21st February:

If there is a school in the country that particularly has charmed me, then it is Allemaengel because of the learning of the children but also especially because of their childlike, honest and emotional hearts. I have never been with them when my heart has not been moved by the most tender and emotional feelings. Similarly we have perceived this with the children. They are very loving and hardly know how to relate to one to show their love. One told his parents that he wished the Brother could stay with him for 100 days. Another came to me today and told me that I should stay with them for just 2 years. The little grandchild of the old Welshman [37], a dear brother, told him so sweetly what he had learned that the tears ran freely down his cheeks and he told his son-in-law that he would hardly have believed that he could learn something from the children. In the evening I held the usual Singstunde and spoke on the Text for the Day with a blessed feeling in my heart. Many strangers were also present and many children as well.

22nd February:

Brother Neubert kept school with me present, which pleased me. We were very content together and such a breeze of grace made itself felt among our dear little children and little lambs that a proper movement arose among them. One wept freely in front of the other and that lasted until the story was told. We could scarcely keep from weeping ourselves. After school one of them came to me and asked sweetly and heartily for me to hold a Lovefeast for them. I asked if he was the only one who felt that way. O no, he answered, we all agree and it would be very important to all of them. They had already asked about it the evening before through their parents. I told him that we would consider it together and then give them our answer. In the afternoon I held their little Singstunde for them. Again they were so sweet and there was such a blessed movement among them that my heart leapt. In the evening we had visits from many Brethren and Sisters and were happy together. They are almost beside themselves over their children.

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Brother Bader's Diary
of his Journey and Visit to the Schools in the Country from
16th November 1752 to
28th February 1753

Translated by Pastor Roy Ledbetter

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