with the woman with whom he lived as
being married. I sent to him word, that if he wished to know his duty,
he should come to me. But he would not come. This happened in the week
after my public appearance in my present charge. I asked, whether the
case was known in the congregation, and I was told, that it was known.
On the next following Sunday, which was Quinquagesima or the next Sunday
before Lent, I received the order from my leader to excommunicate that
man publicly. I delivered a sermon appropriate to the case, mentioned
that such a man was in the congregation, without naming him, and made
the declaration that such a man does not belong to the church of Christ
or to our congregation till he is converted from his illegal connection.

After that many other performances of our mission took place, which
cannot be mentioned here, except the following:

According to the agreement the signers of their names and contributions
for our support and to defray the necessary expenses, had to bring a
portion of their contribution before Palm Sunday 1838 which is the
Sunday before Easter, and if somebody should be hindered in doing what
he agreed to do, he should come and mention his reason, or if he could
not come himself, he should send word by some other. In the case, that
he would neglect to do the one or the other, we would send, to inquire
for the reason of his having neglected his duty. This was to be
mentioned for the right comprehension of the unexpected events which we
must in this connexion of things report as briefly as possible.

In the night from Palm Sunday to Monday I was at one o'clock by a shock
suddenly awakened and I heard the voice: "Arise and take from the
catalogue those who had neither brought their contributions, nor the
excuse why they could not do so, and excommunicate them on the next
Sunday solemnly from Christ's Church." I arose directly, made light,
took them from my catalogue and put them on another paper. Then I became
suddenly very drowsy and returned to bed. When I arose at the usual
time, I reflected upon the unexpected communication, and I thought, that
my duty was to inquire for the men, and that only under the condition
that they would obstinately resist to submit to the rules of our order,
they would deserve a public declaration, that they do not belong to
Christ's Church. Also it appeared quite strange, that Easter Sunday was
appointed for that excommunication. I thought, that if I would