Moravian Lives

Personal notices of our late Brother Jacob Lösch of Nazareth, who
on account of a fall from a horse on his way to Hope 11 miles from
here, departed this life about midnight 8 November (1782).

I was born (he writes) the 22 November 1722 in Weihersdorf in
Schochery (Schoharie) in the province New York. My parents are the 
still living and aged Georg and Anna Lösch in Gnad:thal, and I am
their first child. In my childhood I became conscious of the gracious 
work of the Holy Spirit, and was troubled about my salvation, but gradually
I lost this feeling in my youth, until my 19th year when I was thoroughly
awakened by the late Bruder Gottleb Buttner. But there was always great need. 
In my heart I felt that I should be converted and go to the congregation
at Bethlehem; but on the other hand, I thought I had my good fortune
in my own hands since I was conducting the affairs of my own 
household successfully, and I didn't want to let go. But I could
never find peace until I decided to go to the congregation, which I
did on 16 October 1744; so I went straightway to Bethlehem and found 
it agreeable. in the year 1745, on 7 February, I was received into 
the congregation, and I was admitted to the Holy Communion 20 June.
Afterward I was admitted to the footwashing. These two ceremonies
I shall never forget. I was truly converted and my heart remained
believing and happy in all circumstances. I was now in the Single
Brothers Choir, I loved and was beloved by all. Also I helped in 
the Oeconomie with great pleasure. When Christ:brun was established 
by the Brethren in 1749, I became manager. In the year 1753, however,
when the first colony of single Brethren set out for Wachovia in 
Carolina, I was named the manager of the Oeconomie there; and 
so I took over on 8 October of the same year, on the day of our