They have now (in the spring of 1874) about three hundred members, and their property is worth more than a million dollars.
II.—RELIGIOUS FAITH AND PRACTICAL LIFE.
The "Principles of the Separatists," which are printed in the first volume of Joseph Baumeler's discourses, were evidently framed in Germany. They consist of twelve articles:
"I. We believe and confess the Trinity of God: Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost.
"II. The fall of Adam, and of all mankind, with the loss thereby of the likeness of God in them.
"III. The return through Christ to God, our proper Father.
"IV. The Holy Scriptures as the measure and guide of our lives, and the touchstone of truth and falsehood.
"All our other principles arise out of these, and rule our conduct in the religious, spiritual, and natural life.
"V. All ceremonies are banished from among us, and we declare them useless and injurious; and this is the chief cause of our Separation.
"VI. We render to no mortal honors due only to God, as to uncover the head, or to bend the knee. Also we address every one as 'thou'— du.