The Manifesto. VOL. XX. FEBRUARY, 1890. HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF MT. LEBANON, N. Y. No. 2. tament he had learned that "The man was not without the woman in the Lord," and that the union which was to be supported must be from a pure heart, and afford protection from every evil result. In the business relations of the So Union between the Brethren and Sisters. HAVING discussed quite fully the manifestations of spiritual gifts, we will now make reference, more direct-ciety, the Brethren and Sisters had ly, to the course which was pursued been united in their interests for the while establishing the Society upon its peace and prosperity of the whole orpresent foundation. The Church of der. But the establishing of "union Christ is a spiritual body of Believers, meetings" did not take place till the who have consecrated their souls and year 1793. These meetings consisted bodies to God. This consecration of some half dozen or more of Brethwas by no means a sudden change. ren and about the same number of It developed in the hearts of the Be-Sisters, who were free to converse uplievers, from day to day, and from on any subject of interest, that came year to year, as they were able to ac- within the boundaries of their relicept the light of God into the soul, gious order. This season was limited, and to become crucified to the life of generally, to about one hour, and a the world. part of this time was, if desired, devoted to singing. Directors were appointed to take charge of these seasons of "union," that a wholesome order might be preserved, and a blessing rest upon the Community. To sacrifice the selfish relations of the world to be a follower of Christ, was the breaking away from all that claimed a union with the old inheritance of the flesh. Father Joseph, while organizing the In these meetings, the Brethren ocSociety, was anxious to preserve a cupied a position in line, and the Sisspiritual union which would make of ters sat directly opposite, at a dismen and women of the world, a conse-tance of a few feet. The orderly charcrated body of Brethren and Sisters. acter of the meetings, and the general Through the teaching of the New Tes-diffusion of intelligence became so profitable and satisfactory that they But let the location or condition of were continued for more than forty individuals be what it may, in respect The children were sometimes to the external order of union, the true years. admitted to these meetings, or if their caretakers thought best, other forms were provided for them, in which they could read or sing or make recitations of Scripture texts, as occasion offered. This education was considered very essential as a foundational work for their future membership in the Church of Christ. work of the gospel admits of no selfish union between any members who have entered the Society of Believers. This has been plainly taught as the uniform faith of the Church, and on its faithful maintenance, depends our spiritual prosperity. FOOD. outline of the spiritual movement during several years, we will now turn to the many departments that so essentially aid in the maintenance, and in the prosperity of a Community. In the early history of the Society, the people were sometimes reduced to In the government of this union- After having given an account of privilege, Father Joseph was very the formation of the Society and an careful to give the best protective advice, and as a rule, taught the Brethren that no one was worthy to sit in conversation with his gospel Sisters, if he harbored hard feelings, or was, in the least at variance with any of the Brethren. At an earlier date, the experience a very simple fare, as their provisions of those who formed the Society was were almost wholly the product of of a superior order. They had passed their own farm. Instances are recordthrough much tribulation, and many deprivations, that they might be able to accept the full cross of Christ, which would so effectually harvest them from the elements of the world. They had "tasted of the good word of God," and were qualified to make a good use of it. Whatever changes might take place, they could not be so inconsistent, as to be thrown out. The gospel to them was "the power of God unto salvation," and they secured it in hearts consecrated to the gospel work. It became necessary, from time to time, to introduce changes into the order of the family to meet the present conditions, and to secure the best results that might be developed in a religious Community. ed when bread and broth formed the ply of good cider. It might be quite In the year 1841 a great change difficult for us to judge those hardy took place in the preparation of our pioneers by what we may be able to food. Swine's flesh was wholly redo, as they had many advantages that moved from the table, and the Society have not fallen to our lot. As we look avoided the use of all kinds of meat or back and view the road over which fish on the Sabbath. Butter and bread they traveled, we not only become in- and milk were not partaken of at the terested, but we wonder at their power same meal. Cider, which had been of endurance, as the largest part of used on the table till the present year, them walked upon the earth for nearly was almost wholly abandoned. In a century, before they said their last these sacrifices there may have been a farewell. deprivation to some persons, while at the same time it was a great advantage to the body of Believers as a whole. Our table has not been wanting for variety in good substantial, healthy food, and this prepared in the best and nicest manner. Simple though it may have been when compared with those who abound in wealth, yet we know that it has abundantly supplied all our needs, and for which we thank the Giver of all good gifts. The chewing and smoking of tobacco were used with the same freedom as the cider and the pork. As this was the universal custom of the people, it came with them into the Community, and remained with them till they received more advanced light on the subject. Very little thought was given to the study of Hygiene, and still less to the food which they ate from day to day. Hot biscuits and butter, with meat, potatoes, cabbage and turnips were sometimes served for Our table now is set with some kind breakfast, while for dinner, they had of meat or fish, or eggs, and all the pork steak or beef, with the vegeta-vegetables of the season, and these bles of the season. For supper, many served in a variety of ways for taste or pleasure. With these come the various sauces and condiments. The apples, cherries, plums, peaches, cranberries &c., &c., are made into sauce or preserves and used as occasion requires. Although we may have no rule to regulate the number of articles of food which shall constitute a meal, we think it requires some caution on the part of the cooks, to see that they do not place before the family too many kinds at one time. preferred bread and milk. Pies were on the table for breakfast and supper, but rarely for dinner. Previous to the year 1823 the table was set with pewter plates, while the bread was placed on plates made of wood. The supper on Christmas, and frequently on the Sabbath, was the most sumptuous meal, as roast fowl, various kinds of pie, cake, preserves &c. were served, agreeably to the custom of the country in those days. Since the above date, crockery made of porcelain has been more generally used. The use of foreign tea and coffee has been dismissed several times, but after an interval of a few months has |