ity of observing the progress of its
improvement, whether they have, in reality, found any declension,
either in the external order and regulations of the society, or in
the purity and integrity of its members, in the general practice
of the moral and Christian duties; and whether they have not, on
the contrary, discovered a visible and manifest increase in all
these respects. And hence they may judge for themselves, whether
the moral character of the society, and its progressive
improvement, can be ascribed to any other cause than the blessing,
protection, and government, of Divine Power and Wisdom."

This denomination is also styled the _millennial church_. Although
celibacy is enjoined by the Shakers upon their members, yet their numbers
rather increase, by converts from the world.

There are fifteen societies of Shakers in the United States, located in
the following places:--Alfred, New Gloucester, and Poland, Me.; Canterbury
and Enfield, N. H.; Shirley, Harvard, Tyringham, and Hancock, Mass.;
Enfield, Conn.; Watervliet and New Lebanon, N. Y.; Union Village and
Watervliet, Ohio; Pleasant Hill and South Union, Ky. The number of Shakers
in the United States is about 6000.

This sect of Christians arose at Manchester, in England; and ANN LEE has
the credit of being its founder. They derive their name from their manner
of worship, which is performed by singing, dancing, and clapping their
hands in regular time, to a novel, but rather pleasant kind of music. This
sect was persecuted in England, and came to America in 1774. They first
settled in Watervliet, near Albany, N. Y. They have, or think they have,
revelations from Heaven, or gifts from the Holy Spirit, which direct them
in the choice of their leaders, and in other important concerns. Their
dress and manners are similar to those of the society of Friends; hence
they are often called _Shaking Quakers_. They display great skill and
science in agriculture, horticulture, and the mechanic arts; and their
honesty, industry, hospitality, and neatness, are proverbial. These people
choose their locations with great taste and judgment. A _Shaker village_
always presents a scene of beauty.

We close this article with an extract from a speech of the Hon. John
Breathitt, late governor of Kentucky.

"Much has been urged against Shakerism, much has been said against their
covenant; but, I repeat it, _that_ individual who is prepared to s