SOCIAL GATHERING
D I A L () G U E.
BETWEEN
OF
SIX SISTERS OF THE NORTH FAMILY
SHAKERS,
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MT. LEBANON, COLUMBIA (Ill. MT), N. Y.
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| ALBANY:
| WEED, PARSONS & COMPANY., PRINTERS.
1873.
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S00IAL GATHERING
D I A L O G U E,
BETWEEN e
SIX SISTERS OF THE NORTH FAMILY
Og
SHAKERS,
MT, IRBANON, COLUMBIA COUNTY, N. Y.
ALBANY: Q
WEED, PARSONS & COMPANY, PRINTERS.
1873.
T H E
“SHAKER AND SHAKERESS"

IM O N T H L Y.
EDITOR, EDITRESS,
F. W. EVANS. . A. DOOLITTLE.
Fublished at Mt. Lebanon.
50 Cents per Annum. .
DIA LO GUE.
_*
THE GOSPELWORK-IISPRESENT ANDFUTUREINCREASE.
[ _*- v-y
BY
MARGARET PATTISON CHARLOTTE BYRDS.A.L.L
JALNN OFFORD MELISSA SOULE -
MARTHAL ANDERSONſ MLARGH A RET CLEVELAND.
MARTHA.—We hail this year, 1872, as the Twelfth Celebra-
tion of our Social Gathering, and as the Centenary of the open-
ing of the Gospel. In reviewing the past, from the first stages
of the work to the present time, we find much that is interesting
and instructive to the thoughtful and observing mind, and encour-
aging and hopeful to those whose aspirations are spiritually
directed. -
I propose to trace the onward progress of a system which,
though small in its beginning, embodied the germs of scientific,
moral, and spiritual knowledge, which, by culture and growth,
would become wide-spread—a revelation of truth that was and
is destined to shake the foundations of the old heavens and earth,
and bring to perfection a plan of true harmonial development for
humanity. & <!
We who are in the enjoyment of the good that has been accu-
mulated and conserved by the consecrated lives of those who
were pioneers in the cause, with their faithful successors, can
testify to the permanency and validity of those principles which
constitute a solid basis for a life in which the nobler faculties
and God-like attributes of mind and soul can be unfolded, and,
4.
through the influences of increasing truth, rise to the altitudes
of heavenly perfection which the Creator designed all intelligent
progressive beings should occupy.
MARGARET. P.-Are you not mistaken in this being the cen-
tennial year? I thought it was not until eighteen hundred and
seventy-four. &
MARTHA.—I referred to the revelation in England, not to the
actual occurrence in America. Am I not right in the assertion?
ANN.—You are. Mother Ann (Lee) received a baptism from
the Christ sphere in seventeen hundred and seventy, when con-
fined in prison, on account of her advanced religious ideas. Dur-
ing her imprisonment she had a clear conception of the loss of
mankind, and of the only means that would resurrect them into
a higher life. For the space of two years, and amid great perse-
cution, she openly bore her testimony against a generative life
for Christians; then she received a revelation of the work in
America ; and in seventeen hundred and seventy-four, by the
aid of Divine power, she, with her little band of eight souls,
was enabled to leave the shores of the eastern continent, and
through the guidance of the Spirit of Truth, was led to this land
of freedom where liberty of conscience is enjoyed. “For liberty
is the soul’s right to breathe; and, where it cannot take a long
breath, laws are girdled too tight.”
CHAR.— What you have said is in accordance with our record.
While listening to Martha's expressed thoughts, a desire for the
increase and spread of this pure Gospel was stirred anew within
tº my heart. With her, I would turn and return the pages of this
celestial work, and bring to open reflective view the increased
outgrowth of Mother’s pure Gospel. We should be immortal
teachers to mortals developing to external and internal glory,
that nature whereon is enstamped the seal of God.
MEL.- We will note the progress of this Church, and, as we
traverse the recesses of truth, strive to let the blinding scales fall
from spirit eye-sight that all who see and hear may be edified
and encouraged in the upbuilding and sustaining of a cause, noble
in its purpose, refining in its character, and angelic and eternal
in its life. -
MAR. C. —What need was there of a Second appearing of
§
Christ, when Jesus brought forth and promulgated a system of
truth which alone was sufficient for human redemption?
MAR. P.- How could he, without the aid of the Mother Spirit,
bring forth a perfect system of truth that would redeem the race?
ANN.— He could not. He did not communicate all the truth
that was revealed to him, and which governed his own life;
surrounding conditions would not admit of it. He said to even
his nearest companions, “I have many things to tell you, but ye
are not able to bear them now ; when I am gone hence I will send
the Comforter,” &c. which was undoubtedly the Mother Spirit,
the esse of love. - [.
MEL-Do we understand that the Christ is a direct unction
from the Supreme, or from the highest order of spirits, who stand
as mediatorial agents for the revelation of those exalted truths
which will uplift souls from the generative life into the angelic
and divine 7 * .
CHAR.— The Christ baptism came from the highest order of
spirits, who are as Saviours, lights to other worlds, sons and
daughters of the seventh sphere, or Heaven; the only redemp-
tive agents and mediators between supreme goodness and souls
in this and in other worlds.
MAR. C.—By other worlds, do you mean planets? It is true
that scientific discovery has led to the conclusion that they are
composed of material substances similar to this earth, and are
inhabited by mortal beings who are adapted to their varied cli-
mates. Sir William Herschel said, “It would be no more foolish
for a man to build twenty houses and only have one inhabited
than it would have been for the Creator to frame myriads of
worlds similar to this (and in many respects excelling it), and
then have only this one little dusty ball peopled with rational,
intelligent beings?” But, do you suppose they are fallen and
need redemption’s work, as we all admit the inhabitants of this
world do? tº
CHAR.—By other worlds, I mean the six successive spheres or
worlds, preceding the seventh, and also the planéts, the inhabit-
ants of which, whether fallen or unfallen, need the influence of
the same spiritual agencies to unfold in them (as natural beings)
the seed buds of eternal life. As was once remarked with in-
6
spired power, “Mankind, whether fallen or unfallen, need the
mighty power of God to resurrect them from the natural into
the spiritual.”
MARTHA.—It is a broad and liberal system of theology that
admits such universal dissemination. A grand and lofty thought,
the acme of which is the converging of all souls to one harmo-
nious Center—Eternal Wisdom and Love, the Creative Source
of the universe of, mind and matter. *
MAR. P.-Christ signifies anointing. It was this Anointing
Spirit that inspired the Witnesses of former days when they
prophesied of the Millennium, and uttered many truths in
advance of the knowledge and life of the people. The Divine
unction has also rested upon the successors of Mother Ann, spirit-
ually qualifying them (in the order of leadership) to administer
the Gospel in its power, and increase to other souls.
ANN.—Ancient philosophy taught that there was but “one
God, the Father of all;” and its numerous deities were intermedi-
ate spirits employed as agents, for God was too pure to be ap-
proached by mortals. This ancient religion, or theology, is
identical with ours, and we may consider all religions as merely
progressive steps, by which the human understanding has devel-
oped itself in every time and place, and will continue to develop
itself in the future.
MEL.-May we not conclude that the evident design of the
“second appearing” was to reveal the female in Christ? Its CP
intent also was progress, as, prophesied by Isaiah : “To the
order and beauty of Christ's kingdom, in the latter day there

would be no end.”
MAR. C. — Eternal progress beautiful thought. No Popish
or Protestant creed, or thwarting priestly power, could check
its course; but, pure and simple in its unfoldings, it guided
Mother and her little band to this land of freedom, to estab-
lish a Church that was too universal in its religious sentiments
to find continued existence under the combined Church-and-
State government of England.
MARTHA.—Then we believe that the Shaker Order holds a
closer union to, and more abiding relations with, the American
7
Government, than does any other organized church to its Gov-
ernment 7 *
CHAR.— We do. The effect of the American Revolution was
the institution of a Republican form of Government, which en-
titled all to an equal right in political and religious belief.
Thus America became the land of free thought and free speech,
as J. M. Peebles writes: “A land where the people, conscious of
their God-given rights, and cringing before no cowled priests, feel
themselves ‘sovereigns.’” This prepared the way for the or-
ganization of the Shaker Church (in America) where the unadul-
terated principles of Christianity were recognized and wrought
out in the daily, lives of its members. Hence the product of this
Republican Government was the establishment of a spiritual
Government, moving in a corresponding line with the regula-
tions of the civil polity, yet exceeding it in purity and holiness,
although the interior order will be dependent for its increase of
members upon the outward order.
The progressive advance of religious ideas, the rising wave of
spiritual thought, and the wide diffusion of the holy teachings
and principles evolved by wisdom in the civil Government, are
the fruits of this union. And, as far as republican principles
are diffused and acknowledged, so far will the abstract principles
of true Christianity be extended, until all shall see and own their
truth and validity. The growth of freedom and progressive rights
which belong to humanity are embodied in both. No sectarian
creed, or fearful priestly symbol, harass the soul, or make it a
subject of terror by arbitrary laws; but true liberty is ensured
to all who nobly and uprightly maintain the just principles upon
which these two institutions are founded.
Thus we see the civil and religious Governments advancing
toward a genuine union; and the Christian Church, established
upon a true foundation, will be blessed and protected by the civil
Government, and they will co-operate and work harmoniously
together, while the superior law in the spiritual order will be as
a guide to the earthly order; and both, standing in relation to
true principles, will toil in harmony with God’s creation, in the
cultivation of the soil, and the hills and dales will unite with
those who work the work of God.
8
- MAR. P.-You have clearly portrayed the relation that will
exist in the future between the civil and religious Governments,
when Woman shall not be excluded from her right to aid in puri-
fying and sustaining the Constitution and laws of the natural.
order (which light is fully awarded her in the spiritual order).
As this should precede and be as a light outside, we know the
day will yet dawn when Woman’s voice and influence will be
blest by the Republic, even as it is in the Temple of Christ's
Second Appearing. * |
ANN.—That will be a glorious day, Margaret ; but you are
rather fast; you are foretelling the joys of the future. Let us
go back to the past, and from that rise to the present, then to
the future, as was our intention in this conversation. L
MAR. C.—Was Mother's testimony a new revelation, or was it
a revival of the principles of the primitive Church, with an in-
crease of spiritual life and power?
MEL.-The principles of truth vary in power and strength,
according to the growth of mind; and Mother's testimony, with
increased revelation, was a revival of the same principles. Thus,
the standard of truth was raised higher, with an increase of self-
denial.
MARTHA.— Great and truthful principles have outlived gen-
erations, traditions and corruptions, and have descended to us in
the transcendent light of their heavenly origin. “All good
cometh from God, the source of light and perfection.” Important
and elevating truths, manifested through chosen mediums and
witnesses (and designed for humanity’s good) through past
periods, have often been misconstrued, and seemingly perverted,
by coming in contact with those corrupt influences which result
from man's lost condition; and, through his inability to perceive,
or unwillingness to accept and apply them practically, they have
for a time, been turned from a free and effective course. “But
truth, although crushed to earth, shall rise again;” and, however
deeply it may be buried in the debris of error, it shall be brought
forth by the agency of that Almighty power, which over-rules all
things, to shine untarnished in the lustre of its divine light.
| MAR.P.- We must not overlook the fact, that in the formation
and regulation of the Church, much suffering was endured.
9
Souls consecrated to truth freely gave their lives for those who
should succeed them in future generations. We who are now
in a greater fullness of Gospel blessings do not comprehend or
realize the depths of sorrow which often overwhelmed their
spirits. | A.
MAR. C. — And in this our day, many, not appreciating that
fullness of blessing, would conceive the idea of great personal
disadvantages and trial. This feeling arises from a lack of con-
secration and devotion to Gospel communistic interests. We
possess much greater strength with which to bear life's needful
burdens, and carry forward a noble and glorious spiritual work,
than when, in Mother's time, only eight souls were with her to
sustain and minister the truth. & O
We are surrounded with Gospel relations, and number eighteen
established societies (and bright spots they form in this broad free
land of America), and, if there were in each society but one
individual, true and faithful to Gospel principles, would there
not be more mediums for imparting the strength of virtue and
the worth of goodness, than in Mother's time?
MAR. P-Certainly. Can we not see from this, that the
branches of the tree of life “whose leaves shall be for the
healing of the nations,” have spread, and that beneath it many
souls have found a pleasant and safe retreat; thus fulfilling
ancient prophecy 2 . . .
ANN.—As was remarked, the testimony of Christ's Second
Appearing, through the female, was a revival of primitive
Christianity, with increased revelation; for that in itself was not
complete. There was room left for a great increase of faith and
works relating to the physical, moral, and spiritual condition of
mankind. Nor did those who laid the foundation of the Second
Christian Church complete the structure. It was not given to
Mother Ann to gather the people into Gospel order; during her
ministry, they were scattered abroad in valleys and on the hill-
tops.
MARTHA.— Great wisdom and care were requisite on the part
of those commissioned to gather the people into an organized
body, to establish laws and regulations which would countenance
10
a progressive, physical, mental, and spiritual growth, and yet be
for the protection of the Society.
MEL. — Our ideas of progress would not lead us to discard
true foundational principles, but to build upon and expand
them. This may be the criterion by which we can judge the
worth of any progressive movement, if it does not deteriorate
the pure spiritual life of the community. Many, in haste for
onward advancement, would introduce reformatory ideas and
changes, without regard to the time or state of preparation for
receiving them, and by thus doing, would retard the progress
of the work. g”
MAR. C.—This is but the dawn of the Millennium. The spirit-
ual faith of this life leads to a consecration in all things. Self-
denial opens the door of revelation. What an amount of
inspirational strength actuated those who lived in their little
families, to give up all for the future glory of Gospel commu-
nistic life. Self-sacrificing devotion was their inducement. e.
CHAR. — The past is sacred on account of the holy life and
strength of Gospel parents. The beautiful and true have at-
tended the Gospel work in its varied stages of progress. Our
unprogressed conditions open wide fields of labor wherein we
may toil, and, like our predecessors, gain treasures of worth to
impart to others. In former times, comparatively little atten-
tion was given to physiology; but now the light of the present
reveals many physiological errors previously adhered to, which
we hope to have sufficient honesty of purpose, and firmness of
mind to leave for something better. -
MAR. P.-Greater attention is now given to air; for we
acknowledge the fact, that we live by breathing ; and the pure
atmosphere is essential for this purpose. It is a satisfaction to
glance at our well-ventilated dwelling, where we see space in the
base-boards, and apertures over all the doors for the admission
of air; while the self-acting Archimedian ventilators on the roof
create a strong draft and dispose of any vitiated air that might
otherwise remain in our dwelling. Even with closed doors and
windows, the atmosphere is still good and wholesome.
ANN.— In addition, we can range the verdant fields for pleasure,
or otherwise enjoy the sunshine and genial summer air, with no
sº
11
fear or thought of persecution; but with a calm and holy feeling
of inspiring life, we can behold, with joy and a spirit of blessing,
the consecrated labors of our good and worthy brethren.
MARTHA. —It is pleasant.to gather the fruits of earth. They
supply the place of animal foodin a great measure; for very little
of it is now required for our table. Swine's flesh has long been
abolished, with other things, in the preparation of food, such as
soda, salaratus, etc. Brown bread almost supplies the place of
white, while our well-cultivated gardens, golden grain fields, and
thrifty fruit orchards, yield an abundant supply for physical
health and comfort. e
ANN.—It has been asserted that “a vegetable diet has a happi-
fying influence on the mind, and tends to preserve a delicacy of
feeling, liveliness of imagination, and acuteness of judgment, sel-
dom enjoyed by those who live too much on animal food.” Frank-
lin said that “a vegetable diet promoted clearness of ideas,
quickness of thought, and stability of action.” He spoke from
experience; for his superior reason early led him to adopt a
simple style of living. * 0
MEL-Tobacco was formerly used to quite an extent among us,
but was considered useless and injurious. Some who had formed
a habit of smoking, and had not strength, of themselves, to
change, were assisted by spirits from the unseen world. Their
love to the truth was strong, and their desire to increase with
the work of God enabled them to make the sacrifice, which
proved a blessing to them individually, and to the whole body.
A spirit of self-sacrifice, in regard to perverted ways and habits,
is what the present generation need to possess. It should ever
be our effort to simplify our needs, and curb our appetites, and
thus bring ourselves to the condition of the philosopher, whose
habitual prayer was, “O ye gods 1 grant me to have few things,
and to stand in need of none.” p
MAR. P.-I should be pleased to know who he was.
MARTHA.—Apollonius. He was born four years before Jesus
of Nazareth, belonged to a wealthy Grecian family, and, though
reared in the lap of affluence and ease, he early discarded all forms
of luxury, donned the garb and habits of a Pythagorean philoso-
pher, lived on fruit and vegetables, drank water only, and chose a
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celibate life as being best adapted to philosophic and ethical
pursuits. He was endowed with remarkable mental powers and
spiritual gifts, which, combined, with a well-developed and per-
fect physique, gave him a marked-dharacter. He was success-
ful as a teacher of a rational system of morality and virtue.
MAR. C.—“The moral and intellectual status of man is
grounded in the material;” hence those things which pertain to
the health and perfection of the physical body, are of great im-
portance to humanity. There can be no high spiritual life sus-
tained here on earth, except in connection with habits of wise
bodily discipline—a truth yet to be recognized by many.
CHAR.—While we view the increase of truth in the past in
those particular points of which you have been speaking, we also
behold the present growth in virtue and goodness. Truly those
who plead for a broader platform, and complain of but little
progression, are more than spiritually blind. Such evince their
unfaithfulness to present light, a non-conformity to united
spiritual and physical, increase. ... •
MAR. P.-There is ever a beauty and glory manifest in the Gos-
pel work, to those who abide in its spirit of heavenly life and
love. Shakers, or Believers, are becoming better known in the
outside world; the purity of their lives is not questioned by those
who are rightly informed; while their character for integrity and
truth is well established, especially with the more intellectual
and spiritually-minded. .*
ANN. — The witnesses of God in the past, fell from their recti-
tude, and lost their spiritual power through the friendship of the
world. Through this medium, worldky attractions became strong.
We are in danger from this source. It is an easy thing to turn
light into darkness ; and there is greater danger of being allured
and drawn away from the true faith by the friendships of the
world, than by its persecutions. But, if members fail, virtue's
strong-holds are still reliable; seceders take no strength from the
body; God’s work remains the same, and will endure through
eternal ages. .
MARTHA.—Human nature is everywhere the same. In all ages
it has had the same wants and aspirations, and has been subject
to the same infirmities, . As you remarked, a declension of mem.
13
bers is not a declension of truth; but all, if they would advance
with the body, must be united and keep pace with increasing
revelation. Order and harmony are sure guides.
MEL.- There is greater strength and beauty in the Temple
when the weak and unreliable pass away. The cause of right-
eousness and self-denial never presented loftier themes for
thought and practice than at present.
MAR. C.—This is a day of individual trial. The foundations of
our faith are being tried. The everlasting Spirit of Goodness
searches the heart, and tries the actions, to prove what principles
we are actuated by. -
MEL. — The world may question our integrity; and many in-
quire, Why cannot you live as purely, with your faith, outside of
your community? But the Holy Spirit's call is, “Come up higher,
above, away from earth.” The work of to-day is to aggregate
souls into a heavenly union, to form a body for honest souls to
gather to; a true type of angelhood in the heavenly spheres.
ANN.—There must be an Order above and in advance of the
world, to govern and regulate, or set in order those who forsake
it. The spiritual is for that purpose. The present condition of
society is no cause of discouragement. The future cannot be
determined by the present. Like life, society grows from a
principle divinely implanted; it is progressing, bringing the world
and its attractions to an ultimate. It is true there is not much
increase of members to our Church at present. That is because
of the lack of the religious element without ; yet many (by de-
grees) are ripening up to the Gospel work, which is the harvest;
and, ere long, a revival of religious and practical truth will occur;
then, “where the body of Christ is, thither will the eagles be
gathered together.” •
MAR. P. —Our Father and Mother have prepared a home, and
are now calling their children to partake of the spiritual feast
of goodness and love. Forthere are noble minds, to-day, endowed
with power, and an understanding of truth, who are dissemi-
nating the seed of Christianity, educating souls for the Gospel.
For, “what education is for one man or woman, revelation is for
the whole human race.” e O
ANN.— Margaret, I listened almost breathless to your last sen.
14
tence, knowing that the original writer did not include the woman,
and you are aware that it is a day of woman's rights, a subject
upon which I am greatly interested; for we know she is of more
worth than to be a mere instrument of worldly pleasure. We
see in our Zion-home women of strength and virtue, whose con-
secrated powers adorn and beautify the Temple of God.
MEL-The acknowledgment of the Mother Spirit in Deity is
one grand step toward this ultimate. All who have progressed
away from old contracted theological views, can see and appreciate
the true worth of woman.
MAR. C.—How beautiful is the social relation formed between
the male and female among Believers, where the inferior passions
are kept in subordination to higher law How true the mani-
festation of love in the sphere of daily duties, where the claims
of both brethren and sisters are regarded with equal respect;
and, as co-workers in a noble cause, each unselfishly toils for
the good of the whole. &
CHAR.—This social and religious harmony is not only beneficial
to us, but to mankind in general. It is seed sown that will bear
fruit in the good time coming, but is sustained only through indi-
vidual personal “sacrifice of selfishness, and an expansion in the
elements of universal love and true philanthropy.” While listen-
ing to your comments upon woman, I thought how beautifully
Eldress Antoinette was inspired (in “Past, Present, and Future")
to speak of the elevation of woman from physical, moral, and
spiritual servitude. I know such truths will rest with weight
upon minds who are exercised in this direction. &
ANN.—I read and re-read the article with pleasure. Such
truthful expressions are like sunny rays of hope illuminating
the future. The love and union formed by kindred souls, who
have commenced the work of regeneration, by being baptised
into purity of heart and life, is the strongest of all bonds with
which to hold soul to soul. It is unchanging through all condi-
tions, and incites to constancy and truthfulness one with another.
Weintuitively repose confidence in a relation thus formed, as
when we pray we instinctively direct our intercessions to God;
there our confidence is placed. On the same principle we rely
upon our faithful brethren and sisters, and trust their fidelity.
15
MAR. P. — This is the advantage which is only to be derived
from a spiritual communistic life. We see verified, in our associa-
tion, the saying of Jesus, “Think not of the morrow, what ye shall
eat, drink, or wear,” because, in our associated capacity, there are
many who are interested in bearing the burdens of life; and the
orderly arrangement of spiritual and temporal leaders is a great
blessing; it relieves us of much anxious care and thought
respecting food, clothing and other things necessary for physical
comfort and support. And, by first seeking the Spiritual part
(the righteousness of Christ's kingdom), all other needful things
are added.
MARTHA.—Henry Vincent remarked that “ Christianity levels
all distinctions, save goodness; it is the grand elevator of the
human race l’ Aud, we might add, where its true spirit is
maintained, it dignifies toil, and transforms what is commonly
deemed the drudgery of life into pleasant occupation, where right
—not might—is the rule; because labor is equalized according to
qualification of membership, and ability to perform it. -
MAR. C.— Persons who visit our communities, not comprehend-
ing the true principles upon which the Institution is based,
often inquire as to the number of hours we labor; but we are not,
for sordid interest, toiling with restriction. Duty is pleasant to
us, we are in our own home; when more is to be done, then
gladly we give more effort; when not so much, then less is re-
quired. We are not under task-masters, but are influenced
by love and mutual friendship to one another, devoting our
strength for the good of a noble and glorious cause.
MEL. —One, speaking of consecrated toil, said, “Prefer duty
to diversion. He who is false to present duty, breaks a thread
in the loom, and will find the flaws when he has forgotten the
cause.” “º
CHAR.—Order and discipline are the guardians of our home. If
irksome to some, it is because they are not in the life and spirit
which pervade it. Some are baptised into a gospel of ideas, but
not into the Gospel of Love, which will produce practical works;
they receive faith intellectually, while their souls are untouched
by the living inspiration and consecration which permeate the
body of Christ, e wn
16
ANN.—The more practical religionis, the better I like it. It is
effectual for good, when it is carried into all the essential duties
of life, instigating the spirit of industry, in making good roads,
constructing fences, cultivating the soil properly, preparing of
food, clothing, &c., such as Christians can use and not abuse,
marking all our labor with neatness, thoroughness and order.
Here is a large field for useful thought. In this we find the most
effective poetry, —“a poem from the fingers' ends,” and beauti-
ful pictures to look upon; and “a picture is a poem without
words.”
MAR. P. —When I came among Believers, I admired the order
and practical utility of external things. This I perceived was the
result of an interior spiritual life: and, in the ardor of my soul,
I thanked God that I had found a people who were not stereo-
typed in their religious belief; but who, in the progress of spiritu-
ality, could change their theological views.
MAR. C. — Then, a distinction is made between theology and
religion ? -
MEL. — Certainly. Theology is but the science of religion,
while religion is the germ of eternal life, which may be found in
every human heart. Henry Ward Beecher says, “The way to
begin a Christian life is not to study theology. Piety before the-
ology. Right living will produce right thinking.”
MAR. C. — The cultivation of this germ has produced the in-
crease of the past and present. And, in the liberal exercise of
our faith, we are unbiased by worldly conservatism, believing
that this Church will eventually be the receptacle of all that is
good, whether it be from Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism,
or Mahometanism; for we claim that all sects contain some
truth. As--" 6 g”
ANN.— It will also be the conservatory of science; for all truth
centers in God. o Q
MEL. — Our minds should be open to the acceptance of Scien-
tific truth; although it should come in contact with precon-
ceived ideas, grounded in the mind, and forming a stronghold of
individual experience. Our theology should correspond with
science, or it is liable to be overthrown. It is a day of reason
and investigation; the foundation of all systems is being tested.
MARTHA.—I rejoice that the time is approaching when the
17
voice of woman will be heard in governmental affairs; when she
shall help to enact laws that will bind Justice and Love in one
inseparable band; uplifting her sex from the thraldom of sensual
and sexual sinfulness, into the untrammeled freedom of personal
rights and privileges, such as man enjoys. Then shall a purer
and more refining influence pervade the council-halls of the
nation, and a new epoch in civil history will hold a correspond-
ing relation to the spiritual order under which we exist.
MAR. C. — The Spirit of Divine Wisdom which regulated this
infant Church, stands as a balance between reformation and con-
servatism; and, from the growth of the past, we may judge of a
greater increase in the future. “As souls advance, their ideas
expand. Progress is an eternal law. The ideal beckoning the
real to come up higher, there will ever be loftier, diviner altitudes
to ascend.” o
CHAR.—The angelic voice of Truth has rolled in majesty
through all periods. The laws of improvement bear each tone
higher and still higher up the scale of holiness. The music
of the sinless Angel of Love shall echo over hill and dale, over
sea and land, until, in its glorious chorus, all nations shall
blend, and the home of Virtue and Truth, that is increasing, shall
begin its life in all, while the altar of holy resurrection shall be
lighted in grandeur, with hallowed and varied offerings of souls
from every clime. No longer will one toil in pain while another
revels in luxury; for the soil and fruitage of earth shall be free,
while over the homes of all will hover the heavenly dove of
Peace. - Af
MAR. P.-True LOVE principles, gleaming in their divinity far
and wide, will vitalize and draw many souls to Zion, where they
will be planted as trees by the sides of living waters, growing in
strength and beauty until they become as cedars of Lebanon.
Then will they joyfully sing the “Song of the Lamb” with
those who stand upon Mount Zion.
MARTHA.—
Joy we feel in thus reviewing
What the march of Truth has wrought,
And, while present light pursuing,
Claim the strength through increase brought.
18
Hopes for future bright are glowing,
Love with wisdom interblends,
Seed celestial they are sowing
Of a life that never ends.
Faith, endow’d with gift immortal,
Lifts the veil from spirit sight,
Ope's the gates to love's bright portal,
Leads the soul in Wisdom's light;
Pierces through the mists of morning,
And discloses to our view
Grace and Truth the home adorning,
Where all things are form'd anew
& £é'. v. tºº.
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