DUNKERS (diin'kErs), (the German Baptist Brethren) In 1708 a small company—eight persons—met on the bank of the Eder at Schwarzenau, Ger many, and were baptized. This was the begin ning of a new religious sect. A desire to follow more closely in the footsteps of the Master, and the conviction that this was impossible in any of the religious bodies of the time, led this com pany to take this step. Alexander Mack, one of the eight, was the first minister chosen by this hand. The ehurch increased rapidly in numbers ; hut even in Witgenstein, where so many had found refuge from persecution, they were not allowed to dwell in peace. Mack and Hochman traveled and preached in many parts of Germany. Later they went to Holland, and while there they met William Penn. He was then greatly interested in his colony in the new world, and invited the Dunkers to settle in it. The de sire to escape persecution led them to accept the offer, and in 1719 they began to emigrate to America. December 25, 1723, the first Brethren church was organized in America, the first mem bers were received by baptism, and the first love feast was celebrated. This was at Germantown, Pa. Peter Becker was the first elder of the church in America. In 1729 Alexander Mack came. Divine services were held in private houses until 1770, when the members built them selves a house of worship in Germantown. This building is still standing. Since then the Breth ren have built churches in nearly every state and territory of the Union. They also have missions in Denmark and Sweden, in Asia Minor and in India.
During the century and three-quarters which has passed since their organization at German town there has been no change in their creed. The New Testament is their only creed, and as that does not change, they do not change. They hold that faith, repentance and baptism are es sential to salvation. 'They believe that trine im
mersion is the apostolic method of baptism, and receive none as members without baptizing them in this way. The agape, or feast of love, as instituted by Christ and practiced by the early church, they restored in 1708 Just before par taking of this meal they engage in the ordinance of feet washing, the brethrer, washing the feet of brethren and the sisters those of sisters. In connection with the feast of love, they receive the communion of bread and wine. After the supper, and while still seated at the tables, the right hand of fellowship and the kiss of charity are extended, by the brethren to the brethren and by the sisters to the sisters.
The Brethren teach and practice plain dressing. The wearing of gold for ornament is forbidden. The Brethren never go to law with each other ; and they are not allowed to go to law with others without the consent of their congregations. They do not go to war, for their Master is the Prince of Peace and brought to this world a gospel of peace. Obeying the command of Jesus and James, they "swear not at all." When called upon to give testimony, they affirm, but never under oath. No member of the church is allowed to belong to any secret society. They believe that the mar riage tie can be broken by death alone. Follow ing the command of James, they anoint the sick with oil. They keep their own poor. More than a hundred years ago they forbade any member of the Brethren church to manufacture or sell in toxicants. They forbid the use of alcoholic or malt liquors as a beverage. They are opposed to the use of tobacco. In 1782 they called the slave trade unchristian, and decided that no member could purchase or hold slaves. J. H. M.