PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION. THE first edition of this work was printed in the year 1808, at Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio. But, it being too small to answer the demand, a second edition was printed in 1810, at Albany, New-York, with such improvements as were found expedient for the better understanding of the matters therein contained. Also, a third edition was printed in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the year 1823. 2. This work was written and sent forth, as declaring that spiritual light and wisdom sent down from the heavenly orders above, by the inspired teachings of the Holy Spirit, of which all See 1 Cor. the faithful members of this society are living witnesses, by ii, 12, 13. practical experience of the power and efficacy of the principles thus revealed. 3: The idea which so extensively prevails, that all inspired revelation ceased with the canon of Scripture, is inconsistent with both reason and Scripture. It is not unreasonable to suppose, that the spiritual work of God should alone remain stationary, whilst all the natural arts and sciences among men, are continually improving and increasing, by newly manifested principles of natural light, and are constantly progressing more and more, by the knowledge and further application of the original principles from whence all these are derived? 4. It may be seen by every attentive observer, that these natural revealments and improvements are now more frequent and rapidly developing and increasing, in the present age and time, than in any preceding age of the world. Therefore we may consistently conclude, that the spiritual work of God must be increasing and improving in a corresponding progression, or the things of by far the greatest importance will be left behind; for, in comparison with the spiritual work of redemption and salvation, all earthly knowledge, and all natural improvements, sink into insignificance. 5. For, though man should gain all the natural knowledge in the universe, he could not thereby gain either the knowledge or power of salvation from sin, nor redemption from a sinful nature; because the world, by natural wisdom, never did, and never can, See 1 Cor. know God. Hence we see the indispensable necessity of a continual influx and application of Divine principles, in order to know the things that concern the eternal welfare of the soul, and to enable man "to work the works of God;" and these can only i. 21. 1 Cor ii. 11. xi. 13. be received by the revelation of the Spirit of God; "for the things of God, knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." 6. In no part of the Scriptures can the least intimation be found that the revelations of the Divine and Holy Spirit to man will ever cease; but many declarations to the contrary. Our Saviour See Luke, says, "If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Such as deny those heavenly See Jas. iv. gifts, have not, because they ask not." And if they ask, they "receive not, because they ask amiss, that they may consume (those good things) upon their lusts:" that is apply them to support their own natural desires. Thus the Saviour and his Apostles show the reason of that general barrenness of spiritual gifts among all denominations. But ancient prophecy foretells a wonderful influx of spiritual manifestations "in the last days." 2, 3. 28, 32. See Acts, ii. 17. 7. Thus, by the Prophet Joel, it was expressly declared, that See Joel, ii. God would pour out his Spirit upon all flesh; and that a wonderful diffusion of spiritual gifts, and great signs and wonders should be manifested. This prophecy was quoted by the Apostle Peter, as particularly applying to "the last days." He indeed refers it to the outpouring of the Spirit at the day of Pentecost. But, as the Apostle testified that they "knew in part, and prophesied in xiii. 9, 10. part, this prophecy could be but in part fulfilled under that dispensation. Besides this, the Spirit was far from being poured out upon all flesh in that day. See 1 Cor. See Rev. xvi. 14 to end. See Mat. xiii. 30. 8. But Peter foretells a much greater work, "in the times of refreshing which should come from the presence of the Lord," in a future dispensation, which he calls "the times of restitution of all things," when Jesus (i.e. the Anointed Saviour,) should again be sent forth; for the "restitution of all things" could not take place until the second appearing of Christ, which is the greatest and last dispensation that will be ushered into the world. 9. This dispensation evidently contains those last days foretold in the prophecy aforesaid. In these days, God will judge the world in righteousness, and appoint all things and beings to their proper order and state, which will be justly meted out. This work being the ultimate of all the works of God from the creation of the world, cannot be effected without the manifestations of Divine light and power, greater than has ever before taken place from the beginning; otherwise "the harvest of the world," and the restitution of all things, cannot be accomplished thereby. 10. According to all the movements of Providence, in the civil, political, and ecclesiastical orders of the world, and from the general and earnest expectation of all classes among the human race, of the near approach of some great and marvelous displays of Divine power, which will bring the world to its consummation, it is evident that the "great day of God Almighty," has commenced in the world. 11. Therefore, in the display of his Divine Providence, He has opened the avenues of correspondence from the spirit-world to mortals on earth, and poured out his Spirit, in various degrees, by which the many wonderful events, both natural and spiritual, have been brought forth in the natural world. And these displays will doubtless continue to increase, in the orders of both Providence and grace, in greater and more spiritual degrees, of higher and higher orders, until the prophecy will be fulfilled, that the Spirit and Divine influence will be "poured out upon all flesh." 12. And we testify, that all true members of this Society are living witnesses that the great and last dispensation has commenced; and that the marvelous revelations, spiritual gifts, signs, and wonders, predicted to take place "in the last days,' have been, and are being, fulfilled in so plain and evident a manner as cannot be disputed by any rational and candid mind. 13. This order of people originated in spiritual and Divine revelation from the heavenly orders above; and they have been continually supported, and have advanced in various degrees, by an influx of Divine revelations and heavenly ministrations with increasing light, adapted to their state, up to the present time. 14. But it was foretold by the spirit of prophecy, years before the event began, that a wonderful work of Divine revelation and heavenly gifts, light, and power, would take place in and among this people, in the fiftieth year after the gathering together of their United Society commenced, which would be as an antetype of the ancient Jewish jubilee. Accordingly, during the year 1838, a most wonderful manifestation of Divine revelation and heavenly light and power, simultaneously commenced in the two central societies, and in a few months visited every branch and family of the people called Shakers, throughout the land. 15. This work was attended with all those operations of Divine light, gifts, and power, enumerated by the Apostle in 1 Cor. xii.; particularly verses seven to eleven, inclusive. These heavenly gifts being adapted to all states and circumstances, much new light was revealed by them on many important subjects. But this subject is more fully treated of in Book viii. chap. xi. 16. But we will here just state, that it was foretold, in these manifestations, that when the general and extraordinary diffusion of those spiritual gifts should, in some measure, cease among the Believers in the present dispensation of Christ's second appearing, that then similar manifestations would go forth into the world, and operate among them in various manners according to their state. Accordingly, this prophecy has been evidently fulfilled, and is fulfilling, in such manner as to demonstrate its certain truth. 17. By the means of these manifestations, so great a degree of important light has been received into the minds of many of our fellow men, upon spiritual subjects, and those things which concern their present and eternal welfare, that they appear to be better prepared than heretofore, more fully to understand and appreciate the doctrines of this Society. From the aforesaid manifestations, together with our own experience and travel for many years, in the principles and practice of this community, as in the subsequent pages set forth, much increasing light has been gained upon many important subjects. 18. Therefore it has been judged expedient to issue the present edition, with such further illustrations and improvements as to us appear adapted to the present order of the work of God, both within and without this Society; it therefore has been prepared in accordance with the increasing Divine light brought forht among us by those inspired manifestations and our experience. 19. For this purpose, the work throughout has been critically examined and carefully revised by the primary author, with such approved and experienced assistance as appeared proper and necessary, in order to render the subjects treated of, clear to the understanding of the reader. It may therefore be considered as A GENERAL EXPOSITION of the rudimental principles, faith, and manner of life, maintained by the United Society of people called Shakers; yet it is not intended as a creed or standard of orthodoxy, to bind the faith and conscience of any from improvement; but is simply a manifestation of the travel and light of the Church; leaving the door still open as heretofore, for any further increase that may be made manifest by heavenly light. See Isa. ix. For it is according to our faith, "that of the increase of 7.& Luke, Christ's kingdom, to order aud establish it, there shall be no end." i.33. 20. And now, with the sincerest desires for the good of all mankind, this volume is most earnestly and affectionately presented for the information and benefit of all candid inquirers after truth, of every nation, sect, and denomination, by WATERVLEIT, (Wisdom's Valley) BENJAMIN S. YOUNGS, • It should be distinctly understood, that special inspired gifts have not ceased, but still continue among this people. |