Shaker Communism PDF Download

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 edition. Excerpt: ... XXIII A MESSAGE TO SHAKERS FOR many years progressive leaders and thinkers in all societies and families have felt that spiritual and temporal advance, true Gospel Union, demand a deeper Communism, a wider cooperation in family and society relations. The total absence of creed and formal constitution, the deeply grounded principle of spiritual influx and advancing revelation make possible, in the Shaker Order, a continuous progress which shall wisely conserve all essential elements, and progress without revolution marks the evolving history of the Order. It has long been felt that the future success, if not the continued life of the organization lies in a firmer grasp and more radical application of that primal order of a United Interest--a .true Communism based on Gospel Love and Harmony; and that, while the Covenant provides the most perfect system of government known to man, in details of application, it should broaden with the broadening spirit of the age, the growing intellectuality and self-governing power of the individual. As March buds in their swelling push off the dry leaves left by December winds, thus in Shakerism, the pulse of the Spirit is ever replacing old forms by new growth and beauty. Let the new life pulse and the old excrescence drop to earth where it belongs! Never in the history of Shakerism has there been such opportunity for increase and power as now. The world is astir with the impulse and quickening of this Gos pel of purity, equality and brotherhood. Never have people turned as now they are turning, with eager, inquiring thought, to seek in the principles of Shakerism the key that shall unlock the mystery of life. Let Shakers arise in the joy and strength of their faith and minister its spirit and its power!...