The Acts of the Elders: Commonly Called the Book of Abraham : to which is Appended a Chapter ...

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Dedication

To all religious denominations in general, and to each and every sect in particular — to all Christians wheresoever gathered together or scattered abroad — but especially, to the Calyinistic Arminian Baptists ; and more especially to those of them sojourning in the Providence Plantations; and more especially still, to the "Elders," whose "Acts" are plainly written therein, is the "Book of Abraham" most respectfully inscribed and dedicated, by

The Author.

Preface

Stop a moment, reader. Don't be in a hurry ; for " the more haste the worse speed." I have a word to say to you. You must always read the Preface, even if you neglect the book ; for if a writer cannot make an interesting introduction, you may not expect to be interested in the main body of his work.

A Preface is always written last, in order to be read first ; but frequently left to be read last, and then not read at all. How unkind, not to read a Preface, when an author takes the trouble to write one ! And then no one can tell what he loses by such unpardonable neglect. It is not strange if a man (or a woman either) has a few fine things that he feels just like saying, as he gladly, for the first time, takes an adieu of his book, and an introduction to his reader. And perchance he may wish to say a good thing or two — ^very modestly, of course — about his production, lest by simply reading it, you should neither realize its value, nor appreciate its beauties. Now this is very kind in him, because otherwise you might not in some cases, get enough good to counterbalance the actual first cost. Or he may even want to speak disparagingly of his " unpretending little volume," so that others, seeing his extreme modesty, and utter destitution of vain pretensions, may the more readily " pufi*^ it into notice," as the saying is. Or he may want you to clearly conceive of the curious combination of conflicting and complicated circumstances, which frictionized his feeble faculties, and elicited the light he has so kindly sent forth to illuminate the world.

Or more than likely he would desire to tell you what particular, vacant comer or niche it was admirably designed to fill, in the great theological, political, scientifical or philosophical world. For, of course^

6 PBEFACE.

every author thinks his own production the very desideratum needed in some particular and important department of the reading community.

And it is very likely, that even the " Book of Abraham " is calculated to fill some hitherto unoccupied, and humble place, in this great world of science and ignorance. But if it cannot find its proper destination without a "^ide board" from the author, why, let it go in some other direction. But whether a ^vriter has all, or half, or more than the above reasons for producing a Preface, you should be sure to read it. But enough of this.

The printer says, that almost every other book has a Preface, or something like it, and that therefore, the " Acts of the Elders" must do likewise, or it will be an " odd volume," which, of course, its author never intended.

Much of the " Book of Abraham" was written for, and published in, the " Gospel Messenger," of Providence, R. I., without an expectation of its ever assuming the form, though it had the name, of a book.

But so numerous and pressing were the requests for its publication in its present form, that the author consented to have it done.

There were, however, other considerations which influenced him in making this decision.

1. Many errata, some of which were important, occurred in the publication of the Chapters which have been given to the public ; and which are now corrected.

2. Judging from the reception and circulation of the numbers of the " Messenger" containing Chapters, the author was coafident that the Book, if published, would convey some, at least, of the simple truths of the Gospel, into houses and hearts that would not, for the present, be reached by any other method. We must take the world as we find it, not as we may wish to have it.

There are those, who will read and receive truths, if presented in a new dress, or a novel style, or in a way somewhat out of the common course ; but who will not trouble themselves to read a long, prosy, common-place, elaborate, doctrinal article, or work, however great may be its merits and intrinsic value.

It may be said, however, that we should not " cater to the taste" of those, who will receive food if dressed in a light manner, but reject it, if served up in a more refined and substantial way.

Though there may be truth in this saying, yet we should remember that, according to Moses, the world was not made in one day ; and that

PREFACE. 1

men do not usually stride from the lower to the upper round of a ladder, by one exertion. And would one, who has attained the top, assist others, to ascend, he must either come or stoop down nearly to where they are, or they cannot be reached.

If to one unaccustomed to read much and reflect deeply, you present new truths, for which, of themselves, he cares little or noihmg, in a manner in which he is not interested, he becomes disgusted, ana your labor is lost. But let them be presented in some manner which attracts his attention, and excites his curiosity, and your object will be gained ; for he will, almost imperceptibly to himself, receive them into his mind. You would not certainly refuse bread to a Grahamite, merely because he prefers to eat his wheat in the bran thereof; neither should important truths be withheld from an individual, merely because he prefers to receive them in a humorous manner, or an antique dress.

And Gospel truth, above all other, should never be wrapped in dark, and gloomy, and forbidding drapery, like the sun in an eclipse, or Rachel mourning for her children, because they are not. But she should always be garbed in those habiliments, be they what they may, most likely to secure for her an invitation, and cordial reception in those hearts, where her influence is most needed, and least experienced.

Should any fastidious mind object to the following work, because the scripture style is partially employed therein, some of the above remarks will apply to the case. And moreover, the writer can see no reasonable objection to adopting the scripture style in the conveyance of scripture instruction, or in giving information respecting those, who profess to be christian ministers ; especially if such style will best secure attention to what he wishes to make known.

3. Another mducement to publish the " Acts of the Elders," was, the fact that there are many, in a time of great excitement about religion, who do not stop to reflect and reason, whose minds are so excited and prejudiced that they cannot be profitably conversed with; and who, on the same account, can hear and see nothing but what appears right, even in sayings and doings that, in their calm moments, they would utterly condemn as improper and sacrilegious. But by having such things placed before them for consideration, when reason has resumed her empire, they will be likely to see them in their proper light, and henceforth to walk more circumspectly.

The reader may be assured, that no language attributed to the " Elders" is in the least exaggerated ; but in many cases, their expressions

8 PREFACE.

are softened down, especially their awfully familiar use of the names of the Deity. The author has endeavored to adhere carefully and strictly to the truth in all his statements ; but if he has unfortunately committed any mistakes, or made any misstatements, whereby the feelings of any individual may be injured, he will cheerfully make a public aclmowledgment thereof, and any other reparation in his power, when certified of the same. He has no evil intention towards any one, although he has felt it a duty to expose " spiritual wickedness in high places," and to " rebuke sharply," those who cause the people to err.

4. Another motive for publishing, was the hope .of gain. Yes, reader, the hope of pecuniary advantage; for the writer has found by experience, that although " man cannot live by bread alone," yet neither himself nor family can comfortably survive without it. And if every one who has abundant means, will purchase a copy of the " Book of Abraham," this object for which he has labored will be abundantly obtained.

He does not feel at liberty to close these remarks, without tendering his grateful acknowledgments to a kind friend in the City of New York, who upon reading in the " Messenger," about the garments waxing old^ and the shoes wearing out^ forwarded a generous donation, thereby proving himself " a friend indeed," being " a friend in need." And also, to those in Providence and Woonsocket, R. I., who showed themselves friendly in a similar way.

But especially will the members of the small society of believers in Warwick, be ever had in grateful remembrance for their exercise of personal friendship and kindness, and their willing and noble sacrifices in the cause of truth. May the Lord bless and prosper them most abundantly, and more also ! Amen.

And now, reader, as you have read the Preface, you may " turn over a new leaf," and read the " Book of Abraham."

Canton, Mass,, 2^th November, 1842.

RECORD OF A MEETING,

HoLDEN in Proprietors' Hall, March 1, 1845, the following Memhers heing present, viz. : Abraham himself, the Author of the " Book of Abraham," the Recorder of the '* Acts of the Elders," the Publisher of said work, the Writer of the Notes of Explanation, an Elder from the State of Rhode Island, a Clergyman of Mass., and all others personally,. particularly and pecuniarily interested m the publication of the above-named Book. Abraham being called to the chair, the following Preamble and Resolves, after a warm discussion, were unanimously adopted as comprising a suitable

PEEFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

PREAMBLE.

Whereas, every man, woman and child of the present generation— whether saint or sinner, sage or savage — should possess and read a copy of the " Book of Abraham," and present it to future ages as a faithful record of the fanaticism of the present, and a true bill against such " acts " of such " Elders " as are written therein ; and whereas, this laudable object cannot be accomplished without a renewed and mutual effort of publisher and purchaser, inasmuch as the large number already published were long since scattered abroad, so that the frequent orders for them have to " lie upon the table ;" and whereas, the Author is desirous to accommodate and benefit himself in particular, and the world in general ; therefore,

Resolved, That it is a duty which Abraham owes to himself, and to the pious and profane of all and each, and every, and no religious ism, to re-read, re-write, revise and republish the "Acts of the Elders, commonly called the Book of Abraham," in a new and neat Edition, enriched and enlarged with more chapters, more notes, more anecdotes, and more antidotes.

Resolved, That the Book contains fact and not fiction (as some have imagined) ; that the Elders therein mentioned are real, not imaginary ; that the names by which they are called are true, and not assumed ; and that the surname of ** Abraham " shall appear in this Edition.

Resolved, That although "Abraham" is the author of the work, enittled^ " Acts of the Elders," &c., yet he utterly disclaims being the author of tka

10 PREFACE

"acts,^* they being clearly attributable to an entirely different character with whom the ** Elders *' were in full fellowship, and with whom they had probably ** made a league."

Resolvedy That although an alteration in the external form of the Book has been kindly suggested, yet no essential change can be made to accommodate the «tyle of writing and division adopted therein.

Resolved, That it would be unjust to tax the reader (as the manner of some is) for publishing in this book the multitude of favorable and flattering notices thereof, received publicly and privately ; yet it may be well to insert the following condensed extracts from the pen of the Rev. David Thom, of Liverpool, England, an excellent writer, and the author of many valuable works.

" Liverpool, October 17, 1844. •** My dear Friend m Chuist Jesus,

** Although probably unknown to you by name, I cannot resist the inclination to write a few lines to you. Your * Acts of the Elders,' &c. was recently put into my hands by a young man from Norwich, Conn. I am so delighted

with the work, that 1 want, if I can, to procure a doien copies for distribution."

******

** I have perused it with the most intense interest." ** I am delighted to see the cause of God's Sovereign and Universal Grace, through Jesus Christ, advo- <5ated with such talent, and, upon the whole, such agreement with the word of •God, as it is in the work in question." ******

*'I am struck with the rare combination of strength of mind, humor and originality, which pervade your whole composition." ****** " May God make you a blessing to many. I long to hear of your success."

*'Iam,

Dear friend in Christ,

Yours, very truly,

D. Thom."

Voted, That the cordial thanks of this meeting be sincerely tendered to the Rev. David Thom (and also to others who have done likewise) for the ajrdent, affectionate and appropriate approbation he has been pleased to express ; and that the fraternal spirit so purely breathed through all his words, is properly appreciated and perfectly reciprocated.

Voted, That the doings of this meeting be forthwith transmitted for publication.

Voted, That this meeting now adjourn 5me die*

A. N., Scribe.

Boston, Mass., March 1, 1845.

BOOK OF ABRAHAM.

Chapter I

Harrison's death and the people mourny 1,2; a fern believers send for Abraham j 3 — 8 ; he goeth to Rhode Island, with his wife and little ones, 9 — 13 ; description of the people, 14 — 20 ; Abraham dwelleth in the Imid and is fed, 21 — 26; Abraham^ occupation in his youth and call to the ministry, 29 — 37 ; the Elders and the people, 38—43.

1. Now it came to pass that Hariiison'* was dead, and Tyler was made President in his stead over all the United States of America.

2. And political contentions ceased in some good degree for a while, that the people might manifest their grief for him who had been elected Chief Magistrate of the nation, and was cut off by death.

3. IT About this same time there was in the town of Warwick, in the land of Roger Williams, a small number of pious people, who had renounced the vain traditions of men;

* Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison was inaugurated President of the U. S. A. March 4, 1841, and died April 4th, of the same year.

4. And they gave heed only unto the word of the Lord, and bound themselves together by a covenant to support the truth, as revealed by Jesus and his apostles, and prophesied by all God's holy prophets, since the world began.

5. Then said they one to another. Behold we have no one to go in and out before us, from Sabbath to Sabbath, and to break unto us the bread of life ;

6. Let us, therefore, send for one Abraham, an Elder, whose present abode is by a certain river, even by Fall River, in the old Bay State.

7. Peradventure he may come unto us, although we are few in number, and poor in worldly goods, for we have heard that he is of a lowly and devoted spirit, and unambitious in the things of the world.

8. So they sent a messenger unto Abraham, saying, We pray thee come over and help us, and we will strive to do good both to thee and to thine. ^

9. IT Then Abraham, when he had diligently inquired of the Lord

ACTS OF THE ELDERS, OS touching this matter, answered and said, I will go.

10. Accordingly he arose and went, he and his wife, and the little ones which God had given them — and they journeyed to the land whither they had heen invited.

11. Howbeit, his wife, whose name was Ruth, and his kindred, and many friends were not pleased that he should depart out of the Stated in which he had been nourished and brought up.

12. And they entreated him even with teEtrs, that he should go not into the Providence Plantations; for so was sometimes called the land of Roger Williams.

13. But Abraham hearkened unto God rather than unto man, and went forth fearing nothing, but rejoicing on his way.

14. And he soon found that the portion of the land which he was to inhabit, was a spiritual wilderness, which did not bud and blossom as the rose,

15. Inasmuch as wickedness and ignorance prevailed among the people, and the Lord was not in all their thoughts, nor his spirit in all their doings.

16. The holy Sabbath was by many disregarded, and while they were professors of righteousness, they were practisers of sin.

17. Moreover, he beheld and saw that the leaders of the people,

* Massaehusetts.

through ignorance of the truth, had caused them to err ;

18. That they were blind guides, leaders of the blind, and had fallen into the ditch of unbelief together, and that by their means the land mourned, and the way of truth was evil spoken of.

19. Nevertheless, there were some who walked uprightly in the fear of the Lord, and wept between the porch and the altar, over a wicked and perverse generation,

20. Saying, How long, O Lord, how long ere thy truth shall prevail in our midst, and wickedness cease, and thine altars be rebuilded ?

21. And Abraham's feelings of pity were kindled within him, and he declared unto the people the whole counsel of God, and the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel.

22. And it was so, that while some received it with gladness, others scoffed, and others again said, It must be false, for it is too good to be true.

23. But those brethren who had called for him, were steadfast in the faith, and entreated him kindly, even as they had said ;

24. And provided bread for him to eat, and water gave they him to drink— for he was a cold water man, being neither a glutton nor a wine bibber.

25. Thus did he dwell in the land, and was fed, both he and they that were with him; and well

BOOK OF ABRAHAM.

would it have been had their garments waxed not old, nor their shoes worn out — ^but so it was not.

26. Nevertheless, he murmured not, for he was of a confiding mind, and the organ of hope was prominent upon his head, and he said, The Lord will provide.

27. IT And all these things were accomplished in the beginning of the firat political year of the reign of John, whose surname was Tyler;

28. And one year and ten months before the end of the world, as spoken of by Miller, the Prophet, falsely so called.

29. IT Now this same Abraham had in his youth been a fisher of fish, and his birth-place was by the sea-shore of a rocky-cape, even of that cape which is called Ann.

30. And he had oft times been girt about with his fisher's apparel, and he was skilful in his calling.

31. He was familiar with the dangers and wonders of the mighty deep, and the tempest and the storm

, had no terrors for his heart ; for he beheld in them the grandeur of the Almighty, and remembered that his hand directed the helm.

32. But, being called of the Lord, he forsook his nets, and his boats, his father and mother, brethren and sisters, which were many*, and be-

* He had ten sisters and four brothers,, and his father's name also was Abraham, and his surname Norwood.

came a fisher of men according to the word of the Lord.

33. And he was now thirty and five years old, and had ministered in the priest's office for many years, preaching the Gospel in * various places, yet his zeal and love for the cause of truth and righteousness were not abated ; and tne grace or favor of God was with him.

34. The doctrine which he taught was Peace on earth and good wiU to men. Glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

35. And though the opposition to it was strong, and sometimes unprincipled, in the land where he now dwelt, yet it was silently working its way into many hearts, and efiecting its object like leaven hid in three measures of meal.

36. Its friends came frequently together, not only in their synagogue, but also from house to house,

37. That they might call upon the name of the Lord, and sing his praises, and exhort one another unto faithfulness and good works.

38. IT Now there were in that region many Elders'*^, whose eyes were so holden that they had not embraced the Abrahamic faith ;

39. And, although some of them treated Abraham with much personal kindness, yet they all exerted

* Clergymen of all denominations in the State of Rhode Island are usually called « Elders."

ACTS OF THE £LD£RS, OR thenreelves to speak evil of liis doctrine before the multitude,

40. Striving to make them close their eyes, and shut their ears, and receive not that salvation which shall be tmto all people.

41. And many gave heed unto the words and traditions of the Elders, being willing to judge of a matter before they heard it; notwithstanding the wise man had said. It is a folly and a shame unto them.

42. Some, however, wished to hear more of the new doctrine, for certain strange things were brought to their ears, and they were desirous to understand the matter more fully ;

43. Therefore they searched the scriptures daily, and reasoned together, ai^ saith the Lotd. And well would it be foir the world, if all should follow their example.

Chap. II

Abraham^ s doctrine prevaUsy and the Elders are troubledj 1 — 8 ; Jonatharij the Baptistj proposes war against Abraham^ and goes to the MetJwdisfs for helpj 9 — 17 ; Jonathan makes a league viith John and others, 18^20 ; description of John and Jonathan, 21 — 31; the people assemble^ 32—35.

1. Before Abraham had dwelt many months in the land, his doctrine, which was the doctrine of God, had extended. its influence insomuch that some who had been its enemies, became its friends.

2. This produced still more aLirm in the hearts of its opposers, and their faces gathered blackness, as they said one to another,

3. What shall we do? for this damnable heresy (for so they called the doctrine of salvation) will sink immortal souls in endless perdition.

4. And especially did consternation prevail in the camp of the Elders ; and they were troubled, and said among themselves, Our craft is in danger,

5. And if this man is permitted to go on, we shall be brought into disrepute before the people, and they will not hearken to our words.

6. ftowbeit, they spake not this opdnly, for fear of the consequences. Nevertheless, they directed their follotvelrs to cast out of their church certain good men and trUe, for giving ear to the words of Abraham and receiving the truth.

7. And they were not allowed even to answer for themselves before their accusers, for it was regarded as a greater sin to believe in the salvation of all men, than were even drunkenness or Sabbath-breaking.

8. It is thus judged because while some were cast out for their faith, men of vile character were permitted to remain in full fellowship.

9. IF Now there was one Jonathan who dwelt in that region, whose surname was Brayton, and who was an Elder among the Bap-

BOOK OF ABRAHAM.

tists ; though before time he had been a dealer in goods, and in nicknacks.

10. And his feelings of indignation and compassion were kindled within him, and he said within himself, I will gather together an army of the faithful, and go against this arch-deceiver ;

11. And I will slay him as did David the proud Philistine, and he shall fall before me like Dagon before the ark of God, or Satan beneath the arm of Michael.

12. Now this man had no synagogue of his own where he. could commence his assault upon Abraham and his humble followers, and therefore he went unto the Method-

' ists, who worshipped in their own hired house, as saith an apostle.

13. But the Baptists and the Methodists were at variance between themselves, for their witnesses agreed not together. Nevertheless, they were willing to makei common cause against a common enemy.

14. Therefore, when Jonathan made known unto them what great things should be done unto Abraham and his friends ;

[Note, verse 10 — said within himself. The reader must understand that this, and other similar phrases which occur in this book, show that the words following were not actually spoken, but that the language of the heart was inferred from the conduct.]

JKoTE, verse 14 — This statement is inferred from subsequent conduct.

15. That they should one and all be crushed to atoms or be banished from the coast, they quickly threw open the doors of their sanctuary, and Jonathan and they that were with him, went i-n, and the war commenced.

16. The sanctuary into which they entered, starideth upon the right hand, as thou goest from Lippit even un»to Harrisville, and is therefore in the village of Phenix.

17. It was builded in years past, by the doings of one Henry, whose surname was Tatem, an Elder of no small repute, who drew very much people after him ; for he was fluent in speech, and they loved to listen to his words.

18. IT Now Jonathan, though he deemed himself a host, felt unequai to the task of going up single-handed and alone, to battle the common enemy ; for he quivered in the harness that was upon him.

19. Therefore he made a league with a certain man, whose name was Baker, and whose dwelling place was in the South part of the State, which is called Rhode Island, to come over and help him.

20. And he also covenanted with others in like manner, to assist in the work ; for although those of the Abrahamic faith were few, and had been despised for their weakness, they were now considered formidable.

21. % No^ V\x\% "^t^^Vjcks. ^'^ ^ man uivXo vj\vava "vJcia \i«t\\a^^^''

ACTS OF THE BLDERS, OR trusted two talents : while to Baker, whose christian name was John, he had given four talents.

22. And Jonathan was withal ignorant of many things, which as a priest and a Christian, he should have understood; but John was somewhat better instruqted.

23. And his voice was harsh and unpleasing, even like unto the voice of a certain animal* ; and his manner was boisterous, and his gestures unseemly and improper ;

24. And in his preachments, there was more sound than substance; but not thus was it altogether with his brother John.

25. For his voice was by nature as the sound of a purling rill, that falleth gently upon the ear; and had it been meetly trained, it would have fallen upon the multitude like oil upon the waters.

26. And moreover, Jonathan's language was low and illiterate, and many times entirely unfitting the sanctuary of God ;

27. But Baker was more chaste in his conversation, and unvulgar in his words, though abounding in severity.

28. Jonathan's organ of veneration for the name of the Deity, was a mole-hill amid the mountains of destructiveness and self-esteem : but John, who came from the South, was more favored than his companion.

* Not a cow.

29. Of the one, Abraham said, He appeareth to have a soft place in his head, and a hard one in his heart ; and of the other. Would to heaven his strength and his zeal were exerted in a better cause.

30. IF These two Elders were to be the master spirits, or captains, of the host that should wage war with the doctrine of Abraham and those who had received it.

31. And they said. We are engaged to do battle for the Most High, and to carry on his work ; for the enemy hath come in like a flood, and the spirit of the Lord, which spirit are we, shall lift up a standard against him.

32. So the people were called upon vehemently to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and to take no rest day nor night,