Aust and Christ Profit Allowances (2 pages)

Aust and Christ Profit Allowances (2 pages)

South, Stanley A.

Moravians.

Pottery.

Correspondence.

Translations.

Wachovia (N.C.)--History.

Page 1:

11 Dec. 1781. "Br. Aust as well as Br. Christ have turned in a list of the piece work, which are almost alike. Both consist in the fact that the journeyman shall get, if he is preparing the clay by himself, for each piece that is sold for 1p. half a penny, and for each piece that is sold for a higher price he shall get 10sh per hundred. For certain pieces which have to be handled more carefully, such as tea pots, bowls, etc., he shall get twice as much and for burning and putting in as well as other work at the kiln he shall be paid according to the day. For his daily wages, Br. Christ is mentioning 3:4sh and Br. Aust 4sh. After we have talked to both in the Collegium we brought them both together and the following was determined upon: For the wares that are sold at a price over 1 penny he shall get 10sh per hundred, in which are included bowls, half pints, quarts, tea cups (from the latter six saucers and six cups charged by the dozen) of queens ware. For the ware that has to be made with special care he shall get 20sh per hundred pieces; in these are included sugar cans, tea pots, quart and pint with double handle, formed plates and dishes. For each hundred he has four which may be broken. He is going to prepare the clay himself. His daily wages are going to be 4sh. From now on the contractthat was made between Br. Aust and Br. Christ concerning the annual income of the latter is expired completely and the contract is going t o start working as soon as the clay that has been prepared by Christ and Moeller will be used. Christ is going to pay for the time being his house rent and his wood himself, both to Br. Aust, who is going to subtract it simply from his income. On the other hand Br. Christ has the whole house from top to bottom for his own use, except if he makes some kind of agreement with Br. Aust concerning the little room upstairs. The yards of the pottery and that of Br. Christ shall be separated with a fence and Br. Aust is going to pay him something for the little stove (probably kiln) and for the shed of the pottery."

Page 2:

"The above mentioned agreement is not meant so that Br. Moeller will also be drawn into the consequences. However, Br. Aust said that he is willing to give to him 20sh per week, which would mean that he adds 2sh. He asked also that this should be announced to Br. Moeller together with he admonition of being more industrious because he often ran away too early during the winter from his work and came too late in the morning."

(Auf. Col.)

Auf. Collegium

11 December, 1781

Text

PDF

English

SSMC 5-46

MC2-Stanley South Manuscript Collection-Research Notes

Stanley South Manuscript Collection Box - Folder 5-46

Rights held by Historic Bethabara Park, Inc. Use and reproduction restrictions apply. Contact Historic Bethabara Park Archives.

Historic Bethabara Park, Inc.

The Memoir of Br. Gottfried Aust, who fell peacefully asleep in Litiz on October 28, 1788.

He has written the following account of himself:

I was born April 5, 1722, at Heidersdorf in Silesia, in the principality of Brieg. My father was a weaver of linen, and I learned this craft from him, I remained with my parents until I was 19 years of age. My father was rather strict with me; however, when I left my parents I sought to amuse myself with worldly things, but the Saviour out of compassion came to me and caused me such anxiety that often I felt the necessity of seeking solitude away from my companions. Nor was I set at ease until I was able to view the Act of the Atonment thought the Blood of Jesus, and to appropriate it for myself. This came about through the guidance of Br. Christian Schulz. There came to me then a desire to unite with the congregation, and I prayed fervently to the Saviour to keep me steadfast in this intention so that it might be realized-a prayer He faithfully answered.

For in December of 1742 I arrived safely in Herrnhut. The following year I wen to Br. Andr. Dober to learn the potter’s craft. In large measure I made a failure of the beginning period by endeavoring to achieve my own improvement.

On January 4, 1744, I was received into the congregation. The text for the day was: Even though one is unable to accomplish much, one does gladly that which He would have preferred to do. This seemed remarkable to me indeed.

On June 17, 1747, I was admitted to the Holy Communion with the Congregation. The text was: He receives sinners.

From this time on I was usually joyful and at peace. On January 21, 1752, I went to Niesky.

Here, according to his account, he enjoyed two happy and blessed years. Thereupon he received a call to America, and in 1754, in the company of 52 other brethren, he arrived safely in Bethlehem. In 1755 he traveled from that place with other brethren and sisters to Wachovia, arriving in Bethabara on the 4th of December. Here he set up a pottery-as he did later in Salem-a craft which he

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2.
Conducted as a master to the end of his life and in which he has noticeably experienced God’s blessing.

Now he continues further: On December 26, 1765, I was united in marriage with the widow, Anna Felicitas Heckedorn (m. n. Grosch). We lived together as joyfully and happily as children, and though at the times difficulties arouse with which I did not feel equal to cope, through her counsel I was again directed aright. She loved the Saviour and the Congregation sincerely and carefully obeyed the rules. On November 24, 1778, she passed away peacefully. In her I lost a treasure. I was grief stricken and lost, but the Saviour sustained me.

On March 7, 1779, I was married again, this time to the widow, Christine Dixon, though I had a feeling that I would not keep her long, and that is how it turned out. She took to the bed with Small Pox on May 11 and on the 29th, fell peacefully asleep.

On the advice of my fellow church members, in 1780 I traveled to Bethlehem and there on April 28 was married to the Single Sister, Maria Mirt, by our dear Br. Friedr. Reichel. We traveled in his company and that of other brethren and sisters to Salem, arriving there safe and sound on the 15th of June.

So far his own words –

From his first marriage he and a son, who preceded his into Eternity by two years. Our late Br. Was one of the first inhabitants of Salem, and he took great interest in this little Church community; therefore he willingly and generously shared in meeting its needs. He had to endure many severe illnesses; however, in the last years of his life he was vigorous and healthy.

A short while again a sore appeared on his face, which seemed to him and his fellow church members to/be potentially serious. It was for the purpose of consulting a physician about this matter that he and his wife made his trip to Pennsylvania. They reached Bethlehem safely in May. The condition of his sore improved to such an extent that there was no need for him to undergo treatment.

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Thereupon with his dear wife he visited the neighboring congregation with a great deal of enjoyment. In August they went to Litiz where they were to await the opportunity for their return trip to Salem-which arrived in October. On the 26th he became ill of colic, and he stated positively that this would be the occasion for his Homegoing. To the question of the Brethren as to whether he was ready, his reply was: Yes, nothing stood between him and the Saviour; and as for his dear wife, the Saviour would protect her. Signs soon appeared indicating that his Homegoing was near, and in preparation therefor, he was given the benediction. He fell peacefully asleep, aged 66 years and 6 months.