from the brethren, instead of presumptuously assuming them himself. In their habits of life, they have been equally misrepresented. They are not accustomed to wear long beards, as is frequently said of them, neither did the rules of the society forbid meat for the purpose of mortifying the natural appetite, or require them to repose on wooden benches with billets of wood for pillows, as acts of penance. Nevertheless they did so, but their conduct admits of a different explanation. They practised austerity from considerations of economy. With limited means and restricted circumstances they had undertaken an expensive enterprise. Hence, all their arrangements, though distinguished for neatness, were extremely simple. Wooden flagons, wooden goblets, and wooden trays were used in the administration of the sacrament, and although they have been presented with richer and costlier ones, the same service is still in use. Their domestic and kitchen utensils were likewise made of wood. The plates off which they ate, were thin octangular pieces of poplar boards. Their forks and candlesticks, and indeed every article that could be, were made of that material. Subsequently, when they were relieved from the burdens of their expensive enterprise, they generally enjoyed the cot for nightly repose, and partook, though in the most moderate and temperate manner, of the comforts, and even some of the luxuries of life. Temperance societies had not been instituted, "but there were no ardent spirits used in building the whole village, although the timber was hewn and all the boards sawn by hand during the winter months." The society was a social community, organized for mutual support and assistance. Its members were distinguished for kindness, hospitality, and promptness in affording relief to the suffering, whatever might be their character or denomination. The following account of them is taken from a work, entitled the Journal of an Officer, which was published in 1784. He says, "I came among this people by accident, but I left them with regret. I have found out, however, that appearances may be delusive, and that where we expected to meet with a cold reservedness, we may sometimes be surprised by exhibitions of the most charming affability and disinterested benevolence. They all acted the part of the good Samaritan to me, for which I hope to be ever grateful; and while experiencing the benefits of their kindnesses and attentions, witnessing the sympathies and emotions expressed in their countenances, and listening to the words of hope and pity with which they consoled the poor sufferers, is it strange that, under such circumstances, their uncouth garments appeared more beautiful in my eyes than ever did the richest robes of fashion, and their cowls more becoming than head-dresses adorned with diamonds, and flowers, and feathers? Until I entered the walls of Ephrata, I had no idea of pure and practical Christianity.