The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-07-18
DUNKARD PSYCHOLOGY.
BY j. P. MAC LEAN, PHI. d.
CHICAGO, July, 10.

The recent annual council of the
Old Order of Dunkards, held near
Covington, o., calls up the intelligence
of this class of religionists. Some 600
were present, representing constitu-
ency of from 1000 to 5000 members,
scattered through different parts of
the United States. Relying on the
published reports, the only questions
which engaged the delegates were
the three following:
"Is it advisable to own and use a
bicycle7" This was decided in the
negative, drawing their inference
from Luke xvi.l5, and Romans xii.2.
SIS it contrary to the Gospel to
hold communion with q member who
is on his death-bed after he has been
anointed with oil3" Decided in the
negative.
SIS it right to have the teeth filled
with golds" Decided that tin foil
should be used.
It is scarcely believable that dele
gates representing religious body
would meet for the purpose of dis
cussing such questions. Those who
have come in contact with members
of this order are in nowise surprised
at any question that would disturb
the Dunkard mind. The light and
intelligence of this century has no
effect upon their minds. This (Darke)
county is we'll supplied with members
of this sect. Almost any day quite a
number may be seen upon the streets
of Greenville. They are not only
characterized by their clothing but
also by their faces, generally exhibit
ing low foreheads, heavy jaws, and q
sensual expression. As they are con-
sidered harmless, but listle attention
is paid to them. / have collected
some good stories concerning them
which are we'll authenticated. One
of these I here repeat:
A few days before the second
election of Major Mckinley as gov
ernor of Ohio, Mr.. H, Dunkard
preacher, was in Mr.. LIS jewelry
store, in Greenville. In the rear of
the little store, my friend, James
Mon has his Office. The last
named overheard Mr.. H say, in a
solemn, sanctimonious way, "Now,
Mr.. L, if you love your religion,
if you have any regard for your
country, don't vote for that man Nc
Kinley. l tell you that any man
that's got Mac to his name is mixed
up with the Irish. and he's a Roman
Catholic" 1t is needless to remark
that all of the "Macs" in town were
soon cognizant of the story.
Before me lies the minutes of their
annual meetings from ITS to 1885,
published by themselves. 1t is essen
TALLY literary curiosity. If the book
had been intended for caricature it
could not be more complete. It
abounds with warnings against con-
forming to the ways of the world.
They condemn high schools, colleges,
Sunday-schools, debating societies,
fine paintings, fine carpets, gilt hymn
books, preachers standing on ros-
trums, female preaching, vendue cry
ing, insurance, oranges, etc. Accord
ing to the indices to the book adultery
must be common among them, for this
question has been discussed at nine
teen of their annual meetings. Forni-
cation has also received much atten-
tion. They have discussed whether
the person giving the holy kiss should
first turn to the right or left; whether
the mustache should be cut with a
razor or pair of shears; whether
their coats should have a standing or
a rolling collar, ETC., etc. Such ques-
tions, to their narrow intellects, are
momentous ones. With all their fool
ish ideas they are after all rigid dis
ciplinarians in the moral law.
When a Dunkard has committed a
crime or breach of the peace, but
denies the same, and the witnesses
against him belong to other sects,
their testimony is not received.
At the session of 1878 it was de-
creed that the brethren should be
stopped from publishing and selling
books in favor or against the doctrine
of universal restoration"
This order has no standing in So
ciety, and exerts no perceptible infu-
ence either for good or bad. Want
ing intelligence they are reactionary
in the worlds progress.
GREENyLLE. o.