Autobiography of the Rev. Samuel Huber, elder in the church of the United Brethren in Christ : containing sketches of his life, and religious experience ...

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Preface

For some years past, I have been frequently importuned to publish my life and experience as a preacher of the Gospel. But, inasmuch as I did not think that the events of my life were such as to warrant their publication to the world, in book form, I declined to yield to this solicitation until within a short time prior to the date of this work. The repeated requests of my friends have at length prevailed, and I have consented to publish such matters connected with the first pioneer preachers of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, as came within my own observation, hearing and experience, and which are set forth in the following pages.

I am fully aware, that my productions will not suit the fastidious tastes of some of the more highly educated preachers and people; still, as mankind differ much in taste and mind, some of them may be benefited by reading these imperfect sketches. It must be borne in mind, that, in my youth, the facilities for acquiring an education were not so abundant as they are now. Our scholarship then, was in German. Dilworth and the Bible were our

PREFACE.

school books. When we could read them, it was considered that we had passed the ordeal of erudition. What English I learned, was gathered from among the people in conversation. I cannot now read or write English.

Before I proceed further, I will also remark, that the circumstances related in this book, did not, in all instances, take place in the same order of time in which they are recorded. This confusion as to time, arises from the fact, that I never kept a journal. Had I done so, I could have given my statements in a more regular order than that in which they are presented ; and also many additional facts and incidents, which would be interesting to the present age. Those which I have given in this work, except what relates to my family and a trip to the west, are given altogether from memory. I cannot now call to recollection the precise dates of the occurrences connected with a pilgrimage of over sixty years.

Moreover, as a work of this kind must necessarily contain seeming repetitions, by recording similar scenes on different occasions, I have, therefore, made abrupt digressions, by inserting articles not exactly in the same category with what immediately precedes or follows. This is done to afford

PREFACE,

V variety and to prevent monotony, so that the reader may not become tired out, before he gets through.

I will state a matter here, which I wish to be borne in mind throughout the perusal of this work, so that I may not be charged with egotism, and that is, that in every occurrence recorded in these sketches, with which I was personally or otherwise connected in doing good, I have given the facts, without ascribing any merit or glory pertaining to them to myself in any degree whatever. I know that " Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above," and therefore must ever say, " To God be all the glory."

Moreover, I must add, that some of the cases recorded in this work did not occur precisely in the same manner in which they are stated. I have, however, presented them in such forms as embrace the sum and substance of the matter related, as nearly as this can be done, to be clearly understood.

And now by way of closing this introduction, I will say, that this book is sent forth into the world without any pecuniary remuneration on my part whatever. My sole object in its preparation and publication, is to do good. I hope it may be read

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PREFACE, with attention, and by that means, become an instrument to promote the cause of God. . To this end, I have introduced into it deeply interesting facts and affecting incidents, well calculated to impress the heart and produce emotions of a spiritual nature. If, however, I have, in any degree, necessarily hit a little, be assured it is done from the best of motives, and with the kindest of feelings. I cherish no ill will towards any being on earth, and as my earthly race is fast drawing to a close, I wish to leave the world in peace and good will towards all men. At the same time, I ask the indulgence of my readers with regard to the errors of this work, and desire the forgiveness of God and of mankind, for the errors of my past life. I also earnestly request the prayers of the Church, so that, after I take my departure from this life, I may meet many of those in whose conversion I was made instrumental, together with all my faithful brethren in the ministry and in the Church, around the throne above, there to ascribe the victory and glory of our salvation to God and to the Lamb throughout eternity.

SAMUEL HUBER

Eocky Spring, March 1st, 1858,

Chapter I. Page

Parentage and Early Life— First United Brethren ?reachers — A Vision — First Marriage — Horse Racing — Convictions — Conversion. 9 CHAPTER II.

Commenced to hold Religious Meetings — My brothers Benjamin and Abraham's Conversions— Revivals near Rocky Spring. 24 CHAPTER III, First United Brethren Camp Meeting — First attempt to Preach — A boaster cut down — A cross woman converted. 37 CHAPTER IV.

Curious Experience about two Beardy Men — Tuckaho Valley — Preaching to a wedding party — Several of them got converted. 44 CHAPTER V.

A Preacher dropped into a hogshead — Artificial Figure converted — Brother J. Russel dodging in time of meeting — Three men struck to the ground — Ordination. 53 CHAPTER VI.

Great Camp Meeting in Virginia — Spiritually blind practitioners in Theology — A preacher bit by a snake — Fall of a tree top on Camp ground — Narrow escape — Dissertation thereon — An English Catholic young woman who did not understand German, got religion under German preaching. 62 CHAPTER VII.

Camp Meeting on Overcash's ground — FetterhofPs Chapel — Funkstown — Revival at Plough's School house — Camp Meeting near Boonsboro', Md. — Became powerless ■ — Fell down on the stand — A false report — Incident in the Rev. S. Enterline's life. 81 CHAPTER VIII.

First United Brethren preaching in Chambersburg, Pa. — Great revival in Otterbein's church- — Roman Catholics converted — A converted Roman Catholic Priest — The old church. 91 CHAPTER IX.

Bush meeting — Camp meetings in York and Lancaster counties, Pa. — Rum, cake, and beer Trafflcers expelled from the latter 106

VIII

CONTENTS.

|CHAPTER X. page.

Curious notions about external postures when seeking religion — Preaching in Lebanon county — New Franklin, Botler's school house — Prayer in a tavern— Wagoners scared off by it. 115 CHAPTER XL

Camp Meeting — A man rose up in time of exhortation and shook his fists at me — A fracas with the preachers — A lad driven from his father's house for praying — Preachers making supper on apples — First United Brethren preaching in Greencastle, Pa. — A. Uniyersalist cutu>* under Wm. R. Rinehart's preaching — A dust with Roman Catholics — Preaching in McConnelsburg — Little Cove. 125 CHAPTER XII.

First big meetig at Daniel Rosenberger's, Horse Valley —Baptism— A young woman supposed to have been drowned through immersion ; rose up shouting — Delegate to General Conference — Trip to and attendance upon it. 147 CHAPTER XIII.

Affecting Scene — First big meeting at Daniel Whisler's, Cumberland County, Pa. — Meetings in the Dutch Settlement— Tom Paine ousted — Religious Experiences — Otterbein preaching — Father Geisseman's death — Rowdies at a Camp meeting. 157 CHAPTER XIV.

Visiting the sick — Ordered out of the house at the time of prayer — Camp meeting on Middlecauff's land — A son of Belial cast out. 173 CHAPTER XV,

My great affliction — Funeral sermon preached before I was dead— Deaths of my daughter Elizabeth, Son Solomon, and First wife Nancy. 187 CHAPTER XVI.

Mother Senseny's conversion — Two Angels — Manner in which United Brethren big meetings were first held — Statistics of the United Brethren Church — Four . children got religion by themselves. 209 CHAPTER XVII.

D. Funkhouser's Experience — A sinner converted on the day he became one hundred years old — Old fashioned preachers compared with the present ones — Conclusion. 225

AUTOBIO GEAPHY.

CHAPTER I.

PARENTAGE AND EARLY LIFE—FIRST UNITED BRETH- REN PREACHERS.

According to the most correct information I can obtain, my Grand Father, Christian Huber, emigrated from the Palatinate, in Germany, between the years 1727 and 1736. He settled near New Holland, Lancaster county, Pa., from whence my father, John Huber, moved to the Rocky Spring, Franklin county, Pa., at the time the Indians lived near the North Mountain. - At one time during the Revolutionary war, my father hauled a load of wheat from his farm to Newport, near Philadelphia, where he sold it. On his return homeward through Shippensburg, an American recruiting officer took passage in his wagon to Chambersburg. "When they came to Col. Crawford's farm at the Conococheague creek, the officer handed him a written paper. After reading it, he threw it away, upon which the officer clapped him upon the shoulder, saying, " I have pressed you for 2 the army. You are my soldier." My father expostulated with him against the impropriety of his conduct, as it was not lawful to impress men in that way. The officer said : " You must either go with me, or pay so much money." In order to get clear, he gave him all the money he had, went home, and told the circumstance to his neighbors, Messrs. Grove, Burkholder, Culbertson, and others.

In the mean time, the officer went to Chambersburg, and took up his quarters in the house standing on the corner of Main and King streets, which was then kept as a tavern, and for many years after that, was occupied by Peter Cook. The idea of a man being robbed in that way by an American officer, did not correspond with the notions of " liberty " these cultivators of the soil entertained at the time. Therefore, very soon, thirty or forty of them collected together, armed themselves with guns, pitch forks, axes, and other implements of destruction, and went to Chambersburg. It was in the night. They surrounded the tavern. The officer was in bed quietly snoosing at the time. One of the party fired a bullet into the gable end of the house, which awoke and alarmed him. He sprang out of bed, and, in his haste to escape, came

REV. SAMUEL JIUBER.

running down stairs in his shirt, holding his pants in his hands. He was soon arrested, and returned to my father his money. He was then placed in irons and sent to the Carlisle jail, which was the last my father heard of him.

I was born January 31st, 1782. My parents were members of the Mennonite Society. Before the United Brethren in Christ preached in our parts, my father's house was the regular place for Mennonite preaching. After the United Brethren preachers began to preach the Gospel here, the Mennonite preachers ceased to preach at my father's house. The first United Brethren preachers, who came amongst us, were William Otterbein, George A. Guething, Martin Boehm, Christian Newcomer, Joseph Hoffman, John Neiding, Martin Crider, Abraham Draksel, Christopher Grosh, Phelix Light, Christian Smith, Mr. Zentmire, with a few others. These were the pioneers of the United Brethren in our parts.

This was the only preaching place for our Brethren between Harrisburg, Pa., and Hagerstown, Md., as father Newcomer frequently told us. Times were not then as they now are, respecting stopping places for preachers. Now a days, preachers can make appointments with-

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OE in a few hours' travel of each other. At the time alluded to, they had frequently to travel from forty to sixty miles, to reach an appointment, and that, without even having accommodations for man or horse, excepting at taverns. It was not, however, because there was not sufficient provisions in the country to entertain travelers, that they had no stopping places. The reason that people refused to give those preachers entertainment, was : They were looked upon as false prophets, deceivers, and bewitchers of the people.

Such indeed was the ignorance, superstition, and blindness of the people, upon the subject of true religion, that they were afraid to entertain a preacher of this sort, fearing, that if once in the house, he would bewitch the whole family, and in many instances, refusing to shake hands with them, for fear of becoming spell bound. But, as the preaching of these false prophets, so called, tended to create an excitement upon the public mind, different in its effects, from that powerless moral Theology, so prevalent in that dark age, curiosity frequently led people out to hear what these " babblers " had to say ; and those preachers, having been brought out of their old nests (religious dogmas),

EEV. SAMUEL HUBER.

through the power of God's converting grace, their preaching took deep root, and produced results such as always attend a ministry seconded by the Spirit of God.

At one time, near the Kocky Spring, at father Boehm's appointment, a certain Mr. W ,

being Anxious to hear what this false prophet had to say, after many foreboding fears upon the subject, at length took courage to go and hear him. Such, however, was his apprehension of evil, lest he should become spell bound and bewitched by the preacher, that, with great caution, he took his seat behind the door, thinking, no doubt, should he feel the moving of the spell upon him, he could make a rapid egress before he would be completely bound up. Whilst hearing the word preached, he thought the whole discourse was directed to him alone. He also afterward blamed my father for telling the preacher all about him, although my father had not spoken to him upon the subject. But such were the effects of God's word upon his heart, that he became deeply concerned for the salvation of his soul. His convictions increased during some months. In the fall, he had neglected to haul in his fire wood, and so was unprepared for winter. A heavy snow had fallen. "While pondering over his situation, it was suggested to his mind that, as he had not made preparation for cold weather, even so he was also unprepared to meet death. His convictions became deeper. Feeling his wretched condition, he fell upon his knees, and wrestled with God until he found peace to his soul ; and afterwards his wife, and five children, also embraced religion. Five of the family have since passed over Jordan. The remaining two are still on their way to Zion, giving thanks to God for having sent those wonderful preachers into their neighborhood. This is what was called bewitching the people in those days. Such w7as the ignorance and prejudice of the times.

It was through the preaching of these men, who travelled and preached at their own expense, preaching Christ crucified, that I first became alarmed in consequence of my sins, and future state. When about thirteen years of age, under the preaching of Rev. Joseph Hoffman, I became more deeply convinced of " sin, righteousness, and of a judgment to come." Then I prayed to God at times, but was in a great measure carried off from Him through the follies of youth. My convictions, however, did not leave me altogether. Sometimes I wrould pray and then sin again.

At another time, under father Newcomer's

REV. SAMUEL HUBER.

preaching, God sent another arrow home to my heart. I felt awful. The thoughts of death and judgment produced alarming emotions in my soul. These emotions again, in a great measure, wore oft*. Fondness for youthful company repeatedly drowned them. Sometimes I would leave off my company, resolving never to sin again, and lead a new life. But I was bound fast by the chains of sin. I had no peace of soul. Although I was not habituated to the use of profane language, yet I was fond of worldly and sinful company and pleasures ; and, by this means, I was prevented from seeking the Lord with all my heart. In this state of mind I continued to grow up to manhood. My life and experience corresponded with that of the poet, when he said :

**'Now I repent and sin again, Now I revive and now I'm slain, Slain with the same unhappy dart, Which 0, too often wounds my heart."

At one time, during my convictions, there was presented to my mind, in a vision, a view of heaven and of hell. I thought I saw heaven in its beauty. I beheld the saints, clothed in white raiment, in a state of inexpressible happiness. They appeared to be standing in extended rows, with uplifted hands praising God. There was an appearance similar to a flight of stairs. The older saints were on the top, while the younger ones were standing on the lower steps ; the whole presenting a scene of beauty and happiness beyond description. There appeared to be two ways or roads, the one leading to a state of bliss, and the other down to a bottomless pit. As the righteous passed by me, they went into the society of the just. As the wicked came on, they turned to the left. Their movements were as vivid as lightning, and they plunged into a pit of darkness. I looked down into the pit, and saw them in extreme torment, being in constant agitation and misery. They appeared like a den of serpents, crawling over and around each other. Their condition seemed horrible in the extreme, being in torments, cursing each other, and blaspheming the name of God. Deep groans and lamentations were heard in tones of wo ! wo ! wo ! in consequence of their having rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This vision made a deep impression on my mind, respecting the future state.

In the year 1805, about the twenty-fourth year of my age, I went to Winchester, Virginia, where I formed an acquaintance with Miss Nancy Weaver, daughter of Mr. Abraham Weaver, residing near that place, and to whom

REV. SAMUEL HUBER.

I was married on the 10th day of June, 1806, by the Rev. Mr. Hill, Presbyterian minister at Winchester.

During my stay in Virginia, I became addicted to horse-racing. To such an extent was this the case, that I was drawn away by that kind of sport, in the face of all considerations against it. My convictions and religious impressions were nearly overcome by such worldly amusements. After some time I removed back to Eocky Spring ; but such was my propensity for horse-racing, that, on pretext of visiting my father-in-law in Virginia, during horse-racing times, 1 went there three years in succession to the races. Strange to say, notwithstanding all the operations of God's Spirit upon my heart, I yet took delight in spending my time in such places, where the devil has full sway. Gambling, drinking, cursing, swearing, fighting, are the characteristics of the field, carried out to their full extent. Here the devil reigns triumphantly. Under the influence of intoxicating drinks, and even without that, men's minds are subverted and brought to submit to, and practice all manner of evil. " Wo to the wicked, for it shall be ill with them."

In the fourth year of my horse-racing career?

I Lad attended the races near Chambersburg for two days. On the morning of the third day as I was leaving home for the race ground, my wife asked me:

" Are yon going to the races ?" I replied,

" Yes, I am." She responded,

"Don't you know that Joseph Hoffman is to preach at your mother's house to day?" I answered,

" Yes ! I do know. You may go to the meeting ; but I will go to the races." With tears in her eyes, she rejoined,

" If you go on in this way, you will become a ruined man, body and soul."

This rebuke, coming from a beloved wife, who then had no religion, but otherwise was of good moral character, sent daggers into my heart, causing very uneasy feelings. However, I went. When I came to my mother's house on my way, she enquired of me :

" Where are you going ?" I answered,

" To the Chambersburg races." She rejoined,

" You will rue that some day, perhaps when it is too late."

I kept on my way. When about one mile from Chambersburg, I met Joseph Hoffman. Fearing a rebuke from him, I gave my horse

REV. SAMUEL HUBER.

the whip, turning my face in an opposite direction, thinking, that after passing him, I would be safe. "When I arrived on the race ground, the devil had his servants fully at work. There was fighting going on in full play. I remained on the ground till towards evening. After taking a drink, while in the act of mounting my horse, like " Saul of Tarsus," I was smitten with a stroke of divine power, similar to a flash of lightning. The scales fell from my eyes. They were opened. I saw at a glance, that all these people, with myself, were on the broad road to hell, " with all the nations that forget God." The alarming thought of losing my soul was impressed upon my heart with a power, such as I never felt before. I made a halt in the midst of my mad career — pondered — and resolved to pursue this course no longer. In company with some of my comrades, 1 rode towards town. Intending to leave them, I slacked my pace, riding somewhat in the rear, took a different route, and rode home. But I was wretched, and filled with feelings of remorse, on account of the state of my soul. I knew I had so frequently grieved the Spirit of God, that I deserved to be sent to hell.

I now began to pray and call upon God for

AUTOBIOGKAPHY OF mercy in good earnest. It was suggested : " You have sinned so long against light and knowledge, that your day of grace is gone. You are a reprobate, and may as well continue in your old course. There is no mercy for you." But I continued to seek God. I read the Bible with eagernesa, looking for some promise of mercy there. The promises to the penitent I could not apply to myself. Its denunciations against the wicked fell heavily upon my guilty soul. I could not believe that such an unworthy, guilty, wretched sinner, as I felt myself to be, could obtain mercy. Still, I could not give up, I continued to pray.

"Approach, my soul, the mercy seat,

Where Jesus answers prayer ; There humbly fall before His feet,

For none can perish there."

In this state of mind and feeling, I continued for nearly two years ; sometimes praying in the woods, in the fields, in the house ; groaning, crying—" chattering like a swallow, and moaning like a dove." My constant prayer was : " Lord save, or I perish — save or I sink into hell." Fully determined not to give over the conflict, I resolved, that, if I must perish, I would perish at the feet of Jesus, crying for

REV. SAMUEL HUBER.

mercy ; and also determined, at all events, never again to serve and do the works of the devil, as I had formerly done.

In this unhappy state I continued until August, 1813. One morning I went out with the mowers to mow grass in the meadow. After returning to the house for breakfast, I told the hands to go to work without me ; for I could not go with them, in consequence of my deeply excited feelings. I told them I thought I should not live much longer ; that the wrath of God was upon me. My sins, a burden too intolerable to be borne, felt like mountains ready to press me down. I spoke from the depth of my heart in prayer : 0 Lord, if thy justice requires my damnation, it is just, and if I must perish, send me to hell, rather than permit me to live longer in sin, as I have heretofore done. In this depth of horror I cannot live much longer. If there be mercy, for Christ's sake, let me feel it ; or if not, cut me down as a " cumberer of the ground."

I went into the woods, fully resolved to fast and pray one day more. While I was walking in the woods, bemoaning my wretched condition, in extreme agony, a voice said to me plainly, " There is yet mercy for you.97 It was the voice of mercy, in the distance, portending a sudden change. Hope sprang up in my soul. I cried out, " Yes! thank God, there is yet mercy for me. Here, Lord, I give myself soul and body, into thy hands. Do with me as seemeth thee good." The instant I thus gave myself up to him, God spoke from his mercy seat, through the "whirlwind," and the "storm." A ray of light, bright as the sun at its meridian, vivid as the lightning flash — powerful as the arm of the Lord revealed — shone into my heart. All my horror, guilt, doubts, and fears were gone. " Thy sins, which are many, are all forgiven thee," was spoken to my heart. Unspeakable joy filled my soul. The heavens — earth — trees — leaves — appeared a new creation. I went forth praising God, adopting the language of the Poet :

" Break forth into singing, ye trees of the wood, For Jesus has brought " Samuel Huber 4 4 to God."

In this state of rejoicing, I continued in the woods about four hours. When I returned to the house, my wife asked me,

" Where have you been so long ?" I answered,

" In the woods, where I found Him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write." She looked at me with surprise. I said,

" You need not think that I am beside myself. I feel myself the happiest man that ever lived."

In this happy state I continued two years. I had the world and the devil completely under my feet. The evil spirit did not tempt me, " finding nothing in me." My daily song was,

"How happy are they,

Who their Saviour obey,

And have laid up their treasures above."

Sometime after I had obtained mercy, my wrife got under conviction for her sins. I told her to pray on ; that the blessing of pardoning mercy was free for her and for all that would repent and turn to God ; that she should give up her soul into God's hands at once, and not confer with flesh and blood, &c. She had been well instructed in religious principles. By reading " Fletcher's Appeal," she was convinced that, to obtain God's mercy, it was necessary to give up the heart to Him at once, without going about to establish her own righteousness. At one time, in my absence, while she was reading in that wrork a case suited to her own state, she dropped the book, kneeled down to pray, and in an instant her soul was set at liberty, and she rejoiced in God her Saviour. We now set out together in newness of life, fully determined, through, grace, to " spend and be spent for God."

Chapter II. Commenced Holding Religious Meetings

Having thus set out to serve the Lord, my conduct and conversation were different from what they had been, when I was a horse racer. Then, my theme was all about such matters and things. I owned a horse, which generally beat the field in scrub races, and being a ring leader of the turf, my conversation and actions corresponded with my character. But now, as God had turned my heart from nature to grace, my thoughts, feelings, and actions, had taken another course ; and, as I had been such an active instrument in doing the devil service, I felt it my duty to use all my powers, soul and body, in God's service. I was determined, through grace, to do the devil all the harm I could, having bidden him an everlasting farewell, by endeavoring to bring sinners from the error of their ways into the service of God. Influenced by such motives, my conduct was reg-

EtEV. SAMUEL HUEER.

ulated accordingly, and through God's blessing, I was made instrumental in doing good within the sphere in which I moved. There were several domestics living in my family, two of whom, young women, shortly after my wife's conversion, embraced religion. Thus a family, who, a short time before, had been in the devil's service, was now set free, moving heavenward.

One Sunday afternoon, in the summer of 1814, as my wife and myself were sitting together, on the porch of our house, there were a great many young men and girls spending the Sabbath in playful frolics within sight of us. I asked her,

" Do you think that God is satisfied with us, sitting here doing nothing for his cause, while so many are running to ruin in the neighborhood through their wickedness ?" She answered,

"What will we do? We cannot prevent them doing so." I said,