Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-26
The Thinkers.

I
to learn that this denomination of Christians
Is increasing more rapidly in Rockingham
county than, perhaps, any other sect worship
ping in our midst. They move so quietly,
and with 50 little ostentaton. that we were
not ourselves prepared to believe that their
numbers were augmenting rs rapidly rs they
really are.
Although reared in the midst of commu-
nifty, SO many of whom are Thinkers, our peo-
pie are, to great extent, ignorant of their
religious tcncts, and church polity. In all,
we believe, the Thinkers embrace those views
which are simplest and least assuming. In
their practice they carry out the same doc
trueS
! five are not mistaken, they have no con-
fession of faith or dogmaS, other than the bi-
BILE itself, which they acknowledge rs the
only true rule of faith and guide OF life
They believe in the universally of the atone
ment of Christ In regard to baptism, they
adopt immersion as the mode. They have
no long chapters of Church rules and laws.
They have simply enough to provide for
the reception Of worthy members into their
society, and for the expulsion of those who
offend.
In their practice and life, they are scrupu-
| lousy careful 10 adhere, as far Is they can,
to the example of Christ. They attach cs-
! pecial importance to the virtue of humility,
/ and perhaps no offence is more promptly
punished than that of pride OF ostcntation
and extravaganza in dress. Their dress is
always made Of the plaiuest material, gener-
ally of their own homespun and withoutany
regard to the fashions of the day. They ad-
| here 20 the roundbreasted coat, and broad
brm hat, while there is no class in our COM
munity better able to indulge in fine clothes
| than are the members of that Church. In
! their business transactions they are models
of honesty. 1t is trtc saying, that, so tar
rs they are concerned, "their word is rs good
as their bond"
In another particular they manifest their
regard for the teachings of the Bible, and
! that is in their care for the poor. They are
always ready to reach forth hand TO help
the needy OF their flock; and in no case will
they permit a worthy member to buffet the
storms of adversely alone. Their poor and
helpless ones are never thrown upon the par,
ish of the county. When they get helpless
and feeble they place them on the farms
which have been provided by the Church for
the purpose.
They are, so far as we know, like the pat,
riarchs of old-all tilers of the soil And
with all our love for the way of the world,
and passion for fashion, when we meet a Tun'
kcr friend, dressed in his simple costume,
with his long. patriarchal beard, we cannot
but feel the highest respect for, aud the full
| lest confidence in :; class of christians whose
practice reminds one of the daysot patrlarchal
simplicity and piety.
They adhere to the ancient rites OF Chris.
tians, such as the feast OF the passover,
which occurs once year. They follow the
example of Christ in washing feet, saluting
with a kiss, &c. At their extraordinary
meeting they generally provide food, that
all who attend may be supplied. On occa-
sions of this sort, their hospitalityis evinccd,
for any and every body who will conduct
themselves orderly, will meet a hearty wei
come at their feast
As citizens, no community can boast OF
better. They are, rs we SAID before scrupu-
| lousy honest, and punctual in meeting their
engagements; no people have greater aver
sion to debts than the Thinkers. The con
sequence is, that amongst them and with
them there is little or no litigation. 1t eve
ry body was like them, our Court House
would soon become the abode OF owls and
bats, and the lawyers would have to search
for some other source Of money making than
that of the law.
They are industrious, energetic and enter
pricing. &c.,
Although they take, some of them, little
or no interest in politics, Ia large number
never votc) yet in regard 10 internal impro-
vcments they do take a lively interest. They
are amongst the best friends of the Railroad
we have, not only voting for it, but contribute
ing literally Of their own means tor It's con
struction. Would that in tho management
of our National and State affairs, We could
have the frugality and economy which be-
longs to the TINKER polity! We might then
soon expect relief from our heavy burdens,
which are the result of extravaganza and IN
many eases of bad managcment.-Rorki"y-
liam Register.