are devoted Bible readers, believing that all parts of the Book are inspired. They hold to the Trinity, to justification by faith, to the resurrection of the dead, but not to eternal punishment. The wicked are to be purified in fire. They do not observe the sacrament of baptism, but make much of that of the Lord's Supper, which, however, is celebrated not oftener than once in two years. They believe that an era of inspiration began at the opening of the eighteenth century, the Holy Ghost revealing the secrets of the heart and conscience to messengers or new prophets. The elders or ministers are guided by the spirit of inspiration, and the community has at its head some one (at one time it was a woman) who is under the direct inspiration of God. There are three orders of members: the highest, the middle, and the lowest or children's order. They hold religious services every evening, and also on Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings. The general meeting is held Saturday morning; the other meetings are mostly for prayer. 3. THE HARMONY SOCIETY. The founder of this society was George Rapp, who was born in Germany in 1757 and died in Economy, Pa., in 1847. His followers are celibates, having adopted this rule early in the present century, and follow the example of patriarchal rule set in the Old Testament and hold to a community of property. They are literalists in interpret ing the Scriptures, and they believe that the millennium is near at hand and that all mankind will ultimately be saved, those who marry being classified with the number who will have to undergo a probation of purification. They do not believe in spiritualism. They observe as holy days Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and Pentecost. They celebrate the Lord's Supper annually in October. The town of Economy is described by Nordhoff as a "trim, well-kept village." The society has one organization, one church edifice, valued at $10,000, and 250 members. 4. THE SOCIETY OF SEPARATISTS. The Separatists originated in Germany. They settled at Zoar, O., in 1817 and adopted communal life in 1819. They were called Separatists in Germany because they separated from the State church, in the belief that they could thus enjoy a more spiritual faith. They reject religious ceremonies. Marriages are allowed but not favored. They are entered upon by a civil compact, there being no religious celebration. Their Sunday services do not include public prayer. 5. THE NEW ICARIA SOCIETY. The New Icaria Society was organized in 1879. It has no creed but "rationalism founded on observation," and opposes all "anti-scientific revelations." Marriage is approved. The system of rule is democratic. The society has disbanded since the census. The Altruists, like the New Icarians, are non-sectarian. The principles of the community are thus expressed: "It holds the property of all its members in common, and all work according to their ability and are supplied according to their wants, and live together in a common home for their mutual assistance and support and to secure their greatest wealth, comfort, and enjoyment. It allows equal rights and privileges to all its members, both men and women, in all its business affairs, which are conducted in accordance with their majority vote by its officers who are thereby elected; and it makes no interference with the marriage or family affairs of its members, nor with their religious, political, or other opinions." 7. THE ADONAI SHOMO. This community was organized and legally established as a corporation in 1876 in Petersham, Mass. At its organization it had II members. It came out of the Adventist movement. Its leading principles are faith in Christ as the Son of God, and a community of goods. All members, male and female, have an equal voice in matters of government and property. There is a common treasury, whence individual needs are supplied. All labor for the common maintenance, agriculture being the chief industry. 8. THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT (KORESHAN ECCLESIA). The founder of this body is Cyrus Teed. Cyrus in Hebrew is Koresh; hence the terms Koreshan Ecclesia, or the Koreshan Church, and Koreshanity, the system of Koresh. The foundation principle of the movement is the "reëstablishment of church and state upon a basis of divine fellowship," the law of which is love to neighbor. It has three departments: the ecclesia, or church; the college of life, or educational department; and the society Archtriumphant. As the aims of Koreshanity cannot be secured where the spirit of competition operates, the life of the disciples is communal. Celibacy is a fundamental doctrine. It is held as desirable in order to conserve the forces of life, and necessary to the attainment of that purity of life |