The Notebook of a Colonial Clergyman: Condensed from the Journals of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg

by Henry Melchior Muhlenberg

This Commemorative Edition of The Notebook of a Colonial Clergyman marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania and celebrates the pioneer missionary spirit and work of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg arrived in the American colonies as 31-year-old Lutheran pastorin 1742, to take up missionary work among the German immigrants who were coming to the New World in search of a new life. His ministry spanned 45 tumultuous years - years of political revolution, years that saw both the birth of a new nation and the establishment of the Lutheran Church on American soil. With the inception of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in 1748, the Lutheran tradition took on an organizational structure that positioned the fledgling church to grow in the American context. The birth of the new nation and the growth of the new church are uniquely captured in this collection of Muhlenberg's journal entries. These excerpts from Muhlenberg's notebooks take you back to the colonial period with fascinating anecdotes and penetrating insights into the political, religious, and cultural realities of the time. Muhlenberg the man and Muhlenberg the missionary of the gospel of Christ come alive for later generations in these revealing journal entries.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Mary Gross]

A fascinating glimpse into the mind and thoughts of a Lutheran clergyman from 1742 to 1787. To give you a reference point George Washington was born in 1732. Henry Muhlenburg's attitudes certainly lack grace although he sticks closely to what he believes is morally right. I often find myself thinking " what a jerk or that's not what Jesus modeled" but this is still worth a read. One should consider the historical context of the times. Although we still have much work to do, Americans should be proud of how far we have come in terms of equality and social justice. More later....

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fascinating life and work. Muhlenburg seemed to be heavily influenced by Pietism and did not always follow the doctrine of fellowship. However he still retained orthodox Lutheran teachings and practices in many areas of his ministry and took a stand against the heresies of Deism, Unitarianism, and rationalism as well as the errors of the Baptists, Quakers, and other sects. His constant referral to Bible passages was refreshing. Someone I can't wait to meet.