The Memoir of an Enslaved Moravian Woman in Pennsylvania, c.1755

All Moravians were expected to write a Lebenslauf, or memoir, detailing their spiritual life. Although very short, Magdalena Beulah Brockden's memoir offers a rare glimpse into the life of an African woman who endured the Middle Passage and slavery in colonial America. Written in the mid-18th century, her account details her experiences from being purchased at age ten by Charles Brockden, a prominent Philadelphia attorney, to her time in the Moravian community of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Initially resistant to being sent to Bethlehem, Magdalena eventually found spiritual solace and a sense of belonging among the Moravians, whose kindness and faith helped transform her outlook. Her narrative not only reflects her spiritual journey and redemption but also sheds light on the complex intersections of enslavement, religious conversion, and personal agency within a unique Christian communal setting. This memoir stands as one of the earliest known writings by an African woman in North America, offering valuable insight into the lived experiences of enslaved people within Moravian society.

I was, as is known, a slave or the property of the late Mr. Brockden who bought me from another master, when I was ten years old and from then on I served his family until I was grown. Because my master was much concerned about the salvation of my soul and he saw that it was high time that I was protected from the temptations of the world and brought to a religious society, so he suggested to me that I should go to Bethlehem.

Because I had no desire to do so, I asked him rather to sell me to someone else, for at that time I still loved the world and desired to enjoy it fully. However, my master said to me lovingly that I should go to Bethlehem and at least try it. He knew that I would be well treated there. And if it did not suit me there, he would take me back at any time. When I arrived here I was received with such love and friendship by the official workers and all the Brethren that I was much ashamed. I soon received permission to remain here. My behavior at the beginning was so bad; I really tried to be sent away again, which did not happen. The love of the Brethren, however, and in particular the great mercy of the Saviour that I came to feel at this time moved me to stay here. Some time after, my master came here and gave me his permission and blessing, and I became content and happy.

The Saviour showed great mercy to my poor soul, which was so deeply sunk in the slavery of sin that I never thought that I would be freed from these chains and could receive grace. How happy I was for the words, “Also for you did Jesus die on the stem of the cross so that you may be redeemed and eternally blessed.” I understood this in faith and received forgiveness for my sins.