The Moravians in Georgia, 1735-1740Fries, Adelaide L. (Adelaide Lisetta)
History
The Moravians in Georgia, 1735-1740
Fries, Adelaide L. (Adelaide Lisetta)
Moravians -- Georgia
j. That those among his colonists who wish to preach the gospel
to the heathen shall be allowed to do so; and their converts shall have
the same religious freedom as his colonists.
k. That he and his dependents in Georgia shall be given the privileges
in spiritual affairs which the independent Lords of Germany enjoy
in temporal affairs.
l. That all his property shall be at the service of the State
in time of need, but neither he nor his dependents shall be called on
for military duty, in lieu whereof he will, if necessary,
pay a double war tax.”
From this document it appears that even at this early stage of the
negotiations Zinzendorf’s plans for the settlement in Georgia were well
matured. A town was to be built by his colonists, where they should have
all privileges for the free exercise of their religion; they, as thrifty
citizens, were to assist in the upbuilding of Georgia; they were to
preach the gospel to the heathen; they were NOT to bear arms, but in
case of war to pay a double tax. His careful avoidance of the plea
of religious persecution was caused by the fact that his own King had
ordered the exile of the Schwenkfelders, for Zinzendorf all his life
sought to pay due respect to those in authority, and even when his
conscience forced him to differ with them it was done with perfect
courtesy, giving equal weight to all parts of the commandment “Honor all
men; love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the King.”
The proposals of the Count were forwarded through Herr von Pfeil, and
were presented to the Trustees of the Colony of Georgia by a Mr. Lorenz.
Who this gentleman was does not appear, but a man bearing that name was
one of the Germans, living in London, who in 1737 formed a society for
religious improvement under the influence of Count Zinzendorf.
Through the same channel the answer of the Trustees was returned:
“Mr. Lorenz,
The proposals sent by Baron Pfeil from Ratisbon (Regensberg) to the
Trustees of Georgia have been read at their meeting, but as they see
that the gentleman asks pecuniary assistance for the establishment he
contemplates, they answer that they have absolutely no fund from which
to defray such expenses, but that in case the gentleman who suggests it
wishes to undertake the enterprise at his own cost they will be able to
grant him land in Georgia on conditions to which no one could object,
and which he may learn as soon as the Trustees have been informed that
he has decided to go at his own expense. You will have the kindness to
forward this to Baron Pfeil, and oblige,
your most humble
servant J. Vernon.”
Whether this plea of “no fund” was prompted by indifference, or whether
they really considered the money appropriated by Parliament as intended
for the Salzburgers alone, is immaterial. Perhaps Zinzendorf’s very
proposals to consider any assistance as a loan made them think him able
to finance the scheme himself.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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