DUNKERS

A Christian sect, which formed itself into a soeiety under peculiar rules in Pennsylvania in the year 1724. The origin of their name is unknown. They practise abstinence and mortification, under the idea that such austerities are meritorious in the sight of God, and effective, first in procuring their own salvation, and further in contributing to that of others. They form a society strictly connected within itself, and hold love feasts, in which all a emble together; but their devotions and ordinary busine are carried on in private, nor do they recognize a community of goods. They also deny the eternity of future punishments; conceiving that there are periods of purgation, determined by the sabbath, sabbatical year, and year of jubilee, which are typical of them. [s. 386]