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.BACON'S "SECRET SOCIETY": THE EPHRATA CONNECTION
SECTION II — SLIDES AND RESEARCH ON EPHRATA
by Linda S. Schrigner, et al
17
SECTION II — SLIDES AND RESEARCH ON EPHRATA
by Linda S. Schrigner, et al
17
| Beissel’s most outstanding characteristic
was probably his undeniable charisma, which won the confidence of many.
His charismatic appeal attracted people desiring to dedicate their lives
to God under his leadership. A year later, in 1732, he started the
Ephrata Cloister, building the first cabin there’. Sachse states
that the members of the Ephrata group were the “virtual successors to the
Woman in the Wilderness.”
It’s easy to understand Beissel’s charisma when we read Sachse’s description. From an Ephrata document, he quoted, “Our old Chronicon states that he conducted all meetings with astonishing strength of spirit…. He began his discourse with closed eyes before a large crowd of hearers, and when he opened his eyes again most of them were gone, not being able to endure the spirit’s keenness…. He was a born orator.” |
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