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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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1813
January 1st, 1813—This forenoon I preached at Fetherhoff's, from Isaiah 9, v. 6, 7 ; rode in the afternoon 20 miles to Christian Newcomer's, my nephew, and tarried for the night. 2d—I returned home; Br. Nelson Reed also arrived and staid during the night. Sunday 3d—This forenoon I preached at Peter Stadtler's ; at night we had a good meeting at Herbaugh's. 4th—I wrote two letters to Kentucky, and lodged with Jacob Herbaugh. 5th—This evening I preached at Weller's, in the German and English languages. 6th—At John Cronise's, from Isaiah 9, v. 6. 7th—At Valentine Daub's. 8th—At Jacob Bowlus's. 9th— At Remsberg's. Sunday 10th—This forenoon I preached at Smidt's, and returned home. 16th—I visited Michael Thomas; at night we had meeting at George Cronise's. Sunday 17th—This forenoon I preached at Witter's; in the afternoon I attended a funeral in Sharpsburg ; lodged with David Hess. Sunday 24th—I attended meeting at my son's-in-law ; Br. Jefferson spoke first, I followed him. Sunday 31st—Preached at Mr. Bruce's. February 1st—To-day I enter my 64th year. How wonderful has the Lord dealt with me until the present moment : unto his name be all the glory. Rode to Shepherd's-town and lodged with my son Jacob. 2d—Returned home. 4th—To-day I set off in a sleigh for Carlisle; reached Jacob Bauman's, and staid for the night 5th—I was in Carlisle. 6th—Returned home. Sunday 7th—This forenoon I preached at Jacob Thomas's ; in the afternoon at Huber's. 13th—We had a watch night at Schnebly's. Sunday 14th—This forenoon Br. Jacob Bowlus spoke first, I followed him and led the class meeting. 17th—I preached at Appleman's, from Colossians 3, v. 1, 2. Sunday 21st—This forenoon I preached at Hauser's, from Luke 8, v. 45, 46 ; in the afternoon in McCauley's school-house. from 1st. Chronicles 4, v. 10. Sunday 28th—This forenoon I preached at Schnebly's ; in the afternoon at Hauser's. March 7th—To-day I attended meeting in Martinsburg, Va. The Methodists had a Quarterly meeting in their new meeting house, Enoch George spoke in the forenoon ; Jefferson followed him ; at night Br. Askins preached with great power, I exhorted after him. Rode home with Chr. Silber's, and staid for the night. Sunday 14th—This forenoon I preached at Landis; at night in Hagers-town. Sunday 21st—1 was again in Hagers-town ; Louis Fechtig preached in the forenoon, Walter in the afternoon. 23d—Br. Chr. Crum arrived at my house. 24th—We set out for Baltimore, had meeting in Middle-town and lodged with Jacob Bowlus, 25th—To-day we reached Mr. Sneider's. 26th—We arrived in Baltimore, I lodged with Andrew Brunner. 27th— This morning I was with Wm. Otterbein; visited Bishops Asbury and McKendree, who are here at the Conference. Sunday 28th—This forenoon Jacob Gruber preached in Otterbein's church, I exhorted after him ; Henry Boehm preached in the afternoon, Crum followed him. At night we had meeting at Bender's. 29th—We delivered a communication from our Conference to the Baltimore Conference; we were received very friendly, about 15 preachers were present. We remained in the city until April 1st—When we left Baltimore and rode 33 miles to Mr. Sneider's. 2d—I lodged at Valentine Daub's. 3d—Returned home. Sunday 4th—My horse was lame ; for this reason I had to stay at home. Sunday 11th—I preached at Schnebly's, from Psalm 34, v. 20. 15th—I set out for Pennsylvania ; lodged with Abr. Bowman. 16th—I reached George Beshore's. 17th—Came as far as Shallenberger's. Sunday 18th—I preached at David Sneider's, from John 20, v. 26 to 29. 19th—Rode to Joseph Hoffman's. 20th—Lodged with Mr. Straub. 21st—Reached Martin Dreisbach's. The Albright Brethren had their Conference here; 18 preachers were assembled. I tarried with them till the 24th. During my stay we discussed the propriety and practicability of a union between the two societies. I laid the discipline of the United Brethren before them for examination ; they made no objections thereto, on the contrary appeared to approve the same cordially. They delivered to me a written communication on the subject, addressed to the Conference of the United Brethren ; so I departed. Rode to Jacob Stamm's, where I staid for the night. Sunday 25th—This forenoon I preached in Youngman's-town ; in the afternoon at Jacob Walter's ; at night at Charles Straub's. 26th—I rode to Philip Hoffman's. 27th—This morning I did not feel as well as usual; in the evening I reached John Miller's, and staid for the night. 28th—Preached in Millersburg. 29th—Came to John Neidig's. 30th—To David Lang's. May 1st—I came to my father's-in-law ; he is still alive. Both he and his son are so debilitated that they can with difficulty help themselves: may the Lord in pity have mercy on them. Sunday 2d—To-day I preached at Bentz Long's, from John 20, v. 26, 27 ; lodged with Samuel Lane. 3d—I staid with my sister Buckwalter. 4th—I lodged with Abr. Herr. 5th—To-day our Conference commenced at Chr. Herr's : may the Lord grant us union of spirit and brotherly love. I find the Brethren are greatly divided in opinion, in respect to the discipline of our society. 6th—To-day we had rather somewhat of a turbulent session ; the Brethren appear not to understand each other : may the Lord grant unto each of us wisdom from on high, to perform our duties acceptably in his sight, 7th—Bless the Lord, to-day we had more unanimity in Conference. The Brethren elected a Superintendent or Bishop, who is to have charge of the whole society ; if possible, to attend all the Annual Conferences of the United Brethren in Christ. He is also to have power to nominate, and with the approbation or consent of each Annual Conference, to appoint Elders to assist and support him when and wherever he may find it necessary ; but to continue in office only one year, unless re-elected : may God grant him wisdom and assist him with his Holy Spirit faithfully to discharge his duties, Amen. 8th—To-day our Conference came to a close. A Sacramental meeting commenced at Abr. Herr's ; Br. Jacob Bowlus spoke first. This evening Br. Henry Boehm arrived, being the bearer of a communication or message from the Philadelphia Conference, to the Conference of the United Brethren. He was. unavoidably detained on the way and did not reach here until the Conference was closed. Sunday 9th—This morning we had our Love-feast ; several Brethren addressed the congregation ; on the whole we had a tolerable good time. 10th—I rode to Jacob Ewi's, where I staid for the night. 11th—I preached at Bentz Hershey's, from Psalm 39, v. 20; at night I spoke at Chr. Long's. 12th and 13th—We had a two-days' meeting at Jacob Shelli's; I spoke from 2d. Peter 1, v. 6, 7, 8, and lodged with Keller. 14th—I travelled through Harrisburg, across the North mountain to Landisburg, and lodged at a public house. 15th, and Sunday 16th—We had a Quarterly meeting at Peter Brown's, where I formed a class of 22 members. 17th—I rode to Fautz's Valley, and lodged with Philip Hoffman. 18th—I came to Michael Mehs'. 19th—I preached at George Miller's, from Ephesians 2, v. 19, 20. 20th—I preached at Charles Straub's; lodged with Joseph Hoffman. 21st—We rode together across the North mountain to Abr. Meyer's. 22d, and Sunday 23d—We had a Quarterly meeting here; the Lord was graciously with us in his convicting and converting power. 24th—I came to David Sneider's. 25th—I rested here. 26th —I rode to Yost Knegi's. 27th—I preached at Sheibly's, from Psalm 68, v. 20, 21. 28th—I came to Rocky Springs. 29th, and Sunday 30th—We had a Sacramental meeting at John Creider's. 31st—I returned home. June 1st—I preached a funeral sermon, from John 5, v. 24. 5th, and Sunday 6th—We had a Sacramental meeting at the Antietam. 7th—I preached at the Stone meetinghouse. 8th—I rode to Hagers-town, visited old Br. Bovey, and returned home. Sunday 13th—This forenoon I preached at Hauser's, from Psalm 68, v. 19, 20; in the afternoon at Shank's church, from John 3, v. 17. 17th—I set out for Baltimore; came to Frederick-town, and lodged at Byerly's. 18th—I rode within 4 1-2 miles of Baltimore, and lodged with Leonard Yundt. 19th— I reached the city, found father Wm. Otterbein weak and feeble in body, but his mental powers as strong as ever; I lodged this night with Brunner. Sunday 20th—This forenoon I preached from Titus 3, v. 5, 6, 7; the Rev. Mr. Dashield preached in the afternoon ; at night we had a blessed meeting at Bender's. 21st—I visited some of the friends in the city, and lodged with John Hildt. 22d—This day I was also chiefly engaged in visiting; led a class, all sisters, in the afternoon, and lodged with Wm. Baker. 23d—This morning I set out very early, reached John Stouffer's. 24th—Returned home. Sunday 27th—Preached a funeral in Hagers-town. July 1st—Br. John Sneider preached to day at our house ; Nelson Reed also arrives and staid with us for the night. 2d— To-day we rode together to Chambersburg. 3d, and Sunday 4th—We had a Quarterly meeting : bless the Lord several persons were happily converted. 5th—We had meeting at Flickinger's. 6th—Returned home. 9th—Rode to Virginia, to pay a visit to my children. 10th—Rode to a Quarrly meeting in Charlestown ; lodged with Hamilton Jefferson. Sunday 11th—We had a blessed time ; Dr. Green preached in the Court-house ; I followed him. 12th—Returned home. 17th—Made preparations for a journey to the State of Ohio. Sunday 18th—This forenoon Br. Bowlus preached at our house, I followed him. After meeting I took farewell of all the family, rode to Hagers-town, bid the Brethren there farewell, and lodged with my son David. 19th—This evening I preached in McConnell's-town, and lodged at a public house. 20th—Came to Matthias Smidt's. 21st—Preached here to a small assembly, from Romans 8, v. 14 ; rode to Henry Sneider's, and staid for the night. 22d—This evening I reached Berlin, visited Br. Johnson, and lodged with Jacob Guth. 23d—I visited Jacob Blauch ; rode through Somerset and preached at Sneider's, to a small congregation. 24th—This evening I preached at the widow Weimar's. When I was here last year John Weimar was well and hearty, promising to outlive many others ; now he is gone to try the realities of another world. It appears he died in the field, and was found dead behind the plough. I spoke from Isaiah 3, v. 10, and formed a class of 15 members : may God preserve them unto eternal life. Sunday 25th—This morning I had to ride 15 miles to my appointment at Andrew Trapp's ; the people awaited my arrival patiently. The word spoken made great impression on the audience ; tears flowed plentifully during the time of preaching, several persons desired to be prayed for, and the meeting continued till late in the evening. 26th—I had an appointment at David Weimar's, in Liganor Valley; I missed the road and went 5 miles astray. The time was also past, and too late for me to return. I was sorry for it, but had to continue my journey ; I lodged for the night with J. B. 27th—I preached in Bonnet's school-house, from Psalm 34, v. 20, and lodged with Br. Draksel. 28th—I lodged with Christian Berger. 29th—Preached here from Galatians 6, v. 9 ; Br. Errett followed me. Rode to Mr. Miller's, and staid for the night. 30th—I came to Pittsburg, paid a visit to John Swartzwelder; rode 28 miles to Beavertown, and lodged at a public house. 31st—I came into the State of Ohio, found no German people along the road till towards evening ; at night I reached New Lisbon, and lodged with Joseph Springer, Esq. Sunday, August 1st—This day I preached in the Court-house, from Matthew 15, v. 28, in the German, and from Acts 16, v. 30, 31, in the English language, and lodged again with Mr. Springer. 2d—This morning I set out early and rode 35 miles, to Canton, in Stark County : to-day I found a considerable German population along the road; I stopped at Mr. Rowland's, at the widow Myers's, and reached Mr. Rouser's, at night, at whose house I had preached eleven years ago, when he lived in Pennsylvania; the whole family was sick, and they were very glad to see me, and received me very kindly. 3d—This day I visited several families in this section of country and prayed with each of them, viz: Reisher, Roth, Weaver and Bachtel; at the last mentioned I staid for the night. 4th—This forenoon I preached in Canton, from Matthew 15, v. 28 : visited a sick woman, a Mrs. Eberhart, prayed with her and rode back to Roller's, thence to David Shreibor's, where I preached from Psalm 40, v. 1 to 4, and lodged for the night. 5th—I rode from Canton to Philadelphia, thence 6 miles to Mathias Bortfield's and staid for the night. 6th—I came to Christian Wolgamot's where I found a number of people collected at a prayer meeting, bless the Lord, my soul was also refreshed: at night I preached at John Mumma's, from Psalm 126, v. 45, and staid for the night. 7th—This day I visited a woman who appeared to be possessed with a singular spirit: may God reclaim her and bring her again to a sound and proper state of mind: came to Michael Rohr's, where I staid for the night. Sunday 8th—This forenoon I preached at Gabriel Cryder's to a numerous congregation, from 1 Peter 5, v. 5; the Lord was present according to his promise. In the afternoon I preached at William Butt's, from 1 Chronicles 4, v. 10; the congregation was very attentive, Br. Summervick, a Methodist preacher followed me, I trust the exercises were not altogether in vain ; I lodged with this amiable family for the night. 9th—I visited Isaac Thomas and staid for the night with Conrad Soth. 10th— I rode again through Philadelphia, thence to Goshen, an Indian village, here I saw twelve Indians, males and females, thence to Gradenhutton, a Moravian village, this place was also formerly inhabited by Indians, who had been converted to Christianity, by the Moravian missionaries, but, as I was informed by the companions of the missionaries, who reside here, some years ago they were all murdered by a military expedition sent against them from Pittsburg: in the evening I reached Coshocton and tarried for the night. 11th—To-day I rode 33 miles through Springfield and Zanesville to F. Huber's. 12th—I preached in Middletown, and lodged with John Mohn. 13th—I reached Br. Hiestand's and staid for the night. 14th—I came to New Lancaster, left an appointment for to-morrow and rode home with Frederick Arnold. Sunday 15th—To-day I preached in Lancaster, at Mr. Miller's, from Luke 18 v. 29, 30, and lodged with him. 16th—Br. Benedum met me here, and I rode home with him. 17th— This forenoon I preached at Br. Benedum's, at night I preached at Mr. Crowl's. 18th—I staid for the night at John Conradt's. 19th—I visited Landis, his wife was sick ; staid for the night with his brother-in-law. 20th—I preached at Martin Landis's ; rode to old Mr. Stocker's and staid for the night. 21st—To-day a sacramental meeting commenced at Peter Seitz's I spoke first, from Psalm 130, v. 7; at night I preached again from Psalm 40, v. 2, 3, 4. Sunday 22d—An uncommonly large congregation had this day collected; I preached with great liberty from 1st. Peter 5, v. 5 to 9. I was followed by a brother in the English language; a vast number came to the Lord's table, and we had a melting time. At night I preached again at John Buck's; here we again had a soul-reviving meeting; nearly every person present melted into tears; some cried for mercy, others shouted and praised God. 23d—This forenoon we held our Love-feast; we had truly a day of Pentecost: all the glory be to our God. I lodged with Rodebach. 24th—I reached Henry Keller's, and staid for the night. 25th—I preached at old Mr. Mohn's, from Psalm 34, v. 20; rode to Peter Seitz's, where our Conference is to be held. 26th—This forenoon the session of our Conference commenced ; upwards of twenty preachers were present; poor unworthy me was elected their president. The Conference continued until the 28th ; all things were done in brotherly love, and the greatest unanimity prevailed throughout the session : bless the Lord, O my soul! for all his mercy. The Conference was concluded, and I rode 11 miles yet to Jacob Hautz's. Sunday 29th—This forenoon I preached in Lyday's school-house, in the German and English language; in the afternoon I spoke in Middle-town. 30th—To-day I stopped for refreshment with Henry Huber ; rode to Zanesville and lodged at a public house. 31st—This evening I stopped with a Quaker family and lodged with them for the night. September 1st—This evening I reached Steubenville; having no acquaintances in the place, I stopped at a public house. 2d—The Ohio Conference is here in session. I went this morning to pay a visit to Bishop Asbury, who is present; he lodges with Mr. Wells, where we took breakfast together; I went with him to Conference, and delivered a communication from our Conference. Here I found several brethren to whom I was known ; was cordially invited to lodge at Br. Noland's, during my stay, which invitation I cheerfully accepted. Sunday 5th—Bishops Asbury and McKendree both preached to-day to a congregation estimated at more than 2000 persons. 6th—This forenoon I received a communication from the Conference to the Brethren in our next Conference which is to assemble in Montgomery county, Ohio. After taking an affectionate farewell of the two Bishops and the other Brethren, I dined once more with my kind host Br. Win, Noland; commended him and his amiable family to God in prayer, and set out at three o'clock in the afternoon; crossed the Ohio river, and staid for the night in a little village. 7th—I rode alone all day, came through Cannonsburg and Williams-port; before I reached the Youghogany river, night had overtaken me: I had missed the road and could not discover a house or cabin where I might find a shelter for the night. When I arrived at the river bank it was with considerable difficulty that I was enabled to discover the fording. The river was pretty full, and I hesitated for some time whether to venture or not; ultimately, I proceeded, in the name of God, relying firmly on his protection, and succeeded in getting safely across, for which I felt truly thankful to my Lord and Master. The first house I came to proved to be an old mill, at the one end of which resided a poor man and his wife; they cheerfully granted my request to keep me for the night. I conversed about religion and prayed with them. They treated me very kindly, and gave me the best accommodation in their power. 8th—Bless the Lord for last night's comfortable rest. When about to depart from these poor, but friendly people, I requested to know what I owed them for the night's entertainment; both of them answered with one voice, "Nothing, Sir,—nothing at all, Sir." Presently the woman approached me with a silver dollar in her hand, saying, "Here is the last dollar we have in the world ; perhaps you have no more spending money and may stand in need of it on your journey,—take it, I cheerfully give it to you, and you are very welcome to it." This was too much for me; tears of gratitude burst from my eyes. I thanked her for her kindness and disinterested benevolence, assuring her of my having yet a sufficiency to carry me home, aye and perhaps a little to spare for some charitable purpose, I again offered her payment for the kind entertainment which I had received under their humble roof; but it would not avail, they peremptorily refused to take any remuneration. O what a woman!—how great will be the value of her willingness to help and assist the needy in a coming day before the searcher of all hearts? Her place will surely be very near the noble soul who in days of yore cast two mites into the treasury of the Lord: May the Lord bless her and shower down on her his choicest gilts, both of a temporal and spiritual nature. They invited me cordially if I ever should happen to travel this way again, to call and see them. I prayed once more with this amiable pair, and pursued my journey; came to Christian Knegi's, did not find him at home, prayed with the family, (a mother and ten children,) rode to Worman's, and staid for the night. 9th—I rested here and visited several friends in the neighborhood. 10th—I preached at Mr. Dietz's, to an attentive congregation, from Luke 19, v. 5, 6; Br. Louis Fechtig followed me; we had a blessed time, particularly in class meeting. Rode to old Br. Abr. Draksel's, where I staid for the night. 11th—This day a Sacramental meeting commenced in Mount Pleasant; I spoke first, from Psalm 40, v. 6; Br. Fechtig followed me. At night I preached in Bonnet's school-house, from Acts 16, v. 30, 31, and lodged at Worman's. Sunday 12th—This forenoon Christian Berger spoke first, then Jacob Winter. I preached again, from John 3, v. 6, 7 ; lodged with Sloderbeck. 13th—This forenoon we held our Love-feast; in the afternoon I rode 17 miles and staid for the night at a public house. 14th—This morning I set out before day, stopped at Jacob Blauch's and took some refreshment; rode to Casper Stadtler's, where I lodged for the night 15th—I rode 40 miles and lodged with Romer. 16th—It rained incessantly; I stopped in Mercersburg with Br. King, and rode to my son David's. 17th—This day I returned home and found the family all well: bless the Lord for all his mercies. 18th, and Sunday 19th—We held a Quarterly meeting in Hagers-town; we had a blessed time; I lodged with John Hershey. 20th—To-day we had a meeting at Joel Newcomer's. 21st—At John Knegi's, in Frederick county. 22d—This forenoon we preached at Sander's ; in the evening at Frederick-town; lodged with Byerly. 23d—I attended the funeral of Sister Simon Cronise; the Rev. Mr. Helfenstein preached first, in the German language, from Revelation 21, v. 7 ; I followed him in the English language, and spoke from Psalm 10, v. 1; rode to Witter's and staid for the night. 24th—We had meeting at Schnebly's; Br. Hauser, from Kentucky, and Neidig, spoke with uncommon power and unction from above ; it was a blessed time. 25th, and Sunday 26th—We had a glorious Quarterly meeting in Middle-town; I spoke from Acts 16, v. 30. 29th—Br. Joseph Hoffman came this morning to my house, on his way to Baltimore, and requested me to accompany him. In a short time I got ready ; we rode to Frederick-town and lodged with the widow Byerly. 30th—We reached Mr. Yundt's, four miles from the city, where we were received in the most friendly manner. October 1st—This morning we came to Baltimore ; old father Otterbein is very weak and feeble in body, but strong and vigorous in spirit, and full of hope of a blissful immortality and eternal life. He was greatly rejoiced at our arrival, informed me that he had received a letter from the Brethren in the west, wherein he was requested to ordain me, by the laying on of hands, to the office of elder and preacher of the gospel, before his departure : adding, "I have always considered myself too unworthy to perform this solemn injunction of the Apostle, but now I perceive the necessity of doing so, before I shall be removed." he then requested to know whether I had any objection to make, and if not whether the present would not be a suitable time. I replied, that I firmly believed solemn ordination to the ministry had been enjoined and practised by the Apostles ; therefore, if in his opinion the performance of the act should be thought necessary and beneficial, I had no objection to make whatsoever, but would cheerfully consent: only one observation I wish-fed to make; as Brs. Joseph Hoffman and Frederick Shaffer were present, that he should ordain them at the same time. To this be readily assented, and immediately appointed the following day to the solemn performance of this duty. 2d—This forenoon the Vestry and several other members of the church, assembled at the house of father Otterbein. The old man addressed us in so spiritual and powerful a manner, that all beheld him with astonishment. It appeared as if he had received particular unction from above, to perform this solemn act. After addressing a throne of grace with great fervency for a blessing he called on Br. Wm. Ryland, an Elder of the Methodist Episcopal church, (who had been invited for the purpose,) to assist him in the ordination; we were accordingly ordained to the office of elders in the ministry, by the laying on of hands. John Hildt, a member of the Vestry, had been appointed Secretary, he executed certificates of Ordination to each of us, in the German and English languages, which certificates were then signed by father William Otterbein and delivered to each of us. At night we preached in the church ; I lodged with Otterbein. Sunday 3d—This forenoon Br. Hoffman preached first, I followed him; Br. Shaffer assisted in the administration of the Lord's Supper. A great many persons came to the table of the Lord with contrite hearts and streaming eyes ; this was truly a day of grace to many souls : unto God be all the glory. 4th— He visited several of the friends in the city. Towards evening we left Baltimore, rode to Mr. Yundt's, where we staid for the night. 5th—This evening we reached Valentine Daub's. 6th—This day I arrived at home. 7th—This morning I rode to Sharpsburg, where I met Br. Hoffman ; we dined at Br. Beeler's, rode in the afternoon to my son Jacob's, where we lodged for the night. 8th—We came to Jacob Hess's. 9th, and Sunday 10th—We laid a Sacramental meeting at Shauman's church ; Hoffman and John Sneider rode home with me, where we had a blessed meeting by candle-light. 16th, and Sunday 17th—We had a Sacramental meeting at Leonard Middlekauff's ; at night we had a blessed meeting at Henry Kumler's. Several were in great distress, and some obtained peace with God in the pardon of their sins. 18th—I returned home. Sunday 25th—I preached at Peter Newcomer's. 30th, and Sunday 31st—We had a two-days' meeting at J. Huber's ; the Lord was with us in his convicting and converting power. November 2d—This day Br. Chambers arrived at my house. 3d—To-day we set out early on our journey : may the Lord accompany us. Rode to Samuel Brandt's, and staid for the night. 4th—We had meeting at Henry Kumler's. 5th—This forenoon we had meeting at Flickinger's ; at night in Chambersburg. I lodged with Mr. Johns. 6th—To-day we had meeting at Rhodes'. Sunday 7th—This forenoon we preached at David Sneider's. 8th—At Joseph Hoffman's. 9th—This forenoon we had meeting at Christian Straub's ; rode to Carl Waller's, on Middle Creek. A numerous congregation had assembled here; Jacob Bowlus addressed the people, from Romans 8, v. 12, 13, I followed him. It appeared as if the word spoken had some effect. 10th—This forenoon we held meeting at John Walter's ; at night I preached at Mr. Mack's, near New Berlin, from Psalm 34, last four verses. 11th—The purpose of our journey to this place was to try whether a union could not he effected between the society of the United Brethren in Christ, and the people denominated the Albright Brethren. This forenoon the following Brethren were present, viz : Chr. Crum, Joseph Hoffman, Jacob Bowlus and myself of our society ; and Miller, Walter, Dreisbach and Niebel, of the Albright Brethren. Our consultation continued until the 13th, but we were not able to effect a union. The greatest stumbling block appeared to be this, that according to our discipline our local preachers have a vote in the Conference as well as the travelling preachers ; this was a sine qua non which the Albright Brethren could or would not accede to ; so we parted and came at night to Youngman'stown, where we lodged. Sunday 14th—We preached here in the forenoon and afternoon, and were entertained by Christopher Wagner. 15th—I preached at Carl Straub's, from Hebrews 12, v. 15. 16th—We had meeting at Peter Swartz's. 17th—I spoke at P. Hoffman's, from Psalm 40, v. 6. 18th—We came to Joseph Hoffman's, where we staid for the night. 19th—We had meeting at John Sneider's. 20th—This day we took refreshment at Abr. Meyer's, and rode to David Sneider's. Sunday 21st—We had meeting in Shippensburg ; staid for the night at Sheibley's. 22d—I preached at the Rocky Springs, and lodged with Samuel Huber. 23d—We reached my son David's. 24th—I returned home, where I found a letter from Baltimore, informing me that old father William Otterbein had departed this life, on the 17th November, 1813, aged 87 years, 8 months and 11 days. He is called to his everlasting home, where he rests from his labors and his works will follow him. Sunday 28th—This day I was at Martinsburg, staid with George Harris for the night. 20th—We had meeting at George Osborn's ; Joseph Frey spoke in the English and I in the German language. Sunday, December 5th—This forenoon I preached at Schnebly's ; at night I spoke at or house, from Romans 8, v. 17, in the English language; John Brown spoke in the German. 11th—I preached at Christian Remsberg's, from John 3, v. 18. Sunday 12th—This forenoon I preached at the widow Kemp's, near Trapp, from Ephesians 2, v. 18, 19, 20 ; at night at Jacob Bowlus's, from 2d. Corinthians 5, v. 45. l8th, and Sunday 19th—I attended a Quarterly meeting at Shepherd's-town. 20th—I rode to my son Jacob's, 21st—I visited Chr. Silber, and staid for the night. 23d—This evening I preached at John Leymeister's, from Matthew 15, v. 27, 28. 25th—I attended meeting in Middle-town, Nicholas Sneethen spoke wonderfully from Luke 2, v. 10 to 13 ; I followed him, from Isaiah 9, v. 6. Sunday 26th—Br. Sneethen preached again to-day, I exhorted after him; in the afternoon I returned home. |
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