USA > Pennsylvania > The German Pietists of provincial Pennsylvania : 1694-1708 > Part 2
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became from the start more or less objects of suspicion, and later on, after the influx of the more aggressive Irislı ele- ment, were maligned, and no opportunity was let pass to injure or oppress thein. This was especially the case after the outbreak of the French and Indian wars, as nearly all of the so-called "Sect" people of Pennsylvania were, like the original Friends or Quakers, what are known as non- combatants.
Their peaceful and domestic habits, their refusal to med- dle with politics or the affairs of State, their tenacious adherence to their mother tongue, together with their sub- sequent success in nearly all their undertakings, both indus- trial and agricultural, all tended to excite the envy of their more intemperate and turbulent neighbors, and resulted in ridiculous charges of heresy being brought against some of these distinctive communities, when, as a matter of fact, they were composed of none but God-fearing inen and women.
These calumnies have been repeated so often in print that they are now received as truth by the casual reader. It is this state of lamentable ignorance or misrepresentation by writers upon the subject, together with the persistent vilification by a certain class of New England writers, that has given to readers at a distance the impression that even the present generation of Pennsylvania-Germans of certain denominations are but a single remove froin the animal creation.
Although all of the early "Sect" people of Pennsylvania were non-combatants, it is not for a moment to be under- stood that they were deficient in courage, as in cases where they submitted meekly to ruthless oppression it was not caused by any lack of manhood, but was merely putting into practice the religious teachings they professed.
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Heirlooms.
It is a curious fact that the writer, in all of his travels throughout this State and in his historical researches, has Des Sieift und Eroftreichen Lehrers / herrn Johann Hrnors . 23:01. General . Superintendentend Des Surfeurbune Lüneburg, Gimtilthe Gerftreiche Budyer Bom 2Bahren yet to find the first specimen of firearms or murderous wea- pons brought over by the ori- ginal German emigrant. Yet Gripenthum, there is hardly any Pennsyl- vania-German family which beilfamet Buffe / berglider Heu und Leib über bie Bunte und wabrem Glauben / auch beiligem Leben und &Bantdi Der rechten wahren Chriften. nicht allein must beygefügten Gebetern / Animardungen/ Lebene lauf des Aurons, und nothigen Reg-first Conora and cannot point with pardon- able pride to the old German " Bible," "Catechismus," uub einer Catedbetikben Einleitung bon 288. fragen "Gesangbuch" or some devo- arabies . Bartleint in groben Drud Lind einigen befondern Regiftern / bermittelft meldich man Orfer Burg auf alle Bonne und frittaged & Frangetta und Evitela tional book (usually Arndt's "Wahres Christenthum" 1 Detmebrez. and "Paradies Gärtlein") Brefen/ Beliard Eberhard Dearte Camere. still in the possession of the family, and which formed the chief treasure of the original emigrant, as it proved his comfort in times of sorrow and
1 Arndt's "Wahres Christenthum" was originally published in Germany in 1605, and was followed by many subsequent editions. This devotional book was held in great esteem by the early Germans, especially such as adhered to the Orthodox Lutheran faith ; it was usually bound together with the " Paradies Gärtlein," making a volume of 1300 pages quarto. The titles reproduced are from the copy which was brought to this country by the ancestors of the writer. As all the various pietistical "Sects" in Pennsylvania took kindly to the writings of Arndt, whom they claimed as one of their members, the demand for the book became so great that Benjamin Franklin, together with Johann Böhm, in 1751, proposed to pub- lish an American edition provided 500 subscribers could be obtained. The preface to this American edition was written by the Lutheran minister, Rev. J. A. Christoph Hartwig, and had the support of both Lutheran and Reformed Churches. This was the largest book printed in Philadelphia during the last century. It contained 32 pages of preface and 1356 pages of text, with 65 imported copper plates. This edition did not contain the " Paradies Gärtlein." Fourteen years later, in 1765, Christopher Saur, of Germantown, published the latter ; it was a 16 mo. witli 32 pages of preface, and 531 of devotional text and index. Both of these books are 110w extremely rare.
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The Pietists of Provincial Pennsylvania.
trial. Where relics of worldly handicraft still exist, precious heirlooms as they are, they are found to be implements of peaceful arts, such as were used in the farm economy or the domestic household.
The Mennonites were the first body of emigrants to come to these shores as a distinctive sect ;2 the original party consisted of thirteen families, who arrived at Germantown1, October 6th, 1683.
The next distinctive community, a party of "Labadists" from Friesland, arrived in the fall of 1684, under the leadership of Petrus Sluyter and Jasper Dankers, who settled on a tract of land known as the "Bohemia Manor," a portion of which was in New Castle County, and then formed a part of Pennsylvania.3
Des Bottletigen herrn Johann Hrnbts/ BB.pl. General . Superintendentend tes Stsfienthms Lüneburg, Unmutiges aradis. Bárflein
Ten years later, June 24th, 1694, Kelpius and his chapter boller Chriftlichen Sugenden/ Soldbe Durch andachtige und geiftreiche Gebete in die Seele su pflanken. Deme Die tounderbarften Befbichte birfes Babletus brogefüget. of Pietists or true Rosicrucians landed in Philadelphia, walked to Germantown, and finally set- tled on the rugged banks of the Wissahickon. It is to this Betegtt CEberbarb Derky Bommert, community and their successors on the Cocalico the subsequent pages are mainly devoted. The year 1719 marks the advent of the Dunkers or Ger-
It.
2 For a full account of the early Mennonites and their settlement in Germantown, see the exhaustive papers upon the subject by Hon. Samuel W. Pennypacker, viz .- Mennonite emigration to Pennsylvania, "Penna. Magazine," vol. ii, pp. 117, et. seq. The settlement of Germantown, Pa., "Penna. Magazine," vol. i, p. I, et. seq .; also "Historical and Bio- graphical Sketches," Philadelphia, 1883.
3 The members were under the impression that they were wholly within the bounds of Penn's domain.
1.
2. 3.
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The Pietistic Sects.
man Baptists ; 4 twenty families arrived in Philadelphia in the fall of that year. Germantown also became their strong- hold, whence emanated all the other congregations of the faith throughout the State.
The "Neu-geborenen," or the "Stillen im Lande," 5 settled in the vicinity of Germantown about 1725.
6.
The Ephrata Community, on the Cocalico, who were the virtual successors to the Mystics on the Wissahickon, dates froin about the same period, and the names of the two leaders, Conrad Beissel (Father Friedsam Gottrecht) and the Rev. Peter Miller (Prior Jabetz) are well recognized in Pennsyl- vania history.
The Schwenkfelders arrived in Philadelphia from Ber- thelsdorf and Görlitz in the fall of 1734, and located in Philadelphia and Bucks Counties, where their descendants . still religiously celebrate from year to year the anniversary ("Gedächtniss Tag") of their arrival.
OSTE 5. The last and the most important body of German religious enthusi Province as a com Unitas Fratrum, or also called the Mo Their first perma SEQUAMUR VICIT EUM AGNUS was made on the Bethlehem now though a small col Pennsylvania in SEAL OF THE UNITAS FRATRUM. evangelists as early asts to come to this munity was the Moravian Church, ravian Brethren. nent settlement Lehigh, where stands, in 1742, ony had arrived in 1740, and their first as 1734.6 Nowtheir influence extends throughout the whole continent, from the
4 See "Chronicon Ephretense." Translation by Rev. J. Max Hark, D. D., chapter i.
5 See " Hallische Nachrichten," orig. edit. p. 226. New edition p. 348, annotations by Rev. J. W. Mann, ibid. p. 417.
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The Pietists of Provincial Pennsylvania.
frozen wilds of Alaska to the tropical glades of the West Indies. Wherever a mission station is needed there is to be found the Paschal Lamb and cross of the Moravian Church.7
The most interesting of these communities, by reason of the air of mystery which has thus far enshrouded their history, was the one led by Johannes Kelpius, the inem- bers of which were imbued with the highest religious THAULERI " PREDIGTEN." and purest moral motives. These people came to the colony, then in its earliest stages of development, for the purpose of permanently settling within its borders, and at the same time enjoy to
6 The first Moravian evangelist in America, George Böhnisch, landed at Philadelphia, September 22d, 1734, having been sent by Zinzendorf with Christopher Baus and Christoplier Wiegner to accompany the Schwenk- felder exiles to America ; Böhnisch engaged in evangelistic activity for several years, and returned to Europe in 1737.
Spangenberg and Bishop David Nitsclimann canie to Pennsylvania in April, 1736, and labored for awhile among the Schwenkfelders and others, making Wiegner's house their home.
George Neisser arrived in Pennsylvania in February, 1737, from Georgia, and took up his abode temporarily at Wiegner's. So for awhile there were three of them in Pennsylvania, viz., Böhnisch, who returned to Europe, 1737 ; Spangenberg, who left for the time being in 1739, and Neisser ; Nitschmann, the fourth, left in June, 1736, and returned in 1740.
Andrew Eschenbach, sent to the Pennsylvania-Germans by Zinzendorf at Whitfield's suggestion, arrived at Philadelphia in October, 1740.
Christian Henry Rauch and Frederick Martin (afterwards missionary bishop in the West Indies ) were also in Pennsylvania before the end of 1740.
7 A full and exhaustive history of the Moravian Congregation at Betlile- hem is now in course of preparation by the Church authorities. This work is intended to be a Sesqui-Centennial Memorial of that Church in America. It will give a full and concise account of the early trials and struggles of the Moravian pioneers in America, whose chief object was to spread the gospel among all persons irrespective of creed, color or nationality.
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Sources of Information.
the fullest extent the promised liberty of conscience and religious freedomn.
Another cherished object was to put into practical opera- tion the mystic and occult dogmas taught and studied in secret for many previous ages, looking not only to spiritual but also to physical regeneration and perfection. These dogmas, it was believed, also existed among the aborigines in this continent.
There has always been a veil of mystery about this com- munity ; numberless are the traditions which have been handed down from generation to generation; gruesome the tales current in Germantown and believed throughout the country. They have been repeated time and again during the long winter nights while sitting beside the flickering fireside until they have been accepted as facts. Weird were the tales recounted by the naturally superstitious population, of the occult rites and ceremonies which it is said were performed by the adepts, and their followers within the tyled portals of the tabernacle in the forest.
The object of the following pages will be to lift some- what this veil of mystery which has so long shrouded the history and ceremonial of this community and to set aside the erroneous traditions, so as to place tliese Theosopliical enthusiasts in their proper light before the enlightened community of the present day, now almost on the verge of the Twentieth Century.
Another aim will be to show how, with the decline of the first organization, the scene sliifted from the Wissahickon to the Cocalico, at Ephrata, where the Mystic Theosophy Phoenix-like once again rose from its ashes. In that re- tired valley beside the flowing brook the secret rites and mysteries of the true Rosicrucian Philosophy flourishied unmolested for years, until the state of affairs brouglit about
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The Pietists of Provincial Pennsylvania.
by the American Revolution, together with pernicious Sun- day legislation 8 which also discriminated against the keepers of the scriptural Sabbath day 9 gradually caused the incoming generation to assimilate with the secular congregations.
The information used in this narrative is mainly de- rived from original sources, manuscripts and books used by the different com munities, now either in possession of which he has had access, together with ous accounts sent to Europe by trust- the writer or to contemporane worthy per- sons, sup-
EPHRATA RELICS.
plemented with extracts from manuscripts in the archives of the Moravian Church and elsewhere. Little or none of the matter in these pages has ever been published, and then only in a fragmentary form.
In addition to the above authorities, trustworthy tradi- tions have been incorporated, some of which were related to the writer in his boyhood days.
The text has been embellished and amplified with illus- trations and fac-simile reproductions of references and originals whenever obtainable. A number of these illus- trations consist of the secret symbols of the Rosicrucians, copied direct from an ancient manuscript, an heirloom in the writer's family. It is similar to those used by the
8 The Sunday law of 1794 ; for a full account of the causes which led to its passage see paper by J. F. Sachse in "The Outlook" for April, 1890,
9 The seventh day, or Saturday.
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Sources of Information.
Apocal. 9. 21. 22. A & - 2 Rom. In
PHISICAMETAPHISICA ET
HYPERPHISICA, D .O .M.A. Deo Omnipotenti fit Laus, Hônos et Storia in Seculorum SeculaAmen! Einfallig AB uchel , für junge Schüler Tolichfleißig uber in Schule Des heiligen Piciftes
gans cinfältig Milonißsocile für Augen gemalte," bus Dieuen Sabres Sercitio yn dem natürlichen uno theologischen
TITLE-PAGE OF ROSICRUCIAN MSS. (Original in possession of writer.)
2
IO
The Pietists of Provincial Pennsylvania.
cominunities on the Wissahickon and on the banks of the Cocalico, and so far as is known, is the only perfect copy extant. The title of this literary treasure is here repro- duced in reduced fac-simile, the original folio measuring 12 x 18 inches. The manuscript consists of thirty pages exquisitely written aud embellished with illuminated symbols.
The history of these people forms a inost romantic episode in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania, and the influence they exerted in the early days of our development extends down even to the present time.
ARMS OF THE COMMONWEALTH, 1894.
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CAROLINSAT.
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PETISMI, QVACKER
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Sarmonic:
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SACHSE-95+
RELICS OF THE GERMAN PIETISTS. IN POSSESSION OF THE WRITER.
THE PIETISTS OF PROVINCIAL PENNSYLVANIA.
Teo Omnipotenti fit Laus, Honos et Storia in Sealforum Lecula Amen'!
THE EXODUS FROM THE FATHERLAND.
J IT was just two centuries ago, on the thirteenthi day of February, in the year of grace 1694 (O. S.), that a number of religious enthusiasts from various parts of the Fatherland embarked in a body on the good ship "Sarah Maria," at London, for a voyage over the track- less ocean to the Province of Penn,-a voyage undertaken ARMS OF THE GERMAN EMPIRE, A. D. 1694. not only at the inclement season of the year, and against the advice and counsel of relatives and friends at home, but in face of the war then being waged between European nations on the high seas, a source of danger almost greater than that of the elements.
Sad had been the parting from the loved ones in the Fatherland. The farewells then said were looked upon as the final parting in this world ; family ties then severed, in most cases, were never to be re-united. These conditions were well recognized by the determined band of pilgrims.
Deo Omnipotenti, etc. From title page of Theosophical Manuscript : "Unto Almighty God be praise, honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
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The Pietists of Provincial Pennsylvania.
Even the loss of their leader at the very outset of their departure from Holland failed to turn them from their avowed purpose of entering upon a pilgrimage to the un- known wilds of the West with the sole view of extending the Faith in Christ.
It was not until the evening of the twelfth of June, after many vicissitudes and hair- IG XC breadth escapes from shipwreck and capture by foreign foes, that 7.49 the shores of the New World were sighted. Two days later the ship entered Chesapeake Bay, and after a sail of five more days, anchor was finally dropped at the Bohemia Landing.
The first act of the party after landing, according to the devout Magister Johannes Kelpius, was to thank the Almighty upon their A PIETISTICAL EMBLEM OF CHRIST, A. D. 1692. bended knees for having carried them "as on eagle's wings such an immense distance through all the gates of death."
They at once reported to the royal commissioners of Mary- land, informing them who they were and why they had come to reside in America. After this formality they started overland to the town of New Castle, then the chief port on the Delaware, where they arrived on the twenty- second day of June. Early in the next morning they em- barked upon a sloop which was in readiness, and wafted by favorable winds and tide, the party landed safely in Phila- delphia on the same day.
J
J
THE VOYAGE TO AMERICA.
WO accounts of this re- markable voyage have come down to us : one is contained in the diary of Magister Johannes Kelpius,10 the other in a letter or "Send- schreiben," written by Daniel Falkner, dated Germantown, August 7th, 1694, about six weeks after their arrival in America. This letter, sent to TICE friends in Germany and Hol- Arms of Penn. land, was published and cir- culated there shortly after it was received.
A copy of this interesting communication has found a resting place among the treasures of the Pennsylvania His-
J. N. J .- Abbreviation for the Latin In Nomine Jesu, i.e., " in the name of Jesus." Votum at commencement of Kelpius' Diary.
10 This journal has been reproduced entire in photographic facsimile by the writer. Copies are to be found in the collection of Hon. S. W. Penny- packer and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
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The Pietists of Provincial Pennsylvania.
J.N.F. Arno, 694.
Septima fannais convites à DEdatos. Mhhhin confibis Himice temido" Bolsa Daniele Falknero, Daniele La Very Johanne See Midermonno et conditions final 90"
3. recenfiti it alii convinti à 890 in Germania produsenter. achive sono iter itori in fuerant.
Comuntam ilis Nain nomine SARA MARIA BONNE Sulla Capitanco Sofiams Tanero Anglo conduction ego Septima Februari pro festem argenti Libris Anglicanis Uguas in navi gatinjas explota, quam / 3 ingrest of eram religii anders in na qual erat? Prima See dies in Tameji pluvio Anglicano tranquilla transigelatin à s'offrir à me maximain par feul Pravi" james : vesper De ostigandie lectis con cartabia Laborieb". fur que Bolum in 9. 4. accendebat Trio of oriacho " condis pacifico dejectos Zelum pro lavoro, con tuma Confi visto Jeelus federere cumularet, Donce Maria Solitarie virginam Ethiopicam adeciscent que prins De partir the virginis Europiea informaril volebal antegram. my combiun confer first person vers norton gravision. miliausset, a Fibr. Secunda notes: , Jed
vestia potatis érait. aMeno prefaga, mala curare. Los felic mili precfagisbat. filer Falknerna mabut. Vifitabarrier primo a affiliation Conferi) Regis. Dein verts contrario of herbales to. arenafis admove homur, quasefougère volantes arabistan · Salutem quarentamus, qu'à isja mos perdidifet if Divi- na Provoca feciofet ut es cante moles lub navs. navim perforare volens fractura fristet infrom. In. chra Re deperdita turbine tandoon firehamur infine
FAC-SIMILE OF FIRST PAGE OF DIARY OF MAGISTER JOHANNES KELPIUS.
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The Start from Holland.
torical Society, from which the title is here reproduced,11 __ (translation) "Copy || of a Missive from | and relating to the New World | The Narra- tion of a dangerous | Sea COPIA Mines Send-Schreibens aug Der neuen &Gelt/betreffend : Wie Erzelflung einer gefährlichen &Schifffarth/und gludlichen EInlandung etlichee Shriftlichen Reifegefebrten/welche su dam Sua De diefe BBallfahrt angetretten/ den Blau ben an SEfun EDriftum alleaaufs subreiten Voyage, and propitious disembarkation of some || Christian Fellow-travelers Il who upon this Pilgrim- age set out the | Faith in Jesus Christ even there || to extend. || Tob: xii. 8.12 Printed in the year 1695." Tob. XII. 8.
Der Ronige und Fürften Rath und Heimlichfaten foll man verfebmeigen / aber BDites &Bed foff! man herrlich preifen und offenbaren.
In the main facts the two accounts agree, the only difference being in Bebrudt im Jahr 1695. some of the detail of minor occurrences. From these ac- counts it is learned that the start from Germany was made in the summer of the year 1693. They first rallied in Holland.
After remaining in Holland for some time, the party left Rotterdamn for London, where they arrived during the month of August. While in London the leaders of the party had considerable intercourse with the so-called " Phila- delphists," a society which was formed in England by the celebrated Jane Leade and others, originally for the purpose of studying and explaining the writings of Jacob Boehmne. The outcome of this movement was a league of Christians who insisted on depth and inwardness of the spirit. A
11 Translated in full by the late Dr. Oswald Seidensticker, " Penna. Mag. Hist. and Biography," vol. xi., pp. 430 et. seq.
12 This is a typographical error in the original. It should be Tob. xii, verse 7 .- " It is good to keep close the secret of a king, but it is honorable to reveal the works of God. Do that which is good, and no evil shall touch you."
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The Pietists of Provincial Pennsylvania
number of pamphlets were published by this society, and afterwards translated into German.
A correspondence between Johann Kelpius and Henry Der Philadelphifchen Societat Buftand und SSefihafenbeit; .
Die. Brinde / morauf fie finfin und geben ; bettad tet in einer Antwort auf ein Schreiben
Den
Philalethe , auf Beranlafung det TheoSophifdben Tradfadionen &c an em Glio. 1 Det Societat geffenlt.
Esecb. III. D. 13.
Ja/ fprich zu ihnen : Die Lage und ott Effect und die Erfüllung affer and jeoa Befit ten find verbanben.
Que Dein Englifchen aufe getreufte
John Deichmann, secretary of the London society, was kept up for several years after the arrival of the party in Pennsylvania.
The party remained in London until February 13th, 1694 (O. S.), when they sailed down the Thames to Gravesend, where they embarked on their ship. This vessel, com- manded by Captain Tanner, was armed and carried fourteen large cannon.
The name of the vessel, "Sarah Bebrudt im Jahr Chrifte 1698- Maria" (according to Kelpius, Sara Mariabonæ spei), was taken by the theosophical enthusiasts who composed the party as a propitious omen for the journey. To them the prosaic everyday name of the ship indicated " Glaube, Liebe, Hoffnung" (Faith, Hope and Love or Charity). According to their mystical interpretation they argued,-
I. By Faith (Sarah) we got for our journey the means that were not in sight.
2. By Smyrnean Love 13 (Maria-in Hebrew Mar, bitter, whence Maria) which is not obtained without toil and trou- ble, but remains faithful unto deatlı. [Rev. ii, 10. ]
3. And at last, through "Hope" we will be "Well" (safely) landed. "For so we have been taught by God." 14
Many were the vicissitudes experienced by these religious
13 An allusion to the epistle to the church of Smyrna : Rev. ii, 8-10. 14 " Penna. Mag.," vol. xi, p. 430.
17
The Perils of the Journey.
enthusiasts during this eventful voyage. The first mishap came at the very outset when they ran into a furious gale in the channel. The pilot, taking his course close to the English coast for fear of French privateers, was forced to steer between cliffs and sand-banks. As the storm increased in fury, fearing for the safety of the vessel, they cast their largest anchor. When the gale was abating, the ship drifted against the anchor ; it broke, knocking a hole in the ship, which, however, caused no leak. Towards night another storm arose, and the vessel was driven by wind and waves against a hard sand-bank.15 There was a crash as if every- thing in the ship was turning topsy-turvey, and as two more thumps followed, the cry was raised, " Commend your souls to the Lord ; we shall go down."
The passengers and crew now gave themselves up as lost, and all threw themselves on their knees and prayed for about an hour, expecting the vessel to go to pieces every moment ; when suddenly Johannes Kelpius, the leader of the party, upon a "third inward prompting," told Captain Tanner that the Lord had promised deliverance, that more dangers were impending but Divine Providence would grant a safe arrival.16 Falkner in his account writes, "Here Faith, which conquers the world and its elements, proved so strong and heroic in some of the passengers, that they forgot the danger, went to the captain and told him to be of good cheer : tlie danger was not meant for destruction, but for testing the belief and the love of many. This proved to be true, for when the prayers strove most earn- estly against the wind and waves, the most powerful waves came, as it were, to the support of the prayers, and at the behest of the Creator, whom they obeyed, lifted the ship
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