Magdalene 'Beulah' Brockden (1731-1820)

Magdalene (1731-1820)

Name:: Magdalene

First name:: Magdalene

Last name:: Brockden (birth)

Birth date:: 1694
Birth place:: Unknown
Death date:: 1783-01-03
Death place:: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Gender:: Female
ML ID:: mlper000357

Relations (family):

Andrew (African American), spouse

Memoir:

Archive: Bethlehem Archives
Shelfmark: MemBeth 0658

Magdalene was born into slavery and came to Bethlehem around the age of ten as the property of Mr. Brockden, who, concerned for her spiritual welfare, encouraged her to make a trial of life among the Brethren — a proposal she initially resisted, even behaving deliberately poorly in hopes of being sent away, until the loving kindness of the congregation and the mercy of the Savior overcame her resistance. Baptized on May 19, 1748, she became a communicant the following January, and in 1762 was married to Andrew, with whom she had two sons who both preceded her in death, as did her husband in 1779 — losses she bore with unshaken faith. She enjoyed remarkably good health until the very end, and after a brief illness of ten days departed this life on January 3rd, in the eighty-ninth year of her age.

View Transcription of Memoir

Our late sister Magdalene has left the following account of herself.
I was the property of the late Mr. Brockden who bought me when about 10 years old. In his family I remained for a number of years.
My master being anxious for the salvation of my soul and perceiving that it was necessary to preserve me from the temptation by which I was surrounded [?] proposed to me to go to Bethlehem but I had no inclination to accede to the proposal; on the contrary I begged him, rather to sell me to another person; and was too much attached to the world and its enjoyments.
He however persuaded me at least to make a trial–as he was assured I would experience kind treatment–and promised me at the same time that if I was not contented — he would at any time receive me back again.

On my arrival here I experienced such a friendly reception from the ministers of the congregation, and the Brethren and Sisters, that I was quite overcome by it. I soon obtained permission to remain here. My conduct was in the beginning very unbecoming; in short I determined to act in an improper manner from the hope that they would thereby be induced to send me back however this was not the case. The love of the Brethren, Sisters, and especially the loving kindness and mercy of our Saviour presented [?] what I at that time began to experience - prevented my leaving them voluntarily. Some time after this my master having visited me and give me his blessing and permission to remain here I became contented and happy.

The Saviour who came to me and saw that which was lost now looked in mercy upon my poor soul which was so deeply mark[ed] in the misery and slavery of sin, that before this I never could think - that I should be redeemed from it - was comforting me. Then these words - Jesus has died for thee also, on the cross - to redeem thee from sin. By faith I embraced him as my Saviour and received the assurance of the forgiveness of my sins.
Thus far her own account.
May the 19, 1748 she was baptized unto the death of Jesus and became a communicant on Jan. 26, 1749.
Jan 21, 1762 she was married to the Negro Brother Andrew. Their marriage was blessed with 2 sons who both entered eternity before her.

Her husband departed this life March 20, 1779. Till the end She enjoyed unhampered health till the last. About 10 days ago she was seemingly attacked by sickness and it soon became evident, that this would be the cause of her dismission. Accordingly on the 3rd of January the departed this life aged 89 years.