mised in the gospel; so that, as it respected the new birth, or real purification of the man from all sin, the law made nothing perfect-Heb. vii. 19, but was a shadow of good things to come-Cor. ii. 17. Heb. x. 1. Their only hope of eternal redemption was in the promise of Christ by the gospel, to be attained in the resurrection from the dead. families of the earth should be blessed. | not attain that salvation which was proAnd the earthly blessings, which were promised to Abraham, were a shadow of gospel or spiritual blessings to come. And circumcision, or outward cutting of the foreskin of the flesh, did not cleanse the man from sin, but was a sign of the spiritual baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire. Which is by the power of God manifested in divers operations and gifts of the spirit, as in the days of the apostles, which does indeed destroy the body of sin or fleshy nature, and purify the man from all sin, both soul and body. So that Abraham, though in the full faith of the promise, yet as he did not receive the substance of the thing promised, his hopes of eternal salvation was in Christ, by the gospel to be attained in the resurrection from the dead. the gospel of Christ's first appearance in "The third light of dispensation was the flesh, which was as waters to the loins -Ezek. xlvii. 4, and that salvation which took place in consequence of his life, death;* resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father, being accepted in his obedience, as the first born among many brethren-Rom. viii. 29, ister the power of the resurrection and he received power and authority to admineternal judgment to all the children of men. "The second light of dispensation was the law that was given of God to Israel, by the hand of Moses; which was a farther manifestation of that salvation, which of eternal salvation unto all that obey So that he has become the author was promised through Christ by the gos-him-Heb. iv. 9. And as Christ had this pel, both in the order and ordinances power in himself, he did administer power which was instituted and given to Israel, and authority to his church at the day of as the church and people of God, accord- Pentecost, as his body, with all the gifts ing to that dispensation which was as waters to the knees-Ezek. xlvii. 4, by which the first gifts of the Holy Ghost, as an that he had promised them; which was they were distinguished from all the fami- in-dwelling comforter, to abide with them lies of the earth. For while they were forever; and by which they were baptized faithful and strictly obedient to all the into Christ's death; death to all sin : and commands, ordinances, and statutes that were in the hope of the resurrection from God gave; approbated of God according the dead, through the operation of the to the promise for life, and blessing pro- power of God, which wrought in them. mised unto them in the line of obedience; And as they had received the substance cursing and death in disobedience. Deut. xxviii. 2, 15. For God, who is flesh, by the gift and power of the Holy of the promise of Christ's coming in the ever jealous for the honor and glory of Ghost, they had power to preach the goshis own great name, always dealt with pel, in Christ's name, to every creature; them according to his word. For while and to administer the power of God to as they were obedient to the commands of many as believed, and were obedient to God, and purged out sin from among the gospel which they preached; and to them, God was with them, according to remit and retain sins in the power and auhis promise. But when they disobeyed thority of Christ on earth. So that they the commands of God, and committed sin, that believed in the gospel, and were obeand became like other people, the hand of the Lord was turned against them; and those evils came upon them which God had threatened. So we see, that they that were wholly obedient to the will of God, made known in that dispensation were accepted as just or righteous. Yet as that dispensation was short, they did them, that Christ should die, and visit the dark dient to that form of doctrine which was taught them, by denying all ungodliness and worldly lust, and became entirely dead to the law, by the body of Christ, or power of the Holy Ghost, were in the travail of the resurrection from the dead, or the redemption of the body-Rom. viii. 23. So that they who took up a full cross against the world, flesh, and devil, and who forsook all for Christ's sake, and followed him in the regeneration, by persevering in that line of obedience to the end, found the resurrection from the dead, and eternal salvation in that dispensation.* But as the nature of that dispensation was only as water to the loins, Ezek. 47, the mystery of God was not finished, but there was another day prophesied of, called the second appearance of Christ, or final and last display of God's grace to a lost world, in which the mystery of God should be finished, Rev. x. 7, as he has spoken by his prophets, since the world began-Luke i. | 70.which day could not come, except there was a falling away from that faith and power that the Church then stood in -2 Thess. ii. 3. 2 Tim. iv. 3. Dan. xi. 36 to 38. See Dan. chap. xii. In which Anti-Christ was to have his reign, whom Christ should destroy with the spirit of his mouth, and brightness of his appearance -2 Thess. ii. 8. Which falling away, began soon after the apostles, and gradually increased in the Church, until about four hundred and fifty-seven years, (or thereabouts); at which time the power of the holy people, or church of Christ was scattered or lost, by reason of transgression, Dan. xii. 7. viii. 12.; and AntiChrist, or false religion, got to be established. Since that time, the witnesses of Christ have prophesied in sackcloth, or under darkness-Rev. xi. 3. And although many have been faithful to testify against sin, even to the laying down of their lives for the testimony which they held, so that God accepted them in their obedience, which they were faithful and just to live, or walk up to the measure of light and truth of God, revealed or made known unto them. But as it is written, that all they that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution; and so it has been: and those faithful witnesses lost their lives by those falsely called the church of Christ, which is anti-Christ. For the true church of Christ never persecuted any; but were inoffensive, harmless, separate from sin. For the true church of Christ, taking up their cross against the world, flesh, and devil, and all sin; living in obedience to God, they earnestly contend for the same. Therefore, it may be plainly seen and known where the true church is. But as it is written anti-Christ, or false churches, should prevail against the saints, and overcome them, before Christ's second appearance2 Thess. ii. 3, Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. And it was given unto him to overcome all kindreds, tongues, and nations-Rev. xiii. 7. And this is the state Christ prophesied the world of mankind should be in, at his second appearance. See Luke xvii. 22, to end of the chap. And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of man, ver. 30. Even so shall it be in the days when the Son of Man is revealed: Plainly referring to his second appearing, to consume and destroy antiChrist, and make a final end of sin, and establish his kingdom upon earth— Isa, lxv. 25. Jer. xxxi. 33, 34. Dan, ii. 44, and vii. 18, 27, and ix. 24. Oba. 21. Rev. xi. 15, &c. But as the revelation of Christ is spiritual, consequently must be in his people, whom he had chosen to be his body, to give testimony of him, and to preach his gospel to a lost world. "The fourth light of dispensation is the second appearance of Christ, or final and last display of God's grace to a lost world; in which the mystery of God will be finished, and a decisive work, to the final salvation or damnation of all the children of men: which according to the prophecies, rightly calculated and truly understood, began in the year of our Saviour, The society at New Lebanon, is the principal one, and has served as a pattern for all the branches of this community, which have been established in various parts of the United States. In every place where the faith and testimony of this society has been planted, the same order and principles of government have been gradually established and maintained; so that the society and its members are now generally known; and form the striking peculiarities which distinguish them from all other Christians, no person needs be deceived by imposters. 1747,* (see Daniel and the Revelations) | blishes the kingdom of the saints of the in the manner following: To a number, Most High to stand forever. in the manifestation of great light, and mighty trembling, by the invisible power of God, and visions, revelations, miracles, and prophecies. Which has progressively increased with administrations of all those spiritual gifts that was administered to the apostles at the day of Pentecost: which is the comforter that has led us into all truth; and which was promised to abide with the true church of Christ unto the end of the world. And by which we find baptism into Christ's death-Rom. vi. 4, death to all sin become alive to God, by the power of Christ's resurrection, which worketh in us mightily. By which a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto us, and woe be unto us if we preach not the gospel of Christ; for in sending so great a salvation and deliverance from the law of sin and death, in believing and obeying this gospel, which is the gospel of Christ; in confessing and forsaking all sin, and denying ourselves, and bearing the cross of Christ against the world, flesh, and devil, we have found forgiveness of all our sins, and are made partakers of the grace of God, wherein we now stand. Which all others, in believing and obeying, have acceptance with God, and find salvation from their sins as well as we. God being no respecter of persons, but willing that all men should come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved." They believe that no institution, nor any system of government, could be established which would be more compatible with truth, justice, reason and all the civil and religious rights of man, than the institution of this society. The following primary principles constitute the basis on which this institution is founded, with all its movements and operations. I. Faith and principles of the Society at New Lebanon. 1. Abstinence from all carnal and sensual passions, and a strict life of virgin purity, agreeable to the example of the Lord Jesus, and the recommendation and example of the apostle Paul. My 2. Abstinence from all the party con-Various opinions are abroad in the tentions and politics of the world. world respecting "Mother Ann;" but Kingdom is not of this world," said Jesus. this society consider her as a vessel chosen 3. Abstinence from wars and bloodshed. of God to usher into the world the Divine" Follow peace with all men," is a divine Spirit of Christ, and thus to commence precept; and hence also the necessity of the dispensation of his second appearance: abstaining from all acts of violence toThat this same Spirit, in divine elements wards our fellow men, and from all the of power and light, now dwells in his pursuits of pride and worldly ambition. church, which is his visible body. And 4. Perfect justice and honesty in all our that this Christ, in the completed order of dealings with our fellow creatures. Father and Mother, can be found by every faithful soul," without sin unto salvation," according to his promise to all who will pay the price which he sets, that is, to give up all in order to win "the pearl of great price." That this is the everlasting gospel which will extend through the 6. Do good to all men, as far as oppor world by increasing degrees, until it esta-tunity and ability may serve, by adminis tering acts of charity and kindness, and promoting light and truth among mankind. • See Dunlavy's Manifesto, p. 405.-Editor. 5. A faithful discharge of all just debts, and all legal and equitable claims of every nature, as soon and as effectually as possible; thus fulfilling the apostle's precept, "Owe no man any thing but love and good will." "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." 7. Agreeable to the example of the first Christian church, let the object of our labors be directed to support and maintain a united and consecrated interest, as far and as soon as preparatory circumstances will admit. But this is to be done by the free will and voluntary choice of every member, as a sacred privilege, and not by any constraint or undue persuasion. The faith of the Society is firmly established in the foregoing principles, as the genuine basis of christianity, emanating from Divine Light and Wisdom; these principles are supported by reason, and by the precepts and example of Jesus Christ and the primitive christians; and they form a system of morality and religion adapted to the best interest and happiness of man, both here and hereafter. II. Manner of receiving members. 1. Persons wishing to unite with this society must do it freely, according to their own faith and unbiased judgment. 2. No one is permitted to unite without a full understanding of all its obligations. 3. No considerations of property are made use of to induce any to join the society; nor to prevent any from leaving. 4. No believing husband or wife is allowed to separate from the unbelieving one, except by mutual consent; unless the conduct of the unbeliever is such as to justify a separation by the laws of God and man. Nor can any husband or wife, who has abandoned his or her partner, except as above stated, be received into communion with the society. 5. Every person wishing to become a member of this society, must rectify all his wrongs, and, as fast and as far as it is in his power, discharge all just and legal claims, whether of creditors or filial heirs. Nor can any person who does not conform to this principle, if a member of the institution, remain such. But the society is not responsible for the debts of any individual, except by agreement; because such responsibility would involve a principle ruinous to the institution. 6. It is an established principle, that no difference is to be made in the distribution of parental estate among the heirs, whether they belong to the society or not; but an equal dividend must be made, as far as is practical and consistent with reason and justice. 7. If an unbelieving wife separate from the believing husband by agreement, the husband must give her a just and reasonable portion of his property, (if he have any ;) and if they have children who have arrived to years of understanding, sutlicient to judge for themselves, and who choose to go with their mother, he must not disinherit them on that account. Though the character of this institution has been much slandered on this ground; yet we boldly assert that the principle above stated has never been violated by this Society. 8. Idleness is incompatible with the principles of this Society. No member who is able to labor, can be permitted to live upon the labors of others. All are required to be employed in some manual occupation, when not engaged in other necessary duties. Industry, temperance and frugality are prominent features in this institution. III. Manner of government. The leading authority of the Society is vested in a Ministry, generally consisting of four persons, including both sexes. These, together with the Elders and Trustees, being supported by the general approbation of those concerned, constitute the general government of the Society, in all its branches, and are invested with power to counsel, advise and direct in all matters of a spiritual or temporal nature, pertaining to their respective departments. The Ministry, together with the Elders, for the time being, are vested with power to appoint their successors, and other subordinate officers, as occasion may require; to superintend the concerns of different families or departments of the community, to give and establish all needful orders, rules and regulations, for the direction and government of the different branches of the Society. But no rule can be made, nor any person assume a lead, contrary to the primitive faith, and the known and established principles of the Society. And nothing which respects the government, cerns. No creed can be framed to bind the progress of improvement in this institution. This would be incompatible with the true spirit of Christianity: for it is the faith of the Society, that the operations of divine light and wisdom are unlimited, and will forever continue to diffuse their benign and salutary influence, in extending divine knowledge and instruction, and bringing to perfection, in man, those principles which, in their Divine Source, are boundless as eternity. No corporal punishment is approved of, nor any external force allowed to be exercised over any rational person who has come to years of understanding. Compulsory power and personal coercion, are not considered compatible with the laws of Christ, over rational and intelligent beings, whose reason and understanding, if properly guided, are sufficient to direct their steps in the path of duty, without the aid of blind force and coercive power. The want of mental energy, in such persons, is rarely supplied by corporal force. their duty. It is also an established principle, that no Trustee, nor any member whatever, shall contract debts, of any kind, in behalf of the Society. IV. Order and Arrangement of the ceive faith in the testimony and principles persons, property or children; nor will it acThe Society assumes no control over cept any such control, unless by the request and free choice of the parties concerned. different branches, generally called famiThis community is divided into several lics. This division is generally made for convenience, and is often rendered necessary on account of local situation and other concurrent circumstances, which usually attend the arrangement of Believers into the order of families. But the proper division and arrangement of the Society, without respect to local situation, is into three classes or degrees of order, as follows: The management of temporal affairs, religious faith and principle; but no not 1. Those who unite with the Society in in families holding a united interest, so far come into any temporal connexion with it. as respects the consecrated property of the These live with their own families, if they Society, is committed, for the time being, have any, or provide places for themselves to Trustees. These are appointed by the wherever it is most convenient. In such Ministry and Elders; and being supported cases, husbands and wives take care of as aforesaid, are legally invested with the each other, and bring up their children, fee of the real estate belonging to the So- (if they have any,) hold their own interest, ciety. All the consecrated property comes improve, use and dispose of their own under their general charge, together with property, and manage their affairs accordthe oversight of all public business, and ing to their own discretion. They may all commercial dealings with those without continue in this situation as long as they the bounds of the community. But all the find it beneficial, as to their temporal cirtransactions of the Trustees, in the use, cumstances and spiritual improvement. management and disposal of this united But they are required to bear in mind the interest, must be done in behalf, and for necessity and importance of a spiritual the joint benefit of the Society, including increase, without which they are ever exall the associated members, in their re-posed to fall back into the course of the spective departments, and not for any personal or private use or purpose whatever. And in all these things, they are strictly responsible to the leading authority of the Society for the faithful performance of world; and they can maintain their union Such persons are admitted to all the |