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The Divine Book of Holy and Eternal Wisdom

Revealing the Word of God out of whose Mouth goeth a Sharp Sword

 

Table of Contents

of the Original Book Published by the Shakers
in 1849

[A NOTE from Pass the WORD's Shaker Manuscripts On-Line: For the Reader's convenience, those on-line portions of this Book that have been reproduced here, may be accessed from this Table of Contents as well as from the book's Descriptive Index.  Copies of the original printing of this Book may occasionally be available from collectors and booksellers. They may also be found in archived collections at the various Shaker Museums and Historical Sites.]

CONTENTS

Preface by the Editors

Introductory Address by the holy Angel of God.

A Roll from the Eternal Two in One.

 

Chapter

PART I.

1

The Call of God to the inspired writer. He instructeth his chosen people in their duty toward the children of men, etc.

2

Continuation of the word of God. He declareth his judgments upon the inhabitants of the earth, and showeth that they are for a merciful purpose. He warneth his people against the spirit of enmity.

3

The judgments of God declared upon Arabia and other parts of the earth. He showeth the justice and equality of his ways.

4

Judgments denounced upon the ships of the sea, and upon those engaged in unrighteous traffic. The blood shed by warring nations recompensed upon themselves. The humble and penitent shall find blessing and mercy.

5

Declaration and confirmation of the holy Angel of prophetic Light, to the subject of the preceding chapter respecting war.

6

The great day of the Lord foretold. He reproveth infidelity, and the hypocrisy of carnal professors, and declareth his judgments against them. Christ hath come in his glory, as a refiner, to sit in judgment and purify his people.

7

Proclamation of the salvation of God by the holy Archangel. He declareth the overthrow of the antichristian power. The Son of God declareth the manner of his second coming. He reproveth the slothfulness and darkness of the professors of Christianity. God will judge the great whore of Babylon, etc.

8

Vain are the labors of man to comprehend the mysteries of God by natural wisdom. God will reveal his hidden mysteries to none but the simple and innocent babes of Zion: He reproves the many sins and secret abominations of the world. A promise of mercy to the humble and penitent.

9

Famines predicted. Election and reprobation explained. Of regeneration.

10

The inhabitants of the earth rebuked for their sins and abominations. The judgment seat of Christ proclaimed, where all souls shall be judged.

11

Man, in a state of nature, is like wild uncultivated land, which must be subdued before it is fit to receive good seed: so must the heart of man be subdued by confession and repentance, before the seed of the gospel can be planted and profitably cultivated in it.

12

The standing word of God for present and future generations. The standard of obedience, according to divine appointment, the only means of access to God. The fall of Lucifer (now called Satan) was by his disobedience.

13

The prophet Isaiah's address. The law of God shall go forth from Zion to all nations, and all shall be judged thereby. The Lord will destroy the wickedness of man from off the earth, and cause the righteous to flourish.

14

God will reward the workers of iniquity according to their deeds. Salvation can only be obtained through Christ, in the order of his second coming in his glory. The only door of entrance into Christ's kingdom made manifest.

15

The true doctrines of the gospel cannot be mistaken: All must be forsaken and given up for Christ; the carnal life of sin, etc. The manner of Christ's coming; He cannot be seen by the world of mankind.

16

All the works of God are progressive. The New Creation shall be beautiful and glorious; and as the old creation was brought to maturity by progressive degrees; so with the new; it shall be gradually peopled from spiritual Parents.

17

A solemn warning from the Almighty to his people, to treasure up stores of spiritual gifts, to support themselves and others in time of famine.

18

God reproveth the murmurings of his people respecting the dispensation of his gifts. He hath given them in wisdom and justice, and requireth a faithful improvement thereof, and each one shall be rewarded according to his works.

19

The natural man, by his own wisdom, is unable to judge the work of God. Reproof of the haughty and self-exalted for their oppression of their fellow men, and the poor, and those whom they consider as their inferiors. Equal justice shall be measured to all souls.

20

A declaration of God's wrath and judgments against the inhabitants of the earth for their wickedness. His warning to the children of Zion to come out from the world and look not back, lest they fall under judgment.

21

The words of Solomon the son of David. The true meaning of the work he was called to do, declared. All will be spiritually fulfilled in the kingdom of Christ, established in the present dispensation.

22

Solomon declares the uprightness of his youth, and the manifestations of Wisdom to him: That the peace and glory of his kingdom were typical of the beauty, honor and glory of the everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace, revealed by Christ, the Son of God, in this latter day.

 

PART II.

1

The Lord reproves his people for unbelief and unfaithfulness, their disobedience and disorderly conduct: He warns them to repent and be examples to the world, of love and union, peace and harmony

2

The earth shall be renewed, the deserts and waste places shall be replenished and made fruitful. Judgments declared against oppression and slavery. The state of the oppressor and oppressed shall be reversed hereafter.

3

A chapter inspired by the holy Angel of prophetic Light, in confirmation of the preceding one.

4

A severe reproof of the oppressors of God's people, and of the rich and haughty, who oppress the poor and needy. The pride and haughtiness of man shall be brought low, and the meek exalted.

5

The judgments of God declared against the abominations of the wicked. Mankind called to feel their dependence on God for all their enjoyments. God will destroy the inventions of man from the earth, and bring the children of men to righteousness and purity, and to a oneness of feeling in all things.

6

The high and exalted ideas of the Jews concerning the first appearing of Christ, was the cause of their unbelief and  opposition; so in his second coming, will the expectations of mankind be disappointed, and great will be their opposition.

7

God's love for all souls. His mercy to the repenting prodigal, while the self-righteous find no favor. All are invited to seek the favor of God, to be stript of the filthy garments of sin, and be clothed with righteousness.

8

The word of God will stand forever. His way is plainly marked out for all who walk in it. Wo to those who reject it. Judgments against opposers.

9

Declaration of the work of God to his people. Why no man can see the face of God and live. They who die to sin, shall see the face of God and hear his voice. God is one, and the head and members of his body are one. All souls must become one with his body, or never find redemption from all sin.
10

The natural body a figure of the spiritual. The members of the one body of Christ must be mutually useful to each other; like as the members of the natural body mutually assist and support each other.
11

An exhortation to gather up and save every word and gift of God, to feed and nourish hungry souls. The natural and spiritual elements of man. The final state of all souls must be decided in this dispensation.
12

The children of men, in this day, being more wicked than those destroyed by the deluge, cannot escape the judgments of God, who will destroy the old earth by the divine fire which is already kindled, and people the new earth in his own likeness.

13

The mysteries of God revealed to babes. The natural creation of male and female, a figure of the spiritual. The spiritual Parentage revealed in its true order.
14

The miracles of Christ's first appearing, typical of those to be wrought in his second advent, in healing all manner of spiritual infirmities, giving spiritual life, etc.
15

The gospel shall be published to all nations; the time hath come and the work hath commenced. The mysteries of God cannot be known till the appointed times, and blessed are the wise who wait God's times, for they only shall understand.
16

The old creation a figure or shadow of the new and spiritual creation.
17

As the natural earth is improved and beautified by cultivation; so shall the new earth be brought to perfection by the cultivator. God requires all to earn their food, both natural and spiritual. None but the willing and obedient shall inherit the blessing of God.
18

The selfish nature of man debars him from the union of the body of Christ. The whole family of Christ is one. All must be given up to become of his family.
19

The nature of man shall be beaten in pieces by the judgments of God, until there remains no power of resistance against his will. The hypocrisy of professing to own Christ as their king; yet serving his enemy. God will have but one kingdom and one king to rule over the earth, etc.
20

Concerning the true nature of the Lord's supper.
21

Concerning washing feet. The hire of the laborer, and the beast of Antichrist.

 

PART III.

Preliminary note by the Editors.

Introduction by the holy Angel.

1

Interpretation of the vision of the souls of them that were slain for the word of God etc. None are true martyrs of Christ who are not slain, as to the life of fallen nature and the spirit of the world etc.

2

A communication from the holy Angel of prophetic Light, giving further illustration of the wonder seen in heaven by Saint John, concerning the woman clothed with the sun, and of her offspring, etc.

3

Address of the holy Angel, and of the apostle John to the inspired writer. The voice of God to the inhabitants of the earth. The time of his judgments near. The true sign of the coming of Christ in his glory, and the two witnesses explained.

4

Address to the worldly minded, who boast of their pleasures; yet trust in the merits of Christ for salvation. God by his judgments, will subdue all these things and bring in everlasting righteousness.

5

The Lord hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Those who will not be reformed by judgments, shall not inherit the kingdom of God. His judgments on Babylon. Man must overcome the world in himself, or he cannot be accepted of God.

6

Binding the dragon explained. False doctrines of Satan among the followers of Christ cast out by the manifestation of divine light, whereby Satan hath been bound; but will again be loosed by the spirit of apostasy, etc.

7

Souls must be cut off from the carnal life of nature, before they can be prepared for the living building of God. The order and glory of the New Jerusalem. The true work of judgment declared, which God is able and will accomplish.

8

The figurative import of the twelve tribes of Israel explained. The spiritual meaning of circumcision. The true work of judgment in the witnesses of God; here all souls must be judged in righteousness.

9

Some explanation of John's vision of the bottomless pit, locusts, scorpions, etc.
10

Explanation of the mystery of the little book which the Angel gave to the beloved apostle to eat, and concerning the mystery of godliness.
11

The mystery of the holy City, New Jerusalem explained. Man must come out of his fallen nature and be purified before he can dwelt therein, etc.
12

Explanation of the work of the four Angels of judgment, etc.
13

Some explanations of the seven vials of the wrath of God, etc.

14

The Apostle's address to the writer, with Instructions, and some further explanarions of the subjects of the preceding chapter, etc.

Supplement to the preceding chapter by the editors.

15

No power is able to rob God of his glory. He created man for his own honor and glory, and will accomplish his purpose. The manifestation of the love of God to his creatures.

16

Man must abase himself to glorify God: The great mistake of souls who think to honor God by exalting themselves. Concluding address of the apostle John.

 

PART IV.
Introduction by the holy Angel.
1 God declareth his creative power and its order: The creation of man, male and female, in the image of God, a figure of the spiritual Parents of the new creation.
2 The figurative import of the types and offerings under the law, must be fulfilled in the gospel, by the confession of sin, and by a pure and holy life.
3 The day is hastening when God will dispense his righteous judgments to all souls, according to their works. A full sacrifice is required to find God's acceptance. He will reject those who flinch at a full cross. All must have a free choice.
4 The sacred book of the Ancient of days revealed. The Angel encourages and instructs the inspired writer. The creation and order of the new heavens and earth, etc.
5 The judgments of God declared, which in all ages have followed those who slight his solemn warnings, and especially upon persecutors. Witness the days of Noah, and of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
6 Great signs and wonders are not designed to compel souls to obedience; for all must be tried and found faithful before they can enter the promised rest. God's work was never intended to exalt the lofty and aspiring sense of man.
7 The first work of souls in the gospel, is honestly to confess their sins; etc. The types in the figurative dispensation prefigure the various stages of the work of this latter day and final dispensation of God to fallen man.
8 An illustration of the true order of confessing sin, which is declared in the preceding chapter to be the first work of the soul in the gospel, supported by scripture and figurative representation.
9 The wilderness of America was discovered by the Providence of God, to be the field for the manifestation of Christ in the female, etc.
10 A solemn warning not to be found fighting against God, whose work is out of sight of human wisdom. A reproof of unclean souls who seek God in hypocrisy. He will reward all souls with a just recompense.
11 The reasonableness and importance of the office of the Mother, in the spiritual regeneration declared. The effects of the testimony concerning the Parentage of the new creation.
Remarks of the inspired writer, introductory to the following spiritual communication. The word of the holy Angel
12 Words of the holy Angel concerning the necessity of the following communication.
13 The creation of God designed for his own honor and the happiness of his creatures. The formation and progressive operations of natural and divine light. Christ the divine light and sun of eternal brightness. Man fell from his first rectitude by violating the law of obedience.
14 The integrity and obedience of Jesus Christ in temptations. The work of regeneration established by the obedience of the second Adam and Eve. The true light of day is now manifested.
15 Additional explanation of the vision of St. John, recorded in his revelations; referred to in the preceding chapter of this book.
16 The way of God is plain and easy, but unalterable, and cannot be scanned by the high and lofty. The state of souls not altered by leaving the body. The way of God is fair and equal.
17 Closing of the present address of the God of heaven to the nations of the earth. God declareth his great mercy in revealing this his word, and the solemn responsibility of souls who hear it, etc.

 

PART V.
Introduction
1 The Savior declareth himself to be one with the Father, and the only way to God. He showeth the impossibility of being his followers, and at the same time, following the corrupt principles of the world, and bringing forth the fruits of sin.
2 The Savior declareth that the time is come for the mysteries of godliness to be clearly revealed. All must become like little children. The heavenly Parentage clearly revealed. The true character and work of their children described.
3 As the order of the old creation was not completed until the woman was brought forth and set in her order; so also the new creation was not completed until the female spirit was brought forth and placed in her order, in Christ, as the second Eve.
4 The work of the Savior is to purify souls. His compassionate prayer for a lost world. He exhorteth all to repentance. He warns them against idolatry.
5 All souls, after hearing the gospel, are left to their own free choice. The nature of the resurrection declared. The harvest of the world. Souls coming to the Savior, must be purified from all iniquity.
6 The kingdom of heaven cometh not by observation. Those who willingly embrace the cross, shall be kings and priests unto God. A solemn warning to all to beware how they treat the simple work of God.
7 An Angel of heaven is now flying through the earth, with the everlasting gospel, to be preached to all nations. Those who disbelieve in this day, will be far more guilty than the Jews who rejected Christ in his first appearing.
8 Introduction by the Angel. The apostle Peter's address. He showeth the attainments and deficiencies in the dispensation of Christ's first appearance, and the superior attainments of his second appearance.
9 The apostle's warning to hasten and fulfill the requirements of God. The strong enemy of souls is not conquered by great and mighty displays, but by simple obedience. His fervent exhortation. Witness of the Angel.
10 The word and testimony of the beloved apostle James. Introduction by the Angel. The apostle shows the nature and certainty of the work of God, in this great day of divine light and power, and warns all to beware how they treat it.
11 Testimony of the beloved apostle Paul. The apostle declares his experience and attainments on earth, in the dispensation of the first appearing of Christ the Savior.
12 The apostle shows his state and experience in the spiritual world, and gives his testimony of the manner and work of  the coming of Christ in and with the bride.
A witness from the Angel of prophetic Light respecting the apostles.
13 The testimony of Simon called Zelotes. A witness of the work of God in the first and second appearing of Christ. His solemn warning and exhortation to works of faith and humility.
14 Testimony of the beloved apostle Jude. The apostle declares that a sure foundation is laid in the spiritual Parentage, for all souls to build upon, and that the work of this dispensation shall never be overthrown. The blessed effects of the work of God in this day, etc.
15 Testimony of the apostle James surnamed the Just. The apostle's faith and confidence in the present work of God. The liberty of the soul is freedom from the bondage of sin. Importance of order and obedience. Natural and earthly accomplishments do not fit souls for the kingdom of heaven.
16 Concerning the profitable use and great abuse of letter learning. Parents responsible for the moral cultivation of their offspring.
17 The gospel of Christ's second coming, according to St. Matthew. His testimony of the work of the first and second appearing of Christ.
18 The testimony of St. Mark. He declares that the present work of Christ's second appearing is the only way whereby souls can find acceptance with God. He exhorts souls to embrace the cross in humility and childlike simplicity, etc.
19 Testimony of St. Luke the Evangelist: Luke solemnly warns all against denying the Deity. He declares their awful state in eternity, and exhorts them to repentance.
20 Testimony of St. Bartholomew the apostle. The apostle warns all souls not to be like the rebellious Jews, and reject the work of God in this day, to their destruction. All will be judged according to their works.
21 Testimony of the apostle Philip. The apostle declares his full confidence in the perfect work of Christ's second appearing, and boldly exhorts all immediately to set about the work of subduing the man of sin.
22 Testimony of the apostle Andrew. The apostle expresses his own humility, and shows that the work of Christ's first appearing was humiliating to the lofty sense of man; and that none need expect it to be any less so in his second appearing.
23 Testimony of the apostle Thomas. All are invited to come and prove the truth of Christ's doctrine for themselves. The great stumbling block and rock of offence to the unbelieving world is Mother.
24 Testimony of the apostle Matthias. No other foundation will ever be laid for salvation than that which is already laid, through Christ's first and second appearing.
25 Testimony of Nicodemus. Acknowledgement of his error. He declares his faith. Warns all against erring in like manner as he did.
26 A communication from the Virgin Mary. Her character, though pure and spotless, was greatly slandered by the wicked. She testifies her faith, and in a special manner, acknowledges the Bride, the Mother of the new creation.
27 A communication concerning Ananias and Sapphira. The death of Ananias and Sapphira by the judgment of God, was designed for a solemn warning to all who pretend to give up all; yet deceitfully keep back a part.
Witness of Ananias

Witness of Sapphira

 

PART VI.
1 Holy Mother Wisdom declares herself to be, in nature and essence, One with Eternal Power. She shows the origin of her distinct order, and her union with the great first Cause, and warns all to beware how they treat these sacred things.
2  The work of the regeneration is to be the means by which the seed of the woman will bruise the serpent's head, through the children of the second Eve. The words of Solomon respecting Wisdom, applied to the Eternal Mother.
3 Holy Wisdom declares the law and order of nature given of God in the beginning, and shows it to be the only means by which man could ever obtain the blessing and protection of God, in the natural state.
4 The subject continued, with particular instructions to females.
5 Reasons for the indulgences permitted under the law of Moses, which were not consistent with the original law of nature, and which are wholly inadmissible at the present day, etc.
6 Unnatural lust and licentious debauchery were the primary causes of the destruction of the old world, and the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cutting off of the ancient inhabitants of the land of Canaan by the hand of Israel.
7 Christ, the perfect pattern of righteousness, hath opened the way of salvation for all souls that will receive it. What it is to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of man, according to Christ's saying. The character of the followers of the Lamb.
8 The existence of Deity both in the order of male and female, is shown by the general instinct of adoration in man. Mankind must be redeemed by the manifestation of Christ, in the line of both male and female.
9 sec. 1 Additional illustration of the moral law, and the order of nature and the law of grace, declared by Holy Wisdom in the preceding chapters; showing their true place and order. Inspired by the holy Angel of prophetic Light. Origin of the moral law of nature. The operation of witnesses thereof until Christ's first appearing.

sec. 2 Christ establishes the law of grace for his followers; but arraigns mankind to judgment by the laws of nature which God first gave to man.

sec. 3 The Church established in the perfect gospel, which admits of none who do not travel in regeneration. But the world of  mankind are arraigned and called to judgment by the declaration of the moral law and order of nature.

10 The word of Mother Ann to the lost inhabitants of the earth. Mother declares her experience from her childhood, until she united with James and Jane Wardley. The heavenly gifts she received, and in what manner she was led to discover the fallen state of mankind through the lust of the flesh.
11 Mother Ann's experience and travel in the preparatory work, until she found her redemption from a fallen nature. Her sufferings in England.
12 The perilous voyage of Mother Ann across the ocean to America. Her labors, toils and sufferings, with her little band, until the gospel was established in this land.
13 The great labor and trying scenes, opposition and bitter persecution which attended the establishment of the gospel. The untiring zeal and undaunted perseverance of Mother and her companions.
14 Mother's revelations of the future work of God, and of the order and laws of Zion. Her faithful instructions to all; with special warnings to persecutors.
15 Testimony of Father Joseph Meacham. Introductory words of the holy Angel to the inspired writer. Father Joseph declares his experience from his childhood, his convictions of sin, and the divine light which he received; also the preparatory work which opened the way for the second appearing of Christ.
16 Father Joseph testifies that the establishment of the Church, and the orders, laws and regulations for the government and protection thereof, were not the inventions of man, but were revealed by Divine Wisdom; He ends with a solemn warning.
17 Testimony of Mother Lucy Wright. She declares her experience in the work of God, and bears witness to the book of Holy and Eternal Wisdom.

 

 

PART VII.
1  Testimony of the first man Adam. He declares the primitive state of the first earthly parents, and the cause, manner and effects of their fall.
2  Adam shows the manner in which he found justification in the natural state, and wherein the sin of natural man consists. He exhorts all men to obey the laws of God, as revealed to them, according to their state.
3 The work of the second Adam could not be perfected without the second Eve. Adam declares the work of the regeneration, and warns all souls to obey the laws of God, as far as they are and may be revealed to them.
4  Testimony of the first women Eve. Eve declares the nature of the fall of man, through the influence of the first woman; and the final restoration of the fallen race through the second Eve.
5 Eve declares her fervent desire for the salvation of all souls. The like temptations will befall souls in the work of the gospel, as befell the first natural parents; and they must be saved by obedience to the revealed will of God.
6 Word of the holy Archangel in the name of the Lord. Concerning the apostles and patriarchs. Encouragement to the inspired writer.
7 Testimony of the Patriarch Noah.
8 Testimony of Abraham, father of the faithful.
9 Testimony of the Patriarch Isaac
10 Testimony of the Patriarch Jacob. EXCERPT
11 Testimony of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. Introduced by the Angel.
12 Testimony of the Patriarch Simeon EXCERPT
13 Testimony of the Patriarch Levi.
14 Testimony of the Patriarch Judah
15 Testimonies of the Patriarchs Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher.
16 Testimonies of Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin.
17  Remarks of the Holy Angel, together with a communication in the name of the holy Angel of everlasting love.EXCERPT
18  Testimony of David, the ancient king of Israel. David's Introduction; his wars against his outward enemies typified the spiritual warfare, through Christ, against the enemies of the souls of men.
19  Souls can never come into the resurrection of eternal life, without following the example of Jesus Christ, in very deed, and subduing all the vile passions of a corrupt nature, which are the inbred enemies of the soul. David's explanation of Divine Worship.
20  David urges the importance of being duly prepared to worship God in simplicity.

Testimony of the inspired writer of this Book

 

APPENDIX
The several testimonies of heavenly witnesses in confirmation of the divine word contained in the sacred pages of this Book were received at Holy Mount. Introduction of the inspired writer.

The words of Holy Wisdom contained in the Roll

The word of Holy and Eternal Wisdom to the mortal writer of the following pages, containing the words of the seven Witnesses of the eternal truth of the sayings of Divine Wisdom to the many nations of the earth. EXCERPT

Witness and seal of the holy and divine Savior Jesus Christ.

Witness and seal of blessed Mother Ann Lee.

Witness and seal of the faithful Father William Lee.

Witness and seal of the beloved Father James Whittaker.

Witness and seal of king Solomon, the son of David.

Witness and seal of the holy Archangel of Love, who had been present at the writing of the word of the five preceding witnesses.

The last and decisive word of Holy and Divine Wisdom, the Eternal Mother, sealed by the Almighty Power, concerning their most holy and divine word, which they, unitedly, have declared to be sent forth to the nations of the earth.

Testimony of Rebecca Landon

Testimony of Maria Stewart.

A Roll of Holy Wisdom's Word, illustrating the order of Deity.

Testimony of the Elders of the Second Family, Wisdom's Valley.

I

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