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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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1820
January 1st, 1820—To-day I attended meeting in Middletown; Br. Stiers preached and Jacob Gruber exhorted; rode to Jacob Doub's and staid for the night. Sunday 2d—This morning I did not feel altogether well; rode to John Huber's and preached from John 1, v. 12, 13, staid for the night and rested better than I had expected. 3d—I returned home. Sunday 9th—This forenoon I preached in Shank's church ; in the afternoon at Hauser's. 12th—I rode to Virginia to my daughter's. 13th—To my son Jacob's. 14th—To Br. Hildt's 15th—I returned home. Sunday 16th—I was at home. 21st—I was at a watch night in Shauman's church; Hildt spoke first in the German language, I followed him in the English, other Brethren addressed the congregation and we had a blessed time : glory be to God. Sunday 23d—This day I attended a Mennonite meeting. 24th—I rode to Hagers-town ; Jacob Gruber spoke at night, John Brown exhorted after him ; I lodged with Jacob Meyer. Sunday 30th—This day I attended the funeral sermon of my neighbor Schnebly, at his house ; he died in Xenia, in Ohio, on the 16th of December ; a large congregation was assembled, Br. McCauley spoke first, from Jeremiah 28, v. 16, I followed him in the German language ; Br. Martin Hitt spoke after me. February 1st—This day I am 71 years of age. This week I spent with my children in Virginia. Sunday 6th—I attended a Quarterly meeting in Virginia ; Joseph Frey and Louis Fechtig preached with uncommon power ; I lodged with Jacob Meyer. 7th—Br. Wm. Brown preached at our house to-day. 8th—I rode with him to Hagers-town and visited those criminals in prison under sentence of death, a father and his two sons ; I conversed with each of them separately and prayed with them : may the Ford have mercy on them. I lodged with Jacob King. 9th—I rode wilh Wm. Brown to Samuel Huber's where we had meeting at night. 10th—Lodged with sister Snyder. 11th—I visited Abr. Meyer and staid for the night at Michael Baer's. Sunday 13th—I preached in the meeting house, from Luke 18, v. 29, 30, Swartzwelder followed me. 14th—I rode in company with Br. Brown across the North mountain ; with considerable difficulty we reached Peter Brown's, the father of William, where we staid for the night. 15th—I preached herefrom Psalm 126. 16th—Lodged at George Brown's. 17th— Returned to sister Snyder's, where Br. Wm. Brown has his home. 18th—I preached at Abr. Huber's. Sunday 20th—This day I was in Hagers-town ; Jacob Bowlus preached in the forenoon, John Hildt at night; I lodged with Marteny. 21st—To-day Br. Hildt and myself visited the above mentioned criminals; we spent a considerable time with them in conversation and prayer. They are to be executed on Friday next, and as yet no true and sincere repentance and change of heart is to he perceived. O Lord! have mercy, have mercy on them. 24th—I rode again to Hagers-town and visited the criminals, in company with Samuel Huber: I prayed with them, their hearts appeared rather more tender, they shed tears: at night we had meeting, after which I visited the criminals again, and prayed with them. 25th—This day the sentence of the law was executed on the criminals ; a great many spectators were present. From thence I rode home. Sunday 27th—I visited my son-in-law ; he is very ill. 28th— I rode to my son Jacob's. 29th—Visited Chr. Silber, and staid for the night with John Hildt. March 1st—This day I attended a funeral in Martinsburg rode to my son's-in-law and staid for the night. Sunday 5th—I preached at Mauser's. This week I remained at home. Sunday 12th—I spoke in the forenoon at Schnebly's ; in the afternoon at Shank's church ; Br. Lehman was present and came home with me. Sunday 19th—I was again in Shank's church. 21st—I rode to my son Jacob's, in Virginia. 22d—Visited Br. Hildt, rode through Williams-port and lodged with my son David. 23d— I returned home, felt very unwell. Sunday 26th—Attended a funeral in Boonsborough. Sunday, April 2d—I attended a meeting at Samuel Wenger's and returned home. Sunday 9th—This day we had meeting at home; James Donoho spoke first, I followed him. Sunday 16th—I preached at Stineseifer's. Sunday 23d—Attended a Dunker meeting. Sunday 30th—This day we had meeting at home ; William Brown spoke first, James Donoho exhorted. May 2d—To-day our Annual Conference commenced at Conrad Nichodemus's in Washington county, and continued until Friday evening the 5th, 6th, and Sunday 7th—We had a sacramental meeting at the Antietam ; I spoke from John 3, v. 16, 17, 18, and returned home. 10th—I set out on my journey to the State of Ohio. 11th—Came to McConnell'stown. l2th—To Matthias Smidt's. 13th —I lodged with old Mr. Rickel. Sunday 14th—I preached at Matthias Smidt's, from John 3, v. 11 to 18; rode in the afternoon to Henry Snyder's and staid for the night, 15th—We had meeting in Berlin, and lodged with Jacob Guth, Jr.; the old man had departed this life since I was here last year. 16th—I preached at Joseph Blauch's, to a little flock ; rode to Mr. Shultz's and staid for the night. 17th —I lodged at Worman's. 18th—This forenoon I preached in Mount Pleasant ; in the evening at John Draksel's, from Ephesians 2, v. 16 to 20. 19th—I preached in the forenoon at Fried's ; in the evening at Metzger's. 20th—I rode to Daniel Ermel's, staid for the night and rested well. Sunday 21st—This forenoon I preached at John Walter's, to a tolerably large congregation ; after meeting I rode 22 miles to Mr. Miller's. 22d—I came through Pittsburg and preached at night at Jesse Fisher's. 23d—I preached at John Raab's, from John 3, v. 18, 19, and staid for the night. 24th—Preached at Mr. Rautzahn's, from Matthew 15, v. 27, 28 ; rode through New Lisbon and preached at night at Henry Stambach's, to a large assembly, from Luke 19, v. 5, 6, 7. 25th—This day I rode better than 80 miles, over bad roads, and reached Daniel Matthias's late in the evening; the family had retired to rest, but they soon were aroused and received me very friendly. 26th—This forenoon I preached here with considerable liberty; in the afternoon at Breyvogel's and staid for the night. 27th— I came to Canton, visited Slosser, and rode to Conrad Neusted's where I staid for the night. Sunday 28th—I preached at Mr. Oberly's, from John 3, v. 18, 19 ; a considerable number of people were assembled, and the word spoken took effect; rode home with Jacob Wolgamot; preached in the afternoon to a small congregation and staid for the night. 29th—This forenoon I preached at Elizabeth Farney's, rode to Mr. Strayer's who accompanied me to Peter Weimar's, where I preached to a numerous congregation and staid for the night. 30th—This forenoon I preached at Christian Knegi's ; in the afternoon at Michael Kohr's, where I staid for the night. 31st—To-day I visited Christian Kohr, dined with him, and rode to old Wm. Butt's ; here I found Brs. Andrew Zeller and Dewalt Mechlin ; this made my heart rejoice; we staid here for the night. June 1st—This day I preached on Crooked Run, from Luke 19, v. 10, to an attentive congregation, Br. Zeller exhorted after me; dined with Christian Wolgamot, and rode to Christian Deardorf's, in Dover; he entertained me very friendly. 2d—I rode to Joseph Nafzinger's, and preached from Luke 17, v. 5, 6, 7; we had a blessed meeting. 3d, and Sunday 4th—We had a sacramental meeting at Oberholzer's, a great many people were assembled; Brs. Zeller, Berger, Bortsfield and Stambach, spoke with power and unction from above; we administered the sacrament. The congregation was greatly effected, and the crying and lamentation became so great and loud that scarcely a word could be heard or understood. At night we had meeting again, when the power of God was displayed in an extraordinary manner to the conversion of poor sinners. Monday 5th, and Tuesday 6th—Held our Annual Conference for Muskingum district, at Joseph Nafzinger's. 7th—I came through New Philadelphia and lodged with Jacob Woltz. 8th—This day I came to a Camp-meeting at Martin Bortsfield's, in Tuscarawas county, and continued till Sunday 11th—I preached twice, both in the German and English languages ; rode this afternoon to Mr. Shutt's, and staid for the night. 12th—This was a very rainy day ; rode 47 miles and lodged at a public house, seven miles from Zanesville. 13th —Lodged with Mr. Miller. 14th—Came through Lancaster, took some refreshment at Joseph Hoffman's and lodged at a public house, in Circleville. 15th—Came through Chillicothe, and lodged with John Kohr. 16th—Rode to New Lexington. l7th —Came to Henry Kumler's and staid for the night. Sunday 18th—We had a sacramental meeting at Samuel Brandt's. I was astonished at the great multitude that had assembled ; Br. Froemmer spoke in the German, and Daniel Hauser in the English language. At the administration of the sacrament we had a powerful display of the grace of God : unto him be all the glory. 19th—This forenoon we had our Love-feast; the brethren and sisters spoke freely of the love of God shed abroad in their hearts; again the grace of God was powerfully displayed, many came forward requesting an interest in our prayers; some obtained peace with God and were enabled to rejoice in the God of their salvation. O Lord! grant unto them grace to prove faithful unto death. 20th—This day our Conference commenced for the Miama district at Br. Henry Kumler's, in Butler county, and continued till the 24th; 39 preachers were present, and the business of the Conference was transacted in perfect peace and unanimity. During the whole time we had public preaching every day, and many souls were converted to God ; I rode this evening to Gabriel Thomas's and staid for the night. Sunday 25th—This forenoon I preached here, from Luke 18, v. 26, 27; in the afternoon we had meeting at Zeller's; at night I attended a wedding ; a son of Henry Kumler's was married to a daughter of Andrew Zeller's. 26th—I came to Xenia, in Green county, and lodged with the widow Schnebly. 27th—I remained here and visited several families. 28th—I rode 36 miles and lodged at a public house. 29th—I came to Joseph Hoffman's. 30th—I lodged with old Mr. Flick. July 1st, and Sunday 2d—We had a sacramental meeting at John Shisler's; I spoke from Luke 19, v. 5 to 10 ; many came with streaming eyes to the Lord's table ; in the afternoon Brs. Dewalt Mechlin, John Smaltz, and Jacob Antrum were solemnly ordained to the office of Elders of the society ; I rode home with Vogelgesang and staid for the night. 3d—Visited Frederick and Daniel Arnold and lodged with Mr. Buck. 4th —I came to Somerset and lodged with Mr. Mohn. 5th—Came through Zanesville, lodged with David Smidt, who keeps a public house; he entertained me very friendly and made no charge. 6th—I lodged at a public house again. 7th—Came to Claysville. 8th—Lodged with Christian Weirich. Sunday 9th—To-day I preached in Boefler's church, from Mark 2, v. 3, 4, 5, and staid with Daniel Reis. 10th—I came to Mr. Stecher's. 11th—To Daniel Worman's. 12th—I visited old Br. Draksel and lodged with Bonnet. 13th—I lodged with Isaac Neuswander. 14th—I came to Jacob Blauch's and staid for the night. 15th—I came to Matthias Smidt's. 16th—I rode to Bloody Run, and lodged with Mr. Barndoler. 17th—I rode about 40 miles and lodged with Mr. Neuswander, in Franklin county. 18th—Came to my son David's. 19th—I returned home. Sunday 23d—I rode to Hagerstown; Br. Hildt preached here this, forenoon, I exhorted after him ; at night we had meeting again, I lodged with John Hershey. 29th—I visited Br. Hildt and Christian Silber, and lodged with my son Jacob. Sunday 30th—This day I rode to Winchester, Virginia, found old Br. Christian Crum near the close of life; he laid speechless on his bed. I could not converse with him. I requested the family to pray with me, and as we were on our knees imploring the mercy of our God, his spirit departed. 31st—He was buried, I preached a funeral discourse on the occasion and staid for the night. August 1st—This morning I rode to Newtown, found Bishop McKendree and Henry Smith, at Dr. Tilden's, took breakfast with them and rode to Stover's-town; here I met Br. Hildt who had just closed a meeting. 2d—I rode to George Shepler's. 3d—I reached a Camp-meeting at George Hoffman's ; the meeting continued until the 8th : glory be to God for the blessings which I and many others received, and the delightful weather we enjoyed during the whole time; I rode this day in company with Brs. Hildt and Geeting to the widow Funkhouser's, where we held meeting in a school-house ; Br. Hildt spoke first, I exhorted after him. 9th—We reached Abr. Neuswander's and staid for the night. 10th—I came to my son Jacob's. 11th—To my son David's. 12th—Home. Sunday 13th—I attended a meeting on the Camp-ground at John Huber's, in the South mountain. 17th—I went with the family to our Camp-meeting at Rohrer's, in Pleasant Valley ; Wm. Brown delivered the first discourse, I followed him. The meeting continued till Tuesday 22d, when it was brought to a close; many souls were greatly revived and not a few happily converted. 24th—I came to a Camp-meeting at the Rocky Springs, which continued till the 29th : here also the Lord made bare his arm, many souls were converted to God; bless the Lord for Camp-meetings. Rode to-day to sister Snyder's and staid for the night. 30th—Visited several families in this neighborhood. 31st—Preached at Abr. Meyer's, from Romans 8, v. 17. September 1st—To-day I rode to Carlisle, thence to John Shupp's and staid for the night. 2d, and Sunday 3d—We had a sacramental meeting ; Br. Kolb delivered the first discourse, Wm. Brown preached at night ; I spoke in the forenoon, from John 1, v. 12, 13, 14. 4th—I crossed the North mountain and lodged with Mr. Saur. 5th— I came to Peter Brown's, united his daughter in marriage to Jacob Weitzell, and staid for the night. 6th—Returned to the widow Snyder. 7th—Lodged with Yost Knegi. 8th—At the widow Fetherhoff's. 9th—Returned home. Sunday 10th—This forenoon I preached at Peter Stadtler's in the afternoon at the widow Hogmire's. Sunday 17th—This forenoon I was in Shank's church ; in the afternoon I married Jacob Light to Mary Wolf. 23d, and Sunday 24th—We had a sacramental meeting at Mr. Wilson's, in Mechanics'-town; I spoke from Revelation 22, v. 17 ; rode this afternoon to Hagers-town ; the Rev. Mr. Milldoler preached at night in the German Reformed church. Lodged with John Hershey. 25th—This day I attended the session of the German Reformed synod; at night the Rev. Mr. Borg preached from 1st. John 5, v. 12. 26th—I again attended the session of the synod and listened to their proceedings. Mr. Borg preached this evening again with great power, from Psalm 84, v. 12, and I was really surprised that the word spoken appeared to have so little effect on the congregation, all were silent as the grave ; I suppose they did not understand the preacher : may God grant them awakening and convicting power. I lodged with Jacob Meyer. 29th—Returned home. Sunday, October 1st—This day I was in Hagers-town ; Br. Bowlus preached, I exhorted after him. 4th—Attended the funeral of Abr. Huber, spoke from John 5, v. 24. 7th, and Sunday 8th—We had a sacramental meeting at Gerri's ; Br. Hildt spoke with uncommon power, from Isaiah 55, v. 6. 14th, and Sunday 15th—We had a sacramental meeting in Middletown ; I spoke first, from Ephesians 2, v. 18, 19, 20 ; Mr. Wm. Brown spoke with energy from Psalm 45, v. 1 to 4 ; rode to Valentine Doub's and staid for the night. 16th—Visited Brubacher and the widow Kemp, and spent the rest of the day with Br. Lehman, an old pilgrim aged 89 years. 21st, and Sunday 22d—We had a sacramental meeting in Shank's church ; I spoke from John 4, v. 29 ; rode this afternoon to Hagers-town ; the Lutheran synod is assembled here at this time. This evening the Rev. Mr. Shaeffer read a sermon from the pulpit. 23d—I heard the Rev. George Schmucker. 24th—This day I heard the Rev. Peter Schmucker. 25th—I returned home. 28th, and Sunday 29th—We had a sacramental meeting at Jacob Thomas's ; I spoke in the English language. November 3d—This day I rode to Virginia and lodged with Br. Hildt. Sunday 5th—Attended meeting in Shepherd's-town ; rode to my son's-in-law and staid for the night. Sunday 12th—Attended a Quarterly meeting in Sharpsburg. 13th—Visited Br. Michael Thomas and staid for the night. This week I visited through our neighborhood from house to house. Sunday 19th—Preached at Hauser's, from Matthew 24, v. 12, 13, 14. 25th, and Sunday 26th—We had a Quarterly meeting in Hagers-town I delivered the first discourse, from Romans 8, v. 12, 13, 14 lodged with Jacob Meyer. Sunday, December 3d—I preached at Shauman's to a little flock. Sunday 10th—I preached at Shank's church. Sunday 17th—I preached at Jacob Wenger's and lodged with John Wenger. 18th—I staid for the night with Samuel Huber. 19th—Came to Shallenberger's. 20th—Preached at Baer's, from John 3, v. 16, 17, 18. 21st—We had a blessed meeting at Baer's. 22d—I preached at the widow Snyder's. 23d—We had a Watch-night at Bortner's. Sunday 24th—This day I preached at Valentine Hiskey's, and lodged with Yost Knegi. 25th—Christmas Day, I preached at Huberts ; we had a blessed time. 26th—We had meeting at Gusman's. 27th—At Fetherhoff's. 28th—I rode in company with Br. Brown to Little's-town, and staid with Bishop. 29th—We came to Jacob Eichelberger's, who received us very friendly. 30th—Came to Baltimore and lodged with Lewis Kalbfus. Sunday 31st—This forenoon I preached in the church, from Luke 2, v. 14 ; in the afternoon Br. Wm. Brown preached. |
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