11
which comes from the feeling that they are one step further advanced toward
perfect Shakerism."
In the Junior Family, as well as the Novitiate, all were amply pro-
vided for in health, sickness and old age; also they might retain the lawful
ownership of all their property as long as they wished; or they might donate
the use of any part, or all, of their property for the mutual benefit of the
family with which they were connected, and the property itself might be
taken back at any time; or they might dedicate a part, of the whole, and
consecrate it forever to the support of the institution.
The third, or Senior Family, called the Church Family, was composed
of all those who had had sufficient time and opportunity practically to prove
the faith of Shakerism; and were prepared "to enter freely, fully, and volun-
tarily" into the faith. These pledged and agreed to devote themselves and
all they possessed to "the service of God and the support of the Gospel, for-
ever; solemnly promising never to bring debt or damage, claim or demand
against the Society, or any member thereof, for any property or service they
may have devoted to the use and purpose of the institution." To enter this
order of "perfect Christianity" was the aim and end of every true convert to
Shakerism. 8

Rules of Living
Two other precepts of Mother Ann played predominant parts in their
way of life.

8, Sears, op. cit pp. 177-8