To Robert Barclay, England:... “Judging from the brief notices of the teachings of George Fox in our possession, we have reason to believe that they did not differ materially from those of Schwenkfeld, and among the followers of both, here in America, there is a striking similarity in the almost total absence of formalities and ceremonies in their religious practices. Both are discarding judicial oaths, carnal weapons, and are unostentatious in dress.“Notwithstanding the fact that the Friends are of English descent, having their books, worship, and conversation in the English language, and the followers of Schwenkfeld here all of it in German, yet there always existed a lively sympathy, love, and esteem between the parties.... It is, however, proper to mention the fact that neither in Europe nor here have the followers ofSchwenkfeld at any time administered baptism and the Lord’s Supper.[165]“Owing to the persecutions which prevailed from 1630 to 1640, the religious practices of our ancestors in Germany about that period were chiefly confined to meeting in private houses for prayer and admonition, and in endeavors in the daily work of life to imitate as much as possible the example of the heavenly Master.“In the love of Christ, sincerely your friends,“George Meschter.“William Schultz.“Jacob Meschter.“PerDan. S. Shultz.“December 17th, 1875.Colebrookdale, Penna.”
To Robert Barclay, England:
... “Judging from the brief notices of the teachings of George Fox in our possession, we have reason to believe that they did not differ materially from those of Schwenkfeld, and among the followers of both, here in America, there is a striking similarity in the almost total absence of formalities and ceremonies in their religious practices. Both are discarding judicial oaths, carnal weapons, and are unostentatious in dress.
“Notwithstanding the fact that the Friends are of English descent, having their books, worship, and conversation in the English language, and the followers of Schwenkfeld here all of it in German, yet there always existed a lively sympathy, love, and esteem between the parties.... It is, however, proper to mention the fact that neither in Europe nor here have the followers ofSchwenkfeld at any time administered baptism and the Lord’s Supper.[165]
“Owing to the persecutions which prevailed from 1630 to 1640, the religious practices of our ancestors in Germany about that period were chiefly confined to meeting in private houses for prayer and admonition, and in endeavors in the daily work of life to imitate as much as possible the example of the heavenly Master.
“In the love of Christ, sincerely your friends,
“George Meschter.“William Schultz.“Jacob Meschter.“PerDan. S. Shultz.
“December 17th, 1875.Colebrookdale, Penna.”