness of business is only a sub- 
 terfuge to delay the things so needful. For 
 he cannot give up his business until his year is 
 up. Now if he would defer his repentance so 
 long, many things, yea death itself, may inter- 
 vene. If his motion is good, it is a drawing 
 of the Father unto the Son. Now, although 
 God does not draw with absolute power, still 
 there is in this attraction so much and suffi- 
 cient force that he is enabled to come from the 
 power of Satan and of sin unto God, and from 
 bondage unto perfect liberty in Christ if he 
 does not willfully resist and let the Lord 
 stretch out his hand to him in vain. It is, 
 therefore, said : " To-day if ye zvill hear his 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3II 
 
 voice," etc., and not to-morrow, or next year. 
 I advised him in simplicity that he should enter 
 into his chamber, where he could be alone, 
 and complain concerning himself before him 
 who seeth in secret, as he perceives himself to 
 be and is convinced that he is. That he 
 should pray to God in the name of Christ, 
 that he should still convince him more by his 
 spirit, of unbelief and of all the abominations of 
 sins arising therefrom, so that he may learn to 
 know sin as sin in its true form. God is faith- 
 ful ; he will show him how he is lying in his 
 blood, and that there is no soundness in him 
 from his head to the soles of his feet. He 
 will be terrified with himself and attain to a 
 salutary sorrow, which worketh a repentance 
 to salvation which no one repenteth of. His 
 sin-wounds will stink and fester from foolish- 
 ness. There will arise in him a disgust and 
 hatred of all sins, and a longing desire to be 
 delivered from them. The drawing of the 
 Father will still increase, and draw him with 
 his whole load of sin, weary and heavy laden, 
 unto Christ. With Christ he will find grace 
 and pardon, deliverance from all sin, guilt, and 
 punishment. He will receive the power and 
 
312 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 privilege, not only to be called a child of God, 
 but also actually to be such, and to walk con- 
 sistently with his calling. If such a real 
 change take place in him, the influence of it 
 will soon be perceived in his outward vocation. 
 If he had been in the past a diligent visitor 
 of taverns, and made the company therein 
 merry with jests and buffoonery, he will in 
 future go neither more nor less into such 
 houses than the necessities of his business 
 require, and the hatred of and disgust with sin, 
 but especially the Holy Spirit, will teach him, 
 by his word, to reprove the evil at the proper 
 time, either by words or with silence. If he 
 had been a taskmaster before over the poor 
 people, he will then be a father, assist the op- 
 pressed and secure the rights of widows and 
 orphans. If he had many lawsuits before, he 
 will then rather suffer wrong, and as much as 
 possible have peace with all men. In a word, 
 a true repentance shows its fruits in all actions 
 and omissions. He replied: "Oh! yes, it 
 would indeed be a blessed thing if this was 
 effected in me !" I said, where there is no be- 
 ginning, there also is no middle and no end. 
 The indolent die whilst wishing. If he accom- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 3I3 
 
 modates himself to order of repentance and 
 faith, he will then himself discover whether he 
 can retain his extensive business without detri- 
 ment or not. When the mariner perceives 
 that the storm will sink him, he casts the 
 heaviest overboard that he may save his life, 
 although with the loss of some possessions. 
 Whether this word of exhortation fell upon 
 good or stony ground, I cannot say with cer- 
 tainty. In a short time after the man was 
 attacked by a contagious fever (yellow). I 
 visited him, but he was very weak and was 
 very much afraid of death, and desirous that I 
 might ask of God for him a gracious respite 
 unto life, that if he again recovered, he would 
 be more faithful and give himself to God with 
 his whole heart. It was truly a sorrowful 
 sight, as he was unprepared, had a small troop 
 of minor children, and his many accounts not 
 in order. I pitied his soul, exhorted him, 
 therefore, once more unto repentance, kneeled 
 before his bed, offered up a penitential prayer, 
 and asked of the long-suffering and just God 
 whether he would have mercy and permit the 
 tree to stand yet this year also. But on the 
 day following he became speechless, and lay 
 27 
 
314 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 dying for about twenty-four hours. I was 
 called from my house during the night, and 
 had to ride fifteen English miles in cold and 
 rough weather and deep roads, so that on ac- 
 count of it I nearly fell ill myself. When I 
 arrived L was unable to speak with him, as his 
 outward senses had already partly failed. I 
 exhorted all present to join me in prayer and 
 to call upon the Lord for grace. I prepared his 
 wife with the word of God willingly to accept 
 of widowhood, and saw him die two hours 
 afterwards. To-day thou livest ; repent to- 
 day! Before the morrow the change may 
 come. 
 
 An aged widow in Providence was related 
 to our warden, and abode with him for a time. 
 The woman was old and feeble, and had noth- 
 ing more to do in the world than to care for her 
 soul. The warden, who leads an exemplary 
 life with his wife and children, and willingly 
 profits with the talent entrusted to him, dili- 
 gently cared for the poor widow. He noticed 
 that she still retained one and another habitual 
 sin from her youth,' and otherwise seemed gen- 
 erally estranged from the life of God. She, 
 however, relied much on the prayers which 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 315 
 
 she had learnt in her youth. She attended 
 church on Sundays, and was devotional at 
 morning and evening prayers during the week, 
 so that she was not easily approached. When 
 at length she was on one occasion alone with 
 the warden's children, and gave an offense to 
 the innocent lambs, who yet stood in baptismal 
 grace, as she jested with a penitential hymn, 
 the innocent children complained of this to 
 their father. The father therefore took the 
 opportunity, in earnestness and in love, to dis- 
 close to the widow the rotten foundation of 
 her heart, and to exhort her to true repent- 
 ance. His and his wife's admonitions also 
 did not remain unblessed, for it was noticeable 
 in the woman that she gave better heed to the 
 word of God, and became more earnest and 
 ardent in prayer. She was entreated to turn 
 to God with her whole heart, that her sins 
 might be blotted out with the blood of Jesus, 
 and be cast into the depths of the sea. At 
 length she lay sick with the dysentery for four- 
 teen days, and still had time and opportunity 
 to commend her poor soul in penitential prayer 
 to him who had purchased her with his blood. 
 I was with her several times during her sick- 
 
316 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 ness, and exhorted her penitently to acknowl- 
 edge all her sins — to repent of them, and to 
 seek grace and salvation in the free and open 
 fountain for sin and uncleanness. On account 
 of age, weakness, and illness, she was unable 
 to converse much, but gave assurance that she 
 would obey the exhortations, and not resist 
 the operations of the Spirit of God. That 
 which the deceased pastor, Raupach, of Ham- 
 burg, said, occurred to me here, viz. : that it is 
 terrible to him, when people lie so secure and 
 quiet in their last hours, and feel no terror or 
 anguish of conscience, nor yet have a longing 
 for assurance of their state of grace. He 
 feared that it was with many according to the 
 saying of David : He shall go to the generation 
 of his fathers ; they shall never see light. It is 
 certainly more consoling and more safe, if we 
 are already prepared before the last hour 
 comes. But when this did not take place, and 
 we still at last notice some weakness of the 
 spirit, it is more comforting than when, 
 we perceive nothing of either, but rather 
 a secure dying away. At the departure of 
 some persons, it is almost sorrowful and dan- 
 gerous for the preacher — sorrowful when they 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 317 
 
 did not experience true repentance and faith 
 in its beginning or its progression. Death is 
 most painful for nature, and to avoid which, 
 nature employs all other possible powers of 
 body and soul. When we would here first 
 recommend repentance and faith, it is apt to 
 happen as it is written in Exodus vi. 9 : Moses 
 announced unto the children of Israel the 
 strongest and most comforting promises, which 
 he had just received from the loving lips of 
 the Truth, and which were to serve them for 
 encouragement and strength. But they heark- 
 ened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, aud 
 for cruel bondage. It is dangerous also, be- 
 cause unconverted persons desire to be lulled 
 into the eternal death-sleep, by the preachers, 
 with sweet consolations not belonging to them. 
 The aged widow died after a severe illness of 
 two weeks, and prayed earnestly until she ex- 
 pired, after having lived between sixty and 
 seventy years. 
 
 A reformed woman in New Hanover neg- 
 lected no sermon in our meetings, and had her 
 grown daughter instructed and confirmed in 
 our congregation. Her son had been awakened 
 unto that which is good, in Germany, and in 
 27* 
 
3 18 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 this country joined the Zinzendorfer, and would 
 also very willingly have drawn his sister after 
 him, but could not. The woman particularly 
 loved edifying books and conversation I pro- 
 vided her with a Halle hymn book, whence 
 she appropriated several beautiful hymns for 
 her edification. In later times, especially, she 
 became very quiet, and it seemed that she had 
 attained the precious endowment of woman- 
 hood, viz. : The hidden man of the heart incor- 
 ruptible, with a meek and quiet spirit. Wher- 
 ever she went or stood, she was wont to pray 
 inwardly. She kept herself to him whom she 
 did not see, as though she saw him. When 
 on her death-bed, she would have no restora- 
 tives from the physicians of the body, because 
 she, as she said, livingly experienced the con- 
 soling promises of the Bridegroom of her soul, 
 and was supported therein by the Comforter, 
 the Holy Ghost, so that she scarcely felt any 
 sickness or bodily pain, and from this vale of 
 tears, with a confident heart, she entered into 
 the joys of her Lord. In the last hour she 
 remembered me in her prayer, wished me a 
 thousand-fold blessing and a good-night, and 
 also to have me told in the words of the six- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 319 
 
 teenth Psalm : The lines are fallen unto me in 
 pleasant places ; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 
 On these words I also preached her funeral 
 sermon with pleasure. 
 
 A man between forty and fifty years, who, 
 together with his father and brother, had been 
 for a time with the well-known Dippel in Ger- 
 many, and came into this country, fell from 
 one sect to another, and when at length he 
 was also done with the Gichtelians, he believed 
 nothing more, lived in an ungodly manner, and 
 also permitted his children to grow up like 
 Indians. At length he came from up the 
 country to visit his brother. I was in his 
 brother's house just at the time, instructing a 
 small number of young people, who were being 
 prepared for confirmation and the holy Supper- 
 The man became very sick, and laid himself in 
 bed in the room in which the instruction was 
 given. He heard our teaching. I spoke to 
 him, and entreated him that he should yet seek 
 grace with him who atoned for the sins of the 
 world, and consequently for his sins also, made 
 satisfaction therefor, received the publican and 
 the sinner, and promised to cast none out who 
 came to him ; and who sought the hundreth 
 
320 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 sheep which was lost, etc. He said each and 
 every time it was too late for him ; if he recov- 
 ered again, he would seek for grace and amend 
 his life. I besought and admonished him that 
 he should nevertheless take the certain instead 
 of the uncertain, and not to think that it was 
 too early or too late. But he stood by his old 
 speech, and would have nothing further to do 
 with me. I inquired whether he perhaps could 
 permit it that I, together with the children, 
 prayed to God for him for grace? He 
 answered that I might do according to my 
 pleasure as I would. I, together with the little 
 company of young people, kneeled around his 
 bed several times, and called upon the Lord 
 that he might have mercy on the perplexed 
 and obdurate sheep, for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ ! I thought I must obtain it by begging 
 with barefaced entreaty ; but he would not take 
 part with us, and God would not draw him 
 with absolute force. He persisted in this, that 
 if he recovered again, there should be a change. 
 He died a few days afterwards, when I was in 
 the country. 
 
 An old man stricken in years, who according 
 to his descent was called a Lutheran, lived 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 32 1 
 
 about fourteen English miles from New Han- 
 over, on a tract of land in the mountains. A 
 rich Irishman appropriated it, and drove the 
 extremely poor man away, together with his 
 family. The man knew not how to accommo- 
 date himself to the misfortune. He had 
 neither heard nor read the word of God, but 
 willfully walked in darkness like his neighbors, 
 and fell into despair. In this miserable condi- 
 tion it occurred to him, that he should go down 
 to the New Hanover church, and there hang 
 himself; thus should he find rest, and be deliv- 
 ered from his calamity. He followed the 
 thought, hastened down, borrowed a rope from 
 a neighbor, and hanged himself to a tree oppo- 
 site the church. The neighbor became alarmed, 
 and after a little while went out of his house, and 
 saw the poor man already hanging to the tree; but 
 his resolution was quickly taken, and he cut 
 the rope in haste. The man fell down, and lay 
 for a time as dead, but at length revived again. 
 The neighbor invited the man, and almost 
 forced him against his will, to go with him to the 
 school house to Mr. Kurtz, who still lived there. 
 Mr. Kurtz examined him, and set before him 
 the terrible endless judgment of God. which 
 
322 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 inevitably follows suicide. The man had re 
 lated the circumstances as before described, and 
 said that no walk ever appeared to him so easy 
 as the fourteen miles. Mr. Kurtz prayed with 
 him, and thanked God, that he had once more 
 delivered the poor sinner from the rude halter 
 of Satan. After he had well considered, the 
 man wept bitterly, and promised to ask for 
 grace and forgiveness. He now goes to 
 church occasionally, when his poverty, the 
 weather and the roads permit. 
 
 Hereupon I will in simplicity report, what- 
 ever remarkable things transpired here and 
 there, in my congregations and on my jour- 
 neys. 
 
 In November, 1746, I was solicited to take 
 a journey to Tulpehocken, as the congregation 
 there, which we hitherto occasionally supplied, 
 had long since entreated that I should admin- 
 ister the holy Supper to them. It is, indeed, 
 difficult to administer the holy Supper in such 
 congregations, where we cannot have the 
 members in cura specially special care, and know 
 the condition of each one somewhat more par- 
 ticularly. . Still, we cannot well refuse. We 
 examine the people strictly, set before them 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 323 
 
 both the law and the gospel, exhort them to 
 repentance, faith and godliness, set forth the 
 use of the Holy Sacrament, as Luther says, 
 and seek to keep the conscience unburdened 
 as much as God gives grace. In a word, we 
 dig around and manure the old trees, plant and 
 water, and ask God for the increase. In Tul- 
 pehocken I had confessional examination the 
 day previous, and explained the fast-day text, 
 according to which the members present were 
 to examine themselves. Afterwards I recorded 
 those who intended to commune, publicly read 
 off their names, and asked the wardens and 
 elders that on their conscience they should say 
 whether they knew willful and deliberate sin- 
 ners among those read off? They began to 
 weep, and said the matter was too hard for 
 them ; they had enough to do with themselves, 
 and thus each one should examine himself. I 
 was satisfied with the answer, and said every 
 one should then the more closely look upon 
 himself, and before the all-seeing eye of God 
 examine himself. I had understood before- 
 hand that two of the number were addicted to 
 the vice of drunkenness, and, therefore, took 
 an old widow to account publicly and asked 
 
324 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 whether she was still involved in this and other 
 herewith associated sins, and intended to con- 
 tinue therein ? The woman was speechless ; 
 but those related to her said that she had 
 already abstained for some time, and by the 
 grace of God formed a good resolution for 
 amendment. An old man whom I had myself 
 seen drunk on the road on several occasions, 
 was also called up and exhorted to repentance. 
 He replied that he had already abandoned ex- 
 cessive drinking for half a year. In earnest- 
 ness and in love we represented to him that 
 such a vice was a manifest fruit and token of 
 his still unconverted heart, and how he might 
 attain to grace and the forgiveness of all his 
 sins and the sonship of God. But he became 
 embittered, and said that now he would not 
 come to the holy Supper, and went away dis- 
 pleased. The rest were diligently admon- 
 ished that they should certainly not think that 
 they were sufficiently worthy when they did 
 not live in gross vice, but a heart truly peni- 
 tent and hungering after grace was required 
 thereto. We showed them, also, how to attain 
 to it. At the close of the confessional exami- 
 nation we kneeled, confessed our sins, and 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 325 
 
 asked for pardon for the sake of Jesus Christ, 
 and promised to follow the guidance of the 
 good Spirit, and heard the absolution. On 
 Sunday I preached on the proper use and 
 utility of the holy Supper, administered it to 
 two hundred communicants, and so far as I 
 could observe there was good order out- 
 wardly, and reverence and devotion among 
 the people. The Lord knoweth the heart! 
 
 In the month of December of said year, 
 1746, a great snow fell, and the winter began 
 with such violence, that I could scarcely attend 
 to the ordinary duties of my office. The snow 
 was as deep as any I ever saw in the Hartz 
 mountains, in Hanover, where the winters are 
 generally pretty hard. In this month, prior to 
 the snow, we sent the assistant, Mr. Kurtz, to 
 the congregation at Raritan, or properly, Read- 
 ingstown, that he should preach there, and 
 keep school, as they were wholly destitute and 
 forsaken. I had therefore to do without his 
 assistance and aid in my extensive congre- 
 gations and out-parishes. For the school I 
 made the following arrangement : In Provi- 
 dence I retained our dear friend Vigera in my 
 house, and had him to instruct those children 
 
326 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 who, notwithstanding the hard winter and deep 
 roads, were able to come hither. With schools 
 in the country, it is very inconvenient with such 
 bad roads and rough weather, for the poor 
 children have often to go two, three, and four 
 English miles. The parents are, for the most 
 part, poor, and often are unable to provide 
 as many shoes and necessary clothes as the 
 children tear. We should at least have an 
 establishment in each church — building and 
 people also — that the children might be lodged, 
 boarded, and superintended. But we as yet 
 see no possibility of this, as we have not as 
 yet even fully paid for the church building. As 
 Mr. Kurtz is away, the congregation in New 
 Hanover has accepted of a man as schoolmas- 
 ter, who kept school in my house last year. 
 This young man has hitherto given room to 
 the Spirit of God to work in his soul, and gives 
 the congregation a good example. May the 
 Lord preserve his soul from the wiles of Satan. 
 He has a good gift for singing, and a fine mem- 
 ory. Now, as the two small congregations in 
 Saccum and Upper Milford, have hitherto had 
 our service, but Mr. Kurtz being absent, I 
 did not know how to help myself. It was im- 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 327 
 
 possible for me to attend to them, as I am be- 
 coming feeble, and once already nearly lost my 
 life on my way thither, on account of the mo- 
 rass holes, which are yet passable by day, but 
 are very dangerous by night. I resigned the 
 two congregations, but they wept in part, as 
 there are still hungry souls among them, and 
 said that if we forsake them in their poverty, 
 the Zinzendorfer would creep in among them, 
 and pitch their tent there, as they are only 
 from six to eight miles distant from Bethle- 
 hem, i. c, those of the Saccum congregation. 
 I did not, therefore, know how to help myself 
 otherwise, than to instruct the above-named 
 man somewhat, and have him commit to mem- 
 ory one of Rambach's catechetical sermons 
 and repeat it in the congregations about every 
 four weeks, and in case of necessity permit 
 him to baptize, which we in our Evangelical 
 church also permit others to do, although 
 they are not ordained. Reading can scarcely 
 be made practicable here, for the people 
 are unwilling to come together with incon- 
 venience, from several miles around, to hear 
 reading. They say they can read at home. 
 As far as possibility, strength and time 
 
328 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 remain to me, I also visit the congrega- 
 tions and serve them with the holy Sacra- 
 ments. The two congregations are pleased 
 with the said schoolmaster, because he has 
 hitherto walked consistently with his Christian 
 calling, is edifying in his intercourse, cares for 
 the children and diligently catechises them. I 
 would have had to forsake these poor congre- 
 gations altogether, if I had not been willing to 
 send this man to them. As schoolmaster in 
 New Hanover, he could not have had his 
 support from the school-money alone, as he is 
 without a trade, and school is only kept during 
 the winter and spring, and there are also 
 various poor people who cannot pay school- 
 money. The congregation of that place, 
 therefore, aids him somewhat, and has prom- 
 ised him £6 annually from the alms fund ; but 
 thus the treasury remains unable to supply the 
 other expenses required for repairing and for 
 the preservation of the church and school 
 buildings. Now, if the two above-mentioned 
 congregations can also give him a little for his 
 trouble, he will be the better enabled to sub- 
 sist. If the gracious God would only aid us 
 so far, that the orphan children q( poor widows 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 329 
 
 and others could have school free, it would be 
 a source of great joy to me. For it is very 
 hard, when the congregations, whose members 
 for the most part are beginners and poor 
 people, must give all out of their means of 
 living. Oh ! what a great privilege herein 
 have most of the congregations in Germany ! 
 God be thanked forever, we preachers are 
 readily satisfied with extreme poverty, and 
 gladly make it as easy for the congregations as 
 possible; and all who are concerned for the 
 truth, have hitherto been willing to give the 
 last mite out of their livelihood for the exten- 
 sion of churches and schools, and say that 
 they can never be sufficiently thankful for that 
 which our highly venerable fathers, and so 
 many worthy patrons in Europe, did for tlum 
 and for their children. 
 
 // A letter from Pastor Muhlenberg to the court 
 preacher, Ziegenhagen, in London, and to 
 Doctor and Prof. Franke, in Halle, October 
 joth, 174.6. 
 
 Highly Venerable Fathers: The Lord 
 has been with us hitherto. When we have felt 
 our weakness and the heavy burden of oar 
 28* 
 
330 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 office, he has been our sufficient strength and 
 power. When we were afflicted, persecuted 
 and sick, the Lord in his time refreshed and 
 raised us up again. When through inexperi- 
 ence we did either too much or too little, the 
 good Spirit of God corrected us. In a word, 
 Jehovah has hitherto been our shepherd, and, 
 on his part, we have wanted for nothing. 
 
 In relation to my official transactions, I 
 recognize the goodness of God, and his long 
 suffering, and the riches of his mercy to me. 
 He has hitherto so preserved my strength that 
 I have as yet neglected no sermon ; although 
 once in winter I fell from my horse on the ice, 
 and in the autumn had the misfortune of my 
 horse falling on me in visiting a sick woman in 
 the night, yet the Lord preserved my limbs, 
 and permitted no harm to befall me. 
 
 Our assistant, Mr. Kurtz, has also remained 
 well, and was enabled to attend to his office dil- 
 igently. During the winter, he instructed a con- 
 siderable number of children in the school in 
 New Hanover, and when he had to be absent, 
 Mr. Vigera had the oversight of the school in 
 his stead. In Providence I had school taught 
 by a fine young man, and with good results. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 33 I 
 
 When I and Mr. Kurtz were present in the 
 congregations, each congregation had their 
 regular service every Sunday. Mr. Kurtz 
 preached on the five principal articles of the 
 catechism, and afterwards catechised the youth. 
 I generally preached half or three-fourths of 
 an hour on the Gospel, and during the remain- 
 ing time repeated the discourse from the pulpit 
 in the way of question and answer, so that both 
 old and young might the better comprehend 
 and reflect on the matter. 
 
 In Providence I this year again prepared a 
 fine small number for the holy Supper, and 
 confirmed them amid many tears by the con- 
 gregation present. Among the confirmants 
 there were also married people, when we gen- 
 erally perceive a deeper impression and emotion 
 in the congregation. Lastly, I confirmed an 
 excellent married man; and his wife, who is a 
 descendant of the Anabaptists, I baptized after 
 sufficient instruction, together with their two 
 children. In New Hanover the congregation 
 is stronger, and I therefore instructed and con- 
 firmed a larger number there, among whom 
 were five adults, children of a Lutheran father 
 and of a Reformed mother, who lead a pious 
 
332 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 life, and also admonish their children thereto. 
 Besides, I also confirmed several married and 
 neglected persons at that place. 
 
 When aged persons, or even children, die in 
 the congregations, the people desire funeral 
 sermons, and we readily accept such opportu- 
 nities, because we can discuss important and 
 edifying matters, and are enabled to approach 
 near to those present, in, the application ; espe- 
 cially as, from neighborly love, those also of 
 other religious fellowship and opinions follow 
 to the grave. 
 
 Formerly, there was but seldom a marriage 
 where they did not make a dreadful noise, with 
 drunkenness, racing, dancing, leaping, and such 
 like. Now, when young persons in our con- 
 gregation have a wedding, they wish for a 
 bridal sermon, and desire us also to accompany 
 them to the repast. In the beginning, we re- 
 peatedly admonished the congregations, that 
 they should lay aside ungodly conduct and 
 worldly lusts, in such important acts. But the 
 customs were so deeply rooted, that they some- 
 imes waited, until we had left, and then prac- 
 ticed their wantonness, but with a difference. 
 I therefore, publicly announced, that we would 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 333 
 
 not permit such persons to come to the Lord's 
 Supper, who commit such misdemeanors and 
 engage in such pleasures ; but esteem them as 
 corrupt members, until they turn from darkness 
 unto the light, and walk consistently with their 
 calling. The children whom we confirmed, 
 have for the most part as yet kept themselves 
 separate, and preserved their hearts in chastity, 
 although several were carried away by such 
 opportunities, especially when the parents 
 themselves did not maintain good discipline, and 
 gave offence. We have already been present 
 at several marriages, where we, during meal 
 time, engaged in edifying conversation, and in 
 singing spiritual hymns, especially when the 
 parents of the young people fear God, and the 
 wedding guests also have pleasure in that 
 which is good. We indeed know well, that 
 true repentance and faith begin within, in the 
 heart, and must manifest themselves outwardly 
 by their fruits, and that therefore one may 
 still not be a Christian, although he does not 
 dance, or swear, and outwardly leads an hon- 
 orable life ; but from such bad fruits we know, 
 that the tree in root and stem is still good for 
 nothing. Where we leave such vices un- 
 
334 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 checked, many good souls will be offended, 
 and unstable young people carried away by the 
 stream. We have no other weapons against 
 this than prayer, admonition, and separation 
 from the holy Supper, and we experience 
 thereby, how far the power of the word of God 
 manifests itself. Whatever does not yield, sep- 
 arates itself. I was invited to several weddings, 
 in the neighboring congregations, in charge of 
 parson Andrea, where many of our young con- 
 firmed people were also present. Now, as the 
 licentiousness was to begin after my absence, 
 our young people fled, and went home. 
 
 During this year, I twice celebrated the holy 
 Supper with the old, in each country congrega- 
 tion. In the congregation in Providence, I had 
 on each occasion something over one hundred 
 communicants ; but in New Hanover, over two 
 hundred and fifty. We celebrate the Lord's 
 Supper in the following manner : every one 
 who would receive the Sacrament must during 
 the week previous come to the parsonage, or 
 into the school house, and announce himself to 
 the preacher. Now, whatever we learn from 
 each member of the congregation, by this in- 
 tercourse, or other circumstances, is noticed ; 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 335 
 
 and as we have opportunity in recording the 
 communicant, to converse with each one alone, 
 we speak of the inward motive of the heart, 
 inquire after the growth, and give the necessary 
 admonition, encouragement and consolation, 
 according to the necessity of the case. By 
 such intercourse with them we obtain a knowl- 
 edge of their internal and external condition, 
 and perceive the connection between neighbors, 
 parents, children and friends. 
 
 On Saturday before the communion, all who 
 have made application must come to church 
 for confession and preparation. For the pre- 
 paratory service we choose a fast-day text, 
 suitable to the circumstances existing at the 
 time. In the application, without personalities, 
 we divide the word according to the solicitude 
 and the circumstances noted, in the special 
 conversation. When this is done, all the mem- 
 bers come around the altar in crescent form, 
 and if there are some among the number who 
 have given a public offence, they must come 
 forward one after the other. The preacher 
 once more charges them publicly with the sin, 
 exhorts them to true penitence, and inquires 
 after repentance, sorrow, faith and amendment 
 
336 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 of life. When the confession is made, the 
 preacher asks all the members present, whether 
 they are willing to forgive the offence, and 
 help to pray to God for him, through Christ? 
 In every instance, the members almost gener- 
 ally testified with tears, that they would will- 
 ingly forgive, and close it with their prayers. 
 Thereupon the preacher addresses a short ad- 
 monition to all the members, and says, that no 
 one should esteem himself better than this sin- 
 ner, for each one had to look upon his own 
 heart, and to notice, that there lies the seed of 
 every sin, and that the grace in Christ alone 
 improves man, and frees from sin. When 
 everything is arranged, all kneel before God, and 
 the preacher kneeling in their midst, prays the 
 confession. After the confession, several ques- 
 tions are asked by the preacher, and thereupon 
 he announces absolution for the penitent, and 
 says, that for the impenitent their sins are re- 
 tained, until they repent. After this is done, it 
 is again asked, whether any one still has aught 
 in his heart against another ? Those who per- 
 haps still have somewhat against another, go 
 into the parsonage, are reconciled with each 
 other, and forgive each other their faults. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 337 
 
 On Sunday there is a sermon preached on 
 the holy Supper. After the sermon, the con- 
 secration and the distribution takes place. As 
 there is only one preacher, and the administra- 
 tion lasts very long, we sing only one hymn in 
 the beginning, and afterward the schoolmaster 
 reads the history of the sufferings and the 
 death of our Saviour, in the four Gospels, that 
 we may make known the Lord's death, and 
 consider now much it cost him to redeem us. 
 Sometimes we also read the prayers of the 
 Supper, from the deceased Arndt's Garden of 
 Paradise, which are very edifying. The day is 
 very burdensome for one preacher. In New 
 Hanover I have several times had perhaps over 
 three hundred German communicants, and 
 afterwards a small number of English Luther- 
 ans ; then the confirmants, who were first par- 
 ticularly examined and confirmed, and further 
 several baptisms and marriages; so that I begin 
 in the morning at 8, and close in the evening 
 at 4 o'clock. When we are through with this, 
 there is sometimes a sick person 3, 4, 5, or 6 
 English miles distant, whom we must yet visit. 
 
 In relation to our country congregations gen- 
 erally, we may say : " They are, according to 
 29 W 
 
338 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 our Saviour's description, as a field containing 
 wheat and tares, or like a net with fish, in 
 which we find the good and the bad. If we 
 pull up the weeds with a forward zeal, we in- 
 jure the wheat. If we permit them to grow 
 unhindered, they gain the ascendency, and 
 choke the good. The Lord grant us wisdom, 
 not to do too much, nor yet too little. Old 
 rooted sins of habit are often excited anew, even 
 in such who have had a good beginning in re- 
 pentance, when not sufficiently watchful. I 
 have not recorded every particular awakening 
 and emotion. But when I perhaps hear good 
 words and expressions from one to another, I 
 each time wish and pray that it may be truth, 
 and an honest reality before God in Christ; and 
 when I hear something bad, I consider the 
 root whence it springs, and labor against it. 
 Physicians of the body are called ministri na- 
 turae, servants of nature, and spiritual physi- 
 cians should be ministri gratiae y servants and 
 helpers of grace, and help forward with the 
 word and means of grace. The Lord make us 
 faithful! 
 
 When we preach, the members of the con- 
 gregation do not easily neglect the opportunity. 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 2)39 
 
 They come from afar. They fear no heat in 
 summer, and no rough roads and weather in 
 winter. In hearing the word of God there is 
 a difference. Some hear with tears, others re- 
 flectingly. Some are inattentive and fickle, 
 others ignorant and neglected in their youth. 
 We endeavor to present it as simply and ^com- 
 prehensibly as the Lord gives us grace. To- 
 day, the word still falls in part among thorns 
 by the way, and on stony land, and in part on 
 good ground. Widows and orphans acknowl- 
 edge in part, that the word of God and his 
 grace in Christ is their only comfort. When 
 we visit the dying, it generally appears what 
 kind of treasure they have gathered. I have 
 often wondered how such simple souls have 
 profited by the word of God and by the ser- 
 mons. I think that almost every one should 
 know the most necessary and important truths 
 for salvation. Blessed will they be if they do 
 and practice them. As far as I have observed 
 during my four years stay here, it is a matter 
 of gradation. Those who do not obey the 
 truth, become harder continually and more ob- 
 durate ; and those who give place to the opera- 
 tions of the Spirit through his word, and the 
 
340 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 means of grace, become ever more established 
 and better. 
 
 All those members among us who highly 
 esteem the grace of God in Christ, cannot 
 refrain from tears when they consider how our 
 dear fathers and so many upright souls and 
 so many children of God in Europe exerted 
 themselves, and from their poverty sent them 
 preachers, and aided in building churches and 
 schools. For this, they wish them many 
 thousand-fold blessings and rewards. Such, 
 also, have an inward love for their preachers, 
 and manifest it by benefactions, which I esteem 
 as great and precious, not for the quantity, but 
 the intention. 
 
 When we look at our poor Lutherans, we 
 wonder that they are still so united, and yet, 
 though with difficulty, maintain the preacher 
 from the mite of their livelihood. Most of the 
 members of the congregation must wearily 
 support themselves, and almost work harder 
 than in Europe. Now, if the dear fathers and 
 so many kind children of God in Europe, cared 
 for the poor forsaken and despised members of 
 these congregations in the wilderness, and 
 aided them with their benefactions, we also 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 34 1 
 
 surely believe that, according to the promise 
 of God, not a drink of cold water, much less so 
 many loving acts of kindness, will go unre- 
 warded. We therefore pray publicly and par- 
 ticularly for our benefactors, that God may be 
 their rich reward. When there were sick in 
 the congregation, they found sympathy with 
 others, and I observed that they assist each 
 other. In a word, the word of God and the 
 means of grace manifest their power either as 
 a savor of life unto life, or as a savor of death 
 unto death. 
 
 After he who had hitherto been preacher in 
 Readingstown, in the Province of Jersey, re- 
 signed his office, the four congregations there 
 were without a preacher. We were so much 
 concerned for them, that we sent them our 
 dear brother Kurtz last winter, and permitted 
 him to keep school and church. In the begin- 
 ning of January of the year 1746, he again 
 returned, when we saw from his journal, and 
 heard orally from several members, that he had 
 not labored there without profit and a blessing 
 to both young and old. 
 
 In February my worthy colleague, Brunn- 
 holtz, and myself, were called to Lancaster, to 
 29* 
 
342 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 try whether we could in kindness mediate the 
 violent quarreling in that congregation with 
 their preacher, Mr. Nyberg, and his adherents, 
 as it had become a hard suit in law before the 
 authorities. We did not rashly enter into this 
 sad and hard dispute, but the connection of our 
 whole religion in this country, and especially 
 of our congregations and of our calling, neces- 
 sarily required that we should give our back 
 to the burden. On this occasion we both 
 visited the congregation in Tulpehocken, which 
 Mr. Wagner resigned, and left for us to take 
 care of. 
 
 When I returned to my congregations again, 
 which Mr. Kurtz had served in the meanwhile, 
 we found it necessary to send said Mr. Kurtz 
 to Readingstown again, to the vacant congre- 
 gations, for three months. We sent instructions 
 along with him in English, in case the authori- 
 ties should make inquiry therefor, as it is a 
 royal government, and not quite as free as 
 Pennsylvania. He served the four congrega- 
 tions there for about three months, and again 
 labored not without a olessing to both the 
 young and the old. The congregation there 
 became so attached to Mr. Kurtz, that they 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 343 
 
 wrote the most touching letters, and entreated 
 that we might endeavor to arrange matters so 
 with our most worthy superiors, that Mr. 
 Kurtz might become their preacher. We 
 therefore earnestly desired to receive some 
 intelligence from our fathers, whether we might 
 hope that two preachers would soon arrive, as 
 we had entreated in our former letters. 
 
 Towards the close of April I was again neces- 
 sitated to visit Tulpehocken, and to travel from 
 thence to Lancaster to the quarrelsome con- 
 gregation. This was done with the consent of 
 my colleague, Mr. Brunnholtz, and of our con- 
 gregations. Circumstances rendered this ne- 
 cessary, although I foresaw that therefrom I 
 should have to bear great reproach and dis- 
 quiet. For as the nearly eighty protesting 
 Lutherans were acquitted by the authorities, 
 and the Moravian-minded, with their preacher, 
 Mr. Nyberg, had entered the complaint in vain, 
 the Lutherans, for the sake of the right, desired 
 one of us to preach a sermon in the church, 
 which had heretofore been locked. The Mora- 
 vian-minded, however, were opposed to it, and 
 intended to prevent me by force, whence a 
 tumult might easily have arisen. One party 
 
344 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 desired me to enter, and the other to prevent 
 me. Still it passed quietly and without dis- 
 turbance, and as the Moravian-minded could 
 do nothing further, they published me in the 
 German papers and covered me with abuse. 
 But it was fully answered by the other side. 
 After this, Mr. Nyberg and his party let the 
 Lutherans have their church alone, and began 
 to build a new one of their own. To this result 
 of the matter, much was hereby contributed, 
 that a response of the highly venerable consis- 
 tory had arrived from Sweden, against Mr. 
 Nyberg. 
 
 I was called to a large congregation (York), 
 beyond the river called the Susquehanna, to 
 the utmost part of Pennsylvania, which bor- 
 ders on Maryland. This congregation had 
 been occasionally visited by Mr. Nyberg, as 
 long as he was regarded as a genuine Lutheran 
 preacher. The congregation consists of nearly 
 one hundred and ten families. Mr. Nyberg 
 promised to provide them with a preacher from 
 Sweden, like himself. But after the quarrel at 
 Lancaster began, they would have nothing more 
 to do with him. I had a small number of chil- 
 dren to baptize in this congregation, and also 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 345 
 
 to confirm several, whom the schoolmaster 
 there had prepared. From this place, I again 
 traveled back forty-six English miles to Tulpe- 
 hocken, and preached there once more. From 
 Tulpehocken I again went fifty miles back to 
 Providence, to my congregations. 
 
 When Mr. Kurtz returned from Readings- 
 town, and was in our congregations, I was in- 
 vited in June to visit Tulpehocken again, where 
 I prepared and confirmed a little company of 
 young people. Two married persons were 
 examined and confirmed in English. The 
 parents of the confirmants in part related to me 
 that they frequently found their children alone 
 on their knees praying, during their prepara- 
 tion. I also baptized a youth of eleven years, 
 who had not attained to baptism in infancy. 
 
 In July and August the Lord placed us in 
 deep affliction, inasmuch as our dear and 
 worthy colleague, Mr. Brunnholtz, was taken 
 with the dysentery in the city. He was surely 
 nigh unto death. This was not only for me the 
 keenest pain, but it was wonderful to see how 
 many souls in the congregation, whom we ex- 
 horted to earnest intercessions, moaned and 
 uttered lamentations. The wardens of his 
 
346 REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 congregation conducted themselves as if their 
 father was sick. They brought me down from 
 the country at midnight. Several good friends 
 tenderly took care of him, and called the best 
 doctor for advice. When I came to him it 
 was just the time appointed by God when his 
 sickness broke, and some signs of recovery 
 manifested themselves. The Lord granted his 
 blessing also on the medicine, and heard the 
 prayer of the distressed. When I observed that 
 so much misery still prevailed in the congrega- 
 tions, yet when the Lord threatened to remove 
 the shepherd, a universal lamentation arose. 
 I thereby perceived the love of the congrega- 
 tion, and concluded that there is still a hidden 
 good seed in them. Hereby that which the 
 worthy pastor Maier said to Mr. Brunnholtz, 
 often occurred to me, viz. : the Lord would not 
 permit him to perceive more nor less of the 
 blessing than he thinks needful, either for his 
 abasement or for lifting him up. The Lord 
 has given us the dear colleague anew. He 
 would willingly have died, yet for the sake of 
 the present necessity and circumstances, he 
 himself entreated the Lord, that he might yet 
 live for a few years. When we thanked God 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 347 
 
 for his recovery in the congregations, there was 
 in pious souls a universal joy. 
 
 When we are regularly in the congregations 
 in the country, there is so much to do that we 
 can scarcely be at home a day, and attend to 
 the correspondence with the utmost difficulty. 
 Several families who belong to the cona-re^ation 
 in Providence, live from five, six, to eieht Ene- 
 lish miles from the church, and in addition to 
 this, on the other side of a river called the 
 Schuylkill, to pass over which is very labor- 
 ious. Aged, sick or infirm persons, cannot easily 
 ride through the stream or cross with a canoe, 
 therefore they wish us occasionally to visit them, 
 have divine service with them, and perform the 
 sacramental acts. On the other side of the 
 church there are two streams, Skippack and 
 Perkiomen. Between and beyond these, mem- 
 bers of the congregation also live three, five 
 and eight English miles distant, who have a 
 similar desire. 
 
 Several members belong to the New Han- 
 over congregation, who live from five to seven 
 miles between rocky mountains. These 
 slso require a visit and a sermon now and 
 then, as they cannot always come to the prin- 
 
34^ REPORTS FROM LUTHERAN 
 
 cipal church. In this manner we have, be- 
 sides two principal churches, three out-parishes 
 which at times are sufficiently laborious. 
 Moreover, there is a congregation twenty-five 
 miles from Providence, in the mountains called 
 Saccum, only seven miles from Bethlehem, 
 where the Moravian brethren have their chief 
 seat. This congregation in Saccum did not 
 cease entreating us, that we should have divine 
 service with them every four weeks, on a week- 
 day, and perform the ministerial acts. We 
 have now served them for one year, although 
 it is a laborious road to that place. We pity 
 the people, as they are mostly poor, live so se- 
 cluded there, and are like as if forsaken. On 
 the side of Saccum there is a middle-sized con- 
 gregation at Upper Milford, which is also 
 served on the occasion, about the fourth week. 
 Now it might be said, so many congrega- 
 tions and out parishes should surely abun- 
 dantly support their preacher. But it is never- 
 theless difficult — (i) There is not the least 
 charitable foundation in any church. (2) The 
 congregations are still new, and for the most 
 part in debt, on account of the necessary 
 church and school buildings. (3) Most of the 
 
CONGREGATIONS IN AMERICA. 349 
 
 people are poor, are in debt for theit land, or 
 live scantily between rocks and cliffs, so that they 
 raise their daily bread with great difficulty. 
 (4) For seven years past the times have become 
 distressing and destitute of nourishment, be- 
 yond description ; for as long as the war with 
 Spain and France continued, exports were 
 stopped, and the people were unable to obtain 
 suitable pay for their produce, and on the con- 
 trary they had to pay high for all necessary 
 wares. Therefore, money is very scarce 
 among the country people, and yet we preach- 
 ers have to spend considerable on our horses 
 and clothes, which are spoiled very much by 
 traveling. The dear people willingly give pro- 
 duce and provisions, but money is too scarce, 
 etc. 
 
 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. 
 
 Provide?ice y Oct. jo, 174.5. 
 30 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Acrelius, Rev. Israel 241 
 
 Andrea, Rev 334 
 
 Arndt's Garden of Paradise 337 
 
 Attendance upon public worship 339 
 
 Bager, Rev. George 8 
 
 Bermudian 212 
 
 Berner, Rev. John Frederick 161 
 
 Boltzius, Rev. John Martin 27, 30 
 
 Bordier, Rev 170, 178 
 
 Brunnholtz, Rev. Peter 6 
 
 sent to Pennsylvania 59 
 
 assists Dr. Muhlenberg 64, 89 
 
 letter from 77, 82, 102, 115, 124, 153, 223 
 
 receives Rev. Handschuch 194 
 
 needs help 219 
 
 harmonious co-operation 230 
 
 appointed clerical superintendent 231 
 
 success ... 280 
 
 goes to Lancaster 341 
 
 is taken ill 345 
 
 Buscowen, Admiral 175 
 
 Chester 114 
 
 Cohansey 84, 114, 230 
 
 Collegio Friedericiano 225 
 
 (35o) 
 
INDEX. 35I 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Conewago 204, 207, 228 
 
 Conversions, instances of. 270-323 
 
 Dippel 48,318 
 
 Don Pietro = 193 
 
 Earlstown 130, 148, 199, 207 
 
 Ebenezer (Georgia) 267 
 
 Ernst, Rev. Frederick 8 
 
 Exeter 196 
 
 Financial stringency 349 
 
 Francke, Dr. and Prof. ....24, 27, 66, 95, 126, 148, 156, 
 220, 246, 329. 
 
 Freymann, Mr 178 
 
 Freylinghausen, Rev. D 9 
 
 Friderici, Rev. John , 8 
 
 Funeral sermons. 
 
 332 
 
 Garden of Paradise, Arndt's 337 
 
 German Society for the relief of emigrants 12 
 
 Germans, spiritual destitution of in America l 9~^S 
 
 Germantown, Evangelical Lutheran church of. 10, J^, no, 
 
 J 53> 195. 2 36 
 
 Gichtelians ^iS 
 
 Goering, Rev. Jacob 8 
 
 Goschenhoppen 230 
 
 Gratitude for European help . 340 
 
 Gronau, Rev. Israel Christian 30 
 
 Handschuch, Rev. John Frederick 6 
 
 sent to Pennsylvania 126 
 
 letter from 131 
 
 labors in Lancaster 157 
 
352 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 receives foreign donations 161 
 
 diary of. 164-216 
 
 needs help 219 
 
 harmonious co-operation 230 
 
 work blessed 237 
 
 Hartwick, Rev. John Christopher 148, 213 
 
 Heintzelmann, Rev. John Dietrich Matthias 6, 224 
 
 Helmuth, Rev. Justus Henry Christian 6, 8, 12 
 
 Henlopen, Cape 192 
 
 Hessen-Darmstadt, Landgrave of. 161 
 
 Hochreutiner, Rev. (Reformed) 157 
 
 Indianfield .... 230 
 
 Jung, Rev. J. G 8 
 
 Kinsale (Ireland) 182 
 
 Kinsman, Mr 177 
 
 Kraft, Rev. Valentine 39, 205 
 
 Krug, Rev. John Andrew 6, 8 
 
 Kunze, Rev. John Christopher 6, 8, 11, 12 
 
 Kurtz, Rev. John Nicholas 8 
 
 starts for Pennsylvania 60, 64 
 
 labors in New Jersey 1 18, 341 
 
 labors in Tulpehocken 146, 149, 238 
 
 labors in New Hanover 330, 331 
 
 ordination I47» 212 
 
 harmonious co-operation 230 
 
 Kurtz, Rev. William 8 
 
 Kurtz, Rev. D 8 
 
 Lancaster, Evangelical Lutheran church of, 
 
index. 353 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 sends help to Philadelphia 57 
 
 receives Rev. Handschuch as pastor 130, 
 
 196, 341 
 
 Lehman, Rev. D 8 
 
 Lord's Supper carefully administered 253, 334 
 
 Macungie 230 
 
 Maier, Rev., of Halle 25, 346 
 
 Majorin, Counselor of Bremen 160 
 
 Maquaischen river, in New York 118 
 
 Marienborn 243 
 
 Marriage customs 332 
 
 Matetsche 104 
 
 Melsheimer, Rev. F. V 8 
 
 Mignan, Mr 179 
 
 Ministerium, Evangelical Lutheran 8 
 
 Moller, Rev. H 8 
 
 Muhlenberg, Rev. Henry Melchior, 
 
 arrives in Philadelphia 6, 34 
 
 Senior of Ev. Luth. Ministerium 8 
 
 made Doctor of Divinity 12 
 
 chosen for the work in Pennsylvania 26 
 
 visits Georgia 27 
 
 voyage described 35 
 
 pastor of Philadelphia, New Hanover, 
 
 Providence, and Germantown 63 
 
 trials endured "J I 
 
 locates in Providence and New Hanover. 89 
 
 invited to extend his pastorate 117 
 
 describes the divisions and dissensions in 
 
 Lancaster 134 
 
 Narrative concerning Rev. Mr. Nyberg. . 135 
 X 
 
354 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 fraternal allusion by Rev. Brunnholtz. . . . 158 
 
 receives Rev. Handschuch 194 
 
 harmonious co-operation , 230 
 
 defended against Count Zinzendorf . . 243- 
 preaches in Mennonite meeting-house.. . . 287 
 
 narrates special conversions 270-322 
 
 visits Tulpehocken 322 
 
 views of lay baptism 327 
 
 receives abuse 344 
 
 abounds in labor 347 
 
 Muhlenberg, Rev. M. Henry 8 
 
 Midler, John Jacob 243 
 
 Naessman, Rev. ( Swede } 214 
 
 New Hanover, Evangelical Lutheran church of . . . . 20, 63, 
 
 153, 274, 33L 337 
 
 Nitschmann, Bishop 245 
 
 Nordkiel, Evangelical Lutheran church of 148 
 
 Nyberg, Rev. M 131, 135, 137, 210, 242, 254, 342 
 
 Oley 84, 114 
 
 . William 19 
 
 isie 230 
 
 Perlin, Rev. (Swede) 241 
 
 Pfeiffer, Dr., of Leipsic 25 
 
 Philadelphia, Evangelical Lutheran church of. . 20, 63, 151 
 
 destitution of , 22 
 
 members of, paying their passage 109, 
 
 235, 261 
 
 bequests received 160 
 
 church debt 236, 261 
 
 Providence, Evangelical Lutheran church of 20, 63, 
 
 107, 152 
 
index. 355 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Pyrlaus, Rev 249 
 
 Raritan (Readingstown), N. J 240, 265, 341 
 
 Raupach, Rev. ( Hamburg) 316 
 
 Reformed (German) 249 
 
 Roehe (Captain ) 1 S3 
 
 Roeller, Rev. Conrad 8 
 
 Saccum, Evangelical Lutheran church of 148, 231, 
 
 326, 34S 
 
 Saltzburgers in Georgia 267 
 
 Sandin, Swedish Provost 148, 157, 194, 200, 214, 241 
 
 Saumares, Capt 1 74 
 
 Schaum, Rev. John Helfrich '. 6 
 
 starts for Pennsylvania 60. 64 
 
 ordained ......... 147 
 
 assigned to York 150 
 
 installed at York 203 
 
 visits Handschuch 212 
 
 harmonious co-operation 230 
 
 labors with acceptance 
 
 o 1 
 
 Schmidt, Rev. John Frederick 6, 8 
 
 Schrenck, Mr. (Catechist) 231 
 
 Schroeter, Rev S 
 
 Schulze, Rev. Christian Immanuel 6, 8 
 
 Schulze, Rev. Frederick 221, 224 
 
 Schwartzwalde 1 14, 196 
 
 Skippack. 196 
 
 Societate de Propaganda Cognitione Christi t,J 
 
 Spangenberg, Rev. Mr 131, 136 
 
 Strasburg (township) 209 
 
 Streit, Rev. Christian 8 
 
356 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Tennent, Rev. (Presbyterian) 200 
 
 Trauberg, Rev. (Swedish) 157 
 
 Tulpehocken, Evangelical Lutheran church of . . . . 116, 149 
 
 322, 342, 345 
 
 Unander, Rev. (Swedish) 241 
 
 University of Pennsylvania founded 10 
 
 Upper Milford, Evangelical Lutheran church of. . 148, 231, 
 
 326, 348 
 
 Verducam, Mr 184 
 
 Vigera, Mr 93, 118, 195, 205, 212, 234, 288, 325, 330 
 
 Voigt, Rev. Ludwig , 6, 8 
 
 Von Buskirk, Rev. Jacob , 8 
 
 Wagner, Rev 342 
 
 Waterford (Ireland) 182, 184 
 
 Weinland, Rev. John Frederick 9 
 
 Weiser, Mr. Conrad 136, 195, 196 
 
 Weissiger, Mr. Daniel, appeal of 21-24 
 
 Weygand, Rev. John Albert 239 
 
 Wildbahn, Rev. Conrad Frederick 8 
 
 Wiirtemberg, Consistory of 153 
 
 York, Evangelical Lutheran church of.... 134,150,202, 
 
 204, 238, 344 
 
 • 
 
 Ziegenhagen, Rev. Frederick Michael 21, 63,65,95, 
 
 148, 156, 220, 246, 329 
 
 Zinzendorf, Count 34, 136, 242 
 
 calumnies refuted 243-258 
 
 Zwiefler, Doctor 272 
 
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