 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
1821
January 1st, 1821—This forenoon Brown preached again, and Snyder exhorted after him ; Br. Bowlus spoke at night. I continued in the city until Thursday 4th, and rode this day 47 miles to Valentine Doub's. I was very much fatigued, but bless the Lord I rested well. 5th—This forenoon I preached here, from Luke 2, v. 29 to 32; rode to Middle-town and lodged with David Bowlus. 6th—Returned home. Sunday 7th—This day I was at home. 10th—We had meeting at our house, Wm. Brown spoke first, I exhorted after him. 11th—Rode to Virginia to visit my daughter, she was very ill. 12th—I came to my son Jacob's. 13th—I was at Br. Hildt's, returned to my daughter's and found her rather worse than when I left her. Sunday 14th, until the 18th, I staid here. 20th, and Sunday 21st—Attended a Quarterly meeting in Hagers-town and lodged with Jacob Meyer. 22d—I returned home. 23d— I again rode to Virginia, my daughter still continued ill, and I staid there until Sunday 29th—I returned home. 31st—Br. Jacob Winter preached this day at our house ; at night we had meeting at Jacob Thomas's. February 1st—This day I am 72 years of age: O God! how rapidly have my days passed away? it is now nearly 48 years since the Lord had mercy on me ; O that I had been more faithful. Lord Jesus pardon all my errors, all my negligence, and grant that I may spend the few remaining days of my life to thy name's glory : Amen ! so let it be. I attended a funeral to-day and lodged with Jacob Wenger. 2d—We had meeting in Hagers-town, lodged with Marteny. 3d—Returned home. Sunday 4th—To-day I preached in Shank's church 5th—rode again to Virginia to visit my daughter, found her something better. 7th—I visited Peter Beeler in Sharpsburg, his companion was very ill, and to all appearance near the close of life, but is entirely resigned to the will of God, the love of Jesus in her heart, and a full assurance of a reconciled God and Saviour in her soul, she can look on the grim messenger without terror or dismay ; I prayed with her : may the Lord bless her and stand by her in the trying hour. Sunday 11th—This day I preached at Hauser's ; felt my poverty and inability to speak, more sensibly than ever; prayed to God for grace and wisdom ; the Lord heard my petition and enabled me to speak with considerable liberty. Sunday 18th—I attended a Quarterly meeting in Boonsboro' and lodged with Conrad Nichodemus. 20th—Rode to Br. Dehof's. 21st—To Peter Stadtler's. 22d—Had meeting at Fetherhoff's. 23d—Lodged with Joseph Knegi. 24th—Staid for the night with Michael Baer. Sunday 25th—I preached here from John 16, v. 23, 24. 26th —I lodged at sister Snider's. 27th—I staid for the night with Benjamin Huber. 28th—At Abr. Bauman's. March 1st—I came to my son David's. 2d—I returned home. Sunday 4th—I preached in Shank's church. 5th—We had watch-night at Shauman's in Pleasant Valley, this was a blessed time to many souls : I lodged at Hauser's. Sunday 11th—I preached at Hauser's with great liberty.— 14th—I set out for Baltimore, dined with Valentine Doub, rode through Fredericktown and lodged at a public house. 15th—Reached the city and lodged with Br. Snyder. 16th—Attended the Methodist Conference ; at night we had meeting at Euler's. 17th—Visited several families in the city. Sunday 18th—I preached this forenoon from Matthew 15, v. 21, 22, 23. 19th—Attended again in Conference. 20th—This evening I preached again in the church. 21st—I attended a funeral ; at night we had meeting at Br. Snyder's. 22d—I left Baltimore and rode forty-seven miles to Valentine Doub's. 23d —Rode home. 24th—Br. Hildt preached at our house. Sunday 25th—I rode with Br. Hildt to Hagers-town, where we had a blessed meeting ; rode to Jacob Wenger's and met Br. Kumler and Flickinger, from the state of Ohio ; at night we had meeting ; Br. Kumler spoke first, I followed him. 26th— This day I rode through Chambersburg and staid for the night with sister Snyder. 27th—I visited Zollinger in Carlisle and lodged with old Mr. Hoch. 28th—I come to John Hoffman's. 29th—To Philip Hoffman's ; here I found Br. Joseph Hoffman; lodged with David Long. 30th—This day I preached here from Matthew 15, v. 21, to 24; at night we had meeting at John Hoffman's. 31st—I came to John Sneider's in Sherman's Valley, and staid for the night. Sunday April 1st—I preached here in the German and English languages; the Lord was with us in his convicting and converting power ; several cried for mercy, others were shouting and praising God ; rode yet 18 miles to Abr. Meyer's and staid for the night. 2d—I came to sister Snyder's. 3d—I rode 45 miles to my son David's. 4th—I returned home. Sunday 8th—This forenoon I preached in Shank's church ; in the afternoon at Hauser's. 10th—This day our Annual Conference commenced for the Hagers-town district, and continued until the 14th; we had a blessed and peaceable time. This afternoon and Sunday 15th—We had a sacramental meeting ; Br. Joseph Hoffman and I rode home with Br. Hildt and staid for the night. 16th—I visited my son Jacob, and lodged with my daughter. 17th—I staid for the night with Michael Thomas. 18th—I returned home. 19th—I set out in company with Joseph Hoffman for the State of Ohio ; we rode to Jacob Wenger's and staid for the night. 20th—We had a blessed meeting at Bortner's. 21st—I lodged at sister Snyder's. Sunday 22d—This forenoon we had meeting at Abr. Meyer's; Wm. Brown spoke first, I followed him ; rode this afternoon to Mr. Saur's and staid for the night. 23d—To-day we came to Peter Brown's, (father of my travelling companion,) in Sherman's Valley ; here I preached at night from John 20, v. 15. 24th—We travelled over a very mountainous country ; had meeting at Daniel Brubacher's, and staid for the night. Here we met Brs. Pfeifer and Baer, who were also on their way to our General Conference. 25th—We rode to Matthias Smidt's ; he received and entertained us all very friendly. 26th—Came to Jacob Blauch's and staid for the night. 27th—I lodged with John Weibel, in Liganor Valley. 28th—I staid for the night with Daniel Ermel. Sunday 29th—This forenoon we had meeting here ; in the afternoon I rode to Greensburg, and lodged with Henry Spayth. 30th—Came to Henry Erret's. May 1st—Yesterday and to-day we held our Conference for the Muskingum district. 2d—We came to Mr. Moser's, a public house ; this gentleman entertained us free of any charge. 3d—Came to my old friend Browning's, an amiable Methodist family, and staid for the night, 4th—This day we crossed the Ohio river, and lodged with Joseph Nafzinger. 5th, and Sunday 6th—We had a sacramental meeting at Mr. Girblever's; I hope it was not attended in vain. 7th—We came to Mr. Neighbor's and staid for the night. 8th—We came through Zanesville and lodged at a public house. 9th—We staid at Lyday's. 10th—I lodged at Herman's. 11th—With Daniel Arnold. 12th, and Sunday 13th—We had a sacramental meeting at Jacob Arnold's. 15th—This day the members of our General Conference assembled at Dewalt Mechlin's ; I opened the session with fervent prayer and a short address ; the Conference continued until the 18th ; bless the Lord! for the peace, unanimity and brotherly love which prevailed throughout ; Br. Joseph Hoffman and myself were elected Bishops of the society for four years: may God grant us grace and wisdom from above to discharge the duties imposed on us by this office faithfully ; I rode home with Br. Hoffman and staid for the night. 19th, and Sunday 20th—Also Monday 21st—I attended a Camp-meeting ; a great many people were assembled ; the grace of God wrought powerfully ; frequently more than thirty persons were on their knees mourning their sins and crying for mercy ; many obtained peace with God in the pardon of their sins : unto God be all the glory. 22d—This day the Camp-meeting came to a close ; I rode with Br. Hoffman and Zeller to Mr. Spickler's, in Pickaway County, and staid for the night. 23d—Our Annual Conference commenced for the Miami district in Adelphi, Ross County, and continued until the 26th. Sunday 27th—We had a blessed time ; during the whole time I had my lodgings with George Well ; rode this evening to Martin Dreisbach's and staid for the night. 28th—I lodged With Frederick Pontius. 29th—We had meeting here. 30th —I lodged with Peter Miller. 31st—I preached here from Luke 24, v. 45, 46, 47 ; at night we had a blessed meeting at Abr. Buckwalter's. June 1st—This evening I lodged with George Dreisbach, 2d, and Sunday 3d—We had a sacramental meeting at Abr. Hiestand's ; I spoke from Hebrews 2, v. 3 ; in the evening I preached at Peter Spickler's, 4th—Lodged with Joseph Hoffman, 5th—With Samuel Peters. 6th—We had a watch-night at Crowl's ; I spoke from Act 16, v. 30, 31. 7th—In the forenoon we had meeting at Mr. Shauly's; in the afternoon at Joseph Hiestand's. 8th—I preached in the forenoon at Jacob Arnold's ; in the afternoon at Dewalt Mechlin's ; at night we had a blessed time at Jacob Mechlin's. The meeting continued till after midnight. 9th—I lodged with Mr. Hautz. Sunday 10th—I preached at Lyday's, from Psalm 40, v. 1 to 4 ; at night I preached in Somerset and lodged with Mr. Mehn. 11th—We came to Dresden's, in Coshocton county ; Br. Limerick, a Methodist preacher, had an appointment here ; I exhorted after him, and lodged at Dingler's, a public house. 12th—We came to Mr. Shutt's. 13th—To Michael Kohr's. 14th—Visited Christian Kohr, and rode to Matthias Bortsfield's, where a Camp-meeting commenced this day and continued till the 18th. It was an uncommonly blessed meeting ; many were brought to a knowledge of the truth in Christ Jesus: unto God be all the glory. This day I visited old Wm. Butt, and rode to Joseph Nafzinger's, where we preached to a numerous congregation with considerable effect 19th—We had meeting at Shambach's. 20th—At Adam Hubler's; this evening we crossed the Ohio river and lodged with my old friend Lewis Browning. 21st—I rode upwards of 40 miles and lodged with Br. Stecher. 22d—I preached at Henry Erret's, from Romans 3, v. 3, 4, 5. 23d, and Sunday 24th—We had a sacramental meeting in Mount Pleasant ; Br. Wm. Brown spoke from Psalm 45, v. 1 to 4, with uncommon power and grace. 25th—This evening we lodged with Mr. Shultz. 26th—We staid for the night with Jacob Blauch. 27th—We came to Bloody Run. 28th—To David Baer's. 29th—To sister Snyder's. 30th—I rested here. Sunday, July 1st—This forenoon I preached at Michael Baer's, from 1st Peter, 1, v. 3, to 6. 2d—I lodged with Samuel Huber. 3d—At my son David's. 4th—I returned home. Sunday 8th—I preached in Hagers-town from Luke 15, v. 18, to 21, and returned home. 13th—I rode to Frederick County, visited Valentine Doub, and staid for the night with John Cronise. 14th—I rode to Fredericktown, visited sister Byerly; lodged with Valentine Doub. Sunday 15th—This forenoon we had meeting here ; Br. Wm. Brown spoke first, I exhorted after him. 16th—I returned home. Sunday 22d—This day I was at Martinsburg, Virginia ; rode home with Br. Hildt and staid for the night. Sunday 29th—I preached at John Huber's, from Matthew 15, v. 3, 4, 5 ; rode to Hagers-town and lodged with Marteny. August 2d—To-day I went with the family to our Camp-meeting at John Huber's in Frederick county, Md. ; a great many people were assembled, 14 preachers were present ; the Lord blessed the meeting and crowned the exertions and labor with many new-born souls ; the meeting continued until the 7th ; at the close we had a melting time of parting ; when all pursued their way to their respective homes with joy. Sunday 12th—This day I preached in Winchester ; rode to Newtown and lodged with Peter Geeting. 13th—We had meeting at Mr. Blind's. 14th—I lodged at Reichwine's. 15th —I staid with Peter Meyer. 16th—Our Camp-meeting commenced at George Hoffman's, in Rockingham county : may the Lord grant his blessings, for Jesus' sake, that sinners may be awakened and converted, believers have their spiritual strength renewed, to enable them to press forward on the way to glory: may a still deeper work of grace be wrought in their hearts, even the perfect love of God and the sanctification of their souls The meeting continued until the 21st, when we separated in love ; many will remember this meeting through the annals of eternity ; to-day Br. Hildt and myself rode to sister Funkhouser's, where we had an appointment to preach. Being too much fatigued, I was not able to attend the meeting ; Brs. Hildt and Russel addressed the congregation. 22d—This day Br. Hildt preached in Stover's-town, from Romans 14, v. 17, I exhorted after him ; rode to Newtown and staid for the night. 23d—We lodged with Mr. Sharf. 24th—I came to my son's-in-law. 25th—Returned home. Sunday 26th—I preached at Hauser's. 27th—In Hagers-town, from Romans 8, v. 14; lodged with John Hershey. 28th —I preached in Chambersburg, from John 3, v. 16, 17, 18 ; lodged with Jacob Brazier. 29th—I staid for the night with Shallenberger. 30th—Came to a Camp-meeting at Brandt's ; I delivered the first discourse from Romans 14, v. 17, 18. The meeting continued until September 3d—Glory be to God for his mercies wherewith he receives poor sinners ; I rode to sister Snyder's and staid for the night. 4th—I came to Mr. Huber's. 5th—To my son David's. 6th—Returned home. 8th, and Sunday 9th—I attended a, sacramental meeting at Jacob Thomas's. 11th—I preached a funeral sermon from Psalm 40, v. 1 to 4. This week I visited many sick persons in the neighborhood. Sunday 16th—I preached in Hagers-town ; lodged with John Hershey. Sunday 23d—I attended meeting at Schnebly's ; rode to Virginia and staid for the night with my daughter. Sunday 30th—I attended a sacramental meeting at Weller's, in Mechanics'-town ; I spoke from 2d. Corinthians 5, v. 19, 20, 21. October 1st—To-day I returned home. 6th, and Sunday 7th—I attended a sacramental meeting at Shauman's church in Pleasant Valley ; we have an extraordinary sickly season this fall, scarcely a house can be found without some patients. This whole week I was constantly engaged in visiting the sick. Sunday 14th—I preached in Hagers-town and returned home. Sunday 21st—We had a sacramental meeting in Gerri's church ; I spoke from 2d. Corinthians 5, v. 21, 22, and returned home. 27th, and Sunday 28th—We had a Quarterly meeting in Hagers-town. 31st—I set out for Pennsylvania, lodged with David Boyer, in Adams county. November 1st—This day I rode to York, lodged with the widow Bentz. When I was here the last time, Br. Weyerly Bentz was yet alive, but alas! he also is gone to try the realities of another world : O Lord! prepare me also for this great change. 2d—This day I rode through Columbia ; at every place the fever prevails. Came to Chr. Herr's and staid for the night. 3d, and Sunday 4th—We had a sacramental meeting here ; I spoke from 2d. Corinthians 5, v. 20, 21 : rode yet 14 miles to HenryBaer's and staid for the night. 5th, and 6th—I visited my friends and relatives. 7th—I rode to Mr. Spangler's and staid for the night. 8th—I lodged with Br. Bishop. 9th—Preached at Senseny's, on Pipe Creek. 10th—This day I intended to ride to a sacramental meeting at Valentine Doub's, but on account of high water I could not cross the Monocacy, so I lodged with Abr. Neidig. Sunday 11th—This morning I rode considerably out of my way to cross the Monocacy on the turnpike bridge ; when I arrived at Valentine Doub's, Br. Hildt was addressing a large congregation, I exhorted after him ; at night I spoke from Romans 14, v. 17, 18. 12th—I returned home. Sunday 18th—I attended a funeral and spent this week with my children in Virginia. Sunday 25th—I came to my son David's. 26th—I returned home. Sunday, December 2d—This day I spent at home, engaged in reading and praying. Sunday 9th—I preached in Hagers-town, lodged with Jacob King. 10th—I preached in Green-castle, from Luke 17, v. 11 to 14. 11th—I preached in Chambersburg, from 2d. Corinthians 5, v. 20, 21 ; lodged with Brazier. 12th—Crossed the North mountain, preached at David Baer's and staid for the night. 13th—Preached to a small congregation at Abr. Haman's. 14th—This day I rode, in a happy frame of mind, through wind and snow, from morning till night, without any refreshment, and arrived at sister Snyder's, where I staid for the night. Sunday 16th—I preached at Michael Baer's, from 1st. Peter 1, v. 3 to 6; in the evening I spoke at Prudy Kreish's, from Matthew 15, v. 21, 22, 23, and staid for the night. 17th—I had meeting at John Marsh's. 18th—I preached at Shopp's. 19th—I preached from 1st. Chronicles 4, v. 10, and lodged with Sherborne. 20th—I lodged with Abr. Meyer. 21st—I visited several families and staid for the night at sister Snyder's. 22nd—Lodged at Bortner's. Sunday 23d—I preached at old Shuler's, from John 1, v. 11, 12, 13 ; rode to Yost Knegi's and staid for the night. 24th—We had a watch night at Jacob Wenger's ; it was truly a blessed time. 25th—Christmas Day, we had meeting here, and administered the sacrament. 26th—I came to my son David's. 27th—Returned home. 29th—Visited Michael Thomas and staid for the night. Sunday 30th—This forenoon I attended meeting at Schnebly's; in the afternoon I was at a funeral in Boonsborough. 31st —I spent at home, engaged in reading and praising God, who has spared me to see the close of another year. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
PREVIOUS |
NEXT | |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
