Their ministers never received a stated salary. In their opinion the Gospel was destined to be free, "without money and without price," and they thought that every one called to preach the word, should do it from the love of the cause, and in this matter, as in that of celibacy, to follow the advice and example of Paul. Nevertheless, their ministers were always well supplied with such necessaries as the brethren themselves enjoyed. Individual members gave as presents whatever they could conveniently spare, in money, goods, and the like; and whenever the minister travelled for religious purposes, he was supplied from the treasury to bear his expenses. This is not the place, neither am I disposed to institute any comparison between the doctrines of the Scripture, according to its literal interpretation, and the great and leading tenets of the German Seventh-day Baptists of Pennsylvania. However, it is evident, from the most casual observation, that few religious communities have adhered more closely to the letter and language of Holy Writ, have been more scrupulous about conformity to worldly opinions and practices, or have given, in their conduct, a more faithful and practical exemplification of Christianity. Their peculiarities sprung, likewise, from the same source as many of their virtues; and these will be adverted to in replying to the charges of error which have been urged against them, with more gravity than truth, by many writers, who were, probably, offended by the pure and primitive simplicity of their tenets and habits. It is not necessary to attempt a full exposition of their peculiar views, or to describe the minutiæ of the manner in which they perform the ceremonies and ordinances of religion. However, in their regular worship, they commence with singing; then prayers, the assembly kneeling; then singing again; after which the minister requests any brother to read a chapter out of the Scriptures, which they are at liberty to choose from either the Old or the New Testament. This the minister expounds, tracing its bearings and historical connexions with the other parts of the Bible. Then the exhorters enforce the duties it inculcates; and should any brother or single sister be able to improve the subject to the edification of the others, or to make any remarks relative to the topic, there is perfect liberty for such an expression. Prayer and singing, with the reading of a psalm, conclude the service,—than which nothing can be more solemn and impressive.