USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Bethlehem > Bethlehem and Bethlehem school (history of Moravian Seminary and College for Women (Bethlehem, Pa.)) > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
3
د
59
THE SPECTRE'S PUNISHMENT.
the contrary, as she became more and more sensi- ble of the enormity of her guilt, she was the more wretched and miserable, until the burden of life was rendered intolerable, and then she madly rushed into death. "And as part of my punishment," con- tinued the spectre, "for this last great wickedness in going unbidden to the presence of God, I am con- demned to revisit the spot daily, and at the same hour in which I committed this dreadful act, bear- ing with me the poor innocent whom I, its wicked mother, killed, to proclaim my sin and shame to the people whom I had thus grossly deceived."
" A sad story this," remarked the good old man, " and I sincerely pity you ; but how long will you continue thus to trouble us ? "
"Until the period of my appointed time to have died," was the reply. "Yet let not my presence among them ever trouble the people, for I am in- capable of doing them any harm." Then answered the holy man, " May God soon grant us all this blessed deliverance, and your Spirit obtain this much desired repose."
But even while he spoke thus, the Ghost passed quickly away ; and c'en as he gazed upon it, it was lost in the waters of the Lehigh.
" And how long afterwards did it continue to be seen ?" I inquired of the Daddy.
" For many years after this, it is said, my child," he replied, " but I know not exactly the length of time, and then it suddenly disappeared, I suppose
٢
60
THE SISTERS' HOME.
because it was then permitted at last to go to its rest."
"And did you ever see this Ghost ?" was my next question.
"No, my dear," was the answer, "though ac- cording to the accounts of a number of our people here, it still continued its visitations as usual, for some years in my day." With this reminiscence I close this sketch of the venerable and excellent Mr. Heckewelder.
The individuals who form the subject of the following sketch, as well as of another to be given in these series, are taken from the Sisters' House at Bethlehem, formerly the house of nearly all the un- married females resident in the place. This dwell- ing was one of the first I entered after my arrival there, and it was ever regarded by me with feel- ings of peculiar interest. I became acquainted with quite a number of its inmates, some of whom by reason of their long isolation from the world .- or perhaps never having mingled in it, had bo- come rather peculiar in their notions and habits: and indeed a portion of them were really so very odd and simple in their way of thinking, as to cause me sometimes considerable wonderment as well as amusement. Yet I found much among them to ex- cite my interest, attention, and curiosity ; and from
61
PECULIARITIES.
the record of some of the histories of this sister- hood of the Society, I give the subjoined nar- rations.
It will be perceived that they belonged to the primitive times of the church, and the one I am now sketching in particular is a fair specimen of that class of their people of those days.
Yet ere I commence this narration, it is proper by way of explanation, to say a few words in rela- tion to the peculiarities of the Society therein men- tioned. I do not mean, however, to enter upon a detailed description of either of them, as it would be out of place here, besides, as it is my intention to give a full account of all of them in another work, it is entirely superfluous to do more here, than merely to bestow upon these a passing notice.
I mention in this book the establishment of the Community of Goods at Bethlehem. This regula- tion was adopted for a specific purpose, and was only continued until its object was accomplished. In the coming narration the use of the Lot is spoken of in connection with the marriages of the Com- munity. As it is my purpose to devote a whole vol- ume in thoroughly describing this truly singular peculiarity of Primitive Moravianism, I will only say of it at present, that at the period to which this sketch belongs, not only the marriages of their people, but every other affair of moment among them was controlled by this regulation of their church. The Hourly Intercession also men
1
TY .00
62
PECULIARITIES.
tioned, was a practice observed by the Society for some years in their settlements after their reorgan- ization ; and the Lovefeasts were, and are still their manner of keeping commemorative celebrations. while all classes of their people were under the spiritual supervision of Elders and Elderesses. And with this short explanatory preface, I introduce my readers to,-
T
THE TWIN SINGLE SISTERS.
IT was in the very infancy of the settlement of Bethlehem, at the period when the Community of Goods existed there, and the whole population lived together as one large family, and had a general housekeeping, that their number was suddenly in- creased by the addition of quite a colony of their people from Germany. Among these emigrants was a humble born but pious couple, of the name of Werner. They had but recently joined the Society, and were in indigent circumstances. They had a considerable family, the poor man's blessing, and too frequently constituting his only wealth.
The peculiar arrangement regarding the pecu- niary affairs of the Moravians at Bethlehem, for the maintenance of that settlement to which I have just alluded, of combined united labor for the benefit of all, and which was universally adopted by its inhabitants, had the effect in a great measure for the time being, of levelling the distinctions ex- ternally of the various conditions in life among them; or apparently, at least, as far as what re-
64
THE WERNERS.
lates to the actual pecuniary circumstances of dif- ferent individuals. Thus, our worthy couple, by this means, were placed in a situation which caused them not to realize their own straitened circum- stances, as fully as they otherwise must have done. But born in poverty and inured to its privations, both had been accustomed from their very child- hood to labor very diligently for their support : neither did they consider it a hardship to work, nor to perform the drudgery of life. And previous to their joining these colonists, they had been so poor, that their necessities made it necessary for their children to support themselves as soon as they were at all able to do so.
Anna and Mary Werner were twin daughters of this poverty-stricken pair. They were born in Germany, but very young when their parents emi- grated to this country ; were healthy children, and their resemblance to each other was so striking in their babyhood, as to render it exceedingly difficult to tell them apart. Even their mother, I have been told, was so puzzled as to their identity, that in order to be certain in the matter, she tied a piece of narrow ribbon either upon the wrist or finger of the eldest, as a mark to distinguish her from her sister ; but as they grew up, Anna became a little taller than Mary, besides, then their personal resem- blance was no longer as great.
At an early age, these two girls found a home in the Sisters' House at Bethlehem. Their religious
السيد وم
65
HAPPY POVERTY.
training had been carefully attended to, but their minds had received so little culture, that I believe neither of them could even read or write. Like their parents, they were hard working and indus- trious, and as their means of support, were em- ployed in washing, spinning, and weaving, with other similar work.
These sisters were strongly attached to each other. This, united to their amiable tempers, and uniform cheerfulness of disposition, with their truly Christian character, made them always happy ; while it secured to them the respect of their associates and gained them many friends. They toiled side by side, companionship sweetening their labor; and such was the strong sympathy of feeling existing be- tween them, or something surely akin to it, that if either became sick, the other soon drooped with the same complaint; and it was a singular fact, that even when any accident befell the one, in every instance save a single exception, some similar dis- aster happened to the other. No marvel, then, these circumstances gave others, as well as them- selves, the impression, they would probably not be separated even by death ; but that the destroying angel would kindly be permitted to bear their spirits away together.
No thoughts of any other separation, it wouldl appear, had for a moment entered the mind of either, until one of the brotherhood, a respectable mechanic, desired Anna as his wife. He was of
1
66
A PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE.
very industrious habits, clever at his trade, unex- ceptionable in his character, and altogether a very worthy person. And as the arrangement of the Community of Goods no longer existed, and he was so capable, he had the prospect of obtaining more than a comfortable maintenance for himself ; there- fore in circumstances to warrant his marriage.
The usual course of procedure took place. The Lot was used, and the answer being propitious to the marriage, the proposal then, without any delay, was submitted to the astonished Anna. At the same time she was told of every thing that could be said in favor of the match; besides this, she had every necessary information communicated to her con- cerning himself and his family.
As Anna listened to these details, she became impressed favorably with this proposition. She be- lieved that the connection might be a desirable one, at all events, worthy of her serious consideration ; she therefore requested to be allowed some days ere she rendered her reply, which of course was granted.
And now, new and varied emotions swelled the hearts and occupied the minds of these affectionate maiden twin sisters. It was a season of trial to them both, but it would be difficult to say which suffered the most intensely.
The heart of Anna was the subject of strong conflicting feelings of interest and affection. Could she leave her dearly beloved sister Mary ? the dar-
IT
£
67
THE SISTERS' AFFECTION.
ling associate of her infancy, childhood and youth, her bosom friend who loved her so tenderly ? The very idea was painful. Besides, Mary had but a short time previous to this, met with an accident, which had rendered her health somewhat delicate. As this was the only event of the kind in their lives in which they did not mutually suffer alike, was it sent as a token from their Heavenly Father, that the mystic tie which had hitherto so happily united them, was about to be dissevered ? As this fancy presented itself, the big tears coursed their way down the cheeks of this fond sister. Then as she pon- dered upon the matter, and probed her feelings further, Anna made the discovery, that although yet quite a stranger to him who sought her as his bride, he was one to whom she probably could, if she would, soon become fondly attached. No mar- vel, then, that she suffered, or that she wavered for a season, ere she decided whether to reject him, and continue to live on in a state of single blessedness, struggling with poverty with her sister Mary, or to accept a destiny with a comparatively easy exist- ence, and the strong arm of conjugal love to lean upon.
The situation of poor Mary was pitiable indeed. It was the first real sorrow which she had ever known, where her affectionate Anna had not, by her peculiar, kindly, and sympathizing participa- tion, so shared it with her, that she could easily bear it. For Anna possessed more nerve and force
68
SUFFERINGS.
of character than her sister, who often manifested a degree of timidity, to which she was an entire stranger. This was, in fact, the only observable point of difference in the dispositions of these sis- ters, and it made Mary feel the more dependant upon Anna.
But she had a noble and generous nature- wishing to be unselfish and self-sacrificing where duty required it. She evinced this now, for while suffering severely at the prospect of their parting. with a magnanimity worthy of her, she determined not to prove a hinderance or barrier to her sister's future happiness and well-being. She, therefore, endeavored to discipline her feelings so that she could appear to be composed in her presence. Yet, though sincere in this resolve, it proved all in vain; her pale and speechless grief told that the effort was fruitless, and her situation caused much commiseration among their mutual friends.
A day or two passed over, and the following morning the decision of Anna was to be made known to the anxiously expecting brother. It was generally supposed that she would give a favorable reply; but this was merc conjecture, as she kept her own counsel upon the subject, not making a confidant of any one. Perhaps, indeed, she might still have been dubious and hesitating.
The whole sisterhood had retired for the night to their general dormitory, and were in the regions of forgetfulness, except two of its inmates, our sister
£
69
THE DECISION.
twins. Nought was heard but the deep, heavy breathing of the sleepers, save the distant sound of the hourly intercessory prayers, and a stifled sob which ever and anon reached the ears of the restless, wakeful Anna. It proceeded from her sister, whose little German bed was next to hers. It fell painfully upon her feelings. By and by she heard the affectionate girl mention her name; she listened attentively, as with much emotion she prayed most earnestly for her; for blessings with- out number to descend upon this beloved one; to gild her future life with happiness; and then with renewed sobs she entreated Heaven, if this dreaded separation had indeed to occur, to give her the necessary strength and fortitude, to bear this severe trial of resigning this treasured object of her fond- est, dearest, earthly affection. She could say no more, for tears choked her utterance, and again she sobbed violently ; neither could her sister forbear any longer. Softly, but hastily, she neared her. In a brief period they were clasped in each other's arms. Then only a few words were spoken, but they were sufficient to ensure a lifetime of hap- piness, and both were weeping together for very joy.
And why ? because the decision was made; for Anna would not leave her dearest Mary, as Marr could not part from her. And at that moment they felt that they were dearer to each other than ever before. Then, to render their bliss complete,
70
THE PLEDGE.
this loving and affectionate pair pledged themselves never to separate ; that no earthly love or interest whatever should again overshadow with its dark- ness the very sunshine of their existence.
At the time when this occurrence transpired. these girls had lost both of their parents, and were. I believe, about twenty years of age. In the quiet stillness of that night, with their arms still fondiv entwined in a loving embrace, these orphan twins agreed not only in the future that they would love as sisters, but that they would both try to supply their parents' loss to each other; and from hence- forth they were known throughout the settlement of Bethlehem, by the names of Father and Mother Werner.
After this severe test of the strength of their mutual affection, the lives of Anna and Mary glided on peacefully and happily ; their sufferings having, if possible, increased the fervency of their sisterly love. Not a ripple of discontent disturbed the current of their calm and joyous existence, And although, for aught I knew to the contrary. they were comely maidens to look upon, and it may be were well fitted to fulfil the destiny of wo- man in all the interesting relations of her sex, and perchance more than one single brother though: so; yet they steadily persevered in keeping their pledge, and remained together two maiden twin- sisters.
Years sped their way, producing their own
-
91
AFFECTION.
wondrous changes. It found them still toiling on in their laborious occupations, and earning a scanty subsistence. But their hearts continued unchanged in their fond devotion to each other, while their tempers and dispositions were as pleasant as ever. Oh, it must have been beautiful, methinks, to see them together, when their wearisome, daily work was done, apparently forgetting their fatigue in those enjoyments, which only such pure and pious affection can bestow. There, in the allotted corner of a neat sitting-room, with their arms around each other's neck, or their hands fondly resting together, our orphan twin-sisters were often seated, either engaged in converse about heavenly things, or join- ing some of their sister companions in singing por- tions of their favorite Moravian hymns.
Time rolled on, and nearly thirty years had passed since Anna and Mary Werner had pledged their eternal union in the stillness of their sleeping apartment. They still loved each other as tenderly, neither of them regretting the vow then made, and continued to be objects of interest and regard in the little community in which they lived.
Now an interesting occurrence was about to transpire, which again brought them in especial notice. It is customary among the Germans to have certain domestic festivals to celebrate partic- ular events, such as birthdays, marriage-days, &c. These are occasions of great rejoicings, and much festivity and considerable ceremony are frequently
·
, t -
t r L-
n
72
PLEASANT ANTICIPATIONS.
observed. Friends, too, are wont, at such seasons, to take the opportunity of making presents as to- kens of their affectionate remembrance, and some pleasant surprise often closes the joyous entertain- ment.
Our twin-sisters had long resolved, that, if their lives were spared to see fifty years, that anniver- sary of their birth should be celebrated as a sort of jubilee with them. And to render the festivities on the occasion complete, they purposed to give a love-feast to the whole sisterhood of the place, and invite every one of them to be present ; and thus in fellowship together, to commemorate the blessings of their companionship, the happiness of their banded union.
Hence this simple observance of their natal day was looked forward to with eager anticipations of delight, not only by the sister twins, but also by the entire members of the household. And indeed all the inhabitants of Bethlehem generally partici- pated in their pleasurable feelings, and many a one of them determined to contribute their quota to the felicity of this fondly attached pair.
The time at length approached. The day pre- ceding this memorable event had come. It was in the month of June, and the weather proved de- lightfully pleasant, while the air was redolent with the fragrance of many flowers. The whole sister- hood were in a state of excitement, of innocent and heartfelt pleasurable sensations. Their various occu- .
விபர
73
BIRTHDAY PREPARATIONS.
pations for the day had to be suspended a little earlier than usual, in consequence of the happy event of the morrow. And here and there several of their number were seen in groups together, busily engaged in discussing the programme of procedure for the occasion, while their countenances beamed with the reflected joyous emotions of their hearts.
There is not to be found in this wide world of ours any people perhaps, who have a greater relish than the Germans for such kind of excitements ; more especially when the individuals for whom they are intended, are, as in this instance, worthy of it. The whole community in this Moravian settlement was an exemplification of this fact. The result of this maiden conference was, that Father and Mother Werner had for this once in their lives, to promise the obedience of children to their asso- ciate sisters. To this they cheerfully assented with childlike simplicity and happiness, and they were hurried off to bed very early in the evening. Then commenced the note of preparation for this impor- tant festival celebration.
Their table was covered with a snow-white cloth, around which were carefully and tastefully pinned one hundred red roses, emblematical of their united ages, and of their maidenhood, pink and red being the colors worn by the Single Sisters. Besides these, some white ones were scattered upon the top, in allusion to the years they were perhaps yet to live. On the table various presents were fancifully laid,
4
74
THE SERENADE.
some of which were in envelopes bearing the names of the different donors, each containing some kind lines expressing congratulations, friendly wishes, a text of Scripture, or perhaps a stanza of some Mo- ravian hymn like the following :
" Lord, strengthen thou their heart, To them such grace impart, That nought which may await them From thee may separate them ; Let them with thee, their Saviour, United be for ever."
Bright rose the sun on the morrow ; but he had scarcely appeared above the horizon ere a consider- able number of that loving band of Moravian Single Sisters were noiselessly stirring. By and by sweet strains of delightful music broke the stillness of that quiet place. Melodious voices singing in concert, blending in perfect harmony with the sound of guitar, clarionet, and violin. It was a birthday serenade to our Orphan Twin Maidens ; and those tuneful notes and simple words of the sympathizing sisterhood, methinks, have floated down the stream of time to live on the page of history. Translated into English, one of them reads thus :
"Unto thee, most gracious Saviour, These dear Sisters we commend ! Look on them in grace and favor, To their prayers and wants attend ; Grant them both a tender feeling, Of thy love and gracious dealing,
الله، الأوائل
75
PRESENTS.
That their hearts may truly be Fill'd with fervent love to thee.
" This alone can keep them steady In their simple path of grace, And when any thing seems ready To disturb their happiness, Lord, in mercy them deliver,
Keep their fceble souls for ever From the world and sin secure, And in soul and body pure ! "
This musical performance was immediately out- side of their sleeping apartment.
Thus were Anna and Mary Werner wakened out of their peaceful slumbers on the morn of this auspicious day. Soon they were clasped in a fond embrace, while they bedewed each other's cheeks with the tears of grateful joy and of warm affec- tion. But their companions impatiently awaited their coming, and I cannot stop to be prosy even if I would. After a brief interval they were in the midst of the kind-hearted sisterhood, where they were greeted by smiles and congratulations.
Then pleased and delighted as childhood's hap- piest moments, were our twins, as they examined the various birthday offerings bestowed by their associates. Some of the benefactions were money, while others were ribbons, muslins, &c. And surely they were almost to be envied-they, the poor hard- working daughters of poverty, as they received these solid and substantial tokens of sisterly regard
76
BIRTHDAY LEVEE.
from many too, who, like themselves, were the children of penury, and had to earn their daily bread by very hard labor.
Our orphan twins were simply dressed in white. exactly alike, and with scrupulous neatness. c- ccording to the Moravian customs of those times. all the sisterhood wore a peculiar cap, fastened under the chin with a bow of pink ribbon, the badce of their state of single blessedness. Thus arraved. with countenances radiant with happiness, these artless maidens held their first and only levee.
It was attended, as proposed, by the inhabitants of the place generally ; and on account of the pe- cuniary condition of the twins, the contributions they rendered consisted mostly of small sums of' money.
At this distance of time it is impossible to nar- rate the order of events as they occurred, or to enter into any detail. It must suffice therefore to say that this occasion proved a truly festive one,-and the whole day was one continuous scene of unal- loved happiness to all the participants.
The Lovefeast was held in the evening, and, I believe, confined exclusively to the sisterhood, ex- cept the wife of the officiating minister. Here an agreeable surprise awaited the twain. In the mid- dle of the hall was placed two chairs for them. Immediately before these, mounted on a pedestal. was a pyramid of paper in a wooden frame, ill :!- minated with one hundred wax candles all lighted-
--
77
LOVEFEAST.
while here and there might be seen one not lit -- the former significant of their united ages, and the latter to denote the possible years of their future. In the centre of the pyramid their names were fan- cifully written, surrounded and united by a garland of beautiful flowers. Underneath this was some appropriate device, and a suitable text of Scrip- ture.
As the twins entered in to take their seats, they were met by several of the sisters, who escorted them thither. Meanwhile the music of all the con- gregated sisterhood mingling with the sounds of different instruments greeted their coming. The brother who conducted the services on this interest- ing occasion viewed the scene with no ordinary emotions of feeling.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.