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during which time a son was born to him. As tolerance
was not even here assured he, with many others,
concluded to emigrate to Pennsylvania, where William
Penn had promised religious freedom to all. This
resolution was formed in 1734, and on September 22
of the same year, with his wife and family, "under
the guidance of the good Lord they arrived at Philadelphia,
and offered praise to God for his graciousness
to them." He was especially grateful that no evil had
befallen them on the way, and further that kind
friends in Holland had sent himself over free and
without cost to him. He did not remain in the city,
but removed to the country, "where, too, the grace of
God provided for him and his." During all this time
he continued a diligent Bible reader and Christian
teacher to those around him. Here he freely worshipped
God according to the dictates of conscience.
Upon the death of the Rev. George Weiss, the first
minister of the Schwenkfelders in America, in 1740,
Hoffman was chosen to officiate in his stead. Not
being constitutionally strong in body, he several times
withdrew, especially in 1749, when he became afflicted
on his breast and debilitated in his power of speech
and of singing. Still, demands were made upon him,
particularly for outdoor services, as catechizing the
children; but by the help of God he labored till the
weight of years made it impossible. Nor did he ever
tire in his many duties. His Sabbath forenoons, afternoons,
or evenings, were employed in writing, reading,
and singing. He left many letters and writings on
Holy Scripture and Christian teachings, prompted by
the questions of others as well as of his own conception,
thus at once rendering service to his brethren in
time to come. He also left hymns. Of these writings