Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1874-07-15
THE DDyTERs.

pabi,oa gives some particulars about
the German. Baptisls known as the
Dunkers, who have been holding their
annual national conference: rTbey
teach the doctrine of general redomp-
ton through. oar Lord Jesus Christ,
aud hold that man isa tsee moral agent.
They also believe IN the doctrine oi'in-
FAINT salvation, bnt their leading bishops
have not decided AT what time in life
accountability begiDSa They believe
that Christian Regeneration will exhibit
itself cxternalIys aud hence on bccom-
ing members Of. the church they re
nounco the pomps and yanities of the
world. manitesting the belief by plain
ness and uniformity Of dress. both men
and women; hence in all the assembly
none Of the sisters exhibited any holm-
ces, flirbelows or iewelry, hut instead
arc attired in plain modest co!ors, many
of them in calico and all, both old and
young, wear sun-bonncts which they
remoyo'while in church, each one hay
ing ON her bead u plain cap of Swiss
muslin, made after tho etyle of our
ggeat-qgmdp0ihers. The men wear
the etyleof dIess usually adopted by
The QnakoIs, and in meeting a brother
salute by shaking the band and giving
the kiss of brotherly love. ". tss.i
In their moral tenets they are OPP
posed 10 bearing arms, aud will not re-
sort 90 tho law. 10 collect u debit
When a brother is unfortunate iinan-
oinlly, they render him assistance, and
never permit any Of their members TO
be supportediby conntyor State ohari-
ties; are opposed toall secret societies
and will not receive any one into men,
belship who belongs to them Do not
allow members TO make contracts with
persons either members or otherwise
OF the church, which they cannot iill
AnyImomber found guilty Of this sub
iocts himself to discipline of the church
breach temperance IN everything and
prohiblt their nlanbers from dealing
in or manufacturing aEdent spiritsc--
Counsel their hrpthrea not 60 hold office
or toyote, especially in time Of war,
and sadvise,npt to yote-or take any- IN.
teresi IN state gypoltipal affairs, and
suggest 10 the brethren not toiread
political papers, on the plea that il has
a tendency TO lead their minds, astray
on. roligious matters. Their annual
conference is heidi alternately east and
west Of the Ohio river, beginning on
iPentocoet day, which j. the seventh
Sunday from Easter. The principal
chnrchcs OF this denomination arc To-
Gated in the States Of Ponpsylvania,
Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Mary
land, Delaware, New Jersey, Indiana,
| Illinois, Michigan Minnesota, Idaho,
California, Iowa, Arkansas, Orgon,
Colorado, and Missouri, withla scatter
ing membership in The extreme south
oln and New Epglapd States, bnt no
church organizations the largest body
being in Miami Valley Ohio, Iaia5.r
As to the number of membership, IL
j. impossible TO give anything moro
than an approximate estimate, they
holding the doctrine that the Scripture
Iiorbids the numbering of the brethren
Their ministry is divided into three
classes, the first being teachers or ey-
hortcrs and advanced when found
worthy TO the authority to perform
the marriage rites, and eventually 70
| tho Office Of bishop, by the lying on Of
hands, They receive no salary, but
accept what the brethren voluntarily
besiow, and arr al liberty TO select, with
consentof the church, their field Of la
| bor. MombalN are received BY vote,
and only by trine immersion, and arc
not permitted 70 pariake of the, saqra-
ment With any other religious denomi-
nation. They, eonsidermarriage by an
officer Of the civil law MS valid arc
law-abiding citizens, except where the
Icivil law conflicts with their views Of
the Bible dQplrine, in whichlcap they
prefer to suiari tho penalties lpthcr
thmi sacrifice their religious belief--
They observe the Lords Supper in the
ancient manner, by wishing the feet and
kiss Of brpthsfly loye, Ihe churches
are At, ,hbcrtyfo observe this ordinance
six times during the year, n only once,
as they may elect. Industry ON tho
part Of iis ucmbers issirictly required
and all lazy, indoleni members soon
find hsrS is no support dipr them \
hAplS' 'nppirufn,if tr lsrayo4 i.rt nIt.i