Chapter XXI: Conclusion

It may be observed, in conclusion, that these churches exhibit nothing peculiar in their forms of worship. Psalmody is universally practised, and the science of vocal music is cultivated in all the older churches.

Previous to 1822, Rippon's Collection of Hymns was generally used. About that time a new collection, designed particularly for this denomination, was made and published by a committee appointed for that purpose by the General Conference. Recently that collection has been superseded by another, which is in present use.

Sabbath schools and Bible classes have been instituted, and generally receive attention in all the churches; and the same may be said of conference and prayer meetings.

There are also tract and missionary societies within the bosoms of the different fraternities, whose officers constitute the board for the transaction of business.

[36] It is questionable, however, whether Mr. Jones will be an addition to our society or not, since he appears to be a man of inferior abilities and attainments, and one disposed to meddle with subjects above his capacity or information.

[37] In the autumn of 1850 Elder Rogers was removed by death.

[38] The large and respectable families of the Swinneys, Tomlinsons, and Thomases, were among the earliest members of the Shiloh Church.

[39] Since the above was written, this church has been visited by a most extraordinary and afflictive dispensation of Providence. Elder Crandall, supposed to be labouring under a temporary fit of insanity, put a period to his existence by suspending himself from a beam in his barn, in September, 1850.

[40] Since writing the above, I have been verbally informed that Elder Joel Green was called to preside over the church at Hounsfield, as colleague to Elder William Green, to the great dissatisfaction of the latter, and in consequence of which, such a great difficulty arose, that the ministrations of both were suspended,—but I will not vouch for the accuracy of this statement.

[41] For all the incidents relating to the early history of this organization, I am indebted to Rev. John Davis, of Shiloh.

[42] One of these fathers, who was considered no mean preacher in his day, and who was instrumental, not only in organizing, but in supporting and bringing to maturity an infant church, used to remark that he desired no better time for studying a sermon than when following the plough.