The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-12-22


with the faith OF Jonah" rushing into
the woods from burning building.
with him was Joel Watrous, another
man with a mission, once the pride of
| Ouakertown's strange old people. Their
voices are now heard among the Seven
| Day Baptists over the Rhode Island
/ line. it is said. They will not return to
| OuakertOwn A tar and feather party,
| it is promised, will be organized with
/ great promptness.
The community is the remnant Of re-
ligious sect which originated near this
city in the eighteenth century. Jonn
Rogers, the founder, according to tradi-
ton, conceived that ali prayers chould
be unspoken. except on special occas-
ions, Wnen the spirit of God, moving
within, prompted the use of the voice.
All days are esteemed alike as to SAN
city. ITO destroy priesthood and the
idolatry of Sunday" are special objects
and the disciples have devoted them
selves Zealously to the task. Their in
dividuality has been retained to this
day. varying little in observance or
doctrine.
The few Rogerenes in lonely Quaker
town are stlenuously orthodox in re-
spect to the most important articles Of
Christianity. They mold to salvation by
faith in Christ. The resurrection of the
just and the unjust, and an eternal
judgment.
Il was into this place of listers and
brethren that solomon Croush penetra-
ted several weeks ago. He rs native
of the hamlet, but became worldly
many years ago. He was caught in the
act Of smoking when yet lad, and i.
known to nave played musical instru-
ments, notably an ill-toned country fid-
de His departure gave cause for gem
eral rejoicing. His return after many
years was learned with unfeigned re-
Cret. He is wealthy. Much Of his riches
descended from his father, taciturn
old gentleman, vino mated cow and
bull and taught them to mind the rein
az promptly and as meekly a. a well
trained team of Quakertown nags.
Allen Whipple had become a leader in
society and religious matters. Solomon
Crouch met him in London one day and
told him that he had been converted.
He had been sitting alone in his house
one night when he was moved to read
his Bible. All night long he poured over
the passages of scripture. AT last there
came a sound of mighty, rushing waters
sweeping through the very room in
which 1 sat" he told Whiple. Peace at
last! The Transformation was wrought.
1 heard voice-'You nave the faith OF
the prophet Jonah. Like as he was sent
to Ninevah, 10 are you biven mission
to Quakertown.
Whipple was convinced at once or the
absolute need of Crouch's presence in
Quakertown, and installed him at once
as a member of his household. Joel
Watrous heard Crouch's teachings the
day the religious enthusiast arrived, and
gave earnest heed. Crouch sent abroad
among the farmsteads, and WatFous
and Whipple accompanied him. He
prayed and exhorted in the highways,
and such was the power OF his voice that
brethren and sistersat distance OF
mile heard the words from the mouth
of the man with the faith OF Jonah"
His presence wa. magnetic. He was
infiamed with zeal and religious passion.
Rogerenes. at first shamed faced at their
weakness. stopped to listen 70 the tire
less flow of words Then the alarming
fact that the prophet was gaining re-
BOYS and girls were impressed. They
meetings which Crouch held in Whip
vain.
His doctrines were scandalous the
older Rogerenes agreed. They do not
believe in war. They hold annual peace
meetings. Yet the unwelcomed visitor
announced that If the killing was done
in the spirit no wrong was committed. !
He averred that he was God Almighty |
himself; that ne was not flesh. but spirit. |
He had a special revelation from the |
Lord. he declared The time and place |
of planting potatoes, for instance, he !
said, were revealed by God> If Che di- |
rected that no potatoes be put in the |
ground, no one should disobey. He is
also reported to nave preached that il |
was possible 10 marry in the spirit. To |
cap the climax. everybody who wanted |
to join his church must be Baptized. |
Sever Rogerenes were promptly I'M |
mersed again. but 10 most Of the pioph- |
cts hearers the step was fCaught with |
too great Importance to be taken with !
out long and solemn meditation.
Joel Watrous continued To be the |
mans most steadfast admirer and as |
siStant. His fall from Rogerene grace |
wR. complete. Charles Wstrous, his /
father. is stern an 4 unyielding in the |
faith Of his ancestors. His boy wss
becoming bediviled. ne said. The boy |
Is So years old. WatTous, Sr, presided
a. an indignation meeting. The frost
Of sixty-five winters is upon his snow
white head. His words have weight |
and influence in Quakertown. re
vulsion OF public sentiment was started
Boys and girls were locked in their
man with the faith of Jonah" grew
rapidly in disfavor. His threats Of
visitation OF Divine wrath werescoffed
at.
Allen Whipple had pledged his horse
and wagon TO The cause. One night
While driving a woman to Croucn's
meeting. a man sprang from the road
side bushes. tore the passenger from her
seat. sni in gTufftones commanded
Whipple - hasten away. The fright
enei convert lost no time in reaching
Crouch and announcing the beginning of
active hos,ilitie.. The lone stranger
pointed as finger toward the woman's
home and she trudgei. unprotesting.
,ack - he's waiting family.
Whipple's religious fervoi lost its fire
rom taat night. He disappeared three
lays later with mis- stable Of three
l3rssS. Coin tesmin' down &c West