T Sinclair's litK. IW5 JOHN MARTIN BOLZiUS FIRST EVANGELICAL PREACHER F TH E SA L 2 B U R 6 CONGREGATION AT EBENEZER IN GEORGIA. BORN A D- DEC. 15, 1703. ORDAINED Nov. 11. |-33 THE SALZBURGERS AND Cljw Jtsanbants BEING THE HISTORY OF A COLONY OF GERMAN (LUTHERAN) PROTESTANTS, WHO EMIGRATED TO GEORGIA IN 1734, AND SETTLED AT EBENEZER, TWENTY-FIVE MILES ABOVE THE CITY OF SAVANNAH. BY Rev. p. a. STROBEL, OF THE SOOTH CAROLINA SYNOD, AND PRINCIPAL OF THE FEMALE INSTITUTE, AMERICUS, GEORGIA. "Alii multa perficiunt; nos nonnulla conamur; Illi possunt; nos Tolumus." "Others accomplish many things — we endeayour to eflFect something; they have the power, we have the will." BALTIMORE: PUBLISHED BY T. NEWTON KURTZ, No. 151 WEST PRATT STREET. 1855. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by P. A. STROBEL, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the District of Georgia. STERBOTTPED BY L. JOHNSOX & CO. PHILADELPHIA. V -. ehtation, To my brethren in the Lutheran ministry, this volume is most aflfectionately and respectfully in- scribed; with the fervent prayer, that by carefully studying the history of the Salzburgers, and especially the unfeigned devotion and ardent zeal of the first preachers of the American Lutheran Church, we may all be stimulated to aim at a more elevated standard of piety, and consecrate ourselves afresh to His service, who hath redeemed us with his blood, and honoured us by appointing us his ambassadors, to reconcile the world unto himself. The Author. frefatt. This little volume is submitted to the public with an unfeigned diffidence, and with many apprehensions that it may not meet the expectations, even of those who have most warmly urged its publication. The means of information which the author possessed, were too limited, to justify the belief that the book could possibly be regarded as a complete and satisfactory history of the Salzburgers. It is, how- ever, to be hoped, that notwithstanding its many de- fects, a sufficient number of interesting facts have been presented, to render the work acceptable to those who read for instruction, and not to indulge a spirit of captious criticism. The author is sensible of his incompetency to do justice to the subject, and he would cheerfully have committed the undertaking to abler hands. If he shall accomplish no more than to rescue the Salzburgers from the obscurity into which they have been permitted to lapse, he will not have laboured in vain. The hope is cherished that, under the blessing of God, this work may be the means of kindling in the heart of every one who may peruse it, a sincere desire to emulate the lofty piety and Chris- 6 PREFACE. tian heroism of those, who in the maintenance of their religious principles cheerfully suffered ^Hhe loss of all things," and have furnished an example of patient endurance, under every form of persecution, and of ardent zeal in the cause of Christ, which furnishes one of the brightest pages in the history of the church since the days of the apostles. P. A. Strobel. Americus, Georgia, March, 1865. |[t0ntmntkti0n torn i\t Sp^b d Bmt\ Carolina. " The Committee appointed by Synod to examine the manuscript ^ History of tlie Salzburgers and their Descendants at Ebenezer/ by the Kev. P. A. Strobel, beg leave to submit the following report : " They have carefully examined the manuscript, and cheerfully express their gratification at the judicious selection of the materials from various sources diffi- cult of attainment, by which a historical sketch has been given of the cruel persecutions, the Christian firmness, and devoted piety of the ancient Salzburgers. ^' In recommending the work to the patronage of the Christian public, and especially the members of our own communion, they feel assured that the readers will be amply rewarded in the elevated standard of Christianity which this volume holds out for their imitation." John Bachman, D.D. L. ElCHELBERGER, D.D. A. J. Karn. November 13, 1854. 7 QnttniB CHAPTER I. The causes which led to the Colonization of America — French Colony in Florida — Colony of Massachusetts Bay — The Puritans — Intolerance of the Church of England — The SalzburgerS' — Contrast between them and the Puri- tans — Injustice done to the former — The Origin of the Salzburgers — Their persecutions by the dukes of Savoy — They embrace the Doctrines of the Reformation — Cruelty toward their pastor — The Valleys of TeflFereck — Their Re- treats discovered — Miximilian Gudolph — Salzburgers be- fore the Bishop's Court at Hallein — Renewed persecutions — Sympathy of Protestant States — Elector of Branden- burg — Corpus Evangelicum — Return of the TefFereckers — Duplicity and Treachery of the Catholic Authorities — / Penalties imposed on the Salzburgers — Banishment and Confiscation of their Estates — Severe Sufferings of the Exiles — Joseph Schaitberger — Remarkable conversion of his daughter — Schaitberger as an author — The Confession of Faith — The Salzburg Emigrant's Song — Persecutions under Leopold — Archbishopric of Salzburg — The City of Salzburg — Thirty thousand Protestants exiled — Their re- ception by Protestant States Page 19 CHAPTER II. Charter granted by Charles II. to the Trustees for establish- ing the Colony of Georgia — The design of the colony — General Oglethorpe — English settlers arrive at Savannah — 9 10 CONTENTS. " Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge" — Interest on behalf of the Salzburgers — Arrangements to remove the Sakburgers to Georgia — Fifty families engaged for the first transportation — Provision made by the " So- ciety" — Liberality of the " Trustees" — First company of emigrants — Love of country — Departure from their homes — Incidents of their journey — The city of Augsburg — Hos- pitalities extended to the Salzburgers — Recommence their travels — Rev. S. Urlsperger — Effects of the sojourn of the Salzburgers at Augsburg — Revival of religion — Further Incidents — Arrival in the city of Frankfort — Conduct of the Burgers — Procession — Entrance into the city — Hospi- tality of the inhabitants — Departure from Frankfort — The Maine and Rhine — Arrival at Rotterdam — Rev. Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau — Departure from Rotterdam — Arrival at Dover, in England — Impressions made by the emigrant? on their English benefactors — Preparations for leaving England — Departure of the Purisburg, first ship with Ger- man emigrants Page 44 CHAPTER IIL The Salzburgers at sea — Conduct during the voyage — Arrival at Charleston, S. C. — General Oglethorpe — Departure from Charleston — Arrival at Savannah — Sentiments of the emi- grants — Their reception at Savannah — Notes of Mr. Bol- zius — Baron Von Reck — Conduct of the Indians — Disem- barkation of the Salzburgers — Liberality of General Ogle- thorpe — Expedition into the country — Description of the country — Devout conduct of the Salzburgers — Ebenezer — Foundation of the colony — Location of their settlement — Uchee Indians — St. Matthew's Parish — Lord EflSngham — Town laid out — Salzburgers remove to their new home — Impressions in relation to the nature of the country — Baron Von Reek's enthusiastic description — Real character of the country — Assignment of lots — Hardships incident to colo- nization — Scarcity of mechanics and materials for build- ing—Other trials— Sickness and death among the colonists CONTENTS. 11 — Extracts from Mr. Bolzius's journal — Influence of aflBic- tion — Arrival of a second company of Salzburgers — Im- provement in the condition of the colony — Progress of the town, &c J'age 57 CHAPTER IV. General Oglethorpe visits England — Favourable condition of the colony — Trustees determine to send out reinforcements — Aid from British Parliament — Character of the colonists engaged — Highlanders and Salzburgers — Liberal terms proposed by the Trustees — Captain Hermsdorff and Baron Von Reck— The Trustees charter the " London Merchant" and the " Symond" — The " great embarkation" — English and German emigrants — Moravians under Bishop Nitsch- man — John and Charles Wesley — Departure from England — Storm at sea — Effect of the conduct of the Germans upon Mr. Wesley — Testimony of Dr. Jackson, President of British Conference — Mr. Wesley's spiritual condition — Con- ference with Mr. Spangenburg — Influence of the Mora- vians — Rev. Peter Boehler — Salzburgers confounded with the Moravians — Mistake of Mr. Bancroft — Removal of Moravians to Pennsylvania — Mr. Wesley's religious expe- rience — Extract from his journal — Subsequent visit to England — His conversion — Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans — Mr. Wesley's preaching after his conver- sion — Forms " Societies," the basis of Wesleyan Method- ism — The Methodist Church a fruit of the Lutheran Re- formation — Arrival of the " embarkation" at Savannah — Settlement of Salzburgers on St. Simon's Island — Views of the Germans in relation to war — Reinforcement at Eben- ezer — Lutheran settlement at Frederica — Rev. U. Dreisler — Revs. Bolzius and Gronau visit Savannah — Conference with General Oglethorpe — Salzburgers dissatisfied with their location, and desire a change — General Oglethorpe visits Ebenezer — Reasons of the Salzburgers for desiring to remove — General Oglethorpe's advice and kindness to the Salzburgers— Change of location determined upon 73 12 CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. New Ebenezer — Its location, and the plan upon which is was laid out — The environs of the town — Its rapid growth — Municipal and other regulations — Rules originally adopted for the government of the congregation — The duties of pastors set forth — Elders and wardens — Parochial schools — Church members, ^ Wednesdat/, September 21, 17T5. We, who have just put our names to this paper, inha- bitants of the Parish of St. Matthew and town of Eben- ezer, think it necessary in this public manner to declare that about the 4th day of this inst. (August) we were told by certain persons that we must send a petition home to our king in regard to the Bostonians, to beg for relief, as a child begs a fother when he expects correc- tion ; and that all those who would not join must sign their names, that they might know how many would be in this parish ; and that should we decline what was recom- mended, we must expect the Stamp Act imposed upon us. By these and like flattering words avc were persuaded to sign, but we find we are deceived, for that the people who met at Savannah on the 10th inst. did not petition our king, but made up a paper, which wc think is very wrong, and may incur the displeasure of his Majesty, so as to prevent us from having soldiers to help us in case of an Indian war. We therefore disagree entirely from said paper, and do hereby protest against any resolutions that are, or may hereafter be, entered into on this occa- sion. Signed, Urban BuntK, George Gnann, John Paulue, George Gruber, Matthew Biddenbach, George Ballinger, John 0. Rentz, George Buntz, John Pillager, Henry Ludwig Buniz, Jacob Metzger, John Metzger, John Adam Freymouth, Jacob Feberl, George Zittraucr, John Ileckel, Solomon Zandt, Jacob Gnann, Jacob Kieffer, Christian Steiner, John Kemshart, Israel Linlberger, Leonhart Krauss, George Bechly, Batlas Kieffer, Michael Mack, Jr., Peter Freyermouth, Solomon Prothero, John Gravenstine, Christopher Rottenberger, Andrew Gnann. We, the subscribers, do hereby certify that we are against all resolutions : Philip Dell, Paul Pirick, Mat- thew Meyer, Jacob Meyer, John JMaurcr, George Maurer, Daniel Weitman, Martin Reylander. 17- 198 THE SALZBURGERS These latter persons, at this time, belonged clearly to that class "vvho advocated the doctrine of "passive obedience and non-resistance," re- cognising, no doubt, the divine right of kings, and yielding uncomplaining acquiescence in the ■will of their sovereign. The views of these remonstrants were, how- ever, subsequently very materially changed, and the majority of them espoused warmly the Whig cause, and took a very active part in favour of x\merican Independence. The adherents to the crown in St. Matthew's Parish proved ultimately to be comparatively few. Yet they were sufficient to create an angry controversy among the inhabitants, which imbittered their feelings, and interfered very materially with the peace and prosperity of the church. The largest portion of the Salzburgers espoused the cause of the colonies. They ex- claimed, "We have experienced the evils of tyranny in our own land ; for the sake of liberty we have left home, lands, houses, estates, and have taken refuge in the wilds of Georgia; shall we now submit again to bondage? No, never." A truly noble sentiment ! and one wliich all the boasted patriotism of New England never sur- passed. They had realized the SAveets of free- dom, they had sat beneath the tree of liberty, reposed in its shade, and partaken of its precious fruits ; they therefore resolved that they would AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 199 be freemen, and maintain their just rights at all hazards. But they dreamed not as yet of the difficul- ties and privations which awaited them, nor the scenes of severe conflict through which they would have to pass. They were divided among themselves. Even one of their pastors (Mr. Triebner) openly espoused the cause of the king, and used all his influence to suppress the spirit of resistance to the usurpations of the British government, which was everywhere manifesting itself. And it was as much owing to his eff'orts, as to those of any other man, that the Salzbur- gers suffered so severely during the Revolu- tionary War. Mr. Rabenhorst pursued a more manly and judicious course, which was, however, to have been expected from his known character for prudence. If he did not openly espouse the cause of liberty, he did nothing to injure it. He laboured to calm the turbulence of passion, and endeavoured to enforce, by precept and ex- ample, the cultivation of a spirit of moderation and forbearance among those who had taken opposite sides in this controversy. This, how- ever, was impossible in the very nature of things ; and it was perhaps fortunate for him, that in the midst of the commotion and the scenes of strife which ensued, he was called by the great Head of the church to receive his reward in heaven. It has been found impracticable to ascertain 200 TUE SALZBURGERS the precise time when Mr. Rabenhorst departed this life, nor any of the particulars connected with his death. He arrived at Ebenezer in 1752, and probably served the congregation about twenty-five years. His character for piety, learning, Christian humility, and unyielding devotion to the cause of Christ was fully estab- lished, and the testimony of his life is the best guarantee that he closed his earthly pilgrimage in full prospect of a better inheritance. His re- mains were deposited in the cemetery connected with Zion's church, about four miles below Eben- ezer. It was near this church that Mr. Raben- horst always resided, the other pastor being set- tled in Ebenezer. The influence of Mr. Rabenhorst's example upon the Salzburgers was very salutar}^ ; and, but for the counteracting effect of Mr. Triebner's eff"orts and deportment, he would have accom- plished a vast amount of good. Even amid the adverse circumstances which surrounded him, he did very much for the spiritual welfare of the congregation ; and the pious Salzburgers in Savannahj and throughout his whole charge, held him in very high esteem. But, like his worthy colleagues, Bolzius and Lembke, he passed away from earth, and now sleeps calmly among those for whom he laboured well and pro- fitably for a quarter of a century. AND TIIEIH DESCENDANTS. 201 CHAPTER X. Descent of the British upon Georgia — General Provost takes Sa- vannah — British posts along the river — Mr. Triebner takes the oath of allegiance to the crown, and conducts ti-oops to Eben- ezer — A garrison established under Major Maitland — Proclama- tion issued by Major Maitland — Some of the Salzburgers take " protections" — Majority of the Salzburgers Whigs — Governor Treutlen — Ilolsendorf — John and Samuel Stirk — John Schnider — Strohaker — Jonathan and Gotlieb Schnider — Jonathan Rahn — Ernest Zittrauer — Joshua and Jacob Helfenstein — Sufferings of the Salzburgers during the war — Tories — Eichel and Martin Dasher — Marauding parties — Frederick Helfenstein and his two sons — General Wayne — The Salzburgers forced to abandon their homes — Sufferings at Ebenezer — Prisoners — Sergeants Jasper and Newton — Sacrilegious act of the British toward the church at Ebenezer — Other acts of cruelty — Mistaken policy of the British — Sad influence of the licentiousness of the British troops upon the morals of Ebenezer — Pastor Triebner — His removal to England and death — General character of the pas- tors at Ebenezer — Triebner an exception — Dispensations of Providence — General Wayne attempts the reduction of Savan- nah — British troops withdrawn from Ebenezer — General Wayne makes his head-quarters there — British evacuate Savannah — Salzburgers return to Ebenezer — Scene of desolation — Condi- tion of the church — Congregation without a pastor — Petition sent to Germany — Dr. Muhlenburg's concern for the Salzbur- gers — A minister visits Ebenezer — Dr. Muhlenburg's letter — Vindication of Mr. Triebner — Pastor to be sent in the spring — Despondency among the Salzburgers — Darkness begins to dis- appear — New pastor about to be sent. The Revolutionary War ccgnmenced in 1775. But it was not till 1779 that any demonstration 202 THE SALZBURGERS .fas made against Georgia. In that year, Gene- ral Provost, acting under instructions from Sir Henry Clinton, made a descent upon Georgia, and met with comparatively little resistance. He made his head-quarters at Savannah, and proceeded to establish posts along the western bank of the Savannah river. When Mr. Trieb- ner heard that General Provost vfas in Savan- nah, he waited upon him, took the oath of alle- giance to the crown, and advised that Ebenezer should be occupied by royal troops. This was accordingly done, and Mr. Triebner had the honour (?) to conduct a detachment of British soldiers to Ebenezer. These troops were under the command of Major Maitland. Upon arriv- ing at Ebenezer, they threw up a redoubt within a few hundred yards of the church, with a view to fortify their position and guard against a sur- prise. The remains of this fortification are f till standing. Upon arriving at Ebenezer, Mnjor Moitland issued a proclamation to the inhabitants of St. Matthew's Parish, offering the protection of the British arms to all who might be disposed to take an oath of loyalty and allegiance to the crown. Many of the Salzburgers, influenced by the advice and example of Mr. Triebner, ac- cepted this offer, and obtained certificates gua- ranteeing protectic*! to themselves and to their property. The majority of the Salzburgers, AND TIIKIR DESCKNDAXT?. 20-5 however, warmly espoused the Republican cause. Those who figured most conspicuously were John Adam Treutlen, rebel governor; William Hol- sendorf, a rebel counsellor; John Stirk, rebel colonel; Samuel Stirk, rebel secretary; John Schnider, planter; Rudolph Strohaker, butcher. Beside these, mention should be made of Jona- than Schnider, J. Gotlieb Schnider, Jonathan Rahn, Ernest Zittrauer, Joshua and Jacob Hel- fenstein, and others. Most of these worthy men served faithfully in the struggle for independence, imder General Wayne and other officers in the American army, and their names deserve to be perpetuated with the long list of worthies who distinguished themselves by their devotion to the cause of liberty. The citizens of Ebenezer and the surrounding country were made to feel very severely the effects of the war. The property of those who did not take the oath of allegiance was confis- cated, and they w'ere constantly exposed to every species of insult and wrong from a hired and profligate soldiery. Beside this, some of the Salzburgers who espoused the cause of the crown became very inveterate in their hostility to the Whigs in the settlement, and pillaged and then burned their dwellings. The residence on the farm of the pious Rabenhorst, was among the first that was given to the flames. Among those who distinguished themselves 204 THE SALZBURGETIS for their cruelty, was one Eichel, who has been properly termed an «' inhuman miscreant," whose residence was at Goshen ; and Martin Dasher, who kept a public-house five miles below Eben- ezer. These men placed themselves at the head of marauding parties, composed of British and Tories, and laid waste every plantation or farm whose occupant was even suspected of favouring the republican cause. In these predatory ex- cursions the most revolting cruelty and unbridled licentiousness were indulged, and the whole country was overrun and devastated. Dasher seems to have distinguished himself fully as much as Eieliel^ though perhaps he was not quite so cruel. He had stolen some cattle from a poor widow, and General Wayne, while occupying Ebenezer, sent him word that if he did not re- store them to her in person, he would have him taken into custody and gibbeted. This threat had the desired effect, and Basher became less troublesome to his neighbours. Mention has been made of Mr. Frederick Hel- fenstein, who settled at Goshen. He had ac- quired some property before the war commenced, and might have been considered in comfortable circumstances. It is known that he owned a large tannery in successful operation, a good farm, and several valuable Negroes. Of all this' property he was dispossessed by the Tories, (or Cow-boys, as they were th^n called,) and he was AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 205 left penr.ilcss to begin the world anew. Thus it would seem that his misfortunes did not cease even after his settlement in Georgia. Yet he never deserted the Whig cause, and furnished, in the persons of his sons, several bold soldiers during the war. Two of them joined a troop of cavalry under Colonel McCoy, and subse- quently served under General Wayne. When General Wayne, at the close of the war, returned to Pennsylvania, (his native State,) these two brothers, Joshua and Jacob Helfenstein, accom- panied him, and it is more than probable that from them the Helfenstein family in Pennsyl- vania is descended, several of whom are now distinguished preachers in the German Reformed Church. In Georgia the name has been changed to Helvenston. Mr. John C. Helvenston, of Macon county, Georgia, and his brother, residing in Florida, no doubt belong to the same family. Mr. Frederick Helfenstein died at Goshen at the advanced age of eighty-three, and his wife, who survived him many years, at the extreme old age of ninety-three ! The Salzburgers, nevertheless, were to expe- rience great annoyances from other sources. General Clinton, as before stated, had directed that a line of British posts should be estab- lished all along the western bank of the Sa- vannah river, to check the demonstrations of the rebel forces in Carolina. Under these circum- 18 206 THE SALZBUKGERS Stances Ebenezer, from its somewhat central position, became a kind of thoroughfare for the British troops in passing through the country from Augusta to Savannah. To the inhabitants of Ebenezer, particularly, this was a source of perpetual annoyance. British troops were con- stantly quartered among them, and to avoid the rudeness of the soldiers and the heavy tax upon their resources, many of the best citizens were forced to abandon their homes, and settle in the country, thus leaving their houses to the mercy of their cruel invaders. Besides all this, they were forced to witness almost daily acts of cruelty practised by the British and Tories toward those Americans who happened to fall into their hands as prisoners of war ; for it will be remembered that Eben- ezer, while in the hands of the British, was the point to which all prisoners taken in the sur- rounding country were brought, and from thence sent to Savannah. It was from this post that the prisoners were carried who were rescued by Sergeant Jasper and his comrade, Newton, at the "Jasper Spring," a few miles above Sa- vannah. There was one act performed by the British commander which was peculiarly trying and revolting to the Salzburgers. Their fine brick church was converted into a hospital for the accommodation of the sick and wounded, and AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 207 subsequently it was desecrated by being used as a stable for their horses. To this latter use it was devoted until the close of the war and the removal of the British troops from Georgia. To show their contempt for the church, and their disregard for the religious sentiments of the people, the church records were nearly all destroyed, and the soldiers would discharge their guns at different objects on the church; and even to this day the metal ''■swan,'' (Luther's coat of arms,) which surmounts the spire on the steeple, bears the mark of a musket ball, which was fired through it by a reckless soldier. Often, too, cannon were discharged at the houses; and there is a log house now standing not far from Ebenezer, which was perforated by several can- non shot. In short, it was the policy (an unwise one, truly) of the English officers at this post, as it was at every other which they occupied, to make their power felt, and by mere brutal force to awe the colonists into subjection. The Salz- burgers endured all these hardships and indigni- ties with becoming fortitude ; and though a few were overcome by these severe measures, yet the great mass of them remained firm in their attachment to the principles of liberty. One of the most serious consequences which resulted to Ebenezer and the neighbourhood, from the occupancy of the town by the British, was the sad state of morals which ensued. The 208 THE SALZBURGERS soldiers were licentious in the extreme, and tip- pling-houses were estcr 29, 1786. Dear Sir: — In a letter of the 26th inst, I understood that if it suited the German congregation in Savannah, you intended to come down and celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper on Sunday, the 7th of January. In consequence of such intimation, I acquainted the elders and wardens, who, with one voice, acquiesced in it, and agreeably to their resolution gave notice, in yesterday's letter, to Mr. Probst. But this day, several other mem- bers of the congregation, not being properly prepared for so solemn an act in religion, wish beforehand to hear a few sermons tending toward this object, in order to pre- pare themselves more fully for this sacred duty; and consequently they prefer to postpone receiving the Lord's Supper until Easter, or thereabouts. In the mean time, reverend sir, you are expected on Saturday, the 6th of January next, to give the congrega- tion a forenoon sermon on repentance, and ^Ir. Probst, AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 225 who, if he should fail in his appointment at Ebenezer, may give a sermon in the afternoon ; and if his oration is liked by the congregation, may perhaps prove him an establishment in this place, in case he should be disap- pointed with you. There will be on the Sunday appointed a full congregation, if the weather permit. God grant you may be satisfied with your appointment, and the con- gregation with you, in which I hope you will not fail ; and in that case you might even enjoy a heaven on earth. You have my best wishes for your welfare and happi- ness, and I have the honour, for the first time, to sub- scribe myself with sincere regard and profound respect, your most humble servant, Justus H. Scheuber." From this letter it will be seen that the church in Savannah was duly organized in the year 178T, having a full board of elders and wardens. It is further manifest that there must have been a favourable state of religious feeling among the members, as evinced by the holy reverence which they seemed to cherish for the ordinances of God's house, and their unwilling- ness to partake of those ordinances except after due meditation and self-examination. This speaks well, at least, for the devotional feelings of a congregation; and when such sentiments are cherished, they cannot fail to produce the most salutary influence upon the character and life. This is a peculiarity of the Lutheran Church, and arises from the wise and wholesome usages which the founders of Lutheranism established both in Europe and America. The course of 226 THE SALZBURGERS catechetical instruction prescribed by our ritual, and the preparatory services which are held in our churches prior to the administration of the Lord's Supper, are admirably calculated to in- spire the heart with a holy veneration for that most solemn and instructive sacrament. It is to be regretted that some of our churches have manifested a disposition to depart from this ancient landmark of Lutheranism. About the year 1792, Mr. Bergman married Miss Catherine Herb, sister of Mr. Frederick Herb, of Savannah. By this marriage Mr. Bergman had four children, only one of whom, his eldest son, Christopher F., survived him. This, for him, was a very happy and advanta- geous union. And perhaps much of his success in after life may justly be attributed to the in- fluence of this most excellent lady. She seems to have possessed very remarkable business talents; and it is said that her husband com- mitted to her the entire management of all his domestic matters, even giving up to her the receipt and disbursement of all his funds, while he devoted himself exclusively to his literary pursuits. These were very extensive, and em- braced a wide field. History, philosophy, the various departments of natural science, classical literature, all engaged his attention, and in each of them he attained to very considerable profi- ciency. As a thelogian, he was especially well AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 227 read, having acquired a thorough knowledge of the Hebrew, Arabic, and several other oriental languages. His correspondence, too, was very extensive, and he was honoured with the confi- dence of some of the most remarkable men of his day ; among whom, were Bishop Asbury, of the Methodist Episcopal church; Dr. R. Purman, pastor of the Baptist church in Charleston; the Hon. R. Wayne, and the Rev. Messrs. Holcombe, McVean and others, of Sa- vannah. His home at Ebenezer was the receptacle of every preacher who might chance to visit that neighbourhood ; and in his Christian intercourse with his ministerial brethren of other denomina- tions, he seems to have won their confidence and Christian regard. Bishop Asbury, on several occasions, sojourned at the parsonage at Eben- ezer, and between him and Mr. Bergman there existed the warmest Christian aifection ; and the good bishop held Mr. Bergman in such high re- gard that he honoured him with his correspond- ence. The following letter is in point. " Wilkes count)/, Georgia, December 5, 1800. "My Dear and Greatly Respected Friend: — Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied to you and family. When I come to Georgia, I remember you if I do not see you. For a few years past I have not iDeen able to preach or write as formerly. Shall I pity or envy you in your solitary life. It must cheer up your mind to converse with a friend on paper. I thank you, kind sir, for the 228 THE SALZBURGERS friendly letters you have sent me, and the notice you have taken of Elder Lee. This year hath been marked with divine glory; my colleague, Bishop Whatcoat, and self have travelled from Baltimore, in the month of May last, to the east of Boston, west as far as Kentucky and Cumberland in Tennessee, South Carolina, to this State, making near three thousand miles from the General Con- ference. The revival of religion that began with the year, became very great ; so that the eastern and western shores of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, have felt the holy flame; the high probability is, that one or two thousand souls have been under the operations of grace. The preachers caught the divine influence at the General Conference, where more than one hundred ministers assembled, and thus it ran, two, three, four, five hundred miles. You have heard of the revival of religion among the Germans in the west of Pennsylvania, Mary- land, and Virginia, by the instrumentality of the vener- able Otterbein,* and an ancient patriarchal man, Martin Beem, once a Menonist minister; but he received the Methodists about twenty years ago. He was cast out by the Menonist. God has given him to see his child- ren's children brought to Christ, and peace upon Israel. At seventy, he is brisk as a boy, and travels very exten- sively ; for in appearance he is like old Moses or Aaron with his long beard. Oh ! my dear friend, if you was among the thousands in Pennsylvania of Germans to labour, and travelling night and day, you might have a happier soul and a brighter crown. A late Dr. Lodly was in some part of Holland almost useless ; he was sent for to New York, and the first sermon he preached in the Low Dutch Church, Madam Livingston, and several reputable women were convinced. They said it was like a new gospel ; he continued in usefulness till the Revolutionary War ; then he was forced to retire, when his labours were lost as at the first. I was told he had intimations of what * Mr. Otterbein was a very pious minister of the German Re- formed Church. AND TIIEIU DESCENDANTS. 229 ■was to befall him in both changes. Thus a Wesley, and some of the Moravian brethren appeared to be buried for a time at and about Savannah. And some godly men have lived in parishes and congregations in England, with small prospects of good. Before I close this letter I must give you a sketch of the marvellous work of God. For two weeks, we trust one or two hundred souls were wrought upon at the General Conference in Baltimore. At the yearly Conference at Duck creek, Delaware State, one hundred and seventeen came forward to join the church, — the fruit of four days' and nights' labour. The brethren did not leave the house of God day nor night; this was in a small village, and fifty had been added pre- viously, since the commencement of the year. The re- turn was three hundred in society, as made last June to me ; and the work is spreading all around that place, through the whole peninsula of Maryland and Dela\yare. We have travelled so rapidly and extensively, letters could not reach us well, till we came to our yearly con- ference in Camden, South Carolina, January 1, 1801. In Cumberland, State of Tennessee, God has wrought among the Presbyterians ; five godly ministers are entered into the spirit of the work, — a Mr. Craighead, Hodge, Ran- kin, Mr. Goady, and McGee, and the stationed preachers among the Methodists, and some eminent local preachers. Judah doth not vex Ephraim; they live and love as brethren ; they hold sacramental meetings four days and nights, all the ministers present ; it is in the woods ; no house will contain the people, wagons, food, fires, some ten, twenty, thirty, fifty, and one hundred miles from home ; they begin at high noon, preach and pray until evening, then retire to refresh with food : and come again, and continue the whole night, and souls are born to God at the solemn hours of night, — seven, eight, nine, ten, twelve, one o'clock, till morning. It hath been judged, that the congregation have contained from five hundred, to one and two thousand people, and eight or ten minis- ters; and at a meeting Bishop Whatcoat and myself attended, near twenty ministers present, — Presbyterians, 230 THE SALZBURGERS Methodists, and Baptists ; souls have professed to find the Lord from twenty-five to forty-live, and as many as one hundred at a meeting. The probability is that betveeen three and four hundred have been brought to Christ in the course of this summer and fall, and the ■work was going on when we came from the settlement. The ministers promised to send me a correct account of the work of God. We hope to be able to publish the workings of God with souls. I hope and trust five or six thousand souls are, and will be formed of God on this continent in 1800, among the difi'erent societies of pro- fessing Christians. I shall make no apology for my long letters, but the cause of God, love to you, and my joy that I have to hear and see my poor labours are not in vain, and other ministers, and other societies have Jeho- vah with them. I am in the thirtieth year of my labours in America, besides about nine years in travelling and local labours in England. "I am, with great respect, yours in Christ, Francis Asbury.' The temporal affairs of the Salzburgers com- menced improving gradually; and the popula- tion which, during the war, had been somewhat diminished, began to increase steadily, and to assume a somewhat more permanent character. Their spiritual interests, too, assumed a more favourable aspect, though Mr. Bergman found many just causes of complaint. Some of the members of the church had fallen into rather loose habits of living, and the establishment of one or two drinking shops at Ebenezer, exerted a most injurious influence upon the morals of not a few. Mr. Bergman remonstrated against such conduct, but he w^as, perhaps, rather two mild AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 231 and lenient in the enforcement of the church discipline, to effect much of a reformation. Still the church made some progress, while it must be admitted that the tone of piety was far below what it had been in former years. Mr. Bergman kept up a regular course of catechetical instruction in all his churches, and endeavoured to indoctrine the young people of his charge in the principles of our holy religion, as taught in our standards; and there were many, who, under his instructions, became de- votedly pious and exemplary Christians. But even in his time, a spirit of indifference to the Lutheran church began to manifest itself among some of the descendants of the Salzburgers, which was afterwards to result in the withdrawal of not a few of them from the church of their fathers. It will be necessary, however, to dwell more at large upon this topic hereafter. It is not deemed important, nor would it be practicable, to attempt a regular chronological history of the Salzburgers from this period, nor, indeed, is it necessary; for there were not many occurrences of striking interest during the life-time of Mr. Bergman. The most prominent, however, will be noted as far as reliable data can be obtained. After a settlement assumes a permanent character, it is not to be expected that many incidents will happen of sufficient moment to make them worthy of historical re- 232 THE SALZBURGERS cord. The reader will, therefore, not expect any thing like detailed narrative in the further prosecution of this work. It has been stated that Mr. Bergman was in correspondence with a number of distinguished ministers and other gentlemen, and some of their letters are extant ; but their publication would only swell this volume without increasing its interest. It might be mentioned that many of these letters furnish intelligence in reference to the progress of religion in different parts of the United States, and perhaps a few extracts may be given from some of them hereafter. Mention has been made of the erection of a bridge over Ebenezer creek, and the making of a causeway through the swamp. The first bridge, however, was a very humble and unpre- tending structure, and answered only a tempo- rary purpose. Mr. King, who owned most of the land north of Ebenezer creek, applied to the Legislature, in 1791, for a charter for a causeway and toll bridge. The charter covered a period of thirty years. In 1824, (24th of April) the Trustees of the Lutheran church purchased, at public sale, Mr. King's interest, which was for the unexpired term of nine years, for the sum of eighteen hundred dollars. With the bridge the Trustees obtained sixty-five acres of land. A new bridge was erected by Messrs. William and Lewis Bird, in the fall of the same AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 233 year, at a cost of four hundred and ninety-nine dollars. The Trustees obtained a renewal of the charter in 1824 for thirty years. Mr. C. F* Bergman, in a note in his journal, estimated that the income from the bridge for nine years would amount to about five thousand dollars. Whether or not this expectation was realized, it would be difficult to ascertain ; though it is certain, that the Trustees did realize at first a handsome profit upon the investment. Within the last fifteen years, however, the bridge and causeway have been rather a tax upon the church, as the inferior court of Effingham county authorized the opening of a public road from Sister's Ferry, on the Savannah river, by way of Springfield, on to the city of Savannah. This measure has cut off" nearly all the travel from the old Augusta road, and the toll-gate does not now pay expenses. In 1796, Ebenezer was made the county site, and the Legislature appointed commissioners to select lots for the court-house and jail, and also to provide for the support of an academy. This academy was intended as a county in- stitution. There was already a parochial school at Ebenezer, under the care of a competent teacher. The instructions, however, were given almost exclusively in the German, and did not meet the wants of the community, which even at this time had become measurably Anglicized. 20* 234 THE SALZBURGERS The selection of Ebenezer as the county site was the second experiment to procure a suitable location. The public buildings were erected at Tuckasee-King, in 1784, near the present line of Scriven county; but as this movement did not suit the wishes of the people, Ebenezer was selected. It would have been well for the Salz- burgers if their town had never been made the seat of justice. There are always men of de- based morals collecting at a county site, who drink, gamble, and indulge in almost every species of vice ; and these influences did not fail to eff'ect the Salzburgers, some of whom were, alas ! too easily seduced from the right way. Fortunately for them, however, Ebenezer was found to be not sufficiently central; and, in 1799, Springfield was made the county site, and con- tinues so to this day. It has been stated, that during the life-time of the first pastors, mills had been erected, and several tracts of land were granted for the benefit of the church. During the war, nearly all these "mill establishments" were materially injured, and they subsequently were allowed to go to decay. In 1808, the congregation applied to the legislature for leave to sell their glebe land. This request was granted, and the pro- ceeds were placed in the treasury of the church. The congregation by degrees disposed of all its real estate, and the money was invested in bonds AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 235 and mortgages, from the interest of which the pastor's salary, and the cm-rent expenses of the church were paid. This plan is pursued to the present day. The interests of the churches, both at Eben- ezer and Savannah, began to demand that a portion of the services should be held in English. Many friends of the Lutheran church saw this, and felt it, and urged upon Mr. Bergman the importance of attempting to qualify himself to preach in that language ; but it was with great difficulty that he could at first be brought even to consider the subject. In this he certainly acted unwisely, as will appear hereafter. An extract is here given from a letter of Bishop Asbury to Mr. Bergman, a part of which bears upon this very subject. The letter was written from Georgetown, in 1803. After stating the wonders which God was working in various parts of the country in the conversion of sinners, the bishop says : *' I am not without expectation of visiting Savannah and Ebenezer next December. I shall take an assistant with me, and, if I could find a decent family, that had the form of godliness, with whom I could lodge, and a house to preach in, we would perhaps spend a week. But I shall be unwilling to preach in Cloud's or the Bap- tist church. If you have a church in town, I would bor- row that. I am sorry you do not attend some of the camp-meetings. Our yearly conference will be held in Augusta, January 1, 1804. There I hope to see you. I think as you are not adoanced in age, if you ivish to be 286 THE salzeuhgers extensively useful, you ought by all means to learn English to preach, as ivell as to lorite. By dose application and some little assistance, you would soon gain a good accent and pronunciation. In learning to preach English you will open a door to preach to thousands in this country; besides you will get good as well do good. I hope that you have a clear witness of your redemption in Christ, and that you vralk closely with God, and are seeking freedom from all sin. When I read in Mr. "Wesley's journal, of the holy men once at Ebenezer, I hope you will be their faithful successor. Oh ! may the good will of Him that dwelt with Moses in the bush be with you, and the dew of heaven upon your dwelling-place. "I am, as ever, your friend and brother. Francis Asbury." From this letter it will appear that good men in other denominations, who really wished well to the Lutheran church, saw that our ministers, who persisted in adhering to the German lan- guage, pursued a ruinous policy, while they cir- cumscribed greatly the sphere of their own use- fulness. Would to God, that our forefathers could have been truly wise on this subject. It will also be seen, that up to this date the Me- thodist's had no church in the city of Savannah, and Bishop Asbury asked the use of the Luthe- ran church. This is a fact worthy of notice. There is no doubt that the use of the church was cheerfully granted, and thus, as Lutheran emigrants from Salzburg were measurably the instruments in Mr. Wesley's awakening, and Luther's preface to the Romans the means of his conversion, the Lutheran church in Savannah AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 237 •was employed by the first Methodist bishop in America to promulgate the doctrines of the venerable Wesley. From all this it is apparent that Methodism owes many obligations to the Lutheran church, "which it is to be regretted have not always been duly remembered and reciprocated. It is proper here to remark, that as early as 1790, the Rev. Hope Hull was sent to Savan- nah to propagate the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church. He preached a few years in a chair-maker's shop belonging to Mr. Lowry; but, in consequence of the violent opposition raised against him, he met with very little suc- cess. In 1796, Jonathan Jackson and Josiah Randle made another attempt, without any bet- ter results. In 1800, John Garvin commenced preaching. He induced a few persons to attend his meeting, but never succeeded in organizing a society. The next attempt was by Mr. Cloud, whose extravagances increased the preju- dices against the Methodist ; and it is probable that it is to this Mr. <' Cloud's house" that Bishop Asbury refers in the foregoing letter. In 1806, Rev. Samuel Dunwoody was sent to Savannah. By assiduous effort he organized a society, and the members after many severe trials succeeded in erecting a small house of worship, which was called Wesley Chapel. This was the origin of Methodism in Savannah. 238 THE SALZBURGERS Nothing of much importance occurrofl among the Salzburgers until about the year 1804, when Mr. Bergman relinquished the charge of the Lutheran church in Savannah. In a letter writ- ten to the Rev. Mr. Holcombe, pastor of the Baptist church in that city, he assigns the rea- sons which had induced him to take this step. The letter is dated July 4, 1804. In that letter he says : " In Germany both Protestant churches (Lutheran and Reformed) have become measur- ably corrupt, through false teachers creeping into the church, whose bad qualities are de- scribed in Paul's letter to Timothy, and in the Epistle of Peter. These teachers impiously deny all the fundamental doctrines of our sal- vation, which is in Jesus Christ. The Germans who have come to this country in late years have imbibed these false principles, and cannot bear sound doctrine, leading also a perverse life. Besides this, I cannot see any fruit of the gospel preached to them ; and some impious men, long- ing for riches, are insolent enough to impute to me motives which I never entertained. Fur- ther, I am bound to stay at Ebenezer, because my frail constitution will not longer endure the fatigue of journeying so often to Savannah. Consequently, when I visit Savannah hereafter, it must be on week-days." In another letter addressed to the same gen- tleman, Mr. Bergman remarks : " I have not (as AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 239 has been falsely charged) denounced good morals or external religion, as it is termed. I agree ■with the good Cardinal Bellarmine, who, while he apologizes for good works, concludes that it is safest and best to put all our confidence in God's grace and Christ's merits. And when I pray that I may be numbered among God's elect children, I desire that he would deal with me, not according to my merits^ but according to his grace. Yet some wicked persons whom I refused to admit to the Lord's table, have accused me of advocating Antinomian sentiments. And a man by the name of Salvinger, who resides near the 'White Bluff,' defamed my name in the Sa- vannah market, as did also one Elliott, once a schoolmaster at White Bluff, and afterward at Goshen, to whom I refused the Lutheran church at Ebenezer. The whole Lutheran church in America needs a reformation. There are many pious people in Germany, and some of them come occasionally to this country, but for the most part they are only nominal professors, and cannot endure sound doctrine. Hence the trouble in many of our German churches." The motives which prompted this step were certainly pure, and the reasons assigned justify the course which Mr. Bergman pursued. It is, however, probable that he did occasionally visit the church in Savannah, and perform services for the benefit of the few pious persons who still 240 THE SALZBURGERS adhered to the true doctrines of the Rei<)rmation. However, as the services were all held in Ger- man, the young people belonging to the congre- gation gradually withdrew to attend English preaching in other churches, and in a few years Mr. Bergman ceased altogether his ministerial labours in Savannah, and the Lutheran church was closed, and no successful attempt was made to revive the congregation until the year 1824, when the Rev. S. A. Mealy of Charleston, assumed the pastoral charge, — not, however, until many of the descendants of the Salzbur- gers had been induced to leave the church of their fathers, and connect themselves with other Christian denominations. The records of all the Protestant churches in Savannah will show that much of the most valuable material from which their societies were organized, was of Lutheran origin. And this same sad story must be told in reference to the Lutheran population in every important city in our Union. It is, however, far better that these precious souls should find spiritual pasture somewhere, and be made the heirs of eternal life, than that they should wander about without a spiritual guide, exposed to the wiles of Satan and the craftiness of un- godly men. It was about this time that the Rev. Jesse Lee, one of the pioneers of Methodism in the United States, visited Ebenezer, and spent a AND THETR DESCENDANTS. 241 few days with Mr. Bergman. The interviews seem to have proved a source of mutual edifica- tion to these pious men. Mr. Lee, speaks of this visit in a letter addressed to Mr. Aurelius of New York, and expresses himself as having been very favourably impressed with the piety and learning of Mr. Bergman. It is a pleasing fact, that every one of the first pastors at Ebenezer (Mr. Triebner only excepted) commanded the confidence and esteem of the ministers in the other evangelical churches, showing very clearly that their learning and irreproachable Christian character had gained for them a most enviable reputation among the wise and good. But still, their piety and learning did not exempt them from the attacks of the vicious and profane ; and, as has already been shown, they were often made the objects of vituperation. It was, how- ever, fortunate for them that they were sustained in all their trials by a consciousness of their own integrity, and the assurance of the divine appro- bation. These are ever the Christian's chief solace amid the reproaches of the censorious, and the scoffs and derisions of the profligate and worldly; and but for the «« sweet peace" which the soul derives from a sense of its own recti- tude, cheerless indeed would ' the path of the faithful minister as he mingles with the cares and perplexities of life. But amid the conflicts of human passion which meet him on every side, 21 242 THE SALZBURGERS and the bufFetings and derisions of a world lying in wickedness, he may ever and anon hear the cheering and animating voice of the Saviour, "Lo! I am with you always!" "My peace I give unto you." ''Be of good cheer! I have overcome the world." Thus he passes on through life, ever reposing his confidence in the great captain of his salvation, and sustained by the hope that his labours and toils shall termi- nate in a rich and glorious reward, which shall amply compensate him for all the afflictions inci- dent to his earthly pilgrimage. The labours of Mr. Bergman were somewhat curtailed by relinquishing the charge of the Lutheran church in Savannah ; and it has already been stated, that the church called Bethany had been in a good measure abandoned. It be- came necessary, however, to erect a new church near "Jack's branch," about four miles northwest of Springfield, the county site. This church was called '^Bethel.'' It was demanded by the emi- gration to that neighbourhood of a number of families who had formerly resided near Ebenezer, and were members of the congregation at that place. Yet no new organization was attempted ; and, even to this day, the members residing near Bethel continue their connection with the parent- church at Ebenezer. This was a judicious move- ment on the part of Mr. Bergman, as it was the means of saving to the Lutheran church many AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 243 families who might otherwise have connected themselves with other denominations. Among the difficulties connected with his labours, Mr. Bergman mentions several of a personal character. One of these was with Co- lonel W., who resided near Sister's Ferry. The nature of the misunderstanding is not stated, nor is it necessary at this late day to attempt to investigate it. Colonel W. had been a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was a man of in- fluence ; hence, Mr. Bergman was troubled be- cause of the rupture which had taken place, and corresponded with the Rev. John McVean on the subject. Mr. Mc Vean was stationed in Sa- vannah as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church. An extract from his letter to Mr. Berg- man on this subject is here inserted, to show the excellent spirit by which he was actuated. Besides, it contains a great deal of wholesome Christian advice, which it would be well for every one to remember and practice. He says: " I am truly sorry for the misunderstanding between you and Colonel W., and sincerely wish it were other- wise. I know it is painful to human feelings to receive injuries from the quarter from whence they were least expected ; but our Saviour suffered in the same way, and good men often do and may expect to suffer. May I be permitted to suggest a plan of reconciliation? When I do so, I need only quote Scripture to you, without any comment. First, 'If thy brother trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between him and thee alone ; if he shall hear thee, then thou hast gained thy brother. 244 THE SALZBURGERS Matt. xiii. 15 ; v. 23. Do, my dear sir, have the honour and the comfort to be the first to make peace : love "will conquer the stoutest. Suppose you were to take up the cross and go some serene and clear morning and break- fast with Colonel W., and bind and tie his hands, and feet, and heart, and tongue with cords of love and with pious loving conversation and admonition ; this will do. This method I am certain will succeed, and under its in- fluence even the ' lion will become a lamb.' " Yours in Christian love, John McVean.^' It is believed that this advice was ta,ken, and friendly relations were again established between these parties. In addition to the sources of trouble which have already been stated, one which was very trying to his feelings was the disposition mani- fested by some of the descendants of the Salz- burgers to forsake the church of their fathers. The Methodists and Baptists began to preach in various portions of Effingham county; and, in several instances, members were drawn off from the Lutheran church, who, with their families, formed a nucleus for the organization of other churches differing from the Lutheran, if not in any essential doctrinal views, yet in their uses and form of church government; and it will appear hereafter, that, but for the material which the Salzburgers furnished to the other denomi- nations which have sprung up in Effingham county, they could never have had any existence. This is true, particularly, in relation to the AND THEIR DESCEKDANTS. 245 Methodist and Baptist churches, and it is a fact susceptible of proof, especially in relation to the Methodist church, that their very best mem- bers, both as to piety and influence, are those •who descended from the Salzburgers. Mr. Bergman saw the course which things were taking in this respect, and he might have checked it, at least measurably, by introducing the English language into the church service, and by bestowing a little more attention upon the spiritual wants of his people; but, with all his piety and learning, his views were not sufficiently Ijraetieal. There was, however, another cause operating, to produce alienation of feeling on the part of those who felt it their duty to cultivate a spirit of genuine piety; and that was the lax state of morals in which many of the members indulged, and the want of proper church discipline. The discipline was there, but it was a dead letter. Mr. Bergman either did not, or could not enforce it, and many of the members became very irregu- lar in their habits, so that their conduct was a just cause of offence to the more godly and con- sistent part of the congregation ; and many were constrained from a sense of duty to flee from associations which they felt were baneful, and to seek others, more congenial to their feelings, and better calculated to aid them in the cultivation of their hearts and the fuller development of the 21- 246 THE SALZBURGERS Christian character. It is not admitted that such a course of conduct is justifiable under all circumstances, and should not be adopted except in extreme cases ; and only after every means has been tried to effect a reformation. Then our own safety may require us to separate ourselves from those "evil communications" "which may tend to corrupt our religious principles. The state of the churches was a source of deep sorrow to Mr. Bergman. In his letters to his friends, he complained of the fruitlessness of his labours, and seemed wellnigh to despair of ever accomplishing any permanent good. His personal piety was evidently of a high order, and in this respect he was well calculated to be a teacher in divine things ; but still, he appears to have been unable to wield that moral influence which was necessary to suppress every species of vice among his people, and induce them to aim at an elevated standard of piety. Thus things continued to progress from year to year ; and though the outward prosperity of the colony was increasing, the population multi- plying, the people acquiring wealth and seeking new means of advancing their worldly interests, yet there was a gradual but manifest decline in the piety of many of the Salzburgers, so that the language of Jeremiah to Israel might very justly be applied to the descendants of the Salzburgers ; *' Yet I planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 247 seed; how then art thou turned into the de- generate plant of a strange vine unto me?" Jer. ii. 21. Nevertheless God had not left himself without witnesses. In the midst of all his other trials, Mr. Berg- man was about to experience a heavy bereave- ment, in the loss of his only daughter, Ann Catharine, consort of John Neidlinger, She was born January 1, 1795, and married Sep- tember 18, 1814. In her sixteenth year she made a profession of religion, and connected herself with the Lutheran congregation at Eben- ezer, according to the established usages of the church. Her marriage seems not to have been a judicious one, and proved a source of grief to herself and her family. Her death occurred on the 31st of January, 1819, she being in her twenty-fifth year. Her brother has these notes in his journal in reference to her decease: " When her mother first came to her, she said : < Mother, are you not sorry for your poor child?' (alluding to her bodily suffering.) She con- tinued: