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have given of this most singular of all sects is replete with instruction; for it teaches the professors of Christianity this MOST IMPORTANT LESSON--that in no instance they should give up the use of reason in ‹ matters of religion, and on no occasion, conceiving themselves to be the favourites of heaven, should they be found deficient in the exercise of an UNIVERSAL GOSPEL CHARITY.

DUNKERS.

Conrad Peysel, a German Baptist, was the founder of the Dunkers about 1724, who, weary of the world, retired to an agreeable solitude within fifty miles of Philadelphia, that he might give himself. up to contemplation. Curiosity brought several of his countrymen to visit his retreat, and by degrees his pious, simple, and peaceable manners induced others. to settle near him. They formed a little colony of German Baptists, which they call Euphrata, or Euphrates, in allusion to the Hebrews, who used to sing psalms on the border of that river. This little city forms a triangle, the outsides of which are bordered with mulberry and apple trees planted with great regularity. In the middle is a very large orchard, and between the orchard, and these ranges of

trees are houses built of wood three stories high, where every Dunker is left to enjoy the pleasures of his meditations without disturbance. Their number in 1777 did not exceed 500, but since that period they have increased. They do not foolishly renounce marriage, but when married they detach themselves from the rest, and retire into another part of the country. The Dunkers lament the fall of Adam, but deny the imputation of his sin to posterity. They use trine immersion (dipping three times) in baptism, and use laying on of hands when the baptized are received into the church. They dress like Dominican friars, shaving neither head nor beard; have different apartments for the sexes, and live chiefly on roots and vegetables, except at their love feast, when they eat mutton. It is said no bed is allowed them but in case of sickness, having in their separate cells a bench to lie upon and a block of wood for their pillow! They deny the eternity of future punishment, believe that the dead have the gospel preached to them by our Saviour, and that the souls of the just are employed to preach the gospel to those who have had no revelation in this life.

But their chief tenet is, that future happiness is only to be obtained by penance and outward mortification, so as that Jesus Christ by his meritorious sufferings became the Redeemer of mankind in general, so each individual of the human race by a life of

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abstinence and restraint may work out his own sals vation. Nay, it is said they admit of works of supererrogation. They use the same form of government and the same discipline as the English Baptists do, except that every person is allowed to speak in the congregation, and their best speaker is usually ordained to be minister. They have also deacons, and deaconesses from among their ancient widows, who may all use their gifts, and exhort at stated times.

Thus far Mr. Adams in his Religious World Displayed: and hence he remarks, that the system of the Dunkers seems to be a medley made up of the tenets of the Baptists, Universalists, Calvinists, Lutherans, Jews, Methodists, and Roman Catholics! Certain however it is, notwithstanding so strange a mixture, they are distinguished for great benevolence and a fervent piety. Mr. Winchester, in his Dialogues on Restoration, draws a high character of them. His friend, the Rev. Morgan Edwards, formerly minister of the Baptist church in Philadelphia, once said to him respecting the Dunkers, and he knew them well," God always will have a visible people on earth, and these are his people at present above any other in the world!" And in his History of the Pennsylvanian Baptists, Mr. M. says of them, "General redemption they certainly hold, and withal general salvation, which tenets (though wrong) are consistent." On account of their meekness and hatred

of war and slavery, together with a renunciation of all sorts of violence, they are denominated the harmless Dunkers; pity it is, that this epithet cannot be applied to all the professors of Christianity.

NEW AMERICAN SECT.

THE American editor of this work has added the following article:

Many of those who lately migrated from WALES to America have adopted the following articles as their religious constitution :

"1. The convention shall be called the Christian Church.

"2. It shall never be called by any other name, or be distinguished by the particular tenets of any man or sect of men.

"3. Jesus Christ is the only head-believers in him the only members-and the New Testament the only rule of the fraternity.

"4. In mental matters, each member shall enjoy his own sentiments, and freely discuss every subject: but in discipline, a strict conformity with the precepts of Christ is required.

5. Every distinct society belonging to this association, shall have the same power of admitting its

members, electing its officers, and in case of mal. conduct, of impeaching them.

"6. Delegates from the different congregations shall meet from time to time, at an appointed place, to consult the welfare and advancement of the general interest.

"7. At every meeting for religious worship, collections shall be made for the poor, and the promulgation of the gospel among the Heathen."

This plan, which has many traits to recommend it, originated chiefly with the late Rev. M. J. Rees, who a few years ago emigrated from Wales, and distinguished himself in America by his talents and activity. He died in the prime of life, December 1804, at Somerset, in Pennsylvania, deeply regretted by his numerous friends and connections.

As to the other sects in the United States, they are much the same as on this side of the Atlantic. For an account of them, the reader may consult Morse's American Geography, and Winterbotham's History of America.

MYSTICS.

THE Mystics are those who profess a pure and sublime devotion, with a disinterested love of God, free from all selfish considerations, Passive con

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