9781611684087
Issachar Bates (1758–1837) was a Revolutionary War veteran in rural upstate New York who, at the age of forty-three, abruptly turned from his family life to become a celibate Shaker. He immediately became instrumental in Shakerism’s westward expansion, and his personal charisma, persuasive preaching, and musical talent helped stimulate the movement’s growth. Bates drew “western” converts in abundance, profoundly changing the character of Shakerism by increasing its geographic reach. He also helped shape the Shakers’ unique theology and hymnody through his many influential texts and songs.
Table of Contents
Preface • Acknowledgments • Introduction: “Now here’s my faith I’ll speak it plain” • “Signs and Wonders”: Early Life, Spiritual Preparation, and the Coming of the Shakers • “Take the bloody track of war”: A Fifer in the American Revolution • “I’m journey
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