Short Treatise on the Second Appearing of Christ, A.
A Christ-Like Woman
[Religion—Shakers]. Evans, F.W. A Short Treatise on the Second Appearing of Christ, in and through the order of the female. Boston: Bazin & Chandler, 1853.
8vo.; printed wrappers, string-tied; edges of some leaves slightly damp-stained.
First edition of the Shaker proclamation that Mother Ann Lee is the reincarnation of Christ. In the preface, Evans explains the need to clarify the true nature of the Shaker faith, which is frequently misinterpreted and mocked by non-believers. According to Evans, Shakerism is “synonymous with true, genuine Christianity” and the accusation that Shakers worship a woman (Ann Lee) is a gross simplification of their beliefs. The pamphlet explains the origins in Scripture and other ancient philosophies of the concept that God is a male and female presence. Shakers believe that “the first man redeemed from the earth was Jesus [and] the first woman redeemed in like manner was Ann Lee” (p. 19)—Ann Lee is not herself a deity, but an earthly embodiment of Christ’s perfect holiness.
Ann Lee (1736-1784) was raised in a Quaker household in Manchester, but split from the faith due to the extremity of her beliefs. After being forced by her family into marriage, she bore four children, all of whom died in infancy. Lee then embraced celibacy and believed the body could be purified by convulsing and shaking in order to expel evil influences. She was imprisoned several times and allegedly performed several miracles, including healing the sick with her touch and speaking in tongues. Lee claimed to receive visions and messages from God; she was a leader in the devout Shaker community in Watervliet, NY until her death in 1784.
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