 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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:
|
The Life and Journal of the Rev'd. Christian Newcomer transcribed, corrected and translated by John Hildt |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
1809 ... Sunday, January 1st, 1809—To-day I preached at Philip Frey's, to an attentive congregation : glory be to God, I believe it was not in vain. 2d—I returned home : bless the Lord, O my soul! for all his goodness and mercy which I have enjoyed at his hands during the year which is past and gone. Sunday 8th—Preached at Worman's in Frederick county, from Luke 2, v. 25. 9th—Rode to Virginia. 10th—Returned home. 14th—This evening I preached at Huber's. Sunday 15th—We had a blessed meeting at Shevoll's. 16th —I visited Br. Forrest, who is very ill ; prayed with him and returned home. 19th—I preached in Hagers-town. 21st—I made preparations for a journey ; at night I preached at J. Hershey's, from Psalm 146, v. 8, 9. Sunday 22d—This morning I set out early, rode 13 miles to Jacob Bowlus's, and spoke from Romans 8, v. 17 ; rode to Frederick-town, met the class at Sister Byerly's, and staid for the night. 23d—This forenoon I preached at John Cronise's, rode to Welter's and staid for the night. 24th—I came to Yost Herbaugh's ; the weather is so severe, that ice was frozen at my eye-lids, when I reached the house. 25th—The weather continues very cold ; rode 10 miles to Krebs's, where an appointment had been made for the Methodist circuit preacher. The people had collected, but the preacher did not come. I was requested to speak in his place, which I did in my weak and feeble manner, apparently to great satisfaction ; I also led the class, and believe every soul received a blessing. 26th—The cold weather has somewhat abated. Rode to Emmittsburg, and lodged with Mr. Kalb. 27th—I rode to Little's-town, preached at Bishop's, to a numerous congregation. 28th—I reached Spangler's, where I met Br. Joseph Hoffman on his way from, Baltimore. Sunday 29th—This morning I felt truly thankful to God for his continued mercies ; preached at Roth's school-house, from Romans 8, v. 17. The word did not appear to make the desired impression : may the Lord have mercy and pity my inability to declare his counsel and preach his gospel; at night Br. Hoffman preached in York, in the Court-house; I lodged with Br. Bentz. 30th—We visited several families in town ; at night I preached at Naylor's. 31st—This forenoon we had meeting at Bull's ; at night at Ph. Hoffman's. February 1st—This day I am 60 years old : Lord Jesus! assist me with thy grace to live the few remaining days of my life, to thy name's glory. Preached this evening at Thomas Long's. 2d—We had meeting at Fordenbaugh's ; I spoke from the words, "Master doest thou not care that we perish?" Rode 14 miles to Abr. Neidig's, where we held a watch-night ; Hoffman preached first, some of the other Brethren followed him ; the meeting continued till near day-light. The Lord made bare his arm in the conviction and conversion of sinners : may God grant them grace to prove faithful. 3d—I preached at Weber's, from Psalm 32, v. 8, 9, 10. 4th—I rode 14 miles to Br. D. Sneider's. Sunday 5th—During last night we had a heavy fall of snow, and this morning it still continues to fall ; in the afternoon a few persons assembled, and we had a good meeting. 6th—I rode 23 miles to Chambersburg, preached at candle-light in the Methodist meeting house, and lodged with Mr. Johns. 7th—I returned home. 9th—I preached at Jacob Bowlus's. 10th—At Eberhardt's. 11th, and Sunday 12th—I attended a Methodist Quarterly meeting at Conrad Kemp's ; we had a blessed time ; Br. Enoch George and myself lodged at G. Hoffman's. 13th—We rode together to Br. Geeting's, where we held a long conversation respecting a closer union between the English and German brethren ; after commending each other to the guidance and protection of God, we parted. Br. George went to Shepherd's-town, to the Conference, and I rode 9 miles to Mr. Nicoll's, where I tarried for the night. 14th—Last night we had a great storm accompanied by a heavy rain, and this morning it is still pouring down Although it was very difficult to travel, I set out and rode to Harper's Ferry, where I preached at Mr. Duvall's, from 1st. Corinthians 4, v. 10 ; a more numerous congregation had assembled than could reasonably have been expected, considering the state of the weather ; the Lord met with us in mercy. Before I finished my discourse, several persons cried for mercy ; some sunk down and others fell to the floor, apparently lifeless. A young lady, among the rest, was taken up by her friends and carried in an adjoining room, where they laid her on a bed. After some time she recovered, looked about with a countenance totally altered, and began to praise God in a most wonderful manner, proclaiming unto all around that the love of God was shed abroad in her soul. I returned to Mr. Nicoll's and lodged with him again for the night. 15th—This morning I am happy in the Lord my Saviour, praying for a still deeper work of grace in my soul : O! that the time may speedily come when my Jesus shall be all in all ; when I shall be delivered from the least and last remains of sin, and experience that perfect love which casteth out fear. I intended to cross the Potomac, but did not succeed, on account of high water, so I returned home. 16th—I remained at home. 17th—Rode to Hagerstown. 18th—Brs. Sneider and Hoffman came to me this day ; we had a blessed meeting at night. Sunday 19th—This forenoon we had meeting at the stone meeting house ; in the afternoon at Geeting's. 20th—I returned home. Sunday 26th—This forenoon I preached at Hauser's meeting house. March 1st—I set out to the Methodist Annual Conference ; the road was remarkably bad. In the evening I reached Shepherd's-town. 2d—I reached Chr. Crum's, where I tarried for the night. 3d—I travelled alone all day, through Winchester Newtown, to Woodstock, and lodged with Br. Zehring. 4th —This morning I set off very early, but had not proceeded far before I fell in company with John Green, a Methodist preacher, destined for the same place with myself, viz. Harrisonburg, Rockingham county, Va. We travelled together (holding godly conversation) 33 miles ; at night we stopped at Br. Bryan's, where we tarried. Sunday 5th—This morning we set out before day, came to Chr. Boehm's. After breakfast, he accompanied us to Harrisonburg. I suppose more than one thousand persons were here assembled; before preaching live of the brethren received Ordination by the laying on of hands ; Bishop Asbury delivered thereafter a sermon, addressing himself particularly to the preachers present. The discourse delivered was sound doctrine, particularly applicable to myself, and proved very wholesome food for my soul. R. Roberts and Pitts followed him : after a short intermission, Henry Boehm preached in the German language, Jacob Gruber and myself followed him ; Enoch George preached at night ; I went home with Mr. Kuntz, who entertained me very friendly. 6th—This day we had again three sermons preached ; in conference a committee was appointed to hold consultation with me, to ascertain whether any, and if any, what union could be effected between the Methodist Episcopal church and the United Brethren in Christ. 7th—The Committee appointed, consisting of five Elders, met at the appointed place. We first entreated a throne of grace, for wisdom from above, and the blessing of the Most High, on the business about to be transacted I am firmly persuaded, that all of us were seriously concerned, and had nothing else in view, but the salvation of immortal souls, the furtherance of the good cause of our Lord and Master, in spreading his kingdom through our blessed country. We discussed many and different subjects, which I do not intend here to relate : our transactions were concluded with prayer. The. committee made their report to the Conference. In the afternoon I was invited to attend the session of the Conference. The members, including the two Bishops, amounted to about sixty in number. After mature deliberation and discussion on their part, I received from the Conference, a resolution in writing, which I was to deliver to William Otterbein in Baltimore. And it was further resolved, that a member of their body should he appointed to attend and communicate this resolution to our next Annual Conference. 8th—This evening after dark the session of the Conference was concluded with fervent prayer, and then were the appointments read over. 9th—I travelled in company with Asbury, Reed, Jefferson, Boehm, and Matthews, to Woodstock. 10th—I came to Br. Senseny's, near Middle-town, where I stopped for the night. 11th—I rested here, and wrote a letter to William Otterbein. Sunday 12th—This forenoon I preached here in the German and English languages ; in the afternoon I rode to Winchester; R. Roberts and H. Boehm preached here at night, and lodged with Sister Senseny. 13th—I rode to Chr. Crum's, and staid for the night. 14th—This morning before day I felt the love of God very sensibly in my soul ; met Br. Painter, and rode with him to my son-in-law Jacob Hess's. After taking some refreshment we rode to Shepherd's-town, where we tarried for the night. 15th—Returned home and found my family well. 16th—Rode to P. Stadtler's, 17th—This forenoon I preached here, rode through Hagerstown to my son David's. 18th—This day we had meeting in Hagers-town, lodged with J. Hershey. Sunday 19th—This day I preached at Geeting's, from Matth. 10, v. 16; rode to Jacob Bowlus's, and staid for the night. 20th—I returned home. 21st—Attended a funeral. 22d—Rode to Hagers-town. 23d—To Shepherd's-town. 24th—To Loudoun, county, Va. ; met Br. Jacob Bowlus at old Mr. Frey's, where we lodged for the night. Sunday 25th—This forenoon I preached at Ph. Eberhardt's, from John 1, v. 19 ; at night we had meeting at Henry Frey's. 26th—We came through Harper's Ferry, and lodged with Mr. Nicoll's, 27th—Returned home. 30th—This evening I preached at P. Kemp's, from John 20, v. 4. 31st—This day Brother Geeting preached in Frederick-town, in the German Reformed church; in the afternoon I attended a funeral, Br. Nicholas Sneethen preached the funeral sermon. Rode in company with Geeting 13 miles towards Baltimore, and lodged with Mr. Sneider. April 1st—We arrived at Otterbein's, in the city. Sunday 2d—This forenoon Br. Geeting spoke first, I exhorted after him ; Otterbein and Geeting administered the Sacrament ; many approached the Lord's table with broken hearts and tearful eyes. In the afternoon I preached from Luke 24, v. 45 ; at night we had meeting at Bender's : I lodged at Jacob Smith's. 3d—This forenoon we had meeting again ; Br. Geeting spoke first, I followed him. The word spoken made considerable impression on the hearts of the hearers. In the afternoon we visited several families, and lodged with Mr. Foltz. 4th—This forenoon we visited Mr. Keener , in the suburbs of the city ; he has suffered a long time already, (being struck with the palsy,) but appears to be engaged in the salvation of his soul. In the afternoon we held a blessed class-meeting at Otterbein's; at night I heard Asa Shinn preach in the Methodist meeting house, lodged with Mr. Bender. 5th—This afternoon I attended another class-meeting at Mr. Foss's ; by candlelight I preached from Luke 19, v. 10, lodged with Mr. Foltz. 6th—This evening we had prayer and class-meeting again at Otterbein's ; the room was crowded full of people, and I believe many received a blessing. 7th—To-day we visited Wm. Baker and Nelson Reed, the latter a Presiding Elder in the Methodist church. Our conversation chiefly turned on the subject of a closer union and harmony of our respective societies ; a subject which at present occupies the minds of many brethren in both societies. We returned to the city, and at night attended another class meeting at Otterbein's. 8th—We visited many of the members in society, conversed and prayed with each of them : may God revive his work in this place, among the German population. Sunday 9th—This forenoon Br. Geeting preached to a very numerous congregation ; I gave an exhortation ; in the afternoon I spoke from Genesis 19, v. 17 ; at night we had meeting at Jacob Smith's, it was a blessed time ; many were praising God and shouting for joy, beseeching us to renew our visit as soon as convenient. 10th—During the night I slept but very little; my mind was so intensely occupied about the connection of the societies ; several times I arose during the night, praying for grace and wisdom from above : O! that the Lord may take the cause into his own hands, and direct all things to his own glory. This forenoon we took our leave of Otterbein, left the city, and rode 32 miles to Mr. Sneider's, where we lodged for the night. 11th—This morning I felt my heart drawn out in prayer for grace and wisdom to our Conference ; rode to Br. Eberhardt's. 12th—I returned home. 13th—We had a remarkable snow storm, all day. 14th—We had meeting at P. Stadler's. 15th—This day Brother Hoffman preached at my house. Sunday 16th—This forenoon we had meeting at Geris's church ; in the afternoon at Geeting's. 17th—Rode to Shepherd's-town, and returned home in the evening. Sunday 23d—This forenoon I preached in the old church, from Luke 24, v. 45, 46, 47 ; in the afternoon at Jacob Huber's. 24th—I returned home. 25th—Prepared for a journey ; all the day long I sent my petitions to the Most High, that He in mercy may be with me. 26th—This forenoon I attended a funeral rode then with Br. Geeting to Shelli's, where we met Brother Hoffman, and staid for the night 27th—We arrived at Chambersburg ; at night we had a blessed meeting. 28th—This forenoon we preached at Roth's ; in the evening we reached Br. Sneider's, where we tarried for the night. 29th—A Sacramental meeting commenced at Abr. Meyer's ; I spoke first, from Matthew 11, v. 12 ; at night we performed the ceremony of washing of feet. Sunday 30th—This morning we held our Love-feast ; Br. John Neidig delivered the first discourse, other brethren followed him : bless the Lord, we had a heart-reviving time. I lodged with Mr. Enoch. May 1st—I preached at Shopp's, from Luke 18, v. 40, 41 ; rode home with Br. Neidig. 2d—This forenoon we had meeting here ; rode in the afternoon to Middle-town, and lodged with Doctor Roemer, a pious and learned man. 3d—This forenoon I preached here, from 1st. Chronicles 9, v. 10 ; Br. Hoffman preached in the afternoon ; a vast multitude of people had collected, several persons were convicted of their lost situation, and cried for mercy ; others were astonished and fled, as they supposed for safety. I lodged with Jacob Hershey, near Middle-town. 4th—We had meeting at Riegel's ; several brethren addressed the congregation, but did not make the impression desired. 5th—We held meeting at Mr. Shenck's ; the grace of God wrought powerfully among the people : I lodged with Michael Creider. 6th—Our Sacramental meeting commenced at Felix Lichte's ; Br. Bortsfield delivered the first discourse. Sunday 7th—This morning we had a good Love-feast ; Br. Draksel addressed the congregation first, others followed him ; after meeting I rode to Mr. Weis's, where I lodged for the night. 8th—Came to my father's-in-law. 9th—Visited my relatives and friends ; rode to Lancaster and visited my sisters who reside there. Thence to Abr. Herr's, where I staid for the night. 10th—This day the session of our Conference commenced at Christian Herr's, in Lancaster county, and continued until 12 o'clock at night. Different subjects came up for consideration, particularly the case of a closer union and fellowship with our Methodist brethren : my wish and desire was, to have better order and discipline established in our society, and some of my brethren were of opinion that this was unnecessary ; that the word of God alone was all-sufficient, and were therefore opposed to all discipline. I could plainly perceive, that this opposition originated in prejudice, therefore I sincerely and fervently prayed for the illumination of the Holy Spirit. The Lord answered my prayer, when I almost despaired of success, and had nearly determined to leave and withdraw from the Society ; the brethren resolved, and a resolution was adopted in the Conference, to give a friendly and brotherly answer to the request and address of the Methodist Conference, and I hope that peace, unanimity, and concord, will be preserved and strengthened in the respective societies. 13th, and Sunday 14th—We had a Sacramental meeting at Abr. Herr's, 15th—This evening Br. Geeting preached in York, in the Courthouse, I exhorted after him. 16th—This forenoon we preached at Roth's church ; at night at Bishop's, to a numerous congregation. 17th—This evening we lodged at Mr. Sauder's. 18th —I returned home. 20th, and Sunday 21st—We had a Sacramental meeting at the Antietam ; the Lord was present and blessed the word spoken in hie name. 22d—This forenoon we had meeting at Hauser's ; at night in Hagers-town. 27th, and Sunday 28th—I attended a Methodist Quarterly meeting at Linganore creek; Enoch George, Jefferson, and some other brethren were present; we had a heart-melting time: glory to God for all his mercies, my soul was exceedingly blessed. 29th—Returned home 30th—This morning I set out in company with Br. Sch., for Redstone; arrived in McConnell's-town and lodged at a public house. 31st—We came through Bedford to Matthew Smidt's, where we were joyfully received. June 1st—I rested here, read my bible, and some of Lavater's writings. Br. Joseph Hoffman, my travelling companion, arrived to-day: may the Lord be with us. 2d—This day we had a blessed meeting here, preachers and hearers were revived, and had their spiritual strength renewed. Rode in the afternoon 10 miles to Henry Sneider's, where we were entertained very friendly. 3d—We crossed the Allegheny ; at night we had meeting at Jacob Guth's.unday 4th—This morning at family prayers, a woman fell to the floor in a fainting fit; we rode to Jacob Blauch's, where I preached from Luke 16, v. 12; in the afternoon we had meeting in Berlin, Br. McDonald spoke in the English and myself in the German language. 5th—We preached at Weimer's, near Somerset. 6th—We preached at Jordi's, and lodged for the night. 7th—We crossed Laurel hill, and had meeting at Henry Kraus's; I spoke from Matthew 5, v. 3 to 7, but saw little or no impression made. 8th—We had meeting at Conrad Pfirsing's. 9th—I preached at Mr. Swartz's, from Luke 18, v. 29, 30; rode through Greensburgh, and staid for the night with Mr. Pittal. 10th—This morning I am happy in God my Saviour. O Lord! let thy kingdom come, let Zion be built up, and many souls be converted unto thee. We rode to Br. Berger's, where we had a blessed meeting, and tarried for the night Sunday 11th—This forenoon we preached in Mount Pleasant, to a numerous congregation; I spoke from Psalm 125, Hoffman followed me: glory be to God, it appeared to make some impression. In the afternoon we had meeting at old Brother Draksel's, where we remained for the night. 12th—We visited Br. Bonnet's and other families; I lodged with J. Funck. 13th—We came to Connellsville; stopped with a Methodist preacher. He immediately made an appointment, we preached at night in the German and English languages, I believe not altogether in vain. 14th—This day we rode through Union-town, could find no place to preach at; at night we tarried with Mr. Benjamin Bauman. This family was rejoiced to see us, and entertained us with pleasure. 15th—We preached here, went home with Mr. Baker, an old acquaintance, and lodged with him. 16th—We had filled and attended to all our appointments, were therefore at liberty to go where a door opened. I prayed that the Lord might point out some work in his vineyard. In a section of country where we were absolute strangers to the people, trusting in Providence we travelled joyfully and leisurely along. We stopped at a house, the owner of which was an old Dunker preacher. I asked the lady of the house why she had not attended last evening with her husband at meeting? She replied, O! I should have attended cheerfully, if my husband had suffered me to do so. I soon perceived that discord and uncharitableness reigned in the family ; I exhorted them to love each other, spoke to them and also to the children ; they were all very much effected. After commending them in prayer to God, we pursued our journey; rode through several small villages and lodged with Lewis Bricker. 17th—Last evening we visited a young preacher named Peter Manusmidt. This morning he came and attended us to Washington: here I parted from Br. Hoffman, and rode to Daniel Reis's, where I lodged for the night. Sunday 18th—This forenoon I preached in a church to a numerous audience; had more than common liberty to declare the counsel of God. After preaching I was surrounded by the people, several of them thanked me with streaming eyes; went home with Mr. Winter. At night I preached at Jacob Wolff. 19th—Br. Hoffman joined me again, had an appointment to preach at the 10 mile meeting house. On our arriving we were refused admittance, so I preached to the people from under the shelter of an oak tree and the canopy of heaven, with great liberty, from 2d. Peter 1, v. 19; in the afternoon Br. Hoffman preached both in the German and English languages. The louse was crowded full of people; many cried aloud for mercy, and the whole congregation was melted into tears: God grant that they may improve the grace given. We lodged with Mr. Horn, a pious family. 20th—We rode 17 miles to Mr. Stecker's; I spoke here, from Psalm 40, v. 1, 2, 3; in the afternoon we preached at Pigeon creek church, and lodged with Lewis Stecker. 21st—Rode to Pittsburg, crossed the Allegheny river into the Indian lands, and staid for the night with Benjamin Herr. 22d—Returned again through Pittsburg, and lodged with George Miller. 23d—We preached at Mr. Delphi's; I spoke from Psalm 32, v. 9, 10, 11; Hoffman followed me. 24th—A Sacramental meeting commenced in Mount Pleasant; we had to ride about 11 miles, found a vast number of people already assembled; I spoke first, Brs. Berger and Bortsfield followed me ; in the evening we had meeting at Jacob Funk's. Sunday 25th—This day the congregation was still more numerous ; Hoffman addressed the people first in the German language, Br. Page, an English circuit preacher followed him. A great number partook of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper ; in the afternoon I tried to speak to the people, Dr. Estep, a Baptist preacher followed me: I lodged with Mr. Shaub, 26th—This forenoon we had our Love-feast; at the commencement it seemed to be rather cold and lifeless, at last the power of God came over the assembly, some fell lifeless to the ground. The whole congregation melted into tears, and many desired to be prayed for ; we did so for some time and several persons found peace and pardon of sin in the blood of the Lamb. Three of them desired to be baptised with water, may God also baptise; them with the Holy Ghost : at last we concluded the meeting, many came with streaming eyes to bid me farewell, desiring I should pray for them : may God bless them all. Ultimately I had to leave these dear children, and almost tear or force myself away, to pursue my company who had started some time. After I had left the town some distance, I found about seven young people in the woods on their knees, praying and crying for mercy ; another laid on the ground, and a girl was standing a short distance from the road side, crying. I had to stop again, got off my horse, and exhorted them to persevere in prayer until the Lord should have mercy on them and bless them ; assuring them that they would surely find Jesus ; I then began singing and rode on to the next house where I overtook my company. After some time, the young people whom I had left in the woods, also came along singing and praising God. One of them was so happy that she shouted and gave glory to God with a loud voice, declaring to all around that she had found Jesus precious to her soul ; she was invited to take some refreshment, but declined the invitation, saying she had been fed on the bread of life ; so she left us, pursuing her way towards her home, similar to the Eunuch when baptised of Philip. At night I preached at John Weibel's, from Luke 15, v 10, and staid for the night. 27th—We preached at the Indian creek, in Fayette county ; the congregation was very numerous, and the weather remarkably warm, so we preached in the open air in a grove ; the Lord was present in mercy. The word spoken was powerful in the conviction of sinners ; the people requested us to preach again at night, but we thought it prudent to decline, the weather being warm, the nights short, and we stood in need of some rest. After going to bed, I could not sleep, which made me sorry I had not acceded to the request and held another meeting. I prayed to the Lord for pardon. 28fh—We crossed Laurel hill, and preached at John Weimar's ; here the grace of God wrought powerfully : bless the Lord! 29th—This forenoon we preached in Somerset, in the Court-house ; I spoke from Romans 8, v. 17 ; in the afternoon we rode 10 miles and preached at night in Berlin ; we lodged with Wegley. 30th— This morning my heart was drawn out in prayer, for a deeper work of grace in my heart. On the Allegheny mountains we alighted, and gave thanks to God for all his mercies bestowed on us on our journey. I feel ashamed of myself that I am not more useful in the hands of my heavenly master : O Lord Jesus! make me wholly thine, and submissive to thy will and pleasure. We came to Mr. Casper Stadtler's, fed our horses, then Br. Hoffman parted from me ; he took the road towards Huntingdon, I rode to the widow Holl's, and staid for the night. July 1st—I rode about 7 miles to a Quarterly meeting at Mr. Young's ; James Hunter preached from 1st. Peter 4, v. 10, John Gill Watts followed him, I concluded with prayer. In about two hours Daniel Clarke delivered another discourse, I followed him in German ; the Lord added his blessing. Sunday 2d—This morning we held Love-feast ; I also felt liberty to relate what the Lord had done for my soul. Br. Hunter spoke first, I followed him. The Sacrament was administered, and we had a blessed time. In the afternoon Br. Stevens preached first, then Gill Watts ; lodged with Mr. Mond. 3d—This forenoon I preached here, from 1st. Chronicles 9, v. 10, M. Smidt gave an exhortation. Mr. Arndt, formerly a preacher of our Society, but now a German Presbyterian minister, was also present, and spoke for a greater length of time than both of us. I rode in the afternoon through Bedford to Bloody Run, and preached at the latter place at night in the German and English languages. The grace of God wrought powerfully ; the meeting was protracted until after midnight. 4th—This morning I arose early, conversed and prayed with the landlord and his companion, both of them about 60 years of age ; they shed tears and invited me to call again at their house, whenever I should come this way ; they made no charge for my lodging. I commended them to God, bid them farewell, and rode this day to Mr. Leymeister's, in Franklin county, where I staid for the night and rested well. 5th—Came through Green-castle and Hagers-town ; at night I reached home and found my family well : bless the Lord for all his goodness and mercy. 11th—I paid a visit to old Mr. Hess, and rode to Shepherd's-town to my son Jacob's. 12th—I rode to Harper's-ferry; the Rev. Mr. Schmucker preached here from Isaiah 55, v. 12. 13th—Rode to my son's-in-law. 16th—Returned home. 17th—The Rev. Mr. Dashield, of Baltimore, came to my house this evening, and tarried for the night. 18th—I accompanied him to Hagerstown, where he preached in the Lutheran church from the words, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a christian." 19th—I rode with him about four miles, returned to Hagerstown, visited Br. Marteny's daughter, who is very low with the consumption, but in possession of the pearl of great price, and ready and willing to depart, whenever Jesus bids her come. Sunday 23d—I spoke in the old church. 24th—Attended the funeral of Mr. Ferguson, a Baptist preacher. 25th—Attended the funeral of Marteny's daughter ; Br. Geeting preached the funeral sermon, I followed him ; lodged with John Hershey. 28th—We had meeting at home ; Joseph Hoffman and Chr. Crum were present ; rode with them in the afternoon to Jacob Hess's, sen. and staid for the night 29th, and Sunday 30th—We had a Sacramental meeting in Loudoun county, Va. I spoke from 1st. Chronicles 10, v. 9 ; on the whole it was a tolerable good meeting. 31st—To-day I returned home. August 1st—I visited several sick persons in our neighborhood. 2d—I preached in Shank's church, from Isaiah 55, v. 6, 7, 8 ; visited Sister Geeting who was ill, and returned home. 3d—Preached at Schnebly's, from Mark 2, v. 3, 4, 5. Sunday 6th—I preached in Hagers-town, from Isaiah 55, v. 1, 2. 7th—Preached at Peter Kemp's. 8th—Visited several friends in Frederick-town ; rode to John Stouffer's, and staid for the night. 9th—Rode to a Camp-meeting at Mr. Higgins', in Frederick county. When I arrived at the Camp-ground, the people were all busily engaged in erecting their tents. At night Br. Matthews delivered the first sermon ; he spoke with great power. 10th—This forenoon Br. John Green delivered a powerful discourse ; in the afternoon I preached from the words, "Zacheus make haste, for to-day I must abide in. thy house." At night we had preaching again ; the grace of God wrought powerfully among the people, many mourning souls came forward to the altar to be prayed for, and the singing and praying continued till after midnight. 11th—This afternoon I left the camp-ground ; rode to John Stouffer's, and tarried for the night. 12th—I rode to Jacob Bowlus's to a Quarterly meeting : Michael Thomas spoke first. At night I preached in Middletown. Sunday 13th—A great many people were this day assembled ; Br. Geeting spoke first, I followed him. After the meeting closed, I rode back again 21 miles to the Camp-meeting. Riding solitary along, I felt the love of God sensibly shed abroad in my soul, and a longing desire to be assembled with the children of God. When I arrived on the ground, I found the Lord present in his converting power. James Smidt preached at night with uncommon power ; many were the wounded and the slain. All around the Camp-ground the cry, "Mercy, Lord Jesus, Mercy!" sounded from tent to tent ; some were singing and praying with the mourners, others were jumping and shouting for joy. So it continued till after midnight. 14th—This also was a blessed day ; many hundreds drew to the Lord's table, commemorating the dying love of Jesus. 15th—This forenoon the meeting came to a close, when we bade each other adieu. A young lawyer who had been converted at the meeting, reached me his hand, saying, "O! father Newcomer, pray for me, that I may prove faithful." I exhorted him to give up all to Jesus, and spend his youth, and all the power of his mind and body in the service of his Master. I rode yet 33 miles home. 17th—I preached at D. Newcomer's. 18th—At P. Stadtler's. 16th—A Quarterly meeting commenced at Fetherhoff's; we had a blessed time, many were convicted and some happily converted to God. The meeting continued during the greater part of the night, of course we had but very little rest : Glory be to God. Sunday 20th—A great congregation was this day assembled ; Br. Hershey spoke first, David Sneider and myself followed him; Geeting and myself administered the Sacrament, Br. McCall closed the meeting. Rode to Nichodemus's, felt very weak and feeble at night, had a severe pain in my throat, and was very unwell all night. 21st—We had meeting at P. Stadtler's. 22d—I attended a funeral, H. Stouffer was buried ; had great liberty to speak. 23d—I set out to Virginia, came to Shepherd's-town and staid for the night with my son Jacob. 24th—I reached a Camp-meeting near Smithfield ; Br. George Roszel preached a heart-searching discourse. 25th—This morning I am happy in the God of my salvation ; the Lord made bare his arm and sinners were slain on the right and on the left. 26th—This was also a great day ; my eldest son, Andrew, is here ; he appears to be touched by grace divine : God grant that he may be truly converted. Sunday 27th—I suppose not less than from 5 to 6000 persons were this day assembled on the camp-ground ; Br. Roszel preached the first sermon from these words, "Work out your souls' salvation with fear and trembling.'' Br. Wm. Ryland preached in the afternoon, Matthews at night ; all spoke with unction from above. 28th—We had a powerful time ; a great many were convicted and converted to God : unto him be all the glory. 29th—This forenoon the meeting was brought to a close ; I rode to Winchester where I met Br. Geeting ; he preached at candle-light, I gave an exhortation. 30th—I rode to Stover's-town and preached from Hebrews 2, v. 3 ; at night I spoke in Woodstock, 31st—I preached at the widow Rhinehart's, from Luke 18, v. 42, 43 ; rode 13 miles to John Peters', and had meeting by candle-light September 1st—This morning I am well, and by the grace of God determined to love Jesus and serve him more than ever. We came to Harrisonburg, stopped with Mr. Sala and took dinner ; rode in the afternoon to Peter Meyer's, where we were received and entertained very friendly. 2d—Bless the Lord for the rain that is falling this morning ; we stand very much in need of it ; the earth is very dry. O Lord! grant that showers of blessings may fall on our intended meeting. Geeting and myself visited our old Brother Strickler, this forenoon ; we conversed with him a long time but to very little purpose ; he persisted in error, and endeavored to vindicate his conduct. After commending him to God we returned and commenced our meeting ; I spoke first from Romans 5, v. 1 to 4 ; at night we had a blessed meeting, several persons were very happy. Sunday 3d—This forenoon we had a large congregation ; Br. Geeting spoke first, Hoffman and myself followed him. After administering the Lord's Supper, an old Methodist Brother by the name of Greaves addressed the congregation, in a most wonderful strain ; at night I spoke from 2d. Chronicles 10, v. 9. 4th—This evening we had meeting at Shuey's ; I spoke in the English, and Br. Geeting in the German language ; we had a soul-reviving time, one person fell to the ground and shook in every limb in a very remarkable manner. This singular motion they called the jerks. When the person recovered, she praised God with a loud voice. 5th—This evening we reached John Peters', and remained for the night. 6th—We had a good meeting here ; I spoke from 2d. Peter 1, v. 6, 7. 7th—We preached at Homans'. 8th—At David Funkhouser's, on Mill Creek ; I spoke in the English language, from Psalm 146. 9th, and Sunday 10th—We had a Quarterly meeting at Stony Creek; I believe it was not altogether in vain. 11th—We preached at Henry Geeting's. 12th—We had meeting in Woodstock. 13th—This forenoon I preached at Huddle's school-house. from Romans 8, v. 17 ; at night we had meeting at Christian Funkhouser's. 14th, and 15th—We had a Sacramental meeting at John Senseny's; in the evening I preached in Newtown. 16th —This evening I preached in Winchester, in the German Presbyterian church, from Hebrews 2, v. 3. Sunday 17th—This forenoon we had a very numerous congregation ; Br. Geeting spoke first, I followed him ; Br. Hinkel, a Methodist preacher, spoke in the English language. We also administered the Lord's Supper; rode 8 miles yet to Chr. Crum's, and tarried for the night. 18th—I came to my son's-in-law. 19th—Returned home. 23d, and Sunday 24th—We had a Quarterly meeting at Yost Herbaugh's; I spoke from Romans 5, v. 1 to 6 ; lodged for the night with Peter Stadtler. 25th—Returned home. This week I remained at home. 30th, and Sunday, October 1st—I attended a Quarterly meeting in Hagerstown ; it was a blessed time. 4th—I started to Pennsylvania, reached Leymeister's, and tarried for the night. 5th—Came to a Camp-meeting at Samuel Bauman's; Brs. Birch, Swartzwelder, Hunter, Gill Watt, and Enoch George, were present ; they all spoke with uncommon power and unction from above : Br. Hershey and myself spoke in the German language. We had a most precious meeting ; a great many souls were converted to God : glory be to the name of the Lord, for what he is doing in our day and generation for the children of men. 9th—This forenoon Br. Stevens preached from Matthew 5, v. 14. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered ; I do not know that I ever witnessed such a display of the power of God ; every heart was touched. Many fell lifeless to the ground, and laid in this situation, apparently dead, for several hours. Some were carried into the tents ; as soon as they recovered, they generally burst forth in praises to Emanuel : my poor soul also caught some of the heavenly flame. O Lord! preserve me in thy grace, never more suffer me to depart from thy presence, but keep me always under the hollow of thy hands, and let me be altogether swallowed up in Thee : Amen. Lord so let it be. In the afternoon I left the Campground, rode 17 miles to George Keller's, and staid for the night 10th—I returned home. 12th—This evening I preached in Shepherd's-town, from 1st. Chronicles 4, v. 10. 13th—Rode to Back Creek, and lodged with Reiner. 14th—Came to Duckwalt's, on Sleepy Creek ; here we had a two-days' meeting, which I commenced by preaching from Luke 15, v. 24. The word spoken proved the power of God ; Several fell to the ground crying for mercy, Sunday 15th—This was truly a day of grace ; I have no doubt many souls will remember this day with joy, even in eternity, and praise the Lord around the throne of glory, that they were permitted to assemble at this meeting. I preached, from Luke 11, v. 21, Br. Hinkel followed me : glory be to God's holy name forever. 16th—Rode to Jacob Hess's. 17th —Returned home. 21st, and Sunday 22d—We had a Quarterly meeting at Jacob Thomas's in the old church ; I had to leave the meeting and preach a funeral discourse at the burial of Henry Mumma, in Sharpsburg. 28th, and Sunday 29th—We had a Sacramental meeting in Hagerstown. Sunday, November 5th—I preached in Shepherd's-town. Sunday 12th—This morning I set out early to go around the circuit, preached in the forenoon at Jacob Bowlus's, from Romans 12, v. 12, 13 ; in the afternoon at Henry Smidt's, from Matthew 9, v. 21, 22 ; at night in Middle-town, from 1st Chronicles 4, v. 10 ; lodged with Br. Bowlus. 13th—Preached at Peter Kemp's. 14th—At John Cronise's; lodged with John Stouffer. 15th—Preached in Liberty. 16th—Visited several sick persons. 17th—Came to Bishop's ; owing to a very heavy rain, the people did not come out to meeting. In family prayer our souls were blessed ; went to bed and rested comfortably. 18th—I came to Spangler's, but found that no appointment bad been made for me, the reason of which was, that a certain Mr. Smidt had spread a report through the neighborhood concerning Br. David Sneider and myself, which was injurious to our character. It did not effect me a great deal, knowing that my Saviour and Master had also to suffer reproach. Sunday 19th—I reached York ; Br. Stansbury preached in the forenoon, I exhorted after him; at night I preached to a numerous congregation, and lodged with W. Bentz. 20th—This evening I preached at Naylor's, from Romans 10, v. 10 to 13. 21st—I called at Bull's, but my appointment had not readied them. 22d—I preached at Fordenbaugh's, to an attentive assembly. 23d—I preached to a small congregation, generally ignorant of experimental religion : may the Lord pity them and remember them in mercy. 24th—This forenoon I preached at Gogenour's ; at night at Weber's, from Ephesians 2, v. 17, 18, 19. 25th—I rode through Carlisle, stopped with Abr. Meyer, and arrived at Sneider's. Sunday 26th—I preached here. 27th—Visited several families. 28th—Preached at Roth's. 29th—This forenoon I preached at John Meyer's ; at night at Sheibly's, near Shippensburg. 30th—At the Rocky Springs, in the forenoon; at night in Chambersburg. Here we had a soul-reviving time ; some were crying, others were shouting, and some stood looking on in wonder and astonishment. December 1st—I spoke to a little flock at Gieseman's. 2d —I had a meeting at Strickler's. Sunday 3d—This forenoon I tried to speak with some concern for the salvation of poor immortal souls, but the word made no impression : may the Lord have mercy on me and my hearers. 4th—Returned home. 9th, and Sunday 10th—Attended a Methodist Quarterly meeting in Shepherd's-town. 15th—Preached in the Stone meeting house. Sunday 17th—This forenoon I preached at Henry Smidt's, from Luke 1, v. 76, 77, 78 ; at night at Peter Kemp's. 18th—I spoke at Snock's, on Fishing Creek, from Ephesians 2, v. 16, 17, 18 ; rode to Liberty and lodged with Mr. Haines. 19th— I preached in the new Methodist meetinghouse ; rode to Sam's and staid for the night. 20th—I preached at the Sulphur Springs; lodged with Degi. 21st—This forenoon I visited Br. Cassel ; rode 15 miles to Jacob Eichelberger's, where we were received and entertained very kindly. 22d—I arrived in Baltimore, held a class meeting this evening at Otterbein's, and lodged with Frederick Sumwalt. 23d—I visited several friends in the city and lodged with Foltz, who is very ill, probably not long for this world : may the Lord be with him in the trying hour.
Sunday 24th—Father Otterbein preached this forenoon, I exhorted after
him ; in the afternoon I spoke from Luke 1, v. 76, 77, 78 ; at night we had
meeting at Bender's. 25th—This forenoon Otterbein preached with great
power and unction from on high. We administered the Lord's Supper. In the
afternoon I preached from Luke 2, v. 10 ; lodged with Mr. Heide. 26th—I
visited some friends and led a class, all Sister's, at Otterbein's. This
evening I left the city, rode 4 miles to Mr. Yundt's, and staid for the
night. 27th—This morning I made an early start, rode 41 miles to
Frederick-town, and lodged with Sister Byerly. 28th—Returned home.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NEXT | |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
