14 December 19 - December 24, 1753
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Dec. 19th.
Br. Grube waked the Brethren with several hymns. Our beloved Gottlob and Nathanael made ready for their trip to Bethlehem. A farewell Lovefeast was held, and we were happily together once more. Various last points were discussed, for example that at present it is not feasible to observe the Sabbath, while so much work needs to be done, but that now and then, when it suits, the rest can be taken, and Lovefeast held in the evening. It was remarked that Sunday must be strictly kept, that the World should have nothing against us. Also that the laws of the land must be carefully observed, and that Br. Jacob Loesch should acquaint himself with the laws and see that we keep them. We are not to undertake any building just yet, but push the clearing of land, that as soon as possible we may be able to eat our own bread. For religious purposes we were divided into two groups, — the first, Jacob Loesch as leader, consisted of Grube, Beroth, Erich, Kalberlahn, Peterson, Hermanus; the second, with Grube as leader, consisted of Jacob Loesch, Pfeil, Merkli Feldhausen, and Lunge. Br. Gottlob spoke affectionately concerning the great pleasure it had given him to conduct us hither, and be with us for a while. He and Br. Nathanael wished for us that we might remain close to the Saviour, that His peace might remain with us, that our lives might honor the Lamb of God, and that we might remember the sufferings and death of Jesus, until we should see Him as He is. Our Lovefeast closed with the Cup of Covenant and the kiss of peace. We were moved, and thanked God that we had been able to have these dear Brethren with us.
Then Gottlob, Nathanael, Haberland, and Lischer set out, the Brethren all going with them a short distance. Br. Grube accompanied them to the borders of our land, where he bade them an affectionate farewell; Br. Jacob Loesch went on with them to Dan River. After seeing them off the Brethren busied themselves with clearing land and plowing. In the evening we had singstunde and evening prayers.
Dec. 20th.
The Yadkin River is referred to in the diary as “the River Etkin.” Photograph courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey. About the photograph
After morning prayers Hermanus and Merkli took five horses and went to the River Etkin for meal and corn. We were very conscious of the absence of our dear Gottlob and Nathanael, indeed quite lonesome. Toward evening Jacob Loesch returned, bringing hearty greetings from our dear Brethren. They had spent the night beyond Dan River at the home of Mr. Gest, a pleasant man, who had taken good care of them. Next day Br. Loesch went with them a little further, then turned back, calling again on Mr. Gest, from whom he purchased some cattle.
Br. Grube held the singstunde and evening prayers. It was Br. Feldhausen’s birthday, so we sang several hymns for him.
Dec. 21st.
We arose feeling well, and after morning prayers went to work. Toward evening Hermanus and Merkli returned from the Etkin, bringing meal and corn. Br. Grube held singstunde and evening prayers, and then we went peacefully to rest.
Dec. 22nd.
In the afternoon an Irishman arrived, seeking counsel of Br. Kalberlahn. He begged to be allowed to stay several days in his care, and we could not refuse, as the poor man was in great pain, although it is not convenient for us with our small resources. Toward evening another stranger appeared and spent the night with us.
Dec. 23rd. Sunday.
After morning prayers the second man went home. At ten o’clock we had an English meeting, and read the first Berlin sermon. Br. Kalberlahn bled his patient. In the evening Br. Pfeil was sick. Br. Grube held singstunde and evening prayers. Our groups met for the first time today; after them we had a house-conference, and Merkli was appointed room-superintendent, and Erich, Peterson, and Pfeil were selected to do the house-keeping, each a week at a time. Br. Kalberlahn was charged with superintending the expenses.
Dec. 24th.
After morning prayers Hermanus set out, with two horses, for the home of Mr. Hikki, some 60 miles away, to procure several bushels of salt. It rained all days. Our neighbor, Mr. Macgaal, came to take our patient home, but finding him no better left without him.
At 9:30 P. M. we began the Christmas Eve Watch service. We read the story of the birth of our Saviour, and rejoiced that the Holy Child was born for the salvation of the world. We had a Lovefeast also, and soon after midnight closed our first Christmas Eve Watch meeting in North Carolina.
Comments
- Cup of Covenant
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The “Cup of Covenant” or “Cup of Thanksgiving” was used by the Brethren as a pledge of allegiance to each other and the Lord. It was a religious service, but must not be confused with the Lord’s Supper.
