Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1827-08-24
No. Sc

habitually to fall into the exercise the ieha'e por
ton Ut the society possessed an ciasticty Vi s,eP
and grace Of motion not often seen in the prouder
halls where the votaries of pleasure bound to the
merry notes Of the vio amid the uttering OF snowy
dresses, and the bright glances OF sparkling eyes.
military exactness, and rigid uniformity preVsleo'
Every motion was regular AZ the revolution OF ma
chnery. Every foot fell with the cadence OF inc
song, and was lifted at its rising. Al ushes' inc
arms were raised above the head, and the hanos
clapped together with great energy. The labor "
this exercise continued above halt an hour, when the
congregation was formed by simultaneous move
ment. lhe brehenf separate from the sisters, on OPP
pose sides of the hail. and facing each other, III lines
curving inward, so as to leave considerable space
between the two grand divisions. The singing was
resumed in this position, and, on its conclusion, ben-
ches taken from the walls were placed across 'he
floor and the assembly seated. After a shOrt
interval, speaker advanced into the arena, between
the brethren and sisters, and addressed himseii 10
to the People from the world, collected to wlthess
the peculiar worship, and was succeeded, after q
short exhortatiun, BY second. Both enforced with
more zeal than rhetorical grace, the necessity OF re-
pentance, Of taking up IA cross against sin. ue
| nouncinu the works Of Anti-Chris, and tolsakins
the world to enjoy the pure light and su1ef ,he aus
terities Of their community and dwet win shec'
tionate regard on the virtues and the power OF the
fouuaress Of the sect. third speaker, after
few remarks to the members OF the society. DIS
!, missed the ass embly. They retired through OPP
poslte dours, in little professions, to their u"ei'
hugs.
The commencement of the exercise is by singing,
while arranged in the files mentioned before anu 10
followed by the movement i'll procession descfioeu'
: About fifty men, and seventy females attehoeu
: The most exact uniformity in costume preVaiea
. among both. The dress of the latter was "hlte WIN,
. neat cap Of becoming plalnness, anu d hercncA
: thrown triangularly over the shoulders. concsa1s
the neck Many were Young some iair Inc ID"
v j,,,
!, the coats of the men unnecessary lncumprahces'-
d Each sleeve was encrclel bya black string
: The march is said to have been substituted for inc
less digni6eh figure which has been tormer'y seen
y in other societies In those the SINGING commenceas
in the whole assembly advanced few PAGES WIN a
IN step intermediate between walk a'u ful, '" l
}; making the shutting Of the feet correspond TO inc
hating voices Of the singers, the lille turned ABOUT
$: and on arriving to the first positions again turned
h after shuttle, they again advanced to return IN 1e
es same manner.
pr On contemplating such an assembly, the spectator
N is irresstlby reminded OF the convent ana mohas
e. terry The same calm expression OF religious deVo.
ton associated with the idea OF monk, is impressed
Is ON many fine countenance, where the indications
IL Of sincerity intelligence, and subdueu passo",
a seemed unmxed with cunning or hypocrisy. = e
10 abstraction from the OF the World contempt ..
its pleasures and pous coatentnent' me essehua,
,e characteristics Of the nun, the BRIDE OF Heave,
IL were seated on many pale face. itere as with"
h. in the gloomy walls reared by the pety or supes'
I'd ton of the Catholic, the unhappy and d,sapponleu
If. NAV find am asyun This sect of "Believers, " fe~
No iecnr that institution whose links connect the Ia"
m miIy of man in social intercourse. dsavowihP me
ct haowed influences of love on which society Is De-
nendent for existence and preservation. regarding
Ia the rite of marriage as the forbidden fruit, whose
enjoyment was the great original SIN that drove cur
first narents from the bowers vi PARADISE. draws us
recruits from the community, whose ioundaton prill-
-, cnIe it dsowns and whose burdens 1t refuses 70
lie share Possessed of great wealth IN tine common
M stock of property, it aures the msefaDle 10 's "
H. som and increases its numbers from those WI"
M miobt otherwise free themselves FROM despair by
OBJ the strong remedy o, suicae. anu Us fo,yne1 nm
ND the efforts of enterprise and industry where wire
he and children have drank Of the cup OF sunerinT an
,er union with the family will secure an ample anu lux
or urous support. When the widow has been lelt oes
md tue, with little ones crying tor oou " IS easy -
Vic conceive the motives which might bring her 10 suci
nj, society. Where the wife has been the si;hn o.
hn the vices and follies of prohigae husband It Is
h not difficult to imagine the reasons that wouia ieo
e." her to The peaceful dwellings Of this people. Tx
J;s ternal conformity to manners and ceremonies may
or. rpen into conviction of their propety' anu ose
nm who came from want, may remain ioi IVY. '
w nhass arc attracted by the belief Of the efficacy
ose Of modification in purifying the heart, or Persua
,nI sion Of the divine mission Of Ann Lee On the
80 whole If is we'll that such association exists. LIS
20 prevalence would subvert society limited ano re-
strained as it ever must be, is made suuVerVe", ~
ra the designs of social institutions, and promotes hu
ce man happiness. . ,, order
M av,;l N the dwellings Of the Shakers" the most
tn prnund quiet is in the streets Of their
IA, The traveller ever sees the same cohsuueelo u
Of huildncs with double doors tor the separate az
IN communication Of the two sexes ne SANE s'a.e y,