Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1841-11-23

ing over the arm; and the whole appear
ance OF the congregation, notwithsland-
ing its singulariiy, was impressive from
the purity and simplicity of their cos
tune.
The physiognomy Of the men was more
indicative of the enthusiastic tempera-
ament than that of the women, and they
we're also characterized by better animal
condition as TO health and strength, with
less appearance of intellect Among the
women, there we're a few, especially
among the younger portion, that were
handsome; but the greater part were very
plain, and tbs whole were even more
pallid than American women generally,
with an appearance Of languor, that beto-
kened morbid state of feeling and very
imperfect health
The first half hour Of the worship was
passed in a profound silence; the men, as
they entered, stepping as lightly as posi-
BILE across the floor, 10 hang up their
broad-brinmed straw hats on the wall,
and the women, as they entered, dspos
ing Of their plain straw bonnets, all Of the
same pattern, in similar manner, and
then taking their seats, the eldest of each
sex occupying the front rows, opposite to
each other, and the younger filling up the
benches behind them, and some sitting
on the ground.
AT the end of this half hour one Of the
male elders rose, which was the signal
for forming in ranks, when the benches
were removed by the parties who sat on
them, and ranged close to the wall, so as
10 leave the central part of the room
clcar- The lines were then formed, the
men standing in rows at one end Of the
room, and thei women at the other, the
front ranks Of each nearly meeting in the
centre.
One Of the elders then addressed the
worshpers as dear brethren and sisters,
and spoke for about five minutes. The
substance of his remarks was, that they
ought all TO rejoice at having the prvi-
lege to meet and worship God in their
own way without interruption, and at the
still greater privilege Of being among the
number of those who were especially call
ed by God to come out from the world,
and 10 put aside ungodliness and all world
ly lusts. They were engaged in the work
of God, and not in that of the world, and
their happiness consisted in knowing and
doing His will.
The first speaker was followed by
second, who expressed nearly the sane
sentiments in other words; and, after
pause of a few minutes, the whole body
sang together short hymn, of which !
could only catch the first verse, which
was thus:
"Ob! tEeprscio,s yort Of Cod.
His pure! itispure!
TWiH rejoice, and LitE my 0oics,
70 serUe the Lord for cVefmOTs."
The singing was loud and harsh, with
out the least attempt at harmony, and the
air was rude and wild. Not more than
half the number of the congregation join
ed in this exercise, though there was 10
particular body as choir to whom it was
restricted; but every one seemed to pay
the most devout attention.
Another elder then stepped into the
front and addressed the strangers present.
He said that it was very much the GUS
tom for strangers TO come and visit them
on the Sabbath, though lhey rarely came
on any other day; and as there were un-
doubtedly some peculiarities in their
worship, it was more than probable that
curiosity was the leading motive that
brought us there To this they offered.
no impediment; for, as they were not
ashamed either oftheir opinions or prac.
tees, butratheL reioced in them, they
did not close their doors against any per-
son, but willingly admitted and accommo-
dated, as far as their space and means
would allow, all who chose to remain,
provided they we're silent and respectful;
and when they found they could not be
both, it was desirable they should with
draw.
He said the world regarded them as
madmen and fools, but so did the world
esteem the early Christians. They knew,
however, that they were sober and sim
cere; and the only difference between
themselves and the world was, that the
people of the world still continued to see
things as through glass, darkly, while
God had called them out of the world to
see things with all the fulness of the
brightest day; and that, when our eyes
we're opened (for day would come in
which each would receive a call, and by
his acceptance or rejection of that call his
future destiny would be settled,) we
should look back upon the things Of the
world Just as they now did, as being moth
inc but heap Of vanities and emptiness
Another pause ensued, and then the
whole assembly fell on their knees, and
eleyating their hands and arms, and max
inc signs Of bsCkOniDgOr invitation, they
sang in concert this verse: