Morning Star Pearly Gate Bible Lessons: Authentic Shaker On-line Manuscript

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Morning Star Pearly Gate Bible Lessons

CHAPTER 7.

ARCHETYPAL WOMAN

I am Ann the Word. In womanhood dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily. — Ann Lee.

1. What sign did the Prophet see in heaven, after he had given a summary description of the work of the seventh trumpet? Rev. 12:1.

Ans. — A woman clothed with the sun of Divine light and revelation, — crowned with twelve stars, signifying that she bears rule in heaven, — and having the moon under her feet, signifying, she is above all the powers of night, and its season with her is forever past. Isa. 54.

2. What was the meaning of this sign?

Ans. a. — It was a sign of the Divine, Eternal Mother in Deity. That is, our Holy Mother Wisdom, who came forth at the beginning and is ever with the Father as the Nourisher and Supporter of all His works. Divine Book of Holy Wisdom part 3, chapter 2, verses 1-5. Prov. 8:20-36. B-L., chapter 2:3. Wisdom is justified of all Her children. Jesus Anointed.

Ans. b. — It was a sign that the Divine Archetypal woman was coming in the flesh, under the sound of the seventh trumpet, to destroy the Serpent's seed, and complete the foundation of redemption in both parts of manhood. And that the spiritual Bride would appear, and come forth and be seen. 2Esdras 7:26.

Ans. c. — It was a sign of woman's emancipation from thrall, from bondage to sex and custom and human opinions, and of her elevation to the Priestly and mediatorial office, to reveal the Divine Mother Spirit to mortals as Jesus revealed the Father.

16. What mystery of God did our Mother Ann make known to mortals who were seeking salvation and power over sin?

Ans. — She revealed that God is as much Mother as Father, and proved in her own person, that woman is as truly authorized to pay the price, and to minister the power of salvation and eternal life, as ever man was, and therefore is eligible to the Royal Priesthood of Jehovah. Rev. 5:10. 1Peter 2:5, 9. Isa. 66:13. Rev. 12:1. Isa. 54.

17. How did she prove this?

Ans. — By the same kind of evidence that Jesus gave. That is, by her works. Like Christ, her acknowledged Lord and head, she trod the winepress alone. Prec., chapter, 32, verse, 21; chapter 33, verse 9. She was brought into great consternation, and saw no Intercessor in mortal flesh on whom she might lean, or that could guide to the goal of her aspiration.

18. Did she then conclude that to struggle against the whole world, a false church, and the evil in her own nature was of no use, and surrender to the enemy?

Ans. — Nay, not for a moment. On the contrary, she put more iron into her resolution, and with the Divine power thus drawn to her aid, wrought her own deliverance. Isa. 63:3-5. Rev. 19:15.

19. Please name some special achievements.

Ans. — By the strength of her persistent desires and unconquerable spirit, she gained a present and everlasting salvation and emancipation from the errors, opinions, and customs of men bound by ancient tradition, — broke through the barrier of earthly generation, which had bounded human attainments after the great transgression, till Christ came and ended it in his followers, — cast out the MAN OF SIN from her inmost sanctuary and burned all his belongings, — spoiled all of the Serpent's charms; cleansed her temple from all taint and trace of him and his seed, and made it a fit habitation for the Holy Spirit, the Bride of the Lamb. Rev. 19:7.

20. What then did she do? Did she rest in the heaven of her own attainments, supposing she had done all that was required of her in achieving her own redemption?

Ans. — Nay, she could not. She was taught in visions and revelations that her mission extended to all mankind. She was filled with an indescribable sympathy and desire to save souls, and engaged in that work with a zeal and ardor that no obstacles could defeat, nor trials abate.

21. How did the votaries of pleasure receive this new Messenger of the Covenant; this Exposer of sham and hypocrisy, who spoiled the wares of Babylon, and ministered eternal life to all who would pay the price and take it?

Ans. — As they did her Lord and Teacher, with deadly hate. They sought in various ways, and on many occasions, to take her life, chiefly by personal abuse. But she was so filled and shielded by Divine Power, that her enemies were never able to conquer her, nor quench her love for souls. See Note 6. also B-L., chapter 8, verse 57.

22. What success did she have in her heaven appointed mission?

Ans. — She communicated that love and power to others, preachers and laity, married and single, learned and illiterate, which caused them to forsake the honors, the treasures, the relationships, and self-pleasing pursuits of the world, to follow Christ and keep his commandments in the way she taught, till, by travail in the regeneration, they had overcome the world as Jesus overcame, and died to sin and self, as Jesus died on the daily cross. Matt. 16:24, 25, and five parallel texts. Gal. 6:14. Phil. 2:8.

23. Who was Ann Lee?

Ans. — The Ann Lee of our communion, was by natural birth, a daughter of John Lee, a blacksmith. She was born in Manchester, England, February 29, 1736. She grew up without letter learning, and from childhood had to work for her own support. Landed in America, August 6, 1774. Ascended from earth, at Watervliet, N.Y., September 8, 1784, having gained a following of probably 2,000 converts.

24. What testimony is recorded of Mother's spiritual attainment, in the last year of her mortal life?

Ans. — Sarah Barker, of New Lebanon, N. Y., saw Mother in vision. She saw a bright spot on the top of her head, which gradually spread all over her, till she seemed to Sarah's sensation, to be clear glory, and as though God who created all things dwelt in her.

25. What did Mother say, when Sarah related her vision?

Ans. — She said It is a great gift of God. There is nothing in me to my knowledge, that is not of God. Prec. chapter 23, verse 14.

26. Did Jesus say Beware of false prophets that come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves? Matt. 7:15-20.

Ans. — Yea, and he also said Ye shall know them by their fruits. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree, bring forth good fruit. Matt. 7:18.

27. What are we taught by the application of this principle?

Ans. — That where we see the same fruits produced as were borne in the life and testimony of Jesus, THERE also, must be the same life that was in him.

28. Can you name one striking particular in which those who received Mother Ann's testimony bore like fruit to those who received the testimony of Jesus, by the mouth of the Apostles?

Ans. — And all that believed, were together, and had all things common. Acts 2:44. And the multitude of them that believed, were of one heart and one soul. Neither said any that aught of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things common. Acts 4: 32, 34, 35.

29. What are some of the sayings of Jesus, fulfilled in this order of life, which worldly Teachers reject, or explain away?

Ans. — Whosoever there be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33. Therefore be not anxious, saying what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or with what shall we be clothed, for all the nations seek these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these shall be added to you. Matt. 6:31-34. Luke 12:29-31.

35. In what respect is the organization of Believers in Christ's second appearing in advance of that of the Primitive Church?

Ans. — The foundation of full redemption is now laid complete in both parts of manhood. The Archetypal woman having come, woman is made as free as man, rules her own sex with suavity and grace, and has an equal share with her brothers, in all honors, duties, rights and privileges.

36. What is supposed by some, to be the cause of the great apostasy from the order of the Primitive Church?

Ans. — Some have thought it was because woman had not travailed to her redemption, and gained her rightful place in the order of the church; consequently it was incomplete. 1Cor. 13:9, 10.

37. Does Mother Ann's testimony require the same sacrifices and self-denials that Jesus taught in his day?

Ans. — Yea, precisely so, even to complete separation from the life of the world, total extinction of selfish desires, the final destruction of carnal affections, carnal relationships, and abolishment of undue attachment to earthly things. Matt. 6:19-21.

38. Do these fetter and confine the creature to the rudiments of a carnal life?

Ans. — Every one is a bundle of fibres, rooting fast to earthly conditions. Their renunciation is followed by the fruits of righteousness, peace, love and joy in a Holy Spirit. Rom. 14:17.

49. Has this spirit of falsehood, enmity, jealousy, and murderous hate, been mixed with the religious element of the human mind from the earliest period of history to the present day?

Ans. — So history testifies, but with exceptions. Buddhists were forbidden to take life, and the testimony is, that they never persecuted.

50. Can a true disciple of Jesus persecute?

Ans. — Never. But the meek and unresisting followers of the Lamb of God have been accounted as sheep for slaughter, ever since the purest and best of men was barbarously scourged and mockingly crowned with thorns. John 19:1-3; 16:2. Zech. 11:4, 7. Rom. 8:36. Ps. 44:22.

51. How was this state of things terminated?

Ans. — War arose in heaven, the highest elements of the spirit of man. Michael, the great Prince, who stands for the children of the beloved people, Dan. 12:1, fought and his messengers, and the dragon fought and his messengers, that is, slaves, and were not strong, neither was their place found longer in heaven. And the dragon was cast out into the earth, and his minions were cast out with him. Rev. 12:7, 8.

52. What announcement was made immediately after this?

Ans. — Now has come salvation and power, the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Anointed. Because is cast down the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before God, day and night.

53. Does this show that a warfare in spirit, against the evils in our own heart, represented by the dragon, must precede in us, salvation, power over temptation, the reign of God, and the authority of His Anointed ones?

Ans. — Truly it does. For the kingdom of heaven is invaded, and the strong take it by force. Matt. 11:12. Or as Luke says, The kingdom of God is preached, and every one forcibly presses into it. Luke 16:16.

54. Were those to whom the Law and Prophets were given, in a mixed state of good and evil, light and darkness, till Christ brought into the world a higher law and perfect standard of righteousness for people to live by?

Ans. — It is evidently so, both from the testimony of the Prophets, and the records of history. They could not be otherwise. Their state is illustrated in the parable of the tares. Matt. 13:24-30, 36-41. Heb. 10:1; 11:40. Rom. 1:18-32.

55. Must the separation between these opposing principles be made in the heart, to be effectual, by weeding out the tares, and casting out the cause of them so quickly as to prevent further sowing of the same?

Ans. — So our gospel teaches. The heart is the governing part. Tis the heart the hand doth wait for. When the heart is perfectly pure, having been cleansed by the Word, it will send forth only pure thoughts, pure words, and pure actions. Make that which is within the cup, or the fountain clean, that the outside, and the stream may be clean also. Matt. 23:26. Luke 11:39, 40. Matt. 15:19; 5:28. Mark 7:21, 22. Jer. 17:9.

56. Does this warfare continue in the travail of regeneration, till the creature gains complete victory over the beast and his image, and the number of his name?

Ans. — Such is the experience of the free woman's seed, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.

57. How do the victors overcome in this warfare?

Ans. — By the blood, which is the life of the Lamb; innocent, gentle, chaste and harmless in conduct; and by the word of their testimony for the truth and against evil within and without. Rev. 12:11.

58. Is this testimony the sharp sword that goeth out of the mouth? Rev. 1:16; 2:16.

Ans. — It is so, when accompanied by the cross of Christ against the evils it condemns. And they loved not their selfish, sensual life till death, its death by the cross. They crucified it as Jesus did. Phil. 2:8. Heb. 12:2. Matt. 16:24, 25. Mark 8:34, 35. Luke 9:23, 24.

62. What does the Old Testament say of the power of the tongue?

Ans. — Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Prov. 18:21. Grievous words stir up anger, but a soft answer turneth away wrath. Prov. 15:1. There is that speaketh rashly like the piercing of a sword, — but the tongue of the wise is health. Prov. 12:18.

63. What is said of the wicked tongue?

Ans. — Thy tongue deviseth mischief like a razor, working deceitfully. Ps. 52:2. And their tongue is a sharp sword. Ps. 57:4. War was in his heart. His words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Ps. 55:21. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Ps. 73:9.

64. Can we be justified, and obey the law of love, and have the truth to fight for us, if we turn this little weapon against each other, to wound, or chafe, or belittle the character of any fellow pilgrim on life's journey?

Ans. — Nay. We cannot follow Christ and take delight in afflicting others, nor in aspersing their character and motives. That is the dragon's service, against which, the children of the free woman wage war.

65. What says the Apostle James about bridling the tongue?

Ans. — If any one among you thinketh to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, that one's religion is vain. James 1:26.

66. How does he characterize the unbridled tongue?

Ans. — The tongue is a fire, a world of injustice, it defileth the whole body; * * * All kinds of wild beasts have been tamed, by the nature of man, but the tongue, no man can tame. Unrestrained, it is an evil full of deadly poison. James 3:5-12.

67. Is it from the tongue that all this evil or good proceeds, or from the heart that moves the tongue?

Ans. — O broods of venomous serpents! How can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. The good man out of his good treasure, bringeth forth good things. The evil man out of his evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things. Matt. 12:34-37.

68. What is the Christian rule of private judgment?

Ans. — Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24. We should judge our fellow beings as we would wish to be judged in like circumstances. That is, justly, and with kindness in our hearts. For with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matt. 7:2. Luke 6:37.

69. Is the tongue the index of the heart?

Ans. — It certainly is, and when the heart is pure, it will not send forth envy, jealousy, deceit nor detraction.

70. What does our inspired psalmody teach us on this subject?

Ans. —

May I softly walk and wisely speak,
Lest I harm the strong or wound the weak,
For all those wounds I yet must feel,
And bathe in love until they heal:
Why should I carelessly offend,
Since many of life's joys depend
On gentle words and peaceful ways,
Which shed such brightness o'er our days.

~ End of Part 1, Chapter 7 ~

CHAPTER 9.

CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty;
Just and true are thy ways, thou King of Saints.

1. What is the meaning of the word holy?

Ans. — Entirely clean and consecrated; that is, set apart for Divine service. The holy in heart, extinguish egotism and all personal aims in the pure love of truth. 1Cor. 7:34.

2. What truth?

Ans. — The truth which sanctifies and cleanses from all evil. Father, sanctify them through thy truth, Thy word is truth. John 17:17. Ye are clean through the word which I have spoken to you. John 15: 3. I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6.

3. What is the Holy Spirit of Christ's baptism?

Ans. — It is the Spirit of truth, John 15:26, which proceeded from the Father and anointed Jesus, Acts 10:38, and baptized his disciples on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:1-4, and after that, all who received their testimony. John 14:26; 7:38, 39; 17:20, 21.

4. What did Jesus say the Spirit of truth would do for his disciples?

Ans. — It would teach them all things; bring to their remembrance all things he had said to them, and lead them into all truth. John 14:26; 16:13. 1John 2:20, 27.

5. Did he also say The world cannot receive the Spirit of truth, because they see it not, nor know it?

Ans. — Yea, but his disciples know it, because it abides with them, and shall be in them, and continue with them to the age everlasting. John 14:16, 17.

6. What effect would its work in the disciples, have upon the world?

Ans. — It shall convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:7, 8.

7. What further did Jesus reveal of this Holy Spirit?

Ans. — She shall not speak of herself, but will speak what she shall hear, and will announce to you the things coming. She shall glorify me, and shall receive of mine and show to you. John 16:13, 14.

8. When Jesus was about to depart, did he say I will not leave you ORPHANS (Gr.) — I will ask the Father, and He will send you another Comforter, or Helper? John 14:16-18. Margin

Ans. — Yea, it is so written. And as there is no type in Creation of three fathers nor even of one without a mother, we are justified in concluding that the Holy Spirit of truth, whether called Comforter, Helper, or Advocate, as claimed by some, is the Divine Mother Spirit. Isa. 66:13. 1John 2:1.

9. Did Jesus say he had made known to his disciples all things he had heard from his Father? John 15:15.

Ans. — Yea, and soon after he said, I have yet many things to say to you, but ye cannot bear them now. They could not receive them till they had been baptized with spiritual understanding, which is itself feminine in Scripture language. Prov. 7:4; 8:1. Then the Mother Spirit would announce them, not as coming from herself, but as from him. John 16:12,13.

10. Is the Son declared to be the image of the invisible God? Col. 1:15.

Ans. — Yea, and as God is now known to be Father and Mother, even His Eternal Power and Deity being understood by things that are made, Christ is also understood to be Bridegroom and Bride. Matt. 9:15. Rom. 1:20.

11. Did the Bridegroom in Jesus, testify, I am the truth? John 14:6.

Ans. — Yea, and the Spirit of truth, organized into a separate individuality, and spoken of by the Bridegroom in the third person, is reasonably considered the spiritual Bride, or feminine counterpart to the Bridegroom, agreeable to the figure of the first Adam. Rom. 5:14.

12. Did Jesus say All things that the Father hath are mine?

Ans. — It is so recorded. And he adds Therefore I said She shall take of mine and show unto you. John 16:15.

13. Whose province is this?

Ans. — Surely all types declare it is the Mother's province alone to convey of all that the Father hath, to His offspring, and to nourish and tend them till they are self-supporting.

21. Does the Apostle tell us, Of His own will begat He us by the word of truth?

Ans. — Yea, and all such must yearn and travail till born of the Spirit of truth from the same Source, or they would be bastards and not true sons nor daughters. James 1:18. John 15:26. Acts 1:14. Phil. 2:12. Rom. 8:23.

22. Has the truth sex?

Ans. — Not as the earthly mind considers sex. It contains the properties of Father and Mother, from whom it proceeds. It may be likened to seed. A seed is sexless, but it contains properties which in suitable conditions will develop dual forces and forms, that return to biunity in their product.

23. Is there any other element or figure that will serve to illustrate the Dual Cause of beings, without involving man's idea of sex?

Ans. — Electricity is constituted of two forces, termed positive and negative, and neither will act alone. The movement of one produces immediate movement in the other.

24. What does intelligent observation disclose?

Ans. — That “An inevitable duality bisects all nature,” and lies at the foundation of all progress, activity and increase.

25. What was the state of the Apostles before they were baptized with the Holy Spirit?

Ans. — They were like infants, carried in the bosom. Ignorant of spirit and spiritual things. Seeing only as natural minds see, and not always comprehending what was explained to them. Timid as sheep without a protector, and assembling behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. John 20:19.

26. What is their aspect afterward?

Ans. — They were instructed by spiritual illumination. They stood upon their feet and not on any structure of the past. They went forth heralds of a new Dispensation, Stars of the first magnitude, fearless as Eagles in declaring the truth, and able to confront the whole Jewish hierarchy. Acts 2:14-21; 4:5-21.

27. What effect had the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the people at large?

Ans. — It abolished in them, private ownership, and all personal interests of the animal self. It caused them to so love one another that they were of one heart and one soul, homogeneous, like the particles of a cloud. And they were together and had all things common. Neither said any that aught of the things which he possessed, it was his own. Acts 4:32-35; 2:44-46.

28. What prediction uttered by Jesus, was hereby verified?

Ans. — Truly I say to you, there are some standing here that shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. Matt. 16:28. Mark 9:1. Luke 9:27.

29. Does this allude to the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven, spoken of by Daniel, 7:13, 14?

Ans. — It is evidently so. And it proves that the clouds of heaven in which the Son of man is seen coming, are assemblies of people, begotten of God by the word of truth, and baptized by the anointing Holy Spirit into one feeling, interest, and purpose to do the will of God.

30. Can people assemble and form these clouds without renouncing the selfish, grasping instincts of avarice, and of ambition to be great?

Ans. — Nay. The Son of man will not be seen coming where there is not complete homogeneity of purpose to work righteousness, and a blending of interests to the total suppression, with a view to final extinction of selfish, personal aims.

31. Was this the beginning of the everlasting kingdom of the saints?

Ans. — Yea, but the Rulers of this kingdom, as shown in B-L., chapter 6, verse 66; chapter 8, verses 12, 13, were caught up to the throne of God, to dispense Government from thence. Rev. 12:5. The work of that period, was to harvest the fruits of the age preceding, and to sow in the elements of human nature, the principles of the everlasting kingdom that was coming. John 4:35-38. Mark 4:26-29. Matt. 13:19, 24-30, and 37-40.

32. What was the order of their work through that gloomy period in which the Witnesses were clothed in sackcloth, and the Beast made war upon and killed the saints? Rev. 11:3, 7.

Ans. — The truth and doctrines of the kingdom remained as seed in the elements of the intellectual world, while the Rulers above and the Witnesses below operated to change the spiritual climate and temper of the people of earth, by a gradual transformation of human desires, till those seeds could germinate and spring forth in human nature, like the putting forth of leaves on the fig tree, and on all the trees, when summer is nigh. Matt. 24:32. Mark 13:28. Isa. 61:11.

36. What is the testimony of the Witnesses who wrote Mother's history for people that never saw her?

Ans. — God gave to Mother the same word or gift of the Holy Spirit that He gave to Jesus, but she had not the same labor in precept, word and doctrine that Jesus had, for it was not necessary.

37. What relation did she claim to Jesus?

Ans. — She owned him as her head and Lord, and directed our minds to his blessed precepts and example as the pattern for herself and us to follow. John 16:13.

38. Did Mother's labor concern more the cleansing of the inner sanctuary of the human temple — that is, the affections of the heart?

Ans. — They tell us that Mother's work was upon the same foundation, but as it was an inward work of purification, searching out sin and exposing the nature of sin, condemning the evil tree, root, branch, and fruit together, it is more difficult to give an understanding of her doctrine in writing.

39. How did she impress hearers of her word?

Ans. — Her word was in that Power of God which searched the hearts and tried the reins of those who heard, and it made indelible impressions. Preface to A Cloud of Witnesses. Mother was pleasant and lovely in her common deportment; but when she was called by the Spirit of God to reprove sin, she was like a flaming sword, which caused the most stout hearted to fear and tremble in her presence. Peter Dodge.

40. What testimony does Daniel Moseley give on this subject?

Ans. — The truth is, Mother Ann had the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ given her, to search out all the crooked windings of the serpent, and all the deceit of the devil which has been so craftily infused into the nature of man; and she was thereby able to rend the glossy covering which like a mantle, they have spread over their works of concupiscence. Isa. 25:7; 11:4. Rev. 11:5.

41. Did the wicked hate her testimony?

Ans. — It struck so powerfully against all their evil practices and filthy abominations, that they could not endure it. Indeed, Mother's testimony was often so powerful as to make sinners tremble in her presence like a leaf in the wind. The world hates me because I testify that the works thereof are evil, said Jesus. John 7:7. D. Moseley Test. page 77.

47. Are there two kinds of wisdom mentioned in Scripture?

Ans. — Yea. The wisdom from above which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be persuaded, full of mercy and good fruits; without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17.

48. What terms are used to signify its opposite?

Ans. — Carnal wisdom. The wisdom of this world, which God hath made foolish, and which is foolishness with God. 2Cor. 1:12. 1Cor. 1:20; 2:5; 3:19. The wisdom of men; earthly, sensual and demoniac; which breeds envy, strife, confusion, and every evil work. James 3:15, 16.

49. What effect has this worldly wisdom upon character?

Ans. — It puffs up with pride and vanity, and renders the creature unteachable, and blindly opposed to the truth which uncovers and condemns avarice, pride, envy, malice and sensual depravity.

50. What says an Apostle of these opposite spirits, called wisdom?

Ans. — We speak wisdom among the perfect ones. Yet not the wisdom of this Age, nor of the Rulers of this Age, those coming to nought. But we speak the wisdom of God, which was hidden in mystery, which God preordained before the Ages, for our glory — which none of the Rulers of this world knew. For had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1Cor. 2:7, 8.

51. What is said of the true kind, in the Wisdom of Solomon? (Apocrypha)

Ans. — She is the breath or Spirit of the Power of God, and a pure effluence from the glory of the Almighty. She reaches from one end to the other mightily, and sweetly doth She order all things. Wisdom of Solomon, 7:22-30; 8:1.

52. What other testimony to the order and office of Wisdom, do we find in Scripture?

Ans. — Lord, how manifold are thy works. In Wisdom hast thou made them all. Ps. 104:24. He hath made the earth by His Power. He has established the world by His Wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by His Understanding. Jer. 10:12; 51:15. Col. 3:16.

53. Will you repeat what is testified of Her in Proverbs?

Ans. — Wisdom is a tree of life to them that lay hold of Her. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all Her paths are peace. Prov. 3:17-19. Eccl. 7:12.

92. What are some of the prophecies fulfilled by the appearing of Christ in womanhood?

Ans. — One of the most beautiful and tenderly consoling, is the whole of the fifty fourth Chapter of Isaiah. It as clearly applies to the DAUGHTER of God, and to womanhood redeemed, as Chapter fifty-three applies to the son of God, and to the courageous spirit that redeems.

93. More are the children of the desolate, than the children of the married wife, saith Jehovah. What are we taught by this?

Ans. — Taken in connection with verse 5, Thy Maker is thy husband, it teaches that those who will give their whole hearts to God, and reject every other suitor, may have spiritual children which are more than earthly offspring, and a far greater blessing and comfort to parents. It is a pure, unselfish, and eternal relation.

94. Does the Apostle say They that sow to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption?

Ans. — Yea, and carnal relationship being narrow and selfish, and born of corruption, must die as the latter perishes. Only the spiritual is everlasting. Gal. 6:8.

~ End of Part 1, Chapter 9 ~

PEARLY GATE

OF THE

True Life and Doctrine
for
Believers in Christ,

PART 2.
COMPILED BY
A.G. HOLLISTER
1900

From the Introduction to the first Chapter of Part 2
of Morning Star Pearly Gate Bible Lessons...

A life of virgin purity, and of mutual service, in a united brotherhood and sisterhood, in obedience to the commandments of Christ, doing good to all and harm to none, is indisputably a righteous life, that BRINGS THE END OF THE WORLD in all who practice it. This is a positve sign which all eyes from the greatest to the least intelligent can see, that Christ is present.

The world must continue till the predicted coming of the Son of man and the gatthering of his chosen, — else the prophecies would fail of accomplishement, and the Divine purpose be unfulfilled. It is a Scripture teaching, accepted by the churches, that Christ comes in the end of the world, to raise the dead, and to judge both dead and living, and to establish his everlasting kingdom in a new earth and heaven.

Yet, this ending of the world is the most patent objection which votaries of the world make to our testimony.

Millions of men in the prime of their strength may be trained every year in the art of mutual slaughter, and myriads of lives be sacrified to the Dragon of war, without apparent concern of running the world out.

But let a small number of people combine to practice and teach the Gospel of Chris in a life of virgin purity, and they are told, “If all would live as you do, the world would come to an end.”

To put an end to the world in ourselves, is precisely the work which the living Christ has commussioned us to do, and only as we accomplish it, is our joy complete in Him. We are as pioneers in a vast undertaking. And when the time arrives for the end of the world to come in ALL men and for their final judgment to begin, all men will have been convinced that their duty and safety lie only in the direction which we are traveling...

CHAPTER 1.

THE VIRGIN LIFE AND CHARACTER.

The pure in heart shall see God,
Yea they shall know and understand,
Because they keep His pure command.

1. Why do not Shakers marry and conform to the customs of the world?

Ans. — Because they are called out from the world, to be no more of it, even as Christ is not of the world; that they be not partakers of sin, but become heirs and ministers of eternal life. John 15:18, 19; 17:16.

2. Can you give any other reason for this singularity?

Ans. — Because to marry, is to become enslaved to the elements of the world, and often to baseness and corruption. They who will overcome the world, as did Jesus and Ann, cannot consent to be its slaves. John 16:33.

3. What other reason have Believers in Christ for rejecting marriage?

Ans. — The marriage of the world is the marriage of the flesh, and is usually a provision for the flesh. Matt. 19:5. Hence it is utterly incompatible with the free, pure, unselfish love, which binds the family or Church of Christ together, and of which Jesus said: A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another. John 13:34; 3:6. Rom. 13:14.

4. What is implied by the term virgin?

Ans. — Pure, unadulterated, undefiled, chaste. A virgin is a continent person of either sex who has not married.

5. What is meant by the term, A Virgin Life?

Ans. — A life clean and free from the indulgence of any of the generative passions or affections, in deed, word, thought, or propensity. 1Cor. 7:34. ELDER G. B. AVERY.

6. What eminent examples are there of characters formed by such a life?

Ans. — Jesus so lived. Thus also lived the apostles after they were called to follow Him. Mother Ann and the elders with her, after they confessed their sins and were baptized with the Holy Spirit, did likewise. It is believed that Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, Daniel, and John the Baptist, among the Prophets, were also of this character. Mark 10:28, 29. Luke 14:33.

7. Why does the faith of Shakers require them to live the Virgin Life?

Ans. — Because this, and this only, is the Christ life. It is the only way we can keep our innocence and self-respect, preserve a clean conscience and hearts free from guile. Only upon this basis have we perfect confidence toward God, and ability to keep His commandments. Mark 12:30.

8. What other reason have we for maintaining the Virgin character?

Ans. — Because by thus living and serving one another in unselfish love, which shuts out all carnal affections, we become holy in body and spirit, and do write our names in the book of life of the Lamb, and are slain as he was, from the foundation of the world, which is natural generation. Rev. 13:8; 20:15. We also thereby, draw nigh to God, who is infinitely pure, and the fountain of all happiness.

9. What is meant by the term holy?

Ans. — Consecrated; set apart for divine service. Applied to persons or conduct, it means separated from sin and sinful desires; clean, pure, consecrated to religious service. 1Pet. 2:5.

10. What do the Scriptures teach concerning our duty to be holy?

Ans. — “God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 1Thess. 4:7. “Pursue holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Heb. 12:14. As He who hath called you is holy, be ye holy in all your behavior. For it is written, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1Pet. 1:15. “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection.” Rev. 20:6. Isa. 35:8.

11. Who are the Saints or the Holy Ones to whom is given the final dominion of the world in the days of Messiah, which is the reign of the Anointed?

Ans. — They are those who have renounced the world and selfish propensities for Christ's sake and the gospel. And have entered the purifying work of the Judgment, and consecrated themselves, time, talents and strength to do the will of God henceforth forever. Dan. 7:9, 10, 14, 22, 27. 1Cor. 6:2. Matt. 19:28. Luke 22:30. Rev. 2:26; 3:21; 20:4.

12. What was signified by the holy place of the Jewish temple, which none but those who served in the temple might enter, unless they were ceremonially clean, although animals were there killed for sacrifices. And a holy of holies containing the Cherubim, the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy seat, where only the Chief Priest might enter, once a year, on the solemn Day of Atonement, not without blood? Lev. 16:2, 17, 34; 22:3, 4. Num. 17:13; 18:22. Heb, 9:1-16.

Ans. — It signified that there are degrees of holiness. That the highest degree attainable under the law of types, which promoted marriage, permitted wars of conquest, and selfish ownership, was only an antechamber to a far higher, holier state, into which Christ opened the way by abolishing those institutions, and slaying the selfish animal man on the daily cross of self- denial. We follow him by doing as he did. Heb. 10:5-9, 16-20. Gal. 3:24. Luke 16:16. Matt. 5:20. 1Pet. 2:21.

13. Can married people while living as husband and wife be holy as Christ and his people are holy?

Ans. — They cannot. The most perfect natural marriage imaginable is governed and judged by the law of God through Moses and is in no wise a Christian institution. True Christian holiness is of the heart. The nature of lust is the same in all, whether in or out of wedlock.

14. What testimony of Jesus confirms this statement?

Ans. — The teaching and example of Christ went further than to cancel the outward ties of flesh, for the axe is laid at the root of the tree in the unmistakable word: “Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matt. 5:28.

15. What does the Apostle say is the difference between the married and the unmarried with respect to holiness?

Ans. — He having married cares for the things of the world how he may please his wife. The unmarried cares for the things of the Lord how he shall please the Lord. 1Cor. 7:32-34. Rom. 8:8.

16. What discovery is made by those who are called to forsake the marriage relation for the Kingdom of God?

Ans. — Many learn that the wife or the husband had been given the place of highest preference in their hearts which properly belongs to God alone, and that this relation bound both parties by the strongest ties to the life and service of the world so long as it continued. Experience proves that the carnal life alienates the faculties of the body and mind from God's service.

17. What more does the Apostle say on the subject?

Ans. — There is a difference also between the wife and the virgin. She that is married cares for the things of the world how she may please her husband. She that is unmarried, cares for the things of the Lord how she may be holy both in body and spirit.

18. What truism did Jesus utter about serving two masters?

Ans. — “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” Matt. 6:24. Luke 16:13.

19. How is this manifested in daily practice?

Ans. — He who is mastered by the carnal life of the world hates the righteous Reprover whose doctrine requires him to forsake it. He who loves righteousness and cleaves to truth as his Master, will despise the carnality which lords over the unclean. “To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Rom. 8:6.

20. What does Jesus cite as the first and greatest commandment?

Ans. — “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Matt. 22:37. Mark 12:29, 30.

21. What is the second?

Ans. — The second is like the first. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self.” “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

22. What is implied in this last statement?

Ans. — That the Law and revealed instruction are developed from these as plants from seeds: Or that they are consequent and auxiliary. This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. 1John 5:3; 2:3-6.

23. What does the Apostle say is the fulfilling of the law?

Ans. — The Law is fulfilled in this one word: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Gal. 5:14.

24. What is the doctrine taught in these Scriptures?

Ans. — That the married are bound to serve self and the world, and are therefore unable to love God perfectly with their whole heart. But the unmarried, who abstain for Christ's sake and the gospel, are free to love and serve God perfectly, and reign victorious over all enemies, if they will.

25. What is the testimony of Jesus on this vital subject?

Ans. — “The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: but they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more: for they are equal to or like angels (in the heavens), and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:34-36. Matt. 22:30. Mark 12:25, 26.

26. What is meant by the phrase, “resurrection from the dead”?

Ans. — It means to be born of the spirit from above. John 3:3. Wherefore, Jesus, being the first to rise out of the spiritual death in Adam, to spiritual life in Christ, is called the firstborn from the dead, the firstborn of many brethren, the first fruits of them that slept. 1Cor. 15:20. Rom. 8:29. Col. 1:18.

27. Is the resurrection a spiritual or a physical process?

Ans. — It is wholly spiritual. The defunct material body has no part in it. Christ said, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” John 11:25. Consequently all who are in him, who is the Life-giver, are in the resurrection, whether they be in material bodies or out of them. Rom. 6:3-13.

28. How, then, can married people become children of the resurrection?

Ans. — Only by forsaking that relation as Jesus has taught: “Whosoever there be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33.

29. When Peter said, “Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee,” how did Jesus reply to him?

Ans. — Jesus answered, “Verily, I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and the gospel, but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions, (in lieu of wife or husband) and in the world to come eternal life.” Mark 10:28-30. Matt. 19:27-29.

30. In the parable of the supper, which one of the invited guests was unable to comply?

Ans. — One said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” Those detained by other interests begged merely to be excused. Luke 14:16-21.

31. What more on this subject did Jesus say to the multitudes that followed him?

Ans. — “If any man come to me and hate not his father, mother, wife, and children, brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own (sensual) life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26, 27, 33.

32. Are we to understand by this that Jesus taught his disciples to hate people or persons?

Ans. — Nay, nay, the farthest possible from that. His life and ministration, and that of his true disciples, is wholly of love and tenderness to the good in all human beings, even enemies, but of hatred to carnal ties which link and bind individuals together in selfishness, lust and pride. Matt. 5:42-48. Luke 6:27-36.

33. Do Shakers desire to weaken the just obligations of marriage on those who populate the world?

Ans. — We do not. It is the exclusive right of the children of this world who follow the first Adam, and is a wise provision for orderly generation. Luke 20:34, 35. 1Cor. 15:45-50.

34. Does the Apostle testify that marriage is honorable in all?

Ans. — It is so written, and taking into consideration the two kinds of marriage taught in Scripture, we deem it true. But that does not make the marriage of the world, Christian nor Christlike. Even in its worthiest state, it carries an exclusiveness and an ownership which is abolished in Christ.

35. Of what is orderly natural marriage regarded as a type?

Ans. — It is alluded to as a type of the marriage of the Lamb, which is to be joined to Christ, — or joined to the Lord in one spirit. Eph. 5:22-32. Isa. 54:5, 6. Rev. 19:7. See B-L., verse 62 following. The type foreshadows the coming of the substance, and must pass away to give it place.

36. Does the same Apostle testify that the gospel preached by him, is not according to man, and he did not receive it from man, nor was he taught it but by a revelation of Jesus Christ? Gal. 1:11, 12.

Ans. — Yea. Also when about to make concessions to weakness, he testifies, It is good for a man not to touch a woman. That is, carnally. After he had said, To avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband, he adds this preceptive rule — They that have wives should be as those not having, and they that buy, as though they possessed not, and they that use this world as not abusing it. For the fashion of this world passes away, [marriage included.] 1Cor. 7:1, 29-31.

37. What is the purport of Let each have his own wife, and her own husband?

Ans. — It indicates that preaching the gospel, had caused a separation between husbands and wives which some had not faith strong enough to bear. 1Cor. 7:7, 8. It seems unlikely that many would wish to marry under the foregoing restrictive rules, which illustrate the true christian practice.

38. What was the Apostle's instruction to Timothy about receiving widows under 60 years of age, into the select, faithful number?

Ans. — After describing the character of those to be admitted, he says Younger widows refuse, for when they begin to grow wanton against Christ, they will (or wish to) marry, having condemnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 1Tim. 5:11.

39. What is the inevitable deduction from this statement?

Ans. — That their first faith required them to abstain from marriage. That the wish to marry after having received the faith, is the effect of wantonness against Christ. And therefore that the marriage of the world is utterly opposed to Christ, as flesh is to Spirit. Gal. 5:13, 17, 24. Rom. 8:5-8.

40. Why then did the Apostle counsel such to marry and guide the house, etc.?

Ans. — If the Apostles gave that counsel, it should be ascribed to their lack of faith, and to the backwardness of the age. For those who rejected the pure, chaste, virgin rule of Christ, it may have been the best that could be given.

41. Is an orderly, moral course in nature, better than an idle, lawless course of self-indulgence under the cloak of a religious or Shaker profession?

Ans. — It is truly so. It is on this principle that even a christian Apostle could say It is better to marry than to burn, or commit fornication, or than practice open or secret vice of any kind. 1Cor. 7:9; 6:9, 10. 2Tim. 3:5, 7.

42. What is the lesson conveyed in the saying of Jesus; My kingdom is not of this world; and concerning his disciples. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world; I have chosen you out of the world. John 18:36; 17:16; 15:19.

Ans. — We understand by this, that as true Christians are not of the world, they cannot propagate it without turning away from Christ. Hence that marriage on the worldly plane, is abolished by the law of Christ, in all who forsake the world and do his commandments. Luke 14:26, 27, 33. Matt. 19:12, 27, 29; 13:44-46.

43. What is the effect of that impartial love which rules his kingdom?

Ans. — It dissolves all flesh and blood ties and enables souls to rise in dominion over the carnal, partial and contracted affections of nature, to the boundless resurrection plane of eternal life. Luke 14:26. Matt. 10:36-39.

44. Did Paul write The Bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, — Let Deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well?

Ans. — It is so recorded in 1Tim. 3:2, 12. But as wife and husband are abolished in Christ, and the same Apostle elsewhere tells us that They that have wives should be as those not having, we infer that they lived with them as sisters. 1Cor. 7:1, 29. A sister might enter and give spiritual instruction in private apartments of women, where no man but the husband was allowed to go, as is still the custom in some eastern countries.

45. Did the Apostle write to Timothy that The woman having been deceived and fallen into transgression shall be saved through child bearing?

Ans. — It may reasonably be doubted that Paul ever wrote this. The Syriac reads, “She shall be saved by means of her children if they continue in the faith and in love and sanctity and chastity.” 1Tim. 2:15. This agrees better with the context, and with the general teaching of the Apostle. Elder Henry Clough, Chief Messenger of Father Joseph Meacham, said “The prayer of a child for the parent is more [availing] than all the Angels in heaven.” Children may become the Saviors and therefore spiritual Parents of their natural progenitors.

46. Do Shakers forbid to marry?

Ans. — We do not. Only volunteers count in our ranks. But the New Testament record proves and experience confirms that the marriage, which makes of twain one flesh, is opposed to the command of Christ, which is the law of the New Covenant written in the heart, as flesh is opposed to spirit, error to truth and darkness to light.

47. How then, is forbidding to marry a sign of departure from the faith?

Ans. — Because when the people departed from obedience to the internal commandment, enforced by conscience, their rulers resorted to an external commandment, enforced by state authority, to preserve an outward semblance of the christian profession.

48. What did Mother Ann say to Daniel Moseley referring to this real or supposed mark of apostasy?

Ans. — She said to him, “Do not go and report that we forbid to marry, for we do not. But all who cannot or will not take up their crosses for the Kingdom of Christ's sake, and that only, I would advise them to marry and live after the flesh in a lawful manner, and be servants to their families; for that is natural and less sinful in the sight of God than any other way of gratifying that nature.” 1827 Test. page 73, 74.

49. When Jesus explained the law of marriage and divorce to the crafty Pharisees, what impression did he make on the minds of his disciples?

Ans. — His disciples said, “If the case be so, the man with the wife, it is not good to marry.” Matt. 19:10, 12.

50. What reply did Jesus make to this conclusion of theirs?

Ans. — “Not all men receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. There are eunuchs which were so born. Others were made eunuchs by men. Some made themselves eunuchs on account [Gr. dia, through or by means] of the kingdom of heaven. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”

51. What lesson is contained in these statements?

Ans. — Inasmuch as the terms of the Gospel are equal and alike to all, we are here taught that those who would rise to eternal life in the everlasting dominion of the Saints, or become enrolled with the Lamb on Mt. Zion, must, in order to do so, be wholly divested of that nature which leads people to marry and multiply carnally.

52. To whom is this exalted boon given?

Ans. — To whomsoever hears and obeys the voice of the Son of God in the gospel of virgin purity, self-crucifixion and mutual serving, proclaimed by his Messengers. He that hath ears to hear let him hear; and let him that heareth, say Come. Rev. 22:17.

53. What promise in the Prophets was made to eunuchs that could not be fulfilled under the Old Covenant, but which is here explained and fulfilled in the New?

Ans. — “Neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” Isa. 56:3-5

54. Does the Apostle, referring to the law of a carnal commandment, say the wife is bound by the husband so long as the husband liveth? And is not the husband also bound by the wife?

Ans. — Yea, it is even so. And the same Apostle (Rom. 10:4) declares that Christ is the end of the law [of types and justifications of flesh (Heb. 9:10, critical translation) but not of the law eternal], for righteousness in all that obey him. Selfish affections vanish before the free, self-abnegating love of Christian relationship. Wife and husband die with the old life, and the old covenant is annulled, that the little child may live in the New Kingdom.

55. Did Jesus say, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth?” Matt. 28:18. John 3:35.

Ans. — It is so written. “All power” incontestably implies power to remove all opposing barriers, whether of law, custom, bond or contract, annulling even the marital bond between husband and wife, as the virgin life requires. Also to open every prison cell and free every captive that will hear and obey his commandments.

56. What is the character of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion?

Ans. — These are redeemed from the earth and from among men, the first fruits unto God and the Lamb. They are not defiled with women, [that is with carnal sex relations, nor was the Lamb Jesus], for they are virgins, who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. And in their mouth is found no guile, for they are without fault. Rev. 14:4, 5. 1Cor. 7:34. Lev. 22:3, 4. Lev. chapter 15. All works offensive to the Divine presence under the Law of Moses, are abolished in the gospel of Christ the Lamb.

57. What promise is made to the virgin character when the Lord shall gather Israel and keep him as a Shepherd does his flock, evidently alluding to the reign of Messiah?

Ans. — “They shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of Jehovah. Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together. And my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith Jehovah. Jer. 31:4, 10-13.

58. Will you sing or repeat the words of their song?

Ans. —

“This is the place where virgins meet,
To worship God with music sweet,
To join in dances all complete,
It fills my soul with pleasure:
This is the day of Jubilee,
A day of gospel liberty,
‘Tis Mother’s love that makes us free,
O glory, halleluia!”

59. Will you sing or repeat another psalm ?

Ans. —

“Behold the pure as they advance,
One in their desire,
We now can worship in the dance,
As once said Jeremiah:
O what joy inexpressible
Have the meek and lowly,
They’ve a God who is accessible,
Just, pure and holy.”

60. What was Mother Ann's testimony to married people?

Ans. — You must forsake the marriage of the flesh, or you cannot be married to the Lamb, nor share in the resurrection of Christ. For those who are accounted worthy to have part in the resurrection of Christ, neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like unto the Angels. Luke 20:35, 36. Mark 12:25. Prec. chapter 3, verse 6; chap 7, verse 15.

61. What did Mother Ann say to liberate a young man who was bound in his affections?

Ans. — The marriage of the flesh, is a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell. Forsake your lust and that woman, and you shall be my son. Prec. 223, chapter 32, verse 10. Isa. 28:15-18.

62. What did Mother Lucy Wright witness to Mother Ann's testimony on this subject?

Ans. — You must forsake the marriage of the flesh and travel out of it in order to be married to the Lamb, which is to be married to Christ, or joined to the Lord in one spirit. Prec. 240, chapter 34, verse 10.

63. What did Mother Ann say was her relation to Christ?

Ans. — I have often seen and conversed with the Apostles, and with Christ Jesus, my Lord and head. No man is my head, but Christ Jesus, he is my Lord and head. I have walked hand in hand with him in heaven. Christ is ever with me, both in sitting down and rising up; in going out and coming in. If I walk in groves and valleys, there he is with me, and I converse with him as one friend converses with another, face to face. She often said I feel the blood of Christ running through my soul and body, washing me. Him do I acknowledge as my head and Lord. She spake with great power in presence of many, saying, I am married to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my head and my husband, and I have no other. Prec., chapter 23, verses 7, 13, 16, 20.

64. Did Mother Ann revive the testimony of Jesus and the cross of Christ, and administer to those who received her teaching, power to live without sin, which, according to their own confession, no church of married people or married preacher is able to do?

Ans. — Yea, truly she did. Fruits are the test. An evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit. When we see souls abstaining from all evil in their knowledge, — overcoming and putting an end to the world instead of yielding to it, — holding their possessions in a united and consecrated interest, and loving one another in that love by which Jesus said, all men should know they are his disciples, we know that these fruits proceed from the same Christ that taught the primitive disciples at Jerusalem. Matt. 7:15-20. John 13:35. Acts, 4:32.

65. How do we regard the Messenger who brought the testimony that convicted us of a sinful nature, — of a judgment that cleanses, — of righteousness to be gained, and compassed us with wisdom and knowledge to so apply the one as to make sure of the other?

Ans. — We revere that Messenger as our Mother in Christ. She administered to us, the Holy Spirit of Truth, the Comforter which Jesus promised, should guide his children into all Truth, and abide with them forever. John 14:16-18; 16:7-14.

66. If any who are called to this Virgin Order, by the hearing of faith, refuse to comply, what follows?

Ans. — Whoever rejects the call of the Gospel, for carnal pleasure, which is worship of the Beast described in Revelations, he shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God against sin, mixed undiluted [without mitigation] in the cup of His anger, and be tormented with fire and sulphur, before the holy Messengers and before the Lamb, till he is willing to accept mercy on any terms. Rev. 14:9-11. Matt. 22:12, 13. Prec., chapter 34, verse 6.

67. What is taught in the parable of the great supper, which those who were invited, refused to attend on account of selfish, worldly interests?

Ans. — That the most precious and delightful things of God and the reign of the heavens, have less attraction for the natural man, and are less desired by him, than are the selfish ties, and transient, shadowy pursuits of the world, which blind souls from seeing the good things of the Spirit, and hide from them the true and lasting inheritance. Luke 14:15-24, 8:14. Matt. 13:22. Mark 4:19.

68. What doom was pronounced on those who declined the invitation?

Ans. — None of those who were bidden shall taste of my supper. To be called to the marriage feast of the Lamb, is a favor conferring opportunity to win highest honor, conjoined with imperishable delight. To reject it, is to treat the best gift of the Creator with unpardonable slight. Rev. 19:7-9.

69. Mother Ann said, They who finally reject this gospel, will never have another day. How is this to be understood?

Ans. — This gospel of confessing and forsaking sin and all uncleanness, and following Christ in the regeneration, is the open door of God's mercy to man, and is the only means of salvation that will ever be offered to a lost world. This is the Perfect work alluded to by the Apostle in his brilliant discourse on love, for redeeming and perfecting all souls: and establishing on earth, Christ's universal and everlasting Dominion. The work of God in all previous Days or Dispensations, was only in parts, preliminary to this, as we learn from the Prophets. This being the Perfect work, its requirements and judgments are final and cannot be evaded; and as it is the Day everlasting, there can be none after it. 1Cor. 13:9, 10. Dan. 7:13, 14. Ps. 2:7-9. Rev. 2:26, 27; 11:15; 21:25; 22:5. Micah 4:1-4. Isa. 2:2-4. Millennial Church, chapter 4. Prec., chapter 20, verse 5; chapter 31, verse 7 & 8. John 6:39, 40, 44, 54.

70. What did Mother Ann say concerning loss of souls?

Ans. — It is written that she said Better ten souls be lost that never heard the gospel, than one that has. Interpreted by the occasion which caused this speech, It means; Better ten souls remain in Nature's darkness, unawakened, which would be only for a time, than for one who has been awakened, to lose sight of the work of God and fall back into things behind. The same as to say The last state is ten times worse than the former.

71. Did Jesus utter anything of similar purport? Matt. 12:43-45. Luke 11:24-26.

Ans. — When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it wanders through dry places seeking rest and finding none. It then says I will go back into my house whence I came. Finding it empty, swept and garnished; it goeth and taketh seven other evil spirits worse than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that man is at least, sevenfold worse than the first. 2Pet. 2:20, 21. Heb. 6:4-8. Matt. 6:23.

72. Will you name some of the promises given those who receive and obey unto final victory and redemption from evil?

Ans. — He that overcometh, I will make a pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall go no more out. Rev. 3:2, 21. They shall be Kings and Priests unto God, and rule over nations. Rev. 1:6; 2:26, 27. 1Pet. 2:9. They will be more bright and glorious than Angels that never were so severely tested. Prec., chapter 31, verse 8. They will be the flower of heaven and glory of Paradise. Prec., chapter 41, verse 22. God will wipe away all tears from their eyes and all sorrow from their hearts, and will lead them to fountains of living waters. Rev. 7:16, 17. No adversity shall smite them, nor affliction come nigh them any more forever. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. 1Cor. 2:9. “No human mind, fertile in imagination as it is, can picture to its wildest fancy, the overpowering and transcendent beauty of the progressed and elevated soul.” SPIRIT TEACHING.

When all the affections, desires, willpower and action of the spirit are controlled by the earnest wish to do everything in unison with the will and law of the Great First Cause, Ye can ask what ye will and it shall be done for you.

~ End of Part 2, Chapter 1 ~