CHAPTER XIII.

The town of Ebenezer—Its present appearance—The results of this experiment at colonization—The colonies in New England, Virginia, and the Carolinas—Royal Historical Society of Austria—Inquiries as to the fate of the Salzburgers answered—Religious and social influence of the Salzburgers upon the other colonists—Religious sentiments of the first pastors—Dr. Hazelius’s testimony—Present condition and pursuits of their descendants—Effingham county—General reflections—Conclusion.

To one visiting the ancient town of Ebenezer, in the present day, the prospect which presents itself is any thing but attractive; and the stranger who is unacquainted with its history would perhaps discover very little to excite his curiosity or awaken his sympathies. The town has gone almost entirely to ruins. Only two residences are now remaining, and even one of these is untenanted. The old church, however, stands in bold relief upon an open lawn, and by its somewhat antique appearance seems silently, yet forcibly, to call up the reminiscences of former years. Not far distant from the church is the cemetery, in which are sleeping the remains of the venerable men who founded the colony and the church, and many of their descendants, who, one by one, have gone down to the grave, to mingle their ashes with those of their illustrious ancestors.

Except upon the Sabbath, when the descendants of the Salzburgers go up to their temple to worship the God of their fathers, the stillness which reigns around Ebenezer is seldom broken, save by the warbling of birds, the occasional transit of a steamer, or the murmurs of the Savannah, as it flows on to lose itself in the ocean. The sighing winds chant melancholy dirges as they sweep through the lofty pines and cedars which cast their sombre shades over this “deserted village.” Desolation seems to have spread over this once-favoured spot its withering wing, and here, where generation after generation grew up and flourished, where the persecuted and exiled Salzburgers reared their offspring, in the hope that they would leave a numerous progeny of pious, useful, and prosperous citizens, and where every thing seemed to betoken the establishment of a thrifty and permanent colony, scarcely any thing is to be seen except the sad evidences of decay and death.

While surveying this scene, one is almost instinctively led to inquire what advantages have accrued to the Salzburgers and their descendants, or to our State, by their removal from their fatherland and their settlement in Georgia? Have the results of this experiment been such as to compensate in any good degree for the large expenditures of money and the various sacrifices which were necessary to the establishment of this colony? These questions are very proper, and it is hoped that in answering them some rays of light will illume the rather cheerless picture exhibited above.

An interest in the history of the Salzburgers has been manifested, not only in the United States, but also in Europe. A year or two since, a letter was received by the Governor of Georgia from the Secretary of the Royal Historical Society of Austria, in which information was sought in reference to the fate of this interesting people. Among the questions proposed were the following :—Did the Salzburgers retain their language? Did they ever change their religion? To what extent did they diffuse themselves in Georgia and other portions of America? Did they exert any influence upon the civil institutions and the religious character of the state? Some of these questions have already been answered. It has been shown that the Salzburgers gradually acquired the use of the English language, and in 1824 it was formally adopted in public worship in all the congregations in and about Ebenezer. It has also been stated that many of the Salzburgers forsook the church of their fathers at various times, and united with other denominations. Nevertheless, the great bulk of their descendants have remained faithfully attached to the religion which their ancestors professed with so much moral heroism amid the severest persecutions in their native land, and to enjoy which, without molestation, they cheerfully submitted to every form of suffering and privation, and even to banishment and death. The other questions remain to be discussed. Various considerations render it necessary that they should be briefly considered before this little volume is brought to a close.

There is a commendable curiosity which prompts many to desire to know to what extent the descendants of the Salzburgers have been multiplied? What is their general character for intelligence and morality? What are then-pursuits? To what extent and in what departments of life have they become distinguished? And, in short, in how far have they exerted any beneficial influence upon the social and religious character of the state? Besides, there are many men so decidedly utilitarian in their views, that they regard no enterprise as worthy of commendation or patronage which does not promise great practical benefits to all who are in -any wise associated with it.

In addition to this, the history of the colonies planted in New England, in Virginia, and the Carolinas, will no doubt suggest similar inquiries. The Puritans, as has been stated, left the impress of their character indelibly fixed upon all their institutions. By their industry and indomitable energy, they felled the forests, and, amid almost inconceivable hardships and dangers, brought under successful cultivation a somewhat rocky and barren soil; making it yield them not only the necessaries, but even the comforts and luxuries of life. They planted churches and established colleges and schools, many of which remain, until this day, the lasting monuments of their piety and enlightened liberality. In process of time, they engaged in extensive and successful commercial enterprises; and having built up towns and cities, and settled most of the adjacent territory with an energetic, intelligent, and virtuous population, they sent out their descendants to almost every portion of our country; and wherever the sons of New England are found, they are generally the pioneers in commerce, in education, and, in short, in every thing which tends to elevate individual character and promote the best interests of the state. No one can with truth deny that from the Pilgrim Fathers there has descended a long list of worthy names who have adorned the various professions, given dignity to our public councils by their wisdom and eloquence, and contributed their full quota to the development of every thing that is truly great or glorious in national character.

This is equally true of the colonies of Virginia and the Carolinas. The descendants of Cavaliers who settled the “Old Dominion,” and the Huguenots of Carolina, not only built up permanent and extensive settlements, but they also, in the course of time, spread themselves over many parts of our widely extended domain; and everywhere, they are distinguished for lofty intellect, profound statesmanship, heroic bravery, uncompromising attachment to principle, and an ardent love of virtue and of liberty. Nor have they failed to contribute largely to every enterprise which was in any wise calculated to increase the commercial importance, develop the agricultural resources, and secure the safety and prosperity of the country. It may be truthfully asserted that their history, and that of their descendants, furnish some of the brightest and most glorious pages which adorn the annals of our country. This is true, not only of their struggles and successes, and the many thrilling incidents connected with their colonial history; it is equally true in relation to the war for Independence, and the bright recollections which the Revolution awaken, as well as the conspicuous part which they have acted in all the affairs of our government, in every period of its existence. With these considerations pressing upon the mind, the inquiries which have been suggested in relation to the Salzburgers are both natural and pertinent, and it is proposed to answer them as far as may be practicable.

It would be unreasonable to expect that the Salzburgers and their descendants should occupy as prominent a place on the page of history as the other colonies, and for reasons which are very satisfactory. Their language being entirely different from that spoken in the province of Georgia, together with their somewhat peculiar habits, kept them rather isolated from the other inhabitants, and made them measurably a distinct colony. Besides, as their location prevented them from becoming a commercial people, and as they confined themselves almost exclusively to the pursuits of agriculture, they did not possess those facilities for extending their settlements and increasing their wealth and their influence, which were enjoyed by the other colonists. It should be remembered, that they were poor, houseless wanderers, who were sent to Georgia upon the charity of their Christian friends in Europe; and, for many years after their arrival, their poverty prevented them from doing more than simply providing a competency for their families.

Besides this, the climate was unfavourable to the rapid increase of population; and, during the first years of the colony, many of the Salzburgers fell victims to the fevers and other diseases which are always more or less incidental to southern latitudes, especially when the forests are newly cleared. It is true, there were many accessions to their numbers by way of emigration, during the first four or five years after the planting of the colony; yet, from the causes already mentioned, the Salzburgers did not multiply very rapidly, and their settlements were confined to a limited portion of the state.

It is nevertheless true, that, as far as their circumstances would permit, they made every effort to identify themselves with the interests of the province, and contributed to the best of their ability to promote its prosperity. If they did not become as distinguished as the other colonies in commerce and wealth, and if they did not occupy so important and influential a position, and if their descendants did not become as renowned in the cabinet and the field as the sons of New England, Virginia, and the Carolinas, or even as some of the sons of Georgia, yet there is much in the character and history of the Salzburgers, which would adorn the annals of any country.

This is true, not only of their transatlantic history, with its many incidents of holy devotion to the faith of the gospel, under the most studied and revolting persecutions; it is likewise true of them after their removal to America. In circumstances of the severest trial, whether suffering from fatigue or hunger, or lying prostrate under the influence of fatal diseases, they evinced a degree of Christian fortitude which did not fail to make a most favourable impression upon their neighbours. If, then, they had done nothing more than simply to set an example to the other colonists of holy living, and of patient, uncomplaining resignation to the divine will; if the only record which could be made of them was, that they were consistent Christians, “and adorned the doctrines of God their Saviour in all things;” the moral influence of even such a record, would entitle them to distinction among the benefactors of their race. That such was their character, is abundantly proven by all who knew them; and in every sketch of the early history of Georgia, honourable mention has been made of the piety and purity of life exhibited by the Salzburgers, and especially by their pastors. It may be necessary, however, to refer to this subject again.

In the civil and military affairs of the colony, many of the Salzburgers became conspicuous. When, in 1775, the Provincial Congress assembled in Savannah, to adopt measures to protect the Province against the unjust and arbitrary legislation of the Mother Country, St. Matthew’s Parish, was represented in that Congress, in part, by John Stirk, John Adam Treutlin, Jacob Waldhauer, John Fieri, and Christopher Cramer, all of whom were Salzburgers. Mr. Truetlin also filled the office of Provincial Governor, and in all the proceedings which were adopted for the preservation of the liberties of the Province, the Salzburgers heartily concurred.

When the Revolution commenced, as has already been shown, they took a very decided stand in favour of the cause of liberty. In the list of persons proscribed by the British Parliament as Rebels, occur the names of the following Salzburgers:—J. A. Treutlin, Rebel Governor, Col. John Stirk, William Hobzendorf, Rudolph Strohaker, Samuel Stirk, George Wyche, John Schnider, and others. From this it will be seen, that in the very incipiency of the Revolution, they arrayed themselves on the side of the Colonists, and were willing to incur all the risks connected with that struggle. In every emergency they contributed what they could to the relief of the Colony, promptly and cheerfully making every sacrifice, and performing every duty which seemed to be demanded by the welfare of the Province. And, in proportion to their ability, no portion of the population did more to advance the various interests of the country. In short, they became fully identified with the Whigs of the Revolution, and in all the dangers and sufferings of that memorable epoch in our country’s history, they bore their full share. When the war terminated, they went to work, patiently and zealously to cultivate the soil, to improve their homesteads, and to repair, as far as practicable, the injuries which their settlements had suffered, and to restore to the Colony the prosperity which it had enjoyed prior to the war. In these purposes they persevered, and in process of time they were successful in regaining much that had been lost during those troublesome times ; and they saw their settlements extending, and their descendants multiplying, until they spread themselves over the whole of the county of Effingham, and even into many of the adjacent counties.

It is proper, before a more minute sketch is given of the condition and pursuits of the Salzburgers, that something should be said in reference to their religious character, and the doctrines of which the pastors at Ebenezer may with propriety be said to have been the exponents. This is deemed important, not only as illustrative of the moral influence which the Salzburgers may be supposed to have exerted upon the other Colonists ; it is necessary, especially to the Lutheran Church, as it will exhibit in a proper light, the religious views of the founders of American Lutheranism, upon some of the cardinal doctrines of Christianity. This is rendered the more important, because of the tendency of too many professing Christians in the present day, to what has been very properly called “sacramentalism,” or the settling down in a cold and lifeless orthodoxy. It is hoped that, by exhibiting in a prominent light, the teachings and experience of the pastors who had the spiritual oversight of the Colony of Salzburgers, many false impressions which now exist in relation to the distinctive doctrines of the Lutheran Church will be removed, and it will be made to appear that our pious ancestors-were the friends and advocates of a vital, soul-renewing, and soul-pervading Christianity. A sickly sentimentality, which seeks to substitute a speculative philosophy, or a formal Christianity, for the power of a living, active faith, received no countenance from them. True, they were “symbolists,” in a restricted sense, because they subscribed to the Augsburg Confession, and the other symbols of the Lutheran Church; but they never gave undue importance to the ordinances of religion, while they taught, both by precept and example, that true Christianity is a heavenly principle implanted in the soul by the Holy Spirit; and that, whenever it is experienced, it produces a new creation, and conforms the soul to the image of Him by whose spirit we are renewed, and made the partakers of a divine inner life.

As illustrative of this view, an extract is subjoined from Dr. Hazelius’s history of the American Lutheran Church. He remarks :—“From the journals of the ministers labouring among the Salzburgers, it is evident that their aim was to direct their flock into the narrow path that leadeth unto life. Though they were anxious to influence the members of their church to the observance of an external decorum, and to submission to good church discipline; and though, according to the testimony of their neighbours, the inhabitants of the villages round about them, and those of Savannah, as also to that of the colonial government, this congregation was distinguished in that respect; and though the pastors were also desirous that the people should be duly affected by the preaching of the word,—yet it is evident, from every statement they make, that they were labouring to impress this truth deeply on the minds of the people, that neither an external observance of order, nor an excitement of mere animal feelings, insures us the high title of being the sons and daughters of God; but the approach of the heart and mind to the character of our great prototype, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as well as to have a conscience void of offence before God and man.”

In this connection, it may be appropriate to make a few brief extracts from the letters and journal of Mr. Bolzius. In one of his letters he remarks:—“We acknowledge, to the praise of God, that piety and contentment still reign among us, as even strangers are willing to acknowledge….. Among our congregation are many men and women who are truly converted to God, and who walk in the truth, and are an ornament to our office, and humble assistants in the discharge of our duties.” In his journal he makes these minutes:—“ Careless and froward men are indeed presuming upon Christ and his merits, without seeking conversion, but he calls those only who labour and are heavy laden; and if they come to Christ, anxious for their soul’s salvation, the tempter will endeavour to deprive them of the grace in Christ. We ought, however, to lay firm hold on him and his merits, because he is not only the beginning, but also the finisher of our faith, and his honour is concerned to finish the work he has begun.”.… In another place he remarks:—“It is terrible indeed to offend God with wilful sins, and to sin in hopes of his mercy….. Thousands are going to hell while flattering themselves with this delusive promise; and even when the eyes of some are truly opened and their hearts converted to God, and they have received the pardon of sins in the order of true repentance and faith in Christ, God nevertheless frequently causes them to feel the heinousness and guilt of sin.”

Mr. Bolzius, in that part of his journal in which he furnishes an account of the illness and death of his colleague, Mr. Gronau, seems desirous to lay peculiar stress upon the evidences which Mr. Gronau furnished of his acceptance with God, and his hope of a better life. This is his language: “The time of Mr. Gronau’s illness has been a source of edification to us who were daily about his person. His heart continually enjoyed communion with his Redeemer. Nothing troubled him, for he tasted the reconciliation with God, and the joy and peace of the Holy Ghost. He fell asleep, and entered into the joy of his Lord, full of peace.”

It would be easy to furnish many such extracts, all going to show that the first pastors at Ebenezer were men of devoted piety, and that they were not only themselves the subjects of the renewing, transforming power of the Holy Spirit, but that in all their preaching, as well as in their private instructions, they laboured to inculcate a religion which “new creates the soul” in the likeness of God, and produces a radical change in our whole moral constitution. So that, under the influence of this new principle, we become the children of God, receive “the spirit of adoption,” and are enabled “to walk in all his ordinances and commandments blameless.”

This is true not only of Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau, but also of Messrs. Lembke, Rabenhorst, and Bergman. It is true, there are very few facts in the history of the two former which have been preserved, but enough is known to warrant the opinion just expressed. Those who knew Mr. Lembke personally, bear testimony to his humble piety and faithful dealing with the souls committed to his trust. Mr. Bolzius, in his journal, speaks of “the excellent spirit” which Mr. Lembke always exhibited, and commends him for his unremitting diligence in the discharge of every duty. This was likewise the case in relation to Mr. Rabenhorst. Not only does Mr. Bolzius speak favourably of him for his zeal, humility, and great diligence as a pastor, but Dr. H. M. Muhlenburg, in his Journal of a Voyage to Georgia, mentions him in the most flattering terms, as a man and a Christian, and especially as a faithful and devoted pastor. Dr. Muhlenburg instances as a peculiarity in Mr. Rabenhorst’s preaching, that he insisted on the doctrine of the new birth, and was decidedly evangelical in all his views and feelings. The same statement may be made of Mr. Bergman,

From all this it will appear, that the religious sentiments inculcated by the pastors at Ebenezer, and which they enforced by their own experience and example, were decidedly in favour of practical, experimental godliness. They believed and taught that true religion has its seat only in the soul which has been born from above; that in every soul thus renewed Christ dwells by his Spirit, imparting new life and energy to our spiritual nature; and thus becoming the great fountain of our strength, and hope, and joy, he reigns in us as the grand controlling motive of all our noblest purposes and loftiest aspirations, and leads us from one attainment in righteousness and holiness to another, until we are made meet for “the inheritance among the saints in light.”

In fact, the whole of the early history of the Salzburgers is but an exemplification of this great doctrine of Christianity. This was true of them while they dwelt in their native valleys and mountains. It was for their bold and uncompromising attachment to a pure and holy faith—a “faith that works by love and purifies the heart”—that they became the objects of the most cruel and unrelenting persecutions. For maintaining this faith they were driven from their country and their homes, and cast upon the charities of their Christian brethren. Amid scenes of the severest trial and suffering, they demonstrated the sustaining power as well as the comforting influences of that heaven-born Christianity, for the enjoyment of which “they took gladly the spoiling of their goods,” and became pilgrims and sojourners in the earth. When the good providence of God delivered them from the hands of their enemies, and brought them safely to a land where they could enjoy their religion unawed by human restraint, they erected their temples, and from their pulpits, and by their examples of holy living, and their peaceful and triumphant death, they furnished fresh evidences of the importance of this great fundamental doctrine in the Christian system. If, then, the history of the Salzburgers, both in Europe and after their removal to Georgia, had done nothing more than furnish illustrations of the reality and the power of this vital principle of Christianity, they would be justly entitled to a prominent place among those who, by becoming living witnesses to the truth of Christianity as a renewing and sustaining principle, have furnished some of the strongest encouragements to our faith and hope, and some of the most powerful incentives to the conscientious discharge of Christian duty, even under the most adverse circumstances. That such was the influence which the Salzburgers exerted is proven by the testimony of Wesley and Whitfield, and all who had an opportunity to acquire a correct knowledge of their religious opinions and character; and whenever the Christian shall search the records of the church in modern times to discover instances of moral heroism in the maintenance of our holy religion, and of humble, devoted piety, the history of the Salzburgers may be confidently appealed to as furnishing some of the brightest and most striking examples.

This is likewise true of the social influence which they exerted. In their habits they were frugal, temperate, and industrious. They knew very little of the artificial wants of life, and hence were easily contented when supplied with its necessaries. Having an unwavering confidence in the providential care of their heavenly Father, they laboured cheerfully and hopefully amid the most discouraging circumstances, and thus set an example to the other colonists which was not without its influence. As a consequence, the colonial authorities frequently commended their habits of diligence, sobriety, honesty, and general virtue. To the cultivation of their lands and the improvement of their homesteads they devoted themselves with great assiduity, so that they became successful farmers, and their settlements were always spoken of as models of neatness, and their farms furnished the best specimens of profitable tillage. In their intercourse with the other colonists they exhibited a friendly and peaceable disposition. In their business transactions they were generally just and upright, and never compromitted their Christian integrity for any temporary worldly gains. In all the relations of life they were dutiful, and sought to display the influence of Christianity in so regulating human conduct as to make our social intercourse a source of happiness as well as of mutual improvement. To such an extent did the spirit of peace reign among them, that for many years they had no courts of justice, and referred all disputed matters to the arbitration of their pastors and the elders of the church. It is a remarkable fact in the history of Effingham county, that there has generally been so little litigation among the inhabitants, that until within the last few years, it was a rare thing for a session of the Superior Court to continue more than two days. From these statements, it is manifest that the influence which the Salzburgers exerted upon the religious and social interests of the colony were decidedly beneficial, and their conduct in these particulars will ever form a bright page in the colonial history of Georgia.

It would be difficult to ascertain to what extent the descendants of the Salzburgers have been multiplied, and in what localities they are to be found. Their principal settlement is in Effingham county, Georgia, which constituted formerly a part of the parishes of St. Philip and St. Matthew. This county was the seat of the colony when the Salzburgers emigrated to Georgia. It has the Savannah river for its eastern boundary. The length of the county is thirty miles, and its breadth sixteen, and it contains about four hundred and eighty square miles. The principal streams, besides the Savannah and Ogeechee rivers, are the Big and Little Ebenezer, Turkey Branch, Jack’s, Lockner’s, and Kogler’s creeks, or more properly branches. The population is about four thousand, including one thousand six hundred slaves. Of the white population, fully nineteen-twentieths are the lineal descendants of the Salzburgers; and it is pleasing to state, that they retain many of the characteristics of their forefathers. They are for the most part an industrious, frugal, and peaceable people, and are doing much in developing the resources of their county.

Their chief pursuits are the tillage of the soil, and the getting of wood and timber for the Savannah market. They have been successful in raising silk on a small scale, and in the cultivation of the sugar-cane. The majority of them make their own sugar and syrup, and some of them produce these articles for market. They also pay considerable attention to the rearing of cattle and poultry, and the raising of fruits and vegetables, for which they always find ready sale in Savannah. Their lands, for the most part, are not well adapted to cotton, and hence but little is cultivated: the annual average amount being about three hundred and fifty bales, and a very small portion of this is produced by the Salzburgers. The articles to which they direct their attention are rice, corn, rye, peas, potatoes, and wheat. The two latter, under the system of culture adopted by the Salzburgers, succeed admirably well. It is often the case that thirty bushels of wheat are obtained from an acre, though this is very far beyond the average crop.

Besides the pursuits of agriculture, many of the Salzburgers are excellent mechanics, and there is a family that has become celebrated for the manufacture of copper bells. These bells always command a higher price in Savannah than any which are imported either from Northern or European markets. Some of the Salzburgers have also become distinguished merchants. In the city of Savannah many of them are settled, who have been very successful. Among these are the Rahns, the Sniders, the Heidts, the Zittrauers, the Herbs, the Gougles, the Remshardts, the Neidlingers, the Ihleys, and others. It is not known that any of them have become distinguished in the professions.

It is necessary to state, that the descendants of the Salzburgers (as has been already intimated) settled in many of the counties of Georgia, and some of them removed to South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and even to Pennsylvania and Ohio. In Liberty and Lowndes counties, Georgia, may be found the Dashers, the Waldhauers, the Weisenbakers, and others. In Macon county the Helfensteins, (now Helvenston;) in other portions of the state, the Haugleiters, the Scheubtriens, the Hineleys, the Exleys, and the descendants of the Sniders, who have intermarried with other families in the state. It would be impossible, however, to give any thing like an accurate account of the diffusion of the Salzburgers, and this hasty sketch must suffice.

It has been remarked that very few, if any, of the descendants of the Salzburgers, ever became distinguished in the professions. This may be owing in a great measure to the fact that, as a general thing, the standard of education among the descendants of the Salzburgers has been rather low, especially in the last fifty years, though it is believed that latterly there has been some improvement in this particular. Besides this, very few of them seemed to have any taste for literary pursuits; and having no college, and very few good scholars, there was an absence of all those stimulants which are necessary to quicken the intellect into vigorous exercise, and excite that ambition for literary fame which leads the mind to thirst after professional distinction. The tastes and educational biasses of the Salzburgers seem always to have led them to prefer the quiet and unobtrusive, though not less useful and honourable, pursuits of agriculture. In the retirement and comparative seclusion connected with the culture of the soil, and kindred employments, they find their chief enjoyment ; especially as this mode of life seems of all others the best adopted to the fostering of that pious and contemplative spirit which has ever been one of their peculiar characteristics. In this connection it may be proper to state a somewhat remarkable fact, that not one of the descendants of the Salzburgers ever aspired to the ministry in the Lutheran Church, and not one of them ever became the pastor at Ebenezer, except the Rev. C. F. Bergman. But even he can hardly be classed among the Salzburgers. It is true that his father was pastor at Ebenezer for thirty-six years, but yet he was a native of Prussia, and had no identity with his congregation except that growing out of the pastoral relation.

The present condition of the descendants of the Salzburgers, especially in Effingham county, may be regarded on the whole as rather favourable. In their temporal affairs they are prosperous, perhaps as much so as at any former period, and there is a gradual improvement in their intelligence and social habits. They are becoming by degrees more interested in the cause of education, and books and periodical literature are sought with considerable avidity. As a consequence, there has been an improvement in their manners and social habits, and there is reason to hope that in these particulars an advancement will be made in each successive generation, so that they may keep pace with the citizens of other portions of the State in every thing that tends to refine and elevate. These desirable ends can be attained, if proper efforts are made to establish and sustain neighbourhood schools, under the management of competent teachers. This has for years been a great deficiency among the Salzburgers. It is true there is a most excellent classical academy at Springfield, the county town, but this does not and cannot meet the educational wants of the community generally. Upon this subject, so very important to the best interests of every people, there has been manifested an indifference which is any thing but commendable. No community can expect to prosper long, or to retain any of the elements necessary to its advancement in true greatness, that does not cherish a just appreciation of the advantages of a liberal system of education. It matters not how favourable the state of religion among any people may be; unless their mental development corresponds in some good measure with their religious privileges, their piety will degenerate into a blind devotion, or run into some of the numerous forms of fanaticism or delusion which are always addressing themselves to the over-credulous and unwary. It is to be hoped, therefore, that a more onlightened policy will obtain among the descendants of the Salzburgers, in reference to the importance of furnishing to their offspring the necessary educational facilities. For this they have a precedent in the example of their forefathers, for it has been made to appear that they entertained correct views upon this subject, and regarded the schoolmaster and the parochial school as only next in importance to the pastor and the church.

The state of religion among the descendants of the Salzburgers may be said to be encourageing. Among a portion of them, rather lax views are entertained on the subject of experimental piety, and as a consequence their religion consists more in a “formal godliness,” and a decent morality, than in that inward work of the Spirit which converts the soul, and, by purifying the fountain of human actions, conforms the life to the requirements of that law which is “holy and just and right.” Yet, even in this particular, there is much cause for encouragement. Within a few years, there has been a manifest change in the religious sentiments of not a few, and there is reason to believe that a more devotional spirit is gradually, though perceptibly, prevailing among them. True, the standard of piety is far below what it ought to be, and what it was in the early days of the colony; but still in the congregations there are many devout Christians, the savour of whose conversation is exerting a silent but powerful influence upon the moral interests of the church and the community generally. It is confidently hoped that this influence will continue to extend itself until the present generation, and those which may succeed it, shall make the highest attainments in moral excellence, and imbibing more and more of the Spirit of Christ, shall become as distinguished for their spirituality and holy living as were the godly men who in the fear of God, and from a sincere love to a pure Christianity, laid the foundation of the colony. There is ground for this hope, in the fact that the Salzburgers are enjoying the labours of two pious and devoted pastors, whose teachings and example, under the Divine blessing, have already exerted a very happy influence, and afford promise of greater results for the future. Besides this, it is not to be supposed that the great Head of his church will permit this vine, which he himself planted and watered and nourished for so many years, to wither and decay. The pious care with which it has hitherto been cultivated, and the genial showers of grace which from time to time have poured upon it, will, it is believed, produce an abundant harvest, to the praise of his name, who has declared in relation to his church:—“Behold ! I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands, and thy walls are ever before me.” From this people there shall no doubt yet come forth many who will become living witnesses to the converting power of the gospel, and to the faithfulness of that God who safely led their fathers through scenes of the darkest persecution and distress, and gave them, both in the land of their nativity and the land of their adoption, so many signal evidences of his love and fostering care. Such will be the case if the descendants of the Salzburgers are not recreant to the history of their fathers, and insensible to all those noble impulses which prompt mankind to venerate and to imitate the virtues of a noble ancestry. That they had an ancestry whose history is luminous with every thing that is attractive in humble and consistent piety, or stimulative in moral heroism and uncompromising attachment to religious principle, cannot be questioned. Surely, then, if there is any inspiration in the records of the virtuous and holy dead, if there is any thing suggestive of lofty purpose, of love for God and his truth, and of zeal to promote his glory in the education and proper development of our own spiritual natures, or in the religious advancement of our race, the example of the Salzburgers cannot and will not be lost. The seeds of virtue and true religion may for a season seem to be destroyed, or they may be buried amid the rubbish of a formal Christianity, or chilled by the blighting influence of a cold orthodoxy, but such is the inherent, vital energy of truth, that it will break through all these obstacles, and triumphing over every opposing influence, produce its legitimate fruits in the hearts and lives of men, and thus vindicate its claims to their confidence and homage.

It is the object and the earnest prayer of the humble author of this volume, that the history of the Salzburgers may be productive of some such beneficial results. If so, he will feel that the time spent in the preparation of this work has been most profitably employed. While he laboured at Ebenezer in the pastoral office, he delighted to visit the cemetery where sleep the remains of the venerable Bolzius and Gronau, and the many holy men who founded the colony at Ebenezer. Standing in that sacred receptacle of the dead, and musing upon their example of ministerial fidelity and of entire consecration to the cause of Christ, he has felt rebuked for his own imperfections, and has had the desire kindled in his heart to become a more devoted Christian and a more faithful and successful ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. Alas! how far do many of us, both in our experience and practice, fall below the example of the pious founders of our Lutheran Zion ! and how infinitely far do we fall below His example, “who loved us and gave himself for us!” If such reflections are awakened as shall lead to some practical benefits to the Salzburgers and others, this history will not have been written in vain. That such will be its influence, is confidently hoped; and in this confidence it is sent forth, with the prayer that God may make it a source of instruction and edification to all who may read it. Surrounded as we are by temptation to sin, and by the seductive charms of a corrupt and corrupting world, we need constant stimulants to our virtues. Where can we more appropriately look for such incentives than in the faith and zeal, the holy fervour and consistent piety, of those Christians who, by their devotedness, have illustrated the truth, the excellency, and the moral sublimity of our holy religion? Such incentives are furnished in the HISTORY OF THE SALZBURGERS. AS we dwell upon the incidents of this history, and the many instances which it furnishes of the power of our holy religion to sustain and comfort under the most trying and adverse circumstances of human life, and to prepare the soul for a peaceful and happy-triumph over death, hell, and the grave, may our faith in that religion be confirmed, may our zeal and love and hope be quickened into livelier exercise, and thus may we be better qualified for the trials and responsibilities of life, and prepared to join “the general assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven!”

THE END.

STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON & CO.
PHILADELPHIA.