The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-05-07

Wy A"'tVI part OF the seventeenth
century the liberal-minded Penn in
vi1eu Them to his colony in Eastern
pennsylvania. They ctme over. in
considerable numbers, and settled at
germantown, Pa, " hence they have
spread over a large part of our
country, always finding the best ag-
rleuilural districts. The Mennonites
and their branches now number from
l5O,OOO to 20O.O souls.
Inc Omish, or Amish church is a
branch of the Mennenites, and are
the followers of Jacob Amish, who
was TOO rigid and straight fer his ma
i've church, SO he founded new sect
for himself and followers in Switzer-
lana, more than two hundred years
ago. and, like their parent erganiza-
tlon, have been gradually growing
ana spreading in this and the cid
world. They are mostly confined to
the German speahin race. believe
a few are to be found in Russia at
any rate Il goodly number of the
MennOnites are to be found in that
vaHt empire. but they are leaving
that incongenial power, fast as they
can for more liberal countries. Many
are now settling in the West.
The religious creed or tenets of the
Amlsh are extremely simple. and
somewhat harrow. They do not yex
themselve, with theological ques-
tons and oogmas-quite the reverse.
They profess to followin the footsteps
of our Great Master aud His Apos-
ties, as ntarly as they can, and to
adhere to the letter and spirit of the
Bible, andinore especially the New
Testament. Their mode of worship
is also simpe and primitive. Up to
now they have eschewed church edi.
fees entirelg. Their religious meet
ings being held alternately at their
houses, or barns when circumstances
reduire-on the Sabbath day. A
reading of sOme portion of the Word
and plaintalk from their preacher,
without singing, constitutes their
Sunday exercises. Bread and wine
are not used by them upon commu-
Mon occasions. Some kind of broth
or soup form their sacred emblems.
Their sacrament is more in the ma
ture of an ordinary meal than like
the communion of the Evangelical
churches. Their meetings have also
a social and hospitable feature-alI
must be fed, and then several hours
are spent in social and friendly con-
versation, which, it is said, some
times takes business turn. Gen
tiles, and outsiders, are not excluded
frem their meetings or worship. II
is worthy OF remark that they do not
practice infant baptism, and that
sacrament is performed by sprink.
ling.
They are decidedly Quakerish in
their ways-will not under any cir.
cumstances take an oath upon the
Bible, but always affirm, whether as
jurors or witnesses. They are also
opposed to bearing arms, but in all
other respects are good, loyal, law.
abiding citizens. AS an evidence, in
the late war they were. to a man, on
the side of their country. They did
everything good citizen could do,
except to shoulder the Inusket.
Their mode of dress is not only
very plain, but unique. The cloth
ing of both sexes is almost exclusive
ly of homemade fabrics, and almost
entirely of blue color. AS particular
and neat in their cheap CARDS as any
persons. Cleanliness in both sexes is
rigid rule with them. Hooks and
eyes are substitutes fer buttons
hence they have, in years passed,
been called "Hookers." They have
tut little use for the razor and scis-
sors. Their healthy young ladies,
with their clean, blue dresses, and
snow white handkerchiefs about their
necks, and close cap, in contrast with
their ruddy faces, form anything but
an unsightIy spectacle. Blu: for some
time past they have been experience
ing trouble in regard to the dress
question. The young of both sexes
are becoming contaminated with the
ways of the outer world, and they
are tending towards other denomi-
nations where there is less restriction
upon the style of dress. They want
buttons, instead of the time-honored
hooks and eyes, more fabrics in theil
garments, and.a little more variety
in color. The signs are that young
folks sooner or later will win.
And the Amish people are about
to take another new departure. ]
have already stated that heretofore
they have entirely eschewed church
edifices, but the young blood have
Teen contending for church buildings
rs r. L. Il a. vs..IA