Columbia ^nitoem'tp intlieCttpofKmjgork LIBRARY :i^.:;iirs iith m JOHN MARTIN BOLZIUo, ST EVAHGLLIC.AL PREACHER OF THt SAL28UR(3 CONGREGATION AT EBENEZER \N GEORGIA. AD nrClA, 1703. OBDAHJEO NOV. II THE SALZBURGERS Cljm' ptstcnbants: PEIXG TIIK HISTORY OF A COLONY or GERMAN (LUTHERAN) PROTESTANTS, WHO EMIGRATED TO GEORGIA IN 1734, AND SETTLED AT EBENEZER. TWENTY-FIVE MILES ABOVE THE CITY OF SAVANNAH. BY Rev. p. a. STROBEL, or THE SOUTH CAROUNA STXOD, AND PRINCIPAL OF THE FEMALE INSTTTCTK, AMERICUS, GEORGIA. "Alii multa perficiiint ; nos nonnulla conamur; Illi possunt; nos volumus." "Others accomplish many thinps — we endeavour to efifect something; they have the power, ur have the will." BALTIMORE: PUBLISHED BY T. NEWTON KURTZ, No. 151 WEST PRATT STREET. 1855. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by P. A. STROBEL, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the District of Georgia. STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHXSOX & CO. PHILADELPHIA. §tiritati(rn, To my brethren in the Lutheran ministry, this volume is most aflfectionately and respectfully in- scribed; with the fervent prayer, that by carefully studying the history of the Salzburgers, and especially the unfeigned devotion and ardent zeal of the first preachers of the American Lutheran Church, we may all be stimulated to aim at a more elevated standard of piety, and consecrate ourselves afresh to His service, who hath redeemed us with his blood, and honoured us by appointing us his ambassadors, to reconcile the world unto himself. The Author. BxthtL This little volume is submitted to the public with an unfeigned difl&dence, and with many apprehensions that it may not meet the expectations, even of those who have most warmly urged its publication. The means of information which the author possessed, were too limited, to justify the belief that the book could possibly be regarded as a complete and satisfactory history of the Salzburgers. It is, how- ever, to be hoped, that notwithstanding its many de- fects, a sufficient number of interesting facts have been presented, to render the work acceptable to those who read for instruction, and not to indulge a spirit of captious criticism. The author is sensible of his incompetency to do justice to the subject, and he would cheerfully have committed the undertaking to abler hands. If he shall accomplish no more than to rescue the Salzburgers from the obscurity into which they have been permitted to lapse, he will not have laboured in vain. The hope is cherished that, under the blessing of God, this work may be the means of kindling in the heart of every one who may peruse it, a sincere desire to emulate the lofty piety and Chris- 1* o 6 PREFACE, tian heroism of those, who in the maintenance of their religious principles cheerfully suffered "the loss of all things/^ and have furnished an example of patient endurance, under every form of persecution, and of ardent zeal in the cause of Christ, which furnishes one of the brightest pages in the history of the church since the days of the apostles. P. A. Strobel. Americus, Georgia, March, 1855. Cralina. ** The Committee appointed by Synod to examine the manuscript 'History of the Salzburgers and their Descendants at Ebenezer/ by the Rev. P. A. Strobel, beg leave to submit the following report : *' They have carefully examined the manuscript, and cheerfully express their gratification at the judicious selection of the materials from various sources diffi- cult of attainment, by which a historical sketch has been given of the cruel persecutions, the Christian firmness, and devoted piety of the ancient Salzburgers. " In recommending the work to the patronage of the Christian public, and especially the members of our own communion, they feel assured that the readers will be amply rewarded in the elevated standard of Christianity which this volume holds out for their imitation." John Bachman, D.D. L. ElCHELBERGER, D.D. A. J. Karn. November 13, 1854. 7 funitnis. CHAPTER I. The causes which led to the Colonization of America- French Colony in Florida — Colony of Massachusetts Bay — The Puritans — Intolerance of the Church of England — The Salzburgers^-Contrast between them and the Puri- tans — Injustice done to the former — The Origin of the Salzburgers — Their persecutions by the dukes of Savoy — They embrace the Doctrines of the Reformation — Cruelty toward their pastor — The Valleys of Tefifereck — Their Re- treats discovered — Miximilian Gudolph — Salzburgers be- fore the Bishop's Court at Hallein — Renewed persecutions — Sympathy of Protestant States — Elector of Branden- burg — Corpus Evangelicum — Return of the Teffereckers — Duplicity and Treachery of the Catholic Authorities — Penalties imposed on the Salzburgers — Banishment and Confiscation of their Estates — Severe Sufferings of the Exiles — Joseph Schaitberger — Remarkable conversion of his daughter — Schaitberger as an author — The Confession of Faith — The Salzburg Emigrant's Song — Persecutions under Leopold — Archbishopric of Salzburg — The City of Salzburg — Thirty thousand Protestants exiled— Their re- ception by Protestant States Page 19 CHAPTER II. Charter granted by Charles 11, to the Trustees for establish- ing the Colony of Georgia — The design of the colony — General Oglethorpe — English settlers arrive at Savannah — 10 CONTENTS. " Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge" — Interest on behalf of the Salzburgers — Arrangements to remove the Salzburgers to Georgia — Fifty families engaged for the first transportation — Provision made by the " So- ciety" — Liberality of the " Trustees" — First company of emigrants — Love of country — Departure from their homes — Incidents of their journey — The city of Augsburg — Hos- pitalities extended to the Salzburgers — Recommence their travels — Rev. S. Urlsperger — EflFects of the sojourn of the Salzburgers at Augsburg — Revival of religion — Further Incidents — Arrival in the city of Frankfort — Conduct of the Burgers — Procession — Entrance into the city — Hospi- tality of the inhabitants — Departure from Frankfort — The Maine and Rhine — Arrival at Rotterdam — Rev. Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau — Departure from Rotterdam — Arrival at Dover, in England — Impressions made by the emigrant? on their English benefactors — Preparations for leaving England — Departure of the Purisburg, first ship with Ger- man emigrants Page 44 CHAPTER IIL The Salzburgers at sea — Conduct during the voyage — Arrival at Charleston, S. C. — General Oglethorpe — Departure from Charleston — Arrival at Savannah — Sentiments of the emi- grants — Their reception at Savannah — Notes of Mr. Bol- zius — Baron Von Reck — Conduct of the Indians — Disem- barkation of the Salzburgers — Liberality of General Ogle- thorpe — Expedition into the country — Description of the country — Devout conduct of the Salzburgers — Ebenezer — Foundation of the colony — Location of their settlement — Uchee Indians — St. Matthew's Parish — Lord Effingham — Town laid out — Salzburgers remove to their new home — Impressions in relation to the nature of the country — Baron Von Reek's enthusiastic description — Real character of the country — Assignment of lots — Hardships incident to colo- nization — Scarcity of mechanics and materials for build- ing — ^Other trials — Sickn«Ba and death among the colonists CONTENTS. 11 — Extracts from Mr. Bolzius's journal — Influence of afflic- tion — Arrival of a second company of Salzburgers — Im- provement in the condition of the colony — Progress of the town, &c Page 57 CHAPTER IV. General Oglethorpe visits England — Favourable condition of the colony — Trustees determine to send out reinforcements — Aid from British Parliament — Character of the colonists engaged — Highlanders and Salzburgers — Liberal terms proposed by the Trustees — Captain HermsdorfiF and Baron Von Reck — The Trustees charter the " London Merchant" and the " Symond" — The " great embarkation" — English and German emigrants — Moravians under Bishop Nitsch- man — John and Charles Wesley — Departure from England — Storm at sea — Effect of the conduct of the Germans upon Mr. Wesley — Testimony of Dr. Jackson, President of British Conference — Mr. Wesley's spiritual condition — Con- ference with Mr. Spangenburg — Influence of the Mora- vians — Rev. Peter Boehler — Salzburgers confounded with the Moravians — Mistake of Mr. Bancroft — Removal of Moravians to Pennsylvania — Mr. Wesley's religious expe- rience — Extract from his journal — Subsequent visit to England — His conversion — Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans — Mr. Wesley's preaching after his conver- sion — Forms " Societies," the basis of Wesleyan Method- ism — The Methodist Church a fruit of the Lutheran Re- formation — Arrival of the " embarkation" at Savannah — Settlement of Salzburgers on St. Simon's Island — Views of the Germans in relation to war — Reinforcement at Eben- ezer — Lutheran settlement at Frederica — Rev. U. Dreisler — Revs. Bolzius and Gronau visit Savannah — Conference with General Oglethorpe — Salzburgers dissatisfied with their location, and desire a change — General Oglethorpe visits Ebenezer — Reasons of the Salzburgers for desiring to remove — General Oglethorpe's advice and kindness to the Salzburgers — Change of location determined upon 73 12 CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. New Ebenezer — Its location, and the plan upon which is was laid out — The environs of the town — Its rapid growth — Municipal and other regulations — Rules originally adopted for the government of the congregation — The duties of pastors set forth — Elders and wardens — Parochial schools — Church members, &c. — Dr. H. M. Muhlenberg — Salaries of the pastors — Their responsibilities — Relation to the church in Germany — Sale of rum prohibited, and the in- troduction of Negro slaves — Effects of these regulations on the colony at Ebenezer — Mr. Bolzius, Rev. George Whitfield, and Baron Von Reck on slavery — Position of Mr. Bolzius — Views of Hon. James Habersham and Rev. S. Urlsperger — Controversy settled, and slavery allowed — The Salzburgers and the Lutheran Church in Germany — Liberality of the latter — Education — " Bethany" church — Favourable condition of the settlement — Religious cha- racter of the inhabitants — Their industry, frugality, &c. — Letter of Mr. Bolzius — Rev. George "Whitfield at Ebenezer — His testimony in favour of the Salzburgers — He visits the Orphan House — Letter of Thomas Jones — Principal settlers at Ebenezer up to 1741 — The invasion of Georgia by Spaniards — Another letter of Mr. Bolzius — Extracts from his journal — Statement of Mr. Benjamin Martyn — New arrivals — Emigrants bind themselves as servants — Frederick Helfenstein — Lutheran church in Savannah founded — Rev. U. Driesler — His death — Rev. Mr. Zublii — The town of Frederica — Dr. H. M. Muhlenberg visits Ebenezer — Mr. Gronau — "Jerusalem" church at Ebenezer — " Zion's" church — Extracts from Mr. Bolzius's journal — Death of Mr. Gronau Page 90 CHAPTER VL State of feeling at Ebenezer consequent on the death of Mr. Gronau — Mr. Bolzius writes to Germany for an assistant — CONTENTS. 13 His humility and devotion — The church in Germany send over another pastor — Rev. H. H. Lembko arrives at Eben- ezer — His reception — Marries the widow of Mr. Gronau — Mr. Bolzius retains his position — Mr. Bolzius, as trustee, erects mills — Silk culture introduced at Ebenezer — Mr. Amatis of Piedmont — Mulberry-trees planted at Ebenezer — Success of the Salzburgers in raising silk — Bridge and causeway over Ebenezer Creek — New church and school- house erected — Pastoral labours — Extent of the field to be cultivated — Goshen church — Abercorn — Extension of the settlements around Ebenezer — Demand for more ministe- rial labour — Rev. C. Rabenhorst arrives at Ebenezer — Mr. Bolaius's letter on his arrival — Change of views — Pro- vision for the support of the new pastor — Condition of the colony — Mr. Bolzius assigns his trusteeship to Mr. Lembke —Copy of the deed of trust— The " Trust" to be transfer- red — Subsequent change — Erection of another mill — Mr. Bolzius begins to decline in health — The symbolical books — Proper views in relation to the " Fathers" — Confessions and catechisms — Deep-toned piety of the first pastors at Ebenezer — Mr. Bolzius's labours — His letters — Rev. S. Urlsperger and Dr. Zeigenhagen — Close of his ministerial duties — His illness and death — Mr. Bolzius's ff\m\\y...Page 125 CHAPTER VIL State of affairs at Ebenezer consequent upon the death of Mr. Bolzius — Increase of population and of ministerial labour — Transfer of trust to Mr. Rabenhorst — Harmony between the two pastors — Jerusalem church built at Eben- ezer — Description of the edifice — The Swan, Luther's coat of arms — Death of Mr. Lembke — His character as a preacher — Gottlieb Snider — Rev. C. F. Triebner sent over as successor to Mr. Lembke — His character — Marries a daughter of Mr. Lembke — Injudicious selection — Division in the church — Controversy between Messrs. Rabenhorst and Triebner — Dr. H. M, Muhlenberg arrives at Ebenezer — Object of his mission — His prudent and judicious con- 14 CONTENTS. duct — The grounds of dispute stated — Elders prefer charges against Mr. Triebner — Origin of the difficulty — Dr. Muh- lenberg's eflforts to reconcile the parties — His views of the case — Opinion of Mr. Triebner — Plan of settlement pro- posed — Reconciliation — Dr. Muhlenberg's reflections — His opinion of Mr. Rabenhorst — Exculpates him from all cen- sure — His estimation of Mr. Rabenhorst as a man and as a preacher — Dr. Muhlenberg's labours among the Salzbur- gers — Saves the church property from alienation Page 148 CHAPTER VIII. Dr. Muhlenberg still at Ebenezer — Church discipline — Views and practices of the founders of American Lutheran Church — Evils arising from want of discipline — False views on the subject — The discipline adopted at Ebenezer in 1774, and duties of pastors, officers, and church members de- fined — List of church members who signed the discipline, as certified by Dr. Muhlenberg — Settlements at Abercorn and Goshen — Mr. Knox buys the lands at Abercorn — Mo- ravian missionaries brought over to preach to the Negroes — Labours of the Moravians at Goshen — Fears of Dr. Muh- lenberg — Moravians not successful — Advice to them by one of the Salzburgers — Fears of Dr. Muhlenberg not realized — Moravians leave the settlement — Dr. Muhlen- berg's successful labours at Ebenezer — He leaves Georgia for Philadelphia — Condition of the congregation at Phila- delphia — Reflections 164 CHAPTER IX. Affairs at Ebenezer after Dr. Muhlenburg's departure — Ra- benhorst and Triebner — Pastors cease to be Trustees, and the trust transferred to the church officers — Mr. Raben- horst created first pastor — State of feeling between the two pastors — Inventory of church property — Its estimated value — Church funds — Views of the propriety of creating them — A case of necessity with the Salzburgers — General CONTENTS. 15 stato of the colony — Prosperity of Ebonezer — A fancy sketch — Commercial relations of Ebenezer — Gradual eiten- eion of the settlements — New settlers come in — Commence- ment of the Revolution — Stamp Act and tax on tea — State of the public mind in the Province of Georgia — Position of the Salzburgers — Provincial Congress in Savannah — Salzburgers in that Congress — Majority of them side with the Colonists — Protest of a portion of the Salzburgers — Adherents to the Crown in St. Matthew's Parish — Patriotic and noble sentiments of the Salzburgers — Mr. Triebner Bides with the Crown — Judicious course of Mr. Rabenhorst — His long and successful labours, and death Page 188 CHAPTER X. Descent of the British upon Georgia — General Provost takes Savannah — British posts along the river — Mr. Triebner takes the oath of allegiance to the crown, and conducts troops to Ebenezer — A garrison established under Major Maitland — Proclamation issued by Major Maitland — Some of the Salzburgers take "protections" — Majority of the Salzburgers Whigs — Governor Treutlen — Holsendorf — John and Samuel Stirk — John Schnider — Strohaker — Jonathan and Gottlieb Schnider — Jonathan Rahn — Ernest Zittrauer — Joshua and Jacob Helfenstein — Sufferings of the Salzbur- gers during the war — Tories — Eichel and Martin Dasher — Marauding parties — Frederick Helfenstein and his two sons — General Wayne — The Salzburgers forced to abandon their homes — Sufferings at Ebenezer — Prisoners — Sergeants Jasper and Newton — Sacrilegious act of the British toward the church at Ebenezer — Other acts of cruelty — Mistaken policy of the British — Sad influence of the licentiousness of the British troops upon the morals of Ebenezer — Pastor Triebner — His removal to England and death — General character of the pastors at Ebenezer — Triebner an excep- tion — Dispensations of Providence — General Wayne at- tempts the reduction of Savannah — British troops with- drawn from Ebenezer— General Wayne makes his head- 16 CONTENTS. quarters there— British evacuate Savannah — Salzburgers return to Ebenezer — Scene of desolation — Condition of the church — Congregation without a pastor — Petition sent to Germany — Dr. Muhlenburg's concern for the Salzbur- gers — A minister visits Ebenezer — Dr. Muhlenburg's let- ter — Vindication of Mr. Triebner — Pastor to be sent in the spring — Despondency among the Salzburgers — Darkness begins to disappear — New pastor about to be sent Page 201 CHAPTER XL The arrival of a pastor anticipated — Solicitude on the subject — The Rev. John Earnest Bergman arrives at Ebenezer — His early history — His qualifications for the ministry — State of affairs at Ebenezer and Savannah — Mr. Bergman's defects — Parochial schools — Mr. Bernhardt — Mr. Probst — Mr. Ernst — Increase of pastoral labours — Church in Savan- nah — Letter from Mr. Scheuber — Correct views of the sa- craments — Usages of the Lutheran Church — Mr. Bergman's marriage — His family — Mr. Bergman as a scholar — His correspondence — Parsonage at Ebenezer — Bishop Francis Asbury — His letter to Mr. Bergman — Improvement in tem- poral affairs — Bad habits among the Salzburgers — Want of church discipline — Disaffection toward the church — Members withdraw — Ebenezer Bridge — Ebenezer becomes the county site — Effects of this measure — County site changed to Springfield — The mills — Demand for English preaching — Letter from Bishop Asbury — Mistaken policy — Methodists in Savannah — Obligations of the Methodists to the Lutheran Church — Rev. Hope Hull — Jonathan Jack- son — Josiah Randle — John Garvin — Rev. S. Dunwoody — First Methodist Society in Savannah — Mr. Bergman relin- quishes the church in Savannah — Letter to Rev. H. Hol- combe — Savannah church without a pastor — Rev. S. A. Mealy — Salzburgers in other churches — Jesse Lee visits Ebenezer — Mr. Bergman curtails his labours — "Bethel" church erected — Personal diflSculty — Letter of Rev. J. McVean — Efforts to proselyte — Lax state of morals — CONTENTS. 17 Want of discipline — Mr. Bergman's grief at the condition of the colony — External prosperity — Spiritual declension — Death of Mr?. Neidlinger— Mr. Bergman's health declines — His death Page 218 CHAPTER XII. Gloomy prospects at Ebenezer — Rev. C. F. Bergman — His early religious sentiments — Calvinistic tendency — Attends the Georgia Presbytery — Letter to Rev. M. Ranch — Con- flicting views — Becomes a member of Presbytery — Re- ceives a call to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church — Dr. J. Bachman visits Savannah and Ebenezer — Interview and correspondence with Mr. Bergman — Mr. Bergman changes his views, joins South Carolina Synod, and becomes pastor at Ebenezer — Ilis piety and qualification for the work — State of the congregation — Methodist and Baptist churches organized — Methodist church at Goshen — Rev. J. 0. An- drew — Delusion — A false Messiah — Strange scene at Goshen — Sad results — Rev. L. Myers locates at Goshen — His character, labours, and death — Temperance movement at Ebenezer — Mr. Bergman introduces English preaching — His marriage — His children — Temporal and spiritual pros- perity — Emigration of Salzburgers to other counties — Church in Savannah — Rev. S. A. Mealy — Rev. N. Aldrich — New church in Savannah — Rev. A. J. Karn — German con- gregation — Rev. W. Epping — Disaffection at Ebenezer — Other churches built up by Salzburgers — Mr. Bergman as a scholar — Trials — IndifiFereuco to education — Mr. Berg- man's sickness and death — Rev. J. D. Schenck — Rev. E. A. Bolles— Difficulties at Ebenezer— Rev. P. A. Strobel— Death of Mrs. Bergman— Rev. E. Kieffer— Rev. G. Halti- wanger — Rev. J. Austin — Present condition of the church —" Father Snider." 249 CHAPTER XIIL The town of Ebenezer — Its present appearance — The results of this experiment at colonization — The colonies in New 18 CONTENTS. England, Virginia, and the Carolinas — Royal Historical Society of Austria — Inquiries as to the fate of the Salzbur- gers answered — Religious and social influence of the Salz- burgers upon the other colonists — Religious sentiments of the first pastors — Dr. Hazelius's testimony — Present condi- tion and pursuits of their descendants — Effingham county — General reflections — Conclusion Pag^ 278 THE Sal^liurgtrs aiiir i\nx ^tsmxhwls. CHAPTER I. The causes which led to the Colonization of America — French Colony in Florida — Colony of Massachusetts Bay — The Puri- tans — Intolerance of the Church of England — The Salzburgers — Contrast between them and the Puritans — Injustice done to the former — The Origin of the Salzburgers — Their Persecutions by the Dukes of Savoy — They embrace the Doctrines of the Reformation — Cruelty toward their Pastors — The Valleys of Teffereck — Their Retreats discovered — Miximilian Gudolph — Salzburgers before the Bishop's Court at Hallein — Renewed Persecutions — Sympathy of Protestant States — Elector of Bran- denburg — Corpus Evangelicum — Return of the Teffereckers — Duplicity and Treachery of the Catholic Authorities — Penalties imposed on the Salzburgers — Banishment and Confiscation of their Estates — Severe Sufferings of the Exiles — Joseph Schait- berger — Remarkable Conversion of his Daughter — Schaitberger as an Author — The Confession of Faith — The Salzburg Emi- grant's Song — Persecution under Leopold — Archbishopric of Salzburg— The City of Salzburg— Thirty Thousand Protestants Exiled — Their Reception by Protestant States. The colonial history of our country derives much of its interest from the fact, that many of the early settlers were those who had been ex- patriated for conscience' sake and were brought 19 20 THE SALZBURGERS hither by their high veneration for the gospel. Forsaking their country and their homes — sever- ing all those ties which bind man so strongly to the place of his nativity — abandoning the com- forts and endearments of civilized life, they came to the wilderness of America, that they might enjoy without restraint that great birthright of the immortal mind — "freedom to worship God" at "a faith's pure shrine." From the middle of the sixteenth to the latter part of the eighteenth century, companies of emigrants reached our shores from Great Britain and different parts of continental Europe, who were driven hither by the relentless persecutions of their religious adversaries. It is well known that those who came from England were out- lawed by the bigotry and intolerance of the Established Church. By the act of Uniformity, passed in the reign of Edward VI., the Church of England attempted to conform the opinions of all British subjects, as well as their modes of worship, to her Canons and Liturgy. As might have been expected, these efforts to enslave the human mind and shackle the conscience were boldly resisted, and hundreds and thousands preferred imprisonment, exile, and even death, rather than endanger their spiritual interests by embracing error, or submitting their wills to "the commandments and ordinances of men." Those who came from the continent of Europe, AND TIIEIll DErfCEXDAZsTS. 21 were Protestunts, who had embraced the doc- trines of the Reformation, as taught by Luther or Calvin, as distinguished from the doctrines of the Church of Rome, and who were conse- quently driven into exile, by the proscriptive and relentless spirit, which has always charac- terized that church. As early as the year 1564, a colony of Hu- guenots, or French Protestants, was planted in Florida by John Ribault, under the patronage of the noble and philanthropic Admiral Coligny. The cruel sufferings endured by these devoted Christians during the reign of the imbecile Charles IX. and his perfidious mother, Cathe- rine de Medicis, compelled them to forsake the vine-clad hills and the beautiful vales of France, to seek in the wilderness of the West, a retreat from the sword and fagot of the persecutor. Of the unhappy fate of this colony it is not neces- sary to speak, further than to remark, that it was entirely destroyed in 1565 by Pedro Me- lendez, the inhuman agent of the bigoted Philip II. of Spain, who murdered all the colo- nists, and completely devastated their settlement. On the 22d of December, 1620, the colony of Massachusetts was commenced by the land- ing of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth Rock. These venerable men, as is well known, were from England, where, by their rigid virtues and their resistance to the spiritual domination of 22 THE SALZBURGERS the Established Church, they had acquired the name of Puritans^ then a term of reproach, but now synonymous with unostentatious piety, ster- ling integrity, and uncompromising opposition to every species of despotism ; and which shall be forever identified with the great principles of civil and religious freedom. By asserting the rights of conscience, and by refusing their assent to the unjust and unreasonable preten- sions set up by the Church of England under the sanction of the British parliament, they be- came obnoxious to the displeasure of their civil and religious rulers. Arraigned before the Court of High Commission, the Puritans boldly asserted the principles of religious toleration, and claimed the free exercise of their judgment in all matters of faith. But in the liberal views that they entertained, they were too far in ad- vance of the age in which they lived. They were consequently condemned. Hundreds of their ministers were deposed and deprived of their livings, and with their flocks, sentenced to imprisonment and the loss of country, and even of life. It was for these causes and under these cir- cumstances that the Pilgrims quitted the shores of England, and sought, among the savages of the New World, the free exercise of those privileges which they had been denied in the Old. Nor were they disappointed. Infusing AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 23 their principles into all their institutions, civil, political, and religious, they prepared the way for the establishment of that great fabric of American freedom, which is now the pride of their posterity and the admiration of the civi- lized world. And by the influence which they exerted in shaping the destines of this republic, they have erected for themselves a monument which shall be coequal with our national ex- istence. Without stopping to notice other colonies of less importance, we pass on to the one which is more especially the subject of this little volume. We allude to the colony of Salzbur- gers, which was planted in Georgia in 1733. It has often been a matter of surprise, that so little notice has been taken of this colony in the various histories of our country which have been published from time to time. Like the Pil- grim Fathers, the Salzburgers were the victims of religious persecution: like them they were driven from their country and their homes on account of their unwavering attachment to the principles of the gospel ; and there is a striking parellel in their characters and their early his- tory. If the Puritans could boast of the vene- rable Robinson, as their pastor, the Salzburgers could point to their Bolzius and Gronau. If the Puritans were proud of Brewster and Car- ver, of Bradford, and Winslow, and Standish, 24 THE SALZBURG ER? the Salzburgers had their Yon Reck, and Vatt, and Hermsdorf, and Dreisler, all men of mark, and who, in point of energy, firmness of princi- ple, powers of endurance, and upright and con- sistent character, would compare favourably with any of the fathers of New England. But while the story of the Pilgrims has been a fruitful theme for the historian and the poet, the Salz- burgers have either been entirely overlooked, or their history has been sketched very hastily and unsatisfactorily. This may be owing, in a mea- sure, to the comparatively secluded spot which they selected for their settlement, together with the quietness and unobtrusiveness of their cha- racter. Beside which, the prevalence of the German language among them, the little inter- course which they cultivated with their English neighbours, and the preservation of their records in their native language, have no doubt all tended to obscure them, and deprive them of that position in the annals of our country to which their sufferings, their virtues, and their influence so justly entitle them. The most satisfactory accounts of this inte- resting people which have been published in this country, are to be found in the collections of the Georgia Historical Society, Bancroft's History of the United States, Dr. Hazelius' History of the American Lutheran Church, and Dr. Steven's History of Georgia. But while AND TIIEir. DESCENDANTS. 25 these authors have done much to rescue the Salzburgers from the obscurity into which they had been permitted to pass, it was not to have been expected, from the very character of these publications, that ample justice could have been done to the subject. In attempting a particular history of the Salzburgers, it must be admitted that the work is attended with difficulty. Many of their re- cords have been lost or destroyed, and those which have been preserved are so voluminous, and at the same time comprise so much matter that is of very little historical importance, that it would require months, if not years, of patient research to investigate them thoroughly. All that we shall aim at, therefore, will be, to notice briefly the origin of the Salzburgers, and the immediate causes which led to the planting of the colony in Georgia, with an account of their settlement at Ebenezer, and so much of their subsequent history as may be deemed of general interest. The Salzburgers were descended from the Yallenses, a name derived from the Alpine valleys of Piedmont, and which was applied to all who had emigrated into that region, espe- cially from the East. The Vallenses had, for several centuries prior to the Reformation, op- posed the corruptions of the Church of Rome, and had consequently exposed themselves to 26 THE SALZBURGERS severe persecutions, especially at the Lands of the Dukes of Savoy, Avho waged against them a war of extermination. We may properly enu- merate in their history ten bloody persecutions, from the establishment of their church in the commencement of the fifteenth century, until their exodus, which occurred toward the middle of the eighteenth century. To escape the dan- gers to which they were exposed, and to enjoy the free exercise of their religion, they were compelled to secrete themselves in the most in- accessible mountains of Dauphine in France, and the Alps of Switzerland and the Tyrol. Here, in their mountain retreats, secluded from the enjoyments of more civilized life, amid the wild majesty and grandeur of nature, they woi'- shipped God in the true simplicity of the gos- pel, holding communion with Him, " who prefers above all temples the upright heart and pure;" and acquiring continually, by a faithful improve- ment of their advantages, a fitness for that king- dom where the foot of the oppressor shall never enter, and the conflicts of the faithful shall end in everlasting peace and glory. Nor were they content in seeking their own improvement: embarrassing as their circum- stances no doubt were, they felt that it was their duty to embrace every opportunity to im- part to others those religious truths which they had derived from the sacred Scriptures. Hence, AND TIIKIR DESCENDANTS. as far as their situation would permit, they were constantly engaged in efforts to dissemi- nate the doctrines of Christianity among the untutored inhabitants of those mountainous re- gions. And their labour of love was not in vain ; for through their instructions, and more especially by the purity of their lives, hundreds were won to the cause of truth. But this favourable state of things, which had continued for many years, w^as interrupted in the commencement of the seventeenth century. The doctrines of the Reformation, as taught by Luther and Calvin, having been proclaimed throughout Europe, found their way to the re- treats of these devoted Christians ; and panting, as they no doubt did, for clearer views of reli- gious truth, they readily embraced the doctrines of the reformed faith, and identified themselves wuth the friends of evangelical religion. When, therefore, the Church of Rome determined to stop the progress of the Reformation, by perse- cuting and if need be, by exterminating all who favoured it, these devoted people again became the subjects of Popish superstition and rage. They were hunted like wild beasts by the emis- saries of Rome, and made to suffer every cruelty and indignity which the malice of man could possibly devise. One of their ministers, An- thony Brassus, was decapitated, and, as if to add insult to injury, his head was nailed to his pul- 28 THE SALZBURGERS pit; others were scourged mth such severity that they expired at the whipping-post; and every pastor who fell into the hands of the priests was put to death under the most revolting circum- stances. Nor were the lay members of these churches more fortunate than their spiritual shepherds. Some were blown up with gunpowder, others were driven into barns and houses, and suffocated, or made to perish amid the flames of their own dwellings. Neither age nor sex procured exemption from the cruelties of these inhuman monsters; and nothing but the provi- dential escape of a small number, saved this en- tire people from extermination. Those who survived this persecution retreated into the secluded valleys of Teffereck. Here they remained undisturbed, maintaining their religious principles amid great poverty and distress, but still with unshaken confidence in God, though they knew not how soon they would be exposed to new forms of cruelty and death. At the expiration of about seventy years, (during which time Protestantism was supposed to be extinct in the Archbishopric of Salzburg,) a whole congregation of Christians was discoved to exist, and it was ascertained that it had maintained its organization and regu- lar worship for more than half a century. Tef- fereck is a valley of Salzburg, on the borders of the Tyrol, in the district called Windisch- AXD TIIEin DEcCEXDANTS. 20 Matrey; and in its solitudes and in the depths and darkness of its ravines, true faith seemed long to have found a safe retreat. The people had no minister or public instructor of any kind, but met together by night, in thick forests, or in the mines for mutual edification, by singing and prayer ; reading of the Scriptures, Luther's and Spangenberg's sermons, the Augsburg Con- fession, the Shorter Catechism, and other good books. These were carefully perused in the families of such as could read, and the doctrines ■which they inculcated were communicated to their children and more intimate associates. In public, they occasionally attended the services of the Romish Church and partook of the Sacra- ment, but they were still regarded with suspi- cion by the public authorities, and were stigma- tized by the priests as "Secret Lutherans." Still they continued for a long time to enjoy some- thing like peace. But as their numbers in- creased, they began to be watched more carefully, and the appointment for that suffragan of a priest who had been educated by the Jesuits, finally brought matters to a crisis. This man was exceedingly haughty and violent, and fre- quently denounced the pure doctrines of the gospel, which he suspected that these people had embraced. Hence their attendance at church became less and less frequent, and some of them, when there, arose and left the house when they 80 THE SALZBURGERS heard what they regarded as the most essential truths of Christianity misrepresented and blas- phemed. The reigning bishop, Maximilian Gaudolph was speedily informed of the state of things, and he immediately cited two of their number before his court at Hallein. Upon appearing in his presence, he asked where their Lutheran books were, and demanded to know why they did not attend confession and mass ? Upon honestly confessing their senti- ments, they were thrown into prison and put into chains. During three days' confinement they were treated with the utmost severity, after which they were conveyed to Salzburg, to be ex- amined before a higher court. Here they were again asked whether they were Lutherans or Papists ; and upon their answering that they believed the Lutheran doctrines to be clearly founded upon the gospel, they were again im- prisoned for fifty days. While in prison two old Capuchin monks were sent to convert them, but these priestly confessors could not shake their faith, being themselves discomfited by the apt quotations that these humble Christians made from the sacred Scriptures. Reason, or rather sophistry, failing to make any impression, resort was had to torture and the most terrible threat- enings ; but these witnesses for the truth re- mained firm. At length, they were required to furnish the archbishop with a written confession AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. Si of their faith. With this demand they cheer- fully complied, and accompanied their confession with a very humble petition, that the}^ might either be tolerated in their native land, or al- lowed to depart from it with their wives and chil- dren. This confession was drawn up by Joseph Schaitberger, a poor miner, who had enjoyed no opportunities of education out of his own family, but it is in all respects a remarkable document. It commences thus : — " Most noble Prince, our most gracious Lord : Those are truly strong and terrible words, which our Lord Jesus Christ him- self has spoken to hypocritical Christians, vfho deny their faith before the world, when he says : *He that is ashamed of me and denies me be- fore men, of him will I be ashamed, and will deny him before my Father and the holy angels.' Luke ix. and Matt. x. These words, may it please your princely grace, move us not to deny our faith before men, lest we should prove to be hypocrites in the sight of God and of men, which may God prevent." They then proceed to say, that his highness must be aware, that they had always conducted themselves as dutiful subjects, but that as regarded things spiritual, they felt themselves bound to obey God, rather than man ; and while '' rendering unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, to render unto God the things that are God's." In reference, therefore, to the two points on which 32 THE SALZBURGER; tliey were specifically interrogated, viz. the wor- ship of saints and the Lord's Supper, they would express themselves as simply as they could, in explanation of "what they believed to be in ac- cordance with the plain teachings of the word of God. In doing this, they very clearly an- nounced their faith in the great doctrines of Christianity, especially the doctrine of justifica- tion by faith alone; and occasionally refer to the Augsburg Confession and declare their agree- ment with its teachings. In reference to the Lord's Supper, they thus expressed themselves : "As it regards the Holy Supper and Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ, it rests most heavily upon our hearts and consciences, in view of our soul's salvation, as one of our highest duties. But that we have not hitherto drank, according to Christ's command, the blood of Christ in the cup, this we and our forefathers have ever lamented, for it is indeed written, 'Drink ye all of it,' that is not only priests, but all men. Matt, xxvi." The result of this confession was a universal persecution of all, who were even suspected of having embraced these ''heretical" views. They were refused employment, and their property was all taken from them. Their books were seized whenever found, and either torn or burnt. They were put to hard labour upon bread and water for fourteen days, and then required to AND TIIEIIl DESCENDANTS. 33 recant. Some few were subdued by these cruel- ties, and such were required to renounce Luthe- ranism, as a new and damnable heresy, and pro- fess their faith in all the doctrines of the papacy, such as the mass, the intercession of the Virgin Mary and other saints, the sufficiency of the sacraments under one form, purgatory, &;c. Others endeavoured to flee, with their wives and children in the dead of winter, and left all their earthly possessions behind. But not even this privilege was accorded to them by their re- lentless persecutors. Their children were taken from them, under the pretence of givfng them religious instruction. From one thousand pa- rents who were driven from their country during the years 1684 to 1686, not less than six hun- dred children are said to have been taken. The accounts given by the fugitives of the indigni- ties and cruelties to which they had been sub- jected, finally excited the sympathy of those Protestant princes in whose territories they had sought for refuge. About the commencement of the year 1685, Fredrick William, Elector of Brandenburg, addressed a letter to the Arch- bishop of Salzburg, in which he mildly remon- strated against these proceedings, and expressed the hope that they were unauthorized by his grace, especially as they were in direct violation of the peace of Westphalia. He also intimated, that in the absence of every other consideration, 84 THE SALZBURGERS prudence alone would dictate another course, as Protestant states might become so incensed by such conduct as to retaliate upon their Roman Catholic subjects. In June of the same year, the evangelical representatives, (Corpus Evan- gelicum,) assembled at Regensburg, also ad- dressed a remonstrance to the archbishop, who replied, that these people were neither Lutheran nor Reformed, and consequently could not claim the benefits of the treaty of Westphalia. But the evangelical body reiterating their demands early in the following year, and claiming these exiles as their brethren in a common faith, the episcopal government had no longer any pre- text for their violent and illegal conduct, and the Catholic authorities agreed to restore to the Protestants their children and their rights of property. Filled with joy and holy gratitude, a number of the TefFereckers hastened to their once happy valley, provided with every thing which was regarded as necessary to establish their rights as parents and citizens. Great, however, was their surprise, when the Salzburg magistrate, Wolj0f Adam, to whom they reported themselves, without giving them an audience, thus addressed them: "What are you doing here, you Lutheran dogs ? Where are your pass- ports ?" These being produced, he continued his revilings while he sent for a priest to assist in their examination. Upon his arrival their A-SD THEIR DESCEXDANT.S. 35 packs were searched, and all their books taken from them, with this remark, " When we have our baking done, we will use these books to heat the oven." That night these devoted Christians were kept in prison under a guard of twenty soldiers, and the next morning they were ordered to pay a fine o^ thirttf-f our florins. Upon their demurring to do so, they were threatened with additional cruelties, until one of their number gave an order for the amount, to be raised from his property in the valley, upon which a guard conducted them over the frontier, and warned them never again to attempt to enter the country. Representations were duly made to the arch- bishop in relation to the conduct of his subordi- nates and an examination was professedly made, but the accused party escaped with a light repri- mand. Finally, the archbishop endeavoured to extricate himself from all censure, by alleging that the valley of Teffereck was not under his jurisdiction, but a part of the Tyrol, and so sub- ject to the Emperor of Austria. All represen- tations made to the Imperial court were equally unavailing ; and thus these poor people were stripped of all their earthly possessions. Nor was this all. Their wives and children were vrrested from them, except when they succeeded in penetrating the country, and, despite the vigi- lance of the guards, carried off sometimes a wife, sometimes a child, or perhaps in a few 86' THE SALZBURGERS cases, their whole family. During all this time, their sufferings were indescribable. Driven from their homes, they had no place of shelter. De- prived of all employment, they were destitute of the means of providing the necessaries of life. Going forth in the dead of winter, they suffered incredibly from cold and hunger, so that many, after reaching some Protestant state, perished from exhaustion. Still more melancholy was the fate of those from whom their children were torn, and given into the hands of their bitterest enemies, to be trained up under the most dan- gerous and ruinous errors. One of the most remarkable of these sufferers was Joseph Schaitherger^ to whom reference has already been made as the author of the Confes- sion of Faith, which was presented to the arch- bishop. He was born on the 18th of March, 1658, at Diirenburg, in the district of Hallein, about two German miles from the city of Salz- burg. His parents were both pious and decid- edly attached to the evangelical faith, in which he was carefully educated. Being early taught to read by his brother, (who was a schoolmaster,) he soon manifested the deepest love for the sacred Scriptures, so that, like the Psalmist, he "meditated in them by day and by night," and consequently became intimately acquainted with them. He was condemned by the archbishop's court as a heretic, and his two daughters taken AND TIIKIR DESCENDANTS. 37 from him. lie returned twice to recover them, but never succeeded. One of them, however, was finally restored to him in a most remarkable manner. Educated as a most zealous and bigot- ed Catholic, she had been taun:;ht to recjard her father as a heretic, for whom there was no hope of salvation. When she had grown up, and was married, she became so interested in his eternal welfare as to make a journey to Nuremberg, where he was then residing, for the purpose of attempting his conversion. Her filial piety was rewarded ; for the conversations with her father were so blessed to her, that she became a con- vert to the true faith, and after vainly attempt- ing to induce her husband to follow her ex- ample, she spent the rest of her life, a voluntary exile, in Nuremburg, knowing that she would not be allowed to exercise her religion in Salzburg. After his banishment, Schaitberger at first supported himself by cutting wood and other severe manual labour in the city in which he had taken refuge. But his zeal for religion knew no abatement, and he devoted himself to the spiritual interests of his countr^^men, especially those whom he had left behind in Salzburg. Besides visiting them on various occasions, he wrote letters and religious tracts for their instruc- tion and edification, and poured forth his devout feelings in hymns admirably adapted to their HS THE SALZBURGERS circumstances. The influence of these simple productions, though for a long time circulated in manuscript, appears to have been very extraordi- nary. It is not known at what time they were first printed, but it was certainly some years after their good effects became manifest. They were, however, at length collected into a small volume, which was eagerly sought by the vast body of Protestants, who seemed suddenly to spring up from the soil out of which, it was sup- posed, that every germ of evangelical truth had been eradicated. As that immense body of martyrs wended their way to Prussia and other parts of Protestant Germany, and even to Holland and America, they were everywhere heard singing his simple hymns, especially that which was call- ed "The Exile's Hymn," a translation of which is here appended. We are indebted for this translation, as well as much of the information in regard to Schaitberger, to Dr. Reynolds, Pre- sident of Capitol University, Columbus, (Ohio.) Schaitberger lived to see this great work of re- vival in Salzburg, as he died at Nuremburg, toward the close of 1733. His last years were rendered comfortable by the provision made for him by the magistrate of the city, to whom he had so strongly recommended himself by his unblemished life. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 39 THE SALZBURG EMIGRANT'S SONG. I AM a wretched exile here — Thus must my name be given — From native land and all's that dear, For God's word, I am driven. Full well I know, Lord Jesus Christ, Thy treatment was no better : Thy follower I now will be ; To do thy will I'm debtor. Henceforth, a pilgrim I must be. In foreign climes must wander; Lord ! my prayer ascends to theo, That thou my path will ponder. faithful God ! be thou my stay ; I give me to thy keeping ; Forsake me not in this my day, Nor when in death I'm sleeping. Thy faith I freely have confessed : Dare I deny it ? Never ! Not though they call me "heretic," And soul and body sever. My ornament, the galling chain ; For Jesus' sake I wear it, And scarcely feel its weight or pain, ^Vhil© in his faith I bear it. 40 THE SALZBUIlGEllS Though Satan and the world conspire To seize each earthly treasure, If in my heart true faith but dwell, I'm rich beyond all measure. Thy will, God ! be done ! May I Still cheerfully obey thee ! And may thy arm of power and love Encompass still, and stay me ! IX. Though I go forth to poverty, For Christ's sake, I am going, And see in heaven, reserved for me, A crown with glory glowing. Forth from my home I now must go : My children ! Must I leave them ? God ! my tears in anguish flow — Shall I no more receive them ? XI. My God conduct me to a place, Though in some distant nation. Where I may have thy glorious word, And learn thy great salvation. XII. And though in this dark vale of tears I yet awhile must tarry, 1 know that thou to heaven, at length, My ransomed soul will carry ! We come now to speak of the persecution wliich brought those emigrants to America who AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 41 are more especially the subjects of this narra- tive. For forty years the persecuted Protest- ants who resided in the glens and fastnesses of the Alps had been permitted to enjoy their re- ligion in comparative quiet. But, as we have intimated, their doctrines were spreading with too much rapidity, and it was therefore deemed necessary, to interpose the strong arm of civil power to arrest their further progress. This persecution, which was the most cruel and ex- tensive of any that preceded it, was begun at the instance and under the direction of Leopold, Count of Firmain and Archbishop of Salzburg, who, having discovered that many of his subjects had renounced the religion of Rome, determined either to reduce them to submission or to extir- pate them from his dominions. The Archbishopric of Salzburg comprised at this time, the Suffragans of Friessingen, Ratis- bon, Passau, Chiemre, Seckau, Lavant, Briscen, Gurk, and Neustadt, and contained, according to some authorities, a population of not less than 150,000 souls. We cannot ascertain exactly what was the proportion of Protestants within its juris- diction, but it must have been considerable, if we may judge from the large numbers who were compelled to seek a place of safety in other countries. This archbishopric was then the most eastern district of Bavaria, but now forms a detached province in Upper Austria. It ia 4* 42 THE SALZBURGERS called Salzburg, from the broad valley of the Salza, which is made by the approximating of the Norric and Rhetian Alps. All who resided in this region were consequently denominated Salzburgers. Salzburg is the principal city in this district, and as a matter of history it may not be inap- propriate to remark, that it is a place of great antiquity. It was destroyed by Attila in the year 448, but was afterward rebuilt by the Ba- varian dukes, at the request of St. Rupert. It w^as the birthplace of the famous Paracelsus, and here his ashes repose. It contains the re- mains of the ancient Roman baths, from which many valuable antiquities have been obtained. The population is estimated at 15,000. It is the only fortress in Upper Austria. Returning from this short digression, we re- mark that the persecution under Leopold com- menced in 1729, and continued with unabated violence until 1732. The objects of his rage were sought out and pursued by the priests and soldiery of Rome, and experienced every species of outrage which an unbridled fanaticism could suggest. Resort was had to whipping and im- prisonment, and when these failed the unhappy victims were murdered or banished, and their property confiscated. All the natural and sacred ties of life were disregarded. Husbands and wives were separated. Children were torn from AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 43 the embraces of their parents, and forced into monasteries for education in the Romish faith. During this persecution upward of thirty thou- sand Protestants were exiled, and compelled to seek for safety and peace among -their Protestant brethren. Nor were the hearts of those brethren closed against them. Twenty thousand were received in the Prussian dominions, and many of them took up their abode in Wurtemburg, Baden, the city of Augsburg, and other free cities of Swabia. Some also emigrated to Hol- land and England, where they were received with kindness and Christian sympathy, and every effort made to relieve their wants and mitigate their sufferings. Though persecuted, they were not forsaken. Though they were forced to wander about as outcasts from the land of their nativity, yet God was with them, and in the course of his providence was prepar- ing the way, for their permanent escape from spiritual despotism, and was about to transplant some of them at least, to a better country ; where, freed from the fear of man, they could worship Him without molestation, and under cir- cumstances far more favourable, than any in which they had been placed in their much-loved fatherland. 44 THE SALZBURGERS CHAPTER 11. Charter granted by Charles 11. to the Trustees for establishing the colony of Georgia — The design of the colony — General Ogle- thorpe — English settlers arrive at Savannah — " Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge" — Interest on behalf of the Salzburgers — Arrangements to remove the Salzburgers to Georgia — Fifty families engaged for the first transportation — Provision made by the " Society" — Liberality of the "Trustees" — First company of emigrants — Love of country — Departure from their homes— Incidents of their journey — The city of Augsburg — Hospitalities extended to the Salzburgers — Recom- mence their travels — Rev. S. Ui-lsperger — Effects of the sojourn of the Salzburgers at Augsburg — Revival of religion — Further incidents — Arrival at the city of Frankfort — Conduct of the Burgers — Procession — Entrance into the city — Hospitality of the inhabitants — Departure from Frankfort — The Maine and Rhine — Arrival at Rotterdam — Rev. Messrs. Bolzius and Gro- nau — Departure from Rotterdam — Arrival at Dover, in England — Impressions made by the emigrants on their English benefac- tors — Preparations for leaving England — Departure of the Purisburg, first ship with German emigrants, While the scenes recorded in the latter part of the pre\dous chapter were transpiring, events were occurring in England, which in the provi- dence of God, were destined to result in lasting benefits to the Salzburgers. In 1732, a charter was granted by Charles II. to twenty- one noble- men and gentlemen in England, constituting AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 45 them a body corporate, by the name of, " The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia, in America." The design of this enterprise, as stated by the trustees themselves, was not only to provide a home and the means of subsistence for the indigent inhabitants of Great Britain, but also to furnish " a refuge for the distressed Salzburgers and other Protestants." This colony was planted by General James Oglethorpe, who arrived in Georgia, with the first company of English settlers, on the 20th of January, 1733, and laid the foundation of the city of Savannah. No sooner was this corporation organized and its objects made known, than the '< Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge" began to interest itself for the removal of some of the Salzburgers to Georgia; and as early as the 12th of October, 1732, they made application to the "Trustees" to aid them in their benevolent de- signs. The "Trustees" did not feel authorized at this time, to do more for the Salzburgers than to offer them grants of land in their new colony ; all the funds which they controlled having been raised for a different purpose. Steps were how- ever immediately taken, to ascertain whether any of the German Protestants were willing to remove to Georgia, and become British subjects; sub- mitting themselves to such rules as the " Trus- tees" might prescribe. "The Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge" opened a 46 THE SALZBURGERS correspondence with several prominent Protest- ant ministers in different parts of Germany, in order to ascertain if the Salzburgers were dis- posed to avail themselves of their kind offices, and remove to the asylum which it was proposed to provide for them in America. From their correspondents the "Society" learned, that there were hundreds of the perse- cuted Protestants who were not only willing, but anxious to emigrate. This fact was communicated to the "Trustees," who, warranted by a special fund, recently raised for the purpose, sent in December, 1732, an invitation to fifty families of the Salzburgers to remove to Georgia. At the same time, the venerable " Society" proposed to pay their expenses from Germany to Rotterdam, and to furnish the means to sup- port among them a pastor and a catechist. Various causes prevented the immediate execu- tion of these plans. In the mean time, a liberal grant of money was made by the British Parlia- ment to aid .the colony, which, together with three or four thousand pounds from private bene- factions, enabled the " Trustees" to carry out more fully the benevolent intentions of the Society. They consequently wrote again to Germany and requested that a portion of the Salzburgers might be sent over to England, to prepare for their transportation to America ; and, in the mean time, money and articles of AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 47 clothing were forwarded to the continent, to supply their wants and relieve their distresses during the journey. One cannot but admire the liberality which the trustees displayed, in the terms upon which they proposed to transplant these poor, perse- cuted Germans to their new colony. To such as were deemed worthy of their patronage, they advanced the funds necessary to pay their pas- sage and furnish sea-stores. On arriving in Georgia, each Salzburger was to receive three lots. '' One for a house and yard within the town, and one for a garden near the town, and one for tillage at a short distance from the town, (the w^hole embracing fifty acres,) said lands to be a free-hold to them and to their heirs for- ever." In addition to this, the trustees engaged to furnish them with provisions until their lands could be made available for their own support. In consideration of these very liberal grants, the Salzburgers were to obligate themselves to obey the trustees' orders, and become citizens of Georgia, with all the rights and privileges of Englishmen. The necessary arrangements having all been completed, the first company of emigrants be- gan to prepare for their journey. These were from the town of Berchtolsgaden and its vicinity. One may readily imagine the varied sensations of these devoted Christians, as the time drew 48 THE SALZBURGERS near •which was to witness their departure from their homes and their country. True, they had there endured severe persecutions and trials ; but they were men whose natural affections had been refined by the mild influences of Christianity, and, with all its faults, they loved their country still. There, too, were the scenes of their childhood, endeared by all the fond recollections of early life, and hallowed by those religious associations so peculiarly grateful to the pious heart. Yet, how dear soever were their native hills and vales, and painfully pleasing as were many of the re- miniscences of the past, they could not have failed to realize that they were the objects of a cruel hate, and that they held their property and their lives at the disposal of a merciless foe. Beside, their religious principles, which they esteemed more precious than life, had been de- nounced as heresy, and the right to worship God in accordance with their views and feel- ings had been denied them. Thus circumstanced, how peculiarly grateful must have been the pros- pects which unfolded themselves to their vision, as they contemplated their removal from what might, with propriety, be styled the land of their captivity and cruel oppression, to a country where, freed from the restrictions now imposed upon them, and placed beyond the reach of their spiritual enemies, they could worship the God of their fathers without hindrance, and secure to i\ND THKIIl DESCENDANTS. 49 themselves and their posterity a heritage of freedom. At length the day for their departure arrived. Behold now these pious pilgrims about to leave forever their country and their homes. " They were indeed a noble army of martyrs going forth in the strength of God, and triumphing in the faith of the gospel, under the severest hard- ships and the most rigorous persecutions. They "were marshalled under no banners, save that of the cross, and were preceded by no leaders, save their spiritual teachers and the great Cap- tain of their salvation."* They carried with them no weapons, save their hymn-books and their Bibles, and as they journeyed they made the air vocal with their praises to Him who, though he had permitted them to be persecuted and even exiled, had not left them without protec- tion and friends, nor given them up into the hands of their oppressors. Setting out on foot, the direction of their journey required them to pass through Bavaria, and at almost every step they were exposed to insult. Whenever it suited the Catholic author- ities, these wanderers were turned aside from their course, and every effort was made to em- barrass them and render their situation unplea- sant. But no hindrances could check their * Bancroft. 60 THE SALZBURGERS zeal, no promises or threats could change their determination. Onward they march, through the midst of foes, until at last they pass the territory of Bavaria, and arrive before the gates of the free city of Augsburg, in Swabia. But the gates of that renowned city were closed against them.'*' This was indeed a severe trial. In this very place, two hundred years previously, Melancthon and Luther had presented to the Emperor Charles y. and the assembled princes of Germany, that venerable symbol of the reformed faith which from this city received the name of the Augs- burg Oonfe'ssion.-f It was for embracing this confession, and for their consistent and unwa- vering maintenance of its doctrines, that they had endured so much persecution, and were now wandering in exile, seeking for a home in a dis- tant and unknown clime. However, though at first repulsed, the officers of the city, overawed by the Protestant inhabitants, reluctantly ad- mitted the emigrants, and their Lutheran bre- thren immediately made provision for their enter- tainment and the supply of their wants. Here for a season they rested, enjoying the kind hos- pitality of their Christian friends, and gathering from their sympathy and their offices of love, fresh courage and encouragement for the * Stevens. f Ibid. r. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 51 further prosecution of their long and tedious journey. The news of the arrival of the Salzburgers at Augsburg, soon spread through the neighbour- ing countries, and now it would seem that the sympathies of evangelical Christians were gene- rally aroused on their behalf. Not only did the Lutheran pastors and their flocks manifest a deep interest in their welfare, but princes, pro- fessors, and students in the universities and colleges vied with each other in doing honour to those who, in obeying the dictates of their con- sciences and yielding to a sense of religious ob- ligation, had preferred banishment, rather than renounce their attachment to the gospel.* On the 21st day of October, 1733, the Salz- burgers recommenced their pilgrimage, after a discourse and prayer, and a benediction. This company of emigrants consisted of forty-two men, with their families, numbering in all seventy- eight persons. The arrangements for their trans- portation to Georgia had been previously made with the "Trustees," by the venerable Samuel Urlsperger, then pastor of the Lutheran church, of St. Ann in the city of Augsburg, who be- stowed special attention upon them during their sojourn, and ever afterward watched over their welfare with the solicitude of an aflfectionatc * StevcDi 52 THE SALZBUKGERS father. On leaving the city, the Salzburgers, were furnished by their friends, with three rude carts, in one of which they placed their baggage, while the others conveyed their feeble women and helpless children ; the rest travelled on foot. It was under such circumstances that they began their weary march, as pilgrims seeking a better country. The sojourn of the Salzburgers in Augsburg was not Avithout its practical effects upon the in- habitants of the city. The power of the gospel was so strikingly exemplified in the patience and fortitude which they displayed x amid all their sufferings, and they evinced a spirit of such deep and fervent piety in their general deportment, that by their example many were awakened, and the churches were blessed with a very gracious revival of religion. Thus, while they were flying from persecution, God was employing their instrumentality in multiplying the triumphs of evangelical truth. After leaving Augsburg, the incidents con- nected with their journey varied according to ,the religious character of the country through which they passed. At one time they are en- couraged by the hospitality and sympathy of friends; at other times, exposed to the scofTs and maltreatment of their enemies. To-day they receive every assistance which Christian kindness can suggest ; to-morrow they are AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. o3 threatened by their adversaries, and turned aside from their way by their intolerant enemies. But amid the most trying circumstances they were cheerful and happy, always looking up to the throne of God with joyful hope, and sus- tained by the promise, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Pursuing their weary pilgrimage, they arrived at length at the Protestant city of Frankfort, in Nassau. The burghers of the city, hearing of their approach, went out to meet and welcome them, and extend to them a hospitable recep- tion. We can easily imagine with what warm enthusiasm these Christian men greeted the toil- worn exiles, arid how aifecting was the scene, as they embraced each other as the disciples of the same Saviour, and as the professors of a common faith. Their salutations being over, and the first gust of feeling having subsided, a procession was formed, headed by the pious burghers, and they marched into the city two by two. And how solemn and imposing their entrance ! No clangour of trumpets, no notes of martial music herald their approach. They pass into the city, not amid the shouts of the noisy multitude, but singing one of those beau- tiful psalms in which they had been wont, in their native land, to pour forth the pious aspi- rations of their souls to their Saviour and their God. This little incident speaks volumes iu M THE SALZBUKGERS testimony of the truly devotional spirit which characterized these people, and shows, too, that their strength lay in the simplicity of their faith. At Frankfort, as at Augsburg, the Salzburgers experienced every attention which Christian affec- tion could suggest and an ample charity pro- vide. After remaining here for a few days to refresh themselves, and to partake of the bounty of their brethren, they embarked upon the Maine, and soon found themselves floating upon the waters of the beautiful Rhine. "As they passed be- tween the castled crags, the vineyards, and the white-walled towns that adorn its banks, their conversation, amid hymns and psalms, is of jus- tification and sanctification."* Thus employed, the hours glided away, not only pleasantly but profitably, and they realize every day more fully the joys and consolations of that religion for the enjoyment of which they had suffered the loss of all things. On the 27th of November they reached the city of Rotterdam. Here they were joined by their chosen teachers, the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, and Rev. Israel Christian Gronau. The former had been superintendent of the Latin Orphan House at Halle, and the latter a tutor in the same institution. These pious men, in the exercise of a truly missionary spirit, had "••• Bancroft. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 55 consented to relinquish the lucrative and honour- able positions which they held in the institution at Halle, that they might accompany the Salz- burgers to Georgia, and minister to their spiritual wants. Subsequent events showed, that this im- portant trust was confided to those who were in every respect worthy of it. Very little is known of the early history of Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau. All that has been ascertained in refe- rence to Mr. Bolzius is, that he was born on the 15th of December, 1703, and ordained to the gospel ministry on the 11th of November, 1733. After staying for a week at Rotterdam, the emigrants, in company with their pastors, em- barked on board of one of the Trustees' ships on the 2d of December. Their passage down the English Channel was a long and tedious one, the weather having been boisterous and the winds adverse. On the 21st day of December they arrived safely at Dover, in England- Here they were visited by the "Trustees," who bestowed on them every attention which their circumstances seemed to require. Nor did they fail to engage the sympathies of their English friends. Their piety and humility, their exemplary conduct under all circumstances, together with the suf- ferings and privations which they had endured in the cause of Christian truth, r-ommended them to the confidence and the kind regards of 56 THE SALZBURG KRS all who were capable of appreciating their vir- tues or pitying their wrongs. The arrangements for their voyage to America were made with all reasonable despatch, and the 28th day of December was fixed upon as the time for their departure for their new homes. The Trustees administered to each Salzburger an " oath of strict piety, loyalty, and fidelity," after which they spent several hours in devo- tional exercises.* Their pastor preached to them an appropriate sermon from the words, (Isa. xlix. 10,) ^' He that hath mercy on them will lead them." In this address he endea- voured, by reviewing the mercies which they had experienced under the most trying circum- stances, to inspire them with fresh confidence in the goodness of God. He encouraged them to believe, that He ayIio had hitherto been their protector, and had defended them against all the machinations of their enemies, would watch over them amidst the dangers of the trackless ocean, as well as those to which they might be exposed in the strange land whither they were going. After singing a hymn and uniting in prayer, the Purisburg, (the first ship conveying German emigrants,) unfolded her sails, and the first company of Salzburgers who were to aid in the colonization of Georgia, departed for their distant home. Stevcus. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 57 CHAPTER III. The Salzburgers at sea — Conduct during the voj'age — Arrival at Charleston, S. C. — General Oglethorpe — Departure from Charleston — Arrival at Savannah — Sentiments of the emigrants — Their reception at Savannah — Notes of Mr. Bolzius — Baron Yon Reck — Conduct of the Indians — Disembarkation of the Salzburgers — Liberality of General Oglethorpe — Expedition into the country — Description of the country — Devout conduct of the Salzburgers — Ebenezer — Foundation of the colony — Location of their settlement — Uchee Indians — St. Matthew's Parish — Lord Effingham — Town laid out — Salzburgers remove to theirnew home — Impressions in relation to the nature of the country — Baron Von Reek's enthusiastic descriptitm — Real cha- racter of the country — Assignment of lots — Hardships incident to colonization — Scarcity of mechanics and materials for building — Other trials — Sickness and death among the colonists — Ex- tracts from Mr. Bolzius' journal — Influence of affliction — Arri- val of a second company of Salzburgers — Improvement in the condition of the colony — Progress of the town, &c. To one -who has always resided at a distance from the sea-board, few objects appear more awfully grand than the mighty ocean, with its seemingly boundless space of waters. Nowhere will man be more fully impressed with a sense of his dependence than when he is isolated from the rest of the world, and left to the mercy of the winds and waves. If at any time the soul is disposed for holy contemplation, it must bo 58 THE SALZBURGERS ■when man is removed far away from human succour and in the consciousness of his own help- lessness is forced to meditate upon the power and goodness of his Creator. Such was now the situation of the Salzbur- gers. Coming from the interior of Europe, they knew nothing of the ocean, except what they had heard ; and to them the perils of a voyage at sea no doubt assumed a fearful cha- racter. Launched upon its bosom, every thing was new to them, and they knew not which to admire most, its strangeness or its sublimity. But though its wonders inspired them with awe and humility, their hearts, sustained by a holy fortitude, experienced no fear ; and no sooner did the shores of England vanish from their vision, than they broke forth in psalms of praise to Him "who measures the waters in the hollow of His hands." Every day furnished them with new subjects of contemplation. The ocean hushed into repose, or lashed by the winds into furious commotion ; the dark and lowering storm howl- ing through their vessel ; the gentle breezes wafting them gayly on their course, all supply them with themes of thanksgiving, and awaken in their souls new emotions of gratitude. Nor did they, in the exciting scenes which surrounded them, neglect their spiritual im- provement. Blessed with the presence of two pious teachers, much of their time was spent in AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. .09 religious conversation. Daily worship was ob- served; and when the Sabbath arrived, their ship became their Bethel, where they were favored with the faithful preaching of the gos- pel, and enjoyed, as far as their situation would permit, all the privileges of the sanctuary. After a perilous passage of one hundred and four days, they reached Charleston, S. C, early in March, 1734. Here they providentially met General Oglethorpe, who had gone thither for the purpose of making a voyage to England, with a view to procure reinforcements for the colony. As soon, however, as he heard of the arrival of the Salzburgers, with his usual benevolence of heart he relinquished his intended journey, and returned to Georgia to aid these exiles in making an advantageous settlement. Remaining in Charleston a few days, the Salzburgers re-embarked on the 9th day of March. On the 11th they entered the Savan- nah River. This, according to the Lutheran Calendar, was "Reminiscere Sunday." Here was indeed a striking coincidence, and the oc- casion suggested a train of very pleasing reflec- tions. No doubt they recalled the memories of other days, when they endured so much afflic- tion for conscience sake ; and in dwelling upon the scenes of trial through which they had passed, the kindness with which God had safely conducted them through every danger, and the m THE SALZBURGERS favourable prospects which now opened to them, their hearts were oppressed by a sense of gratitude too great for utterance. But amid the associations of this hallow^ed day their minds were calm. The promises of peace and mercy tranquillized their spirits, and no anxious cares for the future disturbed their repose. One of their number, in a letter to a friend in Germany, speaks thus of this occasion : " While we lay off the banks of our dear Georgia, in a very lovely calm, and heard the birds singing sweetly, all was cheerful on board. It was really edify- ing to us, that we came to the borders of the promised land this day, when, as we are taught by its lessons from the gospel, Jesus came to the sea-coast after he had endured persecution and rejection by his countrymen."* To com- memorate this day, it was resolved to celebrate it as an annual festival of thanksgiving to God ; and this practice w^as observed for a very long period. On the 12th of March the Salzburgers reached Savannah, and here a truly cordial reception was given them. They were greeted with the acclamations of the colonists, and entertained with every mark of hospitality. General Oglethorpe himself went down to the river to meet and wel- come them to their new homes, and with his accus- tomed liberality offered to give them any of the un- * Steveus. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 61 appropriated lands upon which they might prefer to settle, and to furnish them -with every facility that he could command. Such were the favour- able circumstances under which these pilgrims reached the land of their adoption. Mr. Bolzius, in his journal, under date of March 11, 1734, says, *'At the place of our landing almost all the inhabitants of Savannah were gathered together. They fired off some cannon, and cried huzza ! which was answered by our sailors, and other English people in our ship, in the same manner. A good dinner was prepared for us. We, the commissary, and Dr. Twiffler, our physician were lodged in the house of the Rev. Mr. Quincy, the English mis- sionary." Baron Von Reck thus records the same event : " The citizens returned our salute of five guns with three ; and all the magistrates, the citizens, and the Indians came to the river side. The two divines, (Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau,) Mr. Dunbar, some others, and myself went ashore in a boat. We were received with all possible demonstrations of joy, friendship, and civility. The Indians reached their hands to me, as a testimony of their joy also for our arrival. The Salzburgers came on shore after us, and we immediately pitched a tent for them in the square of the town." The Salzburgers having all safely disem- G 62 THE SALZBURGERS barked, the next object of interest "vvas to select a location for their settlement. General Ogle- thorpe informed Baron Von Reck (who con- ducted this expedition) that his people might exercise their own choice in this particular This fact being communicated to them, they expressed a desire to be removed to some dis- tance from the sea, where the scenery was diver- sified with hill and dale, and they might be supplied with springs of w^ater. This wish, no doubt, originated in the associations connected with home, such having been the nature of the country in which they had been reared. To carry out their views. General Oglethorpe, in company with Paul Jenys, Esq., Speaker of the South Carolina House of Assembly, Baron Yon Reck, Mr. Gronau, Dr. Twiffler, their physician, and one of the Lutheran elders, together with some Indians, made a tour of observation into the adjoining country, while the great body of the Germans remained in the city to rest them- selves from the effects of their long and tedious voyage. The "corps of observation," in the accom- plishment of their mission, penetrated nearly thirty miles into the interior, where they disco- vered a location which, it was supposed, would meet the wishes of the emigrants. The place was described as being on " the banks of a river of clear water, the sides high, the country AND TIIETR DESCENDANTS. 63 of the neighbourhood hilly, with valleys of rich cane-land, intermixed with little brooks and springs of water." The Salzburgers who were of this company expressed themselves as highly gratified with the situation and the general ap- pearance of the country. But as they had been wont to sanctify every act by thanksgiving and prayer, and as the events of this day would probably exert an important influence upon their future prosperity, they meekly bowed beside the water, and invoked the divine protection and blessing. They finished their journey, as they commenced it, with fervent praise to God for his great goodness as displayed in their past history, but especially in bringing them to so goodly a land. After singing a psalm, they set up a rock, which they found upon the spot, and, in the spirit of the pious Samuel, named the place Ebenezer, (the stone of help,) for they could truly say, " Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." Thus, with devout gratitude to God, and humble reliance upon his goodness, the founda- tion was laid for the Colony of the Salz- burgers. It may be well here to. remark that the lands alloted to the Salzburgers bordered on the pos- sessions of the Uchee Indians, from whom Gene- ral Oglethorpe obtained them some time pre- viously. It is worthy of note that though these Indians were near neighbours to the Germans, • 64 THE SALZBURGERS they never manifested any hostile disposition. On the contrary, there is reason to believe that the most friendly relations always subsisted be- tween them. It may be proper to state here that the place selected was about twenty-five miles from the city of Savannah, in a district of country afterward known as St. Matthew's Parish, and subsequently erected into a county, which was called EfiBngham, after an English nobleman — Lord Effingham — who defended, in the British Parliament, in 1775, the resistance of the American Colonies to the usurpations of the mother country, and resigned his commis- sion in the British army when he ascertained that his regiment was about to be ordered to America, to aid in enforcing the unjust exac- tions of the crown. The county still bears that title. The site for a settlement having been agreed upon, General Oglethorpe marked out the town, and sent up workmen to assist the colonists in clearing lands and erecting temporary dwellings, which consisted of tents and sheds constructed of rough planks. In a few weeks, the prepara- tions for the accommodation of the settlers being in a suitable state of forwardness, the whole body of Germans, in company with their pastors, went up to their new homes at Ebenezer. Here in the wilderness of Georgia, far distant from the land of their birth and the graves of their AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 65 fathers, these exiles ended their wanderings, and found at last a resting-place, where, freed from the censorship of man, and unawed by fears of violence, they could enjoy repose and ■worship God, '< under their own vine and fig- tree." Hitherto they had been driven from place to place, and nowhere had they found "A sheltering home of sympathy and love." But now their conflicts were measurably ended. The providence of God had placed them beyond the reach of persecution, and they could erect their spiritual temples, enjoy the teachings of their faithful pastors, rear their offspring to virtue and to usefulness under the benign in- fluences of the gospel ; and living in the grateful use of the bounties of a kind Providence, and the faithful improvement of the means of grace, pass their days in contentment and peace, and acquire continually a fitness for that still more glorious heritage prepared for them in heaven. We may learn from the journal of Baron Von Reck how the Salzburgers esteemed their new residence. He states that "the lands are en- closed between two rivers which fall into the Savannah. The town is to be built near the largest, which is called Ebenezer, in remem- brance that God has brought them hither. It is navigable, being twelve feet deep. A little rivulet, whose water is clear as crystal, glides by the town. Another runs through it and both 66 THE SALZBURGERS fall into the Ebenezer. The woods here are not so thick as in other places. The sweet zephyrs preserve a delicious coolness, notwithstanding the scorching beams of the sun» There are very fine meadows, in which a great quantity of hay might be made with very little trouble. The hillocks are also very fit. for vines. The cedar, walnut, pine, cypress, and oak make the great- est part of the woods. There are likewise a great quantity of myrtle-trees, out of which they extract, by boiling the berries, a green wax very proper to make candles with. There is much sassafras, and a great quantity of those plants of which indigo is made, and an abun- dance of China-root. The earth is so fertile, that it will bring forth any thing that can be sown or planted in it, whether fruits, herbs, or trees. There are wild vines, which run up' to the tops of the tallest trees, and the country is so good that any one may ride in full gallop twenty or thirty miles. As to game, here are eagles, wild turkeys, roe-bucks, wild goats, stags, wild cows, horses, hares, partridges, and buifaloes." To one living at this distant period, and who is at all acquainted with the locality of old Ebenezer, and the general character of the sur- rounding country, the above description by the enthusiastic baron appears to partake somewhat of the marvellous. We must either make con- AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 67 siderable allowances for the warmth of his ima- gination, or conclude that the country has under- gone a very great change. The site of their town was about four miles below Springfield, the present seat of justice for Effingham county, in a region which is composed of hills and plains that are very sterile, and upon which no one, having a correct knowledge of the character of the soil, would ever think of settling a farm. But circumstanced as the Salzburgers were, exiled from their country and worn out by the fatigue of travelling both by sea and by land, they no doubt were inclined to regard with favour any spot, which promised them rest from their toils and a period to their cruel sufferings. Upon the arrival of the Salzburgers at Ebcn- ezer, it was deemed proper to assign a lot of land to each family, according to the design of the Trustees. This having been done, arrange- ments were made for the erection of more per- mament and comfortable dwellings, and a plan was adopted for a house of worship. But now these devoted people were to experience many of the difficulties and hardships which are always incident upon a new settlement. In building their houses, they were very much hin- dered by the scarcity of materials. It is true, the Trustees had furnished a supply of plank and other timber, but not in sufficient quantities to meet the demand of the settlers. Besides, 68 THE SALZBURGERS there were among them very few mechanics ; and not being able to erect either saw or grist mills, their situation became very trying. In a newly- settled country, too, the means of transportation were necessarily very limited; and having no boats or wagons of their own, they were entirely dependant on the government for the conveyance of their supplies ; and such were the straits to which they were at times reduced, that they were compelled to carry their provisions upon their backs from Savannah, a distance of twenty- five miles. To add to their sufferings, much sickness prevailed among them, superinduced no doubt, by exposure and excessive fatigue in a warm climate. The mortality which ensued was very distressing ; but we learn from the journal of Pastor Bolzius, that those who became victims to disease and death endured their afilictions with Christian resignation, and closed their earthly pilgrimage with joy and triumph. Among those of whom special mention is made, was a Mrs. Goshwandel. Speaking of her, Mr. Bolzius remarks : *' It had pleased Almighty God to lead her through tedious and painful hours previous to her death. She im- proved the Passion Week to derive spiritual strength and comfort from contemplating the sufferings of her Saviour, and would have been rejoiced had the Lord called her home on the anniversary of his death. No complaints es- AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 69 caped her lips; and when visitors noticed her distress, she would say : * Our Lord is kind to me, and he can restore me, if it is his will, and resignation to that will is all I desire.' God granted her great comfort during the last mo- ments of her life." Speaking of a visit to another about the same time, Mr. Bolzius remarks : " Our sick friend expressed his dissatisfaction with himself on account of his negligence and carelessness toward all that was most valuable to man ; he observed that the zeal he had felt during the persecutions in Salzburg had left him, which grieved him very much. He remembered per- fectly well, he said, how the most ignorant peo- ple in Salzburg had frequently assembled in mountains and among the cliffs of rocks for the purpose of singing, praying, and the reading of the Scriptures, being full of hunger and thirst after the word ; and how they had experienced the goodness and mercy of God in these meet- ings. In this frame he expired." In recording the death of another person, this faithful pastor says : " To-day our friend departed this life. In the midst of great pain, her trust and con- fidence were in the will of the Lord, and she was anxious to be with him." Having visited a sick man by the name of Schofpach, the pastor states : " I found him very low-spirited, and spoke to him about our to THE SALZBURGERS dear Saviour, setting forth to him how we might both live and die happily in communion with Christ. He assented to all that I had said, and stated that he was now experiencing that man, in himself, was nothing at all ; that sin was the greatest of all evils ; and that it was necessary to treasure up much of the grace of God and the hopes of the gospel for the contest of the last hour. Having prayed with him, I left him in hopes that the Lord would bless that visit. A few days after, this man expired with a joyful confidence in the atonement of Christ." Thus it will be seen that death was making inroads upon the infant town, and filling many a family wdth sorrow and mourning. But these seemingly adverse circumstances were not with- out their salutary effect, in checking every thing like worldly-mindedness and indifference to reli- gious duty, and in endearing to the hearts of this people that religion, which could not only cheer and support them under every trial of life, but w^as capable of imparting serenity and triumph in the hour of death. Amid all these scenes of sufi"ering and distress, the emigrants laboured patiently, though they were exposed to sickness and hunger, and even death, hoping for better and happier days. Such was the state of things at Ebenezer, when a second party of emigrants arrived. These were likewise Salzburgers, who had been AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 71 sent over by the Trustees in the ship '' Prince of Wales," which vessel left England in Novem- ber, 1734, and arrived in Georgia the early- part of the next year. This expedition, which consisted of fifty-seven persons, was conducted by Mr. Vatt. On reaching Savannah, they im- mediately set out to join their brethren at their new town. They were kindly received, and pro- vision made for them as far as the means of the colonists would warrant. It was with difficulty, however, that they could be furnished with lodg- ings, and the stock of food in the colony was not very abundant. Nevertheless, by this ac- cession to their numbers, the colonists were greatly benefited, for among the new comers were many mechanics, whose labours were of essential service. By their aid, planks were soon sawed, timber hewed, boards and shingles split, and the good people went cheerfully to work to improve their dwellings. As to their church, they were compelled as yet to worship in a large wooden tent, which during a part of the time had been the residence of their ministers. By degrees, many of their houses were finished; and here in the wilderness of Georgia, upon the very borders of an Indian tribe, sprung up a thrifty little town, with its humble cottages ; and here, far away from the abodes of civilization, a Christian community was established, in which the pure doctrines of the gospel were taught, 72 THE SALZBURGERS and God was worshipped in the simplicity and sincerity which characterized the first ages of the church. Would to God that this state of things had always continued ! That it did not, was not attributable to any want of fidelity on the part of their religious teachers, or to any heterodoxy in doctrine or laxity of discipline. But it will not do to anticipate the future. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 73 CHAPTER IV. General Oglethorpe visits England — Favourable condition of tho colony — Trustees determine to send out reinforcements — Aid from British Parliament — Character of the colonists engaged — Highlanders and Salzburgers — Liberal terms proposed by the Trustees — Captain Ilerrasdorff and Baron Von Reck — The Trus- tees charter tho "London Merchant" and the "Symond" — The "great embarkation" — English and German emigrants — Mora- vians under Bishop Nitschman — John and Charles Wesley — Departure from England — Storm at sea — Effect of the conduct of the Germans upon Mr. ^Yesley — Testimony of Dr. Jackson, President of British Conference — Mr. Wesley's spiritual condi- tion — Conference with Mr. Spangenburg — Influence of the Mo- ravians — Rev. Peter Boehler — Salzburgers confounded with the Moravians — Mistake of Mr. Bancroft — Removal of Moravians to Pennsylvania — Mr. Wesley's religious experience — Extract from his journal — Subsequent visit to England — His conversion — Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans — Mr. Wesley's preaching after his conversion — Forms " Societies," the basis of Wesleyan Methodism — The Methodist Church a fruit of the Lutheran Reformation — Arrival of the " embarkation" at Sa- vannah — Settlement of Salzburgers on St. Simon's Island — Views of the Germans in relation to war — Reinforcement at Ebenezer — Lutheran settlement at Frederica — Rev. U. Dreisler — Revs. Bolzius and Gronau visit Savannah — Conference with General Oglethorpe — Salzburgers dissatisfied with their location, and desire a change — General Oglethorpe visits Ebenezer — Reasons of the Salzburgers for desiring to remove — General Oglethorpe's advice and kindness to the Salzburgers — Change of location determined upon. The aifairs of the colonists, both at Savannah and at Ebenezer, being considered in a favour- 7 ^4 THE SALZBUrtGEPvS able condition, General Oglethorpe determinecl to visit his friends in England. Taking with him a number of Indians and other persons, he departed from Savannah in the winter of 1734, and arrived in England early the following spring. His representations to the Trustees of the flattering prospects of their colony, induced that honourable body to resolve upon strength- ening it by sending out new settlers, and by taking the necessary steps to provide for its greater security. In July, 1735, publication was made, that the Trustees would provide for the transportation of a given number of such persons as might be approved by them. The terms proposed were so liberal, and the success of the colony being no longer a matter of doubt, upward of twelve hundred persons made application to be sent over to Georgia. Though the funds of the Trustees had been greatly increased by the very liberal grant from the British Parliament of .£26,000, yet they did not feel warranted in giving encouragement to any but worthy per- sons, and such as would be likely to prove of advantage to the colony. It was therefore re- solved that this embarkation should consist chiefly of the Highlanders from Scotland and the persecuted Salzburgers from Germany. In accordance with this determination, the Trustees invited one hundred Germans from the AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. city of Ratisbon to remove to Georgia, and set- tle under their patronage. They engaged to give them a free passage, with an ample supply of sea-stores, and a freehold of fifty acres of land to every settler, together with such an out- fit of clothes, tools, and farming utensils, as might be deemed necessary. To these propo- sals the Salzburgers consented, and about eighty of them, under the conduct of Captain Ilerms- dorf and Baron Von Reck, repaired to England to avail themselves of the liberality of the Trustees. A sufficient number of emigrants having been secured, the Trustees chartered for their trans- portation two ships, the Symond^ of two hun- dred tons. Captain Joseph Cornish, and the London Merchant^ of the same burden, Cap- tain John Thomas. The whole number consisted of two hundred and twenty-seven persons. This was called the great embarkation. Besides the Salzburgers and a number from England, there were twenty-seven Moravians, under the care of one of their bishops, the Rev. David Nitsch- man. General Oglethorpe accompanied this ex- pedition, and took with him several English gentlemen of distinction. Among the passen- gers were Messrs. John and Charles Wesley, the former of whom was going to Georgia, by invitation of General Oglethorpe, to preach the gospel to the Indians, and to improve, as far as 76 THE SALZBURGERS might be practicable, the moral and religious condition of the colony. The Symond and the London Merchant sailed from Gravesend on the 20th of October, 1735, under convoy of His Majesty's sloop-of-war Hawk, Captain Gascoine. It was not, however, until the 10th of December that they passed the Needles, and lost sight of the English coast. This voyage was a long and tempestuous one. There were frequent and violent storms, and on several occasions the vessels were in imminent danger of being shipwrecked. During one of these terrible gales, an incident occurred, the results of which will in all probability be felt until the end of time. It has been noticed that among the passen- gers were Messrs. John and Charles Wesley. The former had received orders in the Church of England, and was now on his voyage to en- gage in the duties of his high vocation. The German passengers, by their humble piety, had attracted Mr. Wesley's attention, and awakened in his mind special interest on their behalf; and God, in his providence, seems to have designed that they were to exercise an im- portant influence upon his religious character and his future history. On a Sabbath, about noon, while the Salzburgers and other Germans were engaged in public worship, a storm sud- denly arose, which seems to have surpassed in AND THEIR DESCENDAXTS. 77 violence every other that occurred during the voyage. Amid the commotion of the elements nearly every heart quaked, and some almost died with fear. Mr. Wesley himself was seriously alarmed at the imminent peril in which he and his fellow-passengers were placed. Notwithstanding his Christian profession, and his relation to the church as one of her accredited ministers, there was something wanting in his spiritual experience to fortify his mind against the fear of death. But far otherwise were the feelings of the pious Salzburgers and Moravians. While the tempest raged and the swelling billows threatened to engulf them, they calmly sang the praises of God, and manifested the most per- fect self-composure and exemption from all fear, under the most appalling circumstances. When the tempest had subsided, Mr. Wesley inquired of one of the Germans, "Were you not afraid?" He mildly replied, "I thank God, no!" "But were not your women and children afraid?" He answered, "No! our women and children are not afraid to die !" Dr. Jackson, President of the British Conference, speaking of this oc- currence in his Centenary of Methodism, re- marks : " In these strangers the English Metho- dists beheld Christianity in a light more gentle, attractive, and consoling than that in which they had ever before seen it. " In storms and hurricanes, when others were "7* 19 THE 8ALZBURQERS ready to die "with fear, they calmly sang the praises of God, expressing a cheerful confidence and resignation in the prospect of immediately perishing in the great deep. With the tempers of these people the Wesleys "\Yere, at this time, personally unacquainted. Neither of them -was delivered from the fear of death, and they had no just conception of the holy cheerfulness ■which is produced by an application of the blood of Christ to the conscience, and the abiding witness and operations of the heavenly Com- forter. Theirs was a religion of fear and mor- tification, rather than of holy peace and joy." It was under these circumstances that Mr. Wesley's attention was for the first time arrested to his spiritual condition ; and now he realized what he had never done before, the groundless- ness of his religious hopes, and his destitution of that religious faith which is necessary to justify the sinner and impart perfect peace to the mind. The impressions made upon Mr. Wesley by the conduct of these Germans during the voyage were strengthened upon his arrival at Savannah. Here he "vjas introduced to Mr. Spangenburg, one of the Moravian pastors, who had reached that place some time previously. Mr. Wesley immediately applied to this devoted man for ad- vice in reference to his future course. Mr. Spangenburg, in complying with Mr. Wesley's AND THEIK DESCENDANTS. 79 "wishes, questioned him very closely concerning his religious experience. This conversation, while it revealed more fully to Mr. Wesley his ignorance of experimental religion, also ex- plained the cause of those fears which he had experienced during the storm at sea. <' His heart was not yet right in the sight of God." It will not be denied that Mr. Wesley re- ceived more instruction from the Moravians than from the Salzburgers ; and he himself declares that he had derived more light from the Rev. Peter Boehler than from any other man with whom he had ever conversed. But still it will be manifest to every impartial mind that is fami- liar with all the facts, that Mr. Wesley beheld in the persons of the Germans who were his fellow-passengers, and by far the great majority of whom were Salzburgers, the first practical illustration of the happy influence of genuine piety upon the disposition, affections, and gene- ral deportment of those who have experienced it. Whatever benefit Mr. Wesley may have subsequently received from the Moravians, and especially from Mr. Boehler, it is clear, that it was through his intercourse with the Salzbur- gers and other Germans at sea, under the cir- cumstances already mentioned, that he obtained views of the true state of his own soul which he had never before experienced, and realized for the first time his want of that acceptance 80 THE SAL2DURGER3 with God which is necessary to tranquillize the heart, and give serenity to the conscience, under all the varied circumstances of life. The question might be asked, why does Mr. Wesley make such particular mention of the " Mo- ravians," and the instructions which he had re- ceived from their pastors, while he says nothing of the Salzburgers, who were Lutherans ? The answer to this question is, that Mr. "Wesley seems not to have distinguished the former from the latter, their characters being so very similar ; and hence he speaks of them all as "Germans." A similar error has been committed by Mr. Bancroft in his history of the United States. In every instance in which he speaks of the German colonists at Ebenezer, he calls them "Moravians." It is time that these false im- pressions had been removed. The Moravians never made any permanent settlement in Georgia. When the Spanish war broke out, they removed, almost to a man, to the State of Pennsylvania, because it was con- trary to their religious faith to take up arms in any cause. Hence, they never left the impress of their peculiar tenets and usages upon any por- tion of the colony. Beside this, the pastors of the Moravians were with them, and it was very natural that Mr. Wesley should look to them for instruction ; AND TIIEin DESCENDANTS. 81 but the Salzburgers were unaccompanied by any spiritual teacher, their pastors having been settled at Ebenezer for nearly two years. Now, whatever may haTc been the causes operating upon Mr. Wesley afterward, and by what means soever he was more fully indoctrinated in the essential pi-inciples of Christianity, it must still remain true, that it was at sea, while sailing with the German emigrants, that the practical influence of evangelical religion was first real- ized by him; and it may not be assuming too much to express the opinion that, but for his intercourse with the Salzhurgers and other Ger- mans, connected with the peculiar incidents of this voyage, he might have long remained un- conscious of his spiritual condition, and he might possibly never have realized it. For, as he himself remarks, "I was ignorant of the na- ture of saving faith, apprehending it to mean no more than a firm assent to all the propositions contained in the Old and New Testament." Two years after his first visit to Georgia, Mr. Wesley returned to England, and shortly after his arrival he made the following note in his journal: " It is now two years and nearly four months since I went to America to teach the Georgia Indians the nature of Christianity ; but what have I learned of myself in the mean time ? why (what of all I least expected) that I, who went to America to convert others, was ^ - THE SALZBURGERS never myself converted to God." It is a mat- ter of history, that subsequently Mr. Wesley was converted at a prayer-meeting, which he attended among the Moravians in Aldersgate street, London, while one was reading Luther's preface to Paul's Epistle to the Romans, in which the great Reformer has given such a clear elucidation of the doctrine of justification hy faith. No sooner was Mr. "Wesley converted, than he commenced to preach the great doctrines of repentance and faith, and the necessity of a radical change of heart and life to all who would secure their salvation. The proclama- tion of these doctrines in England, where reli- gion in the Established Church had degenerated into a lifeless formality, together with the ear- nest and convincing manner in which he enforced them, aroused against him so strong a prejudice, that he was, as if by common consent, excluded from the churches of the Establishment, and was compelled to preach in the open air. One measure naturally led to another, and soon Mr. Wesley found it necessary to form those " So- cieties" which afterward became the basis of that ecclesiastical organization known as " Wes- leyan Methodism;" a system, whose beneficial effects upon the spiritual condition of the world, have been seen and felt in almost every part of the globe, and will no doubt continue to exert a AND TTIKIR DESCENDANTS. 83 wider and still wider influence until the end of time. It is, therefore, not assuming too much, to say that Mr. Wesley's conversion and the establish- ment of the Methodist Church may be regarded as the legitimate fruits of the Lutheran Refor- mation. And it is an easy matter, in this view of the subject, to account for the striking simi- larity which exists between the doctrines of the Lutheran and Methodist churches. In contemplating these occurrences, we are constrained to admire the mysterious combina- tion of circumstances by which God accom- plishes some of his most gracious purposes. We see in the German exiles, who were fellow- passengers with Mr. Wesley, a band of faithful disciples, flying from religious intolerance in the land of their nativity, and seeking for freedom of conscience in a distant country. Going forth upon their pilgrimage, they are, in the providence of God, brought in contact with a personage of great genius and learning, upon whose heart their exemplary deportment and calm and hea- venly temperament make a lasting impression ; and he subsequently becomes, through the trans- forming power of the gospel, a chosen instru- ment, by which is put in motion the greatest moral revolution that has occurred since the Reformation by Luther. Thus, while the Chris- tian pilgrim wanders to and fro in the earth, 84 THE SALZBURGERS an outcast from bis country, and exposed to pri- vation and danger, he is made to sow, broad-cast as it were, tbe seed of divine truth ; and the fruit of that sowing is seen increasing from gene- ration to generation, and extending even to the latest period of time. Thus strangely, yet wisely, does God execute his merciful designs. " Oh the depth of riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" But we must resume the thread of our narra- tive. The whole embarkation reached Georgia in safety, early in the month of February, 1736. General Oglethorpe proceeded immediately to arrange the colonists, and to send them to their respective places of destination. It would ap- pear that it was originally designed that a great portion of the Salzburgers who came over at this time were to go to the southward, and aid in establishing the town of Frederica, on St. Simon's Island, where it was proposed also to erect a fort and plant a garrison, to protect the frontier settlements. As, however, the Salzburgers mani- fested an unwillingness to go to the south. General Oglethorpe did not insist upon it. The reasons assigned by these pious men for this course were, that from the rumours which they had heard of the threatened invasion of Georgia by the Spaniards, their position at Frederica AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 85 might render it necessary for them to take up arms, and as " fighting was against their reli- gion," they preferred not to place themselves in a situation -where they would be compelled to do violence to their consciences. Besides, at the new settlement there would be no church, at least not for some time, and they therefore preferred to go to Ebenezer, where a congregation of their own people was already organized, and they could enjoy the instructions of the two pious ministers who resided there. However, although this was the feeling of the great mass of Germans, Captain Hermsdorf succeeded in raising a small company of volunteers, and they offered their services to General Oglethorpe, who requested that they might be put upon any service that might be deemed necessary. This company was accordingly ordered to Frederica^, to aid in the defence of that place. It became the nucleus for a Lutheran church, which was organized in 1735, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Ulrich Driesler, a German missionary, sent over by the Trustees, and supported from their funds. From the conduct of the Salzburgers on this occasion, we may learn something of the spirit which governed all their actions. Their reli- gion taught them that war is inconsistent with the genius of Christianity, and is therefore to be avoided. As their spiritual improvement was 88 THE SALZBURGERS of more importance than any worldly advan- tages which they might enjoy in other portions of the colony, they chose to relinquish these ad- vantages, rather than forego the enjoyment of the preached word and the ordinances of the sanctuary. For these reasons the great majority of the Germans were allowed to go to Ebenezer, which they did without delay. Their arrival was hailed with much joy, and many were the kind greetings which these brethren exchanged upon being brought together under such favour- able auspices. Thus, from the 12th of March, 1734, to the 8th of February, 1736, the day on which this last company arrived, about two hun- dred Salzburgers were settled at Ebenezer. About this time Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau visited Savannah, to confer with General Ogle- thorpe in reference to the propriety of changing the location of the town. These gentlemen stated that there was very great dissatisfaction among their people; and they represented the colony at Ebenezer as being in such an unfa- vourable condition, that the general deemed it advisable for him to visit that place immediately. For this purpose he set out on the 10th of Feb- ruary, in company with the two ministers. On reaching Ebenezer, where he was received with every mark of consideration due to his sta- tion, he patiently inquired into the causes of discontent among the people. These were various. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 87 They had been disappointed in the character of the soil, and their lands had not yielded thera any thing like an adequate support. The climate had proved very unhealty, and many of their numbers had fallen victims to disease. Besides, the impracticability of navigating to any advan- tage the stream upon which their town was located, rendered their situation peculiarly dis- tressing. These reasons were not without w^eight, espe- cially the latter. Here it may not be improper to inform the reader of the character of the watercourse upon which the Salzburgers origi- nally settled. It is not properly a river, but a creek, which at times is swollen to a considerable size; and there is in Georgia hardly another stream so serpentine in its course, and so diflS- cult to traverse. Some idea may be formed on this subject, when it is stated that although the distance from old Ebenezer to the Savannah river by land does not exceed six miles, the dis- tance by the course of the creek is not less than tiventy-jive. Farms situated on its banks within two and three miles of each other, cannot be reached by water without travelling five to eight miles. It will thus be seen, that the difficulty of navigating this creek, which was the only out- let to the Savannah river, did furnish reasonable cause for dissatisfaction. The other grounds of complaint were equally worthy of considera- SB THE SALZBURGERS tion. There had been considerable mortality among the settlers, and the products of their farms had been so inadequate to their -wants, that, but for the occasional supplies furnished by the Trustees from the public stores,^ their situa- tion would have been very deplorable. General Oglethorpe listened patiently to all the statements of the Salzburgers, and then coun- selled them with the kindness and frankness of an affectionate parent. He admitted that their dissatisfaction was not groundless, and that there were many embarrassments connected with their situation ; but still their situation was not without its advantages. They had cleared their lands, erected dwellings, and made considerable pro- gress with their town. If now they should re- move, such a measure would be attended with great trouble and privation. The labour which they had expended would be all lost, and their cir- cumstances, now sufficiently embarrassing, would be rendered still more so by the inconveniences and hardships of making a new settlement. He was also satisfied, from his acquaintance with the situation of the country to which they desired to remove, that as soon as the forests should be cleared, and the lands brought under cultivation, they would again be subject to the diseases pecu- liar to the climate, and would be forced to leave the neighbourhood. Still, if they persisted in their wishes, he would not oppose them, but AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 89 would assist them, as far as practicable, in car- rying out their designs. Subsequent events proved too painfully, the foresight and correct judgment of General Oglethorpe, and what was then merely an opinion^ is now a matter of his- tory . The general, having discharged his duty, in giving the Salzburgers such advice as waa called for by the occasion, returned to Savannah, and left them to adopt such measures as they might deem most likely to promote their com- fort and their interest. Immediately upon the departure of General Oglethorpe, the Salzburgers held a consultation in reference to the expediency of seeking a new settlement. After giving the subject a serious and prayerful consideration, it was decided that it was not only desirable, but absolutely indis- pensable to the prosperity of the colony, to seek a more favourable locality. Thus, after remain ing at old Ebenezer for only two years, it was found necessary to abandon it. 8* ^ THE SALZBURGER3. CHAPTER V. New Ebcnezcr — Its location, and the plan upon which it was laid out— -The environs of the town — Its rapid growth— Municipal and other regulations— Rules originally adopted for the govern- ment of the congregation — The duties of pastors set forth — Elders and wardens — Parochial schools — Church members, &c. — Dr. H. M. Muhlenberg — Salaries of the pastors — Their re- sponsibilities — Relation to the church in Germany — Sale of rum prohibited, and the introduction of Negro slaves — Effects of these regulations on the colony at Ebenezer — Mr. Bolzius, Rev. George Whitfield, and Baron Von Reck on slavery — Posi- tion of Mr. Bolzius — Views of Hon. James Habersham and Rev. S. Urlsperger— Controversy settled, and slavery allowed — The Salzburgers and the Lutheran Church in Germany — Libe- rality of the latter — Education — "Bethany" church — Favour- able condition of the settlement — Religious character of the inhabitants — Their industry, frugality, &c. — Letter of Mr. Bol- zius — Rev. George Whitefield at Ebenezer — His testimony in favour of the Salzburgers — He visits the Orphan House — Let- ter of Thomas Jones — Principal settlers at Ebenezer, up to 1741 — The invasion of Georgia by Spaniards — Another letter of Mr. Bolzius — Extracts from his journal — Statement of Mr. Benjamin Martyn — New arrivals — Emigrants bind themselves as servants — Frederick Helfenstein — Lutheran church in Sa- vannah founded — Rev. U. Driesler — His death — Rev. Mr. Zublii — The town of Frederica — Dr. H. M. Muhlenberg visits Ebenezer — Mr. Gronau — " Jerusalem" church at Ebenezer — "Zion's" church — Extracts from Mr. Bolzius' journal— Death of Mr. Gronau. The site selected for a new town was on a high vidgc within a short distance of the river, AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 91 and -which, from the peculiar colour of the soil on the margin of the water, was called " Red Bluff." The spot was quite a romantic one. On the east, lay the Savannah with its hroad, smooth surface, and its ever-varying and beautiful scenery. On the south was a small stream, then called Little Creek, but now known as Lockner's Creek, and a large lake called " Neidlinger's Sea." While to the north, not very distant from the town, was to be seen their old acquaint- ance, Ebenezcr Creek, sluggishly winding its way to mingle with the waters of the Savannah. The surrounding country was gently undulating, and covered with a fine growth of forest-trees, while the jessamine, the woodbine, and the beau- tiful azalia, with its variety of gaudy colours, added a peculiar richness to the picturesque scene. But unfortunately for the permament prosperity of the town, it was surrounded on three sides by low swamps, which were subject to periodical inundation, and consequently gene- rated a poisonous miasma prejudicial to the health of the inhabitants. The new town was laid off after the plan of the city of Savannah, and covered an area of a quarter of a mile square. This space was di- vided into small squares, each containing ten building lots, and the latter numbered one hun- dred and sixty. Three wide streets passed through the town from cast to west, which were 92 THE SALZBURGERS intersected at right angles by four others run- ning from north to south ; beside which there were a number of narrow lanes, but these ex- tended in only one direction — -north and south* Four squares were appropriated to the sale of produce, and called '< market-places," and four were reserved as public parks or promenade grounds. Two-thirds of a square were appro- priated to the church, parsonage, and academy, and an equal quantity to the orphan asylum and the public storehouse respectively. On the east, a short distance from the town, was the cemetery. On the north and east was a large pasture for cattle, and on the south was one for sheep and goats. On the north and south, gar- den-lots were laid out, and still farther south, beyond Little Creek and Mill Creek, and upon their waters, the farms were located, each farm consisting of fifty acres. The country to the north, beyond Ebenezer Creek, was occupied by the Uchee Indians, that section not having been included in any of the grants made by them to the Trustees. The whole plan of the town, with its environs, was well conceived, and one can but admire the great judgment displayed in the whole arrangement. In the course of a few years, Ebenezer be- gan to give evidences of its future growth and prosperity. Houses were again erected. Gar- dens and farms were enclosed and brought under AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 93 cultivation, and the community assumed an air of great activity and industry. Whether it was owing to the want of means, or materials, or both, there was no church erected here for seve- ral years ; as, however, funds had been received from Germany for the establishment of an orphan asylum, and as that building was among the first that was erected, it was temporarily used as a place of worship. Having now described the location of <'Eben- ezer" and its environs, it may be proper here to notice the government under which the colony was placed. As a religious community, the Salzburgers may be properly viewed as a mis- sionary station, under the fostering care of the English Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany. It was required of the pastors and each member of the congregation to sub- scribe to the "Augsburg Confession" and the <' Symbolical Books," and to submit to a code of regulations drawn up by the Rev. Samuel Urlsperger of Augsburg, Rev. Frederick M. Zei- genhagen of London, and Rev. Gotthelf Augustus Franckd of Halle. These regulations were pre- pared in 1733, and continued in force, with some few alterations, (which were made principally by Dr. Muhlenburg, in 1774,) until 1843. It is not asserting too much to say, that no better church- ^4 THE SALZBURGERS discipline is needed than that laid down in these regulations. We insert here a copy of the original rules, with a view to show the character of the disci- pline which our pious forefathers adopted for the government of the churches. It is worthy of preservation, both on account of its antiquity and its intrinsic excellence. It reads thus : "In the name of God: — The fundamental constitution, articles, and rules upon vrhich a German Evangelical Lutheran congregation was formally established, upon the basis of the Holy Bible, our Augsburg Confession, (and the other Symbolical Books,) since the year 1733, in and about Ebenezer, in His Great Britannic Majesty's province of Georgia ; and which were unanimously ap- proved, confirmed, and unalterably determined upon, un- der hand and seal, by the reverened founders, viz. Messrs. Samuel Urlsperger, Frederick Michael Zeigenhagen, Gott- helf Augustus Francke, most worthy members of the venerable society in England, instituted for the promo- tion of the knowledge of Christ; together with the first ministers, elders, deacons, and regular church-members, His Great Britannic Protestant Majesty's faithful sub- jects. (Vide Preface to the first article of the Ameri- canische Acker werck Gottes, p. 3.) CHAPTER I. ** That no congregation can preserve its establishment and regulations, and maintain good order for the further- ance of its true interests, unless there be elected as dea- cons men who are members of the congregation, and who have both the qualifications and authority to provide for the maintenance of good regulation and wholesome discipline of the whole congregation, is taught by sound reason, the Holy Scriptures, and experience. Therefore, AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 95 as -we are taught in the important admonition contained in the last verse of the fourteenth chapter of 1 Cor.: ' Let all things be done decently and orderly/ (or in accord- ance with good regulations and decorum.) And that we may be the more encouraged to obey this injunction, the holy apostle declares, in the twenty-eighth verse of the twelfth chapter, preceding, ' that God, being a God of order in his churches purchased with a precious price, appointed not only apostles, prophets, and ministers,' but also adjutors and rulers: that is, men highly gifted and favoured, who have, both by word and in deed, contri- buted, as the wants and ordinances of the churches re- quired, every thing that was possible for the good regu- lation and the maintainment of the churches. It is also a fact, clearly taught by the word of God, that such men were appointed in the church of God, even in the Old Testament dispensation, from the time of Moses, for the purpose of maintaining good order. Accordingly, it is in perfect keeping with the will of God and the example, not only of the primitive, but also of the succeeding Christian churches, that such church elders, or adjutors and rulers, have been jointly elected by the whole con- gregation ; also among us, whose duty it is to promote the best interests of this our parish, as is directed by the English ecclesiastical canon. As, however, our congre- gation does not properly belong to the English Church, and consequently cannot, in all points, exist under its ecclesiastical canon, but must enact its own regulations for the worship of God and for edification, it becomes necessary for the members of our congregation to invest the proposed church-elders, as is the practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in London, (and others which need not be mentioned,) with special authority to support our congregation ; and intrust to them also their establishments and regulations. For all this, if made incumbent upon the ministers alone, is a burden far too onerous and insupportable. " If, now, men thus chosen and empowered are to pro- mote by word and in deed, both the existence and the 96 THE SALZBURGERS welfare of the congregation, so that it may endure and Le maintained by its establishments and regulations ; and as such well-being of the congregation cannot be promoted without means, it follows quite naturally, that the requisite means muat be placed in their hands by the members of the congregation, as is done by the Evan- gelical Lutheran Congregation in London, before alluded to, and also by all other Christian congregations. " Hence, inasmuch as the government, or the English ecclesiastical constitution, provides nothing for this pur- pose, and as, in consequence of the troublesome and war- like times in our German fatherland, we cannot, with certainty, expect as much aid as was received in former years from our beloved benefactors in Germany, toward the maintainment of our church and school establish- ments, and also tov.'ard the alleviation of the wants of the poor and sick, it becomes a stern demand of necessity, that is, the honour of God and our spiritual Avelfare re- quire, that the members of the congregation bind them- selves, in love, mutually to contribute from year to year as much money as is and will continue to be requisite to the support of the school-teachers, and the preservation of the church and school edifices and the parsonage. Those persons, therefore, who are members of the con- gregation, and who are desirous of participating in its spiritual benefit and privileges, will, it is hoped, also be disposed to lend their assistance in bearing the expenses of the congregation, by contributing cheerfully their share toward the sustainment of the said proposed regu- lations and establishments. Those, however, who are unwilling to take upon themselves any of the labours, and who will not perform what is their covenant duty with feelings of gratitude, notwithstanding their ability to do so, debar themselves and their families, by these very means from the congregation and its spiritual bene- fits ; which will not surely tend to their advantage : * God loveth a cheerful giver.' 'He that soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7, 8 ; (ix. 10.) Such as are members of this our evangelical congregation. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 97 and arc willing to contribute as much as may, from time to time be found requisite, according to the amount which the appointed church-deacons may compute and deem proper, toward the support of the school-teachers, the parsonage, the church, and school edifices, and also the supplying of any other necessities, will please sub- scribe their names to this writing, and annex the sum that they will give. And as, through the gracious pro- vidence of God, our beloved inhabitants have, in this re- spect, a great advantage in point of privilege and ease from cares over many other Christian congregations, be- cause they are not required to compensate their pastors, nor minister to their temporal support, it is expected that they will be the more prompt in contributing their quota toward the sustainment of the above regulations and establishments, which are designed for the support of the congregation and the upholding of the worship of God. They should even rejoice that the opportunity is afforded them to manifest the activity of their faith, through the love of God, to his word, the church, and the schools ; but when there is no active love, there is no true faith. ' Show me thy faith by thy works.' James ii. 18. " Finally, touching the office and duties of the church- elders, in regard to the ministers in the churches, the teachers in the schools, the whole congregation, and the money intrusted to them, it shall, in conclusion, be indi- cated in the words of the printed London German Church Discipline, given to us, altered, however, in several in- stances, to accord with our peculiar circumstances, as follows : — " Ist. They shall employ the utmost diligence in pro- viding that the word of God be declared unto the Chris- tians of our congregation, in its purity and without ad- mixture, by pious teachers and ministers ; that the holy sacraments enjoined and instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ be administered, and that the pure doctrines be preserved and transmitted to our posterity. And in order that this object may be attained, somo of them, at y 98 THE SALZBURGER? least, in case all cannot, shall always be present when the word is preached. " 2d. It shall be their duty to see that the school-teach- ers receive duly their stipulated salary semi-anuually : likewise, that every thing else which may concern the congregation be fully performed. For this purpose they shall also collect, half-yearly, the contributions of the congregation, and enter the receipts regularly into the church register. They shall also, semi-annually, receive from the parents whose children receive instruction in the schools, a certain amount of payment for tuition, proportionate to their means ; so that the contribu- tion of the Avhole congregation for the defrayment of the congregational expenses, may be somewhat diminished. " 3d. The church-deacons shall make it their duty, in conjunction with the ministers, to see that all sins, dis- graceful conduct, and scandal be avoided ; or, otherwise, duly punished and corrected. " 4th. They shall keep a particular account of all ex- penditures made on behalf of the congregation, and also of every thing which any one may have voluntarily vowed or promised to give toward the support of the churches. And, after the expiration of his office, each one shall submit his account to all the other church-deacons col- lectively. " 5th. They shall, at the end of the year, and when leaving their office and service, render an account to the contributing portion of the congregation, of all the money which they received during their official year for the use of the church ; so that each one may know how the funds of the congregation are applied and expended, and thus be the more willing to contribute again. *' Gth. They shall submit the church register to the in spection of any one of the contributors who may desire to see how the money has been employed. " 7th. Those church-deacons who have served their term of office shall be in duty bound to assist on all oc- casions, by word or deed, at the meetings of the deacons A^'D TIIKIR DE.r. Muh- 100 THE SALZBURGERS lenburg made some additions to it, and changed several of the articles, cannot be questioned. In another place it will be necessary to refer again to the subject of church discipline, when a synopsis will be given of the one signed by the pastors, elders, and deacons, and all the male members of church, in 1774 and 1775. It will be seen, from this extract, that the principal objects for which collections were made in the congregation, were the proper support of schools, the relief of widoAvs, orphans, and the superannuated, and the maintenance of the church edifice, whenever erected. It is worthy of re- mark that the salaries for the support of the pastors at Ebenezer were for many years con- tributed by the patrons of the church in Ger- many. At first, the amount allowed was about forty pounds for the senior pastor, and thirty pounds for his assistant. This allowance con- tinued until 1770, when Rev. Mr. Urlsperger de- cided that the salaries should not be less than sixty pounds and fifty pounds, respectively, and that the deficiency should be made up from the re- venues arising from those institutions which had been founded by European benefactions. The civil and military affiiirs of the entire colony, including the settlements at Ebenezer, Savannah, Frederica, &c., were under the con- trol of the Trustees, who, through their agent, General Oglethorpe, assigned lands to tho colo- AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 101 nlsts, planned and laid oif towns, built fortifica- tions, and so regulated the whole industrial economy as in his judgment was best calculated to promote the welfare of the settlers and carry out the designs of the Trustees. The immediate superintendence of the settle- ment at Ebenezer was assigned to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius and his colleague, Mr. Gronau; and we doubt very much if the affairs of the colony could have been more judiciously ma- naged than they were by these eminently pious and prudent men. Their duties were at times not only arduous, but distressingly embarrassing; but they performed them with a conscientious faithfulness worthy of all praise, and with a de- gree of success that is truly surprising. Sus- taining an indirect relation to the Trustees in England, and a direct connection with the society above mentioned, (from whom they de- rived part of their support,) as well as with the Lutheran Church in Germany, and having to superintend and manage the civil, as well as the ecclesiastical interests of the colony, it required no small degree of judgment and discretion to meet the wishes of their benefactors in England and their Christian friends and advisers in Ger- many. But we believe they fulfilled their trust to the satisfaction of all parties. Among the municipal regulations adopted by the "Trustees," was one forbidding the introduc- 9* 102 THE SALZBURdERS tion and sale of rum, and another inhibiting the importation of Negro slaves. The enforcement of these measures Avas attended with very serious difficulty in all parts of the colon}^, except at Ebenezer. The first measure was one, the pro- priety of which the Salzburgers never questioned. Temperance societies were then unknown ; but no such agency was necessary to teach our pious ancestors that the use of alcoholic drinks is at- tended with incalculable evils, and that the most specific remedy for these evils, is not to pass license laws to regulate the sale of spirits, but to remove entirely the cause that produced them. It is mentioned as a striking fact in the subse- quent history of Ebenezer, that the exclusion of ardent spirits had contributed materially to pro- mote the health of the inhabitants, while sick- ness prevailed in all those places where the sale was permitted. We wish that this wholesome regulation had always been enforced, not only at Ebenezer, but throughout our country ; and especially that the descendants of the Salzbur- gers had always imitated, in this respect, the example of their pious forefathers. It is difficult to ascertain fully the grounds upon which the Salzburgers opposed so strenu- ously, and for so many years, the introduction of Negro slaves. Whether their own history, with its many scenes of wrong and 'jppression, had predisposed them against every s\)ccics of AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 108 servitude, or whether they judged that the ex- istence of slaves among them "would render the colonists indolent, and perhaps weaken and em- barrass their community by exposing it to the evils of a servile war, are questions which it would not be easy to answer satisfactorily. We may, however, gather some instruction from a remark of Baron A^on Reck. He says, in one of his letters, <'The purchase of Negroes is forbidden, on account of the vicinity of the Spaniards. The colony also is an asylum for the distressed, and slaves starve the poor labourer." It is a matter of history, however, which need not to be disguised, that the Salzburgers, including their pastors, did very warmly oppose the importation of slaves; and if the question had been left for them to decide, without any in- fluences from abroad being employed to bias their minds, slavery w^ould not have existed in the colony. Mr. Bolzius was, perhaps, among the very last to yield his opposition. He even re- proved Mr. Whitefield very sharply, for his vacil- lation, in changing his opinions, after having in the first instance expressed his disapprobation of this measure, and then subsequently favour- ing it. Mr. Whitefield denied having any parti- cipation in the matter, and said that he believed, with Pope, "Whatever is, is best;" that God had some wise ends to accomplish in reference 104 THE SALZBURGERS to African slavery ; and that he had no doubt it would terminate in advantage to the Africans. When Pastor Bolzius yielded his objections to this measure, the ground which he assumed, as far as we can learn from his letters, was as fol- lows : — He admitted that there was wrong, in the abstract, to place our fellow-men in a state of bondage ; yet if, by removing the African from the heathenism of his native land to a country where his mind would be enlightened by the gospel, and provision made for the salvation of his soul, the evils of slavery might be endured in consideration of the moral and spiritual ad- vantages which it bestows upon its unfortunate victims. By this mode of reasoning, and by means of an essay from the pen of James Ha- bersham, Esq., the Salzburgers, including their pastors, after considerable hesitation, consented to have slaves brought into the colony. They did not do so, however, until after they had freely conferred with their Christian friends in Ger- many. The Rev. S. Urlsperger, in advising them upon this subject, says : "If you take slaves in faith, and with the intent of conducting them to Christ, the action will not be a sin, but may prove a 'benediction.' " This advice determined their future course in reference to this import- ant question. The discussion of this subject had, however, produced great excitement in the colony. In the language of another, <' The AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 105 ■whole province dwelt, as it -were, on the brink of a volcano, whose intestine fires raged higher and higher, threatening at no distant period a desolating eruption." It -was under these cir- cumstances, and Avhen the community seemed to be on the brink of a civil war, that Mr. Bolzius ■wrote to the Trustees, withdra"wing, on behalf of himself and the Salzburgers, their objection to the repeal of the law. AVe have already intimated that the Lutheran congregation at Ebenezer was connected with the church in Germany, and it was accordingly required that the pastors should keep up a regu- lar correspondence, especially with the authori- ties at Augsburg and Halle, which were then the two principal Protestant cities on the conti- nent. This correspondence contained a minute detail of all the occurrences at Ebenezer, and the most important part of it was published in the Nachrichten of Rev. S. Urlsperger, of Augs- burg, and much of it is still extant. But while the church in Germany kept up its ecclesiastical connection with the church at Ebenezer, and sought to direct its spiritual affairs, it was not backward in raising means for its maintenance. Even prior to the emigration of the Salzburgers, collections had been taken up in various parts of Germany, and after their settlement at Ebenezer they continued to receive donations from their transatlantic brethren ; 106 THE SALZBURGERS and such was the liberality displayed toward them, that a church fund was raised amounting to twelve thousand guilders, for the support of the pastors, and other benevolent purposes. It ought to be mentioned that, in the esta- blishment of the colony, the cause of education was not overlooked, and in every instance in which a pastor was sent over, a schoolmaster accompanied him, unless one was already pro- vided. A fund, too, was subsequently created for his support; for our pious forefathers judged, and very correctly too, that no country can pros- per in which provision is not made for the mental culture and improvement of the rising genera- tion. Thus we find that there was a regular school kept up during the lifetime of Mr. Bol- zius and many years afterward, at Ebenezer, and one at Zion's Church, four miles below Ebenezer. Subsequently, when the church called ''Bethany" w^as built on the bluff above Ebenezer, a school- house was also erected, and a fund established for the support of the teacher. From this it will be seen how much importance was attached to the subject of education, and how careful the Salzburgers were to make provision for the sup- port of their teachers. In this respect there is another striking parallel between the Salzbur- gers and the Puritans of New England ; and if the former had been as favourably situated as the latter, there is no doubt that they would AND TIIKTR DESCENDANTS. 107 have accomplished fully as much in making pro- vision for the proper intellectual training of their offspring. At all events, thej sho^ved most con- clusively that they had enlightened and liberal views upon the subject of education, and em- ployed every means in their power to promote it. Such were the circumstances under which the colony at Ebenezer was commenced. The foundation was laid by the Trustees for the colonization of Georgia, aided by the Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge, and the liberal donations of Christian friends in Germany. Let us now take a look at this little community. In the year 1736 the place began to assume the appearance of a village, giving evidence, by its neat cottages, of the presence of civilization almost in the midst of savage tribes of Indians. Within its precincts stand the school-house for the education of the children, and the asylum for the widow and orphan, within whose walls the pastors and their flocks, as yet, meet for the w^orship of God. There, too, is the comfortable parsonage, in which dwell those holy men whose greatest happiness is derived from the spiritual prosperity of their people, and who labour patiently and unremittingly for the tem- poral and eternal welfare of those committed to their charge, pointing them, by their precept and example, to a holier and happier state above. The people, too, are obedient to the voice of their ^08 THE SALZEURGERS shepherds. They receive their instructions re- spectfully and dutifully ; and yielding their hearts to the influences of Christian principles, they become "living epistles" to the power of our holy religion to change the heart and regu- late the conduct. One cannot well conceive of a community more happily constituted than this was. The civil and municipal laws were few and simple ; their church-discipline scriptural and rigid. At the head of the community stand the pastors and elders of the congregation. These consti- tute the umpire before which all questions both civil and religious are brought ; and such is the integrity of those who compose this tribunal, and such the prudence and wisdom and impar- tiality which characterize all their proceedings, that their decisions are always satisfactory, and no appeals are ever made from their judgment. Under these circumstances Ebenezer, as might have been expected, was destined to enjoy, for a season at least, a good measure of prosperity. Its inhabitants were not only accustomed tr hardships, but being industrious and frugal in their habits, and living always in the fear of God, they possessed within themselves all those elements necessary to the success of any enter- prise. It is true, there were many difficulties to be surmounted at the outset, arising from the want of arable land and the scarcity of pro- AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 109 visions ; but as soon as their lands could be brought under cultivation, -which was done in this and the following year, and a communica- tion opened with the city of Savannah, which was effected by the purchase of a boat for that purpose, their circumstances were greatly im- proved. Their easy access, too, to the river, which abounded with fish and wild-fowl, enabled them to obtain supplies of food, which tended greatly to relieve their necessities. That the reader may form some idea of the condition of affairs at Ebenezer about this time, the following letter from Pastor Bolzius, dated the 13th of February, 1738, is inserted: "With great satisfaction we perceive that, through the grace of God, general contentment prevails among our people. The longer they are here the better they are pleased ; and we are sure their utmost wishes will be gratified when they shall be able to live by their own industry. " They are satisfied, because they are enjoy- ing the privileges which they had long sought in vain — to have the word of God in its purity. Our heavenly Father will perhaps provide the means for building a house for worship. At present we worship in the Orphan-House, and feel that God is with us." It was about this period that the celebrated George Whitefield visited Ebenezer. Speaking 10 110 THE SALZBURGER3 of the State of the colony, he remarks : " Their lands are surprisingly improved. They are also blessed with two such pious ministers as I have seldom seen. They have no courts of jurisdic- tion, but all differences are immediately settled by their pastors. They have an orphan-house, in which are seventeen children and a widow." With the orphans' school Mr. Whitefield was very much gratified. He had it in contempla- tion to establish a similar institution in Georgia, for the benefit of the numerous orphans whom he found in Savannah and its vicinity. His heart had first been directed to this subject by what he had heard and read in reference to the celebrated orphan-house founded at Halle, by Dr. Franke. When he visited the Orphans' Asylum at Ebenezer, he was so much pleased, that his purposes were confirmed, and he pro- jected his orphan-house, which he called Be- thesda. This was located about eight miles from Savannah. While on the visit above alluded to, Mr. Whitefield was so much delighted with the order and harmony at Ebenezer, that he gave part of his own <'poor stores" to Mr. Bolzius, to be distri- buted among his orphans. Mr. Whitefield thus describes the scene : " Mr. Bolzius called all the children before him ; catechized and exhorted them to give thanks to God for his good provi- dence toward them ; then prayed with them, and AND TIIEin DESCENDANTS. Ill made them pray after him ; then sung a psalm. Afterwards the little la7nhs came and shook me by the hand one by one, and so 2ve j^cirted !" Mr. Whitefield never forgot this visit to the Salzburgers ; and he became so deeply interested in their welfare, that a year or two afterward he interested himself to procure an English teacher for one of their schools, and offered to educate two pious young men in his orphan-house, whom the pastors at Ebenezer might select for this purpose. In a letter written by Mr. Thomas Jones, dated Savannah, Georgia, on the 18th of Sep- tember, 1740, occur the following remarks : " Thirty miles distance from this place is Eben- ezer, a town on the Savannah river, inhabited by Salzburgers and other Germans, under the pastoral care of Mr. Bolzius and Mr. Gronau, who are discreet, worthy men : they consist of sixty families and upward. The town is neatly built, the situation exceedingly pleasant; the people live in the greatest harmony with their ministers and with one another, as one family. They have no drunken, idle, or profligate peo- ple among them, but are industrious, and many have grown wealthy. Their industry has been blessed with remarkable and uncommon success, to the envy of their neighbours, having great plenty of all the necessary conveniences for life (except clothing) within themselves ; and supply 112 THE SALZBURGERS this town (Savannah) with bread-kind, as also beef, veal, pork, poultry, &c." For the gratification of the reader, and espe- cially for the benefit of the descendants of the Salzburgers, we subjoin a list of the principal residents at Ebenezer in 1741 : Rev. John Martin Bolzius, Rev. Israel Christian Gronau, Bartholomew Reiser, Bartholomew Zant, Thomas Goswandel, Gabriel Maurer, John Maurer, George Kogler, Paulus Zittrauer, Peter Renter, Stephen Rottenberger, Ambrosii Zubli, John Jacob Zubli, Christopher Ortman, Ruprecht Kalcher, Leonard Rauner, Christian Reidelsperger, Frederick Wilhelm Moller, Martin Hortzog, Christian Hessler, John Pletter, Frank Sigismund, John Hernberger, George Bruckner, Carl Sigismund Ott, Matthias Zettler, Ruprecht Eischberger, John Peter Arnsdorff, Simon Reiter, Matthias Brandner, Christian Leimberger, Martin Lackner, Lupretcht Steiner, Yeitt Lemmenhoifer, John and Carl Floerl, Ruprecht Zimmerman, Simon Steiner, George Schwaiger, John Schmidt, Leonard Crause, Peter Gruber, Jacob Schartner, Joseph Leitner, John Cornberger, Andreas Grimminger, Matthias Bergsteiner, Veitt Landseller, Joseph Ernst, John Michael Reiser, Thomas Pichler, John Speilbiegler. The invasion of Georgia by the Spaniards, about this time, created considerable excitement throughout the colony; and the Salzburgers not AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 113 only sympathized with their English neighbours, but cheerfully contributed to the defence of the country, and bore their part of all the burdens and inconveniences incident upon such occasions. Still they never lost sight of the object of their removal to America. They seem, however, not to have been very seriously embarrassed by the war, as may be learned from a letter of Mr. Bolzius, dated the 23d of July, 1740, addressed to Dr. Franke, of Halle. He says, in that letter : " Together with these spiritual blessings and the salutary effect of the word of God, in the conversion of many souls, we enjoy this year also, by the mercy of God, many temporal good things. The present war, and the burden of it, has not affected us much as yet, and in the great dearness the colony suffered last year we have not been in want of necessary provision. As to the present year, we have a very hopeful prospect of a good harvest, every thing in the fields and gardens growing so delightful as we have never seen before in this country. If Isaac, by the blessing of the Lord, received from what he had sowed an hundred fold, I believe I dare say, to the glory of God, our Salzburgera will receive a thousand-fold, notwithstanding the corn when it came out of the ground was entirely eaten up by worms, of which no one can form a right idea, unless he sees it with his own eyes. The land is really very fruitful, if the sins of the 10* 114 THE SALZBURGERS inhabitants, and the curse of God for such sins, does not eat it up, -which was formerly the un- happy case of the blessed land of Canaan. <' And I am heartily sorry to acquaint you, that I do not find in some of the inhabitants of the colony, a due thankfulness for, and contentment with, the many blessings bestowed on them for several years together ; although those who are industrious and will labour for their maintenance may, as we do, live contentedly and subsist un- der the blessing promised by Paul, (Heb. xiii. 5,) < I will never leave thee nor forsake thee ;' which blessing the idle and unthankful are not entitled to." In the journal of Pastor Bolzius is found the following minute: ^'\Oth of August, 1741. — We have this year plenty of peaches, and as this fruit does not keep, some of the people try to make a sort of brandy of them; others give them to the swine. This is more than anybody could have promised himself or others some years ago. Even at this time when I am writing, a man brings a large dish of blue grapes to me, grown wild in the woods ; they are of a sweet taste, and pretty like our European grapes, so that I am very apt to believe, the wild vines, if properly managed, would give good wine. Thanks to our gracious God, who gives us here every good thing for our support!" *' dth of September^ 1741. — Some time ago I AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 115 wrote to an honoured friend in Europe, that the land in this country, if well managed, brings forth by the blessing of God, not only a hun- dred-fold, but a thousand-fold ; and I was this day confirmed therein. A woman, having two years ago picked out of Indian corn no more than three grains of rye, and planting them here at Ebenezer, one of these grains produced an hundred and seventy stalks and ears, and yielded to her a bag of corn as large as a coat pocket. "True it is, notwithstanding the fertility of the land, the first tillers of it must undergo and struggle with great diflBculties ; but those that come after them will reap the benefit thereof, if they go on to do their labour in the fear of God. The land is able to provide every good, and more particularly is pasturage very plenteous." From these extracts it will be seen that the settlement at Ebenezer and its vicinity was fully as prosperous as could have been expected under the circumstances. Additions were constantly making to it by new arrivals of emigrants from the fatherland. It appears, from a statement made by Mr. Benjamin Martyn, Secretary of the Trustees, that up to 1741, over twelve hundred German Protestants had arrived in the colony. Most of these were sent over by the charity of their friends in England and Germany. There 116 THE SALZBUIKJERS "were, however, many -who came in 1735, and subsequently, for -whom no provision was made. So anxious, however, were they to escape perse- cution in their native land and find an asylum in Georgia, that they consented to bind them- selves as servants to the Trustees, for five years after their arrival in Georgia, and to pay by their own labour the expense of their transportation. In fact, the indentures which they made bound not only themselves, but their children. The males who were under twenty were to serve until they were twenty-five, and the females who were above six were to serve until they arrived at the age of eighteen years. These conditions, however, were not always rigidly enforced, for it appears, from the minutes of the Trustees, that on the 26th of July, 1742, a petition was presented to that body signed by Christian Steinharel, Theobald Keiifer, and others, stating that their term of service had expired, and praying the Trustees to grant them the freedom of their children at the expiration of the time (five years) for which the petitioners were bound. To the credit of the Trustees, it should ever be remembered, the prayer was granted. Among the Salzburgers who were sold, and ■whose children were apprenticed, w^as one, who, from the romantic history connected ■ with his family, deserves, perhaps, special mention. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 117 This was Mr. Frederick Helfenstein. If the tradition in reference to him is correct, he was a lineal descendant of the Count of Helfenstein, ■who, with his wife (a daughter of the Emperor Maximilian) and their youngest child, were butchered with seventy men under his command, in the servile insurrection which occurred in the time of Luther, commonly known as '' the Rebellion of the Peasantry." From that time the family were reduced to utter obscurity and the most abject poverty. Mr. Helfenstein, per- haps the last of the count's descendants, having served out an apprenticeship at the tanner s trade, and married a young lady to whom he became attached while learning his trade, emi- grated to America, and arrived in Savannah without the means to pay his passage. Conse- quently he and his wife were sold as servants to defray the expenses of their passage. Having faithfully served out his time, he removed to Goshen, about twelve miles below Ebenezer, and established himself in business. In the course of time he acquired a handsome compe- tency. But it will be necessary to speak of him hereafter. Many of the Salzburgers remained in Savan- nah and its vicinity, and formed the nucleus for the organization of a church in that city. It was, however, regarded for a long time as mis- sionary ground, and the congregation was sup- 118 THE SALZBURGERS plied with preaching, from time to time, by the pastors at Ebenezer, and the Rev. U. Driesler, from Frederica. This gentleman (Mr. Driesler) had been sent over in 1743, by <' the Society for the Propaga- tion of Christian Knowledge," to supply the spiritual wants of the Salzburgers, who had set- tled on St. Simon's Island. In 1744, he visited the brethren at Ebenezer. Mr. Bolzius thus speaks of him, under date of Febuary 24, 1744: " Mr. Driesler arrived yesterday. He labours with the blessing of God in his small congrega- tion at Frederica, consisting of sixty-two souls. Captain Horten, the commandant of the fort at that place, gives him an honourable testimony; and we trust our friend will be an instrument to the salvation of many souls. Next Lord's day he is to preach in Savannah. This day he preaches both in Zion and Jerusalem churches." Mr. Driesler was spared to the congregation at Frederica but a short time. The Lord called him to his rest in the early part of the year 1745. He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Zubli, from Switzerland, who had charge of the church for several years. He seems to have had no con- nection with the pastors at Ebenezer, and was probably supported by the English officers com- manding the fort. Mr. Zubli continued pastor at Frederica only a few years, for as soon as the AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 119 Spanish and French war began, he removed to Orangeburg, in South Carolina.* It has been found impracticable to gather much information in regard to the German set- tlement at Frederica. It must, however, have been very flourishing at one time. A gentleman who visited the island in 1743, makes particular mention " of the quiet village of the Salzbur- gers ;" and says, "the whole town and country adjacent are quite rurally charming; and the improvements everywhere evince the greatest skill and industry, considering its late settle- ment." This beautiful town was, however, des- tined to an ephemeral existence. As early as 1749 it began to decline, and in 1751 a journalist describes it "as presenting the melancholy pros- pect of houses without inhabitants, barracks without soldiers, guns without carriages, and streets grown over with weeds. All appeared to me with a horrible aspect, and so different from what I once knew it, that I could scarce refrain from tears." It was about this time that Dr. H. M. Muh- lenberg first visited Ebenezer. He had, up to 1741, been pastor of Hermersdorf, in Upper Lusatia, and inspector of the orphan-house in that place, but had accepted a call to the Luthe- ran church in Philadelphia. The object of his journey to Ebenezer is not definitely stated, but * White. 120 THE SALZBURGERS it is probable that he had been authorized by the friends and patrons of the Salzburgers in Germany to look into the condition of the colony, and report to them the result of his observa- tions. He remained only six days, but even this short sojourn seems to have been highly gratifying to the pastors at Ebenezer, as well as their people, for Pastor Gronau makes special mention of it in his journal. He remarks : " This day (October 11, 1742) my dear colleague (Mr. Bolzius) and Mr. Muhlenberg were to start for Charleston, but evening came on before things were ready. The day had not, however, been spent in vain. The preparations for the journey having been made, my colleague took leave of us in a prayer. " Never before have we spent so blessed and happy a season at Ebenezer. For the Lord had never before permitted us to embrace a dear friend from our native country, in whom we found a real brother in Christ." Mr. Bolzius accompanied Dr. Muhlenberg as far as Charles- ton, but returned in a few days to his field of labour. It has been stated that for many years the Salzburgers were unable to build a church, and were compelled to worship in the orphan-house ; but, through the assistance of their friends in Germany, they had succeeded in erecting a plain but comfortable house at Ebenezer, called " Je- AND TIIETR DESCENDANTS. 121 rusalem," and anotlier about four miles below, called "Zion." The latter had become neces- sary, because the colonists were rapidly settling on the river below the town, and along the road leading from Ebenezer to Savannah. These churches were both in use in 1744. It would be profitable, if it were deemed ex- pedient, to make copious extracts from the journals of the pastors, to show the character of the instructions which they imparted to their people; or rather to exhibit the deep-toned piety which the pastors at Ebenezer cultivated themselves, and which they sought to impart to their people. We may safely challenge a com- parison between the ministrations of these de- voted men, and those of any pastors in any other churches in point of fidelity and earnest- ness, in inculcating not only a refined and ele- vated morality, but more especially a pure and transforming system of evangelical Christianity. Mr. Bolzius states that a little girl came to him, confessing that she had stolen a peach, and that conscience disturbed her so much on that account, that she could neither sleep nor work. I in- formed her, says Mr. Bolzius, that when the commission of what is generally considered a light sin disturbs our conscience, a fire begins to burn within us like the fires of hell, and then we no longer think of the distinctions between gross and trivial sins. I advised her to learn 11 122 THE SALZBURGERS tliat God frequently improves the occasion of a •wrong lately committed by us to bring to our mind the mass of sin that fills our hearts, so that we may repent, and ask his forgiveness for Christ's sake. Finally, I dismissed her by bringing the following text to her recollection. " If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* Such a course of religious training was not without its influence in forming the characters and regulating the conduct of the colonists. In fact, they became everywhere proverbial for the correctness of their external deportment, and especially for the Christian spirit which they displayed on all occasions. The testimony of their neighbours, of the citizens of Savannah, and even that of the colonial government, fur- nishes evidence that the cono-refiration at Eben- ezer had acquired a very enviable reputation for their unostentatious piety. Amid their trials and privations they never lost sight of their spiritual improvement, and laboured sedulously to attain to a high standard of Christian experience and practice. These pious people, however, were about to experience a severe loss in the death of one of their devoted and godly pastors — Rev. Israel * Hazelius. AND Til Kill DESCENDANTS. 128 C. Gronau. This melancholy event occurred in the month of January, 1745 ; Pastor Bolzius, thus records the mournful event : " Last Friday, January 11th, it pleased the Lord to call m}'- dear brother and colleague to his rest. He fell asleep full of joy in his Saviour. On a stormy and rainy day, nearly a year since, while preach- ing to the Germans in Savannah, he caught cold at church, so that he -was hardly able to perform service here the succeeding Sabbath. From the effects of that attack he never recovered. During the last six weeks of his life he was afflicted with a continued fever. The time of his illness was a source of edification to all of us who were daily about his person. His heart continually enjoyed communion with his Re- deemer. Nothing troubled him, for he had an abiding sense of reconciliation with God, and realized the joy and peace of the Holy Ghost." When one of the Salzburg brethren took hold of his hand, which Mr. Gronau had lifted up in praise of God, he desired that the friend might support his arms in the uplifted position in which he had held them. This being done, he exclaimed, " Come, Lord Jesus ! Amen, Amen !" With these words he closed his lips and eyes, and entered into the "joy of his Lord, full of peace." On the following day, his remains were interred in the cemetery connected with Jerusalem church, 124 THE SALZBURGERS amid the unfeigned lamentations of his colleague and the people for -whose temporal and spiritual advantage he had laboured with unremitting diligence and fidelity. As he had in all things <' adorned the doctrine of God his Saviour," so he went to the grave full of hope, leaving the testimony that <' God was with him." AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 125 CHAPTER VL State of feeling at Ebenezer consequent on the death of Mr. Gro- nau — Mr. Bolzius writes to Germany for an assistant — Hia humility and devotion — The church in Germany send over another pastor — Rev. II. H. Lcmbke arrives at Ebene/.er — Hia reception — Marries the widow of Mr. Gronau — Mr. Bolzius re- tains his position — Mr. Bolzius, as trustee, erects mill^; — Silk cul- ture introduced at Ebenezer — Mr. Amatis of Piedmont — Mulberry trees planted at Ebenezer — Success of the Salzburgers in raising silk — Bridge and causeway over Ebenezer Creek — New church and school-house erected — Pastoral labours — Extent of the field to be cultivated — Goshen church — Abercorn — Extension of the settlements around Ebenezer — Demand for more ministerial labour — Rov. C. Rabenhorst arrives at Ebenezer — Mr. Bolzius'a letter on his arrival — Change of views — Provision for the sup- port of the new pastor — Condition of the colony — Mr. Bolzius assigns his trusteeship to Mr. Lembke — Copy of the deed of trust — The " Trust" to be transferred — Subsequent change — Erection of another mill — Mr. Bolzius begins to decline in health — The symbolical books — Proper views in relation to the *< Fathers" — Confessions and catechisms — Deep-toned piety of the first'pastors at Ebenezer — Mr. Bolzius's labours — His letters — Rev. S. Urlsperger and Dr. Zeigenhagen — Close of his minis- terial duties — His illness and death — Mr. Bolzius's family. As was to have been expected, the death of Mr. Gronau cast quite a gloom over the settle- ment at Ebenezer. By his consistent Christian deportment, he had gained the confidence and cstcciu of the ■whole community. He was par- 126 THE SALZBURGERS ticularly endeared to those who had come over from Germany under his care, and for whose welfare he had made so many sacrifices. Upon no one, however, did the loss seem to fall so heavily as upon his colleague, Mr. Bolzius. They had been united by the strongest ties of friendship and Christian affection, and had laboured together for tJiirteen years under cir- cumstances which were well calculated to unite them in indissoluble bonds. Impelled by a sense of duty to their divine Master, they had in company left their native land, to become the spiritual guides of a devoted and persecuted people. They had been fellow-sufferers in the perils of the sea, and in all the dangers and privations incident upon establishing a colony in an unbroken wilderness. For many years they had taken " sweet counsel together, and gone to the house of God in company." But all these strong and endearing relations are now broken, and Mr. Bolzius is left alone, with all the weighty responsibility of his important station. No one could feel more sensibly than he did the obligations connected with his position. Nor was he disposed to shrink from them. Never- theless, he writes to the friends of the Salzbur- gers in Germany, requesting that a preacher might be sent over to supply the place of his departed friend and brother, Gronau. The fol- lowing extract from his letter to Rev. S. Url- AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 127 spergcr, at Augsburg, is characteristic of his Christian humility: *' May God send me a faith- ful and good man in the place of my departed friend ! Will you have the goodness to select such a one for me, inasmuch as I shall not be able^or any length of time to bear the burden of business that overwhelms me. I, too, feel the approach of age, and may be unexpectedly called away. Could I have my own wish, I would ask the fiivour of you to send a pastor primarius to this place, so that I might take the station of my departed brother. My mind has frequently dwelt on this subject, especially during the last illness of Mr. Gronau ; and I can assure you that I would prefer by far being adjunct to the new pastor, to retaining the sta- tion I now hold, for I am too weak to stand in front of the battle. May God make an arrange- ment of this kind practicable !" The request of Mr. Bolzius for the appointment of an adjunct was favourably received, and early in the spring of 1746, the Rev. Herman II. Lembke was sent over to Ebenezer to supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of the lamented Gronau. Ilis arrival was hailed with great satisfaction by the Salzburgers, and particularly by Mr. Bol- zius. Mr. Lembke entered upon his duties with great energy, and it soon became manifest that the patrons of the church in Germany had made a very judicious selection. About a year after 128 THE SALZBURGErtS his arrival, he married the widow of Mr. Gronau, who, it appears, was a near relative of Mr. Bol- zius, and this new relation seems to have been mutually agreeable and beneficial to all parties. Mr. Bolzius, acting under the advice of the church in Germany, continued to retain his posi- tion as principal pastor, and, as we have before seen, the management of all the affairs of the colony, both spiritual and financial, was intrusted to him. He, however, associated Mr. Lembke with him, as fully as a sense of duty would permit. It will be proper here to state some of the responsibilities which devolved upon Mr. Bolzius. Beside the onerous ministerial duties connected with so large a field of labour, he seems to have been appointed trustee for all the funds which had been collected in Europe for the benefit of the congregation at Ebenezer. We consequently find him engaged in making investments, pur- chasing land, erecting rice-mills, as well as grist and saw-mills, and superintending the whole in- dustrial economy of the colony. To carry out his plans, he procured mill-stones and other ne- cessary materials from Germany, and enlisted the kind oflSces of General Oglethorpe, who cheerfully aided Mr. Bolzius in all his plans which contemplated the comfort and general im- provement of the Salzburgers. During their residence at Old Ebenezer, a mill was established AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 129 upon Ebenezer Creek, but this they were com- pelled to abandon. Another important interest intrusted to Mr. Bolzius was the introduction among the Ger- mans of the silk culture. As early as 1733, the " Trustees for the Settlement of Georgia,'* induced Mr. Nicolas Amatis, of Piedmont, to remove to Georgia, taking with him his servant, Jacques Camuse, his wife, and three sons, who were to instruct the colonists in the rearing of silk-worms and the manufacture of silk.* In 1736, mulberry-trees were planted at Ebenezer under the direction of Mr. Bolzius, and the Salzburgers were among the first and most successful in carrying out the wishes of the Trustees in this particular. In 1742, five hun- dred trees were sent to Ebenezer, and a ma- chine was erected for preparing the silk. In 1745 and 1746, specimens were sent to England, and in 1748, four hundred and sixty-four pounds were produced. In 1749, the Trustees authorized Mr. Bolzius to erect ten sheds and ten machines for reeling, and other means necessary to carry on the manufacture. In 1750, nearly all the colonists had abandoned the experiment of silk- raising, except the Salzburgers. They persevered, and every year became more skilled in the busi- ness, and in 1751, they sent over to England a thousand pounds of cocoons, and seventy-four * Stovcus. 130 THE SALZEUKGERS 'pounds two ounces of raw silk, yielding the handsome sum of one hundred and ten pounds sterling, or upwards of five hundred dollars, the price being at that time thirty shillings per pound. To encourage the Germans to persevere in their efforts, which thus far had been very successful, the Trustees gave a reeling-machine to each female, who should become mistress in the art of spinning, and two pounds in money. These marks of favour were duly appreciated, and the culture of silk was carried on success- fully for a number of years. Many mulberry- trees are still standing at Ebenezer, which no doubt have sprung from the original stock ; and many of the descendants of the Salzburgers continue to raise silk, which they manufacture into fishing-lines, and sell very readily in Sa- vannah. About this time the Salzburgers, at the sug- gestion of Mr. Bolzius, commenced the construc- tion of a bridge over Ebenezer Creek, and a causeway through the low grounds adjoining, thus connecting the town of Ebenezer with the settlements which had been made on the north side of that creek. These measures were of great advantage, both to the town and the ad- joining neighbourhood. The population in that location, which is called even to this day i-nhe Bluffs'' increased so rapidly that it soon became necessary to erect a new church. For this pur- AND TIIETR DDPCENDANTS. 131 pose, a tract of one hundred acres of land -was obtained from the Trustees, and a commodious edifice was erected, called '^Bethany;" a school- house was also built, together with a residence for the teacher. This church was located about five miles north-west from Ebenezer. It con- tinued to exist up to the year 1774, when Dr. Muhlenburg made his second visit to Ebenezer ; but soon after the Revolutionary War it was allowed to decay, and was never rebuilt. The deed for this church, as we learn from Dr. Muh- lenburg's journal, was originally made to H. H. Lembke, John Casper Wertseh, and John Michael, and was dated 1751. It calls for one hundred acres for Bethany church and a school- house. The object is thus defined : "In St. Matthew's Parish for the use of a church and school-house, and for the support and mainte- nance of the minister and master thereof." Besides this church, another small one was erected at Goshen, about ten miles below Eben- ezer, near the road leading to Savannah, for the accommodation of the Salzburgers who had set- tled in that neighbourhood and at Abercorn. Thus it will be seen that four Lutheran churches were now existing in the Parish of St. Matthew, besides the one in Savannah. The arrangement in reference to ministerial labour was, that the pastors should supply the church in Savannah, together with Jerusalem, Zion, Bethany, and 132 THE SALZBURGERS Goshen, dividing the labours equally among themselves, as far as might be practicable, but always under the direction of the senior pastor. It will be apparent that this was a large field to cultivate, even for two ministers. It covered an area of more than thirty miles, and besides the fatigue connected with journeying from church to church, these pious men preached every Sab- bath, and catechized the youth in their congre- gations on the same day ; and delivered weekly lectures in all the churches, besides holding their regular ministerial conference for prayer and mutual edification. The population at Ebenezer and the surround- ing settlements gradually increased, and was augmented by occasional arrivals from Germany; so that as early as 1750 numerous farms were in successful culture on both sides of the road leading from Savannah to Augusta, as well as upon the banks of the Savannah river, and Lockner's, Ebenezer, and Mill creeks. With the rapid advancement of the colony, the duties of the pastors at Ebenezer were greatly multi- plied, so much so, that the patrons of the church in Germany deemed it necessary to send over an additional minister. In 1752, the Kev. Christian Rabenhorst was selected by Senior Urlsperger, at Augsburg, and with him came a colony of emigrants from Wurtemberg. Although Mr. Bolzius was very much pleased to receive AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 133 these new recruits for his colony, yet he did not see any necessit}^, at first, for the appointment of an additional pastor. He was, however, sub- sequently convinced that he had been mistaken in his opinion, for in a letter addressed to Mr. Urlsperger, dated February 9, 1753, he re- marks: "I have to acknowledge, with shame and humiliation, that when I first was informed of the appointment of a third minister for Ebenezer, and ever afterward when I saw him, I believed such an appointment to be superfluous ; but since we have become better acquainted with him, and, through the rich grace of the Holy Spirit, felt that he was one heart and soul w^ith us in religion, office, and brotherly conduct ; and when, after my last return from Charleston, I discovered the decrease of my bodily strength, I was humbly rejoiced at the goodness of God, who has, in addition to many other precious gifts, sent us (without our wish or desire) this faithful and prudent brother, Timotheus. What gratifi- cation does it afford me, and my dear brother-in- law, Lembke, to receive the assistance, and to be supported by this cheerful, willing, and laborious man, whom we have to restrain, lest his unre- mitting activity may prove injurious to him be- fore he is acclimatized. We all have work enough to do, and do all with pleasure. Mr. Rabenhorst enjoys the good-w^ill of the people in a high degree." Thus it will be seen that 134 TIIK SALZBUROER.^ Mr. Bolzius, always ready to acknowledge the hand of God in every event of his life, and to yield sub- missively to the wishes of the reverend fathers in Germany, gathered fresh strength and confi- dence from his experience. These three pious and self-denying men continued to labour together harmoniously, and with great success for nearly twelve years ; though the external affairs of the colony were at times very distressing, arising partly from the effects of the Spanish war, and partly from the occasional failure of their crops ; still, amid all these untoward circumstances, the colonists were not allowed to despair. They maintained an unwavering confidence in the good providence of God, and w^ere for the most part contented and happy. The arrival of Mr. Rabenhorst at Ebenezer did not, however, increase the pecuniary embar- rassment of the congregation, for there is evi- dence in the records that a capital, amounting to £649 16s. bd., was raised in Germany and placed in his hands, from the interest of which he was to derive his support. For this money he gave his bond, obligating himself and his heirs, assigns, &c., that the fund should be used for no other purpose, and that it should be ap- plied, after his death, for the support of his successor. This was a wise provision, particularly at this juncture ; for it was about the time of Mr AND TIIEIll DESCENDANTS. 135 Rabenhorst's arrival in America, that the "Trus- tees" surrendered their charter to the crown, and Georgia became a royal province. The Salzburgers, not being attached to the Esta- blished Church, could expect ver^ little further aid from England, and were thrown almost en- tirely upon the support of their German bene- factors. In view of his increasing age and infirmity, Mr. Bolzius thought it expedient that he should transfer the trust which had been vested in him to the Rev. H. H. Lembke. This he did with the consent of the Lutheran pastors at London, Halle, and Augsburg. The trust was duly con- veyed in a legal instrument, dated April 15, 1757. It will, perhaps, be interesting to insert here a portion of said document, inasmuch as it will serve to show the character of the property which the Salzburgers then owned, and the pur- pose for which it was intended. The instrument reads thus: " In the name of Jesus : Inasmuch as it is unknown to nie how soon the Lord may call me hence by death, and as it is my duty daily to set my house in order, and to explain any irregularity or misunderstanding which might possibly arise after my decease, I have deemed it necessary and expedient, as being advised by my most worthy colleague, to give information to my colleague and brother-in-law, Herman II. Lembke, as adjunct pas- tor and future successor in office, concerning the design of our two grist-mills, the saw-mill, and the rice stani})- iug-mill ; uud to authorize him, by this instrument of 136 THE SALZBURGERS •writing, to take the superintendence of said mill esta- blishment, during my life and after my death ; so that the objects for which they were instituted may be gradually attained. The objects were threefold: 1. That all the mills should be firmly invested and in some respects im- proved. 2. That, by the profits of the same, other esta- blishments should in the process of time be sustained in the Ebenezer congregation, such as churches and schools, and also dwellings for ministers and school-teachers, by the joint labours of the members of the congregation. Likewise, that more ample provision should be made for pastors and school-teachers. And, 3. That widows and orphans, the sick, and the superannuated should be able to derive some assistance therefrom. " The circumstances which gave rise to the erection of said mills are these : I was solicited by the congregation for a number of years to erect a small mill, at a cost of about ten or twelve pounds sterling, to meet their most pressing wants, in grinding their Indian corn, wheat, and rye into flour. After the mill was commenced, by the assistance of the major part of the male members of the congregation, on the site where the mill now stands, the sum proposed was soon found to be totally inadequate, although I obtained gratuitously, by personal request, the mill-stones and some iron materials from General Oglethorpe. Hence it became necessary to relinquish the building of the orphan-house, and appropriate the funds placed in my hands for that purpose to the completion of the mill. For the congregation were not content to have the former without the latter, and par- ticularly as there seemed to be no immediate demand for such an institution ; they preferred to provide for the few orphans in town by taking them into their service. The money requisite to complete the mills I received partly from the Trustees, and partly from other patrons, through the exertions of our fathers in London, Augsburg, and Halle. To secure the balance of funds necessary to com- plete my plans, I was compelled to borrow money, trust- ing in God, who has hitherto led me most wonderfully, AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. lo7 wisely, graciously, and mightily, by his paternal Provi- dence, lie has so directed, by his blessings, the opera- tions of the mills, and the trade connected with them, and by means also of donations from Europe, that the loan was gradually refunded, and that all the debts con- tracted by the erection of the important saw-mill, havo been duly paid. To these works the members of the con- gregation contributed nothing, but have cause of great thankfulness that the mills have proved such a blessing to them. Inasmuch as the boards and otlicr lumber could not be sold for money, but were given in exchange for goods, it became necessary to establish a trading-house. For this purpose I appropriated the first fund created by the charitable donations from Europe, in the time of Mr. Mayer. " From this statement, to the truth of which all the surviving Salzburgers can testify, (much of which is also known to Mr. Lembke,) it is very evident that the wonder- ful God has made use of me, unworthy as I am, as a feeble instrument for the procurement of the means and materials for the endoAvment of these extensive mill es- tablishments, and the laying of the foundation of the mill-trade. There remains, therefore, no doubt, that I am authorized to confer the superintendence of the mill- establishment and the trade connected with it, upon my worthy colleague and successor Lembke alone, and none other beside or above him. This I do herewith solemnly perform, after mature reflection and deliberation, in the name of God and our reverend fathers. May God bless his exertions in behalf of these important works, by his counsel and assistance, that His great name may bo glorified, and all the above objects be attained ! John Martin Bolzius, Minister in this place. Ebenczcr, in Georgia, ) April 15, 1757." J This ^' power of attorney," as the old church record terms it, was duly signed and delivered at in- 138 THE SALZBURGERS the time specified, and was renewed on the 19th of August, 1765, just four months before the death of Mr. Bolzius. Two years subsequently (April 30, 1767) Mr. Lembke assigned the same instrument to Mr. Rabenhorst. From this it would seem that it was originally designed that this trust should be regularly transferred by each pastor to his successor. Subsequently, however, a change was made, by which seven trustees were chosen annually, on Easter Monday, from among the members, to whom the property of every kind belonging to the congregation was deeded in trust. This feature in the government of the church is main- tained to the present day. It appears, that by royal grants, and pur- chases made by Mr. Bolzius, nine hundred and twenty-five acres of land were connected with the mill establishments, and that the value of this property was once estimated at one thousand five hundred pounds sterling. The mills were, however, in the course of time suffered to fall to decay, and by the depreciation in the value of lands nearly the whole of this investment was lost. Besides this mill, another was erected on a lot of 07ie hundred acres, of which Messrs. Bol- zius and Lembke took possession without a grant. The cost of building this mill was paid partly by contributions from Europe, and partly from AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 130 the income of the other mill. But, in 1764, it was sold for fifty pounds sterling, and this amount was appropriated toward increasing the fund for the support of a third minister and a school- master. Mr. Bolzius, though declining in strength, continued to discharge his duties faithfully, and to watch over the interests of the Salzhurgers with unabated concern. In fact, his solicitude seemed to increase with his advancing years; and every letter which he wrote to the friends in Germany evinced how deeply the warmest feelings of his heart were enlisted on behalf of the people of his charge, and how ardent v/as his zeal in promoting the glory of God. There is one striking feature in all his letters. We allude to the deep-toned piety which per- vades almost every line. It is manifest that he and all the first pastors at Ebenezer were men of a truly devotional spirit. Though, as we have seen, they were all required to give their assent to the Augsburg Confession, and the Symbolical Books, yet their religion was some- thing more vital and soul-pervading than the cold *' orthodoxy" which is too often associated with symbolism or sacramentalism. And our mo- dern theologians, whose zeal for the Symbolical Books, a.nd whose reverence for the "fathers," seem at times to run away with their good sense and Christian charity, would do well to study such 140 THE SALZBUKGEKS models as Bolzius, Gronau, Lembke, and Raben- horst. They loved and venerated our confes- sions and catechisms, and sought to indoctrinate their people in the principles of the Protestant faith, as taught by Luther and his noble com- peers ; but they had the -wisdom to discriminate between those things which were essential and those which were indifferent, and made it the great object of their ministry to have the peo- ple of their charge soundly converted and made Lutherans and Christians, not by a mere out- ward profession, but by the cultivation and full development of a pure and holy inner life — the life of the soul renewed by grace, and united to Christ by a living, active faith. In a letter written the early part of the year 1759, Pastor Bolzius thus speaks: "In our corner of the earth we have recently enjoyed the pro- tection and blessing of our Heavenly Father, both in temporal and spiritual things. Though we have not been free from trials and difficulties, still they have been light, and, as we trust, have been subservient to our welfare and our further- ance in the divine life, through the kind direc- tion of a wise providence. We acknowledge, to the praise of God, that piety and contentment still reign among us, as even strangers are willing to admit. With my dear brethren in office, Messrs. Lembke and Rabenhorst, I stand in the most friendly collegiate connection. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 141 Every week we meet in conference and for prayer, by which meetings our mutual love is cemented throu^^h the blessing of God. The same blessing also prevents our labour among the people from being unfruitful. Among our congregation are many men and women who are truly converted to God, and who walk in the truth, are ornaments to our office, and humble assistants in the discharge of our duties. Though, on account of the war and the repeated failure of crops, every article of living is high, yet our heavenly Father gives us our daily bread in the enjoyment of peace and health among ourselves. If many, who in the first seasons of trial left us, had endured a little while longer, they would have experienced the truth of the proverb : 'After winter, spring does come.' " This letter shows very plainly the spirit which actuated Mr. Bolzius and his colleagues in the discharge of their duties ; and it should not be a matter of surprise that their faithful and self- denying labours were productive of such re- markable effects upon the moral and religious characters of their flocks. Walking themselves in the " ordinances and commandments of God blameless," they were worthy ensamples to those over whose souls they watched, and the great Head of the church set his seal of approbation to the fidelity of their ministry, in the numbers who through their instrumentality were '<• turned 142 THE SALZBURGERS from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." One of these devoted pastors, however, was about to be removed. About the year 1762, the faithful and undaunted Bolzius began to give evidence of declining health. In his letters to the patrons of the colony in Germany, he made mention of being frequently attacked with fever, which had impaired his constitution and brought on a distressing cough, which no medi- cine could remove. It was manifest to all who saw him that nature was yielding to the inroads of disease, and that his pilgrimage was rapidly drawing to a close. Nevertheless, he never left the post of duty, but continued to perform to the very last, as far as his strength would permit, the arduous labours of his station ; being fully deter- mined to relinquish his charge only with his life. His letters to his friends in Europe will show the state of his mind in view of his approaching end. In writing to Senior Urlsperger of Augs- burg, he says : " I am hastening toward my home. He who sees his wedding-day is not concerned about trifles. It has pleased my dear Redeemer for several months to visit me with disease and infirmities, which most proba- bly will terminate in death. I am in his hand, for he does all things well ; as my own expe- rience has taught me during my whole pilgrim- age, but more especially during the tldrty-txvo AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 148 years of my pastoral office among my dear Sahhurgers. Dearest heavenly Father ! accept my humble thanks for all thy love and faithful- ness ! Expecting that my dear Redeemer "will soon deliver me from every evil, and help me into his heavenly kingdom, I deem it my duty, though with a feeble hand, to write a few lines to you, to express my gratitude to you for all the spiritual and temporal acts of kindness mani- fested toward me, (the most unworthy of men,) toward my family, my brethren in office, and to the whole congregation for more than thirty- tivo years; and through you I wish to express my thanks once more to all the Christian bene- factors of Ebenezer, who live in my beloved fatherland." In a letter to Dr. Zeigenhagen of London, he expresses himself as follows : <' This will pro- bably be the last letter which I shall write to you, with feeble hands and weak eyes. I am so reduced with illness, that I can scarcely walk a few steps, and am unable to discharge any of the duties of my office. All that I do is, to prepare myself for a happy exit out of this world, by the word of God and prayer, through the assistance of the Holy Spirit. And God be praised, I can and may say, 'If we live, we live unto the Lord ; if we die, we die unto the Lord : whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's.' How great is the happiness to 144 THE SALZBURGERS possess this knowledge ! Praised and blessed Le God for the unspeakable gift of his only-begot- ten Son to us sinners ; to me also, the chief of them ; with whom he has given all we now have and enjoy in life and in death, as well as what we shall forever and ever enjoy in the house of our Father in the sweetest and most blessed communion with the Triune God ! It is a faith- ful saying — I shall be happy forever. My eyes shall behold the source of all joy. I know in whom I have believed, and I am sure there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." A few months before his death there was a slight improvement in his health, and he resumed his duties as pastor. For seven successive Sab- baths he preached in Jerusalem church, nor would he spare himself, notwithstanding the en- treaties of his brethren, and their offers to per- form his duties for him. His general reply was, <' I have soon to appear w^ith my hearers before the judgment-scat of Christ, and I do not wish that one of them should accuse me there of having been the cause of his condemnation." His last sermon was preached on the fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, the subject of which was, " The happinpss of the true Christian.'' From that time his disease seemed to attack him with renewed violence. The swelling in his feet increased, and he was no longer able to leave the house. His colleagues testify that he bore AND Tni:n^ dt^f-tkndantp. 145 the severest pain -with the meekness of a himb, and with perfect resignation to the will of God. During a visit of Pastor Lembke, he expressed the joyful state of his mind in the following terms : " I cannot describe how happy I am in my solitude, while I enjoy the presence and communion with my Saviour : happy ! oh, inde- scribably happy. From the 7th to the 19th of November, a little gruel was all the refreshment he could take. On the 14th, he desired to unite with his Christian friends in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Previous to the celebration of this ordinance, he remarked to Mr. Lembke : " I acknowledfrc our Protestant relio^ion as a precious treasure in life and in death ! In my- self I discover naught but sin, but I know that God has granted me forgiveness for Christ's sake." On the 18th, Mr. Bolzius became suddenly much worse, and the family sent for Mr. Lembke. On reaching the house Mr. Lembke found him very much prostrated, but still perfectly rational. Mr. Lembke addressed him in these words : " Father, I will that they whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which thou hast given me." Mr. Bolzius repeated the words : " That they may see my glory;" and then continued: "Ah, how delightful it is in yonder heaven ! how delightful to be with Christ !" His bodily sufferings seeming to increase, he patiently remarked, " This is a 146 THE SALZTJUROERS day of trial." In the evening his friends, sup- posing that his dissolution was approaching ad- justed his pillow that he might rest the easier ; but he almost immediately revived, and said, »' Not yet ; I have still to bear my sufferings for one night longer." The next morning, at six o'clock, being the 19th o^ November, 1765, this venerable servant of Christ calmly resigned his spirit into the hands of God, in the sixty-second year of his eventful and useful life. The day following, his remains were carried to Jerusalem church, when Mr. Lembke and Mr. R-abenhorst addressed the large assemblage, who had col- lected from all parts of the surrounding country, to pay a just tribute of respect to one who had been a father to them in more senses than one, and to whose wise counsels and faithful and zealous ministrations they were indebted, under God, for much of their temporal and spiritual prosperity. The scene was a truly affecting one, as many of the aged Salzburgers who had been his companions in all his travels and perils, both by sea and by land, and who had shared his sympathies and his prayers, stood and looked for the last time upon the countenance of their best earthly friend, and bedewed his corpse with their tears. He was buried in the cemetery, near Jerusalem church, where his remains still repose. It is, however, a melancholy truth, that no monument marks his resting-place, and a AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 147 stranger vould seek his grave in vain. Never- theless, he sleeps none the less sweetly and hope- fully, and has left in the hearts of the good and wise a monument more durable than brass. His memory wdll remain green as long as Lutheran- ism has a name in the South, or there is virtue and intelligence enough among the people of Georgia to appreciate his almost apostolic la- bours, and his life of long and arduous and patient toil in the cause of his divine Redeemer and the persecuted and exiled Salzburgers. Mr. Bolzius left only tw^o children. He had lost two before his death, whose sickness and death are supposed to have been caused by opening some of the swamp-lands near Ebenezer for the cultivation of rice. At the time of his decease his only son was a student at Halle, and it is believed that he never returned to this country. When Mr. Muhlenburg visited Ebenezer, in 1774, an only maiden daughter of Mr. Bolzius (Miss Catherine) was residing in the family of her aunt, the Widow Lembke. Her subsequent history could not be ascertained. It is a melan- choly thought that no one of his descendants survived to perpetuate his name in this country, and that the whole family have become extinct. Nevertheless, they live in a purer and brighter sphere, and though lost to the church on earth, they no doubt constitute a part of the church triumphant in heaven. 148 THE SALZBUllGEKS CHAPTER VII. State of affairs at Ebenezer consequent upon the death of Mr. Bolzius— Increase of popuhvtion and of ministerial h\bour — Transfer of trust to Mr. Rabenhorst — Harmon}' between tho two pastors — Jerusalem church built at Ebenezer — Description of the edifice — The Swan, Luther's coat of arms — Death of Mr. Lembke — His character as a preacher — Gottlieb Snider — Rev. C. F. Tricbner sent over as successor to Mr. Lembke — His character — Marries a daughter of Mr. Lembke — Injudi- cious selection — Division in the church — Controversy between Messrs. Rabenhorst and Triebner — Dr. H. M. Muhlenburg ar- rives at Ebenezer — Object of his mission — His prudent and judicious conduct — The grounds of dispute stated — Elders pre- fer charges against Mr. Triebner — Origin of the difficulty — Dr. Muhlenburg's efforts to reconcUo the parties — His views of tho case — Opinion of Mr. Triebner — Plan of settlement proposed — Rconciliation — Dr. Muhlenburg's reflections — His opinion of Mr. Rabenhorst — Exculpates him from all censure — His esti- mation of Mr. Rabenhorst as a man and as a preacher — Dr. Muhlenburg's labours among the Salzburgers — Saves the church property from alienation. The death of Mr. Bolzius devolved upon Messrs. Lembke and Rabenhorst, his successors, the entire charge of the affairs of the colony. We have already seen that, owing to the emigra- tion from Germany, and the rapid natural in- crease of the population, the field of ministerial labour had become very large, and the pastoral duties necessarily arduous. Now, that one of AND TIIEIi; DESCENDANTS. 140 tlieir number had been called to his reward, these labours would be very much increased, and their cares and anxieties greatly multiplied. It has already been stated, that some time pre- vious to his death, Mr. Bolzius had assigned to Mr. Lembke the entire charge of the mill establishments, and all the property belonging to the congregations at Ebcnezer. This was done in 1757. In 1767, Mr. Lembke made a similar transfer to Mr. Rabenhorst: this latter transfer was made two years after the death of Mr. Bolzius. These two faithful men laboured harmoniously and successfully in the discharge of their heavy civil and religious obligations, and gave entire satisfaction to those with whose interests they were intrusted. It has been found impractica- ble to gather much information in regard to the administration of affairs at Ebenezer during the lifetime of Mr. Lembke. The most important measure was the building of the large brick church, which still stands near the banks of the Savannah river. A view of the church may be seen on the opposite page. The materials of Avhich this church was constructed, were pre- pared for the most part among the Salzburgers themselves, but the funds necessary to defray the expenses of its erection were contributed by their friends in Germany. It is stated in Mr. Muhlen- burg's journal, that the sum received for this 13- 150 THE SALZBURGERS purpose from Europe amounted to something over one thousand dollars, and Mr. Rabenhorst gave upward of one hundred and fifty dollars. The church is built of brick, eighty by sixty feet, and was originally designed for a two-story edifice. It is surmounted by a neat belfry, on the top of w^hich is a swan, which was said to have been Luther's coat of arms, and is frequently placed on the spire of Lutheran churches in Europe.'^ The edifice is a plain but substantial one, and is in every respect creditable to those who planned and erected it. But reference will be made to it again. It has not been found practicable to ascer- tain how long Mr. Lembke continued his labours among the Salzburgers ; nor under what circum- stances he closed his career. The most general opinion is, that he departed this life a short time before the Revolutionary War. Certain it is, that he was dead in 1774, when Mr. Muhlen- burg visited Ebenezer. Although there are no means of ascertaining the particulars connected with his dying moments, it is not hazarding too much to assert, that like his predecessors, his end was peaceful and triumphant. This we have * There is a tradition, that when John Huss, the Bohemian martyr, was burned by order of the Council of Constance, he re- marked, "You this day burn a goose, (Huss signifying goose;) but a hundred years hence a swan will arise, whom you will not be able to burn :'' in the Bohemian, Luther signifies a " Bwan." AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 1,5'! a right to infer from his character. That he Tvas an eminently pious man, is universally ad- mitted by all -who knew him. It was our privi- lege, in the years 1845 and 1846, to converse with a venerable father in Israel, (Mr. Gottlieb Snider,) who lived to the advanced age of more than four-score years, and who had known Mr. Lembke personally, and had often heard him preach. He bore strong testimony to the learn- ing, piety, and zeal of Mr. Lembke, and seemed to regard him with the highest veneration. He stated, too, that this was the general estimate in which he was held by the entire congregation. No fears, then, need be entertained in reference to the end of such a man. Upon the death of Mr. Lembke, the Rev. Christopher F. Triebner was sent over by the reverend fathers in Germany, as an adjunct to Mr. Rabenhorst. Mr. Tribner was a young man of fine talents, but very impetuous in his character, and seems to have possessed but a very small share of the humility and piety which characterized his predecessors. Shortly after his arrival he married a daughter of Mr. Lembke, who was also a niece of Mr. Bolzius. His selection as an assistant pastor at Ebenezer was attended with the most disastrous consequences to the congregation; for he succeeded in raising such turmoil and strife among the members, that Mr. Muhlcnburg was sent on a special mis^^iun 152 THE SALZEUEGEKS to Ebenezer, in 1774, to heal the difficulties •which Mr. Triebner had occasioned, and, if possi- ble, to save the congregation from ruin. Dr. Muhlenburg arrived at Ebenezer in No- vember, 1774, having been especially deputed by the Lutheran pastors in Europe (under whose spiritual care the Salzburgers had been placed) to investigate the grievances complained of seve- rally by Messrs. Triebner and Rabenhorst. As was to have been expected from his wisdom and experience. Dr. Muhlenburg managed this un- pleasant matter with a great deal of prudence and good judgment. His first step was to call upon the pastors personally, and after a friendly interview with them, to request that each one would furnish him with a written statement of his grievances. This was accordingly done, and each party presented a long list of complaints. It is not necessary to go fully into particulars, though the documents might be interesting, espe- cially to the descendants of the Salzburgers. It must suffice to state, that Mr. Triebner accused Mr. Rabenhorst, among other things, 1. That Mr. Rabenhorst had appropriated to his private use certain lands and other property belonging to the church; 2. That by his mismanagement the mill establishments had greatly depreciated in value, and were nearly ruined; 3. That he had wilfully departed from the church regula- tions established by the fathers in Europe; 4. AND TIIEin bKSCEIsDANTS. 153 That Mr. Rabcnhorst's obligation for six hun- dred and forty-nine pounds was five years with- out date, and that the interest was computed sometimes at thirty pounds and again at forty pounds, whereas tlie Rev. Urlsperger fixed it at fifty-two pounds; 5. That Mr. llabenhorst had assumed to himself the position and prerogatives of first pastor, and had attempted to exercise undue supremacy ; 6. That Mr. llabenhorst and his party, partly through craft and partly" through violence, had obtained a majority of votes, and caused the church to be locked against Mr. Triebner and his party, &c. &c. On the other hand, Mr. Rabenhorst com- plained, 1. That, shortly after the arrival of Mr. Triebner, he attempted to create distrust and dissatisfaction among the members, by accusing Mr. Rabenhorst of bad management of the schools, and of making unauthorized changes and innovations in other regulations; 2. That he had slandered the arrangement of the mill establishment, as though Mr. Rabenhorst in- tended it for his own use; 3. He denied that Mr. Rabenhorst had any legal call at Ebenezer ; 4. He had refused to administer the Lord's Sup- per to Mr. Rabenhorst; 5. Besides the charge of dishonesty, he represented Mr. Rabenhorst as a false teacher, "a pretender, and destroyer of the church; 6. He abolished the fellowship of colleagues to confer and pray with one another. 154 THE SALZBURGERS lest his affected superiority might not be sus- tained; 7. When Mr. Rabenhorst went to Eben- ezer to preach, Mr. Triebner invented all kinds of mischief and ill-will, ran out of church, laughed at the preaching, and occasionally criticised the sermon, &c. &c. Besides these complaints drawn up by Mr. Rabenhorst, the deacons likewise presented charges against Mr. Triebner in writing, which were laid before Dr. Muhlenburg in due form. The principal were, 1. Ingratitude toward Mr. Rabenhorst, who had received him as a brother, and treated him with every mark of kindness ; 2. Avarice or covetousness, in trying to get con- trol of the church funds; 3. Anger and re- venge ; 4. Pride and arrogance ; 5. Hatred, envy, and malevolence. There are specifications un- der each of these heads, but it is not necessary to state them. These charges were signed by the deacons, with this pointed remark : " This is a faint outline of the image of our Evangeli- cal Lutheran minister, Christopher Frederick Triebner. May God have mercy on him and each one of us ! John Adam Treutlen, Ulrich Neidlinger, Christian Steiner, Joseph Schubtrein, Samuel Krauss, Jacob C. Waldhauer. It may be proper here to state, that one cause of the diflficulty between these two minis- AND TIIKTU DE.-rENDANTS. 1 ters originated in an election -which was held for church officers. Mr. Rabenhorst's party ^vas successful, but their right to enter upon the discharge of their duties was strongly contested, and when they took possession of the church, they had to hold it by force and defend them- selves with swords, &c. The deacons claiming office under Mr. Triebner, as representatives of his party, were, Messrs. John Caspar Wertsch, John Floerl, Christopher Kramer, Matthew Bid- dcnbach, John Paulus, and Paul MUller. Dr. Muhlenburg, having examined all the documents, and having in vain attempted to effect a private reconciliation between the parties, consented to hold a public conference with the pastors and their respective boards of deacons, and investigate fully all the matters in dispute. The 23d day of November was ap- pointed for this purpose. Dr. Muhlenburg makes this minute in his journal under this date: "To-day, I expected severe and heart- rending labour, and found myself troubled and entirely unfitted for the work. The old and new vestry, witnesses of both contending parties, together with both the ministers, are to meet to attempt a reunion. I prayed to God secretly, but could obtain no confidence, and felt like a poor sinner who is being led forth to execution." * * =^ ct I had previously advised my brother Triebner how, with a few words, he might end 156 THE SALZBURG EKS the complicated and perplexing strife, viz. if he •would say before the meeting, 'I have erred, and ask your cordial forgiveness, and wherein you have wronged me, that I will forgive with all my heart and forget.' For, under all the circumstances, I could impartially learn that in many things he had acted unreasonably, not according to grace, but according to our de- praved nature." The journal of Dr. Muhlenburg contains a detailed account of the various propositions for a compromise, but it is not necessary to state the particulars. It is, perhaps, important to give Dr. Muhlenburg's view of the case, accord- ing to the impression made upon his mind. Speaking of Mr. Tribner, he says : '' He en- deavoured to defend himself against the charge of avarice, and his party testified very ear- nestly in his behalf. In regard to the remaining counts, various instances were adduced and testi- mony given. He endeavoured, however, partly to justify and partly to deny, and to turn it to the best advantage for himself, and began to weep, and said, to-day was the day of his visi- tation; he must suffer and leave it all to the righteous Judge. I aided as much as I could, with a good conscience, and said, that in strife and enmity, faults and errors of hastiness were converted into crimes, but where love reigned, they were covered up, or endured but for a little AND TIIETR DESCENDANTS. 157 season. But as he thought he had not erred, on the contrary had acted according to grace, conscience, and the instructions of the reverend fathers, I therefore adduced certain points ■wherein he had erred, and said : ' That even a subject of grace carried 'svithin him the root or seed of all the aforesaid vices, and if he w'atched not, could soon be overtaken by them, and that we must avoid also the appearance of them.' He wept again, and said: Such vices as those mentioned were mortal sins, and if they could be proved against him, he would be unworthy of his office, much less could he continue a mi- nister if the newly-elected vestrymen remained ; he would rather remain by himself with his little flock. I told him, finally, that obedience and love had induced me to take this fatiguing jour- ney to visit them, that, with the help of God, peace and unity might be restored. But if they were determined to continue in discord and be ruined, then my visit and experiment were ended ; and to-morrow, with a sad and heavy heart, I would depart and report the result. I had hoped, by remaining over winter, that all things might yet be restored to order, but if this was the way, it was useless for me to stay. Mr. Wertsch and others said I should not adjourn yet, but try another proposition. I replied, that the following was my advice : 1. That they should bury all their former contentions and 14 158 THE SALZBURGETIS offences, and cordially forgive each other, as there were faults on all sides ; 2. To open the Jerusalem church for Pastor Triebner, so that both ministers might, unitedly, perform their mi- nisterial duties in the congregation ; 3. I would endeavour, with the aid of the ministers, &c., to prepare a plan for the better conduct of the whole matter. Pastor Rabenhorst came to the rescue, and supported the proposition with a warm ex- hortation. I gave my hand to each one present, and said if in aught I had offended or wounded them, they should forgive me. Pastor Raben- horst did likewise, and Pastor Treibner followed and said he would forgive his enemies, and would implore God to forgive them also ; and thus we separated. Pastor Rabenhorst and I ate at Mr. Triebner's, and at evening returned home. I was so tortured and worried in body and spirit, that I had to lie down. Lord ! how much has not the enemy of man already won, if he can effect a breach between ministers and col- leagues in a church ! What hateful mischief he does to the sheep, when he has disarmed the shepherds ! How despised is the holy office and its dignity in the sight of Chamites and Canaan- ites, when they have seen the nakedness of the fathers, and scoff at it!" It is gratifying to state that the judicious efforts of Dr. Muhlenburg to effect a reconcilia- tion between these disaffected parties were hap- AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 150 pily crowned with a good measure of success, as will be seen from the above extract. But feel- ings of alienation grew out of these contentions, which were never fully pacified, and the bitter fruits growing out of this unfortunate rupture were seen for many years after. For it has been the sad experience of all who have ever had the misfortune to be connected, even re- motely, with such schisms, that even though they may seem to be healed, the asperities of feeling which result from them are frequently only smouldered, and it requires a large measure of grace to entirely eradicate and destroy them. It is no wonder, therefore, that Dr. Muhlenburg, deeply sensible of the ruinous tendency of all such ruptures between Christians, should express himself so strongly in the latter part of the above extract from his journal. In a subsequent part of his journal Dr. Muh- lenburg states, that having examined all the church records, he was satisfied that "Mr. Ra- benhorst did not acquire the ministers' plantation through fraud and evil practices, as Mr. Triebner and evil-disposed persons had complained ; but that Mr. Bolzius rejoiced that it had been sold, and that Mr. Rabenhorst took it at X649 16s. 5d., with the consent of the reverend fathers in a regular manner, and gave his obligation for it ; and the fund was thereby secured." This state- ment fully vindicates Mr. Rabenhorst from the 160 THE SALZBURGER3 most serious charge which Mr. Triebner and his associates brought against him. Further on in his journal, Dr. Muhlenburg, speaking of Mr. Rabenhorst, bears this strong testimony in his favour : " When I see with my own eyes, and hear with my own ears in intercourse, that the man possesses a heart of grace, excellent gifts to preach, and still more aptness to catechise; that he insists upon a new creature in Christ Jesus, upon radical repentance, living faith, and daily renewal ; and that he adorns his sound doc- trine with an edifying, sober, and godly life, &c.; when I reflect on all this, I must wonder in my simplicity, what could have been the preponde- rating reasons which prevented our reverend fathers from appointing Rev. Rabenhorst first preacher after the death of Rev. Lembke ; and even induced them to place at his side, as second preacher, a young man who, although well-mean- ing and gifted, was nevertheless inexperienced, passionate, and a dangerous novice ; and more- over to continue Mr. Rabenhorst as third preacher ! Most heartily would I have regarded myself as fortunate, if the Lord had lent us in Pennsylvania a labourer like Mr. Rabenhorst, and I would rejoice even in my last days to be the adjunct of such a man. * * Although Mr. Rabenhorst had been most grossly wronged, and had been publicly assailed in honour, ofiice, and reputation, yet he was the first, with tears, to AND TllEIll DESCENDANTS. IGl extend his hand to his offender, to forgive every thing, and to ask forgiveness." Dr. Muh- lenburg closes his investigation of this whole matter with these remarks ; "In my humble estimation, Mr. Rabenhorst is the only man pos- sessed of understanding and experience who, with Divine assistance, can save the Ebenezer congregations from destruction. If the reverend fathers will only appoint him first preacher, will hold Mr. Triebner tighter in hand, and honour Mr. Rabenhorst with a paternal and familiar correspondence, all may yet be well." Dr. Muhlenburg remained three months in Georgia, during which time he preached fre- quently in all the churches of the Salzburgers — Jerusalem, Bethany, Zion, and at Goshen ; and extended his visits also to Savannah. His journal contains a great many interesting de- tails, which are, however, not necessary for our purpose. This sojourn among the Salzburgers was of incalculable benefit to the whole settle- ment. Beside effecting an amicable adjustment of the unfortunate breach which had occurred between the pastors and their respective adhe- rents, his quick penetration led him to perceive, that in consequence of the manner in which the lands belonging to the churches at Ebenezer had been granted, the whole property was placed at the mercy of the Church of England, to be con- verted to the benefit of that church, whenever 11- 162 THE SALZBURGERS occasion might present. The words of the grant were, " In trust for a glebe for St. Mat- thew's Parish, for the use of the ministers of the Lutheran Church in Ebenezer." On this point Dr. Muhlenburg remarks : " The grant to Jerusalem church as the principal or mother church in the village of Ebenezer, is so strongly arranged and secured that no help is left for it. Mr. John Wertsch managed the matter entirely alone, and suffered himself to be outwitted. He regrets it, but that does not alter the case." This Vr^as also true in relation to the church and school-house called Bethany. The object was defined to be, '* In St. Matthew's Parish, for the use of a church and school-house, and for the support of the minister and master thereof." Of this Dr. Muhlenburg says : <' This is unwit- tingly cut out for the Church of England, as there is only one church, strictly so speaking, established in the British dominions." Dr. Muhlenburg was seriously troubled (as well he might be) when he discovered the critical position in which these grants placed the church property at Ebenezer. He, therefore, visited Savannah, and had an interview with Mr. Ha- bersham, the President of the King's Council, and Anthony Stokes, Esq., Chief Justice for the province, in which he represented the gross in- justice and wrong which the Salzburgers were likely to suffer, unless these grants could be AND THEIIl DESCENDANTS. 163 altered. He also drew up an able manifesto, in "VN'hich he clearly set forth the just claims of the Salzburgers, and pointed out the distinctive Lu- theran character of the churches which had been established at Ebenezer and its vicinity. The efforts of Dr. Muhlenburg to secure the rights of the Salzburgers were successful. The grants were accordingly altered, and the pro- perty forever secured to the Lutheran Church. For this act alone, the Salzburgers and their descendants, and in fact the whole Lutheran Church, owe Dr. Muhlenburg a lasting debt of gratitude. 164 THE SALZBURGER3 CHAPTER VIII. Dr. Muhlenburg still at Ebenezer — Church discipline — Views and practices of the foiinders of American Lutheran Church — Evils arising from want of discipline — False views on the subject — The discipline adopted at Ebenezer in 1774, and duties of pas- tors, officers, and church members defined — List of church members who signed the discipline, as certified by Dr. Muhlen- burg — Settlements at Abercorn and Goshen — Mr. Knox buys the lands at Abercorn — Moravian missionaries brought over to preach to the Negroes — Labours of the Moravians at Goshen — Fears of Dr. Muhlenburg — Moravians not successful — Advice to them by one of the Salzburgers — Fears of Dr. Muhlenburg not realized — Moravians leave the settlement — Dr. Muhlen- burg's successful labours at Ebenezer — He leaves Georgia and returns to Philadelphia — Condition of the congregations at Ebenezer — Reflections. In another place reference has been made to the discipline "which Dr. Muhlenburg drafted for the better government of the congregation in and around Ebenezer. It is, perhaps, appro- priate that some extracts from that document should be here inserted, as this subject is pro- perly connected with his visit to Ebenezer. The extracts may be regarded by some readers as rather too long, but they are made so pur- posely, to show what where the opinions of the founders of American Lutheranism upon the sub- ject of church discipline. This is necessary for AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 165 two reasons : 1. There are many professedly Lu- theran preachers in the United States who, under a mistaken view of Christian liberty, have never attempted to throw any restraints around the de- portment of the people of their charge. Hence, many Lutheran church members are very lax in their notions of Christian propriety, and parti- cipate in all the fashionable follies of life, seem- ingly without any compunctions of conscience. By this course of conduct the Lutheran Church has been injured very seriously in the estimation of other enlightened Christian denominations, and in many sections of country has become almost a by-word. Our church is regarded as a body of unconverted professors, whose lives are a scandal to the Christian name ; and the impression has been made upon many minds, that we never have attempted to check the im- proprieties and immorality of which our mem- bers have sometimes been guilty, simply because we had no discipline which could reach and cor- rect their misdemeanors. It is to be hoped that this stigma will now be removed, and that the Christian public will judge us more favour- ably in the future. 2. Some of our ministers, and many of our church members, have been disposed to look upon a judicious and rigid church discipline, as a "we?f measure' — an inno- vation upon the uses of our fathers. In some portions of the Lutheran Church, attempts have 166 THE SALZBURGERS been made by designing men, to pander to the prejudices and corruptions of the human heart, by asserting that our pious forefathers never had any discipline in their churches ; and that this movement to control the actions of freemen, by dictating to them •what they should or should not do, would lead inevitably to the establish- ment of a censorship, which would ultimately destroy the rights of conscience, and bind the human mind in vassalage to the dictation of a haughty priesthood. Such were not the senti- ments nor the practices of those godly men who laid the foundation of the Lutheran Church in America. They regarded a scriptural disci- pline, wisely and impartially administered, not only as absolutely necessary, but as fully sanc- tioned by Divine authority. And as far as their example furnishes ^precedent, it forever silences the senseless ranting of those who seek to brand such measures as innovations, and who, to ac- complish some ulterior design, would leave the church without a compass, to be driven about by the tempests of human passion. Our illustrious fathers had wisdom and grace to perceive that the moral power of the church does not consist in its numerical strength, but in the piety and purity of its members. Hence, they planted themselves upon the pre- cepts of Christ and the apostles ; and by enforc- ing proper regulations in all their congregations. AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 167 they sought to give character to the church, and to make the membership living witnesses to the elevatino^ and controlin^]^ influences of sound Christian principles. They had, too, the moral courage to do their duty faithfully in this par- ticular. They had no fears in relation to their popularity^ and never compromised their views of duty, nor shrunk from any responsibilities growing out of the faithful discharge of the ob- ligations which they owed to Christ and the souls of their fellow-men. Would to God, their "mantle" had in all cases descended to their successors ! But the reader may desire to see the discipline which was adopted and enforced in the early days of Lutheranism in America. Here is a portion of it. It will be seen that in some things it goes very minutely into detail, but it is not the less interesting on that account. THE ELECTION OF DEACONS, &c. " The election of deacons shall take place annually on Easter-Monday, as usual, in the most capacious church, where the whole congregation, consisting of all the regu- lar and contributing male members of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in and about Ebenezer, which holds to the Augsburg Confession and Liturgy, and also to the old Discipline and Rule as described in Chapter I., is assembled. On the ensuing Sabbath, the church-dea cons, elected by a plurality of the votes of the congrega- tion, shall be presented publicly, at the service in the church in which they were elected, by one or other of the ministers, Avhen they shall be reminded of the duties of their office, be received by taking of the hand, and their 168 THE SALZBUROERS names recorded in the church-register. Previously, hovr- ever, the deacons whose office has expired shall be dis- missed with thanks and wishes of blessing. "The meeting of the church-council shall be subject to the following rules, viz.: When necessary matters and business demand a meeting, the church-council shall be previously and publicly invited from the pulpit, and the time and place of meeting specified by the oldest minis- ter, so that each member can make his appearance, and not absent himself without cogent reasons. If, however, the business will not admit of so long delay, the mem- bers shall be convoked by expresses. The oldest minister, who has for the longest period of time been in office in this congregation, and to whom its circumstances are best known, shall preside at every meeting of the council. Should he, however, be sick, or absent on necessary offi- cial engagements, he shall authorize his colleague to supply his place in the council. The elder minister, as president of the assembled council, shall have liberty to invite his junior colleague to all important meetings of the church-council, and permit him to keep on record the minutes or protocol, so that he may gain experience for the future. *' When the whole, or at least two-thirds, of the respect- ive members of the church-council are present, the pre- sident shall open with a short ejaculatory prayer, and each member shall modestly take his seat ; and the order of business shall follow thus: 1. The president shall make known the business concerning which it is neces- sary to consult and deliberate. 2. The president shall present one point after another, and allow each member to give his opinion and exposition of it. Whoever wishes to speak and offer his advice, shall rise and modestly give his opinion. No one shall interrupt another while speak- ing, and still less shall two persons speak at the same time. All undue, insulting, sarcastic, and abusive lan- guage and expressions must, in general, and especially in such assemblies, where matters affecting the honour of God, and the welfare of the congregation are con- AND THEIR DEPCEKDANTS. TOO sidered, be avoided. 3. It is also very unbecoming in such meetings of council, for one individual to be sole spokesman, and arbitniril}' wish to have every thing done according to the views which he conceives to be correct. 4. After each one has given his opinion and advice in re- gard to one point, the vote shall be taken upon it; the re- solution made either unanimously or by plurality of vote, and be written down by the minister who records the minutes, and then read to the assembly, to ascertain whether it has been correctly recorded. 5. A resolution, however, in regard to weighty and important matters, cannot and shall not be considered valid, which is not unanimously passed, or, at least, by concurrence of the president and two-thirds of the regular members of the congregation. Matters of this kind are such, for exam- ple, as the building of churches and school-houses, the election or discharge of school teachers, the leasing or vending of mills or any other establishment. Should the church-council have come to a determination, and passed a resolution in reference to one or other such im- portant matters, such resolution shall first be laid pub- licly before the congregation, and a week's time shall be given the congregation to reflect on it. Should it turn out, during this week, that either all or two-thirds of the regular members of the congregation are opposed and dissatisfied, for weighty grounds, the matter shall not be put in force, but shall again receive the deliberation and consideration of church-council. G. After the session of the church-council is concluded, the president shall close with prayer, and see that the most necessary things in the minutes whieli were resolved for the welfare of the congre- gation, be properly transferred to the church-register. "Should one or other member of the ruling church- council, viz. the ministers, deacons, trustees, deputy overseers or managers, deviate from our Evangelical Pro- testant religion, order, and worship, which are accordant with the Augsburg Confession, and go over to another re- ligious denomination, or perhaps even give offence to our congregation by gross wickedness, (which, however, may If) 170 THE SALZEURGEK8 God in his mercy forbid !) and if such be plainly or suf- ficiently, convincino-ly, and indisputably proved by two or three reliable witnesses ; and if the various degrees of admonition will not make an impression, or produce any reformation, he or they shall be expelled from the church-council, and shall have no part in any thing be- longing to our congregation in and about Ebenezer, until a true return take place, and a reconciliation be effected ■with the congregation. " As the laudable society in London for the Promotion of the Knowledge of Christ, out of affection toward the oppressed Protestants from Salzburg and Germany, has kindly undertaken, since the year 1733, to provide and compensate ministers and school-teachers who adhere to the Augsburg Confession, for the congregation which at this time was yet to be planted ; and has also by certain agreements with a number of prominent ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran mother church, in Germany and England, viz. with Mr. Samuel Urlsperger, in Augsburg, Gothelf Augustus Francke, D.D., in Ilalle, and Mr. Frede- rick Michel Ziegenhagen, yet living, as very worthy members of the above-mentioned society, and their suc- cessors confirmed and established this privilege, and has actually until this time, for the space of forty-one years, afforded the same thing ; therefore, the right to call a minister to Ebenezer congregation rests, upon the agree- ment of the laudable society, with the above-mentioned reverend fathers and those whom they are to choose as their successors in Europe, and shall continue so long as the aforesaid are not annulled, or until the Ebenezer con- gregation has become unworthy of such a favour. " Should one or other Ebenezer preacher or teacher, secretly or openly, introduce and disseminate erroneous and soul-destructive doctrines, conflicting with the basis of the apostles and prophets in the Avord of God, con- tained in the Old and New Testaments, and opposed to our Augsburg Confession, (and other Symbolical Books); or give offences which may be really substantiated, and which have become public ; or transgress by causing AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 171 schisms and factions, — he shall first be examined by the other minister and pastor, together with two or three of the church-council who are experienced in the word and ways of God ; and if found guilty, required to confess, deplore, and abhor such offences, and particularly to re- call and expose the erroneous doctrines by manifesting sincere repentance. Should, however, said minister, after due representations have been made, not be disposed to fulfil the above conditions ; and stubbornly and wickedly continue in such error, then the other minister and the whole church-council, with the assistance of intelligent and experienced church-members, shall once more inves- tigate said offences and errors, direct the church-council to report tlie same to the reverend fathers, and await from them a full decision. In the mean time they shall suspend such minister from his office and service until the offences be removed ; because in such cases delay is dangerous. *' It shall be the duty of the pastor of our congrega- tion to teach and administer in our congregation, purely and without adulteration, publicly and explicitly, the doctrine of laith and the practical duties following there- from ; of our Evangelical Lutheran religion, and the two sacraments, according to the basis of the apostles and prophets contained in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, in which Jesus Christ is the corner- stone, (accordant with our Augsburg Confession and other Symbolical Books.) " The qualifications and gifts requisite and necessary for our ministers and pastors, for the performance of the duties of their office, are amply described in the word of God, in the New Testament, the infallible rule, guide, and fountain of their faith, life, and conduct, according to their station, office and service. Matt, xxviii. 18-20 ; Mark xvi. 15, IG ; Eph. iv. 11, 12 ; 1 Tim. iii. 2-13 ; Titus i. 5-11; 1 Pet. v. 2-4; James iii. 1; 1 Tim. iv. 10-13 ; 2 Cor. v. 17-20 ; vi. 1-10 ; Acts xx. 28 ; 2 Tim. iv. 2-5 ; 1 Cor. xii. 4, 5, 7; Rom. xii. 7, 8; John xiii. 34, 35 : Matt. vii. 22, 23 ; 1 Cor. xiii. 1-10. 172 THE SALZBURG ERS " They can also learn their duty from the documents containing their call and instructions, received from their reverend superiors. " According to the ordinance introduced at the begin- ning, our Ebenezer congregation has had two churches, viz. the Jerusalem and Zion's churches, and has also one church in Bethany ; and so long as there was, are, and •will be two ministers, the whole congregation is and shall be jointly and associately supplied with the means of grace after the following manner: 1. The older minis- ter shall conduct the worship at Zion's church every second Sabbath, until otherwise directed by the reverend directors ; he shall also, if health and strength permit, deliver one catechetical sermon every week in the same place. Farther, he shall also, in accordance with the precedence and Christian example of the first ministers and his first appointments, have divine service, on diJOfer- ent Sabbaths and week-days, in the German Evangelical Lutheran congregation at Goshen and in the town of Savannah. The other Sabbaths and fast-days he shall appropriate to holding service in the Jerusalem church. The second preacher, who at the present time lives in the little town of Ebenezer, near Jerusalem church, shall conduct worship in the Jerusalem church, until other- wise ordered by the reverend directors, on Sabbath and fast-days, so that the Ebenezer congregation shall lose nothing on those Sabbaths and fast-days on which the older minister has divine service at Goshen and Savan- nah. Furthermore, the second preacher shall also de- liver a catechetical sermon weekly in the Jerusalem church; and as the members residing in Bethany are nearest to Jerusalem church, and belong to it, and as they have, with the approval of the first blessed ministers, built a church in Bethany, considering that the old, in- firm, and sickly members and children can scarcely attend the Jerusalem church, and yet have need of spiritual nourishment, it was, therefore, resolved by the church-council, 'that the people in Bethany shall regu- larly have divine service, if possible, every fourth Sab- AND Til KIR DESCENDANTS. 1' bath by the preacher who lives nearest to them. Aid. minutes of January 12, 1774.' Yet this resolution shall not be enforced, except with the condition, that the minister receives the necessary travelling expenses, and entertainment for himself and horse ; because, according to the teachings of Christ, the labourer is vForthy of his meat and wages. " According to the good regulation already introduced, the Lord's Supper shall bo administered, if possible, every six weeks in our Ebenezer congregation after this man- ner, viz.: 1. It shall be published two weeks previously, after the morning service, in both churches or in one, when the whole congregation is assembled in it ; and the names of such as signify their intention to commune shall be recorded by the respective minister or ministers. Should any of the members not be present Avhen the an- nouncement is made, and yet be desirous of participating, they shall be allowed to make known their intention at the service of the preceding week, or privately to one or other of the pastors. Both ministers shall mutually com- municate to each otiier the names each one may have re- corded, and confer betimes over them in a paternal and brotherly way, to ascertain whether there might be one or more among the number against whom complaint may exist, known either to the pastor himself by personal ob- servation, or which information has been given by credit- able testimonies. In such cases they must use particular wisdom and foresight, according to the rule of their Saviour and Master, in jMatt. x. IG, so that they may deal impartially, without carnal affections and passions ; that they may not judge according to hearsay ; but con- front accusers, accused, and witnesses, and, as the issue may be, either acquit the innocent or proceed with the guilty, according to the degrees of exhortation. Should, liowever, in this affair, important matters be affected, then the pastors shall have liberty to admit to their aid several intelligent and God-fearing members of the church- council. Neither of the two pastors shall, however, be permitted to exclude, upon his own respou&ibility, any 174 THE SAL2BURGERS one from participating in the Lord's Supper; but it shall be done with the knoAvledge of both, provided there be reasons and grounds sufficient Tvhich demand such pro- cedure. And if it happen that any one has given of- fence to the congregation by gross and open sins and vices, and such persons or person has or have been brought to sincere repentance and sorrow on account of his or their sins, by the admonition and instruction of the pastors, through the word and Spirit of God ; and if they evince an earnest desire, next to God, to be again reconciled with the congregation, then the church disci- pline shall be enforced as has been usual at other occa- aions, on the Sabbath on which the Lord's Supper is ad- ministered, as follows: The penitent or penitents shall be called out by name before the public assembly of the congregation, and commended to their compassionate in- tercession, and be again restored with appropriate admo- nition. In regard, however, to errors and faults com- mitted through thoughtlessness, which occurred secretly and not publicly, and through which the congregation re- ceived no offence, the person guilty shall on no account be reprehended publicly from the pulpit, personally or by name, but shall be set aside privately by the pastor, and be directed to reform. Because, should any other method be pursued, imbittered feelings might be aroused, offence given, and injury done. The minister shall never- theless retain perfect right and liberty to denounce each and every sin and deviation from the holy law of God, as is directed by the teachings of Jesus Christ and his holy apostles. The confession shall be held in both churches on Saturday morning, by both ministers. In case, how ever, one of the ministers should be sick, and the other thus be alone, it shall be held in the largest church, where all who have given in their names can be con- vened. The Lord's Supper shall, as usual, be adminis- tered in the most capacious church and by both ministers, viz.: the elements shall be consecrated and the bread dis- tributed by the elder minister, and the consecrated cup shall be given by the junior minister. The collection, as AND TIIEIR DESCENDANTS. 175 directed, shall be taken up while the congregation is dis persing. "The follo-vving rules shall be adopted in regard to tht instruction and confirmation of young persons : 1. Pa- rents, guardians, and masters shall be allowed to make mention of the young persons intrusted to their care, and send them to either of the two pastors nearest to whom they may live, or whom they may prefer ; 2. Both parties shall employ the utmost fidelity, according to the grace which has been bestowed upon and received by them, to ground, through the love of Christ, the young souls intrusted to them, thoroughly, by the assistance and power of the Holy Spirit, in our evangelical doc- trines of faith and duties of life, or in the order of salva- tion, or in the counsel of God conducing to blessedness, upon Jesus Christ, the rock of our salvation ; 3. After this has been performed, and the time has arrived when they shall be publicly examined and tested, when they shall renew their baptismal vow and be confirmed, then each pastor may publish the time and day, and examine the little flock wiiich he has instructed in one or other of the two churches, receive the vows of the fiiithful, and kindly invite his colleague and co-pastor to attend ; be- cause, by such a solemn act, faithful ministers and shep- herds may be animated, encouraged, and excited to in- tercessions, if they have at all the spirit and disposition of Christ, the Lord of his own ; 4. The persons newly confirmed by each minister shall be registered in a suitable church record, and preserved as a testimony to posterity. " The order established by the first minister, with the approbation of the reverend directors, in regard to the public worship on Sabbath and fast-days in our Ebenezer congregation, shall remain undisturbed, and shall be ob- served in our church as follows: 1. At the usual time in the morning, the minister shall commence with the prayer from the London Liturgy ; 2. The school-teacher shall read a chapter from the Holy Bible, following the prayer in order ; 3. The minister shall announce a spiritual 176 TIIK SALZBUllGEKS hymn from the Holy Hymn Book, according to its num- ber, and also whether the whole, or (if only a part) how many verses shall be sung; 4. The minister shall read the Epistle or Gospel appointed for the day ; 5. The hymn shall be again sung, it being previously announced as be- fore ; 6. The minister shall offer up an extemporaneous prayer, and end with the Lord's prayer; 7. lie shall read the Epistle or Gospel, or text which forms the basis of his remarks ; 8. He shall preach his sermon, and close it with prayer ; 9. The general prayer from the London Liturgy shall follow, and be finished with the Lord's prayer ; 10. All the necessary announcements shall be made, and con- cluded by an apostolic wish; 11. There shall be singing; 12. The congregation shall be dismissed with the Lord's benediction. The afternoon service shall be commenced, 1. By reading a chapter from the Holy Scriptures : 2. Singing ; 3. The young persons and children shall re- hearse what they have learned — passages from the little book of the blessed Tolner, the catechism of Luther, the order of salvation, or hymns; 4. Singing; 5. The minis- ter shall offer up a prayer, and catechise the children, either on what they have rehearsed, or on the Epistle or Gospel read that day ; G. He shall close with praj'^er, and "Our Father," &c,; 7. Singing, and dismission of the congregation with the blessing of the Lord. " Those who at any time shall be the ministers of our Ebenezer congregation, shall, according as God has given them grace, gifts, and experience, for which they shall daily implore the Lord and Master, be strenuously en- gaged for the general and particular salvation and educa- tion of the lambs and sheep intrusted to them, and pur- chased by the blood of Jesus Christ himself. They shall visit industriously the schools, as also the sick mem- bers, when and as often as they desire it, and supply them with the means of grace, so far as time, health, and strength will admit. In case one or other of the minis- ters is afilicted with sickness and confined, it shall be the duty of the other, who is well, as much as In- the aid of God he may be able, amid the other necessary cngMge- AND TIIEIi; DESCENDANTS. 177 ments of his oflBco, to conduct the worship on the Lord's day in one or other, or both churches alternately, and serve and visit the filial or young congregation sprung from the parent congregation, on one or other day of the week, until the sick minister be restored. Fur- ther, the ministers and pastors shall also, according to the example of the first minister of the congregation, so pleasing to God himself, confer diligently, either orally or by writing, concerning official or casuistic cases which may be brought before them ; the one serving the other with the gifts which he has received, and thereby manifest to the tlock that, from thorough self-knowledge and just application of unction from on high, each re- gards the other as superior to himself; that they serve one Lord of all, and one congregation, and take heed unto themselves and the doctrine ; that they preserve in a pure conscience the precious charge intrusted to them; and fight the good fight, so as to save both themselves and their hearers. 1 Tim. iv. IG. In this way, and not otherwise, can the will of God be accomplished, the wish of our fathers be fulfilled according to Psalm cxxxiii., their own hearts be rejoiced, the burden of their duties toward the congregation alleviated, and their conversation and exemplary walk become a wholesome terror to the obstinate, and serve as a blessing and comfort and means of growth in grace to the obedient sheep and lambs. OF CHURCH MEMBERS. " "Whoever wishes to become and remain a member of our Evangelical Lutheran Church, holding to the Augs- burg Confession and Liturgy, in and about Ebenezer, and have part in the spiritual and temporal benefits, pri- vileges, and rights, must, in the first place, have been or be received within the covenant of grace by holy bap- tism, with the Divine Majesty of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; 2. lie must be or have been instructed for the participation in the Lord's Supper ; he must ]>e confirmed and received as a communing member ; 3. lie 178 THE SALZBUllGERS must, as much as possible, regularly attend to the hear- ing of the word of God, and participate in the Lord's Supper ; 4. lie must voluntarily contribute, according to his ability, of his gifts and merits toward the continua- tion and support of the evangelical worship of God, when- ever and wherever the deacons may demand it ; 5. He must not live in, or be found guilty of, prevailing sins and vices, contrary to the divine moral code or the ten commandments of God, nor indulge in the open works of the flesh enumerated in Gal. v. 19-21; 1 Cor. v. 1-12; vi. 9, 10 ; but he must conduct himself as a Christian, according to his calling and the doctrine of Jesus Christ ; 6. In case, however, one or other member should be over- taken in faults, through the subtle artifice of Satan, of the flesh, and of the deceitfulness of the world, or, per- haps, even fall into great sins, and such failings or sins come to the knowledge of the ministers and pastors, then they shall first call these fallen souls to account, alone, with compassionate love and seriousness regarding them as wandering, lost, and wounded sheep, and admonish them to repent, point the sin and uncleanness again to the free and open fountain, and give them advice and direc- tion how they, as lost sons and daughters, may again reach their home. Should this course prove fruitless, the pastors shall make still further attempts to retrieve them; and admit to their assistance two or three mem- bers of the church-council, who are experienced in the word and ways of God, and repeat the aifectionate admo- nitions. And if this also prove abortive, then such per- sons, continuing in their sins, shall be cited to appear be- fore the church-council and pastors, and the last admoni- tion shall be applied. If, however, they refuse to appear and obey, their name shall then be recorded in the minutes of the congregation, and then have neither part, nor right, nor suffrage in the congregation, and its privi- leges and benefits, until, peradventure, by God's grace, long-suffering and mercy, for the intercession of Jesus Christ the Mediator, through the disciplining and gra- cious workings of the Spirit of God, true conversion AND Til KIR DEPCI-NDAKTS. 179 takes place, and they give evidence of such by proofs, and witiial, desire to be again received into the congre- gation ; then they may be received, provided they ac- knowledge and confess, in open assembly of the congre- gation, the oftences alleged, and ask forgiveness and re- conciliation through the pastors. '* To all the above Fundamental Articles, Constitutions, and Rules, upon which and according to which a German Evangelical Lutheran congregation, composed of Salzburg emigrants and Protestants accompanying them, was founded, established, governed, and- maintained (and shall in the future, through all time, be maintained and governed) in and about Kbenezer, in the Province of Georgia, (by virtue of the freedom of conscience granted by God and the constitution of Great Britain,) professing and adhering to the word of God and the Augsburg Con- fession, the ministers, pastors, and school-teachers who may at any time be in office, all the trustees, elders, dea- cons, each regular contributing, communing church mem- ber, mutually and deliberately bind themselves, with heart and hand and signature of their names ; and that, too, with the express condition, that he or they who acts contrary to the above constitution, seeking in any way to annul or pervert it, shall have neither part or right, nor vote, nor pretension to the spiritual and temporal goods and benefits of the Ebenczcr congregation. E^jcnezer, (ieonji'a, December 14, 1774." " That the above is a true transcript of the original Fundamental Articles, Constitution, and Kules, which were unanimously ratified by the church-council in public assembly at Ebenezer, with the signatures of their names, and also on the 2Gth of January, 1775, by the congrega- tion in Jerusalem church at Ebenezer, plainly and dis- tinctly heard and approved and confirmed Ijy the signa- ture of their names, is hereby testified and affirmed by Henry Melchior Muhlenburg, at the time Keverend of Evangelical Ministerium, Philadelphia, Minister Senior, and authorized agent of the Reverend Directors of tho Ebenezer congregation, &c. &c.'^ 180 THE SALZBURGERS The undersigned, respective members of the church-council, are the Reverend Ministers, the Trustees and Deacons, and appear in the origi- nal, subscribed as follows : — Christian Rabenhorst, Christopher Frederick Triebner, TRUSTEES. John Casper "Wertsch, John Floerl, Joseph Schubtrein, David Steiner, Conrad Rahn, Christopher Kraemer. John Michael, John Paulus, John Remshart, Matt. Bedenbach, Balthasar Rieser, Caspar Heil, John Hangleiter, Charles McCay, Lucas Zeigler, George Gruber, Christopher Oechsle, Hans JUrk Winckler, John Martin Dasher, George Schwinger, Israel Leimberger, John George Bentz, Nicholas Michael, Jacob Housler, Solomon Schrempf, Christian Dasher, Ernest Zittrauer, Johannes Maurer, DEACONS. John Adam Treutlen, Ulrich Neidlingor, Jacob C. Waldhauer, John Kugel, Christian Steiner, Samuel Krauss. Veit Lochner, John Martin Paulitsch, John Paul Moeller, Jacob Metzger, Jacob Mack, Philip Paulitsch, Michael Mack, Christopher Rottenberger, Michael Reiser, John Schuele, John Adam Freyermuth, Jacob Tarringer, Jacob Meyer, John G. F. Zittrauer, John G. H. Schneider, John Justus Gravenstein, John Rentz, John Heinlej', John C. Oechsle, Nicholas Schubtrein, Nicholas Helme, George Gnann, AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 181 Jacob Bucblor, John Bollinger, Ruprecbt Zimmercbner, Henry Ludwig Bentz, John Steincr, Daniel Burgsteiner, John Christian Krinberger, Daniel 'Weitmann, Martin Dasher, Mattheus Rahn, John Gottleib Ott, Israel Lackner, Matbias Meyer, John Koglei', G. Israel Schmidt, Nathaniel Ott, Conrad Frank, John Michael Oechsle, John Motzger, John Bolleinger, Solomon Zandt, John Adam Paulus, Andreas Gnann, John Rottenbergcr, Michael Ileisman, Frederick Lackner, Samuel Metzger, Andrew Seckinger, Benjamin Rieser, John Sherraus, Frederick Schrempf, Jacob Mohr, John Christian Buntz, John George Maurer, Israel Rieser, This list of names shows that on the 16th of January, 1775, there were one hundred and 10 John George Beckley, John Scheraus, Jacob Ileinley, Jacob Gnann, Peter Freyermutb, John Gottleib Neidlinger, John Christian Gugel, Abraham De Roshe, Samuel Deppe, Benjamin B. Glaner, Jonathan Seckinger, John Glaner, John Gottleib Schneider, Michael Halerer, Frederick Helfenstein, Jacob Metzger, Mathees M. Schule, Jacob Kiefer, John Ileckel, George Zeigler, Paul Fanck, Sigismund Ott, John Pfluger, Andreas Seckinger, Timotheus Lembke, George Bechly, John Rentz, John Gottlieb Fetzer, Joseph Schubtrein, Jr., Jacob Schmidt, Emanuel Kiefer, Israel Kiefer, George Ditters, Andreas Biddenbach. 182 THE SALZBURGERS twenty-four male members present at Jerusalem church, -when the discipline was solemnly ratified and subscribed. There is no doubt that many of the members w^ere absent; but still it furnishes sufficient evidence of the numerical strength of the congregation at that time. The list of names is inserted entire, as a matter of reference for the benefit of the descendants of the Salzburgers who still survive, many of whom will probably be gratified to have this opportunity to trace out their genealogy. Besides, it may be necessary to use it in noticing the dispersion of the Salz- burgers into other portions of Georgia, and the changes which many of them have made in their church relations. For it will appear hereafter, that very many of the descendants of these men forsook the church of their fathers, and united with other communions. All that some of them carried with them was the name of their venerable ancestors : for the Lutheran Church they seem to have lost all afi'ection and reverence. But w^e will dwell more fully upon this topic in its proper place. There is one other historical fact brought to light in Dr. Muhlenburg's journal, which must not be omitted, and it will not be inappropriate to record it here. Reference has been made to the settlement at Abercorn, and the establish- ment of a Lutheran Chm'ch at Goshen. Dr. Muhlenburg states, under date, January 7, 1775: AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 183 " The so-called Abcrcorn was originally settled by Germans of our confession ; gradually, how- ever, it fell into the hands of two English gen- tlemen, who are now the proprietors, and culti- vate the land with Negro slaves. The adjoining land, called Goshen on account of its fertility, was settled originally by our brethren in the faith ; and our beloved ministers, Bolzius and Lerabke, each patented five hundred acres of land, which were suitable for the cultivation of grain and rice. The faithful but poor brethren could not cultivate nor continue to hold them, and were compelled to sell them to an English- man in Savannah, who was likewise forced to re-sell them to Mr. Knox, who keeps a large number of negroes and overseers upon them. There are about fifteen families of our German brethren in the faith still living at Goshen, hav- ing a small church and school-house, who were served with the means of grace by the late ministers, and up to this time by Pastor Ra- benhorst." Dr. Muhlenburg further remarks, that while he was at Ebenezer two ^Moravian ministers ar- rived at Savannah, who had been brought over by Mr. Knox as missionaries, to labour among the slaves on his plantation. As a compensation for their services, Mr. Knox stipulated to give them one hundred and fifty acres of land, and to allow them the use of ten or tv/clve slaves to 184 THE SALZBURGERS cultivate it. These Moravian brethren applied for the use of the Lutheran Church at Goshen to preach in. Dr. Muhlenburg seems to have had some fears in reference to their influence upon the Lutheran families about Goshen, espe- cially in view of the distracted state of the Ebenezer congregations, growing out of the dif- ficulty between Messrs. Rabenhorst and Triebner. Speaking of the presence of these missionaries at Goshen, he says : " I doubt not, according to their known method of insinuation, they will gain the most, if not all, the remaining families in Goshen, and will also make an attempt on Ebenezer, for their ways are well adapted to awakened souls. I have learned by experience that where strife and disunion have occurred in neighbourhoods and congregations, among the Germans in America, there black and white apostles have immediately appeared, and tried to fish in the troubled waters, like eagles which have a keen sight and scent. "Well, be it so. He who controls all things has all power given unto him in heaven and on earth. He is the keeper of Israel, and never sleeps nor slumbers. What he ordains or permits must finally conduce to the glorification of his great name, when all his enemies shall have been placed beneath his feet." The fears of Dr. Muhlenburg, in relation to the inroads which the Moravians might make upon the AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 185 Goshen church, were happily not realized. For, in another part of his journal, this minute is to be found under date of the 21st of January: <' The Moravian emissary held his first meeting in the plantation last Sunday, and preached in broken English. He exerted himself also very much to build up his interests in the Lutheran Church there, or else to erect a church near it for himself. A person acquainted Vy'itli the state of things told him, that the Ebenezer congrega- tion and its associates had hitherto been served by regularly-called Evangelical Lutheran minis- ters and pastors, and as he had been called to instruct the Negro slaves, we wished him God- speed and success in it; and if they had any superfluous time and strength, there were yet enough other inhabitants and Indians in Georgia, who were sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and needed much help for instruction and conversion." These missionaries were not, it would seem from this, as successful as they anticipated, and in a few years left the colony, and went probably to Pennsylvania. Goshen remained a part of the Ebenezer charge even after the Revolutionary War ; but we shall speak of it more fully here- after. Dr. Muhlenburg fully accomplished the ob- jects of his mission to Georgia. He succeeded in healing the breach between Messrs. Raben- 16* 186 THE SALZBURG ERS horst and Triebner, and restored harmony to the church. Besides which, he investigated thoroughly all the financial affairs of the con- gregation, took an inventory of the church pro- perty, had all the deeds and grants, kc. pro- perly secured and recorded ; and transmitted to the founders of the church in Germany a mi- nute detail of all his observations and proceed- ings. During this visit, he performed a vast amount of labour, and displayed a degree of prudence and Christian fidelity which are worthy of all praise. His duties were fre- quently^ of the most delicate and embarrassing character, but he never shrunk from them ; and while he always exhibited a nice regard for the feelings of those whose conduct he was sent to investigate, he never swerved from the path of duty, but performed his stew^ardship faithfully and conscientiously, and to the entire satisfac- tion of all parties. He left Savannah on the 20th of February, 1775, and arrived in Phila- delphia on the 6th of March, after a tempestu- ous and rather unpleasant passage. The Salz- burgers and their descendants should cherish the memory of Dr. Muhlenburg with lively gra- titude. For, as has already been seen, he was not only instrumental in restoring harmony to the congregation : he saved the church property from being alienated, and by his presence and labours, and the introduction of a wholesome AKD TllKlR DESCENDAKTS. 187 discipline, he prepared the way for the future peace and prosperity of the church. If, in after years, his mse counsels and godly conversation lost their influence among the Salzburgers, and they chose to walk according to their own vain and foolish imaginings, he at least must he ex- onerated from all censure, for he did every thing which human wisdom could devise and hu- man agency could accomplish, to place the congre- gation at Ebenezer upon such a footing as would Becure its permanent prosperity and success. The wisest and most judicious efforts are, how- ever, sometimes unavailing to prevent the down- fall of a church; especially is this the case, when God's people provoke his displeasure by disobedience to those laws which he has enacted for the regulation of their conduct. Wo to any people, when by their rebellious spirit they arouse the righteous displeasure of God ! <' Icha- bod !" will be written upon their sanctuaries ; and amid the storms of passion which ensue, their souls will be given up to spiritual leanness and barrenness. 188 THE SALZBURGEKS CHAPTER IX. Affairs at Ebenezer after Dr. Muhlenburg's departure — Raben- horst and Triebner— Pastors cease to be, Tnistees, and the trust transferred to the church officers — Mr. Rabenhorst created /r«« pastor — State of feeling between the two pastorsr-Inventory of church property — Its estimated value — Church- funds — Yievrs of the propriety of creating them — A case of necessity with the Salzburgers — General state of the colony^Prosperity of Eben- ezer — A fancy sketch — Commercial relations of Ebenezer — Gradual extension of the settlements — Xew settlers come in — Commencement of the Revolution — Stamp Act and tax on tea — State of the public mind in the Province of Georgia — Posi- tion of the Salzburgers — Provincial Congress in Savannah — Salzburgers in that Congress — Majority of them side with the Colonists — Protest of a portion of the Salzburgers — Adherents to the Crown in St. Matthew's Parish— Patriotic and noble sen- timents of the Salzburgers — Mr. Triebner sides with the Crown — Judicious course of Mr. Rabenhorst — His long and successful labours, and death. The departure of Dr. Muhlenburg from Georgia was universally regretted by all the Salzburgers, and particularly by Mr. Raben- horst and his family. To this family he became very strongly attached, and he makes frequent mention of them in his journal, and especially of Mrs. Rabenhorst, whom he calls his " foster- mother," adding, "The king's daughter is all glorious within." <'Like a precious gem, is so AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 189 humble a soul." Mr. Rabenhorst was very deeply affected in separating from Dr. Mulilen- burg. In him he had found a prudent friend, a judicious adviser, and a -warm-hearted and affectionate brother. Besides, Dr. Muhlenburg seems to have formed a just estimate of the talents and sincere piety of Mr. Rabenhorst; and as there was great congeniality of spirit between them, they became united in the bonds of an indissoluble friendship. Mr. Rabenhorst was likewise apprehensive, from the known cha- racter of his associate, (Mr. Triebner,) that the absence of Dr. Muhlenburg would furnish an opportunity for new difficulties, if not for the opening of the old breach. Against the recurrence of any further disrup- tion between the two pastors and their respec- tive parties, Dr. Muhlenburg had endeavoured to guard, as far as a wise foresight would accom- plish such an object. He carefully investigated all the financial affairs of the church, and placed in the hands of the trustees a statement of the property belonging to the congregation, together with the deeds, grants, &;c., and arranged that the trustees, and not the pastors, should as far as practicable superintend the management of all the temporal affairs of the congregation. He further inducted Mr. Rabenhorst as first pastor or senior minister, and made such an arrange- ment in reference to the relations which he and 190 THE SALZBURGERS Mr. Triebner should in future sustain toward each other, as to prevent any further jealousy or disaffection. With a man of Mr. Triebner's disposition it was, however, almost impossible to live upon terms of friendship, and for the simple reason, that he was in a great measure destitute of that spirit of Christian humility and brotherly love, which was necessary to make a "true yoke-fellow" in the gospel. Besides, the rupture between him and his colleague had been of such a character, that it was difficult, if not impossible, to induce a man like Mr. Trieb- ner, having, it is to be feared, but a small share of grace in his heart, cordially and sincerely to forgive the past, and to become fully reconciled to his brother. If, therefore, there Avas no open hostility between the parties, the asperity of feeling on the part of Mr. Triebner was never fully subdued. It has been stated that Dr. Muhlenburg made a careful investigation of all the property be- longing to the church, at the time of his last visit to Ebenezer in 1774 and 1775. For the satisfaction of those who may feel interested in this matter, a copy of the inventory which he left is here inserted : 1. In the hands of Pastor Rabenhorst, a capital of 300Z. 165. bd. 2. In the hands of John Caspar Wertsch, for the store, 300L AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 191 3. In the mill treasury, notes and money, 2297. lG,s\ 2d. 4. Pastor Triebner has some money in hands, (400/.,) the application of which has not been determined by our Reverend Fathers. 5. Belonging to the church is a Negro boy at Mr. John Floerl's, and a Negro girl at Mr. David Steiner's. G. A town-lot and an out-lot, of which Mr. John Triebner has the grant in his hands. 7. An inventory of personal goods in the mills be- longing to the estate. 8. And, finally, real estate, with the mills, 925 acres of land. At a very reasonable estimate, this property must have been worth about twelve thousand dollars. To this sum additions were subse- quently made, by donations from the patrons of the colony in Germany, and by legacies from private individuals ; so that it is not assuming too much to say, that the church property could not have been worth much less than twenty thousand dollars. It has been questioned by many wise and judi- cious minds, whether the funding of a large capital for the benefit of a congregation is to be commended. "Whatever objections may be urged against this policy as a general rule, we think in the case of the Salzburgers it was not only wise, but absolutely necessary. Amid the persecutions which they had endured in the fatherland, their property had been confiscated, and they had been driven from their homes, and thrown upon the charity of their Christian 192 THE SALZBURGERS friends. They came to America as exiles — poor, and houseless ; and but for the liberality of their patrons in Germany and England, they could not have subsisted, much less could they have provided the means to build churches and school- houses and support their ministers. In their circumstances, the establishment of a church fund was an act of necessity ; and though in other cases such a measure may be deemed objectionable, with them it was perfectly justifi- able, as without it the colonial churches could never have been sustained. It is true, that when the descendants of the Salzburgers became able to support their pastors, at least to a consider- able extent, they withheld their contributions, and relied too much upon the income of their funded capital ; yet this dereliction of duty on their part, furnishes no just ground of objection against the provision which was made for the churches and their pastors in the infancy of the colony. The true policy for every church to adopt is, to support its pastor and to maintain itself by voluntary contrihutions on the part of its members. This is according to apostolic in- junction, as well as the practice of the primitive church; and God seems wisely to have connected the spiritual prosperity of a church with the liberality of its members, in bestowing their worldly goods to the support of the cause of Christ. There is certainly a " withholding which AND THET?. DF.SCENDAXTS. 193 tendeth to poverty," and it is only the ^^ liberal souV that is to <'6CT,XD.\XT.^. 200 they direct tlieir attention are rice, corn, rye, peas, potatoes, and \Yheat. The two latter, under the system of culture adopted by the Salzbur- gers, succeed admirably well. It is often the case that thirty bushels of wheat are obtained from an acre, though this is very far beyond the average crop. Besides the pursuits of agriculture, many of the Salzburgers are excellent mechanics, and there is a family that has become celebrated for the manufacture of copper bells. These bells always command a higher price in Savannah than any which are imported either from North- ern or European markets. Some of the Salz- burgers have also become distinguished mer- chants. In the city of Savannah many of them are settled, Avho have been very successful. Among these are the Rahns, the Sniders, the Heidts, the Zittrauers, the Herbs, the Gougles, the Remsharts, the Neidlingers, the Ihleys, and others. It is not known that any of them have become distinguished in the professions. It is necessary to state, that the descendants of the Salzburgers (as has been already inti- mated) settled in many of the counties of Geor- gia, and some of them removed to South Caro- lina, Alabama, Florida, and even to Pennsylva- nia and Ohio. In Liberty and Lowndes coun- ties, Georgia, may be found the Dashers, the SOO THE SALZBURG EKS Waldhauers, the AVeisenbakers, and others. In Macon county the Helfensteins, (now Ilelvenston;) in other portions of the state, the Hangleiters, the Scheubtriens, the Hineleys, the Exleys, and the descendants of the Sniders, v^ho have inter- married with other families in the state. It would be impossible, however, to give any thing like an accurate account of the diffusion of the Salzburgers, and this hasty sketch must suffice. It has been remarked that very few, if any, of the descendants of the Salzburgers, ever be- came distinguished in the professions. This may be owing in a great measure to the fact that, as a general thing, the standard of education among the descendants of the Salzburgers has been rather low, especially in the last fifty years, though it is believed that latterly there has been some improvement in this particular. Besides this, very few" of them seemed to have any taste for literary pursuits ; and having no college, and very few good scholars, there was an absence of all those stimulants vdiich are necessary to quicken the intellect into vigorous exercise, and excite that ambition for literary fame which leads the mind to thirst after professional dis- tinction. The tastes and educational biasses of the Salzburgers seem always to have led them to prefer the quiet and unobtrusive, though not AND TIIKIR DESCENDANTS. 301 less useful and honourable, pursuits of agricul- ture. In the retirement and comparative seclu- sion connected Avith the culture of the soil, and kindred employments, they find their chief en- joyment ; especially as this mode of life seems of all others the best adopted to the fostering of that pious and contemplative spirit which has ever been one of their peculiar characteristics. In this connection it may be proper to state a somewhat remarkable fact, that not one of the descendants of the Salzburgers ever aspired to the ministry in the Lutheran Church, and not one of them ever became the pastor at Ebenezer, except the Rev. C. F. Bergman. But even he can hardly be classed among the Salzburgers. It is true that his father was pastor at Ebenezer for thirty-six years, but yet he was a native of Prussia, and had no identity with his congrega- tion except that growing out of the pastoral relation. The present condition of the descendants of the Salzburgers, especially in Effingham county, may be regarded on the whole as rather favour- able. In their temporal affairs they are pros- perous, perhaps as much so as at any former period, and there is a gradual improvement in their intelligence and social habits. They are becoming by degrees more interested in the cause of education, and books and periodical 302 THE SALZBURGER9 literature are sought -with considerable avidity. As a consequence, there has been an improve- ment in their manners and social habits, and there is reason to hope that in these particulars an advancement will be made in each successive generation, so that they may keep pace with the citizens of other portions of the State in every thing that tends to refine and elevate. These desirable ends can be attained, if proper efforts are made to establish and sustain neighbourhood schools, under the management of competent teachers. This has for years been a great de- ficiency among the Salzburgers. It is true there is a most excellent classical academy at Spring- field, the county town, but this does not and cannot meet the educational wants of the com- munity generally. Upon this subject, so very important to the best interests of every people, there has been manifested an indifi*erence which is any thing but commendable. No community can expect to prosper long, or to retain any of the elements necessary to its advancement in true greatness, that does not cherish a just ap- preciation of the advantages of a liberal system of education. It matters not how favourable the state of religion among any people may be ; unless their mental development corresponds in some good measure with their religious privileges, their piety will degenerate into a blind devotion, AND Tiii-Tii desce:ndaxts. 303 or run into some of the numerous forms of fana- ticism or delusion which are always addressing themselves to the over-credulous and unwary. It is to be hoped, therefore, that a more enlight- ened policy will obtain among the descendants of the Salzburgers, in reference to the import- ance of furnishing to their offspring the neces- sary educational facilities. For this they have a precedent in the example of their forefathers, for it has been made to appear that they enter- tained correct views upon this subject, and re- garded the schoolmaster and the parochial school as only next in importance to the pastor and the church. The state of religion among the descendants of the Salzburgers may be said to be encourage- ing. Among a portion of them, rather lax views are entertained on the subject of experimental piety, and as a consequence their religion con- sists more in a "formal godliness," and a decent morality, than in that inward work of the Spirit which converts the soul, and, by purifying the fountain of human actions, conforms the life to the requirements of that law which is "holy and just and right." Yet, even in this particu- lar, there is much cause for encouragement. Within a few years, there has been a manifest change in the religious sentiments of not a few, and there is reason to believe that a more devo- 804 THE SALZBURGERS tional spirit is gradually, though perceptibly, prevailing among them. True, the standard of piety is far below what it ought to be, and what it was in the early days of the colony ; but still in the congregations there are many devout Christians, the savour of whose conversation is exerting a silent but powerful influence upon the moral interests of the church and the community generally. It is confidently hoped that this in- fluence will continue to extend itself until the present generation, and those which may succeed it, shall make the highest attainments in moral excellence, and imbibing more and more of the Spirit of Christ, shall become as distinguished for their spirituality and holy living as were the godly men who in the fear of God, and from a sincere love to a pure Christianity, laid the foundation of the colony. There is ground for this hope, in the fact that the Salzburgers are enjoying the labours of two pious and devoted pastors, whose teachings and example, under the Divine blessing, have already exerted a very happy influence, and aff'ord promise of greater results for the future. Besides this, it is not to be supposed that the great Head of his church will permit this vine, which he himself planted and watered and nourished for so many years, to wither and decay. The pious care with which it has hitherto been cultivated, and the genial AND THKIR DESCENDANTS. 30o showers of grace which from time to time have poured upon it, will, it is believed, produce an abundant harvest, to the praise of his name, who has declared in relation to his church : — " Be- hold ! I have graven thee upon the palms of m^ hands, and thy walls are ever before me." From this people there shall no doubt yet come forth many who will become living witnesses to the con- verting power of the gospel, and to the faith- fulness of that God who safely led their fathers through scenes of the darkest persecution and distress, and gave them, both in the land of their nativity and the land of their adoption, so many signal evidences of his love and fostering care. Such will he the case if the descendants of the Salzburgers are not recreant to the history of their fathers, and insensible to all those noble impulses which prompt mankind to venerate and to imitate the virtues of a noble ancestry. That they had an ancestry whose history is luminous with every thing that is attractive in humble and consistent piety, or stimulative in moral heroism and uncompromising attachment to religious principle, cannot be questioned. Surely, then, if there is any inspiration in the records of the virtuous and holy dead, if there is any thing suggestive of lofty purpose, of love for God and his truth, and of zeal to promote his glory in the education and proper development 26* 306 THE SALZLUIIGERS of our own spiritual natures, or in the religious advancement of our race, the example of the Salz- burgers cannot and -will not be lost. The seeds of virtue and true religion may for a season seem to be destroyed, or they may be buried amid the rubbish of a formal Christianity, or chilled by the blighting influence of a cold ortho- doxy, but such is the inherent, vital energy of truth, that it will break through all these obsta- cles, and triumphing over every opposing influ- ence, produce its legitimate fruits in the hearts and lives of men, and thus vindicate its claims to their confidence and homage. It is the object and the earnest prayer of the humble author of this volume, that the history of the Salzburgers may be productive of some such beneficial results. If so, he will feel that the time spent in the preparation of this work has been most profitably employed. While he laboured at Ebenezer in the pastoral office, he delighted to visit the cemetery where sleep the remains of the venerable Bolzius and Gronau, and the many holy men who founded the colony at Ebenezer. Standing in that sacred receptacle of the dead, and musing upon their example of ministerial fidelity and of entire consecration to the cause of Christ, he has felt rebuked for his own imperfections, and has had the desire kindled in his heart to become a more devoted Christian and AND THEIR DESCENDANT.^. 307 a more faithful and successful ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. Alas ! how far do many of us, both in our experience and practice, fall below the example of the pious founders of our Luthe- ran Zion ! and how infinitely far do we fall be- low His example, "who loved us and gave him- self for us!" If such reflections are awakened as shall lead to some practical benefits to the Salzburgers and others, this history will not have been written in vain. That such will be its influence, is confidently hoped ; and in this confidence it is sent forth, with the prayer that God may make it a source of instruction and edification to all who may read it. Surrounded as we are by temptation to sin, and by the seductive charms of a corrupt, and corrupting ■world, we need constant stimulants to our vir- tues. "Where can we more appropriately look for such incentives than in the faith and zeal, the holy fervour and consistent piety, of those Christians who, by their devotedness, have illustrated the truth, the excellency, and the moral sublimity of our holy religion ? Such in- centives are furnished in the History of the Salzburgers. As we dwell upon the incidents of this history, and the many instances which it furnishes of the power of our holy religion to sustain and comfort under the most trying and adverse circumstances of human life, and to o08 THE SALZBUllGERS. prepare the soul for a peaceful and happy triumph over death, hell, and the grave, may our faith in that religion be confirmed, may our zeal and love and hope be quickened into live- lier exercise, and thus may we be better qualified for the trials and responsibilities of life, and prepared to join "the general assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven!" THE END. STEEEOTTPED BY L. JOHXSON & CO. PHILADELPHIA. This book is due two weeks from the last date stamped below, and if not returned at or before that time a fine of five cents a day will be incurred. • MAR 6 1334 ^ -.fA'*5 20TeV42 9r.M47 ■■ ■;-.\:.;. t. i COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SKobeV TWe Solz-buTTget-rs, BR/TTLEDONOT PHOTOCOPY - ■I-- m