USA > Ohio > Shakers of Ohio; fugitive papers concerning the Shakers of Ohio, with unpublished manuscripts > Part 35
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These signs were taken down on Christmas following.
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SPIRIT VISITORS.
As might be inferred, the most frequent visitor from the world of spirits was Ann Lee, the founder of the sect. Follow- ing closely in her visitations was William Lee, the brother of Ann. The manifestations assigned their origin and close to Ann. The visionists were not united concerning Mother Ann's visits. On March 13, 1842, it was announced that "Mother Ann was present, and paid the Church her last visit before she returns to her heavenly abode. She gave us her parting blessing and in- structions, in two or three pretty lengthy addresses through her inspired Instrument. The scene was truly sublime, solemn and deeply affecting ; insomuch that the assembly shed tears freely. There were several of the Inspired ones who saw, and bore wit- mess to Mother's presence on this occasion." Nevertheless she was the most frequent of all the visitants long after the above period. Among the spiritual visitors were Jesus Christ and all his Apostles, the prophets Nathan and Isaiah, the angels Mu- culan and Urias, Angel of Mercy, Angel of Judgment, Angel of Peace, Angel of Strength, Holy Angel of Love, Holy Angel of Wisdom, Holy Message Bearing Angel, Washington, Bona- parte's Army, Indians, Laplanders, etc., etc. Generally the Church was filled with whole troops of angels, and frequently an angel would stand in the center of the floor of the Church.
The Indians, who cut such a common figure among me- diums, first appeared at Union Village May 9, 1839. "They brought us presents, love, etc. These Indians are often seen by those who are under inspiration: They have embraced Mother's gospel in the spiritual world and they appear in color, singing, dancing, dress, etc., just as they did in time. This evening Pocahontas, the Indian princess, was seen in our meeting. She touched an inspired one (among the sisters) on the head, who forthwith began to speak in the Indian tongue; and could not then, and for some time afterwards, speak only in the Indian tongue. The presents we receive from the Indians are highly characteristic of their peculiar manners and customs." The Indians again appeared on the 11th, but dropped out until Sept. 24, 1843, when they came in force with other nationalities.
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On Dec. 13, 1843, the meeting was "attended by a rough savage and hollowing Indian, untractable and boisterous, but finally calmed down, told the bad, and became much more reasonable." The Indians appear to have been frequent visitors. down to 1845. As the Message Book is missing the character of these revela- tions is sunk in oblivion.
Washington, with David Darrow and a large company of poor people, visited the Society on Sunday, Oct. 4, 1846. Wash- ington and David Darrow simply wanted to know if the Shakers were willing to receive the poor of their company into their Society.
VISITS OF JESUS CHRIST.
The Savior of Man appears to have been a frequent visitor at Union Village, but through whom we are left in entire igno- rance. His first visitation was on July 18, 1842. I here subjoin the account in the words of the Hampton MS: "We received a gift from the Holy Savior, through an Inspired messenger ; - that at 6:30 p. m. He would come and view us all in our respec- tive places and callings. And that at 7 o'clock p. m. He re- quired all to be in their rooms, sitting upright in two straight rows facing east and west; - and that two Brethren should be selected to accompany Him to every room, to visit and notice every one in silence. - This solemn duty was delegated to Brethren Ashbel Kitchell and Lewis Valentine, who went round to every room in the First Order, walking softly as was required. After this, the Family proceeded to the meeting room, and after a short meeting, the solemn requisition closed. At this meeting we were informed what manner of gifts the Savior had bestowed upon us ;- viz., Faith, Charity and Wisdom. This same solemn gift was ministered to the Second Order and Sec- ond Family on this same evening."
Jesus frequently visited the Community in company with Mother Ann, made speeches and composed songs. During His first visit He went also to the North Family and there taught a young sister "a very beautiful little anthem," running thus :
"O hearken to me my dear little ones, who have faithfully kept my precepts and laws, and have walked in low san ra va through sorrow
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and tribulation. For you I have brought a treasure of love, and a crown, and a crown, and a shining crown, and a ro-o-o-o-be of righteousness and beauty."
On January 25, 1846, Jesus is reported to have said in church meet- ing: "The younger class and rising generation were very much lacking in the true spirit of thankfulness for the many blessings by which they were surrounded. They could not conceive of the misery and wretched- ness that the children of this world, thousands and thousands of them suffer'd daily, in privations of food and clothing and all manner of Com- forts, which they enjoyed all the time here in a luxury of abundance. Much less could they realize the infinite blessing of the Gospel of Mother with which they were surrounded, and made able by Obedience to keep a sound justification. I say the young and rising generation in the Zion of God in this place, cannot draw a just comparison between their sit- uation and others in the world, and for this reason there is a great lack of the true spirit of thankfulness, but it is desirable that on this subject there should be an increase. Moreover there was a lamentable deficiency of an interested feeling among the people in general, and par- ticularly among the rising generation and younger part, insomuch that often they would pass by a fence down, or a gate open, and not put up the one or shut the other, because it was not their special duty, nor even would they take the trouble to inform a deacon, saying it was not their business. But this is not the way for believers to do; but true Children of their Mother consider'd they had an interest in everything pertaining to the gospel, as well in temporals as in spirituals, and in all cases woud learn to act and do, as people would who had an interest."
A SPIRIT MEETING.
. The record of Part 2, Vol. J, of the meetings from July 6, 1845, to Oct. 31. 1847 (which practically closes the Record), shows that every meeting was virtually a counterpart of others that had been held. As an example of all I herewith transcribe the first recorded session of Vol. J, Part 2:
"July 6. 1845. Church Meeting. Being assembled, the meeting was opened in the usual manner. After the first anthem was sung, the seats were brought forward .- We sat down and Elder John Martin read an inspired book which was given at Holy Mount, New Lebanon, concern- ing the true order of the Godhead - The existence of Original Evil - and the conception and birth of the Two Anointed Ones - The Holy Savior and Blessed Mother Ann the head of the new Creation of God .- This communication was the most satisfactory of anything I ever heard on the subject .-
"After laboring a few songs we were visited by a large company
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of Holy Angels one of whom addressed us thro an instrument to the following effect,-
"'Behold, O my people, what I now say is that which you have heard from time to time-It is nevertheless the word of the most high God, and it shall be given you in a way in which ye shall be able to understand the meaning-Let every soul be engaged, there is no time to sleep and slumber in this day of light, but every soul should be awake and able to sense the goodness of their Heavenly Father, by daily keep- ing his holy fear and putting their hands to work and their hearts to God in the line and way as directed by His visible Order .- Hear ye my words at this time-What I mean by putting your hands to work and your hearts to God, is not merely to do what you are requested by those who direct in temporal things, but to improve all your hours in doing good and let no time pass idly by - Ye know not all the plans of the enemy, neither do ye know what is cloaked in the wisdom of God-but these words are as unchangeable as the living God, and may be relied on with safety : 'hands to work and hearts to God'-The Enemy only wants to lead you one step at a time, for if he should aim at more he would open your eyes and hazard being detected and his designs frustrated, but if he can lead you one step and lull you to sleep making you feel se- cure he will be encouraged to lead you on and on till your soul is lost-It hath not entered into the heart of man the good things that God has laid up for those who faithfully serve him; but remember, ,one half hour spent in idleness and the pleasures of time will do you great harm - put ye on the fear of God and in obedience to his word ye shall from this time be blest in your undertakings.' The instrument then bore witness to the mighty power of God as a burning fire that was now poured out upon the Assembly-which was also witnessed by a number.
"After more exercise the same Instrument said he could testify that " he saw in this meeting that the heavens and earth had drawn nigh to- gether (a short pause under agitation) exclaimed in the form of a query : Who knows, who can tell what God will yet do in this branch of his Zion? What means this pulling one this way and one that-one build- ing up and one pulling down-One saying I'll be obedient, thus and so, but will take liberty to judge of what I please-You may say so and so and I will think so and so, etc .- The day is at hand and is even now come when, if we do not stand united and purge out the evil and dis- cordant spirits we will all perish together-There is here at this time a mighty Angel from the East, he is covered with beauty-he is clothed with power to do the will of God-The day is come when the sepa- ration will be made between the precious and the vile, and that line will be drawn over which if they pass destruction will be their fate- Yea the day is come when the wicked will see that the work of God is one work and all shall be made able to feel it-(a short pause under heavy labor of mind) he resumed-I feel poor and needy-I feel utterly
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unable to portray the spirit of inspiration that is given me at this time -there is a great flow of it at this time poured upon the body-I feel mean in the sight of God- It is I who am possessed of evil - It is ] who have a fleshly nature that stands opposed to good - I can find plenty in myself without looking to others - I do want the prayers of all my good Brethren and Sisters, and I will covenant that I will come into the work of God more thoroughly than ever I have done - I will crucify the flesh in myself, and not look to other souls to find something to purge out- It is me that feels now to supplicate my good Ministry, Elders, Brethren and Sisters to help me to do the work in my own soul that the increasing work of God demands - And now saith a Holy Angel, - 'The light of heaven is poured upon you more abundantly than Ever and all that will receive it shall be able to see more clearly every thing that stands opposed to the work of God.' - Another Instrument spake saying :
"The bright heralds of God are flying over our heads saying: 'Know ye O Zion, we visit every branch of Zion and behold we wing our way over the Earth from the East to the West and from the North to the South, to waken up souls and prepare them for the gospel - O Zion! O Zion prepare, prepare to receive the souls that will be sent unto you: for Lo! sorrow. yea sorrow doth mark their steps. 70 is the number now present in this mission.'
"An inspired Anthem was then sung as follows by (name in pho- nography) - 'Hear, Hear ye O Zion, for lo the day of the Lord Almighty is at hand, and his precious word is not yet ended with you. - Behold O Zion the beautiful gifts of Heaven, hear the sweet sounds that come from the mansion above- Heaven and earth shall join the sweet chorus with the holy Angels of light who goeth to them that cry for help - O sound ye, sound ye your trumpets with the power of God. Yea with the Angels that go forth to do the work of the Lord - Prepare, prepare O Zion to receive the lost Nations of the earth; for behold they come to find a place of rest for their souls, so prepare ye, for they shall be upheld by the strength, by the light and by the power of the Lord God in his Zion in this place.'
"Another Instrument spoke thus: 'Mark ye well the day of this date, says the Holy Angel - from this day shall Zion's light increase -mark ye well the day - I will kindle the flame that will purify the courts - Yea from this day shall the work of Inspiration increase, and all who will may receive the mighty power of God' - One of the 70 holy Angels has planted the tree of charity by the fountain, that all may receive charity therefrom if they desire it; - We all then partook of the fruit of this tree .-
"Another holy Angel desired to speak, if in union - 'I am a holy Angel that is sent at this time from the holy throne of God to effect his most holy will- I am the holy Angel of decision that will effect a separation between the servants of God and the servants of evil, for
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this purpose have I come at this time to do his will - It is not, saith the Angel, in the power of mortals to know what is in the future, nor what will be the work of the Angels in this place - I saw this Zion afar off. I examined her Watchmen and found that they slept not, but were watchful at their posts. But I looked again among the flock and found that some slept, and behold now my work is of God and who may hinder? My command is from Him and who shall disannual it? The light of God has gone forth and is given unto you and shall prove a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death to every soul - I will do the work for which I am sent, it shall not be the work of another - I will dig and evil shall be cast out till there shall be nothing left to annoy in all God's holy mountain - Nothing shall remain to oppress - When this day shall come Zion shall be as a flowered garden - Yea, the time shall come when all shall flourish, when virtuous beauty shall spring up as the tender grass in the vernal season-but before this time shall come to pass, heavy tribulation shall roll on, and the cup ye shall drink will be tinged with crimson - Ye cannot escape it -ye cannot cart it way - yet ye shall be able to drink it, and it is not to be drank 100 years hence. but it is now prepared for you- Nothing can stand that cor- rupts in the Zion of God on earth - Who are ye that tremble at this moment, lest the light of God expose you to his Zion? - And who are ye that think to hide from his searching light? But ye that stand in the light, take courage and ye shall in the end be crowned with everlasting joy.'
"Elder John then spoke a few words which the writer (Elder Har- vey L. Eads) could not distinctly hear - At the close of the meeting the Bros. and Sisters blessed the Ministry and Elders."
SESSIONS AT JEHOVAH'S CHOSEN SQUARE.
It was early revealed that twice a year, for ten years, the members of all the communities should worship on the highest point of land, within the boundaries of said communities. This land was "Jehovah's Chosen Square." Every Society received, at the same time, a spiritual name, viz., Union Village - Wisdom's Paradise ; Mt. Lebanon - Holy Mount; Watervliet, N. Y. - Wisdom's Valley; Whitewater - Lonely Plain of Tribulation; North Union - Valley of God's Pleasure; Groveland - Union Branch; Tyringham- City of Union; Hancock - City of Peace; Enfield, Ct. - City of Love; Enfield, N. H. - Chosen Vale ; Harvard - Lovely Vineyard ; Shirley - Pleasant Garden ; Canterbury- Holy Ground ; Alfred -Holy Land; Sabbathday Lake-Chosen Land. Who gave these names, and who indicated
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"Jehovah's Chosen Square," although I have persistently inquired, I have been unable to ascertain.
Jehovah's Chosen Square was located about two-thirds of a mile northeast of Union Village Meeting House, and consisted of an enclosure of about half an acre. This was the spot dedi- cated to the great outpouring of the Spirit. It was also a proper place for the manifestations from the world of spirits. The following is an account of a meeting held on this spot, on May 24, 1846:
"This morning the whole Society met with the intention of. visiting the chosen square. Elder John open'd meeting by stating that he con- sider'd our privilege great, that we were kindly noticed of God, in be- ing taught the way of God, and being instructed in the doctrine and practice of self-denial. He wished all to be engag'd and be alive in their spirits, and labor for the quickening power of God, to bless and strengthen us through the coming day. After dancing a lively song and gaining some freedom we were inform'd that the holy Savior and Mother Ann was with us and would accompany us to the chosen square.
"As usual we march'd to the square to the sound of music; stopping once on our way to sound on our trumpets; on arriving at the gate we were met by a large company of holy Angels from the S. West. They said if we would turn to the South and blow with our trumpets they would unite with us tro' the day. They now march'd in with us, and recommended to us be simple and labor for the precious gifts of God, promising to the faithful and devoted that they should experience the blessing of God. They declared that as the kingdom of heaven could only be obtained by those who were willing to become as little children, so neither can the gifts of God be' truly realis'd, without becoming as a little child, but all that will humble themselves shall feel a fullness of the goodness of God in the present instance.
"Moreover they testified that the Love of God, and the power of God would be manifest here to day in an exceeding degree, that all might feel their freedom, bear the word of testimony to one another, and enjoy a fullness of the blessing and goodness of God. And indeed as the meeting progressed, the truth of the Angel's word was partic- ularly fulffilled. The power of God fell on the assembly in a wonderful manner, many powerful and awakening testimonies were deliver'd, and many and diverse were the gifts of God which were receiv'd by the people, some spake with tongues, and others prophesied, and spake of the wonderful works of God. Many under the gift of inspiration spake much to the edification of the people. There was also a general expres- sion of thankfulness for the privileges which this pure and holy Gos- pel affords. Mother pours her love on the multitude, it is flowing all
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around and the company feel its invigorating influence; the blessing flows in a full stream, and the baptism becomes universal tro' the body. "In the midst of this outpuoring of the spirit, there came a large company of departed spirits and asked permission to unite with us, and liberty was granted them, and immediately 500 Angels desired admit- tance. They came cloth'd with Love and blessing from the heavens for the children assembled in the chosen square to worship God. Father Joseph* now arrives, and requests six of his class to go to the tree of victory which is standing in the S. East corner of the square, and take their baskets and fill them, then bring them forward and give the Contents of them to the people. - An Angel entered the Square with us that has a word to the people, if it is in Union; Granted and he pro- ceeds, 'Hear all ye people, the day of God is at hand, and a great and mighty work shall be manifest amongst the people of the world; such as was never known before. Remember what You have come here for, Re- member that all who have come here have a sacrifice to make, which will take all that is selfish. This sacrifice cannot be made without the help of God, No one will pretend to be stronger than Jesus, and he said of himself he could do nothing. We have come here to make the sac- rifice, and to strive to gain the favor of God, to enable us to do the will of God. And now to day is strength offer'd to all. Yea this is a day for all to come forward and drink freely of the waters of Life, and I am now ready to pour out the blessing, the power and strength into every soul, that is hungering and thirsting after righteousness. It may be received by bowing, And the Angel cries aloud, 'He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.'
"Father William,* Father Jamest and Father Davidt say 'Liberate Your Spirits, and gather now of the treasures of heaven, for God will yet send thousands to this place to worship him on this ground, and for that reason You should be wide awake and alive in the work that Ye be not found in the way of them that are Yet to come. And mind Ye, the work of God from this time will be quick and powerfull and Ye have no time to spare in idleness or indifference if You intend to make the living substance of the gospel Your only treasure. O dear Chil- dren, the fruits of heaven are flowing all around You, do gather them now while You have opportunity, strengthen Your souls in good, and learn to possess Your vessels in honor. Many express'd thankfulness for the freedom of the day, and thanked Mother for the pure and holy
* I know not who is here referred to. Doubtless the spirit of a de- parted Shaker, perhaps Joseph Meacham.
* William, brother of Ann Lee.
+ James Whitaker.
# David Darrow. first bishop of Union Village.
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gospel, which enabled them to secure the blessings which flow from it. Thankful for deliverance from the bondage which the Devil casts round- the Soul; deliverance from sin, from Evil, and error, and made free to worship God in the beauty of holiness in spirit and in truth as simple. innocent children. The people seem full to overflowing, they break out in such Language as the folowing: 'I know this to be the power of God, and am not mistaken; I am thankful for it, for the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation in deed and in truth, and I know it, and feel it. this moment. O it is a pretty way; it is the best thing I ever knew and I will be thankful for it; Let the flesh go, I will not be subject to it; I am thankful to God, he has made me able to hate the flesh, and keep it under subjection. The angels have the heavenly fruits and bless- ings from heaven and have ministered them to us and we feel the di- vine impulse in the stimulous of Love in our souls, Glory .- An inspir'd one cried out, 'I know and feel by the inspiration of the holy Spirit, that the day is nigh at hand that God will separate the wicked from the good ; Yea bow low and be wise, and see that Ye hurt not the oil and the. wine, for all shall be accountable for the use they make of their priv- ilege in the gospel. The Love I feel extends to all souls, and the Love of our heavenly Parents and all the good Spirits which are here are commingling with ours. A holy Angel has just gone to the N. West with a proclamation that God is about to bring all mankind into judg- ment immediately. And O let Zion be prepared for the souls of men for the time is at hand that God will require You to open Your hearts. wide, and that you feel nothing but Love towards all nations, and keep not back Your stores, nor Your Love and Your sincere desires for the. Children of men. It is the desire of the holy Savior for us to sound a shout to the four quarters of the Earth. And then kneel down and pray for the nations' and kingdoms of this world, that they may feel the. arrows of conviction, and be brought where the power of God may be found to their salvation. - An intermission of half an hour, previous to which there was read to the attending Spectators a small essay of Counsel to the world entitled 'The word of the Lord to all People that shall follow his chosen ones to the Holy feast upon this consecrated ground,' extracted from a Communication given at the East on an occa- sion somewhat similar - After the intermission we again assembled and the power again for a time ran through the congregation, filling every Vessel full of joy and delight; until our bodies were wearied, and our souls replenished and it was thought reasonable to adjourn for the present, Elder Jno. seriously recommending to all to open their hearts wide, to receive any and all souls which the goodness of God might see fit to prepare as subjects of the Gospel, and in doing this we might reasonably expect a continuation of blessing .- As usual we march'd home, closing the service of the day, having been together about 5 hours."
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SPIRIT PERSECUTION.
It is an unfortunate fact that power is a dangerous weapon. in the hands of most men. The weaker the man the less con- siderate is he with the weapon. While the leaders at Union Village were imbued with the principles of Shakerism and were. not liable to be too arbitrary, yet they were of a class that would. thoroughly entrench themselves in their positions. That they used this spiritualism to further their own aggrandizement there- can be no question, even if evidence was wanting outside the- MISS. still preserved. The alleged revelations show that the sen- sitives catered to the leaders. During the whole period of ten years there was a constant flow of gifts from the spirit world,. consisting of boxes of jewels, baskets of fruits, rare fruit trees, etc., etc., most of which came from Mother Ann Lee, - the preci- ous ones almost invariably bestowed upon the Ministry. The. sensitives were emboldened even to use the authority of Jesus. Christ, for, on April 12, 1846, the following words were brazenly attributed to this the greatest of all Teachers: "The Ministry and Elders were impressed from a divine source, and thus en- abled to give such advice as your general conditions demanded, that it originated from a spirit of Love and tenderness and would do you good." On Aug. 24 the following "six testifying Angels": appealed "with great earnestness to the Church in behalf of sup- porting the visible Lead and head of the body, and also com- municated fearful denunciations against the opposite spirit and its adherents." During the same session, John Martin, then first in the Ministry, "spoke with vehement energy and living power,. denouncing those who were the cause of the obstruction with terrible and withering effect, and warning them in the most feel- ing and searching manner to come to the light before it was too late."
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