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Music/Drama/Art

DRAMA

The following skit is easily produced, has very simple props and the actors can read their lines. Its length can be adjusted to fit the time available. The script may be reproduced freely. Two other shorter skits can be found on the Youth Page.

A HARD DAY IN THE LIFE A COLONIAL BRETHREN PRINTER

(This is a skit about Christopher Saur, Jr., a Brethren elder and printer. The actors can read from a script. The length can be adjusted. There are two major readers, the narrator and Christopher Saur, Jr. Eight or fewer minor readers can be used because you can reduce the length of the skit by cutting out scenes. It can be divided into two shorter skits for two consecutive presentations, as well. Feel free to alter it in ways that best suit your situation and duplicate as desired.

The props are a table and a poster or banner that reads: "TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND MY NEIGHBOR'S GOOD." If you have access to colonial styled clothes, you may wish to use them, but they are not required.)

NARRATOR: In the 1700 and 1800s all Brethren ministers offered their services free. They earned their livelihood by being farmers, teachers, merchants or something else. It was called the free ministry. One very important free minister in colonial times was Christopher Saur, Jr. He served the Germantown, Pennsylvania, church, the first Brethren congregation in America. He supported himself as a printer and newspaper editor. Today imagine yourself sitting off to the side in his printing shop. This will not be a typical day, but all of these events actually happened there. This skit is historical fiction, compressing many events into one day.

(Saur is sitting at a table preparing to print the next issue of his newspaper. Someone walks into the shop.)

VISITOR: How is it going, Christopher?

SAUR: Not so good. I'm having a hard time getting the next issue of my newspaper out. Benjamin Franklin is making it difficult for me to get all the paper I need. He'd be happy if I went out of business. I'm hoping I have enough to supply newspapers for all my subscribers.

V: So what are you going to do?

S. I think I can get enough for this coming issue. But I'm exploring the possibility of making my own paper. That will give me more freedom to print whatever and whenever I want. I'm hoping to start on another edition of the Bible soon.

V: Great. I look forward to seeing it. (He walks out as the narrator talks.)

NARRATOR: Paper was made with rag in colonial days. Benjamin Franklin, a printer himself, controlled much of the rag market in the Philadelphia area. He would sell the rag to paper mills and get them to pay him in paper, which he then sold to other printers of his choice. This made it possible for him to hurt his competitors if he wanted to. Saur was one of his major competitors. Before Saur, Franklin had printed a German newspaper, but it went out of business in less than a year for lack of subscribers. In the German market, Saur stood head and shoulders above all others until near the time of the Revolutionary War. He and his father were very innovative printers. They produced the first type made in America and printed the first Bible in a European language. The ink they made was considered the best in the colonies. Eventually they got their own paper mill.

(Saur is at work at his desk. Another person walks in.)

S. Good morning, may I help you?

V: Yes, I would like to advertise in your paper.

S. Fine, what kind of ad would you like to place?

V. I would like to make an appeal for the adoption of orphans. What is the charge?

S. There will be no charge for that. I advertise for many charities without cost. If you had wanted to advertise your business, there would have been a charge.

V. I have a brother who might wish to advertise his business in your paper. Do you accept credit?

S. Yes, but cautiously. I know money can be tight and I want to be helpful, but I have given credit to many who have failed to pay. A man's word should be as good as his bond. Yet I cannot appeal to the magistrate. We Brethren don't believe in going to court. I want my creditors to have a clear conscience and I also want to run a good business, so I'll have to keep reminding them graciously and firmly of their debt. Hopefully they will make their word as good as their bond, also.

V: The best to you. I'll be looking for my ad in the next issue of your paper. I know of at least ten other people waiting to read it when I get it.

(The visitor leaves.)

NARRATOR: Saur had about 4000 subscribers to his newspaper. That was a large circulation for those days. But in colonial days the paper was read by far more than those who subscribed. It was passed around. It is likely that 20,000-30,000 got their news and ideas from Saur's newspaper, the most widely circulated German paper in the colonies.

(Saur continues working with his paper. A group of three or four walk in.)

S: Brothers and sisters, it's good to see you. What brings you to my print shop on this beautiful day?

V: Brother Christopher, we represent the Germantown Church and have come to offer a reprimand on behalf of many of us there.

S: What is your complaint?

V: We have here one of your printing jobs, The Heidelberg Catechism. As you know this is the catechism of the German Reformed Church. We Brethren believe that creeds are initiated by God and do more harm than good. We believe they limit God rather than facilitate the Spirit's leading as we read the Bible. Our creed is the New Testament. The printing of this book has encouraged people to learn about and hold to man-made doctrines.

S: Brethren, I want to serve God with the gifts he has given me. I seek to live by the motto you see over my press. (He points to it: TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND MY NEIGHBOR'S GOOD.) I do not always agree with those for whom I print, but I wish them the freedom to declare the truth as they sincerely hold it, just as I wish the same for us Brethren. I want to do them good, not harm.

V: Mind carefully what you print, Brother Christopher, and make certain to hold to the high standards of our church.

S: I am always seeking to be faithful to Christ and his church, brothers.

(The delegation leaves as the narrator talks)

NARRATOR: Saur was an elder in the Germantown church, serving with Alexander Mack, Jr., a good friend and the son of the first Brethren leader. This reprimand was actually given and Saur received it in a good spirit. It did not cost him his leadership position. Throughout his printing career he produced religious items, hymnals, tracts, books, etc., for a variety of Christian groups.

(Saur gets back to work on his newspaper, then another person walks in to place an ad)

S: Good morning, can I help you?

V: Yes I want to place an ad for the sale of a male slave. He will be sold in Philadelphia shortly. I want potential German buyers to know of the upcoming sale. Benjamin Franklin has already placed the ad in his English paper.

S: I'm afraid I can't help you. I very seldom run ads for a slave auction and then only if I believe it will help a slave find a better master. We don't run ads for the return of run away slaves, either. I believe slavery is evil. I've written many articles in my paper against it. You will not find me a supporter of the slave trade.

V. You certainly are not a very smart business man.

S. Maybe not, but I run my business with a clear conscience.

(The person walks away.)

NARRATOR: Slavery was common in the north as well as the south in the 18th century. In 1767 one twelfth of the residents of Philadelphia were slaves. Benjamin Franklin and other prominent persons of the day held slaves. Quakers were the most outspoken opponents of slavery, but even some of them had slaves. Brethren were among the few groups who viewed it as evil and spoke out against it.

(Saur goes back to work. A visitor walks in)

S: Good morning, may I help you?

V: (in a very irritated tone of voice) I have a complaint about your almanac. I checked it to determine a clear day on which I might make a trip to Philadelphia, loaded my wagon, and took off. On the way it rained. I want my money back and consider you a fraud. If you can't predict the weather with accuracy, then you ought to cease printing your deceptive almanac.

S: Brother, I am not in charge of the weather. I only predict what is likely to happen taking into account past seasons, the advice of others and the hints of nature. God makes the final decision. I hope you found other things helpful in the almanac, but you are welcome to a refund. Only remember, God, not I, has the final say about the weather and lots of other things.

V: You're right. I'll keep the almanac.

S: And may I suggest that you take an umbrella with you whatever the prediction about the weather.

(The visitor leaves.)

NARRATOR: Saur's almanac was very popular. This incident really happened. Saur's answer helped the visitor cool off and he apologized for his anger. He kept his almanac.

(Saur back to work and a Lady walks in)

S: Good morning, can I help you?

V: Yes, I'd like to buy a Bible. But I am a bit uneasy about buying one of yours. I like the size and the price, but the Lutheran and Reformed clergy are telling us not to buy it. They say you have a distorted translation; that because you are a separatist and don't believe in the creeds, you are out to corrupt the minds and hearts of the readers of your Bible. Can I be sure that this Bible is an accurate translation of God's Word?

S: Madam, this Bible is Martin Luther's translation, except for some parts of the Apocrypha. I have taken those from other translations that render them a little clearer. I have translated none of it myself. But I have printed it so that the Bible will be available to all who want it. I have suggested a price, but I have also made it available for less to those who cannot afford it.

V: I love hearing the Bible read in church. I want to read it for myself. Thank you for producing such a useable and affordable Bible. (The lady leaves as the narrator speaks.)

NARRATOR: The early Brethren were pietists who had broken away from the state churches in Germany. They did not baptize infants nor have seminary educated pastors. They were also less formal and less traditional than their German Lutheran and Reformed neighbors. Saur's Bible was viewed as a threat by those clergy because it was produced by a printer who did not share their perspective on religious and social issues and therefore they felt he might lead their flock astray.

(Saur turns and ponders the motto as the narrator is speaking.)

S: Lord, it is not always easy. Keep me patient and faithful. I do want my press and my life to be FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND MY NEIGHBOR'S GOOD.