The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-08-12

which could hardly be called me!qay, gesticu-
iating violently with their hands as before.
moved forward in sort OF Snuff step, som
joining in the singing, and all gesticulating
With their hands in UNISON With the singers.
Moving forward step or two. oil faced about
together and ShuMed back to the position
which they had occupied. This was continued
without variation at least half an hour, and 1t
was surprising as well as amusing to see with
what 2est and energy some OF the Older breth-
rem and sisters entered into the exercise.
THE MAaoH AROUND THE SANCTUARY.
Suddenly this ceremony also ceaued at sig
nal from some one of the leaders, and all faced
again TO t: @ right in the same position as when
We entered the house. After remaining in the
same medlta.,ve, immobiie position before des-
ration for another feature Of the worship. All
formed In column Of fOurs, according to height,
the men in one Column and the women In an
other. Again the choir drawled on, their dole
full chants, and the column marched in step TO
the musio around the building, the women in q
reverse direction to that OF the men. Many
joined in chanting the mas,c, and all Kept
time time e III The cir IT, ths peculiar enPhad ges.
llalS i.an hour at least did they thus march
around the hall, the choir forming circle and
occupN ing . stationary position IN the centre
OF the floor, and at signal ali again assumed
the position they had at first occupied, WITH
the precision Of soldiers.
THE END OF THE DANCE.
Again they stood for few moments as silent
as 30 many statues. The plain, white pine
benches, which were piled one upon the other
about the sides Of the hall, were then taken
dowr and placed in position by the sisters and
brethren respectively. Regularly and silently
as clockwork this was done. without any CONF
motion whatever. The menY took their seats
first, aud then nOiselesslN as so m any ghosts,
the women glded to their proper places and
dropped on the benches. Both Inen and women
took from THEN pockets their large cotton hand.
kerchiefs or napkins, which they spread on
their koees. and on yhich they rested their
hands. b !
THE PREACHING.
The preacher OF the con- munity then stepped
forward in front Of the visitors, his back to.
ward the members Of the society, and in q
calm, impassiOnei manner began his discourse,
which was addressed entirely to the visitor q.
It was an artful, logical OF gument in support of
the Shaker creed; but although he spoke with
out notes. 1t was easy to see that the address
had been carefully prepared for the occasi IN.
He studiously avoided reference to the dogma
OF the scot, and only alluded to those parts OF
their creed on which few persons would be in
that frequently the preachers Of the commuui.
ty openly and energetically proclaimed their
doctrine as the only true faith, and character
lied all other orders as heathen. The remarks
OF the preacher concluded the devotional exs
ercises OF the morning. Ondl OF the leaders
arose, simply remarked, ''The meeting is now
dismissed" and then, without word BENG
spoken or o look of recognition with one
another exchanged. the Shakers silently glided
out OF the hall, the women through one door,
and the men through another.