Why would a New England family uproot in the middle of the 18th century to live near a congregation of the Moravians in North Carolina?
In 1767 the parents of Catharine Rominger moved to the Wachovia, i.e. the 100,000 acres in North Carolina purchased by the Moravians. It is recorded why they moved:
"they were ... "desirous of seeking the salvation of their souls and mindful of the everlasting happiness of their children."
That among other things is loud testimony of the impact the early Moravians made for Christ and His Kingdom.
In 1768 families and individuals from Maine relocated in the Wachovia to a place they named Friedland. They had interlocking motivations for their decision to move. The settlers were convinced that moving to North Carolina was in their best economic and spiritual interest.
Consider these three quotes from the book, Hope's Promise by S. Scott Rohrer.
One family said: "Our children are going to ruin; we want to live near a congregation of the Brethren." (Moravians)
Another family moved to the Wachovia because they were "desirous of seeking the salvation of their souls and mindful of the everlasting happiness of their children."
The migrants to North Carolina, "honestly wished to be father from the tumult and temptations of the world, that in quiet they may learn more of Him."
Can you see why I believe the old Moravians have much to teach us?
Count Zinzendorf asserted that the hardest thing for a believer to do is to accept that salvation comes only by grace, not by any merit or effort.
