Ii, The renewed Moravian Church.—In 1722 sonic of the "hidden seed" was revealed by the escape of several families from Moravia under the lead of Christian David. By invitation of count Zinzendorf they settled on his domain of Berthelsdorf, in Saxony, and within seven years about 300 others having joined them from Bohemia and Moravia, they built a town which they named lIerruhut, " the watch of the Lord," and which was soon strengthened by the coining of religious men from other parts of Germany. Within this colony the Moravian church was formally renewed by the introduction of the ancient discipline which Comenius had reprinted, and in the consecration of a new bishop by the hands of the two surviving bishops among the clergymen of the Reformed church. While the ancient church thus entered on a new life, as many persons of vari ous views united with it from different parts of Germany, and as count Zinzendorf also had some peculiar opinions, the new development differed somewhat from the old. Count Zinzendorf having become the leading bishop, strove, in rebuilding the church, to interfere as little as possible with the national church, in communion with which he had been born. In carrying out his views he established on the continent of Europe, in Great Britain, and America, strictly Moravian settlements, where the vanity and irre ligion of the world were to be shut out, a high standard of spiritual life was to be main tained, and only brethren were to hold real estate. These Moravian settlements were designed to be as leaven throughout Christendom. Among them a merely nominal pro fession of Christianity was not to be known; but all the inhabitants were to be sincere followers of Christ. This ideal was for a long time kept steadily in view, and with very great success. Besides these exclusive settlements they had in Great Britain and America some churches of a more general character. For a time fanaticism and extrav agance threatened great injury to their settlements and churches in Europe; but the timely efforts of Zinzendorf and his helpers were successful in checking the evil. Their salutary influence extended far beyond their own bounds. They contributed greatly to increase John Wesley's power; imparted to Schleiermaeher the love to Christ which gave character to his whole life; afforded places of refuge. for true Christianity during the prevalence of German rationalism; educated in their schools large numbers of youno persons belonging to other denominations; started a great home missionary work; and engaged with pre-eminent zeal in establishing in heathen lands. There are still 15 exclusively Moravian settlements on the continent of Europe, and four in Great Britain. In these the members are divided into seven classes called choirs: the mar ried, the widowed, the unmarried men, the unmarried women. the boys, the girls, and little children. In each village there is a Brethren's house for the unmarried men, who live together and carry on trades; a Sisters' house, where the unmarried women have their homes and are supplied with work suited to them: and a Widows' home, where all of that class are provided, at moderate cost, with all things needed for their comfort, and where the poorest can live respectably. The spiritual affairs are under the superintend
ence of the Elders' conference, while financial and municipal matters are managed by the board of overseers. Until lately real estate could be held only by Moravians, but changes in this rule are in progress which will probably result in the entire abolition of the exclusive system.
1II. The Moravian Church in America.—Moravian emigrants went to Georgia in 1735; but five years afterward, when troubles arose between that colony and Spain, they removed to Pennsylvania, where they built the towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth. These and some smaller settlements adopted the exclusive plan and even communism in labor. " The lands were the property of the church, and the farms and various depart ments of mechanical industry were stocked by it and worked for its . benefit. In return the church provided the inhabitants with all the necessaries of life. Those however who had means of their own retained them. There was no common treasury." This system, which was called the " Economy," existed for 2-0 years, during which time it produced great results. Each member of it was pledged to devote his time and powers in what ever direction they could be best applied for the spread of the gospel. By this means there went forth a succession of missionaries through the colonies and among the Indians, preaching salvation by Christ, while the work at home: of farmers and mechan ics provided for their support. Though the Economy was of short duration, the exclusive foreign policy was continued 80 years. But toward the middle of the present century it was gradually modified, and has now been set aside. The Unitas Fratrum is divided into three provinces, the German, British. and American, which are independent in local affairs, but.form one organization for the control of doctrine, disci pline, ritual, and4iiiiii iniisiems. The provinCial synods Meet at fixed Limos, and prt›-.
vide for all matters of administration among themselves. At intervals of ten or twelve years the general synod of the whole body is held at Herrnhut in Saxony. It consists of nine delegates from each province, of delegates from the foreign missions, and of cer tain ex officio members. It elects a board of bishops to oversee the whole church in general matters, and to superintend the foreign missions. At the last meeting of the general synod in 1879 the number of members reported from the various provinces was over 30,000, and of missionaries and their children 460, In all the provinces they have about 50 boarding-schools designed for young people not connected with the denomina tion, and containing annually about 2,300 pupils. The work of foreign missions was commenced almost simultaneously with the building of Herrnhut, and since that time about 2,500 missionaries have been sent out and sustained by the labor of the members remaining at home. At the present time they have missions in 17 provinces distributed over the world.