10
The Shakers were never democratic in the sense that all members had a
voice in choosing their leaders. Rather there was an aristocracy based on
ability on the practical side. The Ministry was self-perpetuating; that is,
Mother Ann appointed her successor James Whittaker, who appointed Joseph
Meacham, etc. The position was held for life, or good behavior--literally
good--since the only charge on which an elder or eldress could be removed
was "unseemly behavior." The elders were responsible to the members
morally, but in no other way.
The body of the Shakers was divided into three classes of families.
The first or Novitiate Family, was located at a little distance from the Church
Family and was composed of all the probationary members, being under the
special care, direction and instruction of four of the Elders of the Church
Family, two of each sex. Here the novitiates were fitted and prepared for
advancement in Shakerism at the will of the candidate, or they were at full
liberty to return to the world if, after a full understanding of the require-
ments of the order, they did not find themselves in full sympathy with them.
If the candidate was married, he was refused admission unless a separation
was the mutual desire of both husband and wife, or a legal separation accom-
plished under the civil laws of the land. And under such circumstances, if
the convert was a husband, he must give to his wife a fair share of all his
possessions before admission would be granted.
The second, or Junior Family, was composed of those who came into
the order just as the Novitiate did, but were unmarried and able to completely
follow all the Shaker rules and, in consequence, "receive greater enjoyment