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TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Life Diary Entries
NOTICE OF ATTRIBUTION Work originally published in 1834. Scanned, proofed and minor spelling corrections by the United Brethren Historical Center. Electronic edition ©2006 United Brethren Historical Center Suggested Citation:
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The Life and Journal of the Rev'd. Christian Newcomer transcribed, corrected and translated by John Hildt |
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1808 ... January 1st—This forenoon we had meeting in Shank's church ; at night at my house. 2d—I set out on the circuit, rode as far as Valentine Doub's, and staid for the night. Sunday 3d—This forenoon I preached at Jacob Bowlus's, from Isaiah 61, v. 2, 3 ; at night I preached at P. Kemp's, from Isaiah 12, v. 2, 3. 4th—This day I visited several families in Frederick-town, lodged with sister Snack ; her husband had died since I had been here last. 5th—I rode to John Stauffer's. 6th—I preached in Liberty. 7th—At the Sulphur Springs. 8th—At Bishop's. 9th—At Jacob Huber's, lodged with H. Fissel. Sunday 10th—This forenoon I preached in Rhodes' church ; at night at Spangler's, from Luke 2, v. 27, 28. 11th—At Naylor's, from Isaiah 12; v. 1,2, 3. In class meeting we received a special blessing. 12th—This morning I met Br. Sneider at Roler's school-house. He spoke first, I exhorted after him. We rode to Fordenbaugh's ; here I preached from Matthew 5, v. 28, but could hardly get along : may God pardon my ignorance and inability, and grant me more grace, for Jesus' sake, that my silly preaching may not prove a reproach on the good cause, nor be a stumbling block to any. 13th—I preached at Kauffman's, from Matthew 15, v. 24. 14th—I came to J. Marsh's, but found no appointment made ; rode to Gogenour's, and staid for the night. 15th—I preached at Weber's, a Methodist Brother named Hunter, followed me. 16th—This morning I rode in company with Br. Hunter, to Carlisle. We visited a criminal in prison, who is under sentence of death ; we talked with him a considerable time. At last his heart was softened, he began to shed tears in profusion ; we then prayed with him, and left him in a state of contrition : may God deepen the work of grace and repentance in his soul, and have mercy on him, for Jesus' sake. At night I preached at Abr. Meyer's. Sunday 17th—This forenoon I preached at Heik's, from Isaiah 61, v. 3; in the evening at Sneider's. 18th—I preached at Neustetter's, from Psalm 146, v. 9. 19th—At Mr. Wagenrunner's, from the same words. 20th—At the Rocky Springs. 21st—At Fetherhoff's, in the forenoon ; at Dinius's, in the evening. 22d—At Fried's, from Isaiah 61, v. 3 ; rode to Sloderbeck's, and tarried for the night. 23rd—Was a very wet day , lodged with my son David. Sunday 24th—This day I preached at P. Stadtler's, lodged with Adam Wagner. 25th—I returned home. 27th—To-day I attended a funeral. 28th—We had meeting at my house. 29th—I rode in company with Br. Sneider to Andrew Smidt's, and staid for the night. Sunday 31st—This forenoon we preached to a very numerous congregation ; at night we had meeting at Peter Kemp's. February 1st, 1808—This day I am 59 years old. O! that I had spent my days more to the glory of God. O Lord Jesus! grant me grace that I may live the few remaining days of my life to the glory of thy name : Came to Frederick-town, and had meeting at the widow Byerley's. 2d—This forenoon we preached at John Snack's ; at night at Remsberg's. 3d—Today I preached in Liberty, from Psalm 34, v. 9. We had a good time ; several mourners came forward to be prayed with, crying with a loud voice for mercy ; others were rejoicing in the God of their salvation, and were clapping their hands, jumping and shouting for joy. And yet others were surprised ; wondering and saying one to another, "what shall this be?" The people entreated us to make another appointment, but our time would not permit us to do so. Rode to J. S's., and staid for the night. 4th—This forenoon we had meeting at the Sulphur Springs ; in the evening at Benedum's. 5th—We preached in the forenoon at Bishop's ; at night at Spangler's. Sunday 7th—This forenoon we preached in Rod's church ; at night in the Methodist meeting house in York. The people got so happy that they praised God with a loud voice. My soul was also blessed : glory to God. Lodged with W. Bentz. 8th—To-day we preached at Naylor's. 9th—I preached at Mr. Bull's, from John 11, v. 43, 44. 10th—At Fordenbaugh's, from Psalm 146, v. 8. After meeting had concluded, Br. Joseph Hoffman arrived ; we rode together to Lewistown, where I spoke from John 3, v. 17, 18 ; lodged with Mr. Kauffman. 12th—I preached at Marsh's, staid for the night at Gogenour's. 13th—We had a blessed meeting at Weber's ; in the evening at Abr. Meyer's. Sunday 14th—This forenoon I preached at David Sneider's, from John 11, v. 43, 44. 15th—I preached at Rod's. 16th—This forenoon I spoke at Oberly's ; in the evening at Shilling's, from Psalm 40, v. 1, 2, 3. 17th—At the Rocky Springs. 18th—I preached at Gusman's. O Lord! if it is thy will that I shall preach thy gospel, then grant me power and unction from above to declare thy counsel, and make me an instrument in thy hands, that sinners may be converted and backsliders reclaimed. At night I preached at A. Bauman's, from 1st. Peter 1, v. 5. 19th—I spoke at Fried's, from John 4, v. 29 ; at night in Greencastle. 20th—In Hagers-town. Sunday 21st—This forenoon I preached at Stadtler's ; in the afternoon I returned home. This week I remained at home ; I tried to procure one of my Brethren to go around the circuit for me, but did not succeed ; all denied my request. 27th—I left home to go around the circuit ; rode to James Thomas's. Sunday 28th—This forenoon I preached in the old church from John 4, v. 42 ; in the afternoon I spoke at John Huber's, and staid for the night. 29th—I rode all day alone, across that South mountain ; though solitary in this wilderness, I felt myself happy in the presence of the Lord. At night I preached at Snack's. March 1st—This forenoon I rode to Remsberg's, where I met Br. Jacob Bowlus's ; in the afternoon we rode to Stauffer's, and tarried for the night. 2d—We held meeting in Liberty, lodged with Br. Hynson. 3d—To-day we preached at the Sulphur Springs, staid for the night at Senseny's. 4th—This day we preached at Bishop's, from Acts 3, v. 19, 20. 5th—This morning I feel a sincere desire to love God with a perfect heart ; preached at night at Henry Fussel's, from 2d. Peter 1, v. 5, 6. Sunday 6th—This forenoon we preached here in the church ; Br. Bowlus spoke from Psalm 146, v. 8 ; I followed him, from Acts 16, v. 30. In the afternoon I attended a funeral ; rode to W. Bentz's, in York, and preached at night in the German and English languages. 7th—This forenoon we paid a visit of condolence to the widow of the late Rev. Mr. Zehring. One of the daughters appears to be seeking the pearl of great price : may she soon find it and be truly converted to God. In the evening we had meeting at Lederer's. 8th—We preached at Naylor's. 9th—At Roler's school-house. 10th—This forenoon at Fordenbaugh's ; at night at Kauffman's, from Psalm 146, v. 8. 11th—At Marsh's, in the forenoon ; at Gogenour's, in the evening. 12th—To-day we had meeting at Weber's ; arrived at Abr. Meyer's. Sunday 13th—This forenoon Br. Bowlus preached here, from Phillippians 2, v. 13 ; at night I spoke at Sneider's, from Hebrews 12, v. 14, 15. This was a blessed meeting, many were in distress and prayed for mercy. 14th—This evening we had meeting at Roth's ; I spoke from Luke 19, v. 10. 15th—I preached from John 11, v. 43, 44, at John Meyer's ; many were broken hearted and prayed with weeping eyes for mercy : may God answer their prayers. By candle-light we had meeting at Rodenbaugh's ; here also the power of God was visibly displayed in the conviction and conversion of sinners. 16th—I preached at the Rocky Springs, from John 7, v. 37, 38. The word spoken made but little impression. 17th—This forenoon we preached at Fetherhoff's ; by candle-light at Bauman's ; at both places very little impression was made. 18th—To-day I preached at Fried's, from John 5, v. 12; at night we had meeting at Sloderbeck's. I spoke from Hebrews 4, v. 16 ; lodged with Mr. Gloss. 19th—This evening we reached Peter Stadtler's. Sunday 20th—This forenoon we had a blessed meeting here ; at night Br. Bowlus preached in Hagers-town, from John 7, v. 37, 38 ; lodged with Marteny. 21st—This day I visited several sick persons in town, lodged with my son David. 22d—I returned home. 26th—I left home and rode to Virginia, to see my daughter. Sunday 27th—We had meeting here ; Br. William Green preached here this forenoon ; in the afternoon we had meeting in Buckle's-town. April 1st—I returned home. 2d—This day I was in Hagers-town. Sunday 3d—This day I preached in Geris's church, from John 4, v. 43, 44 ; in the afternoon I attended a funeral and spoke from Psalm 146, v. 8, 9. 8th—I set out again on the circuit ; came this evening to Yost Herbaugh's, and staid for the night. 9th—I rode about 40 miles to Spangler's. Sunday 10th—This is an uncommon cold morning for this season of the year ; last night the water was frozen in the buckets standing in the kitchen. I preached this forenoon in Roth's church, from John 4, v. 43 ; in the afternoon I rode 16 miles to Bishop's. 11th—This evening I lodged with Kreb's. 12th—I returned home. 14th—I rode 20 miles to a meeting, and preached from Luke 22, v. 61, 62 ; Brs. Geeting and Bowlus were present. 15th—To-day Br. Geeting spoke with power and grace ; we administered the Sacrament : bless the Lord for all his goodness and mercies. Rode yet 11 miles, and lodged at a public house. 16th—We rode 38 miles to Baltimore ; I lodged with father Otterbein. Sunday 17th—This forenoon Br. Geeting preached, I gave an exhortation ; Otterbein and Geeting administered the Sacrament. In the afternoon I preached from Psalm 146, v. 8 ; at night we had meeting at Bender's. 18th—This forenoon I spoke from Psalm 8, v. 5, with more liberty than yesterday ; in the evening we had meeting at Smith's. 19th—To-day we left the city and lodged with Mr. Sneider. 20th—We came through Frederick-town, staid for the night with Jacob Bowlus. 21st —This forenoon we preached in Middle-town, and returned home. Sunday 24th—This forenoon I preached at Hauser's ; in the afternoon at Geeting's. May 1st—I preached in the new church. 4th—In Middletown. 5th—This morning I rode with Br. Hershey to Peter Kemp's, where we met Br. Geeting ; rode together to Remsberg's, and tarried for the night. 6th—We rode 28 miles and preached at Bishop's, in Little's-town. 7th—This morning we rode 17 miles to a Quarterly meeting ; Geeting spoke first, Hershey followed him. In the evening I spoke from Psalm 144, v. 3. Sunday 8th—This forenoon we had a very numerous congregation ; Geeting addressed them first, from Colossians 1, v. 21, 22 ; I followed him, but was presently so overcome by pity and love, that I was unable to proceed. 9th—We arrived in York ; Br. Geeting preached at night in the German Reformed church. 10th—We reached Chr. Herr's, and tarried for the night. 11th—I visited my sisters in Lancaster, and lodged with Chr. Hershey. 12th—This day I visited several old friends and lodged with my brother-in-law. 14th, and Sunday 15th—We had a Sacramental meeting at Chr. Herr's. We had a remarkably happy time ; I preached this forenoon from Psalm 146, v. 7, 8 ; many were convicted of sin, and I trust some happily converted. 16th—I visited several families and lodged with Br. Lang. 17th—This day a Sacramental meeting commenced at Chr. Hershey's ; I baptized 8 persons in the Conestoga; at night 1 preached from Matthew 5, v. 3 to 7, exercised some time in prayer, and washed each other's feet. Many Brothers and Sisters were so blessed, that they jumped about, praising God and shouting for joy. 18th—This morning we held our Love-feast ; it was a gracious time. After meeting closed, I rode to Musselman's, and staid for the night. 19th —We set out for home, reached Gettysburg and lodged with Mr. Hagg, who entertained us very friendly. 20th—We returned home. 21st—This day Br. Hoffman preached at our house. Sunday 22d—This forenoon I spoke in Funks-town, from Psalm 146, v. 8, 9. 23d—I set out to the Conference, in Virginia; came as far as Shepherds-town, and staid for the night at my son's ; here I had an opportunity to see an Elephant, an animal that I had never seen before. 24th—To-day we reached Winchester, preached from Zephania 1, v. 12 ; lodged with Mr. Kurtz. 25th—This morning our Conference commenced; the Brethren were assembled at Senseny's. After singing and prayer, the members present were examined. 26th—This forenoon we had preaching ; the Conference met again in the afternoon. 27th—This day the session of the Conference closed. 28th, and June 1st—To-day I returned home. 4th—I set out to the Quarterly meeting at the Antietam ; Joseph Hoffman delivered the first sermon, from Isaiah 43, v. l8, 19, 20 ; I followed him. Sunday 5th—A vast multitude of people were this day assembled ; Geeting spoke first, then Chr. Smidt. Many tears were shed, and we had a good time. 6th—I preached at Hauser's, and returned home. Sunday 12th—This forenoon I preached at Stadtler's, from John 3,v. 16, 17. 13th—I set out for Redstone. In Hagers-town I met Br. Geeting, my travelling companion ; rode to Zeller's, and tarried for the night. 14th—We travelled through McConnells-town, and lodged at a public house kept by Mr. Hill. 15th—This day we reached Matthias Smidt's, 4 miles from Bedford, where we tarried for the night. 16th—We came to Michael Sneider's, in Somerset county. 17th—We lodged at Bonnet's. 18th—We came to Br. Draksel's, in Westmoreland, and through his persuasion, tarried with him for the night. Sunday 19th—We had meeting in Mount-pleasant; Brother Geeting spoke from these words: "I am the way, the truth and the life," In the afternoon I preached at John Draksel's, Jr., from Psalm 146, v. 8, 9. 20th—This forenoon we had meeting at Walter's ; in the afternoon I spoke at Swartz's, from 1st Peter 1, v. 19 ; lodged here for the night. 21st—This day we preached in Greensburg, in the Court-house; Geeting preached in the German, myself in the English language. We took our dinner at Pittals; rode 8 miles and preached at Henry Wolgamot's, from Romans 8, v. 14. Here the power of God came among us, and was revealed in a signal manner : unto him be all the glory. 22d—We rode about 20 miles, crossed the Monongahela, came through Robstown and Williams-port; preached at Stecker's to a numerous congregation. 23d—I preached at Pigeon creek, from Matthew 15, v. 22, 23; at night we had meeting at Wyandt's, I spoke from Hebrews 12, v. 15. Here we had a powerful time. 24th—We had a blessed meeting at Bortsfield. 25th—To-day a Sacramental meeting commenced in Mount-pleasant; Conrad Pfirsing spoke first, I followed him. At night I preached at Oberholtzer's, from Matthew 15, v, 22. Sunday 26th—This was a blessed day unto many souls, a great many people were assembled ; the Lord owned the word delivered in his name ; we lodged at Br. Draksel's. 27th—We travelled into Liganore Valley, and held meeting at Boyer's. 28th—This forenoon we preached in a church; in the afternoon on Indian creek, at a meeting house called Good Hope. I spoke from John 4, v. 29 ; lodged with Mr. Manark. 29th—This forenoon we crossed Laurel hill, and preached at Wyandt's; in the afternoon I preached at old Mr. Weimer's, from John 3, v. 14, 15 ; rode 5 miles to Weimer's, Jr. and staid for the night 30th—This forenoon we preached in German and English; rode in the afternoon to Somerset, and lodged with J. Sneider. July 1st—This forenoon we preached here in the Court-house; in the afternoon I rode to Berlin, and lodged with Wegley. 2d—A Sacramental meeting commenced at Jacob Blauck's, about a mile and a half from Berlin ; Christian Berger preached first, I followed him and spoke from Psalm 126, v. 5, 6 ; at candlelight Br. Geeting preached in Berlin, in the German Reformed church. We lodged at 'Squire Johnson's. Sunday 3d—To-day a great many people were assembled; in Love-feast only a few expressed the sentiments of their hearts. This means of grace is yet a strange thing in these parts; I preached from Hebrews 2, v. 3; the word spoken made considerable impression, several cried aloud. At the commemoration of the dying love of Jesus, the hearts of the people were still more broken, and we had a blessed time. At 4 o'clock Br. Geeting preached once more in Berlin; we lodged at Wegley's. 4th—We set out for Bedford, came to Mr. Mond's, and staid for the night. 5th—To-day we preached in a church about 5 miles from Bedford ; at night we had a blessed meeting at Matthias Smidt's. 6th—This morning we took our breakfast with Mr. Knoblauch, in Bedford ; rode 32 miles to McConnellstown, and preached at Mr. Grus's. We had a tolerable congregation, but the word did not make any impression. 7th—This day we reached my son David's, where we tarried for the night. 8th—This day I returned home, found my family well, and busily engaged in harvest. Sunday 10th—I rode Hagers-town, Enoch George was to preach here, but owing to indisposition he did not attend, so I had to preach in his place. I spoke from 1st. Chronicles 4, v. 10; at night I returned home. 11th—I received the intelligence that Jacob Sherer had departed this life, after an indisposition of but a few hours. O! on how brittle a thread hangs our existence. 12th—This day I preached his funeral sermon; a great many persons had assembled. Sunday 17th—This forenoon I preached at Hauser's. Sunday 24th—I spoke at Samuel Bechtel's, from Matthew 5, v. 3 to 6. 30th, and Sunday 31st—A Quarterly meeting commenced at P. Stadtler's ; to all appearance it was a blessed meeting. August 1st—I returned home. 2d—Rode with Br. Hoffman to Shepherds-town. 3d—Paid a visit to the Rev. Mr. Meyer, a pious young man; rode to John Hoffman's, and tarried for the night. 4th—We had a day of Thanksgiving and prayer; I preached at Schnebly's, from Galatians 6, v. 7, 8, 9. 11th—This morning I left home in company with Br. Hershey; preached at the old church and rode to Peter Kemp's. 12th—We reached Br. Bishop's, in Little's-town. 13th—We came to Henry Baer's, on the Codorus, and lodged with him. Sunday 14th—This forenoon I spoke here, from Romans 8, v. 19, to a considerable congregation, but the word made but little impression ; rode to Henry Strickler's, where we were very friendly received. 15th—We had a blessed meeting at Chr. Herr's ; rode to Lancaster, and paid a visit to my sister Anna, who has been confined to her bed six weeks, and it is thought she will not recover ; her disease appears to be the consumption. I conversed with her a considerable time, on the great change which she would soon have to make, and was rejoiced to hear the expression of a total submission and perfect resignation to the will of God from her lips, to which was added a hope of another and a better existence. 16th—We had meeting at Christian Herr's, visited several friends and relatives, and lodged with my brother-in-law, Baer. 17th—This day I also spent in visiting my relations, and am sorry to say, the greater part of them are yet totally ignorant of experimental religion. 18th—Returned again to my sister Anna's, in Lancaster ; found her very weak, prayed with her, and rode to Chr. Herr's, where I met Br. Geeting; we had a blessed meeting ; I lodged with Abraham Herr. 19th—Preached this forenoon at M. Meyer's ; at night at Lang's. 20th—Our Sacramental meeting commenced at Hershey's ; at 4 o'clock I preached at Bauman's, and lodged with Christian Rohrer. Sunday 21st—We had a blessed time ; Br. Geeting spoke first, other brethren followed him. The Lord was present in his convicting and converting power. 22d—Preached this forenoon at Felix Lichte's, near Lebanon, from Jeremiah 48, v. 11 ; at night Br. Geeting preached in the German Reformed church in Shanzentown. 23d—This forenoon we had a very joyful meeting at Elleberger's ; in the afternoon I spoke at Stouffer's, from 1st. Chronicles 4, v. 10. 24th—This forenoon we held a meeting at Huber's, on Spring creek ; by candle-light at Riegel's, where we lodged for the night, 25th—This forenoon I spoke at John Neidig's, from Psalm 39, v. 5, 6, 7 ; at night Brother Geeting preached in Harrisburg; we lodged at Mr. Gloss's. 26th—To-day I preached in Halifax, from John 3, v. 16, 17; lodged with Daniel Miller, 27th, and Sunday 28th—We had a Quarterly meeting at Br. Hoffman's, in Fautz's Valley ; I spoke in the English language, we had a blessed time. 29th—Preached at Abraham Meyer's. 30th—At David Sneider's. 31st, and September 1st—We had a Sacramental meeting at Oberly's; this was truly a blessed time for many souls ; some were so happy that they cried aloud and shouted for joy ; others were happily converted to God : unto him be all the glory. We rode yet 7 miles, and lodged with Schnebly. 2d—Rode through Chambersburg, Green-castle, and lodged with my son David. 3d—I returned home. Sunday 4th—I attended a Quarterly meeting at Hagers-town; Br. Enoch George preached first, I exhorted after him ; we had a happy season. Sunday 11th—I preached again in Hagers-town, lodged with Jacob King. 16th—Arrived at Br. Duckwalt's, in Virginia, where I met several brethren from Maryland. 17th, and Sunday 18th—We had a Quarterly meeting on Sleepy creek ; a great many people were collected. I spoke from 1st. Chronicles 4, v. 10 ; it was a blessed time ; rode home with Henry Reiner. 19th—Reached my son's-in-law. 20th—Returned home. Sunday 25th—Attended a Quarterly meeting at Jacob Bowlus's. 26th—I set off for Baltimore, in company with Br. Bowlus, came to Frederick-town, and staid with Sister Byerly. October 1st—This evening we readied Baltimore, and lodged with Mr. Foltz. Sunday 2d—Brother Bowlus preached this forenoon. Otterbein and myself administered the Sacrament ; in the afternoon I spoke from 1st. Chronicles 4, v. 10 ; at night we had meeting at Smith's. 4th—Arrived at home. Sunday 9th—This forenoon I preached at Hauser's ; in the afternoon in Funks-town. Sunday 16th—I attended a Quarterly meeting at Jacob Thomas's, in Frederick county. Sunday 23d—This forenoon I preached at Fried's with great liberty ; at night we had meeting at John Creider's. Sunday 30th—Preached at Fishing Creek ; from Luke 19, v. 10; lodged with Sister Remsberg. 31st—I preached in Frederick-town ; lodged with Sister Byerly. November 1st—I returned home. 5th, and Sunday 6th—We had a Sacramental meeting at C. Kemp's ; I spoke from Psalm 32, v. 29 ; it was a blessed time, lodged with F. Hoffman. Sunday 13th—I was at home. 16th—Preached at Schnebly's, from Matthew 6, v. 6. 19th, and Sunday 20th—I attended a Methodist Quarterly meeting ; Br. Jefferson spoke first, I followed him, and spoke from Luke 17, v. 13. The word spoken made considerable impression ; several cried for mercy, others were praising God with a loud voice. Br. Enoch George and Reed were present. Sunday 27th—Preached this forenoon in Shank's church ; in the afternoon at Schnebly's, lodged with Br. Witter. 28th— We had meeting in Middle-town ; several persons were convicted and in great distress. We prayed with them, and in a short time several found peace with God, and shouted glory to the most blessed Redeemer with all their power. December 1st—I rode to Virginia, and lodged with my son Jacob. 2d—I visited my daughter. 3d—I rode to a Quarterly meeting in Buckle's-town ; Br. Jefferson preached first with great power, from Ephesians 1, v. 13, 14, I followed him from 1st. Corinth. 4, v. 10, with considerable liberty. Sunday 4th—A great many people were assembled ; Brother Reynolds spoke from 2d. Timothy 2, v. 12, with uncommon grace and power; it was a good time unto me, and I have no doubt, unto many others. For several days I visited divers families in this section of country, exhorting and praying with them. 8th—I returned home. 9th—Attended the funeral of old Mr. Dumas. Sunday 11th—Preached a funeral again on the same burying ground ; had to stay at home on account of a sore leg. Sunday 18th—This day and nearly the whole of this week I had to remain at home. Sunday 25th, and Monday 26th—We had a Sacramental meeting at John Huber's ; I spoke from the words, "Wilt thou be made whole." Br. Hoffman and Enoch George were present ; we had a powerful time. 31st—I rode to Loudoun county, Virginia ; at night I preached at Henry Frey's, to a large congregation, in the German and English languages ; we had a blessed time and the meeting was protracted till after midnight. |
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