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Title
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Magdalene (1731-1820)
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Creator
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Magdalene, 1731-1820
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Publisher
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Moravian Archives, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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Date
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1820
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Type
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Text
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Format
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image/jpeg
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Description
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Magdalene briefly describes her childhood growing up in slavery. She was persuaded by her master to move to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She was reluctant at first but eventually found contentment. She received the Lord as her Savior and was baptized in 1748. The brief account was completed by another brother or sister and describes her marriage, her brief illness, and her death at the age of 89.
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Subject
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Magdalene, 1731-1820
Moravian Church
Women--Biography
Religious life--History--18th century
Religious life--History--19th century
Bethlehem (Pa.)--History--18th century
Bethlehem (Pa.)--History--19th century
Enslaved women
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Source
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https://www.moravianchurcharchives.findbuch.net/php/main.php#4d656d6f6972732ex5914
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Identifier
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MemBeth 0658
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Language
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German
English
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Extent
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7 pages (4 in English)
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Rights Holder
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Moravian Archives, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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transcript of
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Our late sister Magdalene has left the following account of herself.
I was the property of the late Mr. Prontis who bought me when about 10 years old. In his family I remained for a number of years.
My master being anxious for the salvation of my soul and perceiving that it was necessary to preserve me from the temptation by which I was surrounded [?] proposed to me to go to Bethlehem but I had no inclination to accede to the proposal; on the contrary I begged him, rather to sell me to another person; and was too much attached to the world and its enjoyments.
He however persuaded me at least to make a trial–as he was assured I would experience kind treatment–and promised me at the same time that if I was not contented — he would at any time receive me back again. On my arrival here I experienced such a friendly reception from the ministers of the congregation, and the Brethren and Sisters, that I was quite overcome by it. I soon obtained permission to remain here. My conduct was in the beginning very unbecoming; in short I determined to act in an improper manner from the hope that they would thereby be induced to send me back however this was not the case. The love of the Brethren, Sisters, and especially the loving kindness and mercy of our Saviour presented [?] what I at that time began to experience - prevented my leaving them voluntarily. Some time after this my master having visited me and give me his blessing and permission to remain here I became contented and happy. The Saviour who came to me and saw that which was lost now looked in mercy upon my poor soul which was so deeply mark[ed] in the misery and slavery of sin, that before this I never could think - that I should be redeemed from it - was comforting me. Then these words - Jesus has died for thee also, on the cross - to redeem thee from sin. By faith I embraced him as my Saviour and received the assurance of the forgiveness of my sins.
Thus far her own account.
May the 19, 1748 she was baptized unto the death of Jesus and became a communicant on Jan. 26, 1749.
Jan 21, 1762 she was married to the Negro Brother Andrew. Their marriage was blessed with 2 sons who both entered eternity before her.Her husband departed this life March 20, 1779. Till the end She enjoyed unhampered health till the last. About 10 days ago she was seemingly attacked by sickness and it soon became evident, that this would be the cause of her dismission. Accordingly on the 3rd of January the departed this life aged 89 years.
