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English Pages 559 [580] Year 1899
A HISTORY OF
The German Baptist Brethren IN
EUROPE AND AMERICA
\v^
Martin Grove Brumbaugh,
-
A. M., Ph. D.
Professur of Fedagogii in the Unh'eisiti/ of Pennsijhdnia, President of Juniata Colleye, uf the Fennsijirania Historical Soiiety, a-iil of the Pennsylvania German Society
Elgin, III.
Brethren Publishing House 180Q
Member
Copyright,
iSgg,
i;v
M.'VRTiN
Grove Brumbaugh.
TO
BROTHER ABRAHAM
H.
CASSEL,
GREAT-GREAT-GRANDSON OF
Christopher Sower AND great-great-grandson of
Peter Becker,
WHOSE life-long DEVOTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, AND W'HOSE UNEQUALED
COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS
MAKE THIS VOLUME THIS
WORK
IS
POSSIBLE,
DEDICATED AS A TOKEN OF LOVE AND GRATITUDE.
nSTTZE^^OIDTJOTIOIsr. To
write the history of a religious
lowing
it
through
all
dinary task, though
movement be easy
of
its
stages of growth,
data
the
all
movement, is
pertaining
fol-
no
or-
to
the
But when the material
of access.
has to be taken from the forest, so to speak, and then
reduced to shape, so as to make
it
an object of beauty,
as well as the source of reliable information, the task
becomes the more
difficult.
information here for the
first
In quest of the valuable
time brought together
in
one volume, the author has been compelled to travel an unbeaten path.
For the data the old
libraries of
Europe and America have been searched.
Years have
been spent collecting, arranging and simplifying material so as to place
it
within the comprehension of
the ordinary reader, and
now
the public in a form that must
judgment of every student
Though made up
of
this
volume
commend
romance. pleasing to
it
is
given to
itself to
modern church
the
history.
of facts relating wholly to the ex-
periences and incidents of past generations,
such as to render
this
as interesting
its
style
and fascinating
is
as a
This feature of the book we think will be all
classes of readers.
Concerning the competency of Brother Brumbaugh to
produce a volume of such rare
only to glance at his busy
life.
one has
qualities,
He was
born
in
(vii)
Hunt-
.
V
Introduction
i i i
ingdon County, Pennsylvania, the age of nineteen in the
in
1862,
graduated at
Normal English Course
at
Juniata College, and in the Scientific Course in 1885.
same
In the
in
institution he taught
from 1882 to 1884.
He was County Superintendent
of Public Instruction
Huntingdon County from 1884
to 1890.
He
has lec-
tured at Teachers' Meetings and Institutes in Pennsylvania,
New
land,
Ohio,
Jersey,
Indiana and Kentucky.
Brethren
election to the ministry in the
curred in
1
He was
His
church oc-
891.
a graduate student at
1891-1892; took the A.
Pennsylvania
in
1893,
In this institution he 1895,
Mary-
Massachusetts, Delaware,
Louisiana,
Harvard University
M. degree
and the Ph. D. degree
became Professor
which position he
still
in
at the University of
of
in
1894.
Pedagogy
in
Since 1894 he has
holds.
also been President of Juniata College.
He
is
widely known as the author of the "Juniata
Bible Lectures,"
"The
Stories of Pennsyl\-ania
"
Dr. Walton), and the "Liberty Bell Leaflets."
(with
Asa
teacher he has had an extensive experience, having
taught in every grade, from the country school to the University.
The summer
of
1896 was spent
in
Europe studying
educational work, gathering material for his book, and
looking up the data of the Brethren church part of
Germany where our
rated their reformator}'
in that
ancient Brethren inaugu-
movement.
has l)een a favorite as well as
n
History with him
delightful study, espe-
ix
Introductiott.
On
cially that relating to the ancient Brethren.
subject he has delivered a
number
of lectures at the
Annual Meeting and elsewhere.
Those
these lectures urged him to publish
them
fit
up
led
to
who heard fo.r
the bene-
upon the part of those
of others, and this desire
who heard him
this
the preparation of this
volume.
We
take pleasure in
ing confident that
it
recommending the work,
history of the Brethren church yet written, and certain that
it
will
church and out of
fill
a
long
We
it.
felt
want both
we
are
in
the
pray that the same Spirit
that so directed our ancient Brethren as to lead into the
way of all make it
good, as to of like
feel-
contains the most complete early
them
truth, will so overrule this book for
the
means of strengthening those
precious faith, and leading others to accept
the doctrine the
work
is
meant
to emphasize. J.
H. Moore.
I^I^^IBFJ^OIE!. History at best is a beggarly gleaner in a field where Death has gathered a bountiful harvest. If one could lift the veil and see the past: see the pious Eight
1708 at Schwarzenau; the storm-swept voy-
in
1719 and
agers of
1729;
the solemn
the Wissahickon on the doubly
day of 1723; see the
first
procession
baptismal scene
in a wilder-
ness; see the sainted twenty-three at the feast the
Mack the
in
first
to
memorable Christmas first
love
same day; see the welcome given Alexander 1729 at Germantown; see the ordination of Martin Urner,
Elder,
in
rapid spread of the people of
many
during the
America; see the
God over
this
land
years that followed; see the gradual
transformation to the church of to-day; and learn from the actors themselves at each stage of development
the wonderful story of the church's growth, the duty of recording
it
would be a rapturous pleasure, not
unlike that which seized the holy spirit of John on
Patmos.
But Death has sealed the spoken and
stilled the
sel,
in
that
could
have
hand that might have written
Fragments alone remain. wide area
lips
These are scattered over a
two continents.
Bro.
Abraham H.
Cas-
of Harleysville, Pa., three score years ago, began
the great task of collecting these fragments, and, with (xi)
Preface.
xii
knew no quenching, and an
a zeal that
has almost
cost
him
his
and
sight
industry that
his
hearing, has
clearly earned the right to be called the Historian of
To him
the church.
some years ago
the writer of these lines turned
him
to urge
to prepare a history of the
whom
people he loves and among Alas!
life-long
dimmed his upon me as
He
cannot do the work.
a sacred duty to
made
energy and industry
dulled his ear and
has
devotion
eye.
he worships.
make
It
fell
actual what
his
The
possible.
The old manuscripts were
undertaken.
task was translated,
their facts tabulated, and the results are herein set forth.
Perhaps no religious sect
is
so
German
so persistently misrepresented as the
Their name,
Brethren.
unknown to scholar who fails
are
course
the general reader and even to the to consult ultimate sources.
the
notice
statements of scholars
who
faithfully
the truth are so wide of the
sound
of
mis-
But the
endeavor to state
that
it
is
necessary
a note of warning.
Among statements ''Aiuials
mark
It is
malicious
statements of prejudiced and bigoted zealots.
to
Baptist
their belief, their history, all
necessary to
not
understood and
little
the I
many examples quote
one,
of incorrect
selected
at
of PJiiladelpJiin and Pomsylvania,
Time,'' an extt'nded
John F. Watson, of Pennsvlvania,
work
Member
New
in
historic
random, from i?i
tJie
olden
three large volumes, by
of the Historical Societies
York, and Massachusetts.
The
•
Preface.
work was published a
as
says,
in
1709
Holland emigrated
Germantown. in
/?r.y/
meetings
at
were
in
front of their present stone
Alexander Mack was then
Cresheim, gave
all
He was
his
with eight or ten to
and
Watson
Beggarstown.
their principal leader.
old;
II,
Germany and
and settled
collected
first
held in the log house
church
from
to Pennsylvania,
Their
Vol.
23,
Tunkards
the
generally regarded
It is
On page
standard work.
"In
1857.
xiii
his son
property
a very rich miller in in
Germantown
Alexander lived
common, and came in
1708.
He
died
to be near ninety-one
years of age." All of which that no
is
current history and valuable save
Tunkards emigrated from either Holland or
Germany
in
1708; nor did they hold their
ings in the log house ; nor was
first
meet-
Alexander Mack then
their principal leader, since they did not then exist in
America; nor did he come with eight or ten to Ger-
mantown
in
Alexander
1709; nor did he die old; nor did his son
live
"to be near ninety-one years of age."
In belief they have been even
more widely misrep-
They have been confused with Mennonites, the Ephrata community
resented.
the
Day
Baptists, the
New
Anabaptist societies and
volume
of Seventh
Amish, the Wissahickon Hermits,
the Separatists, the
this
the Pietists,
Born, and
sects.
will dispel all
Brethren in their true
It is
all
sorts of
new
hoped
that
to be
such errors and show the
light,
a
body
of
Christian
people with a definite body of doctrine based upon the
xiv
~
Preface.
New
'
Testament, and a consistent and faithful observ-
ance of
same.
tlie
name,
In
too,
church has been
tlic
They
variously designated.
they
because
immerse
"duck" under the water;
known
are
with
of
\alidity
the
who
baptism;
infant
cause of their belief
immersion; as
in
and
reject as
Taiifcrs,
and Dippers, be-
Tidikards, Du/ikcis, Diinkards,
Th/ikcrs,
or
action,
because thc\'
as Anabaptists,
belong to that larger class of people
deny
as DonipcUjcrs,
forward
a
and
stranj:^el\'
Wittgenstci)i
or
Sclncarzomii Baptists, in reference to their origin; as reference to the place of their
Genna/itozi'/i Baptists, in
lust organization in
among
America; and
as Bret/ur/i, largely
themselves, as a designation of their intimate
fellowship.
They
are best
known
as
They
Taufcrs.
should never be called Dunkards, which word
is
English vulgarism with absolutely no meaning.
church has Bretlireii
since
officialh'
CJnircli,
declared
and
designation
this
character of the
itself
such
as
most
it
writer frequently uses the
the Genua?! Baptist
properly named,
is
accurately figures
Brotherhood.
In
this
in
the
volume the
word Tanferxn order
the histor}- of the church with records in
an
The
to link
Germany and
Colonial America in which they are so designated.
No Our
history of the Brethren has ever been attempted.
[)ast
torical
We
is
to us a sealed record.
We
have no
his-
precedent for any part of our present practice.
are iviisrepresented
and misunderstood not alone
because we have nc formulated Creed but also because
xv
Preface.
record of our growth and our beginning.
we have no
We
own practices for we do not know what our early pracThere has resulted much confusion and
are not always consistent in our
the reason that tice
was.
many
needless decisions in our church polity from the
absence of definite records as to what our forefathers
Next
did.
to the Bible the
of the church
is
most valuable possession
a careful record of
its
own
activities.
Our policy as a church needs the fibre and strength that comes from a clear perspective into a well-known Were we able to line up the whole church from past. the
beginning
and study our development from a
simple beginning to the present clearly indicate the lines of
No
we could
all
development yet
one should attend Annual Meeting
tion that dates as early as 1742
making
— and
the
more
to be.
— an institu-
participate in the
who is ignorant The Bible and the of these same people. and no new honored, should be church the
of history for Christ's people,
of the past practice of
decision advocated or announced until these essential
records have been consulted.
Then would we have
not only a consistent faith but also a consistent practice in Zion.
At
the outset
limited
by
the
it
seemed that the work would be
scarcity
of
data.
But
exhaustive
search has developed such a wealth of matter that
only a part can be presented here. selection before the author, he has
confine
his
treatise
largely to
the
With the task
deemed early
it
of
best to
and
least
x\i
Preface.
known and perhaps most important epochs growth of the church. The hiter history enough preserved
in
more care
that
and depositing of
all
not
is
some
shown
well
It in
is
to be
in
the
ret^retted
preserving carefully
central place complete records
congregational activities.
The date
tion, election of officers, erection of
time and attendants at love tisms, of deaths
and
Meetint,''s
Brotherhood.
in
is
the
the minutes of conf^reg'ations, the
records of Annual and District literature of the
in
of organiza-
houses of worship,
feasts,
records
of
bap-
and of marriage, together with action
on Missions, Colleges, and Sunday Schools should be carefully noted at length
congregation. this
is
The
by the proper ofBcer
elder in charge should
in
each
see
that
carefully done.
The aim has been not merely
to
give a relatively
complete record of the early church, but record as a defense of primiti\e lieved, interpreted
German
to
use this
Christianity as be-
and practiced by the church of the
Baptist Brethren.
Without
in
any way per-
verting history the writer has aimed at making history
defend doctrine and indicate future
activities
by the
church.
The
collating of this material has been a labor of in-
creasing interest.
To
find a
new
fact,
lost record,
to gain an additional link in
events has
been the
weary hour's search.
sustaining It
is
power
to
uncover
a
the chain of in
many
a
to be regretted that, with
one exception, no member has aided
in
the work, al-
xvii
Preface.
though repeated appeals were made to some, whose will not enrich and whose giving would
withholding
The one exception
not have impoverished. er
Abraham H.
With the
Cassel.
is
true spirit
Brothof the
scholar and philanthropist he gave fully of his wealth
of knowledge and to him only
indebtedness ac-
is
knowledged.
The
available data have
all
There may be omissions due which the reader
will
much
been carefully collated. to the absence of data, regret.
There may be
here and there valuable matter in print and in manuscript which should be incorporated in the text.
If
the owners of such matter will inform the author of the
same
it
will
be gratefully
acknowledged
and
used to further advance the interest of the church.
With the prayerful
desire
that
volume may
this
quicken our love for the church; that
it
may
be the
means, under God's blessing, of doing some good for the cause of the Master
it
is
now given
to the public.
Martin Grove Brumbaugh. Philadelphia, Pa., i8gg.
——
Table of Contents. CHAPTER
Influences Dominating Germany at I. THE Opening of the Eighteenth Century,
CHAPTER n.— The
Pietistic Pathfinders
Philip Jacob Spener
Gottfried Arnold
— August
— Jeremias
12-28
Hermann Francke
Felbinger
i-ii
— Ernst
—
Chris-
toph Hochmann.
CHAPTER
— The
HI.
Mother Congregation
in
Germany Account
CHAPTER
29-44
of Organization.
IV.
gregation
CHAPTER
V.
— Branches
—A
THE Church
CHAPTER
of the Mother Con-
Germany,
in
45-53
List of the
Members who Joined
Europe,
in
54-70
VI.— The Leaders
—
in
Germany,
71-154
—
— — —
Alexander Mack SteJohn Naas Christian Libe Abraham Duboy phen Koch John Henry KalckAndreas Frey Other glasser John Hildebrand
—
—
German
CHAPTER
—
Pioneers.
The Germantown Congregation,
VII.
The Poor Book
of the
Congregation
155-190
— Deacons and
Deaconesses.
CHAPTER
VIII.
—
Some
Leaders
in
Colonial
America, .
Peter Becker
Two
191-288
— The Second Alexander Mack — The
Martin Urners. (xix)
—
——
XX
Tabic of Contents.
CHAPTER
IX.— Colonial Congregations
289-337
The Coventry Congregation— Great Swamp Congregation — Oley Congregation — Conestoga Congregation — Michael Frantz — Michael Pfautz — Jacob Sontag Members who Joined the Church under the Eldership of Michael Frantz — White Oak Congregation Great Swatara Congregation — Little Swatara Congregation — Northkill Congregation — Codorus Congregation — Little Conewago Congregation — Conewago Congregation — Bermudian Congregation — Stony -
Creek Congregation.
CHAPTER
X.
The Two Christopher Sowers,
33S-437
The Elder Sower — Trials of Early German Emigrants — The Second Christopher Sower, Elder of the Brethren Church
— Hymn by Christopher Sower.
CHAPTER XL — The Ephrata
Society, and Its Relation to the German Baptist I^rethren,.
CHAPTER Xn. —
Origin and Early History
op-
Annual Meeting, The
First
Synod
—
438-470
471-508
— The
—
Second Synod The Third Committees Where Held before 1830
Synod
—
—
Council Meeting.
CHAPTER
—
XHI. On the Doctrine and Growth OF the Church
The Philadelphia Church and Elder Peter Keyser
—
Elder George Miller Churches in Maryland and the Germantown Early Meetings in Baltimore South Peter Change in the Lord's Supper Love Feasts
—
—
— — Two Unknown Volumes — Catharine Hummer — As Others See L^s — Influence of Emigration —
Leibert
—
—
Some Pioneer Events Far Western Brethren Christopher Sower on Going to Law On War On ChangThe Dress Question The es in the Ordinances Mode of Baptism Baptism in a Tub A Sad Separation The Davidische Psaltcrspiel Unwritten Chap-
—
—
—
—
ters
— — On
—
—
Doctrine.
—
509-5 5Q
ii_.i_.TJSTi^.^Tionsrs. The Germantown Meetinghouse in 1899, Scene near Hochmann's Home — Schwarzenau, Typical Schwarzenau Home, The Valley of the Eder — near Schwarzenau, Schwarzenau, House and Barn Combined
Hochmann's Confession
Fro7itispiece.
24 27 31
37
— Schwarzenau,
of Faith,
41 75, 77, 79, 81
Signatures of Alexander Mack and Others, Gravestone of Alexander Mack, Autograph of Jacob Wilhelm Naas, Autograph of John Naas, Autograph of John Hildebrand
93, 91
loi
108 124 147
Page of Andreas Frey's Declaration, Wissahickon Creek, Place of First Baptism, Residence of Minister at Germantown, Meetinghouse of the Brethren, Germantown, Pa., Election of Deacon at Germantown, 1761, Ordination of Deacon at Germantown, 1766, Election of a Deaconess at Germantown, 1769, The Germantown Burying Ground, Original Stone over Peter Becker's Grave Stone over Peter Becker's Grave Erected by A. H. Cassel, ... Autograph of Alexander Mack, Letter of Alexander Mack to Valentine Mack, 221, Letter of Alexander Mack to John Price, 229, 231, Remarkable Events at Germantown in 1791, Remarkable Events in Germantown in 1792 Letter of Alexander Mack to John Price, Alexander Mack's Birthday Hymn in 1800, Alexander Mack's Birthday Hymn in 1801, Hymn Composed by Alexander Mack Dec. 27, 1801, Alexander Mack's Last Birthday Hymn, 1802, Gravestones of A. Mack, his Son Alexander and Son's Wife,. Alexander Mack's Epitaph in his own Handwriting, Title
Gravestone of Martin Urner, Sr., Entrance to the Coventry Burying Ground, Autograph of Martin Urner,
151
157
163 167 175
176 177 185
196 199
213
223 233 241
244
247 259 260 261
262
269 271
277 281 283, (xxi)
.
xxii
Illustrations.
Gravestone of Martin Oner, Jr Coventry Brethren Church Title Page of Michael Frant/.'s Book Autograph of Michael Pfautz, Autograph of Jacob Stoll Title Page of Jacob Stoll's Book, Autograph of Jacob Donner, Autograph of Daniel Letterman Baptism Scene from an Old Print (1770), Laasphe, Germany, Home of Christopher Sower, Castle Witgenstein, Home of Prince Henry, Church near Laasphe, Germany, where the Sowers Residence of Christopher Sower,
285 2
305 315
316 322
326 333
339 343 \\"orshi])ecl,
347 355
Sower Printing Press, Page of First German Hymn Book First German Newspaper in America, 361, 363, 365, Title Page of Saur Bible, 1743, Anvil on which Matrices were Forged for TyiJC, Desk and Bench used in Christopher Dock's School, Autograph of George Schreiber Articles from Sower's Apothecary Shop Autograjih of Christopher Sower, Jr., and Catharina Sower,. Memorial Tablet of Christopher Sower, Autograph of Abrm. H. Cassel, The Antiquarian, A. H. Cassel, and the Three Sower I^ibles,. Methacton Meetinghouse, Burial Place of Elder C. Sower, Gravestone of Christopher Sower Grave of Peter Miller, Autograph of Peter Miller, Brother House [Bethania] at Kplirata, Interior of Meetinghouse [Saal] at Ephrata Graveyard, Sisters' House and Meetinghouse at Ephrata,. House of Conrad Beisstl at l-".plirata, Minutes of Annual Meeting, 1726 Minutes of Annual Meeting, 1789, 493, 495, 497, Record of Monthly Council Autograph of Peter Keyser, Title
.
.
.
.
.
Autograjih of Peter Leibert, Grave of Peter Leibert Autograi)li of Catharina Hiimmerin,
>i
302
.
.
.
357
359 367 371
373 389 392 395
397 405 408
409 423
427
447 449 451
453
457 461
489 499 507
510 516 517
522
—
—
A
History of the Brethren.
CHAPTER
Influences Dominating Germany at
I.
THE Opening of the Eighteenth Century.
From
the da)'s of the Luther Reformation
Germany
became the centre of religious agitation. After a thousand years of unchecked control the Catholic Church found
in
the spirit of Protestantism a worthy rival.
This influence may, indeed, be traced to the eleventh century and to the bold, defiant, scholastic leader, Peter Abelard^')
of
Paris,
pupil
of
William of Champeaux.
It
human reason
to church
as
opposed
the
celebrated
was Abelard's defense of
dogma
that led to
the creation of European Universities and the develop-
ment
of Scholasticism.
From
this
sprang the Luther
Reformation and the scholarly isolation of Erasmus. ^^^
These religion
men agreed
in
must be an appeal
one
essential
principle
to the individual
human
reason.
In due course of time this principle led to a
general
upheaval
of
religious
organizations.
supremacy of the Catholic church
in
The
Germany was
For an account of Abelard see Denlfle's Die Universitdteit des Mittelalalso Compayre's Abelard, and the Rise of Alediaval Universities. (2) For the relation of Erasmus to the Reformation see Works of Erasmus, by Le Clerc, 10 vols., 1703. (i)
ters
;
(I)
History of the Bnthrcti.
2
gone;
and,
the
as
monks
declared,
hatched the egg that Erasmus
When Germany
found
had
"Luther
liad laid."
itself disenthralled, all sorts
of religious organizations
began
From
to appear.
the
unyielding creed of Catholicism to the utter abrogation of all creed
of doctrine
ran
and its
all
gamut
organization, the whole
unchecked
way.
Each
faction '
became der,
intolerant of
all
and war followed
others and persecution, plunin swift
succession to compel
all dissenters to the acceptance of
another form of worship.
now
this,
The outcome
and now
of
all
this
was the fateful thirty years' war (1618-1648), which involved
all
continental Europe.
became the theatre of war, Germans suffered the horrors of continpersecution, rapine, and murder. The Treaty of
The
valley of the Rhine
and the pious ual
Westphalia (1648), sometimes called the Treaty of Miinster, ended the bloody struggle and leagued the Catholic, Lutheran, and
the
Great,
lasting
followed by the French wars,
from 1618 to 1748,
into a
new
Other wars, notably the Wars of
persecuting force.
Frederick
Reformed Churches
a
from
made
continuous
1620
to
1688,
the Rhine country
field of
carnage.
This
experience of generations made these Germans a war-
weary and a war-hating people.
The right
(1)
three state churches denied to to exist
Seidensticker's
in
the
all
German Empire.
The First German Emigration
to
(')
Ameriea.
others the
Whoever
Eighteenth Century I/iflnences in Germany.
found
his
these;
whose
in his
was of a
faith
Bible
preted his
God
convictions running
religious
Church and State vied dissenters.
life
inter-
who worshiped
zeal
to
The harmless Mennonites/')
ing Schwenkfelders, the
who
Pietists/^)
persecute
the God-fear-
and the Mystics
were alike reviled, persecuted, and regarded as subjects for insane
to
a burden and a cross.
their
in
counter
different sort;
another sense;
in
own way; found
3
What
asylums or prisons.
fit
hap-
to these in the closing years of the seventeenth
pened
century became also the fate of the Taufers
in
the
opening third of the eighteenth century.
These people were the most ardent product of the reformation.
They
on middle ground
did not stop
They
with Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli. spirit of protestation to the
"No
This was funda-
exercise of force in religion."
mental
German
in the belief
Baptist
and practice of the Taufers or
From
Church.
logically to define conclusions
churches,
state
carried the
acceptance of the maxim:
— conclusions
this
at
for
they were led
variance with
the
which they suffered
forms of irreligious persecution, but which they
all
heroically wrought
into
a
new and unique body
of
truth.
Let us see what this principle of non-coercion gave the church.
(1)
(?)
See D. K. Cassel's History of the Mennonites.
See Sich^e's Pietists of Colonial Pennsylvania, and Lio~raphical Sketches.
Historical
and Pennypacker"s
History of the Brethren.
4 (i) is
To
com[)cl anyone to join the church of Christ
an exercise of
Children are compelled, with
force.
no show of reason or desire on their
Hence infant baptism faith. The church is at
church.
is
their
the
part, to join the
at
with
\ariance
logically
outset
arra)'ed against infant-baptism.
(2) is
To compel by law an
individual to take an oath
not only contrary to the teaching of Jesus, but
a violation
of the
Hence the church
religious tenets decry all force. at the outset logically
War
(3)
others. It is,
is
(4)
opposed
opposed
The
and the church
injunction of Christ
is
one thing, the power
is
The might
of
the
no right to interfere with the religious belief
Hence
individual.
logically
at the outset
to war.
of prince or ecclesiastic another.
of the
with the rights of
imposes unwilling burdens upon people.
It
state has
is
to taking the oath.
a violent interference
therefore, wrong,
logically
it is
sacred rights of a people whose
opposed
conscience,
and
at
the outset the church
state religions, sustained
exalted
allegiance
to
freedom of
God
abc\'e
allegiance to rulers. (5) In matters of faith each
follow his
own
convictions.
individual
free
to
Hence they resented
all
is
persecution and themselves never persecuted a single soul. l^ullinger, their great reviler, says
they taught "thai
EigJitccnth Century Influences in
the government shall and
questions of religion or
Upon the
full
may
5
not assume control of
faith. "(')
these God-fearing,
conscientious
power of church and
were awful.
Germany.
state.
The flaming torch
people
fell
Their sufferings
of persecution nightly
lighted the valley of the Rhine for a hundred miles.
The agonized prayers
of burning saints were heard on
every
devout,
and
side.
women
Sturdy, these,
who
God-strengthened
men
heroically suffered and died for
the religion they loved. (2)
There were no cowards
the procession that marcned through howling
mobs
in
to
the stake. All these dissenters were
called
Anabaptists.
England they were called Quakers. (3) baptists
were
broken
into
many
sects,
In
These Anadepending
largely upon their interpretation of the Scriptures and their remove from Ecclesiasticism and civic control. The Taufers were among the latest sects to arise. The leaders in this movement were already Protestant in faith and in confession. They knew all the sects already organized, but found in none the sum of doctrines their study of the Bible compelled them to believe. They created a new denomination because they found nowhere a body of believers fully living
(i) Compare the Constitution of Pennsylvatiia, Art. i. Sec. 3: "No human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the right of conscience." Read Whittier's Quaker Ahimni. (2)
See Pennypaclcer's The Teutonic Race : an address delivered on Oct.
1891, before the (3)
German
Society of Philadelphia.
Hortensius" Histoire des Anabaptistcs, Paris, 1695.
6.
—
History of the Brethren.
6 the Christ
When
life.
they separated from prewiiling
tempted
no doubt
creeds they were
to
go
to
the
functions.
Had
they done so they would have found themselves
a part
extreme of denying
all
organized
of that great religion-in-life
movement known
swept the Palatine and drew into
tism, that
as Pic-
its
ranks
the most remarkable aggregation of religious zealots
produced
in
modern
times.
That the founders of the church of the Taufers or
German
some
Baptist Brethren did fraternize with
these Pietists Pietists
That any of the founders were
true.
is
not true.
is
any part or parcel
of
It
is
they had
also untrue that
the flagrant excesses that charac-
in
terized the Anabaptists of Miinster. It
may
groups
in
senters.
be well to consider briefly
gregational
and that
it
activity, is
teaching that religion
shown only by the
that all external forms
and useless, and even
The only text
It
Pietistic
life
at
authentic work.
life,
them
is in
Latin
This work of
Amsterdam in i6g6. at the founding of the German Ba])Schwarzenau in 1708 a new and
It
tion to the Pietists, distinct classes:
a
sinful.
Gerardi Croesi Historia Onakeriana.
Brethren
con-
all
is
dis-
of the indixidual,
really accurate account of
was, therefore,
all
and ceremonies are extraneous
Gerard Croese was published
tist
the
Germany at this time. They were They denied all creeds and opposed
in
deals with the Quakers, their rela-
and analyzes the
Pietists into three
Eighteenth "
Ce?ittiry Influences in
Moreover there were
One
Pietists:(i)
in
Germany,
who
consists of those
as
it
Germany.
7
were, three sorts of
sought, and pressed noth-
ing else, but sincere Religion and true Piety: and the greatest part of these are of the learned and better sort of men through
Saxony and
all
"Another
Germany.
sort of
them
cried that the church
is
much
corrupted.
were such as on the other hand stagger not a little in the Faith and True Religion, and these some are commonly less moderate and more violent in celebrating their
They loved
Piety; but they
assemblies, etc.
"The
third sort of
them may be
called Behmists or Teutonists.
were, Jacob Behman,i^) the shoemaker of Garlingen in Silesia, from the dead. They advocated the opin-
These
call
back, as
it
ions of Boehme [or Behman] and denounced the errors that had been falsely laid upon him, and ascribed to him; yea, and horrid and hellish blasphemy, and exalted his opinions as worthy of all esteem and glory."
The Anabaptists
of Miinster were an offshoot of the
second and third classes as outlined by Croese.
were given were
to
the
and
illiterate
wildest excesses. fanatical.
They
Their leaders
The}' at various times
advocated such doctrines as the following: {a)
Man
can unquestionably earn salvation by virtu-
ous conduct and by his own
efforts.
Christ
is
rather
our father and teacher than our redeemer. {b) This
was soon followed by the declaration of
Hans Denk, "God fied in Jesus of
is
love,
— love
supremely exempli-
Nazareth, Jesus never stumbled, never
Croese's Quakeriana, Vol. Ill, p. 555 et seq. A copy of the second Latin which is very rare, is in the library of the writer. Gerard Croese, a Protestant divine, was born at Amsterdam in 1642. He studied at Leyden, went to Smyrna, returned, became pastor at ."Mblasserdam, near Dort, where he died (i)
edition,
in 1710. (?)
They
are also
known
as Gichtelians.
History oj llw llntliroi.
8 lost
He
/i/iitv.
hence
forerunner of
the
is
must be sa\ed
all
b}'
all
the
saved,
Jesus."
Ludwii^ Ilatzer denied the divinity of Christ.
(c)
His records were burned by Ambrosius Blawrer. {d)
Hans Kautz
of
Bockenheim taught
our Savior inasmuch as he
may
left
tread and attain unto salvation.
more than
The
this,
all
is
we
\Vhoe\"er taught
he declared, made Jesus an
followers of these
rejected
that Jesus
footprints in which
idol.
men were poor people who
worship, lixxd in solitary places
in
groups
and were called the Gardener Brethren {Gdrt/icrbnidcr)
To them not the
Christ was a teacher of Christian of the
fulfiller
Many
law.
of
burned because they would not recant.
life
them If
but
were
they did
recant they were beheaded and their bodies burned.
A
beautiful
The
sixteen refused to recant.
of
girl
executioner took her to the place where horses were watered, drowned her and then burned her body.
They held
that onl)' the flesh sinned, not the spirit.
Christ restored
rendered
free.
sinful
They
from His mother was made
They
flesh
and the whole man was
insisted that Christ
at birth.
Him
took nothing
word
But
in
on
conduct and practice.
the pure
flesh.
differed
Some regarded
greatly
infant baptism as useless; others, as an
abomination.
Some
demanded
a
community
of
goods; others, the duty of mutual help; some segregated and held others declared
it it
unchristian to keep the Sabbath;
culpable to follow after singularities.
Eighteenth Century Influences in Germany.
Some
9
refused to take oath or to bear arms, holding
the oath to be sinful and forbidden and the taking of
under any circumstances
life
upon them the such
in
cities
This
brought
stern opposition of the state, especially as
citizens, the sole
by an oath
sinful.
Strasburg where once a year the
defense of the
{Biirgereid)
city,
bound themselves
of allegiance on the annual
swearing day {Schwortag).
Still
others were daft on
the marriage question, like the tanner, Claus Frei,
who
held that the only valid marriage was a marriage in the
He left his woman whom
spirit.
another
lawful wife and traveled with
he called his "only spiritual
wedded sister."^') They became intoxicated with license of speech and traversed Germany as wandering apostles, living a whitherless and purposeless life. When they met they saluted with the words, "The peace of the Lord be with you," to which the answer was,
same peace."
Among
have the
Miinster in 1534, Bernhard Rott-
the insurrection at
He undertook
man.
"We
these fanatics was the leader of
to reform the administration of
Holy Sacrament.
the
"He
broke white bread into a large wide dish; poured wine
thereon; and, after he had spoken the words of the Lord at the Last Supper, he told those who desired the Sacrament to take
and is
eat.
Hence he was
called Stuten Bernhard, for white bread
called stuten in their tongue. "(2) (i)
Rohrich, Vol.
II,
pp. 93 and loi.
Dorpius, Wahrhafftige Historie nne das Evangeliutn zu Miinster angefangeti, sheet C. For a fuller account of these Miinster Anabaptists see Leopold Ranke's History of the Reformation in Germany, Vol. Ill, London, 1847. (2)
History of the Bnthren.
10
Enough
lias
been cited
to
pro\e that
Pietism,
lis
had few
Gerard Croese, a contemporary, understood
it
of the elements that the founders of
church of
the
German
element did
in
ha\e
Baptist
the
The
Brethren accepted.
the Pietistic movement, Croese's
some
of
the doctrines
first
better class,
Brethren.
of the
But they had also many things which Alexander Mack
Prominent among the
could not accept.
Pietists
who
occupied a somewhat moderate ground were Philip
Jacob Spener; Johann Heinrich Horbius, P>nst Christoph
in-law;
his brother-
Hochmann,^') who
intimate friend of Alexander
was an
Mack; August Hermann
Francke; Gottfried Arnold; Dr. Johann Jacob Fabricius of
J. W. Peterson, Johanna von woman of ecstatic visions; Jeremias Feland many others. These dissenters were for
Helmstadt; Dr.
Merlau, the binger,
the most part earnest, moderate, and devout without
being foolish.
man
From them
the founders of the Ger-
Baptist Brethren learned much, and their writ-
ings were cherished and republished frequently on the of Saur at
press
Ephrata Society.
Germantown and It will
'2)
be seen that the new con-
gregation at Schwarzenau studied
knew
all
shades
of
faith,
the press of the
and
all
denominations,
then
turned from
Ecclesiasticism and Pietism alike to carve out a (i)
See pages
new
16-26.
list of these works consult Hildeburn's The Issues of the Press of Fcunsyhauia from ibS5—nS4; also. Seidensticker's The First Century
(2)
For a complete
of German Printing in America.
1
Eighteenth Century Influences in Germany.
and distinct order of debtors to
all,
faith
and practice.
They were
and followers of none.
In the light of two centuries that
1
it
is
significant to note
what they wrought endures; what they rejected
is for the
most part a memory for the
seems almost
just to assert that they
historian.
It
were divinely
.guided in selecting from a myriad of widely varying practices
and interpretations those few and simple
relements of the Christian faith and practice which are lincreasingly potential in shaping the religious thought
,and
life
of the Christian world.
—
CHAPTER
The
II.
Bro. Abraham Cassel
Pietistic Pathfinders.
is
fond of speaking of some
German we understand the term to mean men who broke away from dogmatic theoloi:,^y and exalted individual
Pietists as patiifinclers for the Brethren.
of the If
experience as the test of Christian excellence, he correct.
If
by the term we mean men whose
ings were instrumental in forming the
is
teach-
congregation
we have only a half truth. If by the term we mean men who shaped the purpose and directed the organNeither Catholic, nor ization we are wholly wrong. The church was the Protestant, nor Pietist, did that. joint
product of Bible study and protest against
all
existing forms of worship.
Among and
the Pietists
who
did yearn for a better day
combined with
a purer faith
a holy life
was
PHILIP JACOB SPENER.
He
was born
Berlin,
in
February
Alsace, January 5,
1705.
personal and practical tianity
truth
is first
of
its
of all
piet\'
life,
doctrine
He
is
13, 1635,
and died
in
advocated a system of
and taught that "Chris-
and the strongest proof of the to be found in the religious
experience of the belie\er."
Hence
to
Spener only
persons inspired by the Holy Ghost could understand (12)
The the
Pictistic Patlifinders.
His
Scriptures. (')
Mack was remote and
13
upon
influence
Alexander
indirect.
AUGUST HERMANN FRANCKE.
He June
was born 8,
He
1727.
March
Liibeck,
in is
chiefly
known
1663,
23,
and died
as the founder of a
education of
charitable institution at Halle for the
poor children and orphans, which early became widely
known as "das It is good work. Hallische Waisenhaus." The missionary department
known of this
for
its
orphanage sent Rev. Henry Melchior Miihlen-
berg, the founder of the to Pennsylvania.
American Lutheran Church,
Francke was
a successful pastor at
became Pro-
In 1694 he
Glaucha, a suburb of Halle.
fessor of Oriental Languages, and, later, of at
Theology
From Halle the Bible was German Language. Numerous editions
Halle University.^^)
issued in the
were published, one of which, the 34th, the text of the Saur Bible of
the basis of
is
Germantown
in
1743.
GOTTFRIED ARNOLD,
A
Lutheran clergyman and well known writer
Mystic Theology, born Sept.
5,
at
1666,
Saxony, was the author of numerous works that
enced the thought of the early Brethren. Theological student
at
Wittenber? and
in
Annaberg, influ-
He was
a
a follower of
A corresponding movement headed by Michael Molinos occurred in the The followers of Molinos were called Quietists. See Croese'sHistoria Qiiakeriana. Book II, p. 348. (1)
Catholic Church.
(2)
Halle University was founded by Frederic
I,
King
of Prussia, in 1694.
—
History of
14
He was
Spencr. sen,
and,
Professor of Church Ilistory at Giessuccessi\'e pastorates at
after
made
Berleberg, was
I'Jioi
Ufipartciischc Kir-
University.
This Impartial History of the
Kctzcr-Historic.
work,
Heretics,
of
Sophia,
published
in
and
1699,
the Mysteries of Divifie
or
more mystical
largely influenced the
German emigrants
the
I,
history of religious beliefs,
nnd
later
historian to Frederic
court
wrote a widely-
Church and
s/iip,'^^^
Werben and
He
founder of Halle
known
Ih-ctlircn.
tlic
America;
to
a
Jl'or-
part of
notabl}'
the
founder of the Ephrata Society, Conrad Beissel, who
was from
to
1724
Baptist Brethren
A
1728
Genuine Portraiture of
much prized by the the German Baptist ander Mack in A Plai?i
Elder
an
A
CJiurch
tJie
Pri)nitive
founders
to
show
Christians,
18,
it
was of
Alex-
and Ordinances
edition of 1888,
that infant baptism does not date
second century after the birth
church
From
Brethren.--)
Gerjuan
of Arnold's,
the
of
Viezv of the Rites
vf the House of God qnoiQs, on page
the
in
work
third
beyond the
of Christ; and again on
the question of laying the ban upon such as eat blood
Alexander Mack quotes from the same work of Arnold. (See above edition, p. 54.) Arnold advocated most of the doctrines held by Hochmann and adopted by Mack; such as non-swearing, trine immersion,
baptism of adults only, feet-washing, the saluta-
tion, anointing, (i)
Published
and non-resistance.
in 1700.
For a more extended account of .Xrnold and ard church history and the leading encyclopedias. (2)
his writings see
any stand-
5
The
Pictistic Patlifindcrs.
1
JEREMIAS FELBINGER.
Alexander Mack
"The command
in
discussing
immersion^')
ing to the Greek word,
to
immerse, and
has been so
it
by Jeremias Felbinger, and many others."
translated
He was
Felbinger was born in Brieg, Silesia, in 1616. fifty
years earlier than Arnold and largely influenced
He was
the latter in his interpretation of Scriptures.
Superintendent of Schools at Coszlin
and
says,
to baptize properly signifies, accord-
later
he farmed associations by
in
Pomerania, with
letter
Dr.
Grossen, Superintendent at Colberg, Dr. Pelargo and
Amsterdam he was
Later at
others.
notwithstanding
his
meager livelihood
New Testament versant with
learning,
early as
Brethren,
literally into
his
He was
con-
Greek,
German,
and
into these different far as relates to the
Hand Book
Christia/i
The volume
in
or
CJiristliches
seven chapters treats
of Man's Apostasy and Reconciliation; of the
sion of of
Immature Children
Holy Baptism;
ing
as
an
of
Rites
(2)
A.
and
into the
Visible
AdmisChurch;
Church Discipline; of Feet Wash-
ordinance of the Church; of the
Supper; and of the Problem (i)
a
German.
His principal work, so is
gained
he
the
Holland, Latin,
Ha)idbilchleifiM'>
that,
1660 he translated
Hebrew, and wrote or translated languages.
poor
as a proof reader in a large printing
As
establishment.
great
so
Ordinances, Edition
third edition. 12 mo., i2g pp.,
Holy
of the Oath.
iSSS, p. 23.
was published by Samuel Sower, son
the second Christopher Sower, at Baltimore, in 1799.
of
6
Hishvy of
1
He shows
the Brethren.
Kingdom all who will
that the
by Christ reconciles
Grace established
of
to be reconciled; that
children are sa\'ed by the death of Christ and do not
need to be baptized; that baptism means immersion; that feet-washing tures;
and
fails in
commanded
is
He
Scrip-
discussing the Hol\- Supper to dis-
tinguish between the Lord's ion.
Holy
the
in
argues against
touches most of
Supper and the Commun-
the
Oath; and,
fundamental
the
general,
in
doctrines
of
the
Church of the Brethren.
ERNST CHRISTOPH HOCHMANN.
More than
Hochmann
all
others combined did Ernst Christoph the
influence
mind and conduct
of the
founder of the Church of the German Baptist Breth-
Mack and Hochmann were friends. They held much in common. They were companions in missionary enterprises. They lived in the same religious refuge — Schwarzenau. Hochmann preached what Mack practiced. The Church of the German Baptist ren.
Brethren owes to him a debt of gratitude surpassed only by the devotion due to friend
— Alexander
Mack.
wise to consider his
,
careful study of his life
For
career
and
inspired and heroic
his
this
reason
somewhat
in
it
seems
detail.
A
his teachings will unques-
tionably reveal the atmosphere in which the spirit of
Mack was
stimulated and guided
of a separate and unique also
show how
far
band of
from the truth
in
the organization
believers. is
It
will
such an eminent
TJie Pictistic Patlifielders.
authority as Dr. Benjamin Rush,
who
17
asserts that the
Tunkers are a branch of the Mennonites.(')
Hochmann von Hochenau was He was the son of a custom's
Ernst Christoph
born about 1670/2)
of Sachsen-Lauenberg.
officer
family,
settled at Niirnberg,
where as
War
tary of
His father was of a
who,
distinguished noble
in
his later years,
and as Secre-
a citizen
{Kricgs-Schreiber) he passed
closing
his
years.
The was
his
elder brother of Ernst, Heinrich (born
man
guardian and a
1661),
of prominence, represent-
ing his native city, Lauenberg, as deputy at the Im-
He was
perial Gourt.
also Imperial Councillor in 1702
and Gothic Privy-Gouncillor.
him
Leopold
consulted
affairs,
and raised him to the rank of
Under the
influence
the
I.,
Em-
on many public and private
peror,
FrciJierr.
and prestige of
his
brother,
Ernst was, as early as 1698, urged to become Attorney
Ernst refused saying he
of the Gity of Niirnberg.
served a greater master, namely, the Lord Jesus, the
King
of kings.
gave up
all
Irritated
hope
for his
by
his obstinacy his brother
advance and cast him
adrift
as a fantastic man.
The young man was brought up faith.
His mother and
Catholics. (i)
At an
in
the
his god-fathers were,
Lutheran however.
early age he went to Halle to hear
Manners of the Pennsylvania Dutch, Dr. Benjamin Rush,
edited by Dr.
Rupp. (2)
Seidensticker in First Century of
German Printing i)i America
says 1661.
8
History of the Brethren.
1
At Halle Hermann
the celebrated Thomasius^^) lecture on law.
Hochmann was "awakened" by August
In 1693 he was arrested
Francke, a pupil of Spener.
and expelled from Halle because of his testimony Jesus Christ and
The him
his strictures
incident that confirmed a
pronounced
separatist
When
he was out hunting.
manner
his
breaking through a hedge, in
a twig in such a
sword and twig formed a
that
made One day
position and
the following:
is
sword was caught
the hilt of his
for
upon the state religions.
This
cross.
incident confirmed his previous scruples against hunt-
He
ing. "
threw away his sword-belt and sword saying,
Now, henceforth never
ly pleasures;
God and
again!
I
renounce
Jesus Christ, firmly resolved to risk
body, good and blood for Christ's sake. neither
all
fire
world-
and surrender wholly and decisively
I
life
to-
and
shall fear
nor swords, neither gallows nor wheel for
Christ's sake. "(2^
In
1697,
Hochmann came
associated with
minded drawn
Gottfried
emphatic
in
new
hostility
his
Frankfurt.
this
other
like-
all
and became more the
creed-centered
The next year he removed time his
life
was rich
in
to
piety.
wrote to a friend at Giessen, "I gladly confess that
(t) liis
At
to
and
and became
Here Hochmann was
religious order
churches of the State.
He
Arnold
ones, notably Dippel. into a
to Giessen
was expelled Irom Leipsic University on account of then removed to Halle. M. Gocbel, Chrrst.lc/ics Lchr,, W'.l. H. p. Mi. Thomasiiis
in i6go,
pietistic teachings. (2)
He
Pictistic PatJifindcrs.
'I'lic
if
Divine
Wisdom
who
great glory of those
then
my
spirit
continue the
trifle
with Christ on His throne,
if
them
had
I
a
thousand
Him.
for
Alas!
lives,
it is
I
but a
to suffer in this world," etc.
While in
that
risk
sit
to feel an inflow of the
be to such a degree inspired to
will
fight,
would willingly
me
grants
19^
at
Frankfurt he issued an earnest exhortation
an open letter to the Jews, urging them to seek
conversion
in
of the Lord.
view of the immediate second advent the
In
Synagogue he delivered such
earnest and impassioned prayers that the Jews
fell
weeping and moaning, and some took Hochmann be a Jew.
Many
them followed him, and
of
—
"
Wenn
Hochmann, however, soon learned sion
Christian
dear
Gichtel
charity. ^^^
Hochmann
will
at
last
in
that the conver-
1702
come
hymn
cndlicli, ctcy^^^
was the hardest of
of the Jews
to
for their
approaching conversion they sang with him a he composed for the occasion
to
to
all
works of
wrote:
know
"The
himself.
Good intentions often deceive us. Without the spirit God we cannot accomplish anything before the
of
appointed time.
Jews and our own." (i)
I
I
know
have also labored to convert the that God's time
Freylinghausen Gesangbuch,
is
different
from
p. 1346.
many of them. A foreign Jew who happened to hear Hochmann at this time met him in Prague years later. He requested Hochmann to grant him a favor. Hochmann consented, whereupon the Jew gave him a bag of gold. Hochmann took it and then begged the Jew to grant him a favor. The Jew agreed and Hochmann returned tiie bag of gold saying: "Give it generously and to the glory of God to the poor and wretched of your own people." (2)
He
did
make
a powerful impression on
History of the Brethren.
20
Then he turned
his
whole attention to the destruc-
He
tion of the organized sectarian churches.
regard-
ed them as Babel, and labored to gather the believing ones into closer unity.
If
he did not absolutely
insist
upon the awakened ones leaving the church, he yet always preferred that they should, from a most pronounced inward that had
connection com-
desire, sever their
pletely from the state churches.
He warned
gone forth from Babel not
to return to
when just out of prison at some lukewarm ones in the
it.
he
Niirnberg,
In 1709,
wrote to
those
all
Palatine,
"Do
not blame me, beloved Brethren and Sisters, that
I
with such great and loving zeal wish to draw you away
from human organizations, and instead, urge you
go
Almighty God
to the
you
will
shall
himself.
am
I
to
certain that
not find any peace for your soul until you
have both outwardly and inwardly done with
Babel, and surrender yourselves to Jesus.
my
give yourselves up entirely to Jesus, will learn in ficient
deed and
in truth that
King, and you
is
your
all-suf-
Redeemer."
Driven from Frankfurt
found refuge Wittgenstein.
renounced fast in
he
Therefore,
all
in
in
1798 by persecution, he
Hesse-Cassel; and the next year
Here he lived
a solitary, ascetic
in
life,
earthly callings, and even endeavored to
the desert for forty days, after the .manner of
our Lord.
His pious zeal resulted
in
the "awaken-
ing" of the Count and the Countess von Wittgenstein,
and especially
of the Countess
Widow, Hedw ig Sophia
21
TJie Pietistic Pathfinders.
von Berleberg.
This aroused the bitter enmity of the
Count Rudolf zur Lippe-Bracke.
latter's brother,
count
in July,
The
had Hochmann beaten almost
1700,
to
Soon thereafter he was
death and thrown into prison.
released from prison and expelled or driven from the city in a
lowed close upon
He was
haste.
his heels
in
immediately after
Count August
this,
my
in
obliged
horseman who
fol-
and lashed him into greater
no wise subdued,
August
at Berlin these
heretofore strengthened
and
He was
most disgraceful manner.
to run for hours in advance of a
me
5,
for
we
1700, addressing to
"The Lord had
words,
so powerfully in
persecutions, that
am
I
even the most horrible and
him
find
my
ways
resolved to endure
humiliating
treatment
without any resentment or bitterness."
From
1700 to 171
1
ing spirit, homeless
Hochmann
is
literally a
and persecuted.
into almost every part of
wander-
He wandered
Northern and Western Ger-
many, preaching, protesting, and suffering imprison-
On
ment. pious
these journeys
friends
Among Christian
these
Erb,
co-workers
Count
houses, farm-buildings,
accompanied by
he was
who aided
in
religious
this
were
revival.
Alexander
Mack,
Lippe-Biesterfeld.
zur
and the open
air these
In
devout
men
prayed, exhorted, sang, and witnessed for a holier
life,
a closer fellowship
and
spiritual union with
Holy Trinity. For these bold and unlawful upon the state churches he was imprisoned mold, 1702;
at
Hanover, 1703;
at Niirnberg,
the
assaults at
Det-
1709-10;
History of the Brethren.
22 at Halle, district;
171 1;
and
and also
Mannheim;
at
the Bergish
in
He was as common saying
other places.
in
scourged; so that
was a
it
frequently of his that
"to suffer a sound thrashing for Jesus' sake frequent occurrence that
On one
I
do not mind
occasion as he was sitting lonely and pra)'er-
by the wayside, he noticed a worldly
ful
Hochmann
valet riding by.
man
the
of such
is
any more."
it
to
repentance.
at
at the
Hochmann thanked
his
once began to exhort
This so angered the
man
whip Hochmann.
The
that he ordered his valet to
servant obeyed and
man and
end of the cruel thrashing
the valet kindly,
whereupon the
servant was so humiliated that he humbly begged
Hochmann
to forgive him.
The imprisonment of 1702 Count zur Lippe-Detmold
German
is
Castle
at
to
Detmold by
the church
of the
Baptist Brethren especially important.
His
persecutor refused to release him until he wrote out confession
his
of
faith.
This
Hochmann
did,
and
most im-
that confession^') next to the Bible was the
portant influence in the genesis of the church.
The subsequent
history of this remarkable
man
is
a
continuous record of arrests, imprisonments, persecutions, preachings,
and prayers.
In the Bergish land occurred an incident typical of his career.
by
trade,
(i)
A
came
wild, to
For the influence
drunken young
fellow, a barber
Hochmann's meeting
of this confession
a literal translation, see pages 75-88.
and the
at
Grafewrath
ori^-jnal text.
to::ether with
The
23
Pictistic Pathfinders.
But Hoch-
order to annoy this "Quaker-Devil."
in
so powerfully that the man began to way home he exclaimed, "Oh! what a wicked fool I have been. This man teaches the right way to God." The young man reformed, became a follower of Hochmann, and after his death, his poor widow found her richest comfort in hearing again and
mann preached
pray and on his
again of
Hochmann and
his friend Peter Lobach.(^)
Dr.
In the midst of his trials his life-long friend.
Johann Conrad Dippel, the famous living in Holland,
came
In a bitter satire
to his aid.
he accused the Wesel ministers for sitting nest,
living
and posturing
unfit to rise into
at ease
Hochmann, recites the story own resolute refusal of ligion's sake,
in this
and concludes
walking on the path where
in a
warm
world, and
He
heaven with Christ.
his
then
separatist,
defended
of his honorable ancestry,
preferment for
state in
God
these words: is
to
"He
reis
be found; while
you, even in the best of your deeds, seem to be run-
ning ever farther away from him.
you by your
own
writing,
you seem
If
I
am
to judge
to be putting out
your
eyes so as never to see his Light, his Savior and
his Glory."(2)
This polemic only embittered the already unhappy career of
Hochmann and hastened
the date of his re-
tirement to Schwarzenau. (i) Peter Lobach was a member at Creyfelt who endured four years' im;prisonment for becoming a member of the Brethren church.
(2)
The
letter in full is in Vol. II of Goebel's Christliches
Lcben.
History of
24
At Schwarzenau "huts" or of "peace lonely
paces
little
in
house.
in "
a
llic
Brctlircn.
valley, called
to this day,
built a
This hut of his was only a few
length and width.
It
He
"
sleeping room.
the valle\- of
Hochniann
called
it
had
a kitchen
Friedensburg."
and a Here,
Scene near Hoc/unanivs Homc—Sch-warzcnaii.
as a neighbor to
Alexander Mack, they were
in
close
communion, and "Friedensburg," no doubt, was the of many solemn conferences between these
scene
noted men. sentatives of
Here Hochmann was all
\isited
the non-state religions.
was he so intimately attached as to the
by repre-
But to none little
band of
Tlic Pictistic Patlipndcrs.
25
They held much
refugees under Mack.
Mack, however, was always anxious
common.
in
to
organize
a
congregation in which the ordinances of God's house could be honored and observed. to separation
Like Erasmus lieved
it
This led eventually
and painful regrets on the part of both. days of Luther,
in the
Hochmann beMack with
better to reform from within, but
and a resolute
a fearless spirit
will
broke from every
entangling alliance, accepted only the logic of events, relied
upon God
him
to guide
aright,
and boldly
or-
ganized a new congregation with the Bible as the rule
and guide
From
in all things.
Hochmann never rallied. His were now with the new congrega-
this separation
strongest supporters tion,
and he spent
his old
days
in solitude
and sorrow.
That Hochmann ever joined the church of the Brethren
is
that he
an open question.
was immersed
Mack, and the writing a
list
at
Schwarzenau by Alexander long years afterwards,
latter's son,
of persons
was currently reported
It
whom
in
who had Hochmann von Bishop Mack does not call he knew and
died before himself names "Brother
Hochenau."
In that
list
any one "Brother" who was not of the church of the this
one example
is
German
in the
communion
Baptist Brethren, unless
an exception
in
a list of nearly
two hundred names. If not a
fied
member, he was
with the
first
them, endorsed
at least so closely identi-
members
that he
their views, loved
worshiped with their
fellowship.
26
History of the Brethren.
and gave them as aid
the)' ga\'e
Moreover he preached
and sympathy.
Brethren
in
him hearty and consistent
Switzerland
the
to
the presence of Alexander
in
Mack. During
his
days he was visited by the later
last
Frau Taborin, then a child of seven years, her mother
and
people of the nobility.
Hochmann
ran
nothing
store
in
guests?" old
man
They were
and an aunt and daughters.
sister,
to
The
visit
servant
his
that
I
was unexpected,
"Hast
saying,
might
set
my
before
The servant could bring only what had,
— a piece
dear
the poor
When
of gingerbread.
thou
he was
about to distribute this humble fare to his guests the
Countess of Berleberg, who lived near by Christianseck,
sent cake and wine.
Hochmann and he eat the Lord's
said,
"Who
in
the Castle
This
delighted
will forbid us
The Lord
Supper together?
now
to
will surely
be with us here according to his promise."
About a year
later,
same }'oung
1721, the
went with her mother
to
When
ill
he
was
All vanishes,
and
him.
see
was
Hochmann was
Schwarzenau, and learning that
in
girl
asked how he was he answered,
"
nothing but Jesus remains light
the darkness."
The
Liebesbrockcn,
says,
in
next day he quietly passed away.
Week, "Those
much
edified
course." .su,
the
collector
of
the
Hochmann in his last his meek patience and
that visited b)'
He was
especially fond of the
meine Zuversichtf "Jesu,
illness
were
loving dis-
hymns: "/r-
tnci?ier Seelen
Leben^'
by
Tlie Pietistic Pathfi?iders.
Scriver;
and
''
Es gldnzet dcr
27
Christen inweiidigcs Lcbc/i,'"
by Richter.
Among Hochmann's Tersteegen, of
devoted followers was Gerhard
who was converted by Hofmann,
Hochmann.
Tersteegen
in
a follower
1736 visited the grave
Typical Schwarzenau Home.
of
Hochmann
to find
at
Schwarzenau and was much pained
no stone to mark the place.
dowager Countess
to erect to his
He begged memory
a
the
monu-
ment, which she gladly consented to do
pro\'ided
Tersteegen would compose the inscription.
This he
did as follows:
History of
28
tlic
Brethren.
" IVie hoch
ist nun der Mann, der Jiicr cin Kindlein gar, Herzinnig, voller Lieb, dock auch voll G/aubetis war, Von Zions Konigs Pracht cr seiigte tend drum litte ; Sein Geist flog endlich hinimd /tier zerfiel die Hutte."^^)
In 1785 Jung-Stilling w.rote a description of
mann
with which
we must conclude "
record of this friend of the truth:
dressed
in
He was
of the
a quiet,
neat,
the remarkable
Hochmann was
and middle-class manner.
most excellent character,
Everywhere he sought
imagine.
Hoch-
he drew few people or many,
to
as one can
teach,
— whether
— as opportunity
offered,
and taught them the purest mysticism; entire change of heart; perfect moral improvement; according to the
example
of Christ, perfect love of
God and mankind;
he spoke with astonishing enthusiasm and with indescribable
fire,
admixture,
in
he animated
and over
in his
own
degree, he
won
life.
the hearts of
In a word,
was a rare man.
'
Er
all
all
in
who came
"
(2)
From Theobald Oder
"(2)
die
the highest in
contact
zvar cin hcrrliclicr j\Iann^
How high is now the man. who here was like a child, Sincere and full of love, yet also full of faith. Of Zion's Kingdom's fame he spoke and for it suffered, His spirit rose to it and here decays the hut."
(i)
fanatic
he taught
Master of his own heart
humble and meek
his passions,
with him.
He
but free from bombastic and the popular speech; and
Sch'!iiidr}7iery\']'i'~i.
—
—
CHAPTER
—
The Mother Congregation
III.
IN
1708
man
is
a
Germany.
memorable year
to the church of the Ger-
Baptist Brethren.
In that year at Schwarzenau, Province of Wittgenstein,
Hesse-Cassel,
in
Eight pious
scene.
was
souls,
enacted
after
a
remarkable
careful
prayer and
prolonged study, relying only upon to
the Bible
solemnly- and heroically from the house of
slowly,
Alexander Mack
wound
thread,
to the river Eder, which, like a silver
its
varied landscape.
way through
the heart of a rich and
Here the pious
surrounded
morning,
by
Mack
eight, in the early
many
knelt in prayer, and then one of
in
God and
guide them and their followers forever, walked
curious
them
led
witnesses,
Alexander
and immersed him three times, the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the into the water
Holy Ghost.
Then Alexander Mack baptized the
other seven, and these eight, perhaps the
first
to re-
ceive trine immersion in the history of the Protestant
Church, then organized a new
new congregation chose one
congregation.
of their number, Alex-
ander Mack, as their leader, and Taufcrs or distinct
German
This
began
the
Baptist CJmrch, as a separate
and
organization.
thus
These eight members, the
ginning of the church, were, (29)
be-
History of the
30
Brcilirc/i.
Alexander Mack, His Housekeeper,
5.
John George Hoening,
2.
6.
Luke
3.
A Widow
7.
4.
Andreas Bone,
Kippinger, A gunsmith, name urknown^^'
1.
The
list
Noethiger,
which
ander Mack:
8.
is
perhaps correct
1.
Alexander Mack,
5.
Anna Margaretta Mack,
6.
4.
Joanna Noethiger, or Bony, Andrew Bony,
A
third
list,
terials toivard
1.
3.
4.
as given
will
I,
rendering of the 1.
3. z;.
7. 8.
Part IV,
George Grebi, Lucas Vetter, John Kipping, Joanna Kipping.
list
7.
George Grevy, Lucas Fetter, John Kipin,
8.
His wife.
5.
list,
in
the hope
names may lead of these
Alexander Mack, Anna Margareta Mack, Joanna Noetinger, Alexander Bony,
first
5.
to the
pub-
that a
proper
members. (3)
George Grebe,
6.
Luke
7.
John Kipping, Joanna Kipping,
8.
''Ma-
in
Baptists,''
as follows:
is
6.
add one additional
careful study of the
2.
by Alex-
by Morgan Edwards,
Alexander Mack, His wife, Joanna Nethegeim, Andreas Bhoney,
I
gi\'en
a History of the America /i
lished in 1770, Vol.
2.
is
(2)
2. 3.
Vetter,
Vetter,
These eight members of the pioneer church were not a group of local enthusiasts, nor were they (i)
List as given in Chronicon Ephratcnse, p.
(2)
A
(3)
irre-
2.
Plain Vic^' of the Rites and Ordinances cf the llonse of God, Genealogy of the Uriier Family, p. 8.
p. 9.
The Mother Congregation the
ligious prior to
Geriiiet/iy.
i/i
organization
of the
33
Taufers or
Alexander Mack Luke Vetter and George Grebi were from Hesse-Cassel; Andrew Bony was from Basle in Switzerland; and John Kipping was from Bareit in Wiirtemberg. They was
Tunkers.
from Schriesheim;
were refugees from intolerance and persecution, temporarily
in
Wittgenstein, because
it
was
living
at
that
time ruled by the mild and humane Count Heinrich
von Wittgenstein.
They were fore
all
members
Kipping was
1708.
of a Protestant church bea
Bony, and Grebi were
Lutheran, Mack, Vetter,
bred
Presbyterians/')
But
they were by no means satisfied with the formalism
and ritualism with which
On
their spirits
were oppressed.
the other hand they could not fully and unreserv-
edly adopt the faith of the Pietists whose utter hatred for all
church organization had led them to abandon Rejecting on the
the ordinances of the house of God.
one hand the creed of man, and on the other hand the
abandonment for guidance.
of ordinances, they turned to the Bible
From God's Word they
learned that
ordinances were vital and creed unnecessary.
Adopt-
ing the Bible as their rule and guide they organized a church with no creed, and with as taught
the
New
have
(i)
no
by Jesus and
Testament. counterpart
The word
all
the ordinances
his followers, as recorded in
Their position in
history,
" Presbyterian " in this connection
is
unique.
They
save the mother
means Reformed.
History of the Brethren.
34
They
churches established by Paul and the disciples. Protestant
are
They
are
without a formed Protestant creed.
spirit doctrines of It
without
Pietists
was much
the
Spener and
in their
ultra
church-in-the-
his followers.
favor as a body of believers
be able, as they were, to protest against formal
to
religion
and not go to the extreme of utter disorgan-
ization.
They believed Jesus had given them a creed and had likewise given them the necessary ordinances to keep the body of believers steadfast for him. Abandoning all precedents among denominations, stud3nng zealously to
the right, living in an atmosphere
heavy with religious agitation, surrounded
that was
by men
know
of
all faiths,
and
carx'ing out of the confusion
and turmoil of a turbulent age the simple
faith
and
practice so precious to their followers, they proved,
by
their actions, that they
ing,
and
were men of no mean
train-
that they were possessed of a courage
heroism that mounts almost
and
to the sublime.
ACCOUNT OF ORGANIZATION.
A
most accurate account of the process of organiza-
tion of the church of the
German
Baptist Brethren
is
given by Alexander Mack, the founder of the church,
and Peter Becker, the
for
many
years the active Elder of
Germantown congregation.
given
in full.
It
was printed
at
The account
is
here
Germantown, January
TJic
30th,
1774,
Mother Congregation
by
Alexander
Germany.
in
Mack,
Jr.,
35
son
the
oF
founder. It
pleased the good
God
his
in
mercy, early
in
the
beginning of this [last] century to support his "grace, that bringeth salvation, and which hath appeared all
to
men," by many a voice calling them to awake and
repent, so that thereby
many were aroused from
sleep and death of
These began
them
for the truth
Jesus, but
had soon
great decay place.
From
were pressed truth,
sin.
(of
and righteousness, to see
true
this
with
to look
as they are in
sorrowful
lamentable state of
to deli\'er
many
eyes the
almost
Christianity)
the
around
in
things
every
they
a faithful testimony of
and here and there private meetings were estab-
lished besides the public church organization, in which
newly-awakened souls sought their this the hearts of the rulers
were embittered by an
envious priesthood, and persecutions were in
Upon
edification.
commenced
various places, as in Switzerland, Wiirtemberg, the
Palatinate,
To
Hesse and other places.
those persecuted and exiled persons the Lord
pointed out a place of refuge, or a
" Pella,"
little
in
the land of Wittgenstein, where at that time ruled a
mild count, and where some pious countesses dwelt.
Here
liberty
enau,
which
And
from
of conscience is
was granted
within a few miles
this cause,
at
of
though Wittgenstein
Schwarz-
Berleberg. is
a
poor
and rough country, many people, and those of various kinds, collected at Schwarzenau,
and
this place,
which
History of
36
been
had
but
changed that
tlic
became
esteemed,
little
few years
in a
Brctlircn.
became
it
much
so
a place exten-
known. Those who were brought together there from the
sively
persecutions, though they were distinguished opinions,
ferent
customs, were
and
still,
at
among themselves soon
ver\-
Matthew
it
18,
also
differed
first, all
where he
says,
trespass against thee, go and
But
other brother.
words of
the
that
tween thee and him alone,"
and
manners
in
dif-
called Pietists, and they
each
called
appeared
b\'
Christ,
"If thy brother shall
him
tell
his
be-
fault
could not be reduced
etc.,
to a proper Christian practice, because there was no
regular order yet established
in
There-
the church.
fore some returned again to the religious denomina-
from which they had come
tions
would not be subjected and
cipline;
liberty
to others
was carried too
more dangerous than had
to a it
more
out,
because they
strict
Christian dis-
appeared that the
far,
to be
the religious organizations they
left.
Under these circumstances, some drawn powerfully itive
spiritual
which was thought
Christians,
faith the
felt
themselves
to seek the footsteps of the prim-
and desired earnestly
to
receive
in
ordained testimonies of Jesus Christ accord-
ing to their true value. internally
At
the
same time,
the}-
and strongly impressed with the
were
necessit)'
of the obedience of faith to a soul that desired to be sa\-ed.
And
this
impression also led them
at the
time
TJic
to the
Mother Congregation in Germany.
37
mystery of water-baptism, which appeared unto
t'lem as a door into the church, which was what they
Baptism, however, was spoken
so earnestly sought.
of
among
manner
in
the Pietists in very different ways, and the
which
it
was sometimes spoken of caused
pain to the hearts of tl\ose that loved the truth.
Schwarzenau.
Finally, in the year 1708, eight persons consented
together to enter into a covenant of a good conscience with God, to take up
all
the
commandments
of Jesus
Christ as an easy yoke, and thus to follow the Lord Jesus, their
good and
faithful
shepherd,
in
joy and
sorrow, as his true sheep, even unto a blessed end.
These eight persons were
as
follows,
namely,
five
History of the BrctJircn.
38
brethren and three
The
sisters.
five
George Grebi, from Hesse-Cassel, the
brethren were, first;
Lucas Vet-
likewise from Hessia, the second; the third was
ter,
Alexander Mack, from the Palatinate of Schriesheim, between Mannheim and Heidelberg; the fourth was
Andrew Bony,
of Basle, in Switzerland; the
Kipping, from Bareit, ters were,
in
Wiirtemberg.
fifth,
The
Joanna Noethiger, or Bony, the
John
three
first;
sis-
Anna
Margaretha Mack, the second; and Joanna Kipping, the third.
These eight persons covenanted and united together as brethren
and
sisters into the
covenant of the cross
of Jesus Christ to form a church of Christian believers.
And when
they had found,
in
authentic histories, that
the primiti\e Christians, in the turies,
first
uniformly, according to the
and second cen-
command
of Christ,
were planted into the death of Jesus Christ by a threefold
immersion into the water-bath of holy baptism,
they examined diligently the finding
all
New
Testament, and
perfectly harmonizing therewith, they were
anxiously desirous to use the means appointed and practiced by Christ himself, and thus according to his
own all
salutary counsel, go forward to the fulfillment of
righteousness.
Now
the question arose,
work externally unto ber,(')
(i)
who was
a leader
This, of course, was
Mack
who should administer the One of their num-
them?
and speal^er of the
himself.
Word
in
The Mother Congregation their meetings,
had
Germany.
in
39
visited, in sincere love, different
congregations of Baptists
in
(7l??/7^£'^z>;«/^;/)
Germany,
most of which admitted that holy baptism, when performed by an immersion
was indeed
Christ,
water and out of love to
right; but they
might also do very
would
also, besides
pouring of a handful of water
maintain that
this,
in
well,
provided
all
else
would be
right.
The
manded
of him,
who
this.
They
therefore de-
led in preaching the
immerse them, according itive
them (the brethren)
conscience, however, of
could not be satisfied with
to the
example
and best Christians, upon their
Word,
to
of the prim-
But
faith.
considering himself as unbaptized, required
first
he,
to be
baptized of some one of them before he should bap-
So they concluded
another.
tize
and prayer, founder of
all his
wanted
and the
rest
fasting
order to obtain of Christ himself, the ordinances, a direction and opening
matter; for he
in this
other,
in
to unite in
who was
to be baptized
had the same
requested to baptize the
by the church of
In this their difificulty they were encouraged
words of
Christ,
who
has said so faithfully,
two or three are gathered together
'am
I
in the
midst of them."
the precious and fasting
in
my
by the
"Where
name, there
With such confidence
in
sure promise of God, they, under
and prayer, cast
lots to learn
brethren should baptize that brother •desired to
Christ,
desire.
which of the four
who
so anxiously
be baptized by the church of Christ.
They
History of
40
tJic
Brctliroi.
mutually pledged their word that no one should ever divulge
who among them had
baptized
first
(according
to the lot), in order to cut off all occasion of calling
them
after
any man, because they had found that such
foolishness had already been reproved
by Paul
in
his
writing to the Corinthians.
Being thus prepared, the Eight went out together one morning,
in solitude, to a
stream called the Eder,
whom
the lot had fallen, bap-
and the brother, upon tized first that brother
who
the church of Christ, and
baptized him by
remaining three these Eight were
whom
when he was
baptized, he
he had been baptized, and the
brethren all
desired to be baptized by
and
three
sisters.
Thus
baptized at an early hour of the
morning.
And
after all
changed time
had come up out of the water, and had
their garments,
made
they were also at the same
to rejoice with great inward joyfulness,
and
by grace they were deeply impressed with these sigThis nificant words, "Be ye fruitful and multipl)-!" occurred the
in
month
the year above mentioned, 1708. of the year, or the day of the
week, they have
left
But of
month or
no record.
After this the said eight persons were more and
more powerfully strengthened in their obedience to the faith they had adopted, and were enabled to testify publicly in their meetings to the truth; and the Lord granted them his special grace, so that still more became obedient to the faith, and thus, within seven.
The years' time,
only
in
I\
lather Congregation
namely
Schwarzenau
i:i
to the year 171 a large
Germany 5,
church,
41
there was not but,
here
and
there in the Palatinate, there were lovers of the truth,
and especially was a
this the case in
Marienborn, where
church was gathered; for the church
nate was persecuted, and IMarienborn.
'^Jak
And, when
its
the
in
the Palati-
members then came to church here became
History of the Brcthroi.
42
Ebstein; John Nasz and several others from Norten;
And
from Dillsheim.
Peter Becker,
to
these were
added also John Henry Trout and his brothers, HeinThe most of rich Holsapple, and Stephen Koch.
came during those seven years to Crefeld; John Henry Kalkleser, however, and Abraham Duboy came
these
George B. Gansz, from
to Schwarzenau; so did also
Umstatt, and Michael Eckerlin, from Strasburg.
But
as they
found favor with God and
men on
the
one hand, so (on the other hand) there were also enemies of the
truth,
and there arose here and there
persecutions for the Word's sake.
who
others encountered bonds and for a
years 1
There were those
suffered joyfully the spoiling of their goods, and
imprisonment;
some
few weeks only, but others had to spend several in
prison.
Christian Libe was
some years
fas-
tened to a galley, and had to work the galling oar
among
malefactors; yet, by God's special providence,
they were
all
delivered again with a good conscience.
Since the persecutions
in
the form of poverty, trib-
and imprisonment, by which
ulation,
pressed,
made them only
tried in another
the
manner, by
more
men
the)^
joyful,
were opthey were
of learning seeking
to confound them with sharp disputations and subtle questions, of which the forty searching questions of
Eberhard Ludwig Gruber, which, with will be
annexed
their answers,
to this treatise, will sufficientl}- inform
the reader.
About
this
time
it
was deemed expedient by the
Tlic
Mother Congregation
church of the Lord the
lication,
for
persons
who
are
in
Schwarzenau
instruction
Germany.
reader,
introductory remarks,
if
43
to issue this pub-
those
of
pure-minded
And
seeking after truth.
work every impartial these
in
he will read
and without
in
this
it
with
prejudice,
can find what has been the cause and object of publishing
it/'^
inasmuch as those which then stood
But,
work
of
truth
with great simplicity and honesty, have
Lord so cheerfully, and confessed the
the
departed
all
the
in
now
the desire has arisen in those
in peace,
churches which bear the
same
testimony
here
in
America, and which have likewise given themselves to the
Lord
to
walk
the truth, to have this simple
in
testimony again published, more especially for the benefit of our dear youth, that they
may have
and simple exposition of the truth
in
instructed,
and chiefly
a plain
which they are
for the glory of
God, who has
so wonderfully preserved his truth even to these latter times.
This simple testimony of truth
good and wise God
we
lay
it
at his feet of
mercy.
the kind reader such a state of
him it is
to love the truth,
to the
And may mind
he give to
that will cause
and be acceptable
to him, for
only when we are in such a state that the truly
divine Spirit (i)
we commend
for protection, and, as an offering,
who
will
enable us to prove
This ends the original document, printed Mack, Jr.
-was written by Alexander
at
Schwarzenau.
all
things
What
follows
History of the Brethren.
44
and hold
fast that
which
is
good and
useful, will
forth and lead us as the lambs of Christ into
Blessed
is
the
man who does
wmII bring all things to his
not oppose him, for he
remembrance whatsoever
Jesus, the eternal truth, himself has said
Now, away
to that innocent
Lamb
and taught.
of God, which taketh
the sin of the world, be glory, honor and adora-
tion in the congregation of the Firstborn
and on
Holy
communion Amen.
Spirit.
— This
simple record
in
of the Father
earth, in the
N. B.
some
come
all truth.
taken
is
in
heaven
and the
part from
papers which were left by two brethren, namely,
Alexander Mack and Peter Becker, who have already,
some considerable time ago, fallen asleep in the Lord; and, in part, some things were inserted which were related to me orally by my parents, as well as by some other brethren,
Lord, and
who have
also
who were themselves
fallen
eye-witnesses of that
our consolation and
which they have
testified to us, to
encouragement.
This he witnesseth
this
asleep in the
who
has written
the 30th of January, 1774, as one called to the
marriage of the Lamb, and to that great supper pre-
pared for that glorious marriage.
[Signed] A. M.
—
CHAPTER
Branches of the Mother Congregation in Germany. IV.
The Schwarzenau beginning.
Its
congregation flourished from the missionary spirit led to the found-
ing of a second congregation in the Marienborn district.
After their persecutions
A
third congregation
many members were
Marienborn
in
new congregation found refuge
in
Creyfelt
was established
at
in
this
171
5.
Epstein, and
living in Switzerland of
whom we
have no record.
The Schwarzenau congregation in 1720 was bitterly persecuted and its members under Alexander Mack fled for protection to
Westervain
in
West
Friesland.d)
This congregation flourished for nine years in Friesland and then owing to the promising outlook in
Pennsylvania the Allen, James
congregation
Craigie,
chartered
the
ship
and sailed July 7, 1729, from Rotterdam, touching at Cowes, for Pennsylvania. They landed at Philadelphia, and qualified Sept.
15,
1729.
The
the ocean in the Allen
dred
and
twenty-six
Master,^^)
entire is
list
of
members crossing
fifty-nine families,
souls.
Only
one hun-
males above the age of sixteen were required to qualify. (i)
Sometimes
called Surestervin,
West
History of the Baptists in America, Vol. (2)
Pennsylvania Archives, Second
(3)
See page
(3)
I,
those
Friesland; see
Morgan Edward's
Pt. IV.
Series, Vol.
XVII,
p. i8.
93.
(45)
History of th:
46
By
this qualification these
Brctlircii.
Germans became
subjects
of the British Crown.
The following is the declaration Brethren made affirmation:
to
which
these
& sincerely promise & debe true & faithful to King George the Second and do solemnly, sincerely and truly Profess Testifie and Declare, that I do from my Heart abhor, detest & renounce as impious & heretical that wicked "I,
A.
clare that
B., I
do solemnly
will
Doctrine & Position that Princes Excommunicated or deprived by the Pope or any authority of the See of Rome may be deposed or murthered by their subjects or any other Prelate, State, or Potentate hath or ought to have any power, whatsoever. And I do declare that no foreign Prince, Person, Jurisdiction, Superiority, Pre-eminence, or Authority Ecclesiastical or Spiritual within the Realm of Great Britain or the Dominions thereunto belonging. "I, A. B., do solemnly sincerely and truly acknowl-
edge profess testify & declare that King George the Second is lawful & rightful King of the Realm of Great Britain & of all others his Dominions & Countries thereunto belonging, and I do solemnly & sincerely declare that I do believe the Person pretending to be Prince of Wales during the Life of the late King James, & since his Decease pretending to be taken upon himself the Stile and Title of King of England by the Name of James the Third, or of Scotland by the name of James the Eighth or the Stile and title of King of Great Britain hath not any right or title whatsoever to the crown of the Realm of Great Britain, nor any other the Dominions thereunto belonging. And I do renounce & refuse any Allegiance
Branches of the Mother Cojigregation.
&
or obedience to him
47
do solemnly promise, that
I
& &
be true and faithful,
bear true Allegiance to King George the Second to him will be faithfull against all traitorous Conspiracies & attempts whatsowill
ever which shall be
&
Dignity,
&
made
will
I
& make known
close
doe to
against his Person,
my
Crown
best Endeavours to dis-
King George the Second
&
Treasons and traiterous Conspiracies which I shall know to be made against him or any of them. And I will be true and faithfull to the his
Successors
all
Crown against him the said James other Persons whatsoever as the same is & stands settled by An Act Entitled An Act declaring succession of the
&
all
& Liberties of the Subject, & settling the Succession of the Crown to the late Queen Anne & the Heirs of her Body being Protestants, and as the the Rights
same by one other Act Entitled An Act for the further Limitation of the Crown & better securing the Rights & Liberties of the Subject is & stands Settled Entailed after the Decease of the said late Queen, for Default of Issue of the said late Queen to the late Princess Sophia Electoress & Duchess Dowager at Hanover the Heirs of Her Body being Protestants
& &
and all these things I do plainly & sincerely acknowledge promise & declare, according to these express words by me spoken, & according to the plain & common sense and understanding of the same Words, without any Equivocation, mental Evasion or Secret Reservation whatsoever. And I do make this Recognition, Acknowledgement, Renunciation & Promise heartily willingly and truly. "(^^
At Marienborn John Naas was the Elder (i)
Pennsylvania Archives, Second
Series, Vol.
XVII.
in
charge.
History of the Brctliroi.
48
At Epstein Christian Libe was the Elder, assisted by Abraham DuBoy. These congregations soon withdrew to Creyfelt, where John Naas was the senior Elder and Christian Libe was Peter Becker, tized
who
He
an
ordained
man
of great
not
organized the
first
to
him
in love
emigration of
bers to America, and landed with a goodly
Germantown
in
and
mem-
number
The Germantown members
1719.
were, therefore, at the
in
not a good speaker, and
drawing many
life,
He
was
was, however, a
He was
congregation.
led a very quiet
at
too,
learn, bap-
and the leader of the singing
in prayer,
sympathy.
Becker
Peter
Europe.
in
fervency the
Here,
we can
Epstein by Elder Libe, ministered to the
at
congregation.
Elder
second.
was, so far as
first
branch of the Creyfelt
a
congregation. In
addition
the
to
ministers
named
heretofore,
who joined the congreHenry Kalkleser, of FrankJohn Henry Trout, Heinrich Holzapple,
should be added the following gation before 171 enthal;
John
5:
Stephen Koch, and others. In this congregation at Creyfelt ister b)' the
name
of
and
full
ed with a young
a
young min-
Hacker (Hager) who was
friend of Peter Becker. arly man,
was
Young Hacker was
of holy zeal.
woman whose
He became
a
warm
a schol-
acquaint-
father was a merchant
and, although he had been baptized into the Creyfelt fold,
he
still
preached to the Mennonites,
service the Mennonites paid
him 800
for
which
guilders.
This
Branches of the Mother Congregation. father was glad to have
and
in
young Hacker
due course of time he
riage of
Hacker and
member
of the church.
his
as a son-in-law,
officiated at
mar-
the
She was not a
daughter.
This marriage raised a storm
Some
Creyfelt congregation.
in the
49
members
said the
objected because Hacker married out of the church; others,
he
because
married
contrary to
Whatever the cause Elder Libe and ren rose up and excommunicated
I
Cor.
7.
four single BrethHacker,(i)
though
John Naas and others wished only to suspend him from the communion. seems, after
The
effect of this action,
not to hinge upon
all,
which
the question of
marriage outside the church, but upon the right to
excommunicate
member,
a
was
disastrous
to
the
Elder John Naas said that above 100 persons
cause.
who were convinced join the church
of believer's baptism refused to
on account of
excommunications followed
this controversy.
until
Other
the church was so
badly wrecked that part came to America and others fell
away.
Hacker took the matter to heart and he fell sick died. Peter Becker was steadfastly his friend, and to the end gave him spiritual comfort. Thus the
and
spirit of intolerance
and
strife
was early sown among
the members, and Peter Becker with ers(2)
in
1719
carried along. (i) (2)
came It
to
America.
a few follow-
The controversy was
saddened the voyage, and kept the
Chronicon Ephratense, pp. 3 and 249. Goebel says "40 families, 200 persons.
History of the Brethren.
50
congregation of Germantown from being organized for four years.
Creyfelt was
Mecca
a
for
all
sorts of persecuted
many
persons and the Creyfelt congregation had
markable experiences. reformed congregation
at
1714 six
on the question of infant-baptism,
its
lawfulness and.
This resulted in their joining the Crey-
necessity.
its
congregation through holy baptism.
felt
These
were Wilhelm Grahe, Jacob Grahe, Luther
Wilhelm
Lobach,
Johann
re-
members of the Solingen became concerned
In
Kneppers
six.
Stetius,
and
Johann
The youngest, Wilhelm Grahe, was twentyone years old. They were immersed in running water in the river Wupper. Henkels.
The synods
This raised a great storm.
of the
Berg
Province and the Reformed general synod heard of this
with deep regret.
The
secular
government called
these six Brethren as well as the landlord of
Grahe, Johann Carl, before the judge, olic.
On February
26,
171
7,
they
Diisseldorf and thrown into prison. (i)
Wilhelm
who was
a Cath-
were taken to
Here they had
to endure great hardship, digging trenches, wheeling dirt,
performing
all
sorts of menial services. (2)
imprisonment lasted four years.
In their misery they
were visited by Stephen Koch who gave them consolation.
ual
(i)
The
(2)
For a
Vol.
They became
This
spirit-
quite sick in prison
prison of Giilch. full
account of their suflerings see Goebel's Christliches Leben,.
Ill, p. 23S et seq.
1
Branches of
and
in their suffering
the
Mother Congregation.
5
they were also visited by Gosen
Gojen and Jacob Wilhelm Naas. This Gosen Gojen was a Mennonite preacher of the Creyfelt congregation.
He
afterwards became con-
vinced that immersion was the only Christian baptism,
and
in
September, 1724, he was immersed
after the Apostolic
the Rhine
in
manner.
The Jacob Wilhelm Naas named above was a son of at Creyfelt, and a member of the
John Naas, Elder
congregation of Taufers or Brethren. This activity of the Creyfelt congregation became the subject of ecclesiastic censure: 144, held at Solingen,
ad
acta Montensis,
"The Synod General must
learn
with regret that several heretofore reformed church
members have been by Dompelaers, felt,
living at Crey-
rebaptized in rivers and other running waters."
Acta Synod Genera/, lyig, 21 ad 44, "The preachers of the
Meuro
classe have received the confession of
faith of the so-called
Dompelaers staying
and they have sent their 'remonstration' cious
Majesty the King of Prussia.
Fratres Mcursa?tae
Synodi report with
these Dompelaers,
who have been
church, have betaken themselves
v/ho
ecclesiasti^cal
this
pleasure
that
so injurious to our
away by water and This
farewell to the pious
came with Peter Becker
The
to his gra-
However,
are said to have sailed to Pennsylvania." official
at Creyfelt,
is
the
members
in 17 19.
report of these Brethren from an unprejudiced
History of the Btrthrcn.
52 ruler,
shows that they were the type of men
whom
posterity can well love.
"The Count's administrator
Schwarzenau could
at
well send in an official report in 1720 to the Imperial
Treasurer von Emmerish at Wetzlar and say: 'that for a while pious people have been living here, of whom we never heard anything evil. They kept themselves very quiet and retired and no man ever made any complaint of them. Lately forty families of them, about 200 persons, have moved out of the country. "(1)
John Naas removed to America. Here Alexander Mack reconciled Elder Naas, and Finally,
in
1733,
he organized the congregation
at
After that Christian Libe was in
Amwell, full
New
Jersey.
charge at Crey-
The congregation dwindled away and finally went to ruin. Libe became a merchant and married as Hacker had done, and in violation of his own rules, felt.
outside the congregation.
This was the
last
organized activity
the recent mission work
And
since
all
in
in
Europe
until
Sweden and Denmark. Europe
the leaders of the church in
came to America, excepting Elder Christian Libe, it has seemed best to treat of the details of activity in Europe under the chapter on "The Leaders i?t Pioneer Days,'' the reader
discussion of the
is
referred to that topic for
work
in
Germany.
After an exhaustive search cure a fairly large (i)
list
fuller
of
Goebel's Christliches Lebcii, Vol.
I
have been able to
members Ill, p. 776.
in the
se-
European
Branches of the Mother Congregation. congregations.
but
it
to
the
is
vastly
53
This list is by no means complete; more complete than any list yet given
public,
and
will
not be without value and
whose hearts warm towards the firs'members of the church of the Brethren and whose
interest to those
spirits
are athirst
for
the
truth.
I
best to give in connection with the as
I
have thought
name such
it
facts
have been able to glean concerning each one.
The sources
of this information are so diverse and, in
many
cases, inaccessible, that
facts,
however, have
in
I
have cited none.
The
each case ample justification.
CHAPTER v.— A
List of the
Joined the Church
in
Members Who Europe.
Albertus, Brother, lived at Falckner's in
1724.
On
the
Germantown members begun
October
Swamp,
Pa.,
great visitation of the
first
to
all
their Brethren,
they stopped at Brother Albertus' house and held a communDoubtless came to ion or love-feast service. America with Peter Becker. *Amwigh (Amweg), Leonard. *Amwigh, Magdalena, wife of Leonard. *Amwigh, John Michael. Son of above and came with them. Arian, Peter, a Hollander, who joined the church in West Friesland. Did not come to America. Augustin, a brother in Westervain known to Alexander Mack. *Bayly, Nicholas. Becker, Peter, first minister in America. See page 23,
1724,
191.
Becker, Dorothea, wife of Peter.
*Becker, Valentine. *Becker, Stinkee, wife of Valentine. *Bender (Benter), Hisbert. *Bender, Catharine, wife of Hisbert. Bender, a sister at Creyfelt for whom John Naas had the highest regard. *Bony, Andrew, one of the original eight at Schwarz*Came
to
(54)
America with Alexander Mack
in 1729.
List of Manbcrs.
enau,
thence
went to
with Mack Pennsylvania
to
55
West Friesland, him in 1729.
with
Died October 8, 1741. *Bony, Joanna Margaret, wife of Andrew, and formerly the Widow Noethiger, one of the original number at Schwarzenau, afterwards married Andrew Bony and accompanied him to America in 1729.
*Bosserdt, (Possert) Jacob, Sr., came to America with his sons and second wife in 1729, with Alex-
ander Mack. *Bosserdt, Jacob, Jr., son of Jacob Sr. *Bosserdt, John, son of Jacob, Sr. Bosserdt, Susanna, first wife of Jacob,
Sr.,
died
in
Germany. *Bosserdt, Marilis, second wife of Jacob, Sr. *Bosserdt, Eva, wife of one of the sons.
*Bradford, Matthew.
*Brunner, Joseph.
*Campbin, Maria Magdalena, Gate, Den, one of the Hollanders, who joined the church in West Friesland. The spelling be wrong. It may be Sister Kate
may (?),
mentioned by Alexander Mack, Jr. Glemens, a brother beloved at Greyfelt in 1733. Gharitas, a sister at Schwarzenau, whose death noted by Alexander Mack, Jr. Christina, a sister
who
is
joined the church at Schwarz-
She was taken from the foundlings' home, never married and "triumphantly enau.
passed away at Schwarzenau." *Gontee, Hans.
Came
to
America with Alexander Mack
in 1729.
History of the Brctlircn.
56 *Crist,
*Cri3t,
John Martin, came with Mack and was perhaps a brother of Anna. Anna Catherine, sister(?) of John Martin Crist.
*Cropp
(Kropf, Crolf) Daniel,
*Cropp, *Cropp, *Cropp, *Cropp, *Cropp,
1
Jacob,
This family ander Mack
of six
came with
in 1729.
.\lex-
Father, moth-
They may be same as the modern family of Krupp, in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. Daniel was sick on the er,
Andrew,
and four sons.
the
Christian,
Christina,
voyage.
Christian, Jr.
Jacob was also sick on
ar-
rival at Philadelphia.
*Dieter, George. *Diehl (Dihll), Alexander. Du Boy, Abraham, a minister of note. See page 144. *Durster, Philip Michael. Eckerlin, Michael. See page 349 for a discussion of the Eckerlin family.
Eckerlin, his wife.
Eckerlin, Samuel. Eckerlin, Israel.
Eckerlin, Imanuel. Eckerlin, Daniel, a friend of Alexander Mack,
Jr.
Eckerlin, Gabriel.
*Eley (Ellen, Elee), Ulrich. *Eley, Eve Tabatha, wife of Ulrich. Eicher, Daniel. -Whether the Eichers joined in Europe or Pennsylvania is not known. On the first missionary journey, 1724, the third lovefeast was held at Martin Urner's on the
persons" were baptized. Schuylkill; "two This may have been Eicher and his wife. Daniel was a leading man in the church, and two of his daughters were the first women to put themselves under Beissel's care. They *Came
to .America with
Alexander Mack
in 1729.
List of Members. left
home
for
Ephrata
57
The}' were re-
1726.
in
ceived and a house built for them on the Mill
Creek
Lebanon County,
in
close to Beissel's
{Chro/iicofi EpJiratcnsc, pp. 24, 34, 45).
at a ripe old age,
February
1,
1773.
He
died
His son
member, died February i, 1773. youngest daughter, Naomi, lived in Ephrata with her sisters, was a writer of spiritDaniel, also a
His
ual
hymns
September
of 14,
considerable merit.
aged
1757,
33
She died and 3
years
months.
Died
Ephrata in 1737. She and Maria entered, in 1726, the celibate life under Beissel. Died at Ephrata in 1748. She is said to have proposed marriage to Conrad Beissel and up-
Eicher, wife of Daniel.
at
Eicher, Anna, daughter of Daniel.
on his refusal preferred scandalous charges These she finally confessed were untrue. She soon after married and died the evening of her marriage. Eicher, Maria, daughter of Daniel. She, with Anna, against him.
removed
Ephrata
She was PriorShe was a woman of strong character, and died Dec. 24, 1784, aged to
in
1732.
ess of the Sister house.
74 years. *Fiersler, Philip Michael.
Maria Catherine, came to America with her husband, Philip.
*Fiersler,
Fischer, Johanna, lived and died at Altoona in Ger-
many. *Flickinger (Fluckiger) Johannes. and died in America. *Came
to
America with .Alexander Mack
in 1729.
He was
unmarried
History of the
58
Frantz. Michael, an active
Died December, Frantz,
BrctJu'C7i.
member
in
Pennsylvania.
1747.
wife of Michael.
,
daughter of Michael, and a member on statement of Alexander Mack, Jr. Frey, Andreas, first Elder of the Falckner's Swamp congregation, appointed March 8, 1728, by Conrad Beissel. Congregation then had eight members. Five more joined in May. He was Frantz,
,
one of the three trustees of Zinzendorf's Church He was, moreover, a in the Spirit in 1742. man of moral energy and Christian rectitude. Daniel, a member of the congregation at Schwarzenau.
Fritz,
Fritz, Lisz, wife of Daniel, also a
member
of the con-
gregation at Schwarzenau. *Galler, Samuel. *Galler, Dorothea, wife of Samuel.
George
Gansz,
America.
Balser,
attended first love feast in beloved. Came from church in Germany before
He was much
Umstatt, joined 1715-
Gansz, Angenes Joanna, wife of Balser. first
Attended
love feast in America.
Gomerry (Gommere), John, came
to America in 1719 with Peter Becker. In his house in Germantown the first love feast was held, Christmas
See page 156. eve, 1723. Gomerry, Anna, wife of John, a
faithful
and zealous
sister.
Gorgas,
,
a widow.
Gosen, Gojen, a Mennonite preacher at Creyfelt, *Came
to
America with Alexander Mack
in 1729.
who
List of
was
Members.
59
September, 1724, rebaptized by immer-
in
sion in the river Rhine.
Grau (Grahe), William, married a daughter of John Naas by his first wife, member at Creyfelt. He joined with five others in 1714, when he was For this he and his compan21 years of age. ions were thrown into the Giilch prison for four years.
Grau,
,
wife of William, daughter of John Naas.
Grau, Jacob, joined the Creyfelt congregation in 1714, and with his brother Wilhelm was set to
hard work in Giilch prison. a member at Creyfelt to whom John Gramo, Naas sends greeting from Germantown in 1733 Grebi, (Graben), George, known to Alexander Mack, Attended a great meeting in Holland and Jr. debated against Alexander Mack on the tendency to form too close a congregational unit and too rigid a sect. Grebi plead for a more liberal spirit and was content simply to be against ritualism. Mack urged the need of a bond of union, based upon the Bible's teachings. He was one of the original eight at ,
Schwarzenau. Grebi, wife of George.
*Gundi (Gunde), Hans, a member from Creyfelt, who was living in Germantown in 1733. Hacker (Hager, Hoecker), Henry. In 1733 he lived in Germantown in half a house; the other half was occupied by Valentine Mack and wife. With Hacker, Alexander Mack, Jr., made his home. It was here that A. Mack, Jr., hospita*Came
to .\merica with
Alexander Mack
in 1729.
6o
History of
tJic
Brethren.
Henry Hack-
bly entertained Stephen Koch.
ended
er
his
days as a
solitary,
i.
e.,
unmarried,
at Ephrata.
Hacker (Hoecker), a member at Creyfelt, whose marriage was the occasion of the first ,
division in the church.
Hacker,
wife of above, also a
,
Her
felt.
father was a
member
at
Crey-
Mennonite preacher.
Hacker.
Hageman, John Henry,
An
in his
Swamp. house
in
{Eplirata Chronicles, p. 41.)
1728.
*Hammer, Hammer,
lived at Falckner's
important meeting was held Rinehart.
Susan.
Hendrickson, Dirck, a Hollander who joined the church in West Friesland. Henkle, Johann, joined the Creyfelt congregation in He suffered for this by imprisonment in 1714. Giilch prison for four years.
*Hinschle (Hisle), Valentine Gerhart, same, no doubt, as Hissle, as given next below. *Hissle
(Hisle),
John,
arrived in
Philadelphia
too
sick to leave vessel at once. Hissle,
Susannah Catrina.
Hildebrand, Johannis, attended first love feast in America. Father-in-law of Valentine Mack. A preacher of some note, a man of good repute, who with his son-in-law and Henry Kalckglasser joined the Ephrata Society. He died in 1765. Hildebrand, Maria, wife of John. Attended first love feast in America. Died, 1757. Hirsch, a single brother in Schwarzenau. ,
*Cr.mc
to
America
willi
Alexander ^!ack
in lyrQ.
List of Members.
6i
*Hoffart, Christian. *Hoffart,
Anna
Margaret.
*Hoffart, Jorick. *Hoffart, Anna Margaret,
Jr.
*Hopbach, John Jacob. *Hopbach, Magdalena. *Hoitzstein, Heinrich.
Hoening, John George. Holzapple (Holzapfel), Henry, attended first love feast in America, joined at Creyfelt before 1715.
Holzapple, Lena. Hochmann, Ernst Christian, claimed as a Brother by Alexander Mack, Jr. He died at Schwarzenau See page 26. 1723. Hoheim, a brother living in Altoona in Germany, whose death is noted by Alexander ,
Mack,
Jr.
Hubert, Jerrich. John Naas mentions him as a member at Creyfelt in 1733. Huisinga, Jacob Dircks, joined the church in West Friesland. Was a Hollander. *Iller,
Conrad. Margaret.
*Iller,
Maria.
*Iller,
*Iller, Elizabeth.
Jans, Albert, a Hollander
West
who
joined the church
in
Friesland.
*Kalckglasser (Kalklieser, Kalckloser), John Henry, a minister of note in the early church. He was born in Frankenthal, Germany, and was called to
*Came
to
the
ministry in Schwarzenau before
America with Alexander Mack
in 1729.
171
5.
.
—
History of the Brctlircn.
62
He ended
his days at Ephrata. Of him it is he was not rebaptized on joining the said, and Ephrata Society, likewise, later on, some of the Ephrata Society were admitted to the Tunker Church without rebaptism iChroiiicon In 1835 Henry KlackglasEphratc?isc, p. 52).
was the oldest minister of the Germantown had baptized many. He died February 29, 1748, aged 52 years. "He led in his doings and life a lowly, retired, fervent course; what he experienced gave he never unto day. His death was also as if he only his outer shell had cast off." From Register of the Ephrata Community Kalckglasser, Anna Margareta, wife of John Henry. She died at Ephrata in 1757. ser
congregation, and
Kalckglasser, Kalckglasser,
.
.
Emanuel, known personally by Alexander Mack, Jr., who records his death. Kalckglasser, Katharine, wife of Emanuel. *Kalckglasser, Christophel. Alexander Mack, Jr., records his death in America. Kalckglasser, Marie Liesel, wife of Christophel. Kalckglasser,
*Kalkglasser, Jacob. *Kalckglasser, Agnes. Kalb (Kolb, Kulp, Culp), Conrad.
*Kalb, Hans Gasper.
*Kalb (Kulp), Anna Kempfer, Johannis. America. and gifted *Came
to .America with
PhiUis.
He in
He attended first love feast in was both edifying as a speaker prayer. Was proposed as min-
Alexander Mack
in 1729.
List of Members. ister
63
over Conestoga congregation, but did not
go, Beissel being in charge.
Kebinger, Will, was a member in Holland. He served sentence in the prison of Giilch for his religion.
Kitzinger, Johannis, probably joined church in Creyfelt,
but did not
come
to
America.
Kitzinger, Johanna, wife of Johannis.
*Kitzintander,
Anna
Barbara.
*Kitzintander, Christian.
*Kipping, Johannis, one of the original eight at Schwarzenau. *Kipping, Johanna, wife of above, and with him joined at
Schwarzenau
in 1708.
*Kipping, Sivilla. *Kipping, Anna. *Kissle (Kessell), John Jacob. *Kissle, Hans Urick. *Kissle, Christina Margaret.
Anna Barbara. Hans Jacob. *Klauser, Anna Maria. *Klauser, Hans George. *Kissle,
Kiebel,
*Knipper (Knepper), Veronica, wife of Wilhelmus. *Knipper (Knepper), Wilhelmus, joined the Creyfelt congregation in
1714.
Served four years
in
Giilch prison for his religion's sake.
*Knight, John Jacob. *Knecht, John Jacob. Kocker, Peterde, a Hollander, converted by Alexander Mack, a member in West Friesland. Kocker, Yellis de, one of the twelve Hollanders
Came
to
America with Alexander Mack
in 1729.
History of the Brethren.
64
known to Alexander Mack, West Friesland.
Jr.,
'
as
members
in
Kocker, Michael de, a Hollander, joined the West Friesland congregation.
*Koch, Hans Georg, a friend of Alexander Mack, and a faithful, active member. a faithful member, wife of Hans Georg. Koch, Koch, Stephen. See page 133. ,
Koch, Jacob, attended first love feast in America. He married in America. His wife was Anna Elizabeth. She and their daughter Catharine, who died single, were also members. Koster, John Peter. *Kress, John Martin. *Krolf, John Christian. *Latrine, Anna Marie.
Libe (Liebi, Levy), Christian. See page 131, a member at Creyfelt in 1733. Lingen, *Lisley (Leslie), David. His death is noted by Alexander *Lisley, Peter. ,
Mack,
Jr.
*Lisley, Jacob. *Lisley,
Anna
'*Lisley,
Maryles.
Catharine.
*Liskes, Paul.
*Lipkip (Lipekip), Paul.
Loback (Laubach), John, member at
Creyfelt as
late
mersed
in the river
Wupper
tion
as
of the congrega1739. in 1714.
Was
four years imprisonment in Giilch prison his religion.
*Caine
to .America
He was
with Alexander
a
Mack
warm
in 1729.
im-
Served for
friend of Stephen
List of jMciiibcrs.
Koch
with
whom
65
he regularly corresponded
Koch came to America. a member known to Alexander Mack,
after
Loser,
,
His mother also was a member.
Jr.
Loser,
first
,
wife of the above.
second wife of above. Mack, Alexander, founder of the church, came to America in 1729. See page 71. *Mack, Anna Margaretha, wife of founder, one of the original eight. Died August ii, 1758. *Mack, Alexander, Jr., a noted writer and preacher. See page 211. *Mack, John Valentine, son of founder. Died 1755. *Mack, Johannes, son of founder. Mack, wife of Valentine and daughter of John HildeLoser,
,
brand.
Mack, wife of John. Mack, wife of Alexander,
Jr.
*Matten, Christopher. *Matler, Christian.
His death is noted by Alexander Mack, Jr., who calls himi "Brother Christopher Martin."
Martin, Christopher.
Martin,
member in Germany. mother of Christopher, and a member Germany. ,
Martin,
wife of above, a
,
in
*Meinterfeer, (Mickinterfer), Johannis. *Meinterfeer, Phronik. Miller,
,
a
member
at Creyfelt as late as 1733.
*Mittledorff, Heinrich Peter.
Mum_ertin, Maria, a
Naas, John,
Came
to
member
See page
at Creyfelt in 1733.
100.
America with Alexander Mack
in 1729.
66
History of the Brethren.
Naas, first wife of above, died in Creyfelt. Naas, Margaret, second wife of above, came to
Amer-
ica in 1733.
Naas, daughter of John, by his
first wife. Married William Grau at Creyfelt. Naas, Jacob Wilhelm, son of John. Came to AmerHis wife, Mary, came with him. ica in 1735. Naas, Mary, wife of Jacob Wilhelm. Noethiger, Joanna, a widow; one of the original eight Later she married Andrew at Schwarzenau. Bony.
*Perger, Johannes. *Perger,
Anna
Ursella.
member
Peterson, Pardoldt, a
Germany.
He
living at
Altoona
in
died at that place.
See
(Petenkoffer) John, congregation, page 166.
*Pettikofer
Germantown
Pettikofer, wife of John,
who
Pfau, Adrian, a Hollander
West
joined the church at
whom
Alexander Mack, Jr., calls "The wonderful and by-God-called Almoner, who gave annually 100,000 Dutch guilders out of his fortune in Amsterdam." Brother Pfau was a deacon of the church and a man of high rank, perhaps a nobleman. Friesland,
Pfau, Michael.
wife of Michael. Pfau, *Ponne, Andreas. *Ponne, Joanna Margaret. ,
Price (Priesz), Johannis, a minister of note at Creyfelt.
Attended
Price, Jacob, *Came
to
Sr.
first
love feast in America.-
He and
America with Alexander Mack
his
wife were
in 1729.
members
List of Members.
67
known
to Alexander Mack, Jr. Jacob Price accompanied John Naas in 1715 on his missionary tour in Germany. He came to America and is buried near the Indian Creek meet-
inghouse
in
Montgomery County,
Pa.
It
possible that the Johannis Price above noted
is is
same as Jacob Price. If so, this Jacob came to America with Becker in 1719. the
*Prunder, Johannis. *Prunder, Joseph. *Prunder, John. *Prunder, Catharine Lisbet. Daniel,
Ritter,
living
in
Germantown
in
October,
Attended first love feast in America, He was called by Alexander Mack, "the beloved brother." His wife was also a member, but probably joined in America, as she was 1733.
not at
first
love feast.
*Rafer, Feltin.
*Rafer,
Anna M.
Barbara.
Rose, Livi, a Hollander, converted in
West Friesland
by Alexander Mack. Rohr,
,
a
member
at Creyfelt.
*Schneider (Snyder), Matheis. ^Schneider, Jacob. *Schneider, Christian. Schneider, Heinrich, a
Schneider, Heinrich, a
member member
at in
Conshohocken, Germantown.
*Schneider, Magdelin.
*Schneider, Susanna. Schneider, Peter, died *Came
to
November
America with Alexander Mack
in 1729.
2,
1741.
—
History of the BrctJircu.
68
member in Germany, whose wife woman elder. of Jacob, the first woman elder of the
Schreder, Jacob, a was the first .
Schreder, wife
"After her husband's death she seven )-ears and served the congregaAlexander Mack, Jr. tion." *Schlachter (Slaughters), Hans. Schmit, Hans George, a member of the congregation ''
Gcmcine!'
lived
at Creyfelt.
member at Cre\'felt. member at Creyfelt, to whom John Naas was much attached. Stetzius, Luther, a member of the congregation at
Schmit, wife of George, also a
Schmit, Jacob, a
John
Creyfelt.
Naas
sends
him
fraternal
greeting in October 1733. He endured untold hardships in Giilch prison with fixe other Brethren, for his religion's sake.
He was
tized in 1714, "in running water in the
bap-
Wupper
river."
a Polish nobleman, a member Schwarzenau, known by Alexander Mack,
Strizka,
•
,
who
at Jr.,
notes his death.
Sweitzer, Lorentz. Sweitzer, *Till,
,
wife of Lorentz.
Alexander.
member who never marJoined church in Schwarzenau before with his brothers, Jeremiah and Balser. 1 71 5 Came to America with Peter Becker in 1719, attended first love feast in America, was active in the first great missionary tour and seems to
Traut, Johann Heinrich, a ried.
have had next to Peter Becker power and *Came
to
America with Alexander Mack
in 1729.
in-
List of Members.
fluence in organizing
69
new congregations.
He
Germantown, and died January 4, 1733. Stephen Koch says of him, "He was an important brother and when I saw Brother Traut pass from time to eternity my heart was sorrowful and deeply grieved and it made such a deep impression upon me that I continually lived at
sighed unto God." Traut, Jeremiah, attended
love feast in America.
first
Never married. Traut, Balser, attended
first
love feast in
America,
was twice married. Traut,
,
first
wife of above.
second wife of above. Traut, Magdalena, attended first love feast
Traut,
,
in
Amer-
ica.
*Ulland, Matthias. *Ulland, Johannis. *Vetter, George.
Vetter
(Fetter), Lucas, a member known by Alexander Mack, came to America. He was one
in Jr.
Germany,
He
never
of the original
eight at Schwarzenau. Vetter,
,
wife of Lucas and a
member
of the
church, but joined at Schwarzenau after 1708. *Weiss (Wiss), Jacob. His death is recorded by
Alexander Mack, Jr. *Whitman, Maria Phillis. *Wichtman (Whitman), Johannis. Wintersee, Johannis. Zettel, Philip, a brother whose death Brother Mack. *Came
to
America with Alexander Mack
in 1729.
is
lamented by
History of the
70 Zettel,
,
Brct/irefi.
wife of Philip.
Zwingenberg,
.
John
Naas
sends fraternal greeting to Creyfelt from Germantown.
in
October 1733 Brother at
this
—
CHAPTER
The Leaders
VI.
/.
the church must ever turn with
gratitude and reverence. in
men
Germany
Alexander Mack.
To Alexander Mack and
in
In the midst of persecutions
an age of religious fanaticism, surrounded by
of all shades of belief, he heroically stood for
the truth as he saw
Around him, no doubt im-
it.
pressed by his piety and honesty, gathered faithful followers religious
truth of
— men
and women who abandoned former and stood with him
organizations
God
as revealed in Christ.
indebted for our church
for the
To him we
organization
and
for
principles that bind into a Christian unity the
are
the
mem-
bers of God's visible church.
He was born in 1679 at Schriesheim an der Bergstrasse. He was a wealthy man, owning mills and vineyards. He was bred of pious parents and in the Presbyterian (Reformed) faith. He early became dissatisfied
with the ecclesiastic
and
became
state
religions
wife,
Anna Margaretha,
his conscience's sake
leave
home and
put
friendly protection of
domination of
a Separatist.
With
the his
he endured persecution for
and eventually was obliged to himself and family under the
Count Henry of Schwarzenau.
This was prior to 1708.
At Schwarzenau he became (70
—
History of the Brctlwcn.
72
with
identified
the
On
Rhine.
of
ious rest
the
frequently preached the
time
own dear ones might have
relig-
for
and a church home.
During
Mack was
time Alexander
all this
student of the Bible and of
knew
journeys along
and longed
to the persecuted people, his
his
Mack
these journeys
when they with
Hochmann, and accom-
Pietist,
many
panied him upon
all
a careful
theological works.
age to his own time.
Convinced
impossible to
the organized churches^')
live
in
equally impossible to please a Separatist he resolved
He
from the apostolic
the history of the church
at last that
it
was and
God by remaining simply organize a
to
new church,
based upon primitive Christianity and honoring the ordinances as tion of
that
it
commanded by
Christ.
Upon
the ques-
baptism he took advanced grounds, insisting
should be "in flowing water and with complete
submersion."
Hochmann was
He
inclined to be content witli the milder
But Mack,
pouring. for
at this time in the Niirnberg prison.
his
immersion.
trine
most
Concerning
Hochmann wrote, "Such baptism serve if God would 'awaken' some favor of
it,
and
if
I
trine
immersion
would surely ob-
of his witnesses in
such souls out of the grace of
also were willing to suffer
and to
God
risk all for the sake
have said to Cardinal Bembo. " .\11 the world has been to us and to ours." D''Atiof the Rcfor)iiatwii, Book I Chapter -.
(i) Pope Leo X. is reported knows how profitable this lable
/'ignj's IIiy
form of
faithful friend, declared
to
of Christ
,
—
The Leaders
GernuDiy.
in
73
it, and yet remain faithful to Christ; for such things nowadays are followed by nothing but crosses and
of
tribulations, as antichrist will rage yet fiercely against
members
the
and hence one must well
of Christ,
count the cost beforehand, follow
to
tism, even
the
if
one wants to be able
performed on adults
in
He
things.
water-bap-
avail
example little
or
letter treats of the
which he had omitted entirely on
Supper,
account of the abuse of nected with
same
also in the
all
after the
would
Christians
primitive
nothing. "(^)
Lord's
if
Lord Jesus
the
this true following of Christ the
Without of
willingly
it, (2)
and the hypocrisy con-
it
and which Mack and
were resolved to introduce
as
his
followers
an ordinance of the
"The foundation of it must be in the love of Jesus and in the real communion of Brethren. Wherever the love of Jesus unites the hearts inwardly new church.
and has urged them in
the
memory
their life to be
and
to hold the
of the
changed
Lord
Jesus,
his congregation, thus professing with heart
not stand, since
it is
in
of Christ, against that
any man
I
and zvill
accord with the Scriptures."
In a subsequent letter he says, "
I
have no objection
for the sake of conscience
completely immersed [eindiunpeln) (i)
feast
and also allows
for the sake of Jesus Christ
mouth and deed the death
if
outward love
Goebel's Christliches Leben. Vol.
wants to be
.''
III.
Luther says an Augustine Monk at Rome in the sacramental service said, " Bread thou art, and bread thou shalt remain: wine thou art and wine tfiou shalt remain."' Painter s Liiiher on Edmation. p. 15. (2)
History of the Brctliroi.
74
be seen that
It will
Mack upon
the
ordinances.
He
ment
them
of
lead to the
Hochmann
scriptural
did not differ from
right
observe
to
these
simply feared that an acknowledg-
as necessary to a religious life
sham and formalism he
so
much
would
detested.
Formal religion had so persecuted the pious old man that he even hesitated to reestablish apostolic meth-
Mack
ods.
this crisis
in
consequences were was, what
Upon spend to
is
hero. To him The one question
real
two friends parted, Hochmann to
days
his last
in
sorrow and
become the founder and is
it
in
poverty;
perhaps
Mack
new church.
director of a
true, as cited in the life
Hochmann did eventually become Mack and accept immersion. Goebel
Hochmann,
that
the disciple of says
the
is
with God.
right?
this these
In spite of this of
left
he "upheld the bond of brotherly love" with
the Brethren, and at one of the meetings in Switzer-
land he preached to the
Mack was
present.
He
Alexander
congregation. did
not
approve of Hoch-
mann's discourse and publicly protested against teachings,
and
{Irrg'cist).
To
Hochmann an Hochmann made no
called this
at the close of the
Mack, kissed him
also,
art
in
his
spirit
response, but
meeting he arose, embraced Bro. in a
hearty and brotherl)' manner
and said to him smilingly,
sometime
erring
"When
thou, dear Brother,
heaven and seest
me
arrive there
then thou wilt feel glad and say, 'See! there
Cometh
also our dear Brother
Hochmann.'
"
:
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rMtemwnMr rgcttiilligf!
tntmtfiiw j,^^Ot(/
j,biut »/ftc
/
tt.ai'in
iQitanntnii
)d;\)or!;eroiin fur^'8 i^iaubtn-^
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„XVII
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50.
History of
98
tJic
Brctliren.
Brethren were faithfully following the true practices
But
of the church.
and
had withdrawn, rebaptized them-
followers
his
Conestoga country Beissel
in the
formed a new community, observed Saturday
selves,
and began
as the Sabbath,
to proselyte in the faithful
Concerning Mack's reception,
congregations.
Miller says, "This reverend
man would have
Peter
well de-
served to be received with arms of love by pious
in
common
had suffered
after all that he
Germany, especially from was a firm believer
in
his
in
own people;" but Mack
the doctrines of the church
He
and could not countenance innovations.
Germantown
the
all
learned at
of the strange conditions in the Cones-
toga country and his heart was saddened.
He
prayer-
own people and to suspend Germantown congregation had pre-
fully resolved to visit his
fellowship, as the
viously done, with the followers of Beissel. In October of 1730 Brother bers
at
Mack
visited the
mem-
Swamp, accompanied by several Beissel, it seems, came to the same
Falckner's
of the Brethren.
place at the same time and conducted services in the
house of John Senseman.
To
his
meeting went Alex-
ander Mack, evidently for the purpose of opening the
way
for a reconciliation.
to the people
in
Mack made
peace of the Lord be with you." replied,
(t)
pious.
"We
an address
which he piously exclaimed, "The
To which
Beissel:
have the same peace. "(')
This was the common snhitation used in Germany Sco Leopold Ranko's //;s/ory of the Reformation,
at all
meetings
\'ol. 111.
of the-
The Leaders
Mack proposed
in
GermiDiy.
both
that
99 should
parties
betake
themselves to prayer to ascertain which of them was
Then Mack and
guilty of the separation.
upon
ers fell
their knees
his follow-
and he offered up a fervent
At the conclusion of the prayer Mack en-
prayer.
quired
the
Beissel
replied,
reason
for
the
To which
separation.
Brethren for coming
censuring the
to the meeting, and refusing to consider their differ-
ences.
At another time a visit was made to Ephrata in the hope of a reconciliation. But Beissel hid himself
away and from
the meeting did not occur.
this that the influence of
It
will
be seen
Bishop Mack was ex-
erted for a reconciliation on the ground of a confession and a return to the faith and
church.
would
Beissel
not
practices of the
accept
proffered
the
terms.
He
and
fellowship with the Brethren; but this could
to
on did offer to drop
later
not be done
the
for
reason
that
all
differences,
no confession of
wrong was proposed, and hence union was impossible. That
ened the
He
Alexander Mack
of
life
died February
What from
a
his
life
persecution
secuted and exiled
found a refuge 1729,
he
fled
he
home and
found refuge
he
is
doubtless true.
19, 1735.
of
prosperous
Schriesheim,
in
saddened and short-
this unfortunate division
at
Driven
endured! his
property
Schwarzenau.
from Schwarzenau,
in
1720,
West Friesland; from which to America only to find here,
in
at
Per-
he
place, in
the
History of the Brethren.
100
land of religious
discord and
liberty,
In
disunion.
he exemplified the doctrine his followers love,
his life
founded a church that has steadily grown to splendid proportions, and
lowers
the admiration and
In his death, he
persons.
all
won
closer
still
drew
death
his
let
On
his
fol-
his
the anni\ersary
and rededicate themselves
which he lived and died. JoJin Naas.
2.
Among
to
of
Brethren recount his services,
retell the story of his life,
to the cause for
sorrowing
him and bequeathed
to
people a rich legacy of truth. of
his
respect
the great preachers of the church in Ger-
name
many
the
Naas
was, next to Mack, the most influential and suc-
of
John Naas stands equal
to the best.
cessful defender of the faith.
He ones
early in
settled
identified
himself
with
the Marienborn district and
finall)-
Here he was active
at Creyfelt.
persecuted
the
with them in the dis-
charge of his duties as elder of the congregation.
was born about 1670, was twice married.
By ter,
this
His
Norten first
in
He
Westphalia, and
wife died in Germany.
marriage he had at least one child, a daugh-
who became
at Creyfelt. ter,
at
the wife of Brother William Grau
His second wife, Margaret, and a daugh-
Elizabeth, accompanied
him
to
America
a married son, Jacob Wilhelm, remained
in
in
1733,
Germany
until 1735.
August
26,
1735,
forty-five
emigrants, late inhab-
Gravestone of Alexander Mack.
Leaders in Germany.
TJic
canton of Bern, in Switzerland,
itants of the
ship
Billander
landed
at
103
Merchant,
Samuel
Oliver,
Philadelphia.
In
this
in
the
Master,
number was Jacob
Wilhelm Naas and his wife Mary/') John Naas was
a liberal
man, and
in
the office of elder at Creyfelt, greatly self
to
With
members.
the
the
administering
endeared him-
congregation,
he
opposed Christian Libe and four single brethren in their efforts to expel the young minister Hocker at This led to a controversy between Naas Creyfelt. (-) which the former called the latter a pill-monger and withdrew from Creyfelt and lived in great pain and retirement, perhaps in Switzerland,
and
Libe
until
he was urged by
George
in
Adam
Mack
Martin
to
calls
come
to
America.
him "the incomparable
teacher," and again "the blessed teacher."(3)
John Naas was a man of commanding figure. In the year 171 5, accompanied by Brother Jacob Priesz, he traveled through the country from Creyfelt to Marienborn and Epstein, proclaiming the Gospel of
At
our Lord. trol
of the
ofifiicers
for the
time Creyfelt was under the con-
this
King
of
Prussia.
The
king's recruiting
were canvassing the country to secure recruits Prussian army.
Every one of sturdy appear-
ance was compelled to enter the service. (i)
Rupp'sjo.ooo vV(7W«,
Vol. XVII, p.
p. 100,
and Pennsylva7iia Archives, Second
119.
(2)
Chronicon Ephratense,
(3)
Ibid, pp. 247
and
249.
The king
p. 247, et seq.
Series,
IC4
Jlistorv
was especially anxious his
own body
or
life
of the
P);rflnrii.
to secure tall, strong-
He was
John Naas was just such a man. taller
than any other jjerson
was possessed of
a
men
for
guard. a
head
the communit\', and
in
constitution,
stout, athletic
com-
bined with such grace and nobleness of demeanor as
almost to strike a stranger with awe.
Priesz,
on the
contrary, was a small, feeble man.
One day they met
king's
the
recruiting
officers,
whereupon Naas was seized and urged to enlist. He They tortured him to compej him to subrefused. mit.
These tortures consisted of pinching, thumb-
screwing,
But
etc.
he
steadfastly
refused.
then hung him up with a heavy cord by his
and right great
toe, in
left
They thumb
which painful and ignominious
position they meant to leave him suspended until he
should yield to their demands. This did not
cause
that they would their
barbarous
kill
him
him
torture,
consent, and, fearing
to if
they longer continued
they
cut
him
down
and
dragged him by force into the presence of the king.
They explained
to the king
what
the)'
had done
and told the king how resolutely and stubbornly he
The king eyed "Why, yes! we would me why you refuse to
withstood their efforts to enlist him.
Elder Naas closely and
much
like to
ha\e
"liim.
said,
Tell
enlist."
"Because," answered the noble Christian, "I cannot,
Tlic
as
Leaders in Gcnnany.
have long ago enlisted
I
army; and
"And who
"My
the noblest and best
in
cannot become a traitor to
I
is
ICJ
my
King."
your captain?" asked the king. Prince
Captain," answered he, "is the great
Immanuel, our Lord Jesus Christ. and cannot and
his cause,
"Neither
will
I
I
have espoused
will not forsake him."
then ask you to do so," answered
the noble ruler, handing him a gold coin as a reward
The king then released him. may be of interest to know that the
for his fidelity. It
historic
The
Rhine was the scene of a remarkable baptism. record of the event ogy''^^'>
title
in
made.
is
found
Alexander Mack,
of
full
He
in Jr.,
the printed in
which,
reveals, a defense of trine
''
as
Apol-
the
immersion
is
adds personal testimony as follows:
"I have to testify before God that in these cold. Western countries, in the short time of my pilgrimage here, over a thousand people, of various natures, have been baptized by immersion, and, indeed, many of
them
in the cold winter".
single one
that
had caused
I
to
have not heard of a
him the
harm
least
body. On the conthat they testimony bear men conscientious trary, the Word through them lost and infirmities had had or affliction to the health of his
in
water baptism. " I
shall
relate only
one example from among a
Apology, /or a Scriptural Answer /of Certain Truths / Brought about Article, under the name/ the / Refuted Anabaptist./ In a Dialogue / written for the Common People.' The whole conv:rsation, word for word, / is given in these pages, and the / Apology / as an answer t» (i)
by a recently published
the
Perverted
ta/ Published
Theophilus (Alexander Mack) added by Expense of the Brethren in the year 1788./
Truth
at the
/
Ephra-
io6
History of the BrctJiren.
number. Something more than 66 years ago (hence before 1722), there was in Europe in Chur Pfaltz in Rheindecken, in a little village close to the Rhine, not far from Mannheim, a sister who had long been sick and bedfast so that her friends did not believe that she could get well.
large
"It
now pleased Providence
a teacher of
came
to visit
to let it so happen that Anabaptism, by the name of John Naas,
some
friends at this
place.
He
dwelt
with godly conversation in order to edify the friends
gathered there, and at the same place where the sick sister was, so that she would be able to hear with them. In this way he caused the sick woman to give ear; and she made known how that she had a strong desire to be baptized after the manner of the early Christians. " Her friends that were present made objections and expressed their doubt of the advisability of attempting such a thing, because she was so very weak that she could not be taken to the Rhine; and even if she could be gotten there with a great deal of trouble and pain, she might die in the hands of the baptizer, which would be the cause of a great wrong.
"John Naas, however, went to the sick woman's spoke with her and said: 'Have you faith (do you believe) that this work of the Lord can yet be performed to your sick body?' She answered, 'Yes.' Thereupon he said, 'I also believe it, so let it be bed,
undertaken with
thee.'
"At this the friends withdrew their objections and made preparations to satisfy the sister and her faith. They took her up, dressed her for baptism, and led or carried her by both arms, with much suffering,
The Leaders
in
Germany.
107
There she knelt down in the name and was by John Naas immersed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. After this there was the laying on of hands, and prayer offered over her, and she was healed. She went up out of the water with great rejoicing before all the others, and when she came home she minisinto the Rhine.
of Jesus
tered to them."
Alexander Mack also held Brother Naas
in
high
esteem and urged him to come to America, forget the unfortunate affair at Creyfelt, and join heartily in
the
Lord's work
in
America.
Glad
to
be
near
those of like precious faith and parting with his chil-
dren and grandchildren, accompanied
and one daughter, he
sailed
by
his
wife
on the brigantine Penn-
sylvania Merchant, John Stedman, Master, from Rotter-
dam, touching phia
in
at
Plymouth, and landing
September, 1733.
They
qualified
in Philadel-
September
18, I733.(')
This voyage was
and
trials that
so characteristic of the dangers
beset the early Brethren on the At-
lantic that a record of
only of interest
in his
experience of
all
it
at length will
be found not
own case, but as typical of members who braved the
the
the sea
to find a refuge in the peaceful Province of William
Penn.
Through the research
of Dr.
Oswald Seidensticker,
late of the University of Pennsylvania, (i)
Rupp's jo.ooo Names,
p. 8q.
we have been
Uutory of
I08
the Brethren.
copy
so fortunate as to secure from German}' a
from
letter
who was
Elder Naas
then living
in
his
to
of a
son Jacob Wilhclm,
The
Switzerland.
letter
is
dated:
Germantown,
the 17th of Oct., 1733.
Heartily Beloved Son, Jacob Wilhclm Naas, I greet thee and thy dear wife Margareta, together The with her dear children, very heartily. eternal and almighty God give you all much light of grace and faith so that you may not only choose the .
.
good in time true and active like
obedience
God through and
in
all
of
grace,
but
may you Would
that the great
work
this within us
Jesus Christ might
who
love his
win the and child-
also
faith, in true sanctification
in Christ Jesus.
.
appearance.
Amen. As I have been requested by some
Amen,
yes;
to describe our ha\e not been able to refuse it entireh', therefore I will do it in as short a way as possible. [He then refers to a letter of September 15th, from Germantown, announcing their safe arrival, and also to a letter from Plymouth, England, in which he describes the journey from Rotterdam to that place, but which letter is not now believed to be in exist-
journey,
ence.]
I
TJic
The
Leaders in Gcnnany.
109
we went from Rotterdam to within from Dort, where we lay still, the wind being contrary. On July 3rd we started and the ship was drawn by men several times on the 24th of June
half an hour's distance
Maas, as far as the neighborhood of HelvoetThere the wind became favorable so that we sluys. sailed into the sea on July 5th, near Helvoetsluys. Then the seasickness began among the people, that river
and
dizziness
is,
after
The
vomiting.
greatest
number
haxnng vomited could begin to eat again.
On
the
13th of July, early in the morning,
rived in the port of Plymouth, which port
lies
we
ar-
in the
midst of rocks. We had to lie in the middle of the harbor until the ship was released by the custom officers arid provisioned.
On
July 2ist we sailed into the big ocean and on we lost the land, France and Spain. The 24th
our
left
we
also lost
25th a
little
it
on our
child died.
namely England. The came upon the ship very
right, It
day about 8 o'clock it was buried in the body fell from the plank into the water I saw with great astonishment that a large number of big iish appeared and darted quickly away in front of the ship, as if they wished to flee from the sick; the next
sea.
When
the
corpse.
For ten days we had steadily a good breeze, so that we sailed a long way on the big ocean. The 28th of July, before daylight, a French man-ofwar by the name of Elizabeth, came near us. This Captain examined our Captain in French. After having made themselves known to each other, they wished one another a happy trip and each went on his course.
^
1
History of the Brctliroi.
10
After this day we had very changeable weather so weeks we made only sixty hours [about miles], which m ver)- good wind wc could have 1 80
that in three
done
one day.
in
On August 3rd, I got up how it was going,
order to see
an hour before clay as
I
watch the compass during the entire
mind
to
see
there would be a change in our course.
if
in
had made up m\trip,
to
When
I reached the ladder, all the people were still asleep and a bedstead was under the ladder, and the coverlet of the people lay high up against the ladder, and during the night it had been raining a little so that it was slippery under the trap-hole, and while I was standing on the top step of the ladder and was about to climb on deck, the people in their bed stretched themselves and unwittingly knocked the ladder from under my feet; then I fell down from the top and with my left side I struck upon the ladder, that I was almost unconscious and lay there a long time before I could get up. Then I had to lie on my back about two weeks till I could get up again and walk a little. At first I feared that I would remain
lame, but to the great
who
plaster, so that
The fish
me
has caused
I
be
all
the glory
in
his Son,
feel but little of
it
any more.
4th the crew early in the morning spiked a big
with a harpoon.
man and shaped and insides
The
God
to get well again without herbs or
was as long as an ordinary head like a pig, also in bod\-
It
in
its
like a pig.
August during the night again a little and in the same hour a little boy was born, and the dead child buried at sea on the 8th. 7th of
child died
The nth and
12th
we had
a storm,
which was not
Tlic
very
strong;
so that
all
Leaders in Germany.
however,
it
lasted
iii
forty-eight
tened, and the portholes boarded up, so that
while the force
darkness,
sitting
in
struck
through
the
porthole
Some people always have storm and strong,
On
hours,
the sails had to be reefed, the rudder fas-
stiff
the 13th again a
we had another
glass
to
of
into
we were
the
waves
the
beds.
vomit during every
winds. little
boy was born.
storm, which was
much
The
17th
stronger than
and blew the sea very one and one-half days and one and one-half nights, but towards the end was the
first
for six or eight hours
high up.
It
lasted
not so strong.
for
rudder, holes, everything was up and left to wind and sea. After that it grew so calm that we did not get much from the spot during several days. During this time the people got well again from dizziness and vomiting. Then we got again strong wind from the side by which we made good headway.
hurriedly
On
Sails,
fastened
the 23rd of August" again a child died and was
buried at sea that evening.
The 26th, about 5 o'clock P. M., we passed by a mast standing fast, the point of which showed a half yard above the water, quite immovable and with ends of rope still on it. By good fortune our ship passed it at about a rod's distance. The Captain had just been drinking tea. Many people were very much frightened by this sight, because it was impossible for this mast to be standing on the bottom and it yet was immovable. The child
30th,
and
it
the last mentioned man again lost a was buried at sea that night. Then we
History of the Brethren.
112
saw the first little fish with wings for two or three rods.
On September
flying over the sea
6th in the morning the First
Mate
spiked a dolphin, which are quite different from what in Germany. This day we had much heat and little breeze. The 7th, another big fish was caught by the crew, which is called shark. The crew took a hook, which
they are pictured
was very large and strong and of about a finger's thickness; to this they fasten one and one-half pounds of bacon. When they saw the fish near the ship's side they threw the hook with the bacon to him, which he swallowed at once and since the fish was very thick and five feet long and of great strength
in
his
tail,
as well in as out of the water,
they drew him into the ship with a very hard pull, and drove back all the people, so that it should not hurt anybody, as he struck the deck so powerfully with his tail that if he should have hit any one against the legs, those would certainly have been struck in But after the ship's carpenter had cut off his two. tail with his axe after ten strokes, his strength was His mouth was so big that he might have all gone. swallowed a child of two years. The flesh the Captain ordered to be distributed to the delighted people.
On
the
nth again
a little child died, without any-
body having noticed if until it was nearly stiff, and the I2th it was buried at sea. The 13th a young woman, who had always been in poor health, died in childbirth and was buried at sea on the 14th, with three children, two of them
Tkc Leaders before and
now
in
Germany.
113
the third the one just born, so
that
the husband has no one left now.
On the i6th in the morning about four woman fifty years of age died; she had
o'clock a
not
been
well during the entire trip and always repented hav-
ing
left
She was buried
her native place.
at sea that
same day.
And since the trip owing to the many changes of wind had lasted somewhat long and the greater number of the people had all consumed their provisions and their conception (imagination or expectation) was always set upon six weeks from land to land, they had gone on eating and drinking hard, from morning until late at night. Then at last they found a great hardship to live
it
thus the greater
number
on the ship's fare alone;
so entirely lost courage that
they never expected to get on land again.
On
the 17th a small landbird, which they call the
yellow
little
wag-tail
in
Germany,
perched
down
several times on our ship, that the people could have
good look
a
among them,
On
at
him.
This caused great rejoicing hands with joy.
that they clapped their
Rhode Island came up to had a cargo of sheep and other things, in order to sail to the West Indies, which our Captain spoke through a speaking tube; after they had made their arrangements they reefed their sails on both the ships, since there was but little running anyhow and our Captain had a boat lowered into the water and rowed with four seamen to their ship. When they had drunk the welcome together, he returned and brought with him half a bag of apples, a goose, a duck, and two chickens and distributed the beautius.
the i8th a ship from
It
History of the Brethren.
114
among
That caused great rejoicing to get such beautiful American apples on the high sea, and those which were still left over he threw among the people to grapple for them, and they fell in heaps over one another for the beautiful ful
apples at once
the people.
apples.
On
fish came upon the was shaped like a large round table and had a mouth like two little shallow baskets. The same evening a large number of big fish came from the north towards our ship and when they had
ship.
the 19th, a strange looking It
reached the ship they shot down into the deep, in front, behind and under the ship, so that one could not see one any more on the other side of the ship. On the 20th again a young married woman died and was buried at sea the same night, and on this evening again came a large number of countless big fish from the north which one could see from high above the water and which did just like the former, that one could not see one on the other side of the ship. Thereupon we had a very heavy fall of rain that some people caught half kegs of water, only from the sails and from the Captain's cabin. This was followed by a powerful windstorm from the northwest. The sea rose up so high, that when one
looked into it, it was just as if one were sailing among high mountains all covered with snow; and one mountain-wave rose o\'er the other and over the ship so that the Captain and First Mate and the Cookwere struck by a wave that they kept not a dry thread on them; and so much water poured into the ship that many people's beds, which were near to the
holes were
quite
filled
with water.
The holes
The Leaders
in
Germany.
115
were hastily boarded up, the rudder bound
fast,
the ship was, with a very lowly-reefed
set side-
sail
and
ways to the wind, so that it should not roll so hard on both sides. The storm lasted the entire night with great violence, so that without any fear one could well see that it was not alone the seaworthiness of the ship that
but that
it
it could weather such powerful blows, was preserved in the Almighty hand of
the Lord, in order to
To him
be above
make known
to
man
his might.
and for all the glory. Amen. Not a human being remained on deck, but one sailor who was tied fast in order to watch by the rudder;
all
all
the rest, the Captain, the mates, the sea-
men crawled
into their beds in their wet clothes, and the ship lay sideways to the wind always on its side so that it drew water all the time, which however, poured out again. At midnight the waves struck so hard against the portholes aft, that two boards sprang away from the windows where part of the people lay in sleep and slumber, and the water rushed in through the window, as big as it was, and straight into the beds, which caused a great terror to those who lay near the window. The water took away a board together with the rope; we all sprang up because the friends who lay near the window had not tied the board fast enough and the misfortune might have become a very great one. We took a woolbag, which was handy, and stopped the window up and the other one with the board, that was made fast again.
The ship's carpenter the next mornmg made a new window board. The storm also abated a little and thus the anxiety of the people grew a
little less
and
History of
Il6
towards two o'clock
wind ceased, opened, and
and
in
tJic
BrciJircn.
the afternoon
it
cleared, the
the shij) were was beautifully calm weather. Then the Captain quickly ordered a kettle of rice to be boiled, in order that the people might get something
warm to eat The 22nd
the
portholes
in
it
day and night for noon the ship lay
that
their supper.
at
as
still
as a house,
then the people dried their clothes again.
breeze sprang up at dinner time and blew
A
good
all
night,
and so steady that one did not know in the ship that it was moving and yet made two miles and a half in one hour. At midnight the first soundings were made, 150 rods deep, and no bottom found. The 23rd at nine o'clock another sounding was made and at 55 rods ground was struck, at eleven o'clock at 35 rods; shortly after, 20 rods; and yet we did not see any land, but were nearing the river [Delaware]. Then the people became very joyful on account of the good breeze and the ground being found. But the Captain did not trust himself to reach the river by daylight; since one could not see any land even, and at four o'clock in good wind he reefed the sails, and had the rudder tied fast, because there are many sandbanks in front and inside of the so
stiff
river. in
the morning
we headed
for the river
Early
all sails were set again and although the breeze was not
very favorable and there was a heavy fog. Then again they made soundings and found 15 rods, and an hour later 7 rods. At tweh'e o'clock we saw the land with great rejoicing. Towards half past four we neared the river, for one is still six hours away from Meanwhile, I and it when one gets in sight of it.
The Leaders the
Captain
caught
sight
Germany.
in
of
towards us; then the Captain
three cried,
117 boats
sailing
"These are the
One could hardly see them among the waves. Then he had all the sails set and was very glad that the pilots came to meet him The first one who came he did not accept, but when pilots
or
steersmen."
the second came,
whom
he knew, he took him into
the ship at once, intending to sail into the river that
same
night,
however, when we were on both sides
against the land just in front of the river, suddenly
from the southwest a storm broke loose such as we had never had yet. Then all had to help reef the sail, and the anchor was thrown out for the first time. There we lay fast, and the water had no longer such a great power because it had not more than 7 rods of depth. So we lay at anchor all night and the storm soon ceased. The 25th, early in the morning, we weighed anchor, set sail, and tacked into the river. We saw there on both sides with so much joy as can easily be imagined, the land and the beautiful trees near the shore just as if they had been planted there. On the 26th the before mentioned last born baby died and was buried in the river. That same day during the night we sailed into the narrows of the river, which is indeed very delightful to see, as wide as the Rhine where it is the widest, and on both banks are the most beautiful woods and groves and here and there houses stand on the banks which have fish nets hanging to dry in front of them. The following day, the 27th, we passed New Castle with little breeze and in a very dense fog. This town Since we lies forty miles distant from Philadelphia.
History of
Ii8
had very
little
tlic
wind we had
Bn't/iren.
to sail
tide or with the current of the
sailed during the 28th,
29th
we
We
arrived safely
in
we
and on the afternoon of the Philadelphia.
were met by brethren and
who brought
mostly with the
water, therefore
sisters in small boats
us fine bread, apples, peaches and other
we gave thanks Highest publicly on the ship near the city,
refreshments of the body, for which to
the
with singing and ringing' shouts
many
tears
we
With Lord for Father's hand, and having of
delight.
praised and glorified the
having preserved us
in his
on the wings of the eagle so that we all could meet again in love on this side of Eternity. See, dear children, brethren and friends, this is in carried us as
short the description of our journey across the very big sea.
were to relate everything how things went people on the ship, there could be much more to write and it grieves my heart, when I remember that I so often told them when on the ship, I did not think that with all the unclean spirits of Hell there could be worse going on with cursing, swearing, blaspheming and beating [fighting], with over eating and drinking, quarreling day and night, during storm and weather, that,'the Captain often said he had taken many people over to this country already but had in all his days never yet seen anything like this. He thought they must have been possessed by the demons [devils]. Therefore they made such a good picture of Hell, although to us they were all very kind, friendly and helpful and they held us all in great fear. The Captain often threatened he would order some of them to be bound to the mast and to If
with
I
the
Iig
Leaders in Gcrjiiany.
Tlic
be whipped by his sailors from head to foot,
still
they
remained bad.
Now
I
will report
ro the great
some more experiences
in
regard
danger and hardships of the journey to
Pennsylvania.
The danger
of this journey
is
this; if
God should
be against one and were willing to work His revenge and justice against us, no one, of course, could escape from him, as little as on land. Another danger would be if one went in an old bad ship upon the big sea, or with a ship master who was a tyrant or ignorant of sailing. But, if the Lord is not against us, which must first be settled, and one has a good ship and good sailors then the danger is not half so great as one imagines it. The Lord sustains Earth and Sea and one in and on the other, therefore also the \'essels upon the sea and those who have gone up on high or down into the deep, and the eternal Jehovah has rescued them, they all shall come to him and shall praise the name of the Lord who does great wonders to the children of men.
The hardships, however,
many
of this journey consist of
kinds and things; but for myself
I
have not to
say of many, on the contrary of but few hardships on this trip; but others
have seen and experienced a great when people start on this trip
deal, especially firstly
who
are not obliged to enter upon so great a journey. Secondly, when people start this enterprise without
any reason, and
sufficient
deliberation
sake of material purposes. Thirdly, when people break especially
and
for
the
up to move and married people when they are not fuTy
1
20
History of
agreeing
with
one
tJic
BrctJircn.
another
to
begin such a long
journey.
These three things are the main reasons of all difon this long journey, for I can say with full truth that on six or seven ocean vessels I have heard ficulties
of
few
people
who
did
not
repent their journey,
although according to the declaration of the greatest
number only extreme
had driven them good number of educated people among them, yet it was with them too, to
it.
necessity
Although there were
a
on account of the sad decline in their business affairs by the hard oppression of government, that caused them to Iea\'e or to become poor, and as poor people they could no longer help themselves from getting into debt and becoming beggars. Nevertheless they so much regretted ha\'ing started on this journey that some became sick of it and were so furious that often they did not know what they were doing. Neighbors accused one another. Husband, wife, children fought bitterly. Instead of helping one another, they only added to the burden of each and made it every hour more unendurable, seeing that such people are obliged to be pent up together for thirteen, fourteen or fifteen weeks, what an amount of trouble must follow with such natures! Then one can never do what one wants on a ship. Then there are some who will consume all the food the}' have taken with them while the ship's fare is still good; this they will throw into the water. But later on when the ship's fare has long been lying in the salt, the water grows foul smelling, so that rice, barley, pease and such can no longer be boiled soft in it, tnen the people have devoured and drunk everything
The Leaders
in
Gcrmajiy.
121
they had and then necessity compels them to begin with the poorer stuff and they will find that very hard;
and because the people then
will
begin
to
whatever
steal
of
quantities
on the
lice
they
Then
especially things to eat and drink.
such
together some
live so closely
people,
can get, there
that
are
many
persons are compelled to louse for a whole day at the time, and
if
one does not do
they might devour one. ship for
Now
all
this
the people and for
me
as well.
we have safely arrived have been met by our own people that
friendship
all
the
very frequently
This was a very great haid-
rest
been
has
land and
in this
in
great love and
forgotten
in
a
moment (so to speak), for the sake of the great joy that we had in one another. This hardship has lasted about nineteen weeks; then it was over, wherefore be all the glory to the Highest: Amen, yea; Amen! For it does not rue us to have come here, and I wish with all my heart that you and your children could be with us; however, it cannot be and I must not urge you as the journey is so troublesome for people who are not able to patiently submit to everything, but often in the best there are restless minds, but if I could with the good will of God do for
you children
all,
I
assure you that
hesitate to take the trip once
I would not more upon me for your
sake; not because one gets one's
lix'ing in
this land in
Oh! no; this country requires diligent people, in whatever trade they may be but then they can make a good living. There are, however, many idleness!
—
people as it
here,
who
are
not
particularly
seems that if some people were would go badly with them. Some it
successful; in
Paradise
are
to
be
History of
122
blamed this
for
it
tJic
Brethren.
they come to
themselves; for when
country and see the beautiful
plantations; the
number of fine cattle; and abundance in everything; knowing that they only just have come here
and, too,
then they want to have
and
will
not
listen
any
to
tracts of land with debts,
These must ent.
toil
it
like
advice
borrow
that
cattle
at
once
take
large
and so
forth.
but
miserably until they get independ-
Well, what shall
I
say,
so
it
is
in
the world,
where always one is better off than the other. If a person wants to be contented here with food and shelter, he can under the blessing of God and with diligent hands get plenty of it. Our people are all well off; but some have more abundance than others, yet nobody is in want. What I heard concerning the people who do not have the money for the passage, surprised me greatly, how it goes with the )'Oung, strong people and artisans, how quickly all were gone, bricklayers, carpenters, and whatever trade they might have. Also old people who have grown children and who understand nothing but farm-labour, there the child takes two "freights" [fare for two] upon itself, its own and that of the father or of the mother for four }-ears, and during that time it has all the clothing that is needed and in the end an entirely new outfit from head to foot, a horse or a cow with the calf. Small children often pay one freight and a half until The people are they are twenty-one years old. obliged to have them taught writing and reading and in the end to give them new clothes and present them with a horse or a cow. There are few houses to be found in cit\- or country
Tlie
Leaders in Germany.
123
where the people are at all well off, that do not have one or two such children in them. The matter is
made
legal
There
at
the city hall with great
parents
and
children
earnest-
be separated 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 hours [in distance] and for many young people it is very good that they cannot pay their own freight. These will sooner be provided for than those who have paid ness.
often
will
and they can have their bread with others and soon learn the ways of the country. I will make an end of this and wish patience to whomsoever reads this. God be with you all, Amen. theirs
Johannes Naas.
— Now
beloved children what more shall I perhaps arrange itself that you should come over here, then the writing would have an end, but if you do not come I shall some other time know more to write. Therefore, I will close for this time and commend you all with your dear children to the infinite love of God, who may lead and guide you himself that you do not enter upon the path of the sinners and do not sit where the scoffers sit, for that would not be good for you. N. B.
write?
It
might
The acquaintances. Brother Settlers, outside of Gundrich, are in eternity; the others send hearty greetings: Brother Becker, Brothers Gantz, Gomrey, Ritter, Paul, sen., with Brother Mack, the old and the young
Zeiglers, and his people, all send greetings and many other brethren and sisters who do not know you, and whom you do not know all greet very heartily those who fear the Lord at Creyfelt.
—
Your
in-love-faithfully-united father,
John Naas.
History of the Brethren.
124 P.
S.
they
— The mother and Elizabeth greet you heartily,
will
do so yet
to greet heartily all if
own hand. Do who ask news of us in
in their
not forget love,
even
names were not mentioned.
their
When
the vessel carrying Brother Naas arrived at
Philadelphia he says they were sisters,"
head of
at the
Alexander Mack.
"met by brethren and
band of welcomers was
this
Whate\-er differences
may have
existed at Creyfelt between Brother Naas and Brother
Libe were here
prayer and contrition dropped; and,
in
accompanied by four
New
Amwell,
to
Jersey,
congregation from
its
Brother Naas went soon
where he was elder of the
inception
till
his death,
his direction
number is
12,
of
and was the means of sending a large Brethren into the Lord's vme)'ard.
able
Amwell by
buried at
twent)' children.
the side of his wife and
| il' .
ii
h
i
V
'
t)L
Page of Andreas Frey' s Declaration.
active part that he was finally chosen one of the three trustees of the
New
Church-in-the-spirit.
For a
full
History of the Brethren.
152
account of this see the chapter on the "Origin of Annual Meeting."
Zinzendorf used his persuasive powers upon Frey
and eventually won him over
Frey
to the
Moravian cause.
Europe with other Moravians and was
sailed to
active in his efforts to advance their cause.
He was
not long with them until he began to ques-
tion their faith
and
their practices.
He
left
them and
returned to the Brethren and after humbling himself
he was again received into fellowship. 1748 he issued from the Saur press a volume of
In
88 pages, the
title
of
which
Declaration oder: Erkldning unter
die
sogenatinte
*'
is:
A?idreas Freyeii seine
anf ivelche Weise
Herrnlmter
tind wie er
Gemeine gekommen,"
etc.(i>
In this work he denounces the Moravians unmercifully.
The work caused
a sensation.
It
was rumored
that Frey had repented his declaration against them;
and, in 1750, he published a notice in Saur's paper in
which he says he has not revoked
his
declaration
against the Moravians nor would he do so.
g.
Lack
Other German Pioneers.
of space precludes a fuller discussion of
of the earliest Brethren,
who have
many
largely influenced
the development of the church.
Among (i)
Copy
in
the
first
members
the libU'V of the .Author.
at
Germantown was John
Tlie
Henry was
He was
Traut.
the
active in
Leaders in Gcnnany.
work
member
a
153 Creyfelt,
and
He came
with
at
of the church.
Peter Becker's party in 1719.
On
the
missionary tour
first
Traut was a leading
He
spirit.
Henry
America
in
next to Peter
was,
Becker, the leader of the members, from which fact,
combined with other evidences,
am
I
inclined to be-
lieve he was a deacon of the church.
Koch on an important
panied Stephen
for an account of
godly
quiet, 4,
which see rich
life,
in
life
mission
in 1727;
He
of Koch.
lived a
deeds of love, and died Jan.
His loss was deeply
1733.
He accom-
by the
felt
entire con-
gregation.
Heinrich Holsapple, George Balser Gautz, Jeremiah Balser Traut, and John Jacob Price are also
Traut,
among Price
the worthies
of
the
was an active preacher
early church. in
Brother
Germany, traveling
They were successful missionaries. came to America with Peter Becker's
with John Naas.
Brother Price
party, was at the
first
on a large
on Indian Creek in Lower SalMontgomery County, Pennsylvania.
ford
tract of land
Township
in
This Jacob Price
Brotherhood.
Many
of
is
the father of
all
the Prices in the
His family has been a remarkable one
them have been and are preachers
in the church.
activities of the fuller
love feast, and, in 1721, settled
Their history
is
Brotherhood from
its
account of them will be found
chapters of this volume.
of ability
interwoven with the beginning. in
A
subsequent
History of the Brethren.
154
All in
all,
able men.
these early leaders were godly, fearless,
Most
of
them were not only preachers
of
power but writers of important works and composers of
fervent
hymns,
They took
their hearts, transported
and planted
vania, li\'es
it
it
far
to the free soil of Pennsyl-
and wide
of their children and of as
limited
opportunities in
a
in
the hearts and
many
others as their
wilderness would permit.
The}' did their work, and did ashes!
the infant church to
it
well.
Peace to their
—
>oJnAPTER
VII.
— The
Germantown, what
a history
is
Germaxtowx Congregation.
mother
congregation
America,
in
thine!
There's a stormy voyage in 17 19, a landing at Philadelphia, a procession to Germantown, a of the twenty families of
and
German
in 1722 a revival spirit; public
Baptist Brethren,
preaching collects
the scattered souls; in 1723, a strange
membership
the
at
quence had made him famous
meeting visit is
this
is
is
enraptured
country travel
of Philadelphia to hear this
cit)'
thrill
news of the coming of Elder
Libe; people from the Schuylkill the
dispersion
in
man whose
to elo-
two continents; a
held at Peter Becker's house; a missionary
undertaken; and six souls ask for baptism the beginning of the church in America.
Doubly memorable Christmas Day,
1723!
Christ's
anniversary and the date of the birth of His church in
America!
house
in
the voice
There
is
Germantown. of praise
is
an activity at Peter Becker's
The
spindles
raised.
Urner, his wife Catherine,
still;
and
Six persons, Martin
Henry Landis,
Frederick Lang, and John Mayle,
now
are
all
his
wife,
from what
is
the Coventry district, were in the midst of seven-
teen members, and they were preparing to hold the first
immersion
in
the church
no ordained minister
this
in
America.
There was
side of the Atlantic. (155)
The
1
History of the Brcthre?i.
56
members hold
a council.
act as elder.
The preliminary examination
prayer
is
offered,
Peter Becker
The group
— are
strangely
stilled.
solemn
breaks
voice
Becker's
ended.
The
Curious
the
utters
from
eyes
the
Peter
The prayer is membership in God's
stillness.
six candidates for
family are led
pines and
upon the group.
reverently
Kelpianites rest
— the
The ice-bound stream
music.
file,
to the Wis-
Overhead the
kneels.
solemn sentinels of the forest fastness
single
in
They journey
headed by Peter Becker.
hemlock
tO'
h^M
'"?
and then these twenty-three souls
walk out into the winter afternoon, sahickon Creek.
chosen
is
one by one into the water and are
The procession returns in the house of assembled They to Germantown. John Gomorry. It is evening now. The old-time tallow-dips are lighted. They gather around a long baptized by trine immersion.
table, a
hymn
is
sung, and in the silent evening hour,
with no witness but God, and curious children, these
people begin the observation of the
ordinances
God's house on Christmas evening, 1723.
on one
side,
wash one another's
The
on the other,
the brethren
Then they
feet.
of
sisters
arise
and
eat the Lord's
Supper, pass the kiss of charity with the right hand of fellowship, partake of the holy a
hymn, and go
out.
It
is
night!
communion, sing But under God's
guidance their acts have been repeated
in
a
thousand
twilights, in all parts of this country in all the years
that have
come and gone;
and, please God,
we
will
Gcrmantozvji Congregation.
TJic
them again and again
repeat 13
Come up
enough.
Let
until
He
159
shall say,
look yet more closely at this
us
"It
higher."
company.
Who
are they?
Six are already named.
babes
in Christ.
But the other seventeen are warriors
They had
of two continents.
At
head
the
He
and Naas. the
told
is
music that
sacred
fills
quent and overmastering.
Him
in
meetings
not a gifted preacher, but he leads the dimly-lighted
with echoes of heaven's choir.
with
of blessed
and of sermons by Elders Mack, Libe,
Creyfelt
in
could have
are
remarkable career.
a
Peter Becker, pioneer preacher
sat
He
America.
They
the
in
He
faith of
full
room
His prayers are eloloved
God and
talked
an expectant child of
the King.
To
his right sat
John Jacob
and preached
in
He was
large
not
Price,
who had prayed
the Rhine Valley with Elder Naas. in
body, but fervent
in
spirit.
There was Stephen Koch, John Hildebrand, Henry Traut and Henry Holsapple, of whom the reader has already heard.
with
God's
people
Gomorry,
in
Jeremiah
and
They were in
Germany.
whose house they Balser
rich
sat,
in
experiences
There was John near him were
Daniel Ritter, John Kempfer, Jacob Koch, and George Balser Gans, all
sterling
men
Traut,
of God.
To the left of Peter Becker sat Maria Hildebrand, whose daughter was destined to wed a son of founder Mack. By her side sat Magdalene Traut, Anna
History of
i6o
Brctliren.
tlic
Gomorry, and Joanna Gans. Seated in their mid
u
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•
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r~ur.
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^^/ -^^
letter of Alexander
.^^i^^czA^
-w^^
Mack
to
dwstyj
^J^^^v^c
John Price.
fi^
UC^i-^
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Letter of Alexander
Mack
'^'^-/^ -^^^ t^- H*'^nXt
to
John Price.
Letter of Alexander
Mack
to
John
Price.
Some Leaders
in
Colonial America.
(March
235
ii, 1775.)
In Jesus the Lover of Our True LJfe,
Hearf s-m7ich-bcloved Brother:
—
I have duly recannot know yet if I shall be able to come to the next Great Meeting. I have been speaking to Brother Christopher Sower to enquire if he meant to go. He then had no mind to go, but if I should succeed to persuade him I would gladly stay home myself this time, according to the body, but according to the spirit I would be there in heartfelt lo\'e and "well-wishing." But if it should happen nevertheless, that he insisted on his refusal to go along, and if it should be convenient for me to go, I would first like to have his own and the Brethren's consent before starting on the journey; therefore I cannot yet say with certainty whether I
ceived thy dear
shall
come
What
little letter,
but
I
or not.
concerns Brother Cornelius Nice,
state that he has
had
his
name
I
have to
registered for drilling
to withdraw as much as possible Communion and does not like to hear called Brother. To Brother Christoph Sauer refused the kiss when he spoke to him, and
and that he seeks from
the
himself
he has
when
I heard of it and also spoke to him, I did not him the kiss so as to indicate that he were as good as expelled already; yet I wanted to show him some patience in case he should perhaps feel repentance. I have asked him if he would resent
offer
when
should pray for him, but he said no, he to do it. Then I advised him to try for himself if he still could pray. My impression of this period is, that it indicates the beginning of the time of trouble of which Christ it
would
I
like
me
History of the
236
Brctlircti.
speaks: That we must indeed not be frightened, but yet must be on our guard before men. Yet I am not sure the best guarding consists in our trying to walk with a good conscience, both before God
and man, and that we show our gentleness to everybody, for the Lord is near. He was, as the Scripture says, not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, yet he was near, and in still, soft, gentle rustling; when this was heard Elias covered his face with his mantle and went out to meet the Lord. And since we are not able to know the hour of our departure
from
this
sphere,
may
so
the merciful
good God give us to watch and pray that we may become worthy to escape from all that is to come, and to stand before the Son of Man. It is indeed near at hand, the great blessedness of the last time; but I do not expect it fully in this life w^hich is subject to so many deaths, but I hope for a better The beginnings of the trouble life which is eternal. and the travail are in this life, and the hour of temptation ends
then
in
and
fulfills itself in
the other
life
we
the break of this
shall see
what
life,
but
sort of a child
has been born to us. Therefore Christ says we shall not fear those who may kill the body but can do no more than that.
What With
concerns
thee to
God and
ful to edify us
those
me and
a hearty greeting
who
the
word
mine,
we
are
and loving
all
kiss
of his mercy,
pretty well. 1
who
commend is
and to give us the inheritance
are sanctified in Christ Jesus,
powerw^ith all
Amen.
F'riendly greetings to thy dear parents and brothers, and also to the beloved members whom thou mayest meet on thy journey in case they should ask for me,
Some Leaders
in
Colonial America.
237
might be that to-morrow I should write a little more my Brother Johannes, yet I cannot tell if I shall be able. My dear wife and children send friendly it
to
greetings, I
remain your humble yet
faithful fellow-brother,
Sander Mack. Creyfclt, the
nth March,
ly/j.
To
the beloved Brother Johannes Preisz, To open with his own hands.
The tender nowhere more
solicitude of this old saint of
God
is
plainly and touchingly set forth than in
two
letters written in
1772 to John Price concerning
the
baptism
latter.
reached Elder
of
the
Mack he
When
the
good news
wrote:
The name of the Lord is an outpoured unguent, In the same lovely and gracious name of Jesus I wish peace, and hail my dear Brother Johannes
Preisz.
have received thy writing and read it rejoicing Lord is so friendly and has so lovingly invited thee to his heavenly Feast. Alas, my dear one in the Lord, do not think a trifle the chastisement of the Lord, especially since he regards thee so lovingly and leads thee to see the misery of thy sins, and at the same time comforts thy heart by good purposes to penetrate to a better life through the grace of God. I can well say that I have no greater joy than to see and hear that men are invited in their youth. O what a glorious thing it is when one then really comes and b}' the grace of God becomes faithful, then the joy is still greater. I have read the lines of thy hand with tears of joy and wish with all my heart that when the Lord will have completel)' restored thee and made I
that the
History
238
of
flic
llntliroi.
thee well again, that thy i:)urpose will be again framed
with a healthy heart and may be renewed. Much more I pray and wish that the Lord may accomi)lish in thee the work that He has begun to thy own and
thy dear parents' joy and to the joy and comfort of all who lox'e the works of the Lord. I do not intend to write much until some other time, after thou hast written me again a few lines, or perhaps I may come to see thee soon if the Lord allows it and we live, then we can talk together by word of mouth. Meanwhile I wish heartily the blessing of God and a rich abundance of his divine power to strengthen thy purpose in thee; besides a hearty greeting for thee, please to greet thy dear parents as well. I am thy humble Brother and fellow-pilgrim,
Sander Mack. Crcyfclt, the
24th of November, I7'J2.
My
dear wife sends her greetings and also vay two This was written in haste with a ruined pen; thou wilt have difficulty in reading it. children.
Sickness and doubt delayed the baptism of John Price.
True
Mack
But delay did not cause Elder to his
to forget.
holy calling and to his noble Christian
solicitude, he answers Price's letter with
one so
full
of
the spirit of courteous admonition and tactful allaying of
perplexing problems
candidate that
it
is
given
in
at
the
mind
length.
of
May
the it
young
serve to
the elders of the church as a model of Christian corre-
spondence.
Note how lovingly and yet how
clearly
he touches on the question of complete forgi\-eness before baptism;
how he
expresses
surprise,
almost
Some Leaders
i/i
Colonial Anteriea.
pain at the postponement of the and, finally,
ordinance;
with what good sense he greets and
making him
the candidate,
that awaits him
welcome
sacred
239
in
feel
a
foretaste
tJie
of
the
God's family.
Creyfelt, the 29th December, In Jesus
kisses
1772.
Cnicified, Mticli-beloved Brother: —
same our Immanuel I wish with all my comfort of love, according to the pleasure and the goodness of our God in the acknowledgment of our Savior who has died for our sins and has risen again for our righteousness. In this
heart
all
I have received thy beloved letter and read it in compassionate love and have found in it first thy loving solicitude that no one of us some day should be found a wicked servant; because, as thou so well remarkest, the day approaches on which we all shall
become manifest before the
To escape from
tribunal of Jesus Christ.
this great misfortune
we have much
cause to implore Jesus, the true Light of the world, to give us a single eye so that our body be light and we may follow Him, the true Light of the world, so that
we need not walk in darkness. For he who has a wicked eye, his body will be in darkness, speaketh the mouth of truth, and in such darkness man loses his
God and can no
longer find any delight nor which consists all spiritual growth and increase. Therefore sayeth the Lord: He who will be my disciple, let him deny himself and take my cross upon himself and follow me. trust in taste
in
self-denial,
in
Oh, my dear one, who walks thus in simplicity, he walks safely. May the Lord give light to the eyes ot
History of the
240
Ibrt/irc/i.
our understanding that we may not miss the footprints of our Good Shepherd in anything whatsoever.
What
else thou reportest, that thou hast
ance yet of being forgi\-en for a bad
sign, for
God
all
thy
no assur-
sins, that is
not
reserves this privilege for Himself
in His own lo\-ing power, so full of wisdom, \\hcn, where, and how He will give to a repentant sinner the assurance that his sins are fully forgiven to him. It is a certain sign of God's willingness to forgi\e us our sins when He grants us to feel a deep repentance foi
everything wherewith we have insulted the eyes of His High Majesty. Especially when such repentance is accompanied by a disgust against the ex'il and with an ardent desire to do the will of God, I think this a better sign than if a visible angel would come down from Heaven and sa}' to some one who has not }'et tasted the bitterness of sins,
— Thy sins are forgiven.
It must indeed be accepted gratefully when the Lord by the inward joyful strength and the comforting voice of the Good Shepherd gives to a soul a sure marrow- and bone-penetrating assurance that his sins are now forgiven and that his name is written down in Howex'er, it seems to me that our prater heax'en. should be more to the effect that the Lord may keep us from sin and may lead us into the pleasure of His will, in order that our will, our desire, and our entire
pleasure
may become
a
daily burnt-offering to the
pure love of God. When Saul was converted and had been fasting and praying for three days Ananias spoke to him: Dear Brother Saul, why tarriest thou, arise and be baptized and ha\e thy sins washed away, etc. If
now
the
Lord should not be willing
an entire assurance of the forgiveness of
to gi\'e thee th)- sins
until
;
^
—,
7
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7
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