s:^ V^^^^- 'nffl-r^ ^ \'^^ F\^rA' > V 'TV^ ,, \]j -ysv , /« LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, N.J. The George J. Finney Collection of Shaker Literature Given in Memory of His Uncle The Rev. John Clark Finney Class of 1907 775^ TiT- /^ ^ ////, p(JKh^ U \ \ V > S'D^rJi <^ \ ^ %cL \\ ^^1 \ ^ \ AURELIA S BOOK. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library http://www.archive.org/details/aletheiaspiritOOmace AUKKLIA. " I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.' THE ALETHEIA: SPIRIT OF TRUTH. A SERIES OF. LETTERS IN WHICH THE PRINCIPLES OF THE UNITED SOCIETY KNOWN AS SHAKERS ARE SET FORTH AND ILLUSTRATED. By AURELIA. " " God is our Infinite Motlicr; She ivill hold ns in her arms of blessedness and beauty forever and ever.'' Theodore Parker. FARMINCTON, MAINE: i'RKSS OF KNOWLTON. McLEARV & CO. 1899. Copyrijjht, iSiXA By Knowlton, McI^eakv iV CoMI•AN^. TO MV TEN," GEMS OF PRICELESS WORTH, I AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATE THIS BOOR. AURELIA. INTRODUCTION. • With the object in view that the Shakers may become better known, this book is offered to the public. The first part comprises a series of letters that were pub- lished in The Messenger, a Bangor (Maine) paper, during the years 1883 and 1884. Then are inserted communications and short articles that have been published from time to time in the Shaker Manifesto. It is presumed that by reading this book one can obtain a clear and correct idea of the Shakers' belief and manner of life, and of the rise and progress of the Societies. We have been with you more than one hundred years, and still are not understood. The mission of the Shaker is to live the pure life which Jesus lived and taught. Its meaning is to subdue and triumph over the animal nature in man, and to develop the spiritual nature. This is done by self-denial. The self-denial that the Prophet Daniel lived out, which made him the perfect man, greatly beloved, beautiful in form and feature,. who could stand before the kings of the earth and confound them, and reveal what was hidden in the past and in the future. As a Society, we, at Sabbathday Lake, have for many years been struggling for an existence, believing that we have some- thing good and pure and beautiful to give unto the world when the world is able to receive it. "All cannot receive the saying. He that can receive it, let him receive it," said Jesus. The line X INTR OD UCTION. is drawn and the life clearly defined. A man is a Shaker, or he is not. If he falls from the high standard, even in spirit, he ceases to be a Shaker until restored by the forgiving love of God. In the service of the Society I have been at the Poland Spring House many times during the past twenty years, and have received great kindness and consideration from the people I have met within its walls. I have taken note of the grand and beautiful life fortune bestows upon her favored ones. I have had intercourse with the cultured, the refined and learned, and have great respect for the noble class of people I meet here from year to year. It has been with great joy that I have received many favors in behalf of my people, for which I am ever mindful and grateful. Special thanks are due to the proprietors of the Poland Springs, also to Mrs. George Gregg, of Boston, Mass., and Mrs. J. Otis Swift, of Lewiston, Maine, for encouragement and assist- ance. With a sincere desire that some good and no harm may be the result, this work is respectfully submitted. A. March, 1899. CONTENTS. Introduction, ......... 9 Poem — Sabbathday Lake, . . . . . . . 17 Letter L — Our Home at Sabbathday Lake, . . . . 19 Leiter IL — The Duality of God — The Christ Spirit, . . 22 Lp:tter in. — Question Answered by Question — Mother Ann Lee, . . . . • . . . . 25 Letter IV. — W. D. Howells — Lafayette — Mother Ann's Voy- age to America, . . . . . . 29 Leiter V. — Constellations — Aristotle — Eternal Punishment — The. Good Prevailing, • • • • • 33 Lf/iter VI. — The Three Cardinal Principles — Confession — Celibacy — Community of Interests, . . 37 Leiter VII. — The Atonement — The God of Moses — The God of Jesus, . . . . . . . .42 Letter VIII. — New Centre Dwelling — School — Nathan Mer- rill and the Founders of the Society — Elder Otis Sawyer, ........ 45 Letter IX. — Origin of the Shakers, ..... 49 Letter X. — Mother Ann's Persecutions in England, . . 53 Leiter XI. — Royal's River — Noble Pioneers of the Town — First Shaker Meeting in New Gloucester — Elder P^lisha Pote — Death of Elder Otis Sawyer — Vision of Mother Ann, . . . . . 57 Poem — In the Woods of Pine, . . . . . . 62 Leiter XII. — Protestation I, . . . . . ... 63 Letter XIII. — Protestation II, ...... 66 F.ATHERS .AND MOTHERS, .VN HUNDRED FOLD GREETING, . . 69 CONTENTS. The Chrlst of the Ages — Creeds — Baptism — The luicharist — Equality of the Sexes — The Bible — The Arts and Sciences, . Thy Will be Done, .... Angels of the New Dispensation, Leti'er to the Editor of The Manifesto, Tribute to Elder Giles B. Avery, Letter to Count Leo Tolstoi, Jesus — Buddha — The Sermon on the Mount "The Shakers and their Homes," by Charles Edson Robinson Address to the School at Sabbathday Lake, Invocation, .... New Year's Greeting, . Winter, ..... Visit to the Society at Alfred, To the Cedars of Leb.^non, Dedication at Poland Springs of the Maine State Building — Also the Celebration of the Centennial of the Ricker Family as Hotel Proprietors in the town of Poland, Maine, ..... The Shaker Setllements of Canterbury and Enfield, New Hampshire, ....... Poem — The Day of Judgment, ...... 7' 75 77 79 82 84 86 88 91 93 95 97 100 103 105 I TO 116 APPENDIX. Shaker Church Covenant, 119 ILLUSTRATIONS. AuREi.iA, ......... Frontispiece. Sakbathday Lake, . . . . . . . . . 17 Poland Spring House, 24 Hester Ann Adams, . . . . . . . . 28 Elder John Whiteley, . . . . . . . 32 John B. Vance, ......... 36 Shaker Meeting, ......... 38 Eliza Ann Taylor, ........ 40 Eldress Dorothy Ann Durgin, ...... 44 Meeting-house and Center Dwelling, ..... 48 Mary Ann Gillespie, . . . . . . . . 52 Elder William Dumont, . . . . . . . . 56 Elder Otis Sa\v\'er, ........ 60 Elder Abraham Perkins, ....... 62 Elder Joshua Bussell, 64 Sisters of the Sabbathday Lake Community, ... 68 Trustees' Office, 71 Eldress Lizzie Noyes, 72 Mary Ella Douglas, 76 Some of Our Children and their Teachers, ... 78 Elder Henry C. Blinn, So Giles B. Avery, 82 Sisters of the Community at Sabbathday Lake, ... 84 Our Children, . . . . . . . . . ■ 88 \I\' ILLUSTRATIONS. AriENDrNG Shaker Mekting, iS86, Ei,DREss Harriet Goodwin, Elder Henry G. Green, .... Cedars of Lei?anon, Elder Evans in the center, The Queen's Daughters in Raiment of Needi, Maine State Buildin(;, .... David Parker, Trustee, .... Lucy Anj/Shepard, Trustee, Elder Joseph Holdkn, 92 96 100 TO3 EWORK, 104 108 • 112 114 121 THE ALETHEIA. >sr SABBATHDAY LAKE. Upon thy shores, O lovely lake, This calm, mid-summer day, I seem to hear a voice which tells Of ages passed away. That, long before the birth of men, Through many waiting years, You saw the forests rise, and heard The music of the Spheres. And then the Indian came, from whence The mystery is sealed. We question history, old and new. It has not been revealed. But this we know, he trod these shores, His fields of maize here grew; You saw the wigwam in the shade. You bore the bark canoe. And here, by simple nature taught. Ere science walked abroad. In rolling waves and thunderings. He heard the voice of God. Time fled, another race appeared, • The former passed away. And hunters gave the lake its name, — The name of Sabbathday. THE ALETHEIA. For here they met, those sturdy men Of Puritanic race. Each Sabbath found them here, this spot Became their trysting-place. The years rolled b}^ the village grew, The mighty forests fell. You saw the steeple rise afar, You heard the Sabbath bell. You heard the whistle of the train Upon its iron rails. The wilderness was all aglow Along the hills and dales. O lovely lake, I walk thy shores. This calm mid-summer day, And muse on wonders thou hast seen In ages passed away. LETTER I. OUR HOME AT SABBATHDAY LAKE. West Gloucester, January, 1883. Editors of the Bangor Messenger : — I thought you would Hke to know something of the Shaker Order, and therefore write you a letter from the heart of the village of this peculiar people. I am a Shaker myself, have been from childhood, and know whereof I speak. Nothing could be more pleasing to us than to have all know of the hope that is in us, of the well-spring from which we drink, that has kept this community in gradual growth for more than one hundred years. It is favorable to any people to be liked best where they are best known. We find this to be the case with us. Shaker Village, in West Gloucester, is very pleasantly situated on the eastern side of a small hill, surrounded on all sides by higher land. I can no better describe the place than in the words of an aged Shaker brother, Cur- tis Cramer, now visiting us, from the society in Cleve- 20 THE ALETHEIA. land, Ohio. He says: "Take a large wooden bowl and invert a smaller one inside of it, and you will get some idea of the situation," The village is on the side of the smaller bowl, with a beautiful lake at its base, which is half a mile from the village on the east. We have a very fine view of the lake with the woodlands surrounding it at all seasons of the year ; but in autumn the scenery is magnificent, abounding in many colors, with the passing clouds throw- ing their shadows upon them. The lake derived its name from a party of hunters, who, in the olden time, met on its shores every Sunday. Hence the Sabbath- day Lake. Our government is a theocracy. We find a mother as well as a father in God, and are held together by bonds of pure love. Nothing else could do it. The life that Jesus lived is our example, and our order is founded upon the principles of that church that was organized at Jerusalem by his disciples. We have given up the pri- vate family life, and found in its place the great brother- hood and sisterhood which Jesus promised to those who would become his followers. All are loved and cared for. The rich and exalted come down and the poor are raised up, bringing all upon a Christian level. We have an official organ in the form of a pamphlet, called The Manifesto, edited by Elder Henry C. Blinn, East Canterbury, Merrimac County, N. H. It is issued monthly and is contributed to by some of the deep think- ers of the day. O UR HOME A T SABBA THDA Y LAKE. 2 I Two miles north of us are the famous Poland Mineral Springs, with two large hotels accommodating many invalids who come for the benefits derived from drinking the water, and thousands of others who come for the pleasure of this pleasant resort during the summer months. The hotels are first-class in every respect. Just one mile south are the Centennial Springs. We are surrounded by healing waters. Thus you see that as was prophesied in days of old, the Sun of Righteousness has arisen upon us with heal- ing in his wings, and there is a balm in Gilead by which the wounds of both body and soul can be healed. There is that Platonic love, among us, which goes out to the suffering sons and daughters of men. Have you a desire to know more of this peculiar peo- ple? " Ask and ye shall receive." LETTER II. THE DUALITY OF GOD— THE CHRIST SPIRIT. February, 1883.. Editors of The Messenger : — In the article that I recently contributed to your paper, I alluded to a subject which I \yish to say more upon. It may be that we, in looking abroad, see as much in the creeds of those outside which seems strange and unaccountable to us, as the casual observer finds among us that is hard for him to understand. I would "walk with bare, hushed feet the ground" which I am about to enter. With due respect for the sincere belief of others, I must say that it seems strange to us that after all these years of increasing light, there should be any blind to the fact that we have a mother as truly as we have a father in God. "His eternal power and God-head" are understood by the things that are made, and all animal and vegetable life was created male and female. We have the authority of Moses that God said, " Let us make man in our image." Then they cre- ated a man and a woman. Is not this conclusive evi- dence of the duality of God? THE CHRIST SPIRIT. 23 How did Jesus become the Christ ? Some who read this will say he was born the Christ, but we can not view it in that light. Nearly nineteen hundred years ago a man lived a very pure life and went about doing good, until the beautiful Spirit of Christ descended and abode upon him. -He was not the first maji that received the anointing power of Christ, neither was he the last. About four hundred years before Jesus was born, Soc- rates, by his self-denying life, received in a measure, the baptism of the Christ Spirit. Also Plato ; so much so, that we can not think it sacrilegious to call him Plato the Christ. These great men of old may have made mistakes ; but the principles which they carried out in their lives, and taught to others, did not so far diverge from those after- wards promulgated by Jesus, as the lives of some who call themselves Christians in our day. Can a follower of Jesus the Christ go to war with his fellow-men ? I claim that there are those now living in our order, those "with whom my feet have trod the quiet aisles of pra)'er," who by a close walk with God have attained the Christ Spirit, and the same may be said of many who are not of this fold. A few lines in regard to our situation here may be acceptable. One mile from our home, and just half-way between us and the Poland Mineral Springs, on the north, is another Shaker village very beautifully situated on the first and highest of the Rang Hills. There are three hills that range side by side toward 24 THE ALETHEIA. the north, each with a small lake on the west. The fathers and mothers of old gave them the name of the Rang Hills and the Rang Ponds, calling the word Rang instead of Range. Poland Mineral Springs are on the middle Rang Hill. From the tower o£ the Poland Spring House, can be seen, with all the surrounding country, the Rang Hill on the north, the Rang Hill on the south, with the Shaker village thereon, and the three lakes to the west. In a clear day the White Mountains towards the northwest, and the cities of Lewiston and Auburn to the northeast are in plain view, and far to the southeast the ocean, until it is lost in the azure sky. On pleasant afternoons in summer, we often enjoy delightful rides over these hills. At the hotels we have always been treated with great politeness. Hiram Ricker & Sons, proprietors of the two Poland Spring Houses, have ever shown the greatest kindness to us, as a people, for which they have our sincere thanks. LETTER III. QUESTION ANSWERED BY QUESTION— MOTHER ANN LEE. March, 1883. Editors of the Messenger : — Between our village and New Gloucester Upper Cor- ner on the east, is a forest of tall, straight pine trees, the beautiful evergreens of our northern land. How often, in riding by them and walking in their shade, we have felt the force of that marvelous power that is able to change the scenery around us into poetry. It is the eyes that see, and the ears that hear with acuteness, that can find "tongues in trees, sermons in stones, books in the running brooks and good in everything" by which we are surrounded. From the fertile soil of our domain, spring spontane- ously the rock and white maple. The present season is so backward, and the snows are lying so deeply, that we have not yet commenced to rob them of their nectar. A few days more and they must yield to the sovereignty of man. Beautiful trees, standing in your pride and strength, you find in man your lord and master! 26 THE ALETHEIA. I propose to answer a question universally asked in regard to our community. It is a fact well known that we live the virgin life; and the question is: "What would become of the world if all should be Shakers?" I have heard it said that it is characteristic of the Yan- kees, that they answer one question by asking another ; so I will answer this question by asking a number. What would become of the world if all should go to war and slay their fellow-men ? What would become of the world if all that growls from the ground should be kept for seed to reproduce its like, and no portion of it saved for the higher use of sustaining life? What would become of the world if that great day of judgment should come " in the twinkling of an eye," according to the literal sense in which it is understood by many from a misinterpretation of the Scriptures? It has been said that war and pestilence are necessary evils to check an over-abundant population. If this is so, it would be well if the Shakers were more numerous, that the check might come in a humane way, and those evils become exterminated. All will admit that Jesus lived the highest life that could be lived by man ; and he expressly declares : "All can not receive this saying save they to whom it is given." " He that is able to receive it let him receive it." He afterwards said to those who had received the saying: "Ye are the light of the world"; and again, " Ye are not of the world," for to them had already come the end of the world, the Day of Judgment. Let those MOTHER ANN LEE. 27 who can not receive the saying become perfect in their generations. In so doing they will receive all the good that is to be found in the marriage relation. Ann Lee was the founder of the Shaker community. She came to America from Manchester, England, in the year seventeen hundred seventy-four, accomplished her great work and died ten years from that time, at the age of forty-eight. She possessed a powerful magnetism by which she seemed to control, easily, all within the sound of her voice. Thousands believed her words, and gave them- selves, together with all their worldly goods, to support her cause. Bringing their property together, they organ- ized these communities, which remain and flourish to this day. We claim that she was inspired and directed by a power beyond that law of which Ingersoll speaks and writes, that she was the developing medium of mighty principles, eternal as the hills, that must yet undermine and destroy all false creeds. Already we see the writing upon the wall, and no Daniel is needed for its interpreta- tion. The light of the present day is revealing to many those same principles, so clearly seen and set forth by our Mother, more than one hundred years ago. One of these principles is, eternal progression in the life beyond. The travel of the soul from one degree of grace and glory to another throughout the endless ages of eternity. She also received and transmitted to her followers 2 8 THE ALETHEIA. that power which has held these communities together through the years that have passed, while those founded on other theories have failed. We would have all who advocate the rights of women understand that our Mother gave unto her daughters, equal rights with their brothers in all the offices estab- lished for the government of the Shaker Order, That Scripture is being fulfilled before our eyes : "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb," etc. "And they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks," and they shall learn war no more. HESTER ANN ADAMS. Formerly of the Maine Ministry. What shall I render to thee, My Father? What shall I bring as a Tribute of love to thee. My Mother? A iuimble heart, a contrite spirit, A virgin life, I bring unto thee. LETTER IV. IV. D. HOWELLS— LAFAYETTE — MOTHER ANN'S VOYAGE TO AMERICA. May, 1883. Editors of the Messenger : — Having been indulged with space in your columns a number of times, I am encouraged to write again. What most impels me is the desire that our principles and standing may become better known to those outside. We would speak to the people and earnestly solicit a hear- ing ; that those so inclined may investigate what has hitherto been so little understood. But few in comparison know of that germ which started into growth contemporary with the glorious Republic itself, that is yet to become a great tree, giving shelter to many weary souls, and healing to the nations. We have been brought before the public in "The Undiscovered Country," by W. D. Howells. To my understanding he leaves the country undiscovered, or the world in doubt of its existence. The work shows that the Shakers felt sure of a future life of happiness, 7,0 THE ALETBEIA. but also a chance that they were mistaken. Of the child that had died, the outside man said : " If it knows any- thing." But the Shaker said: "We are sure that it knows." Friend Howells is very fair and correct in what he says about the angel life; but hardly gives credit to our people for the intelligence which belongs to them. In our ranks are found men with a collegiate education, and women learned and cultured. Ann Lee, our Mother, had visions of Divine Beings from her childhood. She walked with God, revealed to her by the spirits of the just made perfect : "I saw two bright angels of God standing by the mast," were her words to the captain when the water was rushing into the ship, "through whom i received this promise : There shall not a hair of our heads perish. We shall all arrive safely in America." She then assisted with her own hands at the. pumps. Shortly after this a large wave struck the ship with great violence, and the loose plank was instantly closed in its place. This was viewed by all on board as a miraculous inter- position of Divine Providence in their favor, and Mother Ann and her eight followers were treated with great respect and kindness during the remainder of the voy- age. The captain was ever afterwards free to declare, that had it not been for these people, he would have been sunk in the sea and never reached America. They landed in New York the sixth day of August, 1774. Lafayette, while he was in this country in the time of the Revolutionary War, once visited Mother Ann and LAFAYETTE. 31 conversed with her, and witnessed the worship of her people, saw them moved by an occult power. He drew near to Abijah Wooster, a very g-ifted young- man, and tried to take hold of his hand. Abijah said to him, "Do you love this power?" Lafayette made answer, "It is something that seems greatly to be desired." These people held daily converse with their friends in spirit life many years before the spiritual manifestations commenced at Rochester, N. Y. It seemed as though bright beings from the throne of Eternal Majest)- came down and ministered to them heavenly gifts ; and the promised Millennium had commenced. Thus the evidence is brought to our senses that we exist after death and that there is a God, the Great First Cause and Creator of all things. Not because the Bible tells us so, but from present revelations. All things invented, made, or created, must be origi- nated by minds superior to the things thus brought into existence, so this great universe must have been formed by a Being far superior to itself. Is not this " Proof Pal- pable of Immortality " ? " I am, O (Jod, and surely Thou must be, Thy light. Thy love, in their bright plenitude Filled me with an immortal soul, to spring Over the abyss of death, and bade it wear The garments of eternal day, and wing Its heavenly flight beyond this little sphere Even to its source, to Thee its Author there ! " This is the faith which we have received and we are fettered by no creed, but as Friend Howells sa)s, live 2,2 THE A LETHE I A. the anorel, virgin life, the Hfe that Jesus Hved. Or we are ever striving to come as near to that as possible. A large dwelling-house is being built in our village, so business is unusually lively. To-day the granite blocks are moving fast into place, forming the basement ; the three stories above to be of brick. The granite is taken from a quarry on our farm about a mile from the village. These are fine May days ; the farmers are putting the seed into the ground, the garden is planted and the roots set out, but we have yet to see the first dandelion blos- som and buttercup of the Spring ; trailing arbutus flow- ers are brought in and there are none more lovely or sweet, giving good cheer to all. The birds are busily repairing their little dwellings in the trees. To walk out into the beautiful day and drink in the blessings around us is joy unspeakable. ELDER JOHN WlllTELEV. Dishof of the Societies in Massachusetts in which was laid the flof of the " Inidiseox ered Country^ by W. D. Howells. •' I have feet, with God they 're walking, For with gospel peace they 're shod ; Most familiarly I 'ni talking As I take my walk with God. " I have ears to hear the story Men and angels love to tell ; Eyes to see the rising glory Which sliall Zion's triumphs swell.'' LETTER V. CONSTELLATIONS— ARISTOTLE— E TERNAL PUNISH- MENT—THE GOOD PREVAILING. June, 1883. Editors of the Messenger : — June is here in all her loveliness, the most beautiful season of the year. On either side of the street which runs north and south, are to be seen lilac bushes in full bloom, both white and colored. In the row of shade trees extending the length of the village are the horse-chestnut, now in the height of their beauty. The large white trumpet- shaped blossoms pointing upward through the deep green foliage of the trees, are a sight one is never tired of beholding. On the top of the hill at the west is an orchard of young apple trees, now in full bloom. Vine- yards, gardens, orchards, and cultivated fields all around us in whatever direction we turn our eyes, and in our hearts that peace which passeth understanding. Surely the Utopia of Sir Thomas More is outdone. When night hath drawn her sable curtains over our 34 THE ALETHEIA. heads, we look away into the far heavens, and behold mystery upon mystery. There are now plainly to be seen six stars of the first magnitude looking down upon us. Spica in the constellation Virgo, toward the south- west ; Altair in Aquila, to the east ; Arcturus, Deneb, Antares and Vega, all glowing with light from an inex- haustible fountain. Let us go to them, in imagination, and from them, behold the stars that will look down upon us, as far from them as they are from our little Earth. Let us go to the farthest star in the Nebula of Orion, and we shall come to no end, neither can we com- prehend any beginning. As it is in regard to space, so is it also in regard to time. That man never lived who could search out the existence of the Almighty, the beginning or the end of time. Aristotle said: "It is evident there is neither space, nor time, nor vacuum beyond the residence of the gods in the highest heavens." And this to us is unfath- omable. ■* We have before our eyes, the Immensity of Space, without beginning or end, and we also know of the great aeon of God, there is neither beginning nor ending. It is enough for us to have the evidence that we shall exist, individual beings, when that Angel, with one foot upon the sea and the other upon the land, declares: "There shall be time no longer." And this will be but the * Since the date of the publication of this letter scientific investigations have made known the elements of ether and the wonderful power of the X-ray. ETERNAL PUNISHMENT. 35 beginning, the mystery of God will be finished, because we shall but just then begin to comprehend the deep things of the Almighty. It is a strange idea that any should believe for one moment that a God, with the attributes of love and jus- tice in His organization, could create an immortal being, and then punish him eternally with dreadful sufferings for a few failures at the commencement of his existence. Jesus represented this God as a father, tender and merci- ful to His children, and we can see nothing in His teach- ings to justify any such belief. Every sin has its penalty, and each individual must suffer according to the measure of his transgressions, either in this life or in the next. The punishment is but for reformation, and when reformation is complete, the soul is restored to happiness and peace. In looking over the world, I hardly think we could find a soul without one spark of goodness, and all goodness is of God. The germs of goodness will develop and grow, and the tares will finally be destroyed, and cast into the fire of truth. How many great improvements have been made within the present century, and how many evils have been driven from the land ! The scourge of slavery might be called the greatest, which cost so many precious lives and is so well remembered by those of us who have arrived at the meridian of life. Above all the turmoil and the confusion extant, we behold the good prevailing, and the evil being constantly undermined, the signs of 36 THE ALETHEIA. the times gradually tending to the perfect day, the Jubi- lee, the Millennium. " A Father's hand, a Mother's care, Is ruling o'er the billows there." Scattered abroad over this fair land are the pleasant community homes of the Shakers, of whom you yet know but little. They are not homes of servitude and sorrow, but they are homes of liberty, cheerfulness and peace, where brothers and sisters enjoy each other's society in purity and refinement, realizing all the blessings that accrue from lives strictly disciplined in the school of Christ. "Come and see," for we want you to know. JOHN B. VANCE. Formerly Bishop of the Societies in A/aim I imagine that many of eartli's lieroes have had to go to school a long time in tliat other world to learn even the elementary lessons of how to live properly. J. H. V. LETTER VI. THE THREE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES— CONFESSION- CELIBACY— COMMUNITY OF INTERESTS. July, 1883. Editors of the Messenger : — Shall I write you a Sunday letter? Here in the still- ness of the afternoon, sitting by my writing table, I recall the events of the day. At ten o'clock we went to church, where many people had assembled to witness the wor- ship of the Shakers. It seems there were various causes that drew them. Some came merely for the recreation of a Sunday ride, some for the amusement of seeing a strange people, so different from "the rest of mankind," others from a sincere desire to find out our relio-ious belief. This was held forth to them very plainly. Would your readers like to know what was told the people in our meeting to-day? Then they will know what they will have to do to become Christians. (Excuse me, I look upon the words Christians and Shakers as synonymous.) There are three principles unchangeable, that must be 38 THE ALETHEIA. met and digested at the beginning and strictly adhered to in after life if we would be Shakers. The questions of location, dress, diet, etc., are of minor importance, still we aim at health and uniformity. When you see how straight these three principles of which I am about to tell you, draw the line for our feet to walk by, you may feel that it is a life hard to be attained, that, "This an hard saying; who can hear it?" Can there be any greater crosses required under the Shaker Covenant than were required by that Constitu- tion which Lycurgus formed for the Spartans, by which they rose to be such a brave people? Could our laws bind us any more closely to a self-denying life than that ideal government of Plato, which was never fully put into practice ? The way is straight and narrow, and there are few that find it. I tell you truly, I would rather be one of the few than of the many. Buddha, long before Jesus, pointed out " The Path,' straight and narrow, devoid of animal passions. His teachings were, in many ways, similar to those of Jesus. " He that is compassionate and observes the law is my disciple," said Buddha. " I am not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill," said Jesus. In defence of the Shaker Covenant, the Hon. John Brethrett of Kentucky in his charge to a jury uses these words : " And is it a matter of objection against any man, that his motives are so pure and disinterested that he desires to be released from earthly thralldom, that he may fix all his thoughts and affections on his God ? SHAKER IMKETLXG. CONFESSION. 39 And after he has signed the Covenant he is released from earthly care. " Much has been said against the Shaker Covenant. But, Sir, I repeat it, that individual who is prepared to sign the Church Covenant, stands in an enviable situa- tion ; who, deVjOted to God, is prepared to say of his property, ' Here it is, little or much, take it and leave me unmolested to commune with my God. Indeed I dedi- cate myself to what ? Not a fanatical tenet ; O no, to a subject far beyond, to the worship of Almighty God, the great Creator and Governor of the Universe. Under the influence of His love, I give my all ; only let me worship according to my faith, and in a manner I believe accepta- ble to my God.' "Now what is there objectionable in all this? I say again, the world can not produce a parallel to the situa- tion such a man exhibits. Resigned to the will of Heaven, free from all feelings of earthly desires, and pursuing quietly the peaceful tenor of his way." But you desire to know what these three principles are. I will tell you. First — Confession. Every sin, secret or otherwise, must be confessed, one by one in the presence of a wit- ness, whom we consider has attained a greater degree of the Spirit of Christ than ourselves. Now we have entered " The Path'' hereafter there must be no more darkness in us. Our walk must be in the light. Second — The Virgin Life. No longer to be controlled by animal passions. "Ye are harve.sted." "All can not 40 THE ALETHEIA. receive this saying." But it must be received and lived out by the Shaker, the Christian. Third — Community of Interests. The worldly goods which we possessed are no longer our own. We settle with our heirs, and pay all our debts, then, if there is any- thing left, we lay it "at the apostles' feet," for every man as he has need. This sacrifice is not accepted until the person has had time for due consideration. If after this, he withdraws from fellowship, the society is not obliged to restore to him what he thus freely gave ; but there is generally a settlement made, mutually satisfactory. From the doctrines of the confession of sin we find that the house built upon the sands of the atonement of Christ must fall. Each must atone for himself, bringing his own deeds to judgment. From our dual God — Father and Mother — we find that the house built upon the sands of the Trinity must fall. There has been noth- ing created in the likeness of any such prototype as three male beings in one. Because we know that God is good, we find that the house built upon the sands of eternal punishment must fall. The door is open through the endless ages, for repentance and restoration. These are truths according to the light that we have received, and we would not tear down and destroy the hopes of any, if we did not have something better, as we believe, to take their places. " Let, then, O God ! thy servants dare Thy truth in all its power to tell, Unmask the priestly thieves, and tear The Bible from the grasp of hell ! " KI.IZA ANN lAVLOK. Of the Central Ministry, Mt. Lebanon. M. Y. ■ I will bless thee, O Zion," saith the Lord. "I will bring precious gifts to thee; My word shall be written, my law shall te kept. And my house be a refuge free. My temple upbuilded shall te, Tlie corner-stone now I have laid. .\nd tiie indwellers there On their foreheads shall bear My name graved in letters of gold." THE GOOD PREVAILING. 4 1 This is my Sunday letter, written in the silence of the afternoon. I submit it to you. feeling that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day. The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and all is delightful. This rest was provided for us by a lov- ing Father and tender Mother. LETTER VII. THE ATONEMENT—THE GOD OF MOSES— THE GOD OF JESUS. Aiioriist, 1883. Editors of the Messenger : — The days of the last month of summer are fast sHpping away. The browning fields and drooping limbs of the fruit-laden trees remind us that the harvest is near. Even now the birds are beginning to sing of their south- ward journey. The large garden to the west of our village is produc- ing more than its usual amount of seeds, fruits and vege- tables. Potatoes are very nice, an abundant crop com- ing in, owing to the long war with their fell destroyers, the little emigrants in striped cloaks, which ended seem- ingly by their annihilation. All the people are busily engaged in their various occupations. Thus by the sweat of the brow are we earning the bread that is to sustain us through the com- ing winter. "The gods help those who help themselves," and even THE ATONEMENT. 43 as the hand of help came to John Bunyan's Pilgrim when he was in trouble, so are blessings being constantly strewn in our pathway, surrounded as we are at all times by the good, the pure, and the beautiful. None can enjoy the beautiful, even in material things, like the virgin spirit; none can -see God but the pure in heart, and in these lovely days which are so sweetly pass- ing by, we '■'• Salute you ; earth and air and sea and sky, And the imperial sun that scatters down His sovereign splendors upon grove and town ! " In my last letter to you I spoke of the house founded upon the sands of the atonement of Christ, maintaining that, from the light in which we view the subject, it must fall. How can it be otherwise if it is a false theory? If it is the truth, God is unjust. A God angry with a world of people that he himself had created, not for any sins of their own, but because their first father and mother committed one sin, and he could never become reconciled to any of them unless another God should be willintr to be born into the world, grow to manhood and suffer death at the hands of these same people ! Take into consideration also that this angry God had before made a special law for them, "Thou shalt not kill." How could a father coolly pro- pose for his children to break the laws that he had given them, and then punish them eternally for doing so? We do not believe that Jesus taught any such doctrine, and we also know that the God of Love that he repre- 44 THE ALETHEIA. sented was a being very different from the God revealed to the people by Moses. The life that Jesus lived was far in advance of that degree of civilization that his brethren, the Jews, had attained, and they cruelly put him to death, he in his dying moments declaring, "They know not what they do." He said to his followers, " I am the Resurrection and the Life," showing plainly that if we would become one with him, we must follow his example in all things, liv- ing the life that he lived. He looked into the future and saw that light and knowledge would increase, and that his followers would do even greater works than he had done. There are many who believe that Jesus will some day come in the literal clouds, and the bodies of the dead will arise from their graves. That day will never dawn. " He cometh not a king to reign, The world's long hope is dim ; The weary centuries watch in vain The clouds of heaven for him." But the spirit of Christ is always near, if we will but believe and obey. Let us, therefore, open our hearts to receive that love that will save us from committing sin, the lovely Christ Spirit, sent to us by our Heavenly Father and Mother — God. " At morn I prayed, I fain would see How Three are One and One is Three ; Read the dark riddle unto me." ELDRESS DOKOTHV ANN DUKGIN. East Canterbury, N. H. To the Surest and the Purest I would give my life away. LETTER VIII. NE W CENTER D WEL LING — S CHO OL — NA THAN MER- RILL AND THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY— ELDER OTIS SAWYER. November, 1883. Editors of the Messenger : — Since writing you last a number of months have rolled their course. Business has been very active in our com- munity, but we are now thinking of settling down to pass the winter in our cosy apartments. Thanksgiving is at hand. The sun is nearing its southern terminus, bring- ing Christmas with all its pleasant associations. The new house which was not to be seen one year ago at this time stands as a beautiful monument in our vil- lage. The garden-house where the seeds are dried and the garden tools stored has been repaired the past sum- mer. It looms up like a splendid cottage on the western hill. The workmen have left, from the master-builders down to the hod-carriers, excepting two carpenters. The long term of school has commenced, to continue until March. Each forenoon and afternoon, at the regu- 46 THE ALETHEIA. lar hours, we hear the Httle bell, calling the youth and children together in the schoolhouse, which is nicely fitted up, north of the village, west side of the street. Mulberry trees are set around the building, which will in future days become a beautiful grove. In passing the schoolhouse door, we hear the happy voices of little boys and girls in recitations or singing, also the music of the pencil upon the slate and the crayon upon the blackboard. We are often invited to the school exhibitions, which are very interesting. Then the little students vie with each other to show the amount of diligence with which they have studied ; striving with hard questions upon the blackboard, speaking dialogues, poetry, and even deliver- ing orations, generally ending with music. Words of encouragement and good cheer and often small presents are then given to our dear little ones by their guardians and friends. Our present teachers have been brought up from children and educated in this community. The school stands upon an even basis with the other schools in New Gloucester, and is under the supervision of the Superin- tending School Committee of the town. Children out- side of the Society who live near attend, and their parents seem to be well pleased with the progress they make. Just one hundred years ago the fourteenth day of this month, the first inhabitant of this place was converted to Shakerism. His name was Nathan Merrill. Within a fortnight of that time, nearly all the families around came FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 47 into this sacred union. In many cases a man's foes be- came those of his own household, for a man was set at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against the mother-in- law. These were exciting days, and a goodly number from each family came into the joint relation. They could not close their ears to the voice of the Spirit of Christ, which was sounding in trumpet tones, " He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me is not worthy of me." These good fathers and mothers have long since passed on to those lovely mansions, made without hands, eternal in the heavens. Many of them lived to extreme old age. In early youth I was conversant with about fifty of them, and had them for my instructors. They had brought their lives under such strict discipline that no trial, how- ever severe, could disturb the serenity of their spirits. I have seen them grieved but never rufifled. Last evening I visited a library containing a copy of each book published by this Order since it was founded. It consists of one hundred and seventy-five volumes, with their revised editions. These books have been collected and numbered, and the library set in order for the reception of other books that may be published by the untiring efforts of Elder Otis Sawyer. Future generations will look upon his 48 , THE ALETHEIA. works and call him blessed. In the way that Solomon built the Temple and that God made the world, so has he built the house that hath been reared in the midst of our village the past season. He said, " Let it be done," and it was done. The storms of winter are approaching. Their harbin- gers have already been here, following a long and beauti- ful Indian summer, which, we trust, has been enjoyed by all. LETTER IX. ORIGIN OF THE SHAKERS. January, 1884. Editors of the Messenger : — To-day I find myself seeking out the beginning of Shakerism. The first thought draws me to a company of French prophets who went into England in the year sev- enteen hundred and six. They taught a high and pure religion, preparatory to a greater work that was to follow. Those French prophets extended their warnings over the greater part of Europe. The few who went into England drew many into their ranks. They formed no regular Societies until about the year seventeen hundred and forty-seven, when a small Society was organized in the neighborhood of Manchester, under the leadership of Janies and Jane Wardley. They were very powerful ministers, and taught the confession of sin and purity of life. In their meetings the people had wonderful manifesta- tions of divine power, swiftly passing and repassing each other like clouds agitated with a mighty wind. From 7 50 THE ALETHEIA. these exercises they received the appellation of Shakers, a very appropriate name, for the Lord hath said, "All the men that are on the face of the earth shall shake at my presence," etc. When this little Society was organized, Ann Lee, our Mother, was eleven years of age, but did not unite with these people until she was twenty-two. She had been a very peculiar child from infancy, serious and thoughtful, not addicted to play like other children. She often told of having visions of supernatural things. Her mother was a good woman, able to instruct and guide her, but she died when Ann was quite young, and left her with no one to depend upon for help. She was early married to Abraham Stanley and had four children ; but they all died in infancy except one little girl, who attained the age of six years. In her married life she found nothing but condemna- tion and sorrow, although her husband was very kind and attentive to her. She felt a yearning for a higher life, and the burden of sin and the depravity of human nature lay heavily upon her. She found some release- ment by uniting with James and Jane Wardley, strictly adhering to their counsel and living up to the light of their Society. The religious exercises of this little band stirred up the opposition of the people around them, and they were severely persecuted and often imprisoned, our Mother receiving her share with the rest. About this time Oliver Goldsmith was writing "The ORIGIN OF THE SHAKERS. 5 i Vicar of Wakefield." In order to become acquainted with the condition of society in England at this period I refer the reader to that book. Those who excited preju- dices by differing from others in sentiment or action, could expect but little justice and were often unmerci- fully abused. It was in the summer of seventeen hundred and sev- enty that our Mother was imprisoned in Manchester, being falsely accused by her enemies of breaking the Sabbath. After a scene of deep tribulation of soul, when her way was seemingly hedged up on every side, and she cried mightily to God for deliverance, the rays of Divine Light suddenly broke in upon her spirit and the Heavens of Glory were spread before her in open vision. She saw the spirit of Jesus, and he spoke to her words of love and comfort, gave her a mission, assuring her of divine protection in its fulfillment, and revealed to her those principles upon which this Order has been founded, sacred, eternal and true. When she was released from prison and returned to the Society, her Elders, James and Jane Wardley, imme- diately saw that she had received light superior to theirs, and they and their people willingly acknowledged her as their leader. From this time onward she was called "Mother" by her faithful followers. It has been said, that, when under the power of the Holy Spirit, her coun- tenance shone with the glory of God, and her form and actions appeared divinely beautiful and very angelic. The power and intluence of her spirit, at such times, was 52 THE ALE THE lA. great beyond description ; and no one was able to gain- say or resist the authority by which she spoke. I submit this letter to you, trusting that the message may be received, and with the prayer that the day may be hastened when "The knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea." MARY AXX (ilLLESFIE. Formerly of the Maine Ministry. Let my name Ix; recorded In the book the angels keep, Where each act is rewarded And the seed I liave sown I shall reap. Then when the Angel Reaper cometli. And the harvest time shall be, 1 shall find in my Father's house There 's a mansion reserved for me. LETTER X. MPTHER ANN'S PERSECUTIONS IN ENGLAND. Editors of the Messenger : — By your kindness I have, transiently, been allowed space in your columns. Judging the future by the past I am encouraged to look for a continuation of the same. Many erroneous opinions are extant in regard to the Shakers, and it is but fair that their principles should become better known. Many who are uninformed are writing about them, and it is but just that the Shakers themselves should have a hearing. As I said in a former letter, we find ourselves to be best liked where we are best known, and some of your readers may desire to become better acquainted with a community that has prospered and gradually grown for more than one hun- dred years. Many we behold who, for a closer walk with God, have been willing to forsake father, mother, wife and children, houses and lands and their former lives, and have in return, even now, in these community homes, received 54 THE ALETHEIA. an hundred fold of fathers and mothers, brothers and sis- ters, houses and lands, and all the song of their souls is: " Nearer, my (iod, to 'I'hee, nearer to Thee ; E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me." If one had always been blind and had never seen a sunbeam, is there power in words to describe it so that he could know of its beauty? If one had always been deaf and had never heard the song of a bird, is there a laiiguage by which it could be brought perfectly to his understanding? Even so words fail of describing the joys of the redeemed spirit. " Alone, O love inefifable, Thy saving name is given. To turn aside from thee is hell, To walk with thee is heaven. " Thy litanies, sweet offices Of love and gratitude ; Thy sacramental liturgies, The joy of doing good." In my last letter, I wrote you of the origin of the Sha- kers ; that the first Society was established in the year seventeen hundred and forty-seven, and that our Mother, Ann Lee, became its leader in the year seventeen hun- dred and seventy. Her mission, calling people as it did, away from the selfish, private family life, into a great brotherhood and sisterhood, and striking a deadly blow against those indulgences which the carnally minded so much desire, stirred up the opposition of many, and caused her to have relentless enemies. Three attempts were made to take her life while she MOTHER ANN'S PERSECUTIONS. 55 remained in England. Once she was locked in a prison, and kept, as her enemies thou«-ht, without food for four- teen days, with the intention of starving her. One of her followers, James Whittaker, whom we now call Father James, then a youth, went each night after the first and put the stem of a pipe through the key-hole of the door, and into the bowl of the pipe poured wine and milk, by which our Mother received nourishment that sustained her. It was with astonishment that her ene- mies saw her walk off with so much strength when they unlocked the door at the end of the fourteen days, expecting to find her dead. At another time they accused her of blasphemy, and caused her to have a trial before four ministers of the Established Church, hoping that they would condemn her to have her tongue bored through with a hot iron. I am aware that this is dreadful to speak of in these days, but great cruelty prevailed at that time. The ministers requested to hear her speak, and she spoke with such power that they dismissed her at once, and advised her accusers to let her alone. This enraged them to such a degree that they deter- mined to take the power of judgment into their own hands. They agreed to stone her for blasphemy, and led her into a valley. Some of her people followed and kept near her. Then her accusers took their places upon the hill opposite and commenced to throw stones, but missed their aim in every instance except one. One of the brethren was slightly injured. In a short time 56 THE ALETHEIA. those men began to quarrel with each other and dis- persed, leaving our Mother and her people to return in peace to their homes. In relating these circumstances to some of the believers she said: "While they were throwing their stones I felt myself surrounded with the presence of God, and my soul was filled with love. I knew they could not kill me, because my work was not done ; therefore I felt joyful and comfortable, while my enemies felt distress and confusion." Those were days when persecution walked rampant ; when life was often taken in punishment for the expres- sion of a religious opinion. But at that same time a home was being prepared in the wilderness of America, where freedom of thought could be tolerated, and "To the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place." ELDER WILLIAM Dl'MONT. Sabbathday Lake, Maine. '■ Who will walk in the midst of the flame When the gospel fire is burning? Who will endure to be made wholly pure Without one shadow of turning?"" LETTER XI. ROYALS RIVER — NOBLE PIONEERS OF THE TOWN- FIRST SHAKER MEETING IN NEW GLOUCESTER — ELDER ELISHA POTE — DEATH OF ELDER OTIS SAWYER— VISION OF MOTHER ANN. May, 1884. Editors of the Messenger : — This morning the mist is rising from the water-courses and encircling the distant hills. Northeast of our village we can trace Royal's river through the "Woods of Pine," by the billow of mist which hangs over it, as it finds its way to the sea by a zigzag course. " The winding way the serpent takes, The mystic river toolc," as in all the years that are past it has borne the overflow of Sabbathday Lake along through the green fields and meadows, around the hills and over the pasture lands, until it reaches the ocean at Yarmouth, eighteen miles from this place. Up this river were poled on rafts the families and s 58 THE ALE TH EI A. goods of our forefathers in the fall of the year seventeen hundred and forty-two, they having come by vessel from Gloucester, Mass. The first settlement was then made upon the sunny slopes of those hills. Until the time of this intrusion, the winding stream had been hurrying on, " unvexed by the wheels of indus- try," since that far-distant day when it was first called into being by the " Heart of Heaven." " Come forth, O Water of Serpents ! In sinuous, gliding grace Went forth the queenly river Unto her chosen place. Then called he the youngest, the fairest. Step softly, AVater of Birds ! And the silver-footed brook stole out. Singing songs that had no words !" The French and Indian war broke up this settlement for a time. Their log-houses were destroyed and saw- mill burned by the savages, and the people fled back to their old homes. They returned in the spring of seven- teen hundred and fifty-four and built a fort or block- house, in which they lived six years, never going out unarmed. The year seventeen hundred and sixty brought peace to the settlement. The old homes were soon restored, and the wilderness was made to blossom as the rose. The names of men of stern integrity adorn the escutch- eons of this town. William Widgery was one of the pioneers, the man who was obliged by his charter to refuse Marshal Ney a FIRST SHAKER MEETING. 59 passage to America in his vessel, upon the downfall of Napoleon. Isaac Parsons, represented as the man with a stern look, built the first frame-house, which is still standing ; and O how sacredly was the Sabbath observed in that house! His descendants are among the most respect- able people living around us. The Rev. Samuel Foxcroft was the Puritan minister, who for many years dispensed the word of God to a united people, required by law to attend to his teachings. When he laid down his charge in the year seventeen hundred and ninety-three it was with sorrow he saw his flock scattered, freedom of conscience leading each man his own way. The first Shakers came to New Gloucester in Novem- ber, seventeen hundred and eighty-three, and held meet- ings in the western part of the town. Their first meeting was held in the house of Gowen Wilson, Sr., which was situated in the field just south of our large garden, on the west side of the road. Elisha Pote, a young man from Gorham, Maine, took the lead in speaking. He had lately become a convert to the Shaker faith. His reasonings were clear and convincing, and his voice mild and persuasive. Many believed the new doctrine, and the Shakers have occupied this ground from that day until the present time. The Society was organized on the nineteenth of April, seventeen hundred and ninety-four. The Society at 6o THE ALETIIEIA. Alfred, Maine, had been organized a short time previous, and another Society in the town of Gorham soon after. EHsha Pote afterwards became the spiritual leader of the three Maine Societies, and occupied that place many years. He died at a great age, widely known and respected by all. His second successor was our well-beloved Elder Otis Sawyer, who in the month of March, the present year, went over to dwell in the Paradise of God, the " House not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Like a beautiful cloud he moved from our sight, but the Com- forter cometh. . Upon the wings of the morning are wafted these words to the sorrowing ones, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you;" "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end." Why should we mourn when he is with us nearer than before, when he is leading us in green pastures, and beside the still waters? His pure and refined spirit has become one with Christ, even as Christ is one with the Heavenly and Eternal Father and Mother. I will here add an item further in regard to that ocean voyage of Ann Lee and her people. As I wrote you in a former letter, the ship which brought them came very near sinking in mid-ocean with all on board, and was saved by a miracle. At that time the people of America were commencing the struggle for independence. The Angel of the Lord was seen by our Mother, passing on in advance of the ship, singing with a mighty voice: ELDER OTIS SAWYER. Formerly Bis/top of the Soeieties in Maine. "Like unto the grandeur of the eastern clouds when the sun is rising, so is the redeemed spirit." VISION OF MOTHER ANN. 6i " From the Heaven of Heavens O'er sea and land I fly, Crying sweet, sweet liberty ! Peace, peace upon earth, The hand of the Lord Has freed America. O bless this blessed day. Your freedom, freedom claim ; And prepare ye, all people. Salvation to gain." IN THE WOODS OF PINE. Beautiful trees of the primitive forests. Oft in your shades I 'm delightfully led, Culling the wild flowers, resting in green bowers, Where to my feet a rich carpet is spread. Music of warblers free everywhere greets me, Blending in harmony's unwritten song; So, from the depths profound, chanting a merry round. Onward the ocean-bound brook glides along. Wonderful trees with your branches extending, Casting your shadows and shedding your dew, Moved by the breezes, dependently bending, Gratefully clouds pass their shadows o'er you. Mighty in strength, wealth, and pride of the nation, Waving in grandeur o'er mountain and plain. If ye could speak, 't would be, "Check the strong axe-man, Save and protect us, ye powers of Maine." Thus the great Pine Tree State may by an effort Rescue the forests by which she is blest. Finding in recompense treasures of excellence, Richer by far than the mines of the West. Beautiful trees of the primitive forest, O how delightful to walk in your shade, Culling the wild flowers, resting in green bowers. Where under foot a rich carpet is laid ! KI.DKR ABRAHAM PFiRKINS. [Age, qo years.] Formerly Bishop of the Societies in New Hampshire and Maine. O teauteous resurrection morn ! My spirit unto thee is born ; ^ Thy elements I love. Thy air I breathe, in thee I live, The substance lost 1 now retrieve. Which opens heaven above, The worlds of light above. LETTER XII. PROTESTATION /. August, 1884. Editor of The Increasing Light : — Before me is one of your papers containing an article in regard to our people. The writer says that he strained his understanding long and earnestly to get clear on a certain point, and that he failed of satisfac- torily finding out, when he attended our meeting on the Sabbath of the twenty-second of July. If he will lend us his attention a few moments we will enlighten him, but will first say that we notice several mistakes in his com- munication to which we greatly demur; and as we desire that our principles should become better known to those outside, it may be well to give your readers the other side of the story. I attended the meeting of which he writes, but did not hear the gloomy things he tells about. " But this we confess unto you that after the way which they call heresy, so worship we the God of our fathers," believing 64 THE ALETHEIA. in the inspired word. From my standpoint it was the worship of God in the beauty of holiness. Our reverend Elder stood before us, his silvery locks and goodness of heart entitling him to our love and respect, while he nobly held forth the word from a soul overflowing with love to God and humanity. "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man and fear thy God; I am the Lord." We do not believe in the Trinity. To us God is Father and Mother and has been from the beginning. In this we are sustained both by the Scriptures and reason. Jesus was an inspired man, Ann Lee was an inspired woman. Christ is the Anointing Power that all may receive. Inasmuch as Jesus became the Christ and as Ann Lee became the Christ, so may all be in posses- sion of the same spirit to that degree which they make themselves worthy by good works. We know that all can not be Shakers, and we have great respect for those parents who bring up their chil- dren "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." We have no sympathy with the unfruitful works of darkness. We claim that the generative life is not the highest life. The example that Jesus set we strive to follow. The celebrated veteran, Frederick Douglass, attended the meeting in c^uestion. He was staying at Poland Mineral Springs for his health, and gave us the pleasure of seeing him in the audience. This circumstance tended to carry our feelings back to those turbulent days through which our country passed and triumphed. ELDER JOSHUA HUSSELL. Alfred. Maine. '• Deep the river of life that 's flowing. Gently gliding serene and grand ; Oh, the beauty of its crystal waters ! Laving the shores of tlie promised land. Sailing along on its peaceful lx)som Are kindred souls, a liappy band, Filled witli songs of joy and rejoicing As tiiey near tlie promised land." PROTESTATION I. 65 As we would lightly pass over the ridicule of the thouehtless so would we, like Phocion of old, scorn the applause of the giddy multitude; but we love goodness wherever it is found, and we love our Shaker brothers. They are worthy of our confidence and trust. LETTER XIII. PROTESTATION II. August, 1884. Editor of the People s News : — In your paper of Saturday was a letter entitled, "Among the Believers," and the thought struck me that you might give a place in your columns to a letter from one of the Believers. In view of Sabbathday Lake, in view of the green slopes and in the shade of the round-topped apple trees, I am writing to you this sultry August day. Yesterday was Sunday, and the "Little Church" was fCrowded. Many came from Poland Springs, two miles distant on the north. Auburn, Lewiston and Portland were also represented in the audience. All here to wit- ness the worship of this peculiar people. Why peculiar? Because they have dared to differ from others. In look- ing round upon the people who filled our church, we could not help observing how many there were who saw us only in the light in which we were viewed by the lady PR O TESTA TION II. 6 7 whose letter appeared in your Saturday's paper. But there was a class there who saw things differently — who saw nobility and dignity in the Shaker brothers, who saw loveliness and beauty in the Shaker sisters' dress, which was not, my friend, "selected with a view to its ugli- ness " ; that is a mistake, but with a view to utility and comfort. "Your tastes are perverted," said our good Elder Frederick Evans to one who failed to see beauty in the Shaker sisters' dress. " Bad diet has clone it, or you have been wrongly educated." Communications are often published in the secular papers in regard to the Shakers, written by those who understand but little of our principles or manner of life, in which we find wide deviations from the truth, and we desire a hearing. We have been with you one hun- dred years, and yet are in a great measure unknown to you. The writer says that the Shaker brothers are honest. All that they sell proves to be just what they represent, and with the next breath, that the rhythm of their motions indicates "We are nothing, less than nothing. An honest man nothing but a dream ! To me the rhythm of their motions means, "We are the noblest work of God ! " Now let us inform you, who see so little to admire in the pure life the Shakers lead, that we often see as much in your lives, in your beliefs and in your manner of dress that seems strange and unaccountable to us, as you can possibly see in ours that seems, strange and unaccount- 68 THE ALETHEIA. able to you. But we will wait for the future to weigh all things, knowing that the truth will finally prevail. " God's ways seem dark, yet soon or late They touch the shining hills of day ; The evil cannot brook delay, The good can well afford to wait ; Give ermined knaves their hour of crime, Ye have the future, grand and great, The safe appeal of truth to time." FATHERS AND MOTHERS, AN HUNDRED FOLD GREETING. [From the Manifesto P^ New Gloucester, April, 1884. You whose spirits are replete with that perfect love which casteth out fear, in you is found that charity which never faileth, binding up the broken-hearted, strengthen- ing the weak, and comforting the afBicted. In you is found that power which healeth the sick of sin, casteth out the spirits of evil, and giveth sight to those who are blinded to the true light and life. By giving up all you have received all. For every sac- rifice that you have made of selfish pleasures, an hundred fold of spiritual blessings has filled your cup to overflow- ing, and the pathway in which you walk is leading you nearer to the fountain of all good, nearer and nearer to God. A few short years here in which to teach your disciples and followers to do as you have done, to live as you have lived, and then the real home in the Heaven of Glory is opened unto you. ■JO THE ALETHEIA. '' They are slipping away, these sweet, swift years, Like a leaf on the current cast ; With never a break in their rapid flow. We watch them as one by one they go Into the beautiful past." And one by one you go, beloved, into the beautiful future, into the home of the redeemed, a home that you have made your own by a travel of soul away, far away from sordid passions ; redeemed from all that is not of God. Like the lake in midsummer, when the air is still, so is the redeemed spirit. Like unto the tree clothed with the blossoms of spring, and like unto the tree laden with the ripe fruits of autumn, so is the redeemed spirit. Like unto the grandeur of the eastern clouds when the sun is rising, so is the redeemed spirit. In the school of Christ you have been disciplined, by the fire in Zion you have been tried, until like the gold of Ophir you are purified; and now saith the Spirit, "Ye shall walk with me in white, for ye are worthy." From this high estate, let your blessing descend like the dew of Hermon into the hearts of your faithful chil- dren. Let your mantles rest upon those who follow in your footsteps, and you shall be more than satisfied when the books are opened, and your eyes behold the record of those whom you have led along in the Highway of Holiness. THE CHRIST OF THE AGES. CREEDS— BAPTISM— THE EUCHARIST— EQUALITY OF THE SEXES— THE BIBLE— THE ARTS AND SCI- ENCES. [From the Manifesto. "l January 15, 1896. " Ring out the darkness of the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be." In the January Humanitarian is a communication by Paul Tyner, entitled, "The Christ Ideal in Shakerism." He says that Mother Ann Lee believed that the spirit of Jesus came to her when she was in prison in Man- chester, England. No doubt it was Jesus, the Christ, for from that time she was clothed with the Christ as with a garment. In the prison, more than one hundred and twenty-five years ago, principles were revealed unto her which the development of the sciences have been unable to over- throw, principles that will stand to the end of time. The revelation which she received was a harvest from the generative life. Also that the mission of Jesus upon the earth was to teach a higher life to those who were able to receive the doctrine. 72 THE ALETHEIA. When she returned to her people from the prison she took up the work where Jesus had left it, and her follow- ers were not of the world, even as the followers of Jesus, in his day, were not of the world. In the Order or the Community which she founded, she was second to Jesus. Jesus was the first to teach the higher life, Ann Lee was the second. Both were inspired by "The Christ." Our Mother being second to Jesus in the Shaker Order was the cause of her followers making use of the expression, " Christ made his second appearance in Ann Lee." Christ had appeared in thou- sands before our Mother lived, and also before the days of Jesus. New truths have been revealed to the disciples of Mother Ann, from time to time, ever since the Shaker Order has been established. Our brother, Paul Tyner, is right in this. Fast upon the downfall of the generative life has come the enlightenment. Creeds have fallen before the Star of Revelation. The Trinity is dethroned. God is our Heavenly Father and Mother. The atonement by the death of Jesus has passed away. Baptism by water is supplanted by the baptism of fire and the Holy Spirit, the Christ. This spiritual fire is to consume the evils inherent in the human soul, the tares. "There is a fire in Zion, and a furnace in Jerusalem." The Eucharist is understood to be received by living the pure life which Jesus lived — typified by the body and blood, which means the life. ELDRESS LIZZIE NOVES. Sahhathday Lake, Maine. ■ O brighter than the morning star Is the heart tliat is pure and free! And tlie Hght that "s ever glowing there. The star of purity. The sun shall wane, the stars go down, And reign of time be o'er, But the living light in the heart that 's pure Shall shine forever more." EQUALITY OF THE SEXES. 73 Endless punishment is also routed, and an angry God is no more. But the sinner finds punishment enough. Each must atone for his own sins, by bringing them to the light and forsaking them forever. When reforma- tion is complete, the punishment is removed. Progression after death is also established — a travel of the soul from one degree of grace and glory to another for ever and ever. A soul can recede from God after death, yet the farther he gets away, the harder he will find it to return ; but return he must sooner or later. Even the Parsees bring back their first old evil one, Ahriman and his rebellious host. After being purified by fire they all return and are forgiven. In the vShaker Community woman has taken her place as an equal with man, by intellectual if not by physical strength. Where there is an Elder, there is also an Eld- ress ; where there is a Deacon, there is a Deaconess, considered equal in their powers of government. The Order is founded upon present revelation sus- tained by the inspired Word. God is as able and willing to reveal his will to man to-day as he was two thousand years ago. The Bible contains much that is inspired and much that is not, but God has placed his law in the hearts of his people. A Shaker must live in the light, he must walk the straight path of purity, and consecrate himself and all that he has to the upbuilding of the cause ; should he depart from either of these principles he ceases to be a Shaker. 74 THE ALE TB EI A. The arts and sciences, in a future day, will flourish under the patronage of those living the highest life, the Shaker life. Heretofore the work of drawing the lines between flesh and spirit has been so great that there has been no time to give to any other thought but that of watching all the avenues to keep out the evils that might enter and destroy the good that has been gained. In the new heavens and new earth, all that is pure and elevating in art and the sciences will be understood and appreciated. THY WILL BE DONE. [From the Manifesto.~\ Is there any reserve in this? And can "Thy kingdom come" unless the will of God is done? Are we able to take by violence and hold that heavenly kingdom, which we have so long been striving to obtain, and for which so many have fallen in the fearful struggle? We believe that the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, hath come down from God, and we are privileged, spir- itually, to walk its lovely streets. Here wrangling and confusion are very much out of place, and what would be our appearance in soiled and ragged garments ? Our spiritual robes cannot be clean and white unless we live in purity in thought, word and deed. We have been assured that there are angel bands who march through the heavens, and surround the throne of the Highest. How could these be held together unless there was perfect order, and each had his place assigned him and kept himself in it? Do they not cheerfully move in the spirit of "Thy will be clone"? So we will cheerfully resign our spirits, and follow that "cloud by 76 THE ALE TB EI A. day and pillar of fire by nig^ht " which goes before the chosen people, as they travel away from the wilderness of sin. "The tabernacle of God is with man." Believ- ing this, we find God in our union with his saints. Sep- arate our spirits from them and we are lost, like wander- ing stars, in the regions of darkness. " He that overcometh will I make a pillar in the tem- ple of my God, and he shall go no more out ; and I will write upon him a new name." This promise is for us if we are worthy ; if not, others will take our places. Our lives are required at our hands. Let us reserve nothing for self, but with full purpose of heart resolve to carry out, daily, a perfect consecration, and realize the hundred fold reward. " He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it," saith the Christ. MAKV ELLA DOIGLAS. l^V/io left her companions at Sabbathday Lake for a more beauiifiil liome in the Spirit Land, February 9, 1893. " Sweet Summer Land, O Land of briglit glory ! Thy beautiful fields are spread out before me. Thy verdant groves, and thy vineyards fair, And my soul exclaims, 'How wonderful they are! ANGELS OF THE NEW DISPENSATION. [Read in our meeting for Soul Communion.] Behold we come ! Wafted upon the zephyrs from the Elysian fields we come unto you. Glory and brightness are in our wake, and the beautiful rivers of heavenly love are rolling onward, deluging the land from shore to shore. Home of the favored and blest! Home of the pure and the true! We came unto you first; we came unto you in the early dawn, when the birds sang of this New Hope that is now being established by the scientific researches of the day. Search your records, for laid away in your archives are thousands of messages, words of prophecy, of love, and of comfort, which we brought unto you before we went abroad to do our work with the nations of the earth. We will come unto you again. In God's good time we will come. Hush ! breathe not a thought of doubt while undergo- ing the throes of a mighty change. Not one jot nor one tittle of all that we have said unto you shall fail. Your 78 THE ALE THE I A. banner shall be raised on high ; higher than ever before shall be your standard, and your victory shall be acknowl- edged by the nations of the earth. Children of the New Hope, look well to the path in which your feet are found to be walking, for on the plane of nature is the home of discord and strife. We can never walk with you there. But in the bower of purity and spiritual life you will find us. Here we will walk with you, and talk with you, and sing unto you the" beautiful songs of the redeemed among men. Listen and you shall hear our voices. Come near unto us and we will draw near unto you. We will feed you from our ambrosial stores, and clothe you in fine linen, clean and white. Come unto us all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and we will give you rest. Amen and amen. LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE MANIFESTO. November, 1889. Elder Henry C. Blinn : — You gave us from your diary in the November Mani- festo, such a graphic account of your journey and visit to the Western Societies, that it almost seems that we went along with you on that delightful tour. You were very kind to write this up for us, and we thank you from our hearts. The November Manifesto is very interesting to us. The music, " Beautiful Shore," awakens memories of loved ones who have gone on before, and are now enjoy- ing the grandeur and beauty of that heavenly home ; while our homes here are so vividly described that we cannot but feel how good it is to be joined to all that is lovely, pure, and true. Now I must own that the lesson for the Bible class is what has drawn me out to write you this letter. It will be very interesting to read the answers to the questions, and I hope a goodly number of pupils will respond, and by so doing be a credit and honor to their kind teachers. 8o THE ALE THE lA. It seemed to me, good Elder Henry, while reading over these questions, that I would like to give you my ideas in regard to them, although they may greatly diverge from the opinions of others. First answer : The two verses of Psalms, used as a prayer, that to me are the sweetest and strongest, are the tenth and the eleventh verses of the eighty-fourth Psalm: " For a day in Thy courts is better than a thou- sand," etc. Second: Is there a more noble act of self-sacrifice recorded in the Old Testament than that made by Jeph- thah's daughter, when she yielded herself so willingly, that her father might keep the rash vow he had made unto the Lord? Third : As the opinion of an individual, I would say that the grandest character in the Old Testament is the Prophet Daniel. The purity of his life was very nearly like that of Jesus. He lived the angel, virgin life, ap- proaching divinity. It seems that Joseph and Job were spotless characters, but they were upon the plane of nature. Fourth: The Book of Daniel is to me the most inter- esting book of the Old Testament, notwithstanding Rob- ert Elsmere tells us it is a fraud. In the last chapter is the sweetest prophecy of all: " Blessed is he that wait- eth, and cometh to the thousand, three hundred and five, and thirty days." Has that time come? and is Daniel now standing in his lot, at the end of the days? Fifth : Matthew, eleventh chapter, commencing at the ELDER HENRY C. BLINN. Bishop of the Societies in New Hampshire. " Countless millions ages hence Shall sing and speak the praise Which fills tiie iieait and moves the lips (Jf saints in latter days.'" HOME MATTERS. 8 1 twenty-eighth verse: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," and so on. "And ye shall find rest unto your souls," with the condi- tions. What promise could be more comforting to the weary ? Sixth : Proverbs, thirteenth chapter, sixth and sev- enth verses, are very wise. Seventh : The forty-fifth Psalm is most joyous,- and very significant to the followers of Mother Ann Lee : " My heart is inditing a good matter," etc. I must now come down from this heigrht and write of home. In New Gloucester we have had an abundant crop of winter apples, very fair and free from defects. Many of these have been sold at a good price, but enough are stored with other fruits and vegetables for future use. Thus we are prepared to enter the cold season, happy in the anticipation of all temporal needs supplied, while the loving companionship of good Broth- ers and Sisters crowns the whole with joy unspeakable. Home comforts are not the least of the many blessings bestowed upon us by our Heavenly Father and Mother. TRIBUTE TO ELDER GILES B. AVERY* Brothers and Sisters in Christ: — The great change which we all anticipate has come to our reverend Elder Giles. No more will he stand before us as of old, his countenance beaming with inspiration, hope and joy. But from those evergreen shores, by faith we still hear his voice and feel the same power from his overflowing spirit. Long years ago, when ver)- young, I remember hear- ing Elder Otis Saw)'er say, " I have received a letter from an angel of the Lord." "And who might that angel be?" was the question propounded. He answered, " Giles B. Avery of Mount Lebanon, N. Y." That was before either of them took their later spir- itual burdens. By and b)' he stood before us as one of the leaders of our fair Zion, and the impression was strong: There * Of the Central Ministry, who passed away from earth December 27, 1890, at Watervliet, N. Y. GILES H. AVERV. " 77^1? Angel of the Lord.^ I want to feel my spirit blest, Find for my soul a home of rest, And my union, pure and strong. With the heavenly orders moving on. TRIBUTE TO ELDER GILES B. AVERY. 83 stands "the angel of the Lord."- And so it has remained lip to this day. There is a land of pure delight, It is not far away, And there, arrayed in garments white, Our Elder walks to-day. He sends to us a blessing pure, A message to abide, O Zion, thou wilt stand secure, For God is on thy side. LE^n^ER TO COUNT LEO TOLSTOI.* Sabbathday Lake, Maine, February, 1891. Dear Friend and Brother : — Here in America is a home prepared for those who desire to Hve pure Hves, and the Christ spirit revealed throut^h Ann Lee is the foundation thereof, and the spirits of the redeemed administer thereunto. The indwellers of this home are now beholding a light on the distant horizon. It is the light from your strong- hold, and it can never be quenched. Your companion, in that she is sacrificing herself to sustain you in your convictions of right and in living them out, is largely endued with the spirit of Christ. We are thankful at every thought that you have such a help at your side, and also that your daughter Titiana is proving herself worthy of such a father. In bringing to light the unfruitful works of darkness, you have gone to the depth of human depravity, as Ann Lee has done before you. * This letter was suggested by reading the Kreutzer Sonata, and was forwarded to Count Leo Tolstoi at Tula, Russia, by Brother Alonzo Hol- lister of Mt. Lebanon, N. Y. LETTER TO COUNT LEO TOLSTOI. 85 " She stripped a carnal nature Of all its deep disguise, And laid it plain and naked Before the sinner's eyes." You have done the same, and the sinners of the nations are now in a squirming condition. The Word which went forth from Ann Lee one hundred years ago has now gone forth from you, and the trumpet gives no uncertain sound. Ann Lee arose in the dawning of the morning and took upon herself the spirit of Christ, the same spirit that baptized the man Jesus. He was the first among many Brethren. She is the first among many Sisters. "And this is the name wherewith she shall be called, ' The Lord of our Righteousness.' " The women of the nations are following in her wake, asserting themselves equals to their brothers, both in the sciences and governments. They will acknowledge her and confess her name when they find out the spirit that is leading them. Jesus was administered to by the spirits of the just. He saw them. His disciples saw them. And you, dear friend, have a mighty host around you. They whisper to your spirit ; you listen and write. They lay their hands of blessing upon you ; you feel and receive. God's people everywhere are sending you their love and encouragement. Your sister in the cause of self-denial. jESUS— BUDDHA— THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. [From the Manifesto.'] In The Arena for March, 1892, Charles Schroder asks the question, "Where do we find the Christian teachers of any sect, creed, or denomination, who dare to preach and Hve, or even accept this grand sermon in its entire- ty?" If he should visit the Shaker Communities, he would find a people who do accept the Sermon on the Mount as their guide, whose aim is to control their lives by its teachings in every respect. He would find in them some who are true followers of Jesus, The Christ, and who have in reality entered "The Path" and are walking the straight and narrow way. During the six hundred years from Buddha to Jesus, spiritual light was increasing, and Friend Schroder is right in ranking the teachings of Buddha second to those of Jesus. Both of these great teachers opened to the people a " Path, which the vulture's eye hath not seen. The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it." BUDDHA. %-] " Enter the path," said Buddha, to those who would become his followers (among them were some of his nearest relatives), when he returned from the wilderness, enliohtened. illumined, and all animal passions subdued. "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it," said Jesus. In all the ages that are passed, how few there have been who have entered the straight and narrow way and turned neither to the right nor to the left, but kept onward and upward until they have reached the heights for which they started. These, by the discipline brought to bear upon their daily lives, have found their spirits purified, all selfish- ness eradicated, and every evil passion subdued. That it can be done has been proved by loyal souls. If Friend Schroder will visit Mt. Lebanon, N. Y., East Canterbury, N. H., even our little home at Sabbathda}- Lake, Maine, or any of the Shaker Societies, he will find people who lift up their voices in denunciation of war, and all the evils of the day and also of the night. It is not because their number is small that they are not heard. The multitude have blinded their own eyes and stopped their own ears. They will not see, they will not hear. "THE SHAKERS AND THEIR HOMES."* [From the Manifestor^ Sabbathday Lake, Me., February, 1893. Brothers and Sisters of the Highest Life : — From victory to victory in the path of purity you have walked from youthful days until the present time, and now as said the beloved apostle so can you say, "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." Elder Giles B. Avery once said, "Zion is the working hands of God in the world." It then becomes the duty of believers to "sow light till the world is aglow." If we fail to do this, others may arise to take our birthright, and it is now evident that light is greatly needed to shine abroad over the earth. Whenever we come in contact with those outside, we find that we are very imperfectly known unto them. The questions which meet us at every turn are like these: "What is your religious belief?" "What is the difference between you and the Quakers?" " Have you By Charles Edson Robinson. OUR CHILDREN. " THE SHAKERS AND THEIR HOMESr 89 books that will inform us of your history and manner of life?" In answer to the last question, we tell them that we have books, large and small, and we have let them have a great many written by those of long spiritual travel and deep theological study and experience. Thousands will yet arise to call our good Father F. W. Evans blessed for the labors from his brain and pen, and. also others who have toiled in the same field. But "variety is the spice of life," and one outside of our homes has written an interesting series of articles, in a very friendly spirit, giving the history of the Order from its commencement ; of the organization of the Soci- eties, and the foundation principles by which they are governed ; also biographical reminiscences, together with illustrations of nearly all our villages and some of our leading members. These articles have appeared during the last two years in the Manufacturer and Builder, a magazine published in New York City. The work has been revised and very kindly given to us, with the use of the plates for the illustrations, by the writer of the series, our good friend, Charles Edson Rob- inson, who it seems has made the lives of God's people a .study, and is himself not far from the kingdom. At a sacrifice of time and labor, the work is now being printed and put into book-form by Elder Henry C. Blinn, editor of the Manifesto. His reward is with him, to give unto the people according as their subscriptions to the books have been. 90 THE ALETHEIA. In our correspondence with the Brothers and Sisters of the different Societies, in regard to the work, the kind spirit in which we have been answered has filled our hearts with thankfulness. We are particularly grateful for the approval and help of the Elders of the North Family, Mt. Lebanon. It is our hope and trust that in the future new editions of and additions to this work may be made, until "the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea." Even now the tide of adversity is rolling back and prosperity's waves are rolling in. The Voice of the Spirit will be heard to the uttermost parts of the earth. " For the angels are coming down from heaven, To bless the people anew, They are coming with rich and beautiful gifts For every one of you." ADDRESS TO THE SCHOOL AT SABBATHDAY LAKE. I was made happy this afternoon by an invitation to visit your school. I find that it has been a very profita- ble term to you. The improvement that you have made is plainly to be seen. The teachers have done credit to themselves, and the pupils are a credit to their teachers. All who have attended here this winter are not schol- ars, but all are pupils. x\ppearances show that the pupils have been trying very hard to become scholars. Your school-days are slipping away, term after term.. In future years you will recall these days as the happi- est period of your lives, and the very sight of an old book that you used in school will send a thrill of de- light through your whole being. As you advance in life, you will sense more and more the sacrifices that your teachers have made for you. Of these you can have but little idea now. I know the joys and the sorrows of a teacher's life. I know the hopes and the fears, and I know how the teacher enters into the little life of each child under her charge, and I know how it hurts her to take away your merits. But I hope 92 THE ALETHEIA. you have not lost your merits. I hope you are all enti- tled to prizes. You are going out into the spring that will soon be upon us. The mayflowers will bloom in the green pas- tures, the violets and buttercups will appear, and many pleasures will be yours as you roam over the fields of your beautiful home. While you are enjoying all this, do not forget your school-lessons, but let them^ combine to teach you to be good men and good women in all your future years. You have many friends who are watching you anx- iously. You must not only be to them all that they expect, but, if possible, -you must be to them all that they desire. And now farewell for the present. I hope to meet you here again in the lovely month of June. Then the birds will be singing in a thousand tree-tops, and the orchards and gardens will be blooming in beauty. INVOCATION. DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW CEN- TER DWELLING, THANKSGIVING DAY, /