New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-08-04
Newlmrzh Bay and Mooina Creek, which flows past
Idlcwi into the Hudson. j. j. NJ
Cos1tUdH, ". T., July 25, 1873 y..i
THE TUNKERS.
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE GERMAN BAPHsTs.
Z O the Il dilor OF TIE TribMhe.

To the Edttor Of Ths Tribune.
SIR wish to take exception to some OF the
remarks about the Tunkers which appeared in an editor
ial in TIE TRIBUNE recently. think that Injustice was
there done to the German Baptist Brethren. and
wish In order that they may better known to the
country ut large to state in the columns OF your paper
few facts about their history, customs and religious be-
lief
The German Baptist Brethren frs. became known as
church organization In Germany after the Reforina
ton Anti-war, non-resstan non-swearing, and other
Scripture doctrines which they heid made them subject
to persecution and they concluded 10 emgrate to Amer
lea. Some reached Philadelphia in 49, and others In
The following year. They established church at Ger
mantown. and later one in Philadelphia. But the major
~ Of the "Tmkcgs" they began to be called, from
their mode Of immersing applicants In baptism became
engaged In farming This has been their ayorte Ocenpa
ton since. Many went to Lancaster County, Penn
Here a dispute regard TO the sabbath-whether
the last day of the week shoud he observed or the first
One brother maintained thai the seventh day was the
proper sabbath, and he started sect which became
known a. the Seventh Day Baptiss." They established
"Nunnery" at Ephraia, Lancaster County, PENN and
another in Franklin County. II ia this o,hoot from the
German Baptist Brethren which is sometimes described
"a 1.-THE Tunkers" by those not wellinforned on the
subject. The German Baptists desire practice
anything not taught In the New Testament which they
willing take for their full aud only rule Of faith
and practice IL true they have theological schools
AID they don't to wan any. Their mnis al force
numbers about Loo Many of these, like those who
preached with snch good eject the Day OF Pcnleco@
are "unlcarned and ignorant men," knowing Httlo e'Sc
than the simple story oi the Cross, "Je-s Christ and
Him cruciled.' Many. 100, like Paul their privilege
to earn thcr bread by the sweat % their brow The poor
are always cared for when they make their wants known
and there TO he growing sentiment m favor OF a
supported ministry, avoiding. II possible, such system
will lead to preach for filthy hcre rather than for
the good Gf souls.
Although the Brethren do not consider course Of theo-
logical training essential 10 minister ri the GOscl yet
there j. gradai awakening among them on ic SUBJECT
al eiucdiinn and it w. hoped 10y De prOstess sc
that 1t Will not bo many years before hoy will have some
good schools under their control. Several attn Is have
been made tn ESTABLISH, college but thus far tue protect
has failed. some of the younger people educating
Themselves in the various nOrna schools, and some ~
the colleges Of other denominations. Many OF these en-
gage IN teaching in public schools and their influence
has of course, tendency TO bng ap0ut nEhcf stani-
a3 of education among I'd people, NH titt tline
arrives must expect io lc the uncnVcd and uncnv,-
bic recipients Of many unl0erted SCOTS and sncor5
Lofty thought is grand thing bur it's realization III u
holy e f. granlcr And then afF I'd 10 ridicnc
NE the religious system, crude though II may
sccI. which produce il j.. II. H.
clay Lick, Penn, JAY II, 1879.