USA > Ohio > Shakers of Ohio; fugitive papers concerning the Shakers of Ohio, with unpublished manuscripts > Part 7
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Agreeably to this plan, the idea of a united interest was introduced, and the property was entrusted to managers in whom they had full con- fidence, and who were considered faithful, capable and trusty. A Gos- pel government in things spiritual and temporal was then established upon its proper foundation. It is proper to remark here, that the founda- tion of the real estate of the Church was laid, and a large portion of it was made upon property which was devoted and consecrated by persons who have since left the world. And it was the special object and desire of these persons, as expressed in their last wills and testaments that it should forever remain a consecrated interest, devoted to the sacred pur- poses for which it was given, and which are expressed in the covenant. Another portion of this united interest has been made up of the conse- crated property and labors of those who are still living and faithful in the sacred cause. Hence it is obvious that the Society can never appro- priate this consecrated property to any other uses without violating the sacred wills and defeating the pious interest of the consecrators.
The government of Christ in His Church is a Divine government, and all who justly expect to be benefitted by it, must come within the bounds of its protection, acknowledge its authority and approve and yield obedience to its requirements; for it is a truth confirmed by the experi- ence of all ages, that a government whether human or Divine, cannot be beneficial to those who will not acknowledge its authority and come under its protection. Every Divine Institution emanating from God, who is the God of Order, is necessarily formed according to some consistent principle. The Church of Christ must therefore be established upon a foundation which cannot admit of a precarious or uncertain tenure. . Di- vine Providence for wise purposes, has permitted all earthly governments, in some way or manner, to emanate from the people: - but whenever Infinite Wisdom has seen fit to establish a spiritual or religious govern- ment for the benefit of His covenant people, it has necessarily originated
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from Divine appointment; and its continuance has been signally blessed by an overruling Providence. This is clear from the records of the Script- ure. God appointed Moses, and established him a leader of the tribe of Israel, and by Divine Revelation Moses appointed Joshua to succeed him. Altho' these things were done under the law, they evidently pointed to a Gospel government, which was more clearly manifested under the ministration of Jesus Christ, and confirmed by His Word and works. 'Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you. As my Father has sent me, so send I you.' Jesus Christ appointed His Apostles as the visible head and leaders of His Church; and the Apostles appointed their successors, 'and ordained Elders in every Church.' And while the government of the Church was kept on this foundation its purity was preserved; but when thro' the influence of human wisdom, the rulers of the Church come to be elected by vote then were produced those unhappy diversions by which the true union of the Church was broken, its orders destroyed 'and the power of the Holy people scat- tered.' But when the second manifestation of the Spirit of Christ came forth in the revival of the true faith and precepts of the Gospel for the restoration and establishment of the true nature and order of the Church, then the same Divine Order of spiritual government was again revised. Hence the Ministerial Institution must be considered as originating from Divine authority: - Of course the appointment of the Ministry is, in reality, a Divine appointment, given through the preceding Ministry and confirmed and established in the Society by the general union and appro- bation of the Church; and when duly established, the first visible author- ity, together with the necessary powers of government are confided to them. Hence to this authority, all final appeals must be submitted for decision. As regulation and good order are the strength and support of every Institution, so they are essentially in all concerns of the Society. Hence arises the necessity of Elders, Deacons and Trustees, to conduct the various concerns of the Church and Society, which fall under their respective jurisdiction.
It is the province of the Elders to assist in the spiritual administra- tion and government of their respective families or departments. The Superintending Deacons or Acting Trustees, are the constitutional dep- positories of the temporal property which forms the united and conse- crated interest of the Church, and the official agents for the transaction of temporal business with those without. And as the governing power is vested in the Ministry, and supported by the general union of the So- ciety, it is therefore very important that the Elders, Deacons and Trus- tees in all their concerns should maintain a proper union and understand- ing with the Ministry and with each other. The present Order of the Church was first established at New Lebanon in the year 1792, under the ministration of Joseph Meacham and Lucy Wright, who were considered as the founders and spiritual leaders of Church Order in this day of
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Christ's Second Appearing. Under their ministration Ministers and Elders were appointed, to whom were entrusted the more immediate charge and protection of Believers in the different Societies. Deacons were also ap- pointed to officiate as acting Trustees of the temporal concerns of the Be- lievers who were then collecting into families, and getting into the order of the Gospel. In this appointment David Meacham and Jonathan Walker were the first in temporal trust and took the charge of superintending and regulating the consecrated interest and property of the Church; and by their labors and union, its temporal affairs were brought into order.
As a preliminary to the establishment of Gospel order in the Church, the members thereof entered into a solemn Covenant with each other to stand as a Community, and keep the way of God, in Church relation for the mutual support and protection of each other, in their Christian travel, both in things spiritual and temporal. In this Covenant they freely gave themselves and services, together with all their temporal interest to the service of God, for the support and benefit of each other and for such other pious and charitable uses as the Gospel might require. As the light of the Gospel increased, in the Church, and the necessity of further im- provements opened to view, it was found expedient to renew the Cove- nant, in order to renew its written form.
Though we consider the law of Christ planted in our souls, as more valid and more binding upon us, than written laws, creeds or covenants because on our obedience to this law, depend all our hopes and happiness, - here and hereafter ; - yet while our temporal prosperity remains under the influence of human laws, written instruments may serve to protect it against all unjust and unlawful claims from those without, and against any infringement from the lawless invaders of our just and equitable rights and privileges. The written Covenant however, is but a transcript of the internal principles and law of Christ which govern and protect this Society.
It is worthy of remark that the first Covenant into which the mem- bers of the Church unanimously entered, was verbal : - yet it was made in good faith; and being considered by them as a sacred contract which was religiously binding upon them, it was conscientiously kept. In 1795 it was committed to writing and signed by all the members. In 1801 it was renewed with the addition of some amendments that were found by experience to be essential. In March, 1814, it was again renewed with further amendments, and its written form considerably improved. But in all its amendments and improvements the original and main object of the Covenant has always been kept in view, and the substance of it preserved entire.
It is now more than sixteen years since the last Covenant was exe- cuted. During this period the Church has passed through many trying scenes, gained much valuable experience in things spiritual and temporal. Hence some further amendments are found necessary, to make the written
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Covenant more complete in its provisions, and better calculated in its form for a general Covenant applicable to all the branches of the Society, where Gospel order is established: to protect the Church and its mem- bers in their religious and consecrated rights and privileges, and to give all concerned a more clear and explicit view of its nature and principles.
It is therefore agreed that the Covenant of 1814, be renewed, and its written form revised and improved as in the following Articles.
NEW LEBANON, April 30, 1830."
" The undersigned, Ministry of the United Society at New Lebanon, having duly examined the following Covenant which has been recom -. mended to the Society, and agreed to: - and regularly signed and sealed by the members of the Church, do hereby approve of and recommend the same as a general Constitution for the Church at New Lebanon and Wa- tervliet, and also for the United Society in all its branches, wherever and whenever they may be prepared to adopt it.
New Lebanon, April 30, 1830. Ebenezer Bishop, Rufus Bishop, Mary A. Landon, Asenath Clark."
COVENANT OR CONSTITUTION.
PREAMBLE.
We, the Brethren and Sisters of the United Society of Believers: (called Shakers, ) residing in the County of Warren, and State of Ohio, being connected together as a religious and social Community, distin- guished by the name and title of - The Church of the United Society at Union Village, which for many years has been established, and in suc- cessful operation under the charge and protection of the Ministry and Eldership thereof : - feeling the importance of not only renewing and confirming our spiritual covenant with God and each other, but also of renewing and improving our social compact, and amending the written , form thereof: - do make, ordain and declare the following Articles of agreement as a summary of the principles, rules and regulations estab- lished in the Church of said United Society which are to be kept and main- tained by us, both in our collective and individual capacities, as a Cove- nant, or Constitution, which shall stand as a lawful testimony of our religious Association before all men, and in all cases of question in law, relating to the possession and improvement of our united and consecrated interest, property and estate.
ARTICLE I. OF THE GOSPEL MINISTRY.
We solemnly declare to each other and to all whom it may con- cern, that we have received, and do hereby acknowledge as the founda- tion of our faith, Order and government, the testimony or Gospel of
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Christ, in His first and second appearing; and we do hereby solemnly agree to support and maintain the same as administered by the Founders «of this Society, and kept and conveyed through a regular Order of Min- istration down to the present day; And although (as a religious Society) we are variously associated, with respect to the local situations of our respective Communities; we are known and distinguished as a peculiar people, and consider and acknowledge ourselves members of our general Community, possessing one faith, and subject to the administration of one united and parental government, which has been regularly supported from the first foundation pillars of the Institution, and which continues to operate for the support, protection and strength of every part of the Community.
SECTION 2. THEIR ORDER AND OFFICE.
We further acknowledge and declare, that for the purpose of pro- moting and maintaining union, order and harmony throughout the various branches of this Community, the Primary authority of the Institution has been settled in the first established Ministry at New Lebanon, there to rest and remain as the general center of union by all who stand in Gospel relation and communion with this society. The established order of this Ministry includes four persons, two of each sex.
SECTION 3. PERPETUITY OF THEIR OFFICE AND HOW SUPPLIED.
We further acknowledge and declare, that the aforesaid primary authority has been, and is to be perpetuated as follows, namely, that the first in that office and calling possess the right, by the sanction of Divine Authority, given through the first Founder of the Society, to appoint their successors, and to prescribe or direct any regulation or ap- pointment which they may judge most proper and necessary respecting the Ministry, or any other important matter which may concern the wel- fare of the Church or Society subsequent to their decease.
But in case no such appointment or regulation be so prescribed or directed, then the right to direct and authorize such appointment and regulations devolves upon the surviving members of the Ministry in Counsel with the Elders of the Church, and others, as the nature of the case, in their judgment may require. Such appointments being offi- cially communicated to all concerned, and receiving the general appro- bation of the Church, are confirmed and supported in the Society.
SECTION 4. OF THE MINISTERIAL OFFICE IN THE SEVERAL SOCIETIES OR COMMUNITIES.
We further acknowledge and declare, covenant and agree that the Ministerial Office and authority in any Society or Community of our faith, which has emanated or may emanate, in a regular line of order,
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from the center of union aforesaid, is, and shall be acknowledged, owned and respected as the Spiritual and primary authority, of such Society or Community, in all matters pertaining to the Ministerial Office. And in case of the decease or removal of any individual of said Ministry, in any such Society, his or her lot and place shall be filled by agreement of the surviving Ministers, in counsel with the Elders of the Church and others, as the nature of the case may require, together with the knowl- edge and approbation of the Ministerial authority at New Lebanon afore- said.
SECTION 5. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MINISTRY.
We further acknowledge and declare, that the Ministry being ap- pointed and established as aforesaid, are vested with the primary author- ity of the Church and its various branches; hence it becomes their special duty to guide and superintend the spiritual concerns of the Society, as a body of people under their care and government; and in connection with the Elders in their respective families and departments, who shall act in union with them, to give and establish such orders, rules and regu- lations as may be found necessary for the government and protection of the Church and Society within the limits of their jurisdiction; and also to correct, advise and judge in all matters of importance, whether spirit- ual or temporal. The said Ministry are also invested with authority, in connection with the Elders aforesaid, to nominate and appoint to office Ministers, Elders, Trustees and Deacons, and to assign offices of care and trust to such brethren and sisters, as they, the said Ministry and Elders shall judge to be best qualified for the several offices to which they may be appointed; - And we hereby covenant and agree that such nominations and appointments being made and officially communicated to those concerned, and receiving the general approbation of the Church as aforesaid, or the families concerned, shall thenceforth be confirmed. and supported until altered or revoked by the authority aforesaid.
ARTICLE II. INSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH ..
SECTION 1. THE OBJECT AND DESIGN OF CHURCH RELATION ..
We further acknowledge and agree, that the great object, purpose and design of our uniting together as a Church or body of people in social and religious compact, is, faithfully and honestly to occupy and improve the various gifts and talents, both of a spiritual and temporal nature, with which Divine Wisdom has blest us, for the service of God, for the honor of the Gospel, and for the mutual protection, support, and. happiness of each other, as Brethren and Sisters in the Gospel, and for such other pious and charitable purposes as the Gospel may require.
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SECTION 2. WHO ARE NOT ADMISSABLE INTO CHURCH RELATION ..
As the unity, purity and stability of the Church, essentially depend on the character and qualifications of its members; and as it is a matter of importance that it should not be encumbered with persons not duly quali- fied for that distinguished relation : - therefore, we agree, that no mem- ber of any company or association in business or civil concern; no co- partner in trade; no person under any legal involvement or obligations of service; no slave nor slave-holder, shall be deemed qualified for ad- mission into the covenant relation and communion of the Church.
SECTION 3. PREPARATION FOR ADMISSION INTO THE CHURCH.
In order that Believers may be prepared for entering into the sacred privilege of Church relation, it is of primary importance that sufficient opportunity and privilege should be afforded under the ministry of the Gospel, for them to acquire suitable instruction in the genuine principles of righteousness, honesty, justice and holiness; and also that they should prove their faith and Christian morality by their practical obedience to the precept of the Gospel, according to their instructions. It is also in- dispensably necessary for them to receive the uniting Spirit of Christ, and to be so far of one heart and mind, that they are willing to sacrifice all other relations for this sacred one. Another essential step is, to settle all just and equitable claims of creditors and filial heirs; so that what- ever property they possess may be justly their own. When this is done, and they feel themselves sufficiently prepared to make a deliberate and final choice to devote themselves wholly, to the service of God, without reserve, and it shall be deemed proper by the leading authority of Church, after examination and due consideration, to allow them to associate to- gether in the capacity of a Church, or a branch thereof in Gospel order; they may then consecrate themselves, and all they possess, to the service of God forever and confirm the same by signing a written Covenant, predicated upon the principles herein contained, and by fulfilling on their part, all its obligations.
SECTION 4. ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS.
As the door must be kept open for the admission of new members into the Church, when duly prepared, it is agreed that each and every person who shall at any time after the date and execution of the Church Covenant, in any branch of the Community, be admitted into the Church, as a member thereof, shall previously have a first opportunity to obtain a full, clear and explicit understanding of the object and design of the Church Covenant, and of the obligations it enjoins on its members. For this purpose he or she shall, in the presence of two of the deacons, or acting Trustees of the Church, read said
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Covenant, or hear the same distinctly read; so as to be able, freely, to acknowledge his full approbation and acceptance thereof, in all its parts. Then he, she, or they, as the case may be, shall be at liberty to sign the same, and having signed and sealed it, shall thenceforth be en- titled to all the benefits and privileges thereof, and be subject to all the obligations required of the original signers: And the signature or signa- tures thus added, shall be certified by the said Deacons or Trustees, with the date thereof.
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SECTION 5. CONCERNING YOUTH AND CHILDREN.
Youth and children, being minors, cannot be received as members of the Church, in its Covenant relation; yet it is agreed that they may be received under the immediate care and government of the Church, at the desire or consent of such person or persons as have a lawful right to, or control of, such minors, together with their own desire or con- sent but no minor under the care of the Church can be employed therein for wages of any kind.
ARTICLE III. OF THE TRUSTEESHIP.
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT, QUALIFICATIONS AND POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES.
In the establishment of orders in the various branches of the Society, it has been found necessary that superintending Deacons or agents should be appointed and authorized to act as Trustees of the temporalities of the Church. Deaconnesses are also associated with them to superintend the concerns of the female department. They must be recommended. by their honesty and integrity, their fidelity and trust, and their capacity for business. Of these qualifications the Ministry and Elders must be the judges. These Trustees are generally known among us by the title of Office Deacons, and being appointed by the authority aforesaid, and sup- ported by the general approbation of the Church, they are vested with power to take the general charge and oversight of all the property, estate, and interest, dedicated, devolved, consecrated and given up for the bene- fit of the Church; to hold, in trust, the fee of all lands belonging to the Church; together with all the gifts, grants and donations, which have been, or may be hereafter dedicated, devoted, consecrated and given up as aforesaid; and the said property, estate, interest, gifts, grants and donations, shall constitute the united and consecrated interest of the Church shall be held in trust by said Deacons as acting Trustees - in their official capacity, and by their successors in said office and trust forever.
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SECTION 2. DUTIES OF THE TRUSTEES.
It is and shall be the duty of the said Deacons or acting Trustees to improve, use and appropriate the said united interest for the benefit of the Church in all its departments, and for such other religious and charitable purposes as the Gospel may require; and also to make all just and equitable defence in law, for the protection and security of the con- secrated and united interest, rights and privileges of the Church and Society jointly and severally, as an associated Community, as far as circumstances, and the nature of the case may require. Provided never -_ theless, that all the transactions of the said Trustees ; in the use, manage- ment, protection, defence and disposal of the aforesaid interest, shall be for the benefit and privilege, and in behalf of the Church or of the Society as aforesaid, and not for any private interest, object, or purpose what- ever.
SECTION 3. TRUSTEES TO GIVE INFORMATION AND BE RESPONSIBLE TO MINISTRY AND ELDERS.
It shall also be the duty of the said Trustees to give information to the Ministry and Elders of the Church, concerning the general state of the temporal concerns of the Church and Society committed to their charge; and to report to said authority all losses sustained in the united interest thereof, which shall come under their cognizance; and no dis- posal of the real estate of the Church, nor any important interest, in- volving the association in any manner, shall be made without the pre- vious knowledge and approbation of the Ministry aforesaid; to whom the said Deacons or Trustees are, and shall at all times be held responsible in all their transactions.
SECTION 4. ACCOUNT BOOKS AND BOOKS OF RECORD TO BE KEPT.
It is, and shall be the duty of the said Trustees or Official Deacons to keep, or cause to be kept, regular books of account, in which shall be entered the debit and credit accounts of all mercantile operations and business transactions between the Church and others; all receipts and ex- penditures, bonds, notes, and bills of account, and all matters per- taining to the united interest of the Church; so that its financial concerns may be readily seen and known whenever called for by the proper au- thority; - and also, a book or books of record, in which shall be re- corded a true and correct copy of this Covenant ; also all appointments, re- movals and changes in office of Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Trustees ; all admissions, removals, decease and departure of members; together with all other matters and transactions of a public nature which are neces- sary to be recorded for the benefit of the Church, and for the preservation
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and security of the documents, papers and written instruments pertaining to the united interest and concerns of the Church, committed to their charge. And the said records shall, at all times, be open to the in- spection of the leading authority of the Church, who shall appoint an auditor or auditors to examine and correct any errors that may, at any time be found in the accounts, and whose signature and date of inspection shall be deemed sufficient authority for the correctness and validity of the facts and matters therein recorded.
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