Zinzendorf and the Moravians Issue 1 | 1982

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Firmly believing it to be the will of God, Zinzendorf had thus begun to mold a divided band of refugees of different denominations into a united and witnessing Congregation but all through the summer, the people seemed to be waiting and preparing for a still more signal visitation and commandment from the Lord.

In June, Zinzendorf and his family took up their new residence in the Herrschaftshaus at Herrnhut, before the walls of their apartments were dry. Sunday 2 July was a day of great blessing; the Count preached in Herrnhut; Pastor Schwedler preached in Berthelsdorf; and Rothe preached in the graveyard. All three places were thronged with hearers. The whole neighborhood was ablaze with thanksgiving to God …

On 19 July and the following week the practical genius of Zinzendorf for the expression and quickening of Christian fellowship gave birth to the “Bands” without which, he said, “the Brethren’s Church would never have become what it was.” A Band consisted of two or three or more persons of some spiritual kinship who met together privately and conversed concerning the state of their hearts, and exhorted, reproved and prayed for one another. Zinzendorf divided the whole number of the brethren and sisters into these Bands and appointed one person at the head of each group …

By day and night Zinzendorf continued to give himself to his work as the unordained catechist in Herrnhut. It was meat and drink to him; his house was never shut; and he visited the entire membership, helping, praying and guiding those in need. On 16 July he prayed with great efficacy among the young people. Besides the obligatory night watch, small groups of the single Brethren held night-long vigils of prayer and meditation which proved a real repose ...