WebSadhu

The Shakers were a unique Christian group who fled persecution in England, arriving in America in the 18th Century. They believed that their founder, Ann Lee, was the second coming of Christ. The Shakers believed that God had both male and female aspects, and practiced equality of men and women at all levels in their organization. They were one of the first churches in America to integrate their congregations, involving both Blacks and Native Americans from the very start. Known for simple values, hard work, communal living and absolute celibacy, the Shakers went into a long decline during the 20th Century. They are only today represented by a few elders at one farm. It is difficult not to be moved by their sincere belief that any act, including dance, song, and even manual labor, can be an act of worship. - jbh

S H A K E R S

C O M P E N D I U M

OF THE

ORIGIN, HISTORY,PRINCIPLES, RULES AND REGULATIONS,
GOVERNMENT, AND DOCTRINES

OF THE
UNITED SOCIETY OF BELIEVERS IN CHRIST'S
SECOND APPEARING

WITH BIOGRAPHIES OF
ANN LEE

WILLIAM LEE, JAS. WHITTAKER, J. HOCKNELL, J. MEACHAM,
AND LUCY WRIGHT

BY F. W. EVANS.

"O my soul, swallow down understanding, and devour wisdom;
for thous hast onoly time to live." — Esdras

Originally Published: 1859

TO THE READER.

In respectful response to the often-expressed desire of the public, to have the information respecting Shakers and Shakerism, that is now spread through some five or six volumes, concentrated in a Compendium, this work has been prepared by the author and compiler, in union with and aided by, his Gospel friends.

It being, as stated in all previous publications by the Society, the settled faith of the Church, from the beginning, that its foundation was Divine REVELATION; and that the records of past Dispensations, and their revelations, can be understood and interpreted aright only by means of a present living revelation; we therefore feel ourselves untrammeled by the letter of yesterday, and write and express our views in accordance with the increasing light of to-day, as we hope and trust, subject to the dictates of "the Comforter," or "Spirit of Truth," dwelling and abiding in the Church, which is gradually, but surely and safely, leading it into the knowledge of "all truth." For "in Christ are hid," as we fully believe, "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Committee of Revision. F.W. EVANS
CALVIN GREEN
GILES AVERY

August, 1858