A History Of The Rise Of Methodism In America - Media Sabda Org

een instrumental in the conversion of many of them, he was recognized as the head of a sect that
was at first called "Allbright Methodists," but have since taken the name of "Evangelical Brethren."
Dr. Romer, of Middletown, Pa., translated the Methodist Discipline into German for their use. Mr.
Allbright lived near New Holland, in Lancaster county. Thus, the Evangelical Brethren may trace
their existence through a chain of second causes, back of which was the Author of all good, to that
day when the Mennonists met, and by lot which seems to have been "disposed by the Lord," made
Martin Boehm their minister, with instructions that he should preach "repentance and faith." He had
three or four places where he preached in German: at Rohrer's, on Mill Creek, towards Lancaster;
at Stoner's, and another place, besides his own house. There were two Mennonist preachers, who,
in after years, labored with Mr. Boehm to promote spiritual religion. He fitted up an old dwelling
house near his home for preaching; and after the Methodists made his house a regular preaching
place, and raised up a society, a stone chapel was erected near his dwelling house, in the latter end
of the last century. Two of the early itinerants, William Jessup and Michael H. R. Wilson, are buried
there.
For more than an age after the Methodists began to preach at Mr. Boehm's, his place was one of
the strongholds of Methodism in Pennsylvania. His neighbors who disliked the Methodists asserted,
as was often done in that age in reference to many others, that their frequent visits to his house to
hold meetings, and putting up with him, would "eat him out of house and home." But he was heard
to say on one occasion in love feast, after quoting the language of these predicants, that so far from
their eating him out of house and home, "I find the prayers of the Methodists are good manure for
my ground," -- his crops were increasing, and at death he left a good estate.
The great meeting that Mr. Abbott had at Mr. Boehm's in 1780, was not the only one that was at
this appointment. In 1797, Dr. Chandler had another very remarkable meeting at this place. He had
covenanted with the Methodists to abstain from ardent spirits, and meet him at the throne of grace
three times a day to pray for a revival. At the quarterly meeting the Methodists assembled by wagon
loads. On Saturday Mr. Ware began the meeting by singing, and then attempted to pray; but in two
minutes his voice was drowned in the general cry throughout the house, which continued all that day
and night; and for the greater part of three days. Many made a profession of religion at this meeting
who continued faithful; and many were reclaimed from backsliding. In after years one or two camp
meetings were held on his land.
About the time of the great meeting of 1797, some of Mr. Boehm's children and grandchildren
were brought in among the Methodists, and Mr. Asbury remarked, "Martin Boehm is upon wings
and springs. His son Henry is greatly led outing public exercises."
Mr. Boehm was about thirty-two years in Christian fellowship with the Methodists. He continued
to wear his beard at full length: never shaving his chin, -- his white locks and fresh countenance gave
him a venerable aspect in old age. He lived to be almost ninety years old; and died, suddenly,
sometime in March, 1812. Soon after, Bishop Asbury preached a funeral discourse at his chapel,
where he is buried, giving the interesting particulars of his life.