Peculiar People

Peculiar People, a sect of Faith-healers (q.v.), founded in London in 1838. They reject medical aid in cases of disease, although not in surgical cases, and rely on anointing with oil by the elders, and on unceasing prayer, with patient nursing. They have their own collection of hymns, usually select their preachers from among the elders, and baptise their children when they are considered old enough to understand the ceremony and to express consent. Their communities are not numerous, and the members are nearly all very poor working-folk; but they bear a high character for morality, honesty, and Christian charity.