The "lot" had so great an influence on the progress of affairs
in the Moravian Congregation at Savannah from this time on
that it is necessary to understand how the institution was regarded.
The use of the lot was common in Old Testament days;
and in the New Testament it is recorded that when an apostle was to be chosen
to take the place of the traitor, Judas, the lot decided between two men
who had been selected as in every way suited for the place.
Following this example the members of the ancient Unitas Fratrum used the lot
in the selection of their first ministers, and the Renewed Church did the same
when the first elders were elected at Herrnhut in 1727.
It was no uncommon practice in Germany, where many persons
who desired special guidance resorted to it more or less freely,
and Count Zinzendorf, among the rest, had used it from his youth up.
Gradually it came into general use among the Moravians,
and at a later period in their history had its definite place
in their system of government, though the outside public
never fully understood it, and still holds erroneous views,
despite the plain statements that have been made.
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