In dating the organization of the churches, I have had recourse to Clarke's History, and to the old Conference Minutes; between which and the minutes for 1849, I discovered some discrepancies. Should the reader wish to institute a comparison between my work and other documents, he will please refer to these sources, by which, for several reasons, I consider it safest to be guided.
Besides these churches, there are many scattered families of Sabbath-keepers in different parts of the Union. The Rev. Isaac P. Labagh, a minister of eminent ability and attainment, in connexion with the Episcopal Church in New York, is an observer of the Sabbath.
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 Recently that collection has been superseded by another, which is in present use.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.