Although Ephrata has degenerated—is now spiritually dead—the truth has not become extinct, but is still extending. From this parent society several branches have originated. One in Bedford County was founded in 1753, which is still in a flourishing situation. Another in York County, about fifteen miles from the town of York, was founded on the Bermudian Creek, in 1758, of which some of the members remain, although they have been without a leader for many years. A third branch was established at Snowhill, in Franklin County, under the superintendence of Peter Lehman and Andrew Snowberger, where the greatest part of the Society are still resident. Besides these, there are other smaller branches in Western Pennsylvania. SECTION III. PARTICULAR HISTORY OF THE GERMAN SEVENTH-DAY BAPTISTS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ephrata is located in the interior of the state of Pennsylvania, and is one of its earliest settlements. Few places in America are hallowed by more interesting associations, and none perhaps are connected with an institution of such a peculiar character and ancient establishment. It occupies a pleasant position in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, at the intersection of the Reading Road with the Downingtown and Harrisburg Turnpike, sixty miles northwest of Philadelphia, thirteen northeast from Lancaster, and thirty-eight from Harrisburg. At present this name is applied to the vicinity of Ephrata proper for at least a mile along the turnpike, making Cocalico Creek the centre. Thus considered, it contains many dwellings, several stores, two taverns, and a paper mill. New Ephrata is a small village, about a mile further west on the turnpike. Ephrata proper is an irregular enclosed village, lying in a triangle formed by the turnpike, the old Reading Road, and the Cocalico Creek, and belongs entirely to a Seventh-day Baptist community. It contains the first Protestant monastery established in America, and several other buildings for the accommodation of the Society; to which is attached and belongs a farm containing one hundred and forty acres of land, with a grist and saw mill. The post-office bearing this name is situated half a mile from the original village.