L. M. Arnold was born in 1813. At the time the books were received he resided in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Henry Carpenter, whose father was of the same society of Friends in which Arnold worshipped, was interested in the revelations when they were first published, and as a truthseeker became more intimately acquainted with Arnold. Because of that acquaintanceship Arnold was led to employ B. F. Carpenter as a confidential clerk, to learn his business and become interested as a silent partner, and it is to him that we are indebted for information regarding the life and character of the man who received these books.
Arnold's business was the "Poughkeepsie Foundry", an old establishment to which he succeeded. There were about thirty employees producing various castings, chiefly for New York customers. Arnold attended to all correspondence in addition to keeping all accounts. He was a very active, public-spirit citizen, and in 1864 was the chief promotor of the incorporation of the First National Bank.
Descriptions of how he received and recorded the words of his writings are given in very precise detail in the published books, but the reader will have to search through several books to find all the details. In like manner the only way to comprehend fully all that is given on any subject is to search through all the writings. The spiritual jewels are scattered like diamonds in sand.
The preparatory revelations commenced April 5, 1851, in the form of movements of the pencil, answers to questions, and words internally heard. Such writings were continued for a year and a few days, when the first book of The History of the Origin of All things was commenced, in a small bound blank book, written with lead pencil throughout.
When there were calls for the published book, Carpenter assisted in filling orders, and naturally was inclined to seek for further information regarding statements made in them, especially such as were prophetic, and was surprised to learn that he had not read his works since publication. He had attempted to do so, but each time was informed he better not peruse them.
He was looking forward to the second coming of Jesus of Nazareth, but expected it to be an event that mankind would not recognize at the time it should occur, but later should realize it fully.
He usually attended Sabbath day services at the Hicksight Society of Friends, but he did not converse on religious subjects or take any active part in religious proceedings. As related to his employees he was a very gentle man, frugal and soft-spoken.
He died of typhoid fever, September 24, 1864.
