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THE LIBRARY V^°

OF

HAVERFORD COLLEGE

THE GIFT OF

EMMA OADBURY

ACCESSION NO.

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RULES OF DISCIPLINE

OF THE

Yearly Meeting of Friends,

FOE

PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY, DELAWARE. AND THE EASTERN PARTS OF MARYLAND.

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PHILADELPHIA:

FOR SALE AT FRIENDS' BOOK STORE,

No. 304 Arch Street.

1880.

SX76I7 ST

TF

Enter.n1 according to Act of Congress, in the year 1834, by Joseph Rakestraw, on behalf of the Yearly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, &c, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

J. FAGAIf & SON, 8TEEEOTYPERS, PHILADA.

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INTRODUCTION.

A S it hath pleased the Lord in these latter days, by his spirit and power, to gather a people to himself; and, releasing them from the impositions and teachings of men, to inspire them with degrees of the same universal love and good-will by which &the dispensation of the gospel was ushered in — these have been engaged to meet together for the worship of God in Spirit, according to the direc- tion of the holy Lawgiver ; as also for the exercise of a tender care over each other, that all may be preserved in unity of faith and practice, answerable to the description which He the ever-blessed Shep- herd gave of his flock: " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another/' John xiii. 35.

For this important end, and as an exterior hedge

of preservation to us, against the many temptations l* v

VI INTRODUCTION.

and dangers, to which our situation in this world exposes us, rules for the government of the Society have been made and approved from time to time, and the following now form our code of discipline. In the exercise whereof it is to be observed, that, if any member be found in a conduct subversive of its order, or repugnant to the religious principles and testimonies which we believe we are entrusted with, for the promotion of truth and righteousness in the earth, it becomes our indispensable duty. to treat with such, in meekness and brotherly com- passion, without unnecessary delay or improper exposure ; according to the direction of our Lord to his church : " If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault, between thee and him alone : if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church ; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen- man and a publican." Matt, xviii. 15-17.

This is the extent of the Society's censure against irreclaimable offenders, they are disowned as mem- bers of our religious community ; which is recom-

INTRODUCTION. vii

mended to be done in such a disposition of mind, as may convince them, that we sincerely desire their recovery and restoration, considering our- selves, lest we also be tempted. Gal. vi. 1.

For the more regular and effectual support of this order of the Society, beside the usual meetings for the purpose of Divine worship, others are insti- tuted ; such as, First, Preparative meetings, which are subordinate to the Monthly, and commonly con- sist of the members of a meeting for worship : Sec- ond. Monthly meetings, each of which commonly consists of several Preparative meetings, all subor- dinate to the Quarterly Meeting: Third, Quarterly meetings, each of which consists of several of the Monthly meetings; it and its branches being under the direction of the Yearly Meeting, which embrac- ing the whole, its decisions are obligatory upon all.

These meetings have all distinct allotments of service ; and as experience shows, that when this service is attended to in uprightness and dedication of heart, with a single eye to the honour of our Holy Head, and the help and edification of one another, in the love wherewith He has loved us, our assemblies are often favored with his aid and direction ; Friends are affectionately desired and exhorted, to be diligent in the attendance of them;

Vlll ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

and when met, humbly seek to be clothed with the spirit of wisdom and charity : this will divest the mind of a dependance on our own strength and abilities, endue us with patience and condescension toward each other; and being preserved in fellow- ship agreeably to our Lord's declaration, " One is your master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren," a qualification will be experienced in our several stations and movements, to build up one another in that faith, which works by love to the purify- ing of the heart.

So may we be living members of the Church- militant on earth ; and inhabitants of that city which hath foundations, whose maker and builder the Lord is ; knowing indeed with exceeding joy that great is He the Holy One of Israel in the midst of her.

RULES OF DISCIPLINE.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

IT is the sense of this meeting, that offenders inclining to make acknowledgment of their offences, do prepare the same in writing, and if, on consulting the overseers or other judicious Friends, the purport appears suitable to the occasion, and the situation of the party will admit of it, he or she may present it to the meeting in person, and stay till it is read ; when, after time given for a solid pause, the applicant should withdraw before that or any other business is proceeded upon. The meeting is then to consider the case, and when a conclusion is come to, appoint two or .more Friends to inform the party thereof. — 1743, 1

AVhen a disowned person removes out of the verge of the meeting which disowned him or her, and applies thereto for reinstatement, acknowledg- ing his or her error, and if by reason of the dis-

9

10 APPEALS.

tance the applicant cannot be conveniently treated with in person, the said meeting may correspond with the Monthly Meeting within the compass of which he or she resides, and inquire into his or her fitness for membership; and if satisfaction on that head is received, a certificate for such person, directed to the said Monthly Meeting, may be forthwith sent, acknowledging him or her as a member of our society. — 1806.

As it may not always be necessary that papers of acknowledgment should contain a recital of the occasion of disownment as specified in the testimo- nies of denial, it is agreed that Monthly Meetings be left to their discretion in this respect ; and that neither testimonies of denial nor acknowledgments be read at the close of our public meetings for wor- ship.—1806.

APPEALS.

IF any persons think themselves aggrieved by the judgment of a Monthly Meeting in his or her case, and a copy of the minute or testimony of such judgment having been delivered to them, which is always to be as soon after its issue as may be convenient, they may then notify the first

APPEALS. 11

or second Monthly Meeting immediately succeed- ing, but no other, of their intention of appealing to the ensuing Quarterly Meeting: which notifica- tion, the Monthly Meeting should enter od its min- utes, and appoint four or more Friends to attend the Quarterly Meeting with that, and copies of the minutes of the Monthly Meeting relative to the case, signed by the clerk, or if the appellant is a female, by the clerks of both meetings; which notification of the appeal, and the minute appoint- ing the committee (or respondents) is. after the representatives have been called, then to be read. AVhereupon the Quarterly Meeting is to appoint a solid, judicious committee, consisting of not less than eight, nor more than twelve Friends, who are to be taken either equally out of the Monthly Meetings, or in such proportion as the Quarterly Meeting may deem most equitable, but none out of the Monthly Meeting from whom the appeal comes. Xo member of a Monthly Meeting ap- pealed against, nor any appellant is to be at liberty to take any part in nominating the committee of the Quarterly Meeting. After the nomination has taken place, the names of the proposed committee shall be read in the presence of the appellant, and the respondents appointed on behalf of the Monthly Meeting, and each party shall be allowed to object to any of the committee, not exceeding three re- spectively. The places of the Friends who have been thus objected to, shall be supplied by a fresh

12 APPEALS.

nomination ; which nomination shall be final. A time and place for their meeting shall now be fixed, of which due notice being given to the parties con- cerned, the appellant is to withdraw from the meet- ing. The committee when met, shall proceed upon the business referred to them, and the appellant shall be heard in support of the grounds of his or her dissatisfaction, and afterwards the respondents in reply, showing the reasons whereon the judg- ment of the Monthly Meeting was founded, until both parties have been fully and fairly heard : all this in the presence of each other. If either of the parties concerned in an appeal, when stating or re- plying to the case, shall digress into irrelevant mat- ter, the committee should stop such proceeding, and require that the subject of the appeal be stead- ily kept to : and no member of a committee by which any appeal is heard, is to express in the presence of the parties, or either of them, any opinion on the subject or subjects at issue. The parties, after having been fully heard, shall with- draw, previously to the committee entering upon the consideration of the case. The committee then, carefully deliberating upon the business re- ferred to them, are to confirm or reverse the judg- ment of the Monthly Meetings, as on an impartial, just sense shall appear to be right ; and when they have agreed in a judgment on the case, a report in writing shall be prepared and signed as the report of the committee, by all those so uniting in judg* ment.

APPEALS.

13

It is recommended that the purport of the writ- ton report of the committee, be Bimply the confirm- ing or annulling of the decision of the Monthly Meeting; and the judgment expressed in such re- port being adopted by the Quarterly Meeting, a few Friends should be appointed to give early infor- mation thereof to the parties.

As it is possible there may be some who may make an appeal against the judgment of a Monthly Meeting without any just cause ; if on an impartial investigation of the case, it shall be manifest to the committee of the Quarterly Meeting, that the ap- pellant has really been guilty of a breach of our discipline, for which he or she has been regularly treated with and disowned, the said committee shall confirm the judgment of the Monthly Meeting.

If an appellant shall believe that he or she is ag- grieved by the judgment of a Quarterly Meeting in his or her case, he or she may appeal from such judgment to the Yearly Meeting ; in which case they shall give notice to the next Quarterly Meet- ing immediately succeeding, but' no other, of their intention to apply to the ensuing Yearly Meeting for a further hearing ; the said Quarterly Meeting, after recording such notification, is to appoint at least three Friends to attend the Yearly Meeting with copies of the records of both the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in the case, signed by their clerks, and to act on behalf thereof. The Yearly Meeting having received notice of the appeal in 2

14 APPEALS.

the reports of the Quarterly Meeting, is, upon such day as it shall judge suitable, then to take up the subject, whereof the appellant and the committee or respondents of the Quarterly Meeting, are to have due notice to attend accordingly.

The minutes of the Quarterly Meeting concerning the appeal, being read in the presence of both par- ties, the meeting is to appoint a committee of two Friends, taken out of each of the Quarters, (except the one from which the appeal is brought,) to hear and judge of the said appeal. Xo member of a Quarterly Meeting appealed against, nor any appel- lant, is to take any part in nominating the com- mittee of the Yearly Meeting. After the nomina- tion has been made, the names of the proposed committee shall be read in the presence of the appellant and respondents, and each party shall be allowed to object to any of the committee, not ex- ceeding four respectively ; the places of those thus objected to shall be supplied by a fresh nomination, which nomination shall be final. A time and place shall now be fixed for their meeting while the par- ties are present, after which the appellant is to withdraw from the meeting.

The committee and the parties being met, the appellant shall be heard in support of his or her objections, and afterwards the respondents in re- ply, in the presence of each other, until both par- ties have been fully and fairly heard. If either of the parties concerned in an appeal, when stating

APPEALS. i0

or replying to the ease, shall digress into irrelevant matter, the committee should stop Buch proceeding, and require that the subject of the appeal be Btead- lly kept to: and no member of a committee by

which any appeal is heard, is to express in the presence of the parties, or either of them, any opin- ion on the subject or subjects at issue. The com- mittee then, (the whole or not less than fifteen being present.) carefully deliberating upon the busi- ness referred to them, are to confirm or reverse the judgment of the Monthly and Quarterly Meeting, as on an impartial just sense shall appear to be right. And when they shall have agreed in a judgment on the case, a report in writing shall be prepared and signed by all those so uniting in judgment ; which report being adopted by the Yearly Meeting, the parties are to be informed thereof by a few Friends deputed for that purpose.

If it should ever occur that a Monthly Meeting has real cause to believe that it is aggrieved by the decision of its respective Quarterly Meeting, it shall have the right of bringing through the Quarter, its situation to the Yearly Meeting, in order to its re- consideration and conclusion, under the same reo*u- lations as are provided in the cases of individuals. In this recognition of the established right of Monthly Meetings to appeal from the judgment and determination of Quarterly Meetings, it is fer- vently desired, that the peace and harmony of re- ligious Society, as well as an adherence to our

16 APPEALS.

Christian principles, may be carefully preserved : and that Monthly Meetings be exceedingly cautious and well assured of its necessity, before they pro- ceed so far ; clearly manifesting, that nothing short of their sincere belief of the obligation to support the cause and testimony of Truth, has led them to such a very serious movement.

In all cases of appeal, whether to a Quarterly or to the Yearly Meeting ; if the appellant does not attend in person to prosecute the appeal agreeably to the foregoing rules and regulations, he or she shall lose the right of appeal; and the judgment of the Monthly Meeting is thereby confirmed : un- less through sickness or some unavoidable cause, he or she is prevented from being present, of which the Quarterly or Yearly Meeting is to be fully satis- fied, before it agrees to a postponement of the case.

"When a Quarterly Meeting has become so re- duced as to consist of only two Monthly Meetings, and an appeal is presented to its notice, it is to make a minute thereof, and appoint a few Friends to attend the Yearly Meeting with the minutes and proceedings in the case, and to give the necessary information to such committee as may be appointed by the Yearly Meeting, duly to consider and deter mine the same. — 183-i.

ARBITRATIONS. 17

ARBITRATIONS.

IF occasions of differences arise between any of our members about their property, it is recom- mended that the parties proceed in the following manner. Let the party who thinks him or herself aggrieved, calmly and kindly request the other to comply with the demand ; and, if this be disputed, the complainant, or if he or she lives at too great a distance, some Friend whom they may authorize, should take with him one or two of the overseers, or other discreet Friends, and in their presence re- peat the demand.

If this step also fails of the desired effect, the parties should be advised to choose a suitable num- ber of Friends as arbitrators, and mutually engage by bond, or other written instrument adapted to the occasion, to abide by their determination. — 1719.

Should this proposal be acceded to, and arbitra- tors be accordingly chosen, they ought, as speed- ily as circumstances will admit, to appoint time and place, and attend to the business without un- necessary delay ; giving the parties a fair and full hearing in the presence of each other, but listening to neither of them apart, nor suffering their own sentiments to be known abroad till they have fully digested the subject, and come to a clear decision, which they should be careful to do wuthin the time agreed on. 2*

18 ARBITRATIONS.

But, if either of the said parties shall refuse to submit the matter in dispute to arbitrators ; or, when that is done, neglect to give his or her at- tendance when desired, without a sufficient rea- son being assigned ; or not abide by their award when issued ; in either of those cases, the offender should be complained of, through the overseers, to the Preparative Meeting, and if needful, to the Monthly Meeting of which he or she is a member ; and if they cannot be brought to a due sense of their error, the said meeting should declare its dis- union with them, unless such person make it evi- dent, to the satisfaction of the said meeting, or to a committee thereof, that the award is erroneous or unjust. In which case, the matter in dispute may be referred either to the same, or other arbi- trators, as the meeting shall judge best ; and their award shall be final. After which, if either of the parties at variance prove so regardless of peace and unity as not to accpiiesce in such corrected deter- mination, the Monthly Meeting they belong to should proceed to issue a testimony against him or her so refusing.

Where arbitrators are at a loss for want of legal knowledge, it may be proper for them, at the joint expense of the parties, to take the opinion of counsel learned in the law, in order to come at a proper judgment in the matter referred to them. That they may the better answer the end of their ap pointment, and be helpful in conciliating the minds

ARBITRATIONS. 19

of the parties, they ought not to consider them- selves as advocates for those by whom they are chosen, but as men. whose duty it is to judge righteously, fearing the Lord. They should as

much as may. be, shun all previous information

•ting the ease; or, having heard anything on it, stand unbiassed thereby. — 1751.

They should reject no evidence nor witness pro- posed ; nor receive any but in the presence of both parties ; and in their award, they need not assign any reason for their determinations. — 1719.

And whereas there may be some circumstances even in disputed matters, wherein the foregoing wholesome method of proceeding cannot be complied with ; such as, 1st. The party absconding, or leaving the country with design to defraud his or her cred- itors ; or, 2d. That the going through the meet- ings, by the time it must necessarily take up, mio-ht be a manifest damage to the creditor or claimant, by other people's postponing him or her, as in cases of apparent danger of bankruptcy, or the party being overloaded with debts, and other credit- ors generally coming on ; or, 3d. That there may be danger of future damage to such as submit thereto, as in the case of executors, administrators, or trus- tees ; it may therefore be necessary, and it is advised, that the Monthly Meeting where such cases happen, do hold excused such as shall in the two first-men- tioned circumstances in this paragraph appear to them to be really necessitated to proceed at law ;

20 ARBITRATIONS.

and iii the latter case of executors, administrators- or trustees, where it shall appear to the meeting that our friendly way would be unsafe, such may be permitted to have the matter tried at law, with this caution, that the parties on both sides do be- have toward each other in brotherly love, decency, and moderation, without anger or animosity, which will be a becoming testimony even in courts, and show that nothing but the nature of the case, and our station in common with others, under the laws of the land, bring any of us there. — 1719.

As it may sometimes occur that a member, either through a misunderstanding of the business or from an improper influence, may present a complaint against another member ; the overseers, after fully hearing both parties, and being decidedly of opin- ion that the case does not require a reference, are to advise a speedy settlement thereof; which being ineffectual, and the complainant remaining dissat- isfied therewith, he may have liberty to inform the Preparative Meeting where the other party is a member, without mentioning any name, that hav- ing a matter in dispute with one of their mem- bers, he is desirous of their assistance in order to a settlement thereof. The said meeting is then to appoint a judicious committee to inquire into the propriety of the matter being left to arbitration ; if they should judge that the complaint ought to be referred, they are to advise that it be submitted accordingly : if either party refuses to comply with

BIRTHS AND BURIALS. 21

this advice, the Monthly Meeting of which he or she is a member, is, through its respective Prepara- tive Meeting, to be informed thereof, to take iip the case accordingly and endeavor to bring the busi- ness to a speedy issue, that our Christian testimony to peace and concord may be duly maintained : but if the committee of the Preparative Meeting, where the assistance has been requested, concur in judg- ment with the overseers, the complaint is to be dismissed. — 1806.

It is desired that persons differing about worldly affairs do as little as may be engage Friends in the ministry as arbitrators in such cases. — 1751.

BIRTHS AXD BURIALS.

AS those who attend burials may sometimes come from far, and be in need of bodily re- freshment, it is earnestly advised that, when this is really necessary, it may be with exemplary mode- ration ; and that Friends be careful in this and all other respects, to demean themselves with gravity and decency ; remembering that such seasons, espe- cially, ought never to be perverted into opportuni- ties for intemperance or levity. — 1719.

And it is desired that, where anything unbecom- ing appears, the offender may be tenderly admon*

22 BIRTHS AND BURIALS.

ished, that so everything tending to lessen the solem- nity of such occasions may be avoided.

It is recommended that one or more suitable Friends of each particular meeting be appointed by Monthly Meetings to attend at funerals, to see that good order is observed ; and that the corpse be removed about an hour after the time set for meeting at the house. — 17-9.

Advised that Friends be careful themselves, and discourage their children from attending the wor- ship of those who are not in communion with us, and particularly at burials ; seeing that, in so do- ing, there is danger either of balking their testi- mony for the Truth, to the wounding of their own minds, or giving unnecessary offence to their sober neighbors. — 1711.

It is the sense of this meeting, that meetings should not be appointed on account of the inter- ment in our burial grounds, of persons who are not in membership with us ; and that invitations to the burials of such who are not interred in our burial grounds, should not be made in our religious meetings. And also, that Friends be religiously guarded in publishing invitations to the burials of such not in membership with us, who are admitted to be interred in our grave-yards. — 1792.

In order that meetings may not be held at the interment of our deceased members, in a customary or formal way, it is advised, that the proposal for holding any such meeting be previously submitted

BIRTHS AND BURIALS. 23

to the consideration of the elders and overseers, or other solid Friends, either of the meeting in the compass of which the deceased resided, or of that in which the interment is to take place, that the counsel or mind of Truth may he waited for and followed. — 11V±

To prevent the introduction of improper inter- ments among us, it is recommended that two or more Friends he appointed to the care of our sev- eral burial grounds, by Preparative or Monthly meetings, as the case may require, and that no per- son who is not in membership be buried therein, without a permit in writing signed by one or two of those Friends ; who should also take care, that our burial grounds be properly enclosed, and kept in decent order. — 1792.

It is further recommended, that at all interments, time be allowed for a solemn pause, both before and after the corpse is put into the ground.

It is the sense of this meeting, that no monu- ments either of wood or stone be affixed to graves in any of our burial grounds; and if any yet re- main therein, that these be forthwith removed — so that no cause of uneasiness on this account may exist, or partiality be justly chargeable upon us. — 1706, 1733.

Friends are advised against imitating the vain custom of wearing or giving mourning habits, and all extravagant expenses about the interment of the dead.

24

BIRTHS AND BURIALS.

As great inconvenience may arise from the want of due attention to keeping a regular record of births and deaths, it is earnestly enjoined on each Monthly Meeting, that they appoint a careful Friend, whose duty it shall be, in a book provided for the purpose, at the Monthly Meeting's expense, to keep a record of all births and deaths of mem- bers, that shall occur within their respective limits, and which shall be offered to him for that purpose ; and in order to engage the attention of Monthly meetings more closely to this subject, it is further enjoined, that an explicit answer be annually given by Monthly to Quarterly meetings, and through them to the Yearly Meeting, to the query, AVhether due care is taken to keep a regular record of births and deaths? — 1757, 1806.

The form of the Record

BIRTHS.

Xames of the Children.

When born.

Xames of the Parents.

Their residence.

Occasional

Xotes.

BURIALS.

Xames of the deceased.

When deceased.	Age.	Where buried.	Late residence.

Occasional

Xotes.

BIRTHS LSD BURIALS. 2o

It has been cause of concern, to observe that some of our members, not duly regarding the ancient and approved practice of our Society, have procured places of interment which are not under the con- trol of Friends, and where customs arc sanctioned, which are at variance with our well-known testi- monies. We apprehend this is opening a door to weakness, and preparing the way for departures from those salutary restraints, which in the wisdom of Truth have been placed around our members, and which have so evidently tended to preserve them in a conformity to our religious principles and practices. We would therefore tenderly en- treat Friends to avoid the entangling- effects conse- quent upon such a course, and be willing to conform to the regulations of Society in this respect. — 1854.

Our members are tenderly advised and cautioned against a growing tendency in the present day to conform to the ways and customs of the world, in relation to the expensive coffin, habiliments and floral decorations bestowed upon the perishable body upon the occasion of its burial. The desire was expressed, that in reference to the two first- named departures from simplicity on these solemn occasions, we may let our moderation be more fully known to ail men: and that the other practice in- tended or calculated to drown solemn thoughts of death and the grave, may be withstood by all our members. — 1877. 3

BOOKS.

AS the Meeting for Sufferings are to take the oversight of all writings proposed to be printed, which relate to our religious principles or testimonies ; our members who may have any such publications in view, are to lay them before the said meet ing, for its advice and concurrence. And it is the sense of this meeting, that if any one shall print or publish any writing, against the advice of the said Meeting for Sufferings, or which tends to excite dis- unity and discord among us, or any writing which the Meeting for Sufferings shall judge derogatory to our Christian principles and profession ; such persons should be complained of to the Preparative, and thence to the Monthly Meeting they be- long to ; and if they are not convinced of the im- propriety of their conduct, so as to condemn the same to the satisfaction of the meeting, they should be testified against, as opposed to the peace and good order of the Society. — 1771.

But if any Monthly Meeting, when a complaint is thus regularly made, neglects or refuses to ad- minister the Discipline as herein directed, the Meet- ing for Sufferings is then to spread the case before the respective Quarterly Meeting, that the said Monthly Meeting may be proceeded with, as in the wisdom of Truth shall appear just and requisite. — 1831.

26

BOOKS. 27

If any member of our religious Society shall be engaged in printing, selling, or distributing books or papers, which tend to the denial or laying waste

a belief in the divinity, mediation and atonement of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ — the imme- diate influence of the Holy Spirit, or the authen- ticity and divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, they are to be dealt with as for any other breach of our Discipline; and if they are not brought to a sense of their misconduct, so as to condemn the same to the satisfaction of the Monthly Meeting, they should be disowned. — 1834.

This meeting doth earnestly exhort all parents, heads of families, and guardians of minors, that they prevent, as much as in them lies, their chil- dren, and others under their care and tuition, from having or reading books and papers tending to prejudice the profession of the Christian religion, to create the least doubt concerning the authen- ticity and divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, or of those saving truths declared in them ; lest their infant and feeble minds should be poisoned thereby, and a foundation laid for the greatest evils. And it is earnestly recommended to every member of our religious Society, that they dis- courage and suppress the reading of plays, ro- mances, novels, or other pernicious books ; and printers and booksellers in profession with us, are cautioned against printing, selling or lending such books ; as it is a practice so inconsistent with the

28 CERTIFICATES.

purity of the Christian religion. And Friends are desired to be careful in the choice of all books in which their children and families read, seeing there are many under the specious titles of promoting religion and morality, which contain sentiments re- pugnant to the truth in Christ Jesus. — 1764.

In a day when pernicious publications and vain and corrupting amusements are multiplying, and presenting strong attractions to young and old, we believe the rightly disciplined and exercised parent, will feel the need of restraining the children from access to them ; and while he directs their attention to the convicting Grace of Christ Jesus in the heart, by which they would see the sinfulness of sin, and be led out of it, he would also encourage them in the frequent perusal of the Holy Scriptures, and the approved writings of faithful men who have been lights in the Societv. — 1851.

CERTIFICATES.

IT is recommended to the Quarterly and Monthly meeting, to take care that all certificates or minutes which may be given to any travelling Friend, be recorded, and upon the return of such Friend, seasonably delivered back to the meeting; and that all certificates of removal brought by any Friend intending to reside amongst us, shall be lodged in the Monthly Meeting where the same is

CERTIFICATES, 29

accepted: and also, that every meeting do keep a copy or record of all certificates which they give our. — 171s.

All certificates of removal prepared for women

Frimds. after being considered in their Monthly Meeting, are to be sent to the men's, and if there approved, signed by the clerks of both. If they are directed to any place beyond the limits of the

respective Quarterly Meeting, they are to be signed by the clerks and one of the correspondents. If the certificate is for a man only, it is to be signed by the clerk of the men's meeting, and one of the correspondents. And all other certificates or minutes o-iven forth for Friends, which are to go beyond the Quarterly Meeting, are to be signed in like manner. — 1723,' 1828, 1834.

Friends are advised to be very cautious in chang- ing their places of residence : it having been ob- served that the dissolving of old, and the forming of new connections, have in many instances been attended with etiects prejudicial to a growth in the Truth and the service thereof, both in the heads and younger branches of families. AVe therefore recommend to all, that on these occasions a strict attention be paid to the pointings of Divine AYis- dom ; and that before any determine to change their places of abode, they consult with their expe- rienced fellow-members. — 1719, 1769.

It is the judgment of this meeting, that when a certificate of removal from one Monthly Meeting to 3*

30 CERTIFICATES.

another is received, the person or persons recom- mended shall be deemed members of the meeting they remove to. But if any such person shall fall into circumstances requiring pecuniary relief, with- in one year after the receipt of such certificate, the meeting removed to ought to assist them, giving speedy notice thereof to the other. Whereupon that meeting should immediately take care of them, and repay the charge which has been or may be in- curred on that account. And if the meeting from which such persons removed (on consulting with that within which they are) shall desire them to return, he or she ought to comply as soon as they are of ability so to do ; and the Friends where they reside should yield them such advice and as- sistance as the case may require. If any such per- sons on being so required shall refuse to comply, the said Monthly Meeting may deal with them as opposed to the order of the Society, and if they cannot be prevailed with to submit, issue a testi- mony of denial against them. — 1792.

The above rule enjoining the return of members to the meetings they have removed from, is, how- ever, not designed to extend to the wife of a person who is not in membership with us, or to such of their minor children as are members ; but if such should need relief, within one year as aforesaid, they should be assisted, in the manner recommended, by the meeting they removed from. — 1796.

If any Friend be reduced in his or her circum- stances by fire, or other sudden unavoidable losses,

CERTIFICATES. 31

though it may be within one year after their re- moval as aforesaid, they should be kindly assisted and relieved by the meetingwhere such persona re- side, and considered members thereof. — 17(.>2.

All Friends removing out of the limits of their Monthly meetings, whether for continuance or for a considerable length of time, are advised to apply to their respective meetings for certificates, directed to those within which they propose to sojourn or settle. But if any, not duly attentive to this ad- vice, shall remove without so applying, the Monthly meetings of which they are members, after the usual inquiry made, and no obstruction appearing, should send certificates for them to the Monthly meetings within which they are removed, and that without improper delay ; but if their conduct requires their being dealt with, and the distance is such as to be inconvenient for the meeting they have removed from, the Monthly Meeting within which they are should be requested to treat with him or her there- on, and report the effect of its care. On which, if it proves satisfactory, a certificate of recommenda- tion or removal may be ordered ; but if otherwise, and a testimony of disunion is issued, the meeting within which he or she resides should be furnished with a copy thereof, to be delivered to the party, with information of their right of appeal. — 1806.

Where apprentices or persons under age are under a necessity of going from one place to another, their parents or guardians, masters or mistresses, should apply for certificates for them, recommending them

82 CERTIFICATES.

to the care and oversight of the Monthly meetings whereto they remove. — 174-1, 1783.

If any person appearing- as a Friend, come within the compass of a Monthly Meeting, not being rec- ommended by certificate, and be of disorderly con- duct, the overseers, or other concerned Friends, should inquire whether or not he or she is a member of our Society; and, if they prove so to be, admonish them, or, if the occasion require it, report the case to the Preparative, and from thence to the Monthly Meeting ; which should thereupon inform the Monthly Meeting of which he or she is a member, of the circumstance, and take the direction of said meeting, for dealing further with them, according to our rules in cases of that nature.

It is recommended that Monthly meetings, as way may open, appoint two or more Friends to visit such, who come recommended by certificate to set- tle amongst them.

Monthly meetings are advised to take due care, that certificates of removal be seasonably forwarded by suitable conveyances, to the Monthly meetings to which they are directed — they being the ex- clusive property of such meetings. — 1800.

"When a Monthly Meeting is engaged to prepare a certificate on account of the removal of any Friend, to reside within the limits of another Monthly Meeting, careful inquiry should be made by a committee appointed for the purpose, respect- ing the settlement of his or her affairs, and also if single, concerning their situation in relation to

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. o3

marriage engagements; and if a satisfactory clear- is bo far ascertained, that the circumstances

of the party do not form any impediment to the granting a certificate, it should state, that, on in- quiry, no obstruction appeared to the recommend- ing him or her to the Christian care of the meeting,

within whose limits they are removed. — 1818, 1834. AVhen a certificate of removal, addressed to a Monthly Meeting, is produced therein, and it is known that the person or persons recommended reside within the limits thereof, the certificate should he considered as accepted, and the parties memhers of that meeting ; subject however to the rule as it relates to pecuniary relief within one year thereafter. But if it should appear that the con- duct of them, or any of them, requires their "being dealt with, the certificate should be returned to the meeting which granted it. — 1816, 1834.

CIVIL GOYERXMEXT.

LIBERTY of conscience being the common right of all men, and particularly essential to the well-being of religious societies, we hold it to be indispensably incumbent upon us to maintain it in- violably among ourselves : and therefore advise and exhort all in profession with us, to decline the ac- ceptance of any office or station in civil government,

34 CIVIL GOVERNMENT.

the duties of which are inconsistent with our re- ligious principles; or in the exercise of which they may be, or think themselves to be, under the neces- sity of exacting of their brethren any compliances, against which we are conscientiously scrupulous. And if any persons in membership with us, not- withstanding this advice, shall persist in a conduct so reverse to our principles and religious liberty, it is the sense of this meeting that they be treated with, as in other cases of offence ; and if they are not brought to see and acknowledge their error, that the Monthly meetings to which they belong, should proceed to testify our disunity with them. — 1710, 1762.

It is also the sense and judgment of this meeting, that Friends ought not, in any wise, to be active or accessory in electing, or promoting to be elected, their brethren to such offices or stations in civil government, the execution whereof tends to lay waste our Christian testimony, or subject their brethren or others to sufferings on account of their conscientious scruples. — 1762. See Oaths.

Believing that we are called to show forth to the world in life and practice, that the blessed reign of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, is begun, and we doubt not, will proceed till it attains its completion in the earth, when, according to the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah, " Xation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Influenced by these principles, we cannot consistently join with such as form combinations

►NDUCT AND CONVERSATION.

of a hostile nature against any: especially in oppo- sition to those placed in sovereign or subordinate authority: nor can we unite with or encourage

such as revile or asperse them. — 170:2. See Oaths.

COXDUCT AM) COXYERSATIOX.

"ITTH ATE V JfiE exercises we may meet with on * * account of a faithful testimony to the Truth, in all godliness of conversation, and to the end that we may not faint in our minds, let us consider the Captain of our salvation, who endured the contra- diction of sinners, hearing his cross and despising the shame, and is now set down on the right hand of God, where He continually maketh intercession for us — that following him, and under his banner fighting the good light of faith, we may finally ob- tain the crown of righteousness which fadeth not away. — 1694.

It is directed that if there should be any in mem- bership with us, who are guilty of lying, swearing, cursing ; men and women unlawfully or in an un- seemly manner keeping company with each other, or any other scandalous practice, that they be speedily dealt with : and where any are guilty of any gross or notorious crime, or such other disor- derly or indecent practices as shall occasion public scandal : they should also, if practicable, be dealt

36 CONDUCT AXD CONVERSATION.

with without delay, by the overseers or other con- cerned Friends ; and if they are brought to a sense thereof, such offenders ought without improper de- lay, to remove the scandal, and as much as in them lies clear our holy profession therefrom, by acknowl- edging the offence, and condemning the same in writing under their hand, to the satisfaction of the Monthly Meeting whereto they belong. And where any such offender does not so acknowledge and con- demn the fault, or has gone off to parts so remote or unknown, as to render it very difficult or im- practicable for the overseers to treat with him or her ; the case should be early represented to the Monthly Meeting, that diligent care and exertion may be used to manifest our entire disapprobation of all such disgraceful conduct ; and whenever it shall appear seasonable, that a testimony be issued for the clearing our religious Society from the re- proach thereof. — 1719, 1834.

If any in membership with us do countenance or promote any noisy gatherings or tumults, they should be speedily dealt with as disorderly persons ; and if they are not brought to a due sense of their error, disowned. — 1726. See Spirituous Liquors.

If any belonging to our Society shall blaspheme, or speak profanely of Almighty God, Christ Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, or shall deny the divinity, me- diation or atonement of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the immediate revelation of the Holy Spirit, or the authenticity and divine inspiration

CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. .:,

of the Holy Scriptures; or print, publish, or Bpread any work tending to lay waste a belief in these im- portant Christian principles; as it is manifest they are not one in faith with us, the Monthly Meeting where the party belongs, should extend due care for the eonvincement of his or her understanding and right restoration : but if this be without effect) it should issue a testimony against them. — 1806, 1834. *

By the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ without us. lLc> hath reconciled us to God, even while we are enemies : that is. He otters reconciliation unto us, and puts us into a capacity of being reconciled ; and we, truly repenting and believing, are, through the mercy of God, justified from the imputation of sins and transgressions that are past, as though they had never been committed : and by the mighty work of Christ within us, the power, na- ture and habits of sin are destroyed ; that as sin once reigned unto death, even so now grace reign- eth through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. — 1834.

It is the earnest concern of this meeting, that in all our dealings and transactions among men. strict justice may be observed, and that no motives of pecuniary interest may induce any of our members to impose on each other, or on others ; and it is de- sired that Monthly meetings may be careful to extend suitable admonition against a spirit of covetousness ; and where there is any deviation

38 CONVINCED PERSONS.

from strict justice in any of our members, that they be dealt with as for any other breach of our Disci- pline.—1778, 1834.

Frequent waiting in stillness on the Lord for the renewal of strength, keeps the mind at home in its proper place and duty, and out of all unprofitable association and converse, whether amongst those of our own, or other professions. Much hurt may accrue to the religious mind, by long and frequent conversation on temporal matters, especially by in- teresting ourselves unnecessarily in them ; for there is a leaven in that propensity, which being suffered to prevail, indisposes and benumbs the soul, and prevents its frequent ascendings in living aspira- tions towards the Fountain of eternal life. — 1796.

CONVINCED PERSONS.

IT is concluded that the following order be ob- served respecting persons who apply for admit- tance into membership, and request to come under the care of Friends. — That they apply to the over- seers or elders, who, when they are easy so to do, are to lay it before the Preparative Meeting ; and after that meeting is fully satisfied, by paying a solid visit, or otherwise, they are to lay the case before the Monthly Meeting ; which meeting shall appoint some suitable Friends to inquire into the

CONVINCED PERSONS. 39

person's life and conversation, and also to take a solid opportunity of conference with the party, in order the better to understand whether his or her motives for such request be sincere, and on the ground of true convincement of our religious prin- ciples, doctrines and testimonies ; and make report of their sense of the person's state of mind ; on which, if the meeting is satisfied of his or her fit- ness for membership, a minute should be made, signifying the acceptance of such into membership, and appointing a Friend or two to acquaint the person thereof, requesting his or her attendance at the next Monthly Meeting.— 1796, 1834.

But in all such cases, Friends are exhorted to attend carefully to the advice of the Apostle, "Lay hands suddenly on no man:" the neglect of such caution having often been injurious both to the in- dividuals and to the Society, — to them, by settling them in a false rest ; and to the Society, by adding to its numbers, without increasing its joy. — 1806.

AVherefore we desire, that on every application of persons to be received into membership with us, Monthly meetings may be deep and weighty in their deliberations and result ; and when united in believ- ing that the applicants are clearly convinced of our religious principles, and in a good degree subject to the Divine Witness in their own hearts, manifested by a circumspect life and conduct ; said meetings are at liberty to receive such into membership, without respect to nation or color. — 1796.

DAYS AXD TIMES.

ADVISED that Friends be exemplary in keep- ing to our ancient testimony against the su- perstitious observation of days ; and to the sim- plicity of Truth in calling the days and months by Scripture names, and not by those of the heathen. 1691, 1697.

Some reasons for not observing fasts and feast- days and times, and other human injunctions and institutions relative to the worship of God:

Ever since we were a people we have had a testi- mony against formal worship ; being convinced by the precepts of our Lord Jesus Christ, the testimo- nies of his Apostles, and our own experience, that the worship and prayers which God accepts, are such only as are produced by the influence and as- sistance of his Holy Spirit ; we cannot therefore consistently unite with any in the observation of public fasts, feasts, and what they term holy days; or such injunctions and forms as are devised in man's will for divine worship. The dispensation to which outward observations were peculiar, hav- ing long since given place to the spiritual dispensa- tion of the Gospel, we believe the fast we are now called to, is not the bowing of the head like a bul- rush for a day, but an universal and continual fast- ing and refraining from everything which has a 40

DAYS AND TIMES. 41

tendency to defile the soul, and unfit it for becom- ing the temple of the Holy Ghost, according to the injunctions of Christ to his primitive disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke ix. 23. — •• Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man," Luke'xxi. 36. That the primi- tive believers saw an end to these shadows of good things, by coming to Him in whom all figures and shadows end, is evident by the w^ords of the Apostle Paul ; " For Christ," said he, " is the end of the law^ for righteousness to every one that be- lieveth." Eom. x. 4. — "But now hath He ob- tained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." Heb. viii. 6. And the same Apostle thus expostulated with some, wrho it appears had fallen from the true faith in these respects : " But now^, after that ye have known God, or rather are knowm of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, wdiere- unto ye desire again to be in bondage. Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." Gal. iv. 9-11. —1759.

As we do not find any ground in Scripture for it, we cannot be so superstitious as to believe, that either the Jewish sabbath now continues, or that 4*

42 DAYS AND TIMES.

the first day of the week is the anti-type thereof, or the true Christian sabbath; which we believe has a more spiritual sense and signification ; and therefore we know no moral obligation by the fourth com- mand or elsewhere, to keep the first day of the week more than any other, or that there is any holiness in- herent in it. But as we believe the Apostles and primitive Christians did meet on this day to wor- ship God, so we, following their example, do the like, and forbear working or en ^2:1112; in our worldly affairs upon that day. Works of charity or Christian benevolence, such as visiting and admin- istering to the sick and afflicted ; or occasions of unavoidable necessity may sometimes interfere with, or occasion a deviation from the strict adherence to the uses and services to which this day is spe- cially appropriated ; yet it is our continued concern affectionately to recommend to all our members, that, abstaining from bodily labor on that day, tliey observe and regard it as a day which by the generality of Christians is peculiarly set apart for religious retirement, and the performance of public worship to Almighty God. — 1834.

Being well assured that the edifying practice of frequently collecting our children and families, in order for religious retirement, would be promotive of essential benefit, Friends are exhorted to seek after a right qualification, under which they may be enabled to maintain it, especially in the after- noon of the first day of the week, in such places

DEFAMATION" AND DETRACTION". 4°.\

where meetings for public worship are not held at that rime; the due discharge of which duty, and solidly reading the 1 1 < >1 \ Scriptures and other reli- gious books, with a steady, watchful care over our young people, to discourage their visiting and ram- bling about on that day. and mixing with unprofit- able company at this and at other times, would, under the Divine blessing, be a means of their pre- servation out of many ensnaring temptations, to whieh they are liable. — 1834.

DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION.

IT^RIEXDS everywhere are exhorted to maintain - a strict watch over themselves and each other, against the subtle and mischievous spirit of tale- bearing and detraction — the manifest tendency of which is to lay waste the unity of the Body, by sowing the seeds of disesteem. strife, and discord among brethren and neighbors; as well as to unfit those who either propagate or listen to evil reports, for being of that service to the persons reflected upon, which they might be, if the order prescribed by our blessed Lord to his church was strictly ob- served; viz., "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then

44 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION.

take with thee one or two more, that, in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be estab- lished. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church ; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." Matt, xviii. 15-17. — 1719, 1806.

It is therefore advised, that in whomsoever this weakness appears, it may be immediately checked ; and, if any one gives way to it, to the obvious in- jury of another's reputation or interest, let him or her be faithfully admonished ; and if they cannot be prevailed with to make such acknowledgment of their error, as shall be satisfactory to the Month- ly .Meeting, they are to be further dealt with ; when, if this produce not the desired effect, they should be testified against. — 1806, 1834.

If any member who offends in this respect, shel- ters him or herself under a pretence, that they say no more than they have heard from others, yet will not discover who they are — such reporters or tale- bearers should in like manner be dealt with, and testified against as being themselves the authors. 1806.

DISCIPLINE, AXD MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE

THE institution of our meetings for Discipline, having on experience been found very benefi- cial, it is earnestly recommended they be main- tained in the authority wherein they were estab- lished: it being evident, where any have been negligent in attending them, or opposed to their usefulness, that carnality and spiritual death have been the consequence. — 1701.

' The connection and subordination of our meet- ings for Discipline are thus : Preparative meetings are accountable to the Monthly; Monthly to the Quarterly ; and the Quarterly to the Yearly Meeting. So that if the Yearly Meeting be at any time dissat- isfied with the proceedings of any inferior meeting ; or a Quarterly Meeting with the proceedings of either of its Monthly meetings ; or a Monthly Meeting with the proceedings of either of its Pre- parative meetings — such meeting or meetings are with readiness and meekness to render an account thereof when required, and submit to the judgment and decision of its respective superior meeting. — 1719. 1S34. See Appeals.

Xo Quarterly Meeting shall be set up or instituted, without the consent and approbation of the Yearly Meeting — no Monthly Meeting, without the con- 45

46 DISCIPLINE.

sent and approbation of the Quarterly Meeting — no Preparative Meeting for business, nor meeting for worship, until united with by the Monthly Meet- ing ; after which the consent and approbation of the Quarterly Meeting is also to be obtained. — 1719, 1834.

If at any time the Yearly Meeting shall judge it right and expedient to lay down or dissolve any of its Quarterly meetings, and join the Monthly and other meetings thereof to another Quarterly Meet- ing, the said meetings are with readiness to sub- mit to such decision and junction. — 1831.

And if any Quarterly Meeting shall, upon delib- erate consideration, judge it is right and expedient to lay down or dissolve any of the Monthly or Pre- parative meetings belonging thereto, and join the members thereof to another of its Monthly or Pre- parative meetings, it is authorized so to do, and the members of those dissolved meetings are to be ac- cepted and recognized as under the care of the said meetings to which they are joined. — 1834.

And if any Monthly Meeting should, upon delib- erate weighty consideration, conclude that any of the Preparative meetings belonging thereto had better be dissolved, and the members joined to an- other Preparative Meeting within its limits, or that any of its meetings for worship should be laid down or discontinued, it has the right to state its sense and judgment to the Quarterly Meeting, and when the concurrence thereof is obtained, the proposed

DISCIPLINE. 47

dissolution, junction, and discontinuance is to take effect.— 1834,

Wheresoever ir appears that Monthly meetings, through the smallness of their numbers, or the want of sufficient qualification for the due maintenance of the Discipline, are under difficulty in fulfilling the various obligations devolved upon them, it is recommended that they claim the sympathy and brotherly rare <>f their respective Quarterly meet- which should appoint committees to be so in- corporated with Monthly meetings, as to render the needful assistance in transacting their business, and in treating with offenders in order to their right restoration; or where the labor is ineffectual, that judgment may be placed upon them in the author- ity of Truth. This extension of aid to continue until the Quarterly Meeting shall judge that a dif- ferent arrangement is requisite. — 1828.

The necessity of continually maintaining the con- nection and due subordination of meetings, having always with much solicitude and care been en- joined as indispensably obligatory upon all our members in their several places and stations ; it is therefore the concern of this meeting renewedly to declare, that it is repugnant to the harmony and subversive of the order of our religious Society, for any Preparative or Monthly Meeting to assume any right or to attempt to dissolve its connection with its respective Monthly or Quarterly Meeting to which it has regularly belonged. Xo Preparative

48 DISCIPLINE.

Meeting can therefore transfer its subjection or join itself to any other Monthly Meeting, nor any Monthly Meeting to any other Quarterly Meetings than those of which they are a constituent part : but if at any time it should be evident, that it would be more convenient, or tend to the promo- tion of the cause of Truth, for the members of any Preparative Meeting to become a branch of any other Monthly Meeting ; or a Monthly Meeting to be placed under the care and jurisdiction of a differ- ent Quarterly Meeting than the one they belong to ; the said Preparative or Monthly Meeting so situated, is to make application to, and by minute of the Monthly Meeting, clearly represent the case to its respective Quarterly Meeting, and if there approved, the said Preparative Meeting may be transferred to such Monthly Meeting as may be designated, within the limits of the said Quarter ; but if the proposal of either a Preparative or Monthly Meeting extends* to, and is comprehended within the limits of a dif- ferent Quarterly Meeting, the Quarterly Meeting where those subordinate meetings belong, after care- fully considering the said application, and concur- ring therewith, is to consult the Quarterly Meeting proposed to be united to, and when it is there also approved, the contemplated change and junction may be finally settled. — 1834.

Xo Meeting for worship, intended to consist of Friends belonging to two or more Monthly meet- ings, shall be set up, until the proposal be offered

DISCIPLINE. 49

to and approved by Loth those Monthly meetings, and the consent of their respective Quarterly Meet- ing or meetings be obtained: when the meeting proposed is opened, ir should be attended by a few

solid Friend-, deputed by each of the said Monthly meetings. And it' at any time it is thought expe- dient, that a Preparative Meeting should be held at the same place, the consent of the said Monthly and Quarterly meetings should be, in like manner, ap- plied for and obtained ; and the said Preparative Meeting should be annexed to either one or the other of those Monthly meetings, as may be most likely to conduce to the benefit of the individuals who compose it, and the advantage of society. — 1806.

It is directed, that a book be provided by every Monthly and Quarterly Meeting, and fair minutes be kept therein, of all matters which shall come before and be determined by them. Monthly meet- ings, particularly, are advised to attend to and fin- ish all such business with care and dispatch, that it may at no time suffer by improper delay. And, if any case under consideration proves too weighty or difficult for them to determine, they should ap- ply to their respective Quarterly meetings for assist- ance ; or if the circumstances are such as to require it, refer it thereto by minute. — 1719.

It is the sense of this Meeting, as a general rule in all cases, that where any Monthly or Quarterly Meeting has occasion for, and requests copies of any

50 DISCIPLINE.

of the papers, minutes or records of another Monthly or Quarterly Meeting, the same may accordingly be granted. — 1705, 1719.

AVhere any difference happens among Friends, and the same be entered in any Monthly or Quar- terly Meeting book, it is agreed, that if the parties, or either of them, think that copies of such entries may be useful and necessary for them, and request the same, such Monthly and Quarterly meetings shall have a discretional power to give or refuse such copies, according to the circumstances and motives attending. — 1710.

It is agreed that at least two men and two women Friends be appointed in each of their re- spective Monthly meetings, as representatives to attend the service of the Quarterly Meeting, with such reports in writing, signed by their clerks, as may be given them in charge : also, that each Quar- terly Meeting appoint a suitable number of judi- cious Friends as its representatives, which are not to amount to more than would be in the proportion of three of each sex to each Monthly Meeting ; to at- tend the Yearly Meeting with the reports and such other written documents as may be spec ally con- fided to their care.— 1719, 1834.

It is earnestly advised and desired, that all Friends who submit to these, or any other services of Society, may be punctual in their attendance thereon ; or, if prevented by sickness, or any other unavoidable occurrence, that they be careful to send

DISCIPLINE. 51

information thereof; also, that those who arc under appointments to meetings, do riot withdraw there- from before the conclusion, without obtaining the meeting's consent. — 1719.

When proposals of marriage arc made, if any near relations of the parties (who are not in mem- bership) are permitted to be present, they should withdraw before the meeting proceeds to any other business. — 1755.

If a member under dealing removes into the com- pass of another Monthly Meeting ; or, if previous to or after such removal, the conduct of him or her has been such as to require their being dealt with — and their residence be at so great a distance as to render it inconvenient for the Monthlv Meeting to which they belong, it should by minute request that into which they are removed, to treat with them ac- cording to our rules, and to report the effect of its care ; when, if it is satisfactory, the party should be recommended by certificate ; or if otherwise, and a testimony of denial is issued, a copy thereof should be sent to the Monthly Meeting within the limits of which he or she resides, and that meeting is to appoint two or more Friends to give them a copy of the said testimony, and inform them of their right of appeal. — 1806.

If the individual is a female, the women's Monthly Meeting is by minute to transmit to the Monthly Meeting of women Friends within the limits of which the person resides, clear informa-

52 DISCIPLINE.

lion of the state of the case, and request its care in dealing with her bn- their behalf; and when the Monthly Meeting removed from, has received a repoit of the effect of this labor, they are then to give due information thereof to their respective men's Monthly Meeting, in order that the business may be finished as before directed. — 1834.

After a charge against a member is, by the Pre- parative Meeting, concluded to be taken to the Monthly Meeting, he or she should not be per- mitted to sit in any of our meetings for Discipline, till the case is issued to the satisfaction of the Monthly Meeting. — 1834.

In all cases thus introduced from the Preparative to the Monthly Meeting, a committee should be ap- pointed to deal with the offender, in order to the convincement of his or her understanding and right restoration ; and if, in the prosecution of the ser- vice, it should come to the knowledge of the com- mittee, that there has been any other violation of our testimony and Discipline than is stated in the minute of the Preparative Meeting, they should treat with the individual thereon, and make report accordingly to the next succeeding Monthly Meet- ing, and of the effect of their labor: their report, or the substance of it, is then to be entered upon the minutes, and if a ground of hope is furnished that further dealing may be beneficial, the case should be continued ; but whenever the meeting, after deliberate, weighty consideration, is satisfied

DISCIPLINE. 53

that a continued extension of care and labor would be unavailing, and that the due maintenance of the

Discipline requires the case to be issued, the com- mittee, or such other Friends as may be judged proper, are to be appointed to prepare a testimony of disownment, to be produced at the next Monthly Meeting for approbation; and that the necessary care be taken for delivering the party a copy of the said minute or testimony of disunion, within for- mation of his or her right of appeal. — 1834.

It is advised, that where any transgress the rules of our Discipline, they may, without partiality, be admonished and sought in the spirit of love and divine charity, so that it may be seen by all. that the restoring spirit of meekness and Christian love abounds, before church censure takes place, and that a Gospel spirit is the spring and motive to all our performances, as well in Discipline as in wor- ship.— 174(3 to 1770. And in all cases when a minute or testimony of disunion against a member has been produced and approved in a Monthly Meeting, endeavors should be used that the indi- vidual be furnished with a copy thereof, and with notification of his or her right of appeal. — 1834.

It is earnestly recommended, that in conducting the aftairs of the church, we ever bear in mind, that as it is the Lord's work, Friends should hum- bly and reverently endeavor to manage then in the peaceable spirit and wisdom of Jesus, with de- cency, forbearance, and love to each other. 5*

54 DISCIPLINE.

As to the rights of children, whose parents have been married contrary to the rules of our Discipline; it is agreed that where either of those parents re- main out of membership, their children should not be esteemed members, till application for their ad- mission is made either by themselves, or by their parent, parents or guardians on their behalf, and the Monthly Meeting applied to, on a solid consid- eration of the case, is easy to admit them, or any of them. — 1762, 1782.

All children born of parents who have been mar- ried according to our rules, and only one of them afterwards disowned ; and such children as are born after their parents have both become members, and only one of them subsequently disowned, are to be considered as in membership with us ; but where persons who have accomplished their marriage in our meetings have both become disowned, their off- spring, born after this event, are not to be consid- ered as having a right among us, unless those parents shall have become reinstated, and both be in membership at the time of the birth of any such child : but if application is made for the admission of any of their children, the Monthly Meeting, on solid consideration of the case, feeling easy there- with, is at liberty to admit them, or any of them. 1762, 1806, 1834.

If any member of our religious Society shall ap- ply to those called jugglers or fortune-tellers, or those who by color of any art or skill whatsoever,

DISCIPLINE. 55

pretend to a knowledge of future events, hidden transactions, or where things lost or stolen may be

found; or if any of our members shall use. or pre- tend to such art or skill, it is advised that they be speedily dealt with ; and if they do not manifest a due sense of their evil conduct, and condemn the same, that they be testified against. — 1723.

It appearing by the minutes of the Meeting for Sufferings, that on inspection of some of the ac- counts of sufferings sent up by the Quarterly meet- ings, considerable difficulty has been occasioned by those accounts not expressing, with sufficient clear- what the sufferings mentioned were for : it is now desired, that the Monthly and Quarterly meet- ings may in future leave out of their reports, any instances which do not appear to be clearly consistent with the sense of this Yearly Meeting ; and that they continue to collect and send up their accounts of sufferings annually as heretofore directed. — 1784.

A committee should he annually appointed in each of our Quarterly and Monthly meetings, for the nom- ination of clerks ; which may afford opportunity for their being seasonably changed, and more of our qualified members exercised in those services. — 1796.

The love, power, and peaceable spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, being the alone true authority of all our meetings, it is the fervent concern of this meet- ing, that they may be held under the sense and in- fluence of that holy unction. We affectionately recommend, that in making appointments in meet-

56 DISCIPLINE.

ings for Discipline, care may be taken to judge of the qualifications of those who are emploj'ed in the church.

The more we experience a preparation of heart for the exercise of our respective gifts, the more amply shall we evince the expression of the tongue to be seasoned with that living virtue and divine power, which proceeds from our Holy Head ; and thus in conducting the important concerns of Soci- ety, we shall be enabled to example the beloved youth in a manner which will demonstrate to them, that neither tradition nor a mere outward educa- tion, can fitly prepare them for successors in the church of Christ.

In some places there may have been a want of care, rightly to distinguish and seasonably to bring into action, the talents bestowed upon some in the early stage of life ; but we believe, that many who were evidently under the forming hand, have been suddenly laid hold of, and introduced into service, before that preparation of heart hath been suffi- ciently experienced, which leads to a reliance upon Divine direction, and redeems from a confidence in the natural understanding: it is therefore desired, that by a just discrimination of times and seasons, and of the qualifications bestowed, every gift may be rightly exercised, and a succession of useful members j reserved in every rank in the church.

AVe are concerned that the management of our Christian Discipline be not committed to hands

DISCIPLINE. 57

unclean ; particularly of such who allow or connive at undue liberties in their own children or families,

k* It' a man," said the Apostle, "know not how to

rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God ?"— 1795.

Dear Friends, be patient in the exercise of your gifts and services, and take no offence at any time, because what seems to be clear to yon is nor pres- ently received by others ; let all things in the church be propounded with an awful reverence of Him that is the head and life of it ; who said, 11 AY here two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." There- fore, let all beware of their own spirits and keep in a gracious temper, that so they may be fitted for the service of the house of God, whose house we are, if we keep upon the foundation that God hath laid ; and such He will build up, and teach how to build up one another in Him. And as every mem- ber must feel life in himself, and all from one Head, this life will not hurt itself in any, but be tender of itself in all ; for by this one life of the Word, ye were begotten, and by it ye are nourished and made to grow into your several services in the church of God. It is no man's learning, nor artificial acquirements; it is no man's riches, nor greatness in this world ; it is no man's eloquence nor natural wisdom, that makes him fit for government in the church of Christ : all his endowments must be seasoned with the heavenly salt, his spirit be subjected, and his

58 DISCIPLINE.

gifts pass through the fire of God's altar, a sacrifice to His praise and honor, that so self being baptized into death, the gifts may be used in the power of the resurrection of the life of Jesus in him.

As the use and design of Preparative meetings is in general to digest and prepare business as occa- sion may require, which may be proper to be laid before the Monthly Meeting, Friends should be careful therein, not to occasion unnecessary delays, or undertake to decide on any business which claims attention and care in Monthly meetings. When cases are agreed to be carried forward, they should be entered in writing, and some suitable Friend or Friends named to produce them to the Monthly meetings ; and such notes thereof should be carefully preserved by clerks of Preparative meetings, as to said meetings may appear useful and right. But no Preparative Meeting shall take cognizance of proposals of marriage, this being exclusively the business of Monthly meetings. — 1796.

AVe believe there are seasons wherein the Master, were we sufficiently w^atchful for his coming, would bring Monthly Meetings under a right concern to seek the wanderers, and endeavor to draw them from an inordinate love and pursuit of the world, to sit down with their friends to worship the God of their lives, in spirit and in truth. In this way those who water should be watered themselves, and

DISCIPLINE.

a united travail for the Lord's honor, and the growth of the church in the life and power of godliness,

would more abound in our borders! — 1859.

In all cases of the descendants of those who sep- arated from our religious Society in the year 1v:_7, who have not been dealt with and disowned, and who do not attend our religious meetings, it -hall be a sufficient discharge of the duty of the Monthly Meeting to which they belong, in treating with them, t<> give to each one information of his or her exist- ing right of membership, and that if they desire to retain such right, and intend renewing their con- nection with the Society, by attending its meetings, they must so inform the Monthly Meeting, or its overseers, within one year from the date of the in- formation thus furnished them.

In the event of any such person so notified, not giving the Monthly Meeting or its overseers, the in- formation required within the time specified, the Monthly Meeting, (if it feel itself clear in the case. may make a record of the facts, and that such indi- vidual has thus forfeited all claim to a right of membership in the religious Society of Friends.

AVhere the residence of any of the descendants of those who separated from our religious Society in 1827, is unknown, and from this, or any other circumstance, such have passed out of the knowl- edge of the Friends of the Monthly Meeting to which they belong, and the Overseers of the Meet- ing find it very difficult or impracticable to comma-

60 DISCIPLINE.

nicate with them, they may represent the case to the Monthly Meeting, which, at its discretion, may either appoint a committee to give further attention to the case, or make a minute reciting the circum- stances, and declaring that the individual no longer retains a right of membership in our religious So- ciety.

Should any person thus ceasing to be a member of our Religious Societ}^, afterwards apply to the Monthlv Meeting of which he or she had been a member to be received into membership, and the meeting after careful inquiry, believe him or her to be prepared for religious fellowship with Friends, he or she may be received into the Society without any acknowledgment being required for former as- sociation as a member with those who separated in 1827.

That the right of membership in our religious Society, acquired by birth, shall not attach to the offspring of the descendants of those who separated from the Society in 1827, born after the present time, unless the parents of such shall have been reinstated.— 1869.

When the parents of an infant are members of different Monthly Meetings at the time of its birth, the child is to be recorded as a member of the Monthly Meeting to which the mother then be- longed.—1879.

DOXATIOXS, BEQUESTS, &c.

EXECUTORS and trustees concerned in wills and settlements, are advised to a faithful and punctual discbarge of their respective trusts, ac- cording to the intent of the donors and testators; and both they and the meetings concerned in any charitable gifts, legacies, or bequests, to take spe- cial care that these be not perverted or appropriated to any other uses than such as the donors or testa- tors have directed and enjoined by legal settlement, will, or testament. — 1715, 1796.

FAMILY VISITS.

AS the visiting of Friends in their families in the openings of heavenly wisdom, is a service which hath often been blessed to the minds of the visitors and visited, this meeting hath, from time to time, recommended it to the solid attention of Quarterly and Monthly meetings : and it is desired, that concerns of this nature may be tenderly cher- ished, and those who are rightly exercised therein, encouraged to move forward in due season, and in an humble dependence on the Shepherd of Israel, who not only puts his own forth, but goes before 6 61

62 GAMING AND DIVERSIONS.

and rewards all who are faithful to his appoint- ments, with the enriching reward of sweet comfort and solid peace. — 1737, 1806.

If the concern of a Friend to visit the families of a Monthly Meeting of which he or she is not a member, be laid before and approved by the Monthly Meeting where he or she belongs, and a certificate or minute thereof be granted, he or she, previously to engaging in the visit, is to spread the concern before the Monthly Meeting whose fami- lies are proposed to be visited; and when the con- currence thereof is also obtained, the necessary care should be extended to aid him or her in the per- formance thereof. This regulation is also to ex- tend to such Friends, as may come from other parts on religious visits, to meetings within the limits of this Yearly Meeting. — 1834.

■4 <• G » *■

GAMING AKD DIVERSIONS.

AS our time passeth swiftly away, and our de- light ought to be in the law of the Lord, it is advised that a watchful care be exercised over our youth and others, to prevent their going to stage- plays, horse-races, music, dancing, or any such vain sports and pastimes ; and being concerned in lot- teries, wagering, or other species of gaming.

And if any of our members fall into either of

GAMING AND DIVERSIONS. 63

tliesc practices, and are not prevailed with by pri- vate labor to decline them, the Monthly meetings to which the offenders belong should be informed thereof, and, if they be not reclaimed by further

labor, so as to condemn their misconduct to the satisfaction of the meeting, it should proceed to testify our disunity with them. — 1716 to 177-1. "AVe would renewedly caution all our members

against indulging in music, or having instruments of music in their houses, believing that the practice tends to promote a light and vain mind, and to dis- qualify for the serious thoughtfulness, which be- comes an accountable being, hastening to his final reckoning. AVhen we consider that our days pass swiftly away, and that our time is one of the talents committed to our trust, for the employment of which wre shall have to render an account in the -s day of judgment, it becomes us to be living as strangers and pilgrims upon earth, seeking a better country, and to be diligently using it for the great end for which it is lent to us, even in working out the soul's salvation in fear and trembling, and not in vain amusements or corrupting pleasures, but striving that 'whether we eat or drink, or whatso- ever we do, we may do all to the glory of God ; ' that 'God in all things may be glorified by us, through Jesus Christ our Lord.' "

The spirit and language of the discipline forbid the use of music by Friends, without any exception in favor of that called sacred ; and in order to pro-

64 LAW.

duce harmonious action on this subject throughout the subordinate meetings, the Yearly Meeting in- ■ structs them, that those members who indulge in the use of music, or who have musical instruments in their houses, bring themselves within the appli- cation of this second clause of the Discipline, above referred to, viz. : "And if any of our members fall into either of these practices, and are not prevailed with, by private labor to decline them, the Monthly Meetings to which the offenders belong should be informed thereof, and if they be not reclaimed by further labor, so as to condemn their misconduct to the satisfaction of the meeting, it should proceed to testify our disunity with them." — 1873.

iO UW^ M<

LAW.

IT is desired, that no debtors may shelter them- selves under such of our rules, as are designed to omard us against an unkind treatment of each, other, unjustly hoping to be thereby put out of the reach of the civil authority. — 1701.

It is the sense of this meeting, that if any mem- ber thereof, disregarding the Gospel order pre- scribed by our Discipline, shall arrest or sue at law another member, (not being under such a necessity so to do, as may satisfy the overseers or other solid and judicious Friends of the meeting to which the latter belongs,) he or she in so doing, doth depart

LOVE AND UNITY. 65

from the peaceable principle we make profession of; and if, on being treated with by the Monthly Meeting to which they belong, they cannot be pre- vailed with to withdraw the suit and pay the costs thereof, they should be disowned. — 1710, 1719.

LOVE AKT> UXITY.

OUR Lord Jesus Christ graciously instructed his followers in the necessity of a strict adherence to his sacred precepts, that growing up into Him in all things, which is the Head, they might be a com- pact body, edifying itself in love. " If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love." uThis is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." — It is therefore the judgment of this meeting, that if any in membership with us should so far lose the sense of the nature and operation of Divine love, the bond of Christian brotherhood, as to foment, encourage or promote division or separation among us, or seek to beguile and draw away any of the members from a due subjection to the salutary order and Discipline es- tablished in our religious Society, they should be speedily treated with without partiality, in order for their instruction and recovery ; and if they are not brought to such a sense of their misconduct as to condemn the same, to the satisfaction of the Month- ly Meeting, they should be testified against. — 1834.

66 LOVE AXD UNITY.

It is advised, that where there is airy appearance of dissension and variance, or of unkind resentment and shyness among our members, the parties be timely and tenderly apprised of the danger to which they thereby expose both themselves and others, and earnestly exhorted to mutual condescen- sion and forgiveness, becoming the followers of Christ. And if any, notwithstanding such en- deavors for their help, continue to manifest an implacable enmity to others, the overseers, or other solid Friends of the Preparative or Monthly Meet- ing they belong to, should be informed thereof, and labor farther with them : when, if they still prove inflexible, they ought to be testified against as out of the unity of the Body — the very end of whose existence is the promotion of peace on earth, and good will amongst men. — 1719, 180fi

AVe apprehend that one of the devices by which the enemy of all good is seeking to increase the weakness and de^eneraev of our religious Societv, is to induce us to substitute a superficial unity and an exterior appearance of love and kindness for that true gospel love and fellowship into which those who are fruit-bearing branches in Christ are baptized by the one Eternal Spirit; and to set us at ease in this state. Thus a door is opened for de- partures from our Christian principles and testimo- nies, and the blessed standard of Truth is lowered. — 1850.

MARRIAGES.

UNITY in religious belief is essential to the full enjoyment of the blessings of a married life, and to that unrestrained confidence and sympathy be- tween parents and their children, which is so im- portant for their growth and settlement in the Truth. We believe also that when the Head of the Church led our forefathers into an organization for their mutual help and religious fellowship, He gave them to see that this sympathy between hus- band and wife in religious belief and practice is highly important to a body designed to uphold not only doctrines more spiritual than those generally held in the religious world, but also the life which those doctrines call for, — a life of faithful obedi- ence, in which alone a belief of the doctrines them- selves can belivingly retained and their further un- foldings received.

He who is ready to supply all our needs and enable us to fulfil his purposes, whose watchful eye is ever upon his Church and people, looks with tender regard upon all that relates to the marriage union. He turns the hearts of parents to their children to watch over their associations from early life. Those who will listen to his voice, He warns against forming unsuitable intimacies. He gives the encouraging feeling of his approval where the affections are being drawn as He would have them

68 MARRIAGES.

to be, and withholds it where his gracious designs would be frustrated by the connection; and, where He sees meet, He prepares hearts to be joined in religious fellowship before they enter upon a union in marriage. — 1881.

It is advised that all young and unmarried people in membership with us, previously to their mak- ing any procedure in order to marriage, do seriously and humbly wait upon the Lord for his counsel and direction in this important concern ; and when favored with satisfactory clearness therein, they should early acquaint their parents or guardians with their intentions, and wait for their consent; thus preservation from the dangerous bias of for- ward, brittle, and uncertain affections would be experienced, to the real benefit of the parties, and the comfort of their friends. And it is earnestly recommended to Friends, that they tenderly and carefully watch over the youth, and extend season- able caution and admonition, as occasions may re- quire. — 1682.

It is advised, that parents exercise a religious care in watching over their children, and in endeav- oring to guard them against improper connections in marriage; that they be not anxious to obtain for them large portions and settlements, but that they be joined with persons of religious inclinations, suitable dispositions and diligence in their business, which are more necessary to a comfortable life in a married state. — 1723.

If AB aiAGBS. 69

The breaches of our testimony against going from amongst us in the weighty engagement of marriage, being often for want of an early care

in parents, and those who have the important charge of educating the youth under their trust, early to admonish and instruct them in the princi- ples of Truth, and to impress their minds with the duty of religiously observing them ; as much as possible restraining them from such company as is likely to entangle their affections in an improper manner, we therefore tenderly advise Friends in all quarters to an increasing care over the youth, that the consistency of our principles in all respects with the nature of true religion, may be impressed on their tender minds, by upright examples, as well as by precepts; and that where there is apparent danger of the affections of any being improperly entangled, and the care of parents or guardians, or those who have the oversight of them, appears in- sufficient to prevent their taking imprudent steps in the accomplishment of marriage, that timely appli- cation be made for the help of their friends. — 17(31.

On serious consideration concerning marriages, this meeting being tender in that respect, advises, that no misdemeanor be treasured up against a person until the time of presenting marriage, and then started, though perhaps long before known to the objector; which is a wrong thing, and should be checked and discouraged in all meetings. — 1712.

It is the judgment of this meeting, that where

70 MARRIAGES.

parents or guardians have approved the visits or addresses of a man (a member of our religious Society) to any of their children or those under their care, that they do not retract the same, with- out giving such reasons as shall be satisfactory to the Monthly Meeting whereto they belong. — 1719.

Marriage being an ordinance of God, He alone can rightly join man and woman therein ; neither priest nor magistrate is requisite to its accomplish- ment; and as we shall not find in all the Scripture that the priest had any part therein further than as a witness among others that were present, we can- not countenance any in the exercise of a function which is no part of the office of a Gospel min- ister.—1881.

Let such of our members be admonished, who keep company, in order for marriage, with persons not of our Society ; or with any bound servants or apprentices, without the leave of their masters or mistresses ; who are either present themselves, or consent to their children being present at mar- riages of those not in membership, which are ac- complished by the assistance of a priest. And where any are present at the marriage of a member, accomplished either by the official interference of a priest, or in any other way out of our comely order, they are to be dealt with, and where they are not brought to a sense of their error, let them be testi- fied against. — 1719. ■ It is recommended to Monthly meetings, that

MARRIAGES. 71

according to the ancient decent practice amongst Friends, they take care that such men and worm n

Friends, who make or admit of proposals of mar- riage with each other, do not dwell in the same house, from the time that they begin to be so con- cerned, until the marriage is accomplished. — 1714.

All single persons, being about to marry at a dis- tance from home, are to procure certificates from the Monthly Meeting they belong to, of their rig] it of membership and clearness from any other person in respect to marriage, and also obtain the consent of their parents or guardians therein ; and none are to be permitted to join themselves in marriage, until such certificates, and the consent of their parents or guardians thereto, be also signified in person, or by writing, where it is practicable, or may be reasonably obtained. — 1682. * Advised, that marriages be not accomplished in or immediately after any of our Monthly meetings, or other meetings for Discipline, or on first days. And it is desired that, on these occasions, Friends in affluent circumstances, particularly, may be care- ful to set a becoming and encouraging example of moderation; and that all may avoid unnecessarily expensive entertainments and large companies, and especially guard against inviting such as guests who are unlikely to conform to the order of our religious Society. — 1716.

For the accomplishment of marriage, it is di- rected that the followino; order be observed. If

72 MARRIAGES.

both parties belong to the same Monthly Meeting, the men's and women's Monthly meetings should be informed of their intentions; and the man at a proper time be accompanied into the women's meeting, by a suitable Friend nominated thereto — there the parties are first to declare, that u With Divine permission, and Friends' approbation, they intend marriage with each other," — whereupon, two women Friends should be appointed by minute to make the usual inquiry respecting the woman; and then proceeding to the men's meeting, they should repeat, or make, the same declaration there, and two men Friends be in like manner appointed to inquire concerning the man. If the parties have parents or guardians present, their consent should be expressed, or if absent, the same should be sig- nified in writing; or, if the man is a member of another Monthly Meeting, the consent of his par- ents, if he have any. should be produced in writ- ing, either then or at the next meeting, with a certificate from his Monthly Meeting, of his clear- ness from other like engagements. If the woman be a widow having children, two or more Friends should be appointed in the meeting of which she is a member, to see that the rights of her children are legally secured. At the next meeting, if the committees report that careful inquiry has been made, and no obstruction to the further proceeding of the parties appears, the meeting is to leave them at liberty to accomplish their marriage according

MARRIAGES, 73

to our rules, and appoint two Friends of each sex, to attend and see that good order is observed.

Parties, however, intending marriage with each other may either appear in person as at present provided for in the Discipline, or, if they prefer to do so, may inform the men's and women's Monthly Meeting of which the woman is a member, of such intentions in writing, using the same language as is directed in the case of personal appearance : it being advised that those thus bringing their pro- posals of marriage before Friends should be present at the Monthly Meeting following, when the de- cision of the meeting in the case is recorded.

It is further advised that the said marriage be accomplished decently, gravely, and weightily; and that the parties themselves, their parents, and others concerned, do take care at the houses or places where they go after the meeting is over, that no reproach arise, or occasion of offence be given, by any intemperate or immoderate feasting or drinking, or by any unseemly, wanton, or rude discourses or actions; but that all behave with such sobriety as becomes a people fearing God ; and that the company retire to their homes in seasonable time. And if anything to the contrary is observed, the overseers, or other concerned Friends present, ought as speedily as they con- veniently can, to take such aside who make any breach upon good order, and in brotherly love ad- monish them to a better behavior ; and the said 7

74 MARRIAGES.

overseers are to make report to the next Monthly Meeting, whether this advice concerning decency and order be observed, and take care that the mar- riage certificate be recorded.

The form of which certificate shall be as follows:

"Whereas, A. B. of , in the county

of ,in j son of

C. B. of. and H. his wife;

and D. E. daughter of F. E. of

and M. his wife, having declared their intentions of marriage with each other, before a Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, held

at , according to the

good order used among them, {where the parties are under the care of parents or guardians^ add) and having consent of parents or guardians concerned, {as the case is,) their said proposal of marriage was allowed of by the said meeting. Nowr these are to certify whom it may concern, that for the full accomplishment of their said intentions, this

day of the month, in the year

of our Lord , they, the said A. B.

and D. E. appeared in public meeting of the said

people, held at aforesaid; and the

said A. B. taking the said D. E. by the hand, did, on this solemn occasion, openly declare, that he took her, the said D. E. to be his wife, promising, with Divine assistance, to be unto her a loving and faithful husband until death shall separate them; and then, in the same assembly, the said D. E. did

M A RRIAGES. 75

in like manner declare, that she took him, the said A. B., to be her husband, promising, with Divine

assistance, to be unto him a loving and faithful wife, until death shall separate them. And more- over, they, the said A. B. and D. E. (she according to the custom of marriage, assuming the name of

her husband), did, as a further confirmation thereof, then and there to these presents set their hands.

And we whose names are also hereunto sub- scribed, being present at the solemnization of the said marriage and subscription, have, as wit- nesses thereto, set our hands the day and year above written. A. B.

D.B. 1721, 1881.

That the marriage of persons too near akin may, as much as in us lies, be prevented, this meeting concludes, that no marriage between first cousins shall be permitted among us ; and that, where any person or persons so circumstanced shall inter- marry, their so doing shall be considered as a re- linquishment of their connection with the Society, and they be accordingly disowned by the Monthly meetings of which they are members. And it is further concluded, that, if any such persons shall afterwards apply to the Monthly Meeting which disowned him or her, for reinstatement, the said meeting is not to accede to the proposal, until

76 MARRIAGES.

the case be represented to the Quarterly Meeting, and its consent and approbation obtained, after be- ing well assured that the parties are brought to a due sense of their transgression, manifested by up- rightness of life and conversation. — 1721.

The term first cousins, fully applies to every de- scription of grand-children descended from one com- mon parent. — 1807.

ISTo Monthly Meeting should permit any mar- riages to be proposed in the said meeting, sooner than a year after the death of husband or wife. — 1749.

It is the sense of this meeting that if any of our members do join in marriage with such as are not in membership with us, or marry in any other way than with the consent and approbation of the Monthly Meeting, they should be dealt with in the spirit of Christian love and tenderness, agreeably with our Discipline, in order to restore them and bring them into true unity and fellowship with Friends; but where, after patient waiting, this labor of love has not its desired effect, the Monthly Meeting should testify against and disown them. — 1702-21, 1881.

The too ready acceptance of papers of acknowl- edgment from such persons who have accom- plished their marriages out of the order of Society, being of injurious consequence, and a cause of much concern and exercise to this meeting, it is earnestly recommended to Monthly Meetings, that they

Ida MARRIAGES.

be careful speedily to proceed to put the rul< our Discipline in practice against such offenders : and when papers of acknowledgment and con- demnation are offered, such meetings should be well

assured that they proceed from a true ground of sincerity and conviction in the party, manifested by a consistency in life and conversation. — 1762.

AVhen any of our members have married those not of our religious profession and are brought to feel the value of association in a religious society who practically believe in immediate Divine guid- ance both in individual life and in the affairs of the Church, and are so convinced of and attached to the doctrines and testimonies to which faithful Friends have thereby been led as to be made will- ing to bear their part in upholding them ; such may then be retained in or restored to membership by offering a suitable acknowledgment to the Monthly Meeting. And when papers of acknowledgment to this end are offered, in consideration of the sa- credness of the marriage covenant, and from a tender regard for the right feelings of the parties, such papers should not be required to express regret for the marriage connection itself, personally con- sidered.—1881.

Monthly Meetings are authorized to give forth testimonies of denial against such of their mem- bers, who consent to, connive at, or encourage the marriage of their children, or those under their care (members of our religious Society) contrary to

7*

76 b MEETING HOUSES.

the good order established amongst us; if, after Christian and brotherly labor with them, they are not brought to a due sense of their error, and a satisfactory acknowledgment of the same. — 1792. . If any of our members should attend the meet- ings of those who have separated from us, and who have set up meetings contrary to the order and Discipline of our religious Society ; or should at- tend any of the marriages accomplished among the said people, or sign the certificates issued on those occasions ; as it is giving countenance to, and ac- knowledging those meetings, as though they were the meetings of Friends, this meeting declares that such conduct is of evil tendency, and repugnant to the harmony and well-being of our religious Society ; and where such instances occur, Friends are desired to extend brotherly care and labor, that the indi- viduals may be instructed and reclaimed; and ifj those endeavors prove ineffectual, Monthly meet- ings should testify against them. — 1833.

MEETIXG HOUSES.

IT is recommended to Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, frequently to inspect the titles of meeting houses, burial grounds, and other estates which have been vested in trustees, and by them

MEETING HOUSES. 76 C

held for the use and benefit of the Society at large, or of any of those meetings; so that if it should appear needful by the death of any such trustees or otherwise, due and seasonable care may be taken to appoint some others to the trust; whereby fu- ture difficulties, and the risk of being deprived of such estates, may be avoided.

And it is further recommended, that Quarterly and Monthly Meetings respectively, as the case may require, keep exact records of all such trusts and conveyances ; also, that a clear and regular account be kept by each respective meeting, of the place where, and the persons with whom the papers, minutes and records belonging to our religious So- ciety, are from time to time deposited; wherein due care should be taken to lodge them with suit- able Friends. — 1796.

MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS.

I'N order that this Yearly Meeting, with its several branches, might be properly represented

in the intervals thereof, on emergent occasions, a meeting was instituted in the year 1756, by the name of the "Meeting for Sufferings:" which it was agreed should consist of twelve Friends appointed by the Yearly Meeting diving in or near Philadelphia, for the convenience of getting soon together), and also of four Friends chosen by each of the Quarterly Meetings: who were directed to meet together in Philadelphia forthwith, for the regulation of its future meetings ; which are subject to the follow- ing rules :

First. The said meeting shall keep fair min- utes of all its proceedings, and annually lay them before the Yearly Meeting.

Second. Xo less number than twelve of the members attending, shall constitute a meeting ca- pable of transacting an}' business.

Third. On all occasions of uncommon impor- tance, previous notice thereof shall be given or sent to all the members.

Fourth. In case of the decease of any Friend or Friends, appointed either by the Yearly Meeting or Quarterly Meetings, or of their declining or neglect- ing their attendance for the space of twelve months, the Meeting for Sufferings (if it be thought expe-

7* 77

78 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS.

client) may choose others in his or their stead, to serve to the time of the next Yearly Meeting, or till the places of those who have represented the Quarterly Meetings, shall be supplied by new ap- pointments.

As a change in the representation of the Quar- terly Meetings is not contemplated, except in the instances stated in this rule, it is therefore affec- tionately desired that Quarterly Meetings may be weighty in their consideration and appointments, that hence, such Friends may be selected, who, by a steady adherence to our Christian principles and testimonies, have become in good degree qualified to fulfil the services which devolve on this impor- tant station. — 1834.

Fifth. The said meeting may sit on its own adjournments, and order these, as well as the times of its stated meetings, (if these do not exceed three months,) according to the business before them.

Sixth. The said meeting is not to meddle with any matter of faith or discipline, which has not been determined by the Yearly Meeting.

The further services confided to the said Meet- ing for Sufferings, are :

First In general to represent this Yearly Meet- ing, and to appear on its behalf in all cases where the cause of Truth, or the interest or reputation of our religious Society, may render it needful.

Second. To take the oversight and inspection of all writings proposed to be printed relative to

MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 7(.»

our religious principles or testimonies; and to pro- mote or suppress the same at their discretion ; also to print and distribute any writings already pub- lished by the Society, or which may be ottered i'^v inspection as aforesaid, and approved.

Third. To inspect and explain titles to land, or other estate, belonging to any of our meetings; also, charitable legacies and donations ; and to give such advice respecting the same as may appear to be necessary.

Fourth. To receive from the several Quarterly Meetings their annual accounts of sufferings, and also such memorials concerning: deceased Friends, as those meetings may have concurred with: that when examined and approved, they may he laid before the Yearly Meeting.

Fifth. To extend such advice and assistance to am- individuals under sufferings for our testimo- nies, as their cases may require ; and, if necessary, to apply to the Government, or persons in authority, on their behalf.

Sixth. To correspond with the Meeting for Sufferings in London or elsewhere, on the common concerns of the Society.

On solid consideration it is agreed, that, though none are properly members of the Meeting tor Suf- ferings, but such who are appointed by this Yearly Meeting, or by the several Quarterly Meetings ; yet, that approved ministers, and members of any other Meeting for Sufferings corresponding with this, be

80 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP.

permitted to attend when inclined so to do. — * 1796.

Accounts of sufferings to be forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings, are to be preserved and re- corded agreeably to the practice of our ancieni Friends, reciting the sums demanded, the kind and amount of property taken, by whom the dis- traints were made, and the authority under which the officers acted. — 1807.

MEETINGS FOR "WORSHIP.

DEAR Friends, keep all your meetings in the authority, wisdom and power of Truth, and unity of the blessed Spirit ; and the God of peace be with you. And it is advised, that such as come late to meeting, or when there, fall asleep, or are restless, or do not stay in the meeting, but go forth unnecessarily, or otherwise demean them- selves unbecoming our holy profession on those solemn occasions, be tenderly and seasonably ad- monished.— 169-1, 1695.

AVe exhort all to a Christian exercise and zeal for the performance of worship to Almighty God ; and as we are not capable in our own strength to perform this great duty, we recommend to a dili- gent waiting in true silence and retirement of mind, for the renewed sense of the inward power and vir-

MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 81

tuc of his Spirit, whereby alone we can be qualified to worship Him in an acceptable manner. Let our faithfulness and sincerity herein appear, by the humility, meekness and circumspection of our lives

and conversation, adorning the doctrines and prin- ciples of Truth, as declared by Christ and his Apostles: those who have been preserved in faith- fulness therein, having to testify from blessed ex- perience, that it hath been very profitable; and therefore cannot be easy without encouraging and putting forward their children, apprentices and servants to this religious duty, as well as other be- havior consistent therewith. And if this useful practice was more generally attended to, it would do more for us and them than any outward acqui- sition of wealth ; and without doubt, some of those who have been placed under our direction, may with thankfulness have to view our pious care in taking them from worldly business, to seek a city eternal in the heavens. — 1746, 1760.

This meeting recommends, that Friends who are exercised in the Discipline, would early extend their brotherly love and care, in visiting such amongst us who neglect their duty in attending our meetings for public worship. And as a wilful neglect of this important duty is a manifest evi- dence of ingratitude to the Divine Being, contrary to the example and practice of the primitive be- lievers in Christ, and our religious testimony, it is the judgment of this meeting, that as such do

82 MEETINGS FOE WORSHIP.

thereby disunite themselves from Christian fellow- ship with us, Monthly Meetings, after having fully discharged their duty towards them, and finding their endeavors to reclaim them ineffectual, should testify our disunion with them. — 1763, 1771.

But if such, who have thus been long regardless of their religious duty, should, after repeated labor by the Monthly Meeting, be induced to attend some of our meetings for Divine worship, they ought, before they can be considered as restored to unity with us, to make an acknowledgment thereto, of their having swerved from a just sense of their de- pendent condition, and a right estimate of the bond of Christian communion. — 1834.

It is the sense and judgment of this 'meeting, that where a drowsy spirit appears upon any of the members in our religious meetings, they may be labored with for their help ; and where it is given way to, that Quarterly, Monthly and other Meet- ings, should be cautious of employing such in the weighty services of the Discipline. — 1789.

The anointing of the mental vision, to behold the excellency of inward spiritual worship, and the goodness of the Lord in giving us faith to sit down in silence, depending wholly upon the Shepherd of the sheep to feed his flock, are among the unspeak- able favors for which we must give account. We do not doubt there are many who would rejoice to be liberated from the bondage of human ordinations, and to receive the same precious confidence in the

MEMORIAL-. 83

immediate teachings of the great Minister of the

sanctuary, waiting for the babblings up of the water of life, with which lie refreshes the thirsty soul. For the gifts conferred on us, our responsibility is great; and the desire has been felt that we may not suffer the things of the world to deter us from the steady and right performance of the duty of public worship. — 1851.

MEMORIALS.

QUARTERLY and Monthly Meetings are di- rected to furnish this meeting annually, with an account of the decease of such of their members, in the station of ministers or elders, as may have taken place within the year. And if any Monthly Meeting should, under solid consideration, believe it necessary to prepare a memorial concerning any deceased member thereof, it is to go to the respective Quarterly Meeting, where, being duly weighed and agreed to, it is then to be forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings for inspection and approba- tion, previous to its being laid before the Yearly Meeting. — 1755, 1786.

MINISTRY,

LET us keep in remembrance, that it is under the immediate teaching and influence of the Holy Spirit, that all acceptable worship is per- formed, and all true Gospel ministry supplied ; that this pure and powerful influence, in vessels sanctified and prepared by the Divine hand, is the essential qualification to that work ; and that as the gift is divine, the service is freely and faithfully to be discharged, without any view to reward from man.

It is directed, that where any of our members are so regardless of this testimony, as to contribute to the support or encouragement of a hireling min- istry, that they be tenderly labored with to con- vince them of their error ; and if this prove ineffec- tual, the Monthly meetings to which they belong should proceed to declare our disunity with them ; such conduct being opposed to our testimony for the free ministry of the Gospel, which is " without money and without price." — 1757.

Our early Friends saw in the light of the Lord, that no man's talents or learning, nor any human ordination, can constitute any one a minister of Jesus Christ : it requires a special call and qualifi- cation, dispensed by the Head of the Church to the sanctified members, whom He separates for the work of the ministry. This gift can only be ex-

84

ft IXISTRY. 85

ercised under his putting forth; not in the will, wisdom or time of man, but under the renewed unction from the Holy One, giving authority, and Bupplying him with what he is to deliver to others, without money and without price. May our be- loved Friends be brought to feel the wrong and the danger of laying waste this ancient Christian testi- mony, delivered by the Lord Jesus and his apostles, and revived among us after a long and dark night of apostacy ; the purity and spirituality of which are necessary to be maintained in the Church of Christ.— 1860.

The meeting has been brought under renewed exercise, in relation to the violation of our Christian testimony against a man-made and paid ministry. It is the prerogative of the blessed Head of the Church to dispense to whomsoever He will, those gifts which He designs to be exercised for its edifi- cation. The system of hireling ministry, presumes to place this Divine prerogative under the arbitrary control of fallible men, who permit any of their own sex, who comply with their prescribed forms, to assume the sacred office; while women and others, however clearly called of the Lord to the work of the ministry, are prohibited engaging in it. The necessity to seek for a renewed Divine qualification each time of engaging in the solemn work of preach- ing or praying is not recognized, and the right is as- sumed of demanding a pecuniary compensation for exercising the duties of the office.

8

86 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.

It is our earnest desire that all our members may be incited to watchfulness against lowering, or in any way balking this important testimony, and where any are so unguarded as to give ground for uneasiness on this account, that they be admonished in the restoring love of the gospel, that they may be brought to a sense of their error, and to conduct more consistent with our high profession. — 1877.

MINISTERS AND ELDERS,

AND

MEETINGS OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS.

IT is our earnest desire, that ministers and elders may be as nursing fathers and mothers to those that are young in the ministry, and with all care and diligence advise, admonish, and if they see oc- casion, reprove them in a tender and Christian spirit, according to the rules of our Discipline and counsel of Friends in that respect ; also exhort them frequently to read the Holy Scriptures, and rever- ently seek the mind of the Spirit of Truth, to open the mysteries thereof, that, abiding in a simple and patient submission to the will of God, and keeping down to the openings of Divine love and life in themselves, they may witness a gradual growth in their gifts, and be preserved from extending their

MINISTERS AND ELDEB8: 87

declarations further than they find the life and power of Truth to bear them up. — 1723.

Our advice to all our ministers is, that they be frequent in reading the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments ; and if any in the course of their ministry, shall misapply, or draw unsound infer- ences or wrong conclusions from the text, or shall promulgate any doctrine which goes to lay waste any of our Christian principles or testimonies, let them be admonished by the elders, and if they prove refractory and refuse to acknowledge their faults, let them be further dealt with in the wis- dom of Truth, by the Preparative Meeting of Min- isters and Elders ; and if this labor is unavailing, the case should be reported to the Quarterly Meet- ing of Ministers and Elders, and a few Friends be there appointed to extend further care therein : but if at that time there should be no Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders in existence there, the elders are to state the case to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, which, as is al- ready directed, is to take the necessary care ; and if this brotherly concern and endeavor has not the desired effect, then the case is to be transmitted to the Monthly Meeting for Discipline ; upon which he or she is no longer to be considered as having a right or place in the Meeting of Ministers and Elders. — 1723, 1834.

If any minister or elder should in their conduct or conversation, transgress any of the rules of our

88 MINISTERS AXD ELDERS.

Discipline, they are to be treated with in the same manner as any other members of our religious So- ciety ; and whenever the ease is introduced into the Monthly Meeting for Discipline, such minister or elder is not to attend any Meeting of Ministers and Elders or Meeting for Discipline, nor be consid- ered as in either of those stations, until he or she shall have made satisfaction to the Monthly Meet- ing, and be again recommended or appointed as at first. — 1834.

As the occasion of our religious meetings is solemn, a care should ever be maintained to guard against anything that would tend to disorder or confusion therein. "When any think they have aught against what is publicly delivered in those meetings, they should speak to the party privately and in an orderly manner. And if any shall op- pose a ministering Friend in his or her preaching or exhortation, or keep on the hat, or show any remarkable dislike to such when engaged in prayer, let them be speedily admonished in such manner as may be requisite, unless the person against whom the uneasiness is expressed, has been dis- owned by a Monthly Meeting, or his or her public appearances have been disapproved by the elders. — 1719.

This meeting agrees, that each Monthly Meet- ing choose two or more Friends of each sex to sit with the ministers, and they together to compose a meeting to be denominated a Preparative Meet*

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 89

ing of Ministers and Elders;* taking care that the

>ns chosen for that service, be Friends of solid judgment, prudence and experience. — 1714, 174o, 1755, 1834.

Whenever ir appears to a Monthly Meeting, that there is a necessity for the appointment of one or more elders of either sex, a committee is to be appointed by the men's and women's meetings, and in this united committee, all the persons pro- posed for the station should be deliberately and weightily considered : and if way does not open to bring forward any name, they are to report accord- ingly. Upon the nomination of any being agreed to, the report of the united committee is to be made to each meeting : and the women's Monthly Meeting having solidly considered the same, and previous to making any conclusive minute thereon, is to impart its sense to the men's meeting, and there leave it for their judgment and determina- tion. In the men's meeting, the case is also to be seriously and carefully attended to ; and when the nomination is agreed to in the Monthly Meetings, a minute expressive thereof, signed by the clerk of the men's meeting, is to be sent into the women's meeting for its concurrence and signing ; and this minute is to be forwarded to the Quarterly Meet- ing of Ministers and Elders, where the case being solidly weighed, and the conclusion of the Monthly Meetings concurred with, information thereof, by minute, is to be sent to the said Monthly 8*

90 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.

Meetings : and until the approbation of the Quar- terly Meeting of Ministers and Elders is obtained, the nomination made by the Monthly Meetings is not to have effect. — 1829.

AY hen any Friend has frequently appeared in our religious meetings as a minister, ynd the Prepara- tive Meeting of Ministers and Elders, or, where there is no such select Preparative Meeting, the elders, believing that it is seasonable the subject should claim the attention of the Monthly Meet- ing for Discipline, of which the person is a mem- ber, they are at liberty to mention the matter therein ; and if the Monthly Meeting, after delib- erate consideration, should unite in believing that a gift in the ministry of the Gospel has been committed to him or her, a minute expressive thereof should be forwarded to the Quarterly Meet- ing of Ministers and Elders, where, the case being solidly weighed, and the sense of the Monthly Meeting concurred with, information thereof should, by minute, be sent to the Monthly Meet- ing, and also to the Preparative Meeting of Minis- ters and Elders, of which the individual is to be a member. And until the approbation of the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders is obtained, no such Friend is to be received as a minister, nor permitted to sit in the meetings of ministers and elders, nor travel abroad as a minister. And no such ap- proved minister is to appoint any meeting out of the limits of the Quarterly Meeting to which he or

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 91

she belongs, without a certificate from the Monthly Meeting for Discipline, or the concurrence thereof. L806, 1834.

When any Friend, appointed to the station of an elder, believes him or herself called to the min- istry, and shall have appeared frequently in that capacity in our public religious meetings, they should withdraw from the Meetings of Ministers and Elders. — 1806.

Where Friends are really dissatisfied or burdened with the communications of those that take upon them to preach in our religious meetings, let them be duly admonished by faithful ministers or elders; and if, afterwards, they persist to impose upon and burden Friends, the elders should take the necessary steps to lay the case before the Monthly Meeting for Discipline, which should treat with the party as for any other breach of our order ; and if this labor is ineffectual, issue a testimony of disownment. — 1698, 1834.

When any approved minister apprehends it to be his or her duty to travel in the service of Truth, out of the limits of the respective Quarterly Meet- ing, he or she is to open their concern in the Monthly Meeting to which they belong, and ob- tain a certificate or minute (as the occasion may be i of its unity and concurrence, directed to Friends within the parts proposed to be visited. If the concern is so extensive, as by the rules of our Dis- cipline it is requisite to be laid before the Quarterly

92 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.

Meeting, for its concurrence and endorsement — or if it is of such a general nature as to make it necessary to claim the careful attention of the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, the pro- priety and validity of the concern should engage the weighty consideration and deep feeling of the said superior meetings, previous to reading the certificate of the Monthly Meeting. — 1681, 1806, 1812, 1834.

When the service of a Friend, who has been out on a religious visit, is accomplished, the meeting or meetings that have set him or her at libertv for that purpose, are to be informed thereof, and the certificate returned without improper delay. — 1806.

When any approved minister is religiously con- cerned to attend only one of the Yearly Meetings on this continent, adjacent to the limits of this Yearly Meeting, and to take such meetings as are on the way thither, or on the return from thence, or a few meetings in the immediate vicinity of the place where the said Yearly Meeting may then be held; or if it is a concern, specially and solely, to visit the meetings within one or two of the Quarterly Meetings, belonging to either of those Yearly Meetings adjacent to this meeting — he or she is to spread the same before their respective Monthly Meeting, and when united with, a certificate or minute adapted to the occasion, is to be made and signed — if for a man, by the clerk of the men's meeting ; but if for a woman, by the clerks of the

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 93

men's and women's meetings; and in either case by one of the correspondents also. — 1812, 1834.

If the concern of a Friend is only to attend a Yearly Meeting further distant, a minute of the concurrence of the Monthly Meeting therewith will

be sufficient ; but if it is also to take several of the meetings belonoino; thereto, or if the concern em- braces a visit to a considerable number of the meet- ings composing such distant Yearly Meeting, though it may be with, or exclusive of any prospect of at- tending it. and likewise in either case, such meet- ings as maybe on the way in goino- and returning ; after a certificate for that purpose has been obtained from the Monthly Meeting, the concern, together with the certificate, are to be laid before the Quar- terly Meeting, that if concurred with, an endorse- ment to that effect may be made thereon. — 1834.

If an approved minister is under a concern to perform a religious visit to the meetings generally, which are within the limits of the Yearly Meetings of Ohio, Indiana, and Carolina, or within any two of them ; or if it is to make a religious visit beyond sea. — the same is to be spread before the Monthly Meeting, and when united with, a certificate there- of is to be drawn and signed, if for a man, by the men's Monthly Meeting generally, but if for a woman, by the men's and women's Monthly Meet- ings generally ; the concern is then to be opened in the respective Quarterly Meeting, in order for its concurrence and endorsement, which, if obtained.

91 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.

it, together with those testimonials, are to be laid before the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders; and if, upon solid consideration, it is there united with, a certificate thereof, signed by the clerk, should be granted. — 1812, 1834.

It is desired that Friends, when abroad on re- ligious visits, may humbly and steadily abide un- der the weight of the concern which drew them out on this important embassy, and in which the meetings they are respectively members of, have united ; that using due diligence in endeavoring to fulfil the service, and thus seasonably returning to their families and friends at home, their exemplary care and tender regard to the comely order of our religious Society, may have an extensively salutary influence. — 1834.

If any of our ministers, or those who may come from other parts on a visit among Friends, gives occasion of uneasiness in his or her religious com- munications, by misapplying or drawing unsound inferences from the text, or shall propagate any doctrines or principles which are not according to the testimony of the Holy Scriptures, and incon- sistent with those which our religious Society have always held and most surely believed, let them be immediately treated with by faithful elders or ministers where such occasion of concern has been given ; and if such minister prove refractory and do not acknowledge his or her fault, then the said elders or ministers should rive information there-

MINISTERS AND EL DEB 95

of, and of the care extended, to the elders of the Monthly Meeting where such minister belong report the case to their own respective Monthly Meeting, in order that if it should be judged re- quisite, an explicit communication from this la t «t Monthly Meeting to the one of which the indi- vidual is a member, may be seasonably made, fur- ther endeavors for his or her help thence be used, and our testimony to the principles and doctrines of the ;-el of Christ duly maintained. — 1699, 1834. It is recommended, that when the concern of a Friend for the performance of a religious visit to meetings within the limits of this Yearly Meeting, is united with by the Monthly Meeting of which he or she is a member, that the said Monthly Meeting, by a suitable committee, do carefully ex- amine and see that the service may not be impeded, or the individual improperly burdened, for want of requisite means to defray the expenses of such a journey: and where the concern extends beyond the limits of this Yearly Meeting, the like care should weightily rest upon and be attended to by the Quarterly Meeting to which the Friend belongs. AYhen any Friend is drawn to make a religious visit beyond sea, and the concern is united with in the respective meetings according to the mode pre- scribed by the Discipline, such committee as the Yearly Meeting may appoint for the purpose, should take care for the assistance of the individual when needful, and to appropriate so much of the

96 - MINISTERS AND ELDERS.

stock of the meeting, as they may judge proper, for payment of the expenses incurred in the perform- ance of the service. — 1812.

The ministers and elders of each Monthly Meet- ing are to meet once in three months, at such time and place as the Monthly Meeting may direct, in the capacity of a Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders ; when, after a time of solid retirement, the queries addressed to such meetings are to be read and considered, and distinct answers made to them in writing, which, when signed by the clerk, are to be conveyed to the ensuing Quarterly Meet- ing of Ministers and Elders, by two or more Friends, to be mentioned in the report as representatives ; but if, in the course of inquiry, any deficiency has appeared, care should be taken that it be remedied. 1721, 1806.

In the said Quarterly Meetings, the queries are also to be read, with the answers which are brought from their Preparative Meetings, and the state of the members and of the respective Preparative Meetings, should be weightily considered, that, where occasion requires it, advice, counsel and labor may be season- ably extended ; and once a year, those answers comprised in a written report, and signed by % the clerk, are to be forwarded to the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, by four or more Friends appointed as representatives. In this meeting the queries are also to be read, w:th the answers from the several Quarters ; and the state of this part of

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 97

the Society being collected and considered, advices adapted thereto may. it' requisite, be issued to the subordinate meetings of like kind, or care extended for their help and benefit, as in Divine wisdom may be needful.— 1753, 1806,1834.

Noneof the said Meetings of Ministers and Elders are to interfere with the business of any Meeting for Discipline: but in accordance with our ancient practice, if any Meeting of Ministers and Elders have under its care a Bubject which peculiarly he- longs to this part of our religious Society, and id their judgment it appears really needful to claim the consideration of its respective Meeting for Dis- cipline, they are at liberty to communicate the same thereto accordingly. — 1722. 1834.

The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders is. not to suffer its adjournments to interfere with the sittings of the Yearly Meeting for Discipline. — 1721. ^

We tenderly recommend faithful Friends, and especially ministers and elders, to watch over the flock of Christ in their respective places and sta- tions, always approving themselves by their pious examples, in conversation and conduct, to be such as faithfully and diligently walk agreeably to the testimony of the blessed Truth, whereunto the Lord hath gathered us in this his Gospel day. — ■ 1755.

If any acknowledged member of our Meetings of Ministers and Elders, shall at any time be thought,

98 MINISTERS AND ELDEK9.

by negligence, unfaithfulness, or otherwise, to have lost his or her service in that station, so as to be- come the subject of uneasiness and burdensome ; it is advised, that a timely and tender care be ex- tended to such person according to Gospel order ; first by the individuals concerned, and then by the Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders to which he or she may belong ; or if there is no such Preparative Meeting, by the elders. Should these labors prove unavailing, report of the case should be made to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, and there a few Friends be deputed to assist the said Preparative Meeting or the elders, in a further extension of labor wTith the party ; if this also prove unavailing and on report thereof to the said Quarterly Meeting, it appears that the duty to the individual has been fully discharged, the case should then by minute be transmitted to the Monthly Meeting for Discipline of which the party is a member, and left under its care ; and he or she is from that time to refrain from attending any such select meetings, until they shall be again recommended or appointed as at first. But if the said Monthly Meeting declines or refuses to take up the case, and extend such care and labor there- in as is requisite, the Quarterly Meeting of Minis- ters and Elders should represent to its respec- tive Quarterly Meeting for Discipline, the con- cern and exercise which has thus been brought upon them, that hence the state of the Monthly

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 99

Meeting and the due maintenance of our comely order, may claim the solid attention of the said Quarterly Meeting for Discipline ; and be brought to Buch issue as may be promotive of the cause of Truth and the well-being of our religious Society. 1806, 1834.

As the original purpose and intention of selecting from among our members, a class of solid, judicious Friends for the important station of elders, was not only, that where needful, they might extend a brotherly care in counselling and advising minis- ters, but to sit with them in those select meetings, and by a united exercise, be mutually assistant to each other in promoting a due regard to those services and duties which peculiarly belong to their respective stations; it is therefore the renewed concern of this meeting, affectionately to recom- mend to the Quarterly Meetings of Ministers and Elders, that they weightily attend, from time to time, to the situation and circumstance of those select Preparative Meetings where, from removal, decease, or otherwise, there is no minister ; care- fully considering whether the continuance of meet- ings. which for many years have been in this situ- ation, is fulfilling the design of such an institution, and of essential benefit to our religious Society ; that, where a suspension of any of those meet- ings should appear seasonable and proper, an intimation thereof may be conveyed to the Monthly Meeting for Discipline ; which, after consideration,

100 MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE.

and no weighty impediment to the sense of the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders appear- ing, should by minute refer the same to the solid judgment and disposal of the respective Quarterly Meeting for Discipline. Nevertheless, those Friends who have been appointed as elders, should be con- sidered as remaining in that station, subject how- ever to the rules of our Discipline already provided, and to the like extension of care towards them by the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, as would have been wTithin the duties of the select Preparative Meeting. — 1834.

MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE.

IT is affectionately recommended, that Friends be careful to use moderation on account of mar- riages, burials, and on all other occasions ; a depart- ure from which has been a cause of stumbling; to many, and a great obstruction to a more full refor- mation, as well as attended with other evil conse- quences, tending to obscure that Light which is graciously bestowed, and which we should have more abundantly, if greater faithfulness was lived in ; lessening that savor which we ought ever carefully to preserve, agreeably to the monition of the holy Apostle : " Let your moderation be known unto all men, the Lord is at hand." Phil. iv. 5.

OATHS. 101

And as the all-seeing eye beholds our thoughts, and views as in all our ways and actions, what manner of men ought we to be in all godliness of life, and sobriety of deportment. — 1789.

OATHS.

ADVISED, that our Christian testimony be faith- fully maintained against the burden and impo- sition of oaths, according to the express command of Christ, and the injunction of the Apostle James, viz: "Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but bhalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths ; but I say unto you, swear not at all : neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool ; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, ivcause thou canst not make one hair white or black ; but let your communication be yea, yea, nay, aay ; for whatsoever is more than these cometh c£ evil." Matt. v. 33 to 37.

"But above all things, my brethren, swear not : neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath ; but let your yea. be yea. and your nay, nay ; lest ye fall into condemnation." James v. 12.

From the year 1718 to 1771, divers minutes of 9*

102 OATHS.

this meeting appear, declaring that oaths adminis- tered by clerks or others, under the notice and connivance of Friends, either in court or elsewhere, are a violation of our ancient testimony. And it is earnestly recommended to Quarterly and Month- ly Meetings, that where any under our name are parties to the administration of oaths, to be careful to proceed in dealing with them ; and if they do not decline the practice, and give suitable satisfac- tion to the meeting they belong to, to testify against them agreeably to the rules of our Discipline.

As it is our duty to support our Christian testi- mony against oaths, faithful Friends are desired to extend brotherly labor towards those who de- viate therefrom ; and if such labor proves unsuc- cessful, Monthly Meetings should testify their dis- unity with them. — 1758.

Friends in all places are exhorted carefully to avoid electing or promoting their brethren to such stations in civil government, as may subject them to the temptation of violating this testimony ; and where any members show an inclination or desire of soliciting or accepting of such offices, timely care should be taken to caution them against it. — 1762.

And in the execution of instruments of writing requiring witnesses, it is recommended that Friends endeavor to procure such persons for this purpose, as will attest the same by affirmation. — 1762, 1806.

OVERSEERS.

IT is recommended, that in every Monthly Meet- ing, a proper number of faithful and judicious men and women, belonging to each of the Partic- ular or Preparative Meetings, be appointed to the station of overseers within the same; whose duty it is to exercise a vigilant and tender care over their fellow-members ; that if anything repugnant to the Discipline, harmony, and good order of the Society appears among them, it may be timely at- tended to and not neglected. And to prevent the introduction of all unnecessary and premature com- plaints to meetings for Discipline, it is advised if any member shall have cause of complaint against another, that it be mentioned to the overseers, who are to see that the party complained of has been treated with according to gospel order, previously to the case being reported to the Preparative or Monthly Meeting. It is desired, that in dealing with any for a breach of the rules of our Discipline, it be done in the spirit of meekness and love, pa- tiently endeavoring to instruct and advise them ; which, if ineffectual, the individual should be noti- fied, when it can be conveniently done, that the Preparative Meeting is to be informed thereof. — 1719, 1834.

If any in membership with us. who, having vio- lated our religious testimony and Discipline, have

103

104 OVERSEERS.

left their usual place of abode, and gone to such remote parts as to render it very difficult or im- practicable for the overseers to treat with them ; the Preparative Meeting is to be early informed of the case and its circumstances, in order that the Monthly Meeting may extend such care therein as its nature demands. — ■ 1834.

As overseers are appointed by, and are the offi- cers of Monthly Meetings, their labor should not be confined to the Preparative Meetings where they may respectively belong ; but they should be vigilant in the extension of care towards delinquent members in any part of the Monthly Meeting, which has delegated them to this important ser- vice.—1828.

It is further recommended to our Monthly Meet- ings, that a committee be appointed at least once in three years, or as much oftener as the occasion may require, to consider the propriety of changing the overseers, and bringing forward in the improve- ment of their gifts, other Friends on whom a con- cern for the welfare of the Society rests. AVe ten- derly exhort all our members who may be rightly called into this or any other service of the church, not hastily to excuse themselves therefrom, but solidly to ponder the weighty advice of the Apos- tle : " Feed the flock of God, which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind ; neither as lords over God's heritage, but

PARENTS AND CHILDREN. 105

being ensamples to the flock: and when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory, that fadeth not away." 1 Peter v. 2-4. — ■ 1806.

PAEEXTS AXD CHILDREN.

IN" much love to the rising generation, we ex- hort them to avoid the many vanities and en- snaring corruptions to which they are exposed. Bear in mind, dear youth, that the " Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and that " a good understanding have all they who do his com- mandments." Psalm xci. 10. Take the advice of godly parents, guardians and friends ; ever remem- bering that, next to our Creator, children ought to obey their parents ; that disobedience to them is a breach of the moral law, and was always offensive in the Divine sight. Submit to their reasonable requirings with cheerfulness, though these may sometimes thwart your own inclinations ; and an- swer them not frowardly or crossly. They watched over vou and took care of vou, when vou were ut- terly unable to help or care for yourselves. AVhy then should any of you grieve and wound their still anxious minds, by a conduct which, because of its tendency to obstruct your welfare and happiness, you know they cannot approve? — such as running

106 PARENTS AND CHILDREN.

into vain and expensive fashions ; associating with corrupt and libertine persons ; frequenting ta rerns and places of diversion ; wasting your precious time in idle discourse, and drawing the affections and inflaming the passions one of another ; all which, we have no doubt, the divine Monitor in your own breasts often pleads with you against, and shows to be destructive of your peace. We, as fathers, beseech you to attend to this heavenly Instructor, and dutifully yield to the correspondent tender advice of your friends. Shrink not from the cross of Christ in your garb, language or man- ners ; but, through a subjection of your wills to the Divine will, in these and all other respects, walk answerably to the purity of our profession, and the simplicity and spirituality of our worship: so may you be instructive examples to serious in- quirers after truth ; and not of those who, under a profession thereof, are preferring their own crooked ways, and turning others from the foot- steps of the followers of Christ.

It is advised, that where the pious exercise of parental care and authority is disregarded, and any of the youth in membership with us appear obstinately determined to run into and copy after the vain and extravagant fashions of the world, in their dress and address, exposing themselves to the corrupting influence of evil company and excesses, whereby designing persons may entangle their af- fections, and draw them into unsuitable and un-

PARENTS AND CHILDREN. 107

happy connections, in marriage or otherwise, that such be timely and tenderly treated with, and shown the dangerous tendency of their conduct ; and, if they cannot be prevailed with to desist therefrom, and amend their ways, they should be dealt with by their respective Preparative or Monthly Meetings, as in other cases of offence; and if, after cine expostulation and forbearance, they prove irreclaimable, they should be testified against. — 1702.

If any parents in membership with us, willingly indulge their children or youth under their care, in such extravagance, liberties, and excesses, as are here pointed out, they should in like manner be treated with and disowned.

Friends are advised to bring up their children to habits of industry, placing them with sober and exemplary members of the Society, for instruction in such occupations as are consistent with our re- ligious principles and testimonies ; that as far as in us lies, they may be preserved in a becoming con- duct and demeanor. And it is desired that those whose circumstances may furnish with ability for instructing, in useful and suitable employments, the children of members who are in situations less affluent, may receive them into their families upon terms so moderate and equitable, as to remove every plausible reason for placing them with those not in membership with us. — 1790. ^We long to see more of this living travail among us, the parents gathering the children around them at

108 PLAINNESS.

home, and watching over, instructing, and tenderly caring for their religious welfare there ; and we be- lieve that a blessing from on high would rest on such Christian labor, as respects both parents and children.— 1864.

4 • ♦ ♦ ►

plainness:

ADVISED, that all Friends, both old and young, keep out of the world's corrupt language, manners, vain and needless things and fashions, in apparel, buildings, and furniture of houses ; some of which are immodest, indecent, and unbecoming. And that they avoid immoderation in the use of lawful things, which, however innocent in them- selves, may thereby become hurtful ; also all such kinds of stuffs, colors and dress, as are calculated more to please a vain and wanton mind, than for real usefulness ; and let tradesmen and others, members of our religious Society, be admonished, that they be not accessory to these evils ; for we ought to take up our daily cross, minding the grace of God which brings salvation, and teaches to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, that we may adorn the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in all things ; so may we feel his bless- ing, and be instrumental in his hand for the good of others. — 1682, 1694, 1695, 1711.

PLAINU1 109

We tenderly exhort all seriously to consider the plainness and simplicity which the Gospel enjoins, and to manifest an adherence to this testimony, in their speech, apparel, furniture, business, saluta- tions and conversation ; into which our forefathers were led by the Spirit of Christ, and in conformity with whose precepts and example, they patiently suffered long imprisonments, and great persecu- tions ; being convinced that it was their duty thus to bear a testimony against the vain, corrupt spirit of the world. — 1746.

The Spirit of Truth, which led our ancients to lay aside everything unbecoming the followers of Christ, still leads in the same path, all who submit to its guidance ; we therefore earnestly entreat all Friends, to watch over themselves in this respect. The example of our blessed Saviour, his immediate followers, and of virtuous and holy men in all ages, ought to make a due impression on every con- siderate mind ; and especially on such as have had the advantage of a guarded education.

We also tenderly advise, that Friends seriously bear in mind, they should be exemplary to others under their care ; that they exercise plainness of speech, without respect of persons, in all their con- verse among men ; not balking their testimony by a cowardly compliance, and varying their language according to their company ; a practice of very ill example, rendering those who use it contemptible, and looked upon as a kind of hypocrites, even by 10

110 POOR.

those with whom they so comply. This seems to be cautioned against by the Apostle, when he advises, 1 Tim., "That the deacons be grave, not double- tongued ; " plainly importing that it is inconsistent with the gravity of the Gospel. — 1743.

POOR.

IT is advised, that the cases of all our members who are in indigent circumstances, be duly in- spected, that advice and relief may be seasonably extended, and assistance afforded to them in such business as they are capable of: and in order to de- fray the expenses which their support and the edu- cation of their children will necessarily occasion, it is recommended to each Monthly Meeting of men and women Friends, to be open-hearted and liberal in subscriptions for raising and continuing funds for these purposes: that the meetings of each sex should appoint a treasurer to receive the same, and a committee of suitable Friends to have the particular care of the poor, whose business it will be to visit, inspect into their wants, and relieve them. In the exercise of this benevolent care, it is de- sired we may always guard against exposing the names or situations of our fellow-members. An appointment should be annually made of two or more Friends for settling the treasurer's account, and reporting its state to the meeting. — 1721, 1796.

QUERIES,

IT is agreed, that the eight queries belonging to meetings for Discipline, be read, deliberately considered, and answered in each Preparative and Monthly Meeting once a year; in order to convey an explicit account in writing to the Quarterly Meetings next preceding the Yearly Meeting, that so this meeting may be clearly informed of the state of all our meetings.

Also, that the first, second and eighth of those queries be read, considered, and explicit answers to them made in writing in the two Quarterly Meet- ings preceding the one before mentioned, and also in the Preparative and Monthly Meetings which report thereto. But none of the queries are to be read or answered in those Quarterly Meetings for Discipline, which immediately succeed the Yearly Meeting, nor in the Preparative or Monthly Meet- ings which report to those quarters.

It is not considered as obligatory on any meet- ing, to read the above queries oftener than is here mentioned, nor to read any others than such as are to be answered. Xor is the reading and answering; of them enjoined on any Preparative Meeting, where the members of that and the Monthly Meet- ing are the same. — 1806.

It is further agreed, that at the time when the eight queries are read in the Preparative and

111

112 QUERIES.

Monthly Meetings, the advices and cautions sub- joined shall be also distinctly read and solidly pon- dered ; as a means of putting the members present upon considering, whether there be any occasion for an extension of care in those respects : and, if there is, of stirring them up to a faithful discharge of their duty as individuals, one towards another.

First Query, Are all our religious meetings for Worship and Discipline duly attended ; is the hour observed ; and are Friends clear of sleeping, and of all other unbecoming behavior therein ?

Second Query. Are love and unity maintained amongst you ? Are tale-bearing and detraction dis- couraged? And where any differences arise, are endeavors used speedily to end them?

Third, Query. Are Friends careful to bring up, those under their direction, in plainness of speech, behavior and apparel ; in frequently reading the Holy Scriptures ; and to restrain them from read- ing pernicious books, and from the corrupt con- versation of the world ? And are they good exam- ples in these respects themselves?

Fourth Query. Are Friends careful to discourage the unnecessary distillation and use of spirituous liquors, and the frequenting of taverns ; to avoid places of diversion, and to keep in true moderation and temperance on the account of marriages, bur- ials, and all other occasions ?

Fifth Query. Are poor Friends' necessities duly inspected, and they relieved or assisted in such

QUERIES. 113

business as they are capable of? Do their children freely partake of learning to fit them for business ;

and are they and other Friends' children placed among Friends?

/' Qui /'/. Do you maintain a faithful testi- mony against oaths ; an hireling ministry ; hearing arms, training, and other military services ; being concerned in any fraudulent or clandestine trade ; buying or vending goods so imported, or prize goods ; and against encouraging lotteries of any kind?

Seventh Query. Are Friends careful to live within the bounds of their circumstances, and to keep to moderation in their trade or business? Are they punctual to their promises, and just in the pay- ment of their debts ; and are such as give reason- able grounds for fear on these accounts, timely la- bored with for their preservation or recovery 2

Eighth Query. Do you take due care regularly to deal with all offenders in the spirit of meekness, without partiality or unnecessary delay, in order for their help ; and where such labor is ineffectual, to place judgment upon them, in the authority of Truth?

And in the Preparative and Monthly Meetings, when all the foregoing queries are read and an- swered, the following advices are to be read^ with a suitable pause between them :

That no young or single persons make or en- courage proposals of marriage with each other 10*

114 QUERIES.

without consent of parents or guardians, or keep company with those who are not of our religious Society, upon that account ; and if parents give their consent to, or connive at their children's thus keep- ing company, or marrying, that they be dealt with according to our Discipline. And if any of our members have been present at marriages accom- plished contrary to the rules of our Discipline, that they also be dealt with.

That all public gifts and legacies be strictly ap- plied to the uses intended by the donors ; or, if any unforeseen occurrence should render such com- pliance difficult or impracticable, that an early ap- plication be made to the Meeting for Sufferings for its advice or assistance: and that timely care be taken for the renewal of trusts.

That Friends intending removal be careful to ap- ply for certificates ; and that the cases of such who remove without certificates, or of sojourners coming from other places and appearing as Friends, without producing certificates, be properly attended to.

That Friends carefully inspect the state of their affairs once in the year ; and make their wills and settle their outward estates whilst in health.

And it is further recommended, that in conduct- ing the affairs of our meetings, as it is the Lord's work, let it be done as in his sight ; thus Friends should humbly endeavor to manage them in the peaceable spirit and wisdom of Jesus, with decency, forbearance, and love of each other.

QUERIES. 115

The following queries are also to be read, con- sidered and answered once a year, in each Monthly and Quarterly Meeting, and a report thereof

made in writing to this meeting: and it is recom- mended, that in answering the query respecting schools, Monthly Meetings furnish their respective Quarters with particular accounts of the situation and circumstances of the several schools within their limits, which are under the care of Preparative, Monthly, or Quarterly Meetings ; and that the Quarterly Meetings convey to this meeting a sum- mary statement thereof.

First Query. What ministers and elders de- eeased, and when?

Second Query, AVhat new meetings have been settled? and have any meetings been discontinued?

Third Query. Is due care taken to keep a regular record of births and deaths 1

Fourth Query. Are there schools established for the education of our youth, under the care of teachers in membership with us, and superintended by committees appointed either in the Monthly or Preparative Meetings ?

Fifth Query. Are the queries addressed to the Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative Meetings, read and answered therein, as directed? — 1755, 1782, 1806, 1834.

QUERIES FOR MEETINGS OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS.

IT is also concluded, that of the following four queries, formed for the use of the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, the first three be read and distinctly answered in writing, three times in a year, by each Preparative Meeting of that kind, to its respective Quarterly Meeting ; and that all the said four queries shall be in like manner read and answered, by the Preparative to their Quarterly Meetings next preceding the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders ; that the Quarterly Meetings may be enabled to transmit a clear and distinct statement of those answers to that meeting.

First Query. Are ministers and elders careful to attend meetings for Divine worship, bringing their families wTith them ? Do they diligently attend meetings for Discipline, encouraging such of their families to this duty as are of proper age, and suit- able deportment ?

Second Query. Are ministers sound in word and doctrine ; and careful to minister in the ability which God gives ?

Third Query. Are the lives and conversation of ministers and elders clean and blameless amongst men : are they in unity one with another, and

116

SCHOOLS. 117

with the meeting they belong to, harmoniously la- boring for Truth's honor*:

Fourth Query. Are they good examples in up- rightness, temperance, and moderation; and care- ful to train up their families in plainness of dress and simplicity of manners, becoming our religious profession ?

It is earnestly and affectionately recommended, that ministers and elders watch over one another for good, to help those who are exercised in the ministry in the right line ; discouraging forward spirits that run into words without life and power; advising against affectation of tones and gestures, and everything that would hurt their service ; yet encouraging the humble, careful traveller ; " Speak- ing a word in season to them that are weary. " And let all dwell in that which gives ability to la- bor successfully in the church of Christ, adorning the doctrine which they deliver to others ; being examples of the believers, in word, in conversation in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. — 1755, 1795, 1806.

SCHOOLS.

TPHE education of our youth in piety and virtue, J- and riving them useful learning under the tuition of religious, prudent persons, having for a

118 SCHOOLS.

great number of years engaged the solid attention of this meeting, advices thereon have been from time to time issued to the several subordinate meetings. It is renewedly desired, that Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative Meetings may be excited to proper exertions for the institution and support of schools, there being but little doubt, that as Friends are united, and cherish a disposition of liberality for the assistance of each other in this important work, they will be enabled to make such provision for the accommodation and residence of a teacher, with a family, as would be an encour- agement to well-qualilied persons to engage in this arduous employment ; for want of which, it has been observed, that children have been committed to the care of transient persons, of doubtful char- acter, and sometimes of very corrupt minds, by whose bad example and influence, they have been betrayed into principles and habits, which have had an injurious effect on them in more advanced life. It is therefore indispensably incumbent on us to guard them against this danger, and to procure such tutors of our own religious persuasion, as are not only capable of instructing them in useful learning, to fit them for the business of this life, but to train them in the knowledge of their duty to God, and one towards another. It is therefore proposed :

First. That a lot of ground be provided in each Monthly or Preparative Meeting, sufficient for a

schools.

119

garden, orchard, grass for a cow, &c, and a suit- able house erected thereon.

S '/"/. That funds he raised by contribution, bequests, &c, in eacfa meeting; the interest of which to he applied either in aid of the tutor's salary, or lessening the expense of Friends in strait- ened circumstances, in the education of their children.

Third. That a committee be appointed in each Monthly or Preparative Meeting, to have the care of schools, and the funds for their support, and that no tutor be employed but with their consent.

Although the raising a sufficiency to answer those purposes may in, some places appear difficult, yet as improvements of this kind are generally gradual, and have often arisen from small begin- nings into very valuable establishments, it is de- sired that Friends may be encouraged thereto, and keeping an eye to the Divine blessing on their be- nevolent endeavors, make such essay for carrying into effect these recommendations as they may be enabled. — 1746, 1750, 1778 to 1787.

Under a renewed fervent concern for the preser- vation of our youth, and their advancement in piety and virtue, it is desired that Quarterly Meet- ings would enter deeply into the important subject of education, and promote in the subordinate meet- ings, the establishment of schools, to be taught by members of our religious Society ; and that a vigi- lant care be exercised in all such schools, to instruct

120 SCHOOLS.

the children in the principles of the Christian reli- gion, and the peculiar testimonies of our religious Society ; that each Quarterly Meeting raise a school fund, to be applied under the direction of a committee, to the assistance of those meetings and families which may require such aid. The daily reading of the Holy Scriptures, and the regular at- tendance of the scholars at mid-week meetings, where it is practicable, should be enjoined at all these schools.

Although various difficulties and discourage- ments exist in some of the Quarterly Meetings, yet if Friends generally were brought to consider a guarded education, not merely as a matter of tem- poral convenience and accommodation, but as it really is, a religious concern of primary obligation, and deeply affecting the spiritual welfare of their beloved offspring, they would be prepared to pros- ecute it with lively zeal, and to make such pecu- niary and other sacrifices to procure it, that few meetings would be found where select schools could not be supported, and none of the children of Friends, to whom the invaluable blessing of a com- petent and religious education would not be acces- sible. Quarterly and Monthly Meetings are therefore recommended to appoint committees to have this subject under their special care ; to make particular inquiry into the situation of all their members as regards education, and endeavor, as way may open, earnestly to impress on their minds a due

SCHOOLS. 121

sense of the value of a religious, guarded education, and of the obligation which rests on parents, to

use diligent exertions faithfully to discharge this important duty towards their children.

And it is desired, that Friends in the respective meetings may cherish a liberal disposition, in con- tributing towards the assistance of their brethren, who have families of children growing up around them, and are laboring under many discourage- ments and disadvantages arising from the want of means to give them that kind of education, which it has long been the fervent concern of this meet- ing to promote among its members. As a principal obstacle to forming select schools, within some of the Quarterly Meetings, appears to arise from the scattered situation of the families, and the difficulty of locating a school so as to be within the reach of a sufficient number of the children of Friends : this may in great measure be removed, by fixing the school in a central situation near the meeting-house, and boarding the children, whose parents reside at a distance, in the families of Friends who live con- tiguous. If a proper concern for the promotion of the welfare of each other is cultivated among our members, it is believed there would be little diffi- culty in procuring such situations for the children, where they can be accommodated during the week at a small expense, and return home to spend the first day with their parents. It is also recom- mended, that all these schools should be under the 11

I

122 SCRIPTURES.

care of committees, appointed in the Monthly or Preparative Meetings, who should frequently visit, and diligently watch over them, in order to pro- mote their improvement, and to encourage Friends to send their children there, rather than to the mixed schools in the neighborhood.

As essentially connected with, and highly con- ducive to the fulfilment of the foregoing salutary recommendations, it is very important that Friends hear in mind, that the business of proper and just education must be begun at home, and that the dis- cipline and docility, which will enable children to profit by the instruction of their teachers, and which often determine the course of their future life, should be inculcated there. — 1831, 1831.

SCRIPTURES OF THE OLD AND M¥ TESTAMENTS.

WE tenderly and earnestly advise and exhort all parents and heads of families, that they en- deavor to instruct their children and families in the doctrines and precepts of the Christian religion, as contained in the Holy Scriptures ; and that they excite them to the diligent reading of those excellent writings, which plainly set forth the miraculous con- ception, birth, holy life, wonderful works, blessed

SCRIPTURES. 123

example, meritorious death, and glorious resurrec- tion, ascension and mediation, of our Lord and Saviour Jesns Christ ; and to educate their children in the belief of those important truths, as well as in the belief of the inward manifestation and ope- ration of the Holy Spirit on their own minds, that they may reap the benefit and advantage thereof, for their own peace and everlasting happiness; which is infinitely preferable to all other consider- ations. — 1732.

AVe have always believed that the Holy Scrip- tures were written by Divine inspiration ; that they are able to make wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus ; for, as holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, they are therefore profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in right- eousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. But as we freely acknowledge, that their authority doth not depend upon the approbation of any church or assembly, so neither can we subject them to the fallen, corrupt reason of man. As a true understanding of the Divine will, and meaning of Holy Scripture, cannot be discerned by the natural, but only by the spiritual man, it is therefore by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, that they are read with great instruction and comfort. — 1828.

"We have always asserted our willingness, that all our doctrines and practices be tried by them ; and

124 SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY.

admit it as a positive maxim : " That whatever any do, pretending to the Spirit, which is contrary to the Scriptures, be accounted and reckoned a de- lusion of the devil."

AVe receive and believe in the testimony of the Scriptures, simply as it stands in the text: " There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one." — 1828.

SLAVE-TRADE AKD SLAVERY.

IT appears to have been the concern of this meet- ing;, revived from time to time, with increasing weight, to testify their entire disunity with the practice of enslaving mankind, and particularly to guard all in membership with us against being, in any degree, concerned in the purchase of slaves from the coasts of Africa or other parts. Having with sorrow observed, that in some parts of our country this shameful practice is still continued and connived at, we therefore think it proper to revive the advices heretofore issued ; and again ex- hort our members, to be no way accessory to this enormous national evil, but to discourage it by all the justifiable means in their power ; it being ob- vious, that wherever it prevails, it tends to corrupt the morals of the people, so as not only to render

SLAVE -TRADE AND SLAVERY. 125

them obnoxious to the displeasure of the Almighty, but deaf to his warnings, and insensible and regard- less of Ins impending judgments. — IT")."), 1806.

And we earnestly desire that our members gen- erally may use endeavors to promote the instruction of the people of color, as objects of the common salvation, in the principles of the Christian religion ; as well as in such branches of school learning as may fit them for freedom, and to become useful members of civil society. Also, that Friends in their several neighborhoods, advise and assist them in the edu- cation of their children, and common worldly con- cerns.— 1778.

Friends are cautioned against acting as executors or administrators to estates where slaves are be- queathed; and doing anything whereby their bond- age may be prolonged. — 1774.

It is the sense and judgment of this meeting, that if any in membership with us are in any wise concerned in purchasing, disposing of, or holding mankind as slaves, or shall by any means encourage or countenance a traffic in slaves, they should be treated with as for any other immoral, unjust, or reproachful conduct ; and if they are not brought to such a sense of their deviation from the law of righteousness and Christian equity, as to condemn the same to the satisfaction of the Monthly Meet- ing, they should be disowned. — 177-4, 1834.

It appearing that, notwithstanding the many

afflictive dispensations with which Divine wisdom 11*

126 SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY.

has seen meet to visit this land, many of its in- habitants are so deaf to the language of the rod, as to continue in the nefarious traffic for slaves to the coasts of Africa : and that the introduction of them into these United States is, in some places, still connived at ; this meeting, considering such a conduct as a hold and impious defiance of the Euler of nations, and pregnant with the most alarming consequences to our country, earnestly recommends to the Meeting for Sufferings, to embrace every suitable opportunity for advancing our testimony in this respect, and for calling the attention of the public mind to this awfully interesting subject. — 1786, 1787, 1806, 1834.

If any of our members are in the practice of hiring a slave or slaves to assist them in their business, and the compensation for such services is to be appropriated to the benefit of those who claim the right of ownership over such of these poor people who are thus held in bondage, and not designed or intended to be applied to promote their liberation ; as this is a violation of our testimony, such members should be treated with, and after patient labor has been unavailing, Monthly Meet- ings should testify their disuuity with them. — 1824, 1884.

. SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS.

ADVISED, that Friends carefully avoid all vain and idle company, sipping and tippling of

drams and strong drink : for though such who are in that evil practice may not suddenly heroine drunken to the greatest degree, yet they often thereby become like ground fitted for the seeds of the greatest transgressions; and some who have had the good example of virtuous parents, have, from small beginnings, arrived at a shameful ex- cess, to their ruin, the great injury of their wives and families, and the scandal of the religious pro- fession they have made. — 1706, 1787.

It having been observed that a pernicious custom has prevailed in some places, of giving rum and other strong liquors to excite some to bid at ven- dues to advance the price, which, besides the in- justice of the artifice, is scandalous, and leads to intemperance and disorder; it is therefore the unanimous sense of this meeting to testify against the same. And if any in membership with us do fall into the evil practice of giving or taking spir- ituous liquors at vendues, they should be speedily dealt with as disorderly persons, and if they cannot be brought to a sense of their error, disowned. — 1726, 1734.

Many just and pertinent remarks being made in this meeting, clearly setting forth the corrupting,

127

128 SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS.

debasing, and ruinous effects, consequent on the importation and retailing large quantities of dis- tilled spirits, whereby the intemperate use of them is greatly aided and encouraged, to the impoverish- ment of many, distempering the constitutions and understandings of many more, and increasing vice and dissoluteness in the land, wherewith many re- ligiously attentive minds have been long painfully burdened ; it is the united sense of the meeting, that well concerned Friends in all quarters, be earnestly excited to suffer the affecting importance of this mighty evil, religiously to affect their minds, and animate them with a lively concern and honest endeavors, both by example and loving entreaty, to caution and dissuade all our members, from being concerned in the importation or selling distilled spirits, or giving countenance thereto. — 1784, 1787.

Under the weight and pressure of the deeply in- teresting concern for the maintenance of our Chris- tian testimony against the trading in, and use of distilled spirituous liquors, that a gradual and steady advancement thereof may in no respect be impeded, Quarterly and Monthly Meetings are afresh urged to renewed, patient, persevering labor, with such as are in the practice of using, or giving them out as an article of drink ; manifesting, that if continued in by any of our members, it cannot admit of any countenance while there is a faithful

STOCK. 129

adherence to the Divine principle of good will to men. — 17(.' i.

If any in membership with us should distil, trade in, or sell distilled spirituous liquors, except it be for medicinal or chemical purposes, Monthly Meetings should treat with them as with other offenders, and if they are not prevailed with to desist from the practice, they should testify our disunity with them. — 1834.

STOCK

AGREED, that there be collections brought in from each Quarterly, unto the next Yearly Meeting, for a Yearly Meeting stock, to defray the charges of the said meeting, according to the sev- eral agreements made, or hereafter to be made. — 1695.

A stock having been generally kept, and by ex- perience found useful, for the necessary occasions of the Society, it is agreed, that the same be occa- sionally renewed by a collection from each Quarter, and that it be continued in the hands of the trea- surer appointed by this Meeting, and subject to be drawn out by its direction or by the Meeting for Sufferings, as the exigencies of Society may re- quire.

The sums which may be thought necessary, shall

130 TA VEENS.

be raised by each Quarter, in the proportions which may be directed by this meeting from time to time. An arrangement of the quotas of the several Quarterly Meetings is to be made by a committee appointed for that purpose, thus :

Philadelphia Quarter to pay — dollars in every SI 00

— ditto.

— ditto.

— ditto.

— ditto.

— ditto.

— ditto.

— ditto.

— ditto.

Abington	do.
Bucks	do.
Concord	do.
Cain	do.
Western	do.
Burlington	do.
Haddonfield	do.
Salem	do.

$100

TAVERNS.

WE think it necessary to caution not only the youth, but those of riper age, to avoid the unnecessary attendance at taverns, and that they maintain a watchful, religious guard respecting other places of public resort : that they be not ex- posed to noisy company, and unprofitable conversa- tion ; or betrayed into the use of strong liquors, by which so many have been corrupted both in prin-

TRADE. 131

eiple and practice, to the ruin of themselves and their families. And if any are in danger on these mts. it is desired that they may be timely and tenderly treated with, in order to convince them of their perilous situation. — 1746, 1834.

Considering the temptations and Bnares which they are exposed to, who keep houses of public entertainment, or beer-houses, the corrupting in- fluence of many who resort to them, and its effect on the children and families so exposed ; it is the judgment of this meeting, that our members avoid engaging in such employments for a livelihood ; and attend to the pointings of pure wisdom for that end. — 1777.

And it is desired that Friends may endeavor, as far as their influence extends in the community, to prevent the unnecessary increase of taverns, and be cautious of signing petitions in behalf of those who may apply for licenses on that account. — 1738.

TRADE.

IT being evident that where the manifestations and restraints of the Spirit of Truth are duly prized and regarded, it leads out of a bondage to the spirit of this world, and preserves the minds of its followers from many fettering and disqualify-

132 TRADE.

ing entanglements ; and contrary wise, that an in- ordinate love and pursuit of worldly riches, often betrays those who are captivated by them, into many difficulties and dangers, to the great obstruc- tion of the work of Truth in the heart ; we affec- tionately desire that the counsel and gracious promise of our blessed Redeemer to his followers may be remembered and duly regarded by ns: " Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his right- eousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." — 1695 to 1746.

This meeting being earnestly concerned that the service of our religious Society may not be ob- structed, or its reputation dishonored, by any im- prudence of its members in their worldly engage- ments, recommends to all, that they be careful not to venture upon such business as they do not well understand ; nor to launch out in trade beyond their abilities, and at the risk of others ; especially on the credit which may be derived from a profes- sion of the Truth : but that they bound their engagements by their means; and when they enter into contracts, or give their words, that they en- deavor on all occasions strictly to fulfil them.

"We particularly exhort, that none engage in such concerns, as depend on the often deceptive probabilities of hazardous enterprises ; but rather content themselves with such a plain and moderate way of living, as is consistent with the self-denying principle we make profession of ; whereby many

TRADE. 133

disappointments and grievous perplexities may be avoided, and that tranquillity of mind obtained, which is inseparable from the right enjoyment even of temporal things. And it is advised, that where any among us err, or are in danger of erring in these respects, they be faithfully and timely admon- ished.—1724 to 1746.

Where overseers or other concerned Friends, have reason to fear that any person or family, by living above their means, or from a want of punc- tuality in fulfilling their contracts, or any other cause, are declining in their circumstances, and likely to fail, it is recommended that such be seasonably treated with, and, if it appear requisite, advised to call their creditors together without delay. And if, notwithstanding this advice, such persons still persist and run into embarrassment, to the loss of others and to their own disreputation, the Preparative and thence the Monthly Meeting to which they belong, ought to be timely informed thereof, and proceed to deal with them according to our rules ; when, if this labor also prove ineffec- tual, a testimony of denial is to be issued against them.— 1710.

It is recommended that Friends frequently in- spect the state of their affairs, and keep their ac- counts so clear and accurate, that they may, at any time, easily know whether they live within the bounds of their circumstances or not ; and, in case of death, that these may not be perplexing to sur- 12

134 TRADE.

vivors. And whenever any find that they have no more property left than is sufficient to discharge their just debts, it is advised, that they immedi- ately consult with some judicious Friends, and, without loss of time, make their circumstances known to their creditors, carefully avoiding the payment of one in preference to another, that so none may be injured, nor any reproach be incurred by mismanagement. — 1782.

It is advised that where failures occur, and the cases are under the care of Monthly Meetings, that the Friends appointed to visit the parties, inquire of their assignees or trustees how their deficiencies have happened, and report accordingly. — It is the judgment of this meeting, that neither Monthly nor other Meetings should receive subscriptions, dona- tions, or bequests, from persons so circumstanced, until they have paid off their deficiencies, or are voluntarily acquitted thereof by their creditors : for it should be remembered, that though, in such cases, the defaulter may have been legally dis- charged, the property he may afterwards acquire is not properly his own, till he has fairly paid off his former debts, to the satisfaction of the creditors. "Wherefore we further advise, that if any such person or persons, on being suitably reminded of their duty in this respect, shall refuse to comply therewith, inquiry be made into the reason, and if it be not such as shall satisfy the Monthly Meet- ings of which they are members, and they cannot

TRADE. 135

1)^ prevailed with, the said meetings, after a proper time of labor and forbearance, should issue a testi- mony of denial against them. — 17*:!.

Advised, that when Friends accept the office of trustee or assignee, they be active in collecting the effects of the estate, and punctual and speedy in making distribution* — That Friends everywhere carefully avoid being any way concerned in de- frauding the government of its duties; that so our ancient testimony in this respect may be inviolably maintained. — 1755, 1796.

If any member is complained of for withholding a just debt, he or she should be tenderly urged to payment ; and if this is unavailing, be dealt with as in other eases of disorderly conduct. And if any of our members appear unable to satisfy their creditors, they should be advised to call them to- gether without loss of time, and submit the state of their affairs to their inspection : when, if the creditors apprehend a surrender of the debtor's effects to assignees, for the benefit of the whole, to be necessary, let him or her be earnestly entreated to consent ; and if they refuse so to do, the Monthly Meeting should be informed thereof; when, if the party still persist in refusing, he or she should be disowned without too long delay. — 1710, 1719, 1806.

It is the judgment of this meeting, that if persons so failing in their circumstances, should at any time afterwards be favored w^ith full ability to pay off

136 TRADE.

their deficiencies, justice will require it of them, notwithstanding a composition with, and legal dis- charge from their creditors, may have been ob- tained. This is, however, not meant to furnish any creditor with a pretext for advancing such claims, while persons so deficient are honestly laboring to retrieve their circumstances ; nor until it shall clearly appear to their respective Monthly Meetings, or to a solid committee thereof, that a sufficient ability is arrived at ; when, if they are requested to comply, and persist in refusing, the said meetings should proceed to disown them. — 1710, 1719, 1806.

"We warn our members against a pernicious prac- tice amongst the trading part of the community, which has often issued in the ruin of those con- cerned therein, viz., that of raising; and circulating a kind of paper credit, with endorsements, to give it an appearance of value, without an intrinsic reality; a practice which, as it appears to be in- consistent with the truth we profess, we declare our disapprobation of, and entreat every member of our Society to avoid and discourage.

We also caution all in membership with us to avoid entering into joint securities with others, under the specious plea of rendering acts of kind- ness ; many by so doing, having been suddenly ruined, and their innocent wives and children re- duced to deplorable circumstances. " Be not thou," said the wise man, " one of them that strike hands ;

TRADE. 137

or of them that arc sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee." — 180

We affectionately desire, that Friends may hum- bly wait for Divine counsel in all their engage- ments, and duly attend to the secret intimations and restrictions of the Spirit of Truth in their business and trading, not suffering their minds to be hurried away by an inordinate desire of worldly riches; remembering the observation of the Apost]e in his day. and so often sorrowfully verified in ours, that *wThey who will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare;7' and erring from the faith, " pierce themselves through with many sorrows/' Even when riches, to any extraordinary degree, have been amassed by the successful industry of parents, how often have they proved like wings to their children, carrying them beyond the limitations of Truth, into liberties repugnant to our religious testimonies, and sometimes into enterprises, which have terminated in irreparable damage to their temporal affairs, if not an entire forgetfulness of the great work of the soul's salvation. — 1806.

AYhen any member of our religious Society, in trade or business, becomes unable to discharge his or her debts, the overseers should take an early op- portunity to ascertain the circumstances of the case, and spread the same before the Preparative Meeting, in order that it may be regularly for- warded to the Monthly Meeting: and if it shaP 12*

138 TRADE.

appear that such failure has arisen from a want of clue attention to tire advices of this meeting, on the subject of trade and business, and has brought reproach on our religious profession, the Monthly Meeting should issue a testimony of disownment of the individual.— 1816.

It is also the judgment of this meeting, that when any of our members are about to assign their property, their creditors should be consulted, if practicable, and have the liberty of appointing as- signees to take charge of the etfects ; which should be assigned without any reservation or other con- dition, than a distribution of the effects among the creditors, according to their respective dues ; and if the party do not so proceed, the case shall be issued as is directed in the preceding paragraph. — 1816.

A fear has attended the minds of Friends, re- specting the exposure to evil company and the dan- ger of forming corrupt habits, to which young men are subjected at boarding-houses, where they are without the counsel and proper restraints of judi- cious care-takers. The preservation of their prin- ciples and morals is of the first moment to our beloved young friends, paramount to all the advan- tages of trade, and to any sacrifice they can make, in choosing a business, which may afford compara- tively a small profit, where the liability to evil in- fluences is not so great. "When this choice is about to be made, it calls for the serious consideration of

WAR. 139

the young people and their parents or guardian?, particularly before deciding to come from the coun- try into a populous city, where snares and tempta- tions abound, of which they may yet be wholly ignorant, but which, if they are exposed to them, may lay waste their moral standing, and even jeop- ardize the salvation of the soul. Where there is an honest desire to seek first the kingdom of God and the righteousness thereof, with a single eye to the Lord for direction, we believe he will point out the proper place, and the mode for his children to " provide things honest in the sight of all men," and to serve him according to his blessed will, in doing which they will partake of true peace and the right enjoyment of the things of this life. — 1853.

AVAR.

FRIEXDS are exhorted faithfully to adhere to our ancient testimony against wars and fight- ings, and in no way to unite with any in warlike measures, either offensive or defensive, that by the inotiensiveness of our conduct, we may convinc- ingly demonstrate ourselves to be real subjects of the Messiah's peaceful reign, and be instrumental in the promotion thereof, towards its desired com- pletion; when, according to ancient prophecy, "The

140 WAR.

earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea; and its inhabitants shall learn war no more."

When goods have been distrained from any Friends, on account of their refusal to pay fines for non-performance of military services, and the officers, after deducting the fines and costs, propose to return the remainder, it is the sense of this meeting, that Friends should maintain their testi- mony by suffering, and not accept such overplus, unless the same or a part of it is returned without a change of the species. — 1755.

It is declared to be the sense of this meeting, that furnishing wagons, or other means for con- veying of military stores, is a military service, and that the care of elders, overseers, and all faithful Friends, should be extended in true love and Chris- tian tenderness, to such as deviate herein, in order to convince them of their error. — 1758.

It is the judgment of this meeting, that a tax, levied for the purchasing of drums, colors, or for other warlike uses, cannot be paid consistently with our Christian testimony. — 1776.

This meeting fervently recommends to the deep attention of all our members, that they be religiously guarded against approving or showing the least connivance at war, either by attending at, or view- ing of military operations, or in any wise encour- aging the unstable deceitful spirit of party, by joining with political devices or associations, how-

WAR. 141

ever speciously disguised under the ensnaring sub- tleties commonly attendant thereon; but that they sincerely labor to experience a settlement on the alone sure foundation, of pure unchangeable Truth ; whereby, through the prevalence of unfeigned Christian love and good-will to men, we may con- vineingly demonstrate, that the kingdom we seek is not of this world. A kingdom and government whose subjects are free indeed ! redeemed from those captivating lusts, from whence come wars and fightings. — 1798.

A living concern for the advancement of our testimony to the peaceable kingdom of Christ, con- tinuing to spread in many minds, we fervently de- sire that the members of our religious Society may carefully avoid engaging in any trade or busi- ness promotive of war ; sharing or partaking of the spoils of war by purchasing or selling prize goods ; importing or shipping goods in armed vessels ; paying taxes for the express purpose of war ; grinding of grain, feeding of cattle, or selling their property for the use of the army : that through a close attention to the monitions of Divine grace, and guarding against the suppression of it either in themselves or others, they may be preserved in a conduct consistent with our holy profession, from wounding the minds or increasing the sufferings of each other; not at all doubting, that He to whom appertains the kingdom and the power; who is wonderful in working, will continue to carry on

142 WAR.

and perfect his blessed cause of peace in the earth. A solid attention to this concern is recommended to Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative Meetings, and to our brethren in general: it being the judg- ment of this meeting, that if any of our members do either openly or by connivance, pay any fine, penalty or tax, in lieu of personal service for carry- ing on war ; or allow their children, apprentices or servants to act therein ; or are concerned in arming or equipping vessels with guns, or in dealing in public Certificates, issued as a compensation for ex- penses accrued, or services performed in war ; that they be tenderly dealt with, and if they are not brought to an acknowledgment of their error, Monthly Meetings should proceed to testify against them.— 1780, 1781.

It is the sense and judgment of this meeting, that it is inconsistent with our religious testimony and principle, for any Friend to pay a fine or tax, levied on them on account of their refusal to serve in the militia, although such fine or imposition may be applied towards defraying the expenses of civil government. And where deviations in this respect occur, tender dealing and advice should be extended to the party, in order to their convince- ment and restoration: and if this proves ineffectual, Monthly Meetings should proceed to testify against them.— 1790.

WAR. 143

A firm belief in, and testimony to, the peaceable nature and spirit of the religion of Christ have

ever been a distinguishing characteristic of our So- ciety. We are convinced that war, under any and every circumstance, is opposed to the plain com- mands and the benign precepts of Christ ; and strong are our desires that none of our members may be betrayed, either by plausible reasoning or by the military spirit, now so prevalent, into any compromise of this important testimony. The prophecies of holy men of old give assurance that the day will come, when nations shall not learn war any more; and we would impress upon all, that as we yield ourselves to the loving, lamb-like Spirit of the Prince of Peace, and scrupulously guard against sanctioning, in any way, the spirit and practices of war, we thus avoid wounding our own peace and grieving the Holy Spirit, and aid in the fulfilment of those heart-cheering predictions ; while a contrary course, however it may be palliated or glossed over, is obstructing the triumph of peace on earth and ^ood-will to men. — 1865.

WILLS.

KXOWDfG- how quickly many are removed by death, it is weightily recommended, that Friends who have estates to dispose of, be advised to make their wills in time of health, and strength of judgment, and therein to direct their substance as in justice and wisdom may be to their satisfac- tion and peace ; laying aside all resentment, though occasion may have been given, lest it should go with them to the grave ; remembering we all stand in need of mercy and forgiveness. Making such wills in due time can shorten no one's days, but the omission, or delay thereof to a time of sickness, when the mind should not be diverted from a solemn consideration of the approaching awful period of life, has often proved very injurious to many, and been the occasion of creating animosities in families, which the seasonable performance of this necessary duty might have effectually pre- vented.—1691, 1703.

Friends are earnestly recommended to employ persons skilful in the law, and of good repute, to make their wills, as great inconvenience and loss, and sometimes the ruin of families have happened through the unskilfulness of some, who have taken upon them to write wills, being unqualified to act in a matter of such importance. — 1782, 1801.

And all Friends who may become executors or

144

136 women's meetings. 1 15

administrators, arc advised to make a full, clear, and perfect inventory of the estate and effect the deceased, early after the interment, as many difficulties and disputes have arisen, and sometimes injustice been done for want of it, or by deferring it too Ions. — 1801.

WOMEN'S MEETINGS.

FORASMUCH as our women's Meetings for Discipline were set up and established in Di- vine wisdom, and by long experience have been found of advantage, not only to the Society in general, but to the youth of their own sex in par- ticular: it is earnestly desired, that faithful women Friends may be encouraged to come up to the help of their brethren, in that part of the Discipline of the church, properly claiming their attention and care. On considering the nature and extent where- of, it is apprehended a benefit might accrue, by ex- plicitly setting forth their distinct allotment, and separate services in their Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, and also in their Yearly Meeting. — 1796.

Women's Monthly Meetings are, First, To in- spect and relieve the wants of the poor of their own sex ; and where their own funds are insuffi- cient, they are to apply to the men's meetings for 13

I

146 women's meetings.

their aid, and for their concurrence, as cases shall require.

vnd. To take cognizance of proposals of mar- riage, and appoint two of their members to inquire into the conversation and clearness of the woman ; also, two to the oversight of the marriage.

Third. They are to appoint a suitable number of overseers, who are to treat with offenders of their own sex ; that their cases be laid before the womeu's Preparative Meeting, and if needful, the same should be spread before their Monthly Meet- ing ; w^hich should proceed to deal further with such delinquents, and report the result of their labors to the men's meeting ; and if further deal- ing is expedient, the men should appoint a com- mittee to unite with the women therein ; the re- port of w^hich joint committee is to be made to each meeting ; and the women having considered the same, are to inform the men's meeting of their sense thereon, and the subject to be finally resulted by the men. But when a case is brought by the women into the men's meeting, if, on solid consid- eration there, further dealing does not appear to be needful, a committee of men Friends should be appointed to prepare a testimony of disownment, which, when approved, is to be sent to the women's meeting for their concurrence, and care in deliver iug it to the party. — 1796.

If a female under dealing in the women's meet- ing removes into the compass of another Monthly

women's MEETINGS, 147

Meeting; or if previous to or after such removal, her conduct has hern such as to require her being dealt with; and her residence be at bo great a dis- tance as to render ir inconvenient for the Monthly Meeting to which she belongs, it should by minute transmit to the Monthly Meeting of women Friends, within the limits of which the person resides, clear information of the state of the case, and request its care in dealing with her on their behalf: and when +he Monthly Meeting removed from, has received an account of the effect of this labor, they are then to give due information thereof to their respective men's Monthly Meeting, in order that the business may be finally determined. — 1834.

Fourth. On application of a woman for admis- sion into membership, after a religious care therein hath been exercised by women overseers, and in the Preparative Meeting, as the case may require, and "Vt appearing proper to claim the attention of their Monthly Meeting, it should accordingly be referred thereto ; when, if no obstruction to its further pro- cedure is discovered, they are to make an appoint- ment to unite with a committee of men Friends, in further careful attention to the business; the report }f which joint committee is to be made to each meet- ing; and the women's meeting having considered he same, are to communicate their sense thereon to he men's meeting, where the subject shall be con- sidered and finally resulted. — 1796, 1834.

If a womar who has been disowned, presents to

148 women's meetings.

the women's Monthly Meeting an acknowledgment of her offence, and applies for reinstatement into membership ; unless there is just ground of uneasi- ness and dissatisfaction therewith, they are to lay the case before the men's Monthly Meeting, which is to determine how or in what manner it is to be issued : but if, although the way does not then ap- pear clear to accept the said offering, the men's meeting shall judge that religious care therein should be extended by a visit to the party or other- wise, the women's meeting is to make an appoint- ment to join a committee of men Friends for this purpose, the report of which joint committee is to be made to each meeting ; and the women's meeting having considered the same, are to communicate their sense thereon to the men's meeting, where the case is to be considered and finally resulted. — 1834. If a person, while under dealing in the women's Monthly Meeting, makes an acknowledgment of her transgression, and the meeting, on an impartial solid consideration thereof, believes that she is not in a state to make such an offering as embraces the nature of the case, and gives evidence of true con- viction, they are to extend such further care therein, as may appear requisite; and when they shall have discharged their duty, and feel clear of the case, they are to inform the men's Monthly Meeting that such a case had engaged their care and labor, and that although the party had presented an acknowl- edgment, yet their meeting, upon weighty deliber-

women's meetings. 149

ation, was not easy to encourage its acceptance; and then leave it to the judgment and decision of the men's meeting: but if they should be satisfied that an individual under dealing has been brought

to a due sense of her deviation, they are to impart the whole case to the men's meeting ; and unless this meeting is most easy then to conclude the business, the women are to make an appointment to unite with a committee of men Friends, in re- newed religious attention thereto ; the report of which united committee is to be made to each meeting, and determined in like manner as before directed. — The authority for disowning a member, or receiving a person into membership, must always rest in the men's meeting. — 1834.

Fifth. They are to join in certificates of removal for women Friends ; in order whereto, the women's Monthly Meeting is to appoint two or more of their members to make the necessary inquiry, that the same may be prepared ; which, after being con- sidered in the women's, is to be laid before the men's meeting ; and when there approved and signed, returned to the women's meeting for their signature ; but if the certificate is intended to in- clude one or more males, they are then to report the result of their inquiry to the Friends named on the like inquiry by the men's meeting ; and the certificate, after having been prepared, approved and signed, in the men's meeting, is to be sent to

the women's meeting for their concurrence and sign- 13*

150 women's meetings.

insr. All certificates received for women Frienda

o

are to be laid before the men's meeting, before they can be fully accepted by the women's meeting. —

1796.

Sixth. "When a female minister apprehends her- self under a religious engagement to travel in the service of Truth, she is first to spread her concern before the women's Monthly Meeting, and if united with, the same is to be laid before the men's meet- ing, whose result is to be communicated to the women's meeting ; and when a certificate for that purpose is prepared by a committee of men and women Friends, and being approved and signed by the men's meeting, it is to be sent to the women's meeting for their concurrence and signing. — 1796.

Seventh. Respecting the nomination of an elder, see the rule under the head " Ministers and Elders," page 82.

Eighth. The women's Preparative Meetings, where more than one constitutes a Monthly Meeting, are to consider and answer the queries ; which is like- wise to be done in their Monthly Meetings ; from which they are to report the state of each Monthly Meeting, to their respective Quarterly Meeting; to attend which as their representatives, they should nominate two or more of their members. — 1796.

"Women's meetings are to answer no other than the first eight queries, as usual ; but it is desired, that in their Monthly Meetings, care may be ex- tended to convey to the men's meeting, such in-

women's meetings. 151

formation as may be necessary for the preservation of a regular record of births and deaths. — 1807.

WOMEN'S QUARTERLY MEETINGS.

First. When a female minister, under a religious concern to travel in the service of Truth, produces to the Quarterly Meeting a certificate of the appro- bation of the Monthly Meeting of which she is a member, if the concern is concurred with in the women's meeting, it is to he submitted to the men's meeting, and when approved, an endorsement to that effect should be made on the certificate, signed by the clerk, and returned to the women's meeting, for signing by their clerk.

Second. They are to receive the written accounts sent from the respective women's Monthly Meet- ings, and transmit the collected answers to the queries, with such other matters as appear needful, to the women's Yearly Meeting ; to attend the service whereof, each Quarterly Meeting is to ap- point a suitable number of representatives. Bee Zte's ipline.

Third. They are to communicate to their respec- tive Monthly Meetings such advices as they appre- hend necessary, with any epistles or writings issued for that purpose by their Yearly Meeting; nomi- nate committees, at the request of the men's meet- ing, to visit their Monthly Meetings, or for any other service which the men's meeting shall judge

152 women's meetings.

expedient ; and in all respects they are to attend to those matters which may properly come under the notice and care of women's Quarterly Meetings. — 1796.

YEARLY MEETING OF WOMEN FRIENDS,

Held annually in Philadelphia, at the time of holding this meeting; is at liberty to correspond with any other Yearly Meetings of their own sex, either in America or elsewhere, and to issue such counsel and admonition to their own Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, as in the wisdom of Truth shall appear conducive to real benefit and mutual edifi- cation ; but the said Yearly Meeting is not to hear or determine on any appeal, nor at liberty to make or alter any rules of Discipline or queries. — 1685.

They are to have stock of their own, for such services as may fall more properly under their notice. — 1705.

Finally, it is desired that a fair record be kept of the minutes and proceedings of the Yearly, Quar- terly and Monthly Meetings of women Friends ; and that annually their representatives to the Yearly Meeting exercise a proper religious care in the choice of a clerk. — 1796.

At the request of the men's meetings*, their Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly Meetings are to appoint committees, to unite with like committees of the men's meetings, in the setting up or laying down of Preparative, Monthly, and Quarterly Meet ings.— 1834.

YEARLY MEETING.

IT appears by the records, that the first Yearly Meeting was held at Burlington, Xew Jersey, the 31st day of the 6th month, 1681, old style, for the provinces of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Although in the early settlement of Friends in this country, several meetings were held which were then called Yearly Meetings ; yet in 1683, it being clearly evident that a meeting ought to be constituted, which should be vested with a super- intending care and jurisdiction, over all the meet- ings in those two provinces and parts adjacent; the Yearly Meetings in other provinces were ac- cordingly informed of this concern, and requested to give their judgment upon a proposition so im- portant and interesting to the Society : a united concurrence therewith being freely given, and Friends from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, to- gether with a number of Friends from other parts, having generally assembled at the Yearly Meeting held in Philadelphia, the loth of 7th month, 1685, it was then unanimously concluded, that hence- forward there should be one Yearly and General Meeting, held for the provinces of Pennsylvania and Xew Jersey ; the next year at Burlington, and the following year at Philadelphia, and so on alter- nately. It was further concluded, that Friends in the ministry should meet together on first-day

153

154 YEARLY MEETING.

morning, at the seventh hour, before the public General Meetings.

The Yearly Meeting having assembled at Bur- lington at the time appointed, in 1686, it was opened under the title of " A General Yearly Meet- ing held for Friends of Pennsylvania, East and West Jerseys, and of the adjacent Provinces." At this meeting it was concluded, that two or more Friends be appointed out of every Quarterly Meeting, to attend the meeting as representatives ; and such accordingly attended in that capacity, in 1687. The Yearly Meeting thus constituted and established, continuing to be held alternately at Burlington and Philadelphia, the time of holding it was, in 1755, changed to the 9th month, present style. In 1760, it was concluded to be held at the same time in Philadelphia only ; and in 1798, the time of holding it was altered to the third Second day in the 4th month, as it now is. The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, to be on the Seventh day of the week preceding ; and both to begin at the tenth hour.

It is agreed, that such Friends as may be ap- pointed to prepare Epistles, shall meet together before they proceed on the service ; and subse- quently, that they examine the several essays pre- viously to their being laid before this meeting. — 1724.

All letters or papers directed to the Yearly Meeting, except from such meetings as regularly

YEARLY MEETING. 1 " 1

Correspond therewith, are to be first perused- by a few Friends to be appointed, who are to consider md report whether the same be proper to be read in this meeting or not. The same order is to be observed in the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, as regards any papers offered to their notice, which are nor recognized or provided for in the rul< oar Discipline. — 1695, 1834.

The representatives appointed by the Quarterly Meetings, are to stay together at the close of the first sitting of the Yearly Meeting, in each year, to consider of a suitable Friend to serve the meet- ing as clerk, and a Friend to assist him : and to make report to the next sitting of the meeting. The clerk of the preceding year is. according to our ancient practice, to act as clerk until another is appointed by the Yearly Meeting : but if, through sickness, or any other cause, he is likely to he pre- vented from attending, the Meeting for Sufferings, previous to the commencement of the Yearly Meeting, is to take due care that the "business which is to come before the meeting, be not ob- structed or delayed, for want of requisite attention to the reports and documents which are forwarded ; that thus the meeting may be regularly opened at the time appointed. — 1834.

AVhen extracts from the minutes of this meeting are ordered to be sent to the Quarterly Meetings, a full eopy shall be sent by each of those meetings to their respective Monthly Meetings, and by tin'

156 YEARLY MEETING.

Monthly to each of their Preparative Meetings, in order that each meeting may have a copy thereof, to have recourse to as occasions may require. — 1754.

The certificates of such Friends, members of other Yearly Meetings, who from a religious con- cern are drawn to attend this, are to be read here- in.—1801.

INDEX.

A.

PAGK

ACCOMMODATION PAPER in trade, disapproved, 136

ACCOUNTS of Sufferings to be forwarded annually, , 55

Mode of stating them, ...... go

Of places of deposit of papers, minutes, title-deeds,

etc., 76

Of deceased ministers and elders to be forwarded

yearly, 79, 115

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS— to be prepared in writing, sub- mitted to overseers, and may be presented by the

party, 9

If the party resides within the limits of a distant

Monthly Meeting, it is to be written to, 9

Not always to recite causes of disownment, . . 10

Not read in meetings for worship, ... 10

Of offences to remove scandal, .... 36

Hasty acceptance of, injurious, .... 76

Of disowned females for reinstatement, how treated, 147, 148

Of females under care, ... ... 148

ADMINISTRATORS, EXECUTORS, etc., to resort to

law where it appears indispensable, ... 2 )

Not to act where there are slaves bequeathed, . 12">

To make complete inventory early after interment, 145

ADMISSIONS of persons into membership, ... 38, 147

ADVICES to be read annually, .... U*

14* 157

158 INDEX.

PAGtt

AFFAIRS of the church, how conducted, ... 53, 114

outward, to be inspected annually, . . . 114

APPAREL, plainness of, 108

APPEALS, 10

Appellant to be furnished with minute, or testimony

of disunion, ....... 10

To notify the first or eecond Monthly Meeting, . 11

Committee, or respondents, to be appointed to attend the Quarter, with minutes of the proceedings, signed by the clerk or clerks, .... 11

Notification to be read in Quarterly Meeting after

representatives are called, ..... 11

Committee appointed to hear appellant, . . 11

Appellant and respondents may each object to three, 11

Parties not to digress from the subject, nor any

member to express an opinion in their presence, 12

Report in writing, annulling or confirming the de- cision below, ....... 12

Early information to be given to parties, . . 13

Decision of Monthly Meeting to be affirmed, in a breach of Discipline, where proceedings have been correct, 13

Right to appeal to Yearly Meeting, to notify the

next Quarterly Meeting, ..... 13

Respondents to be appointed to attend Yearly Meet- ing with certified copies of proceedings of both meetings, ........ 13

Appointment of Yearly Meeting's Committee, and

course pursued, . . . . . . . 14, 15

Monthly Meetings may appeal from the decision of

the Quarterly, 15

Appellant not appearing loses his right, unless pre- vented by sufficient cause, ...... 16

Appeals to a Quarter, composed of two Monthly

Meetings, to be referred to Yearly Meeting, . 16

APPOINTMENTS in meetings to be made with care, . 55

APPRENTICES removing, their guardians to apply for

certificates, ....... 31

INDEX. 159

PAGE

And children to be encouraged to attend divine

worship, ........ gi

ARBITRATIONS 17

Party aggrieved to request the other to comply with

the demand, in presence of overseers, . . 17

Choice of arbitrators, and bond to abide their de- cision, ........ 17

Arbitrators to proceed promptly, listening to neither

party separately, nor disclosing their opinions, . 17

Either party refusing to submit the matter, give at- tendance, or abide by the award, to be complained of to Preparative or Monthly Meeting, . . 18

An erroneous or unjust award cause of rehearing, 18

The matter *again referred if the meeting thinks proper, and on further refusal to comply, to be disowned, ........ 18

Arbitrators may consult counsel in the law, . . 18

They should shun previous information, and stand

unbiassed, ........ 19

To reject no evidence, nor receive any in absence of

parties, ........ 19

Circumstances which warrant an appeal to the law, 19

Certain cases to be settled without reference, . 20

Preparative Meeting to appoint a committee to judge,

and the matter disposed of accordingly, . . 20

Advised that ministers be not employed as arbi- trators, ........ 21

ARDENT SPIRITS. See Spirituous Liquors, . . 127

Distilling, or trading in, disownable, . . . 129

ARMING VESSELS, or shipping, in them, testified

against, ........ 142

ASCENSION of Jesus Christ, 123

ASSIGNEES, or Trustees, to be prompt in discharging

duties. 135

ASSIGNMENTS of insolvent persons to be without reser- vation, 138

ATONEMENT of Jesus Christ, 27, 36, 37

160 INDEX.

PAGB

	19
134,	147
	134
135,	137
134,	135
	137
	138
	61
	134
	21

AUTHORITY of meetings — the love, power, and spirit

of Christ, 55

B.

BANKRUPTCY, a cause for proceeding at law, . .

Inquiry to be made into the causes of, .

Subscriptions, etc., not to be taken from bankrupts,

Course of proceeding with insolvent debtors,

Persons becoming fully solvent required to discharge their former debts, ......

Danger of inordinate pursuit of wealth,

Creditors to be consulted in assignments, BEQUESTS and donations to be strictly applied,..

Not to be received from insolvent members, . BIRTHS AND BURIALS,

Moderation in provision at burials, gravity and de- corum advised, 21

Suitable Friends to be appointed to attend, and the

corpse to be removed in an hour, ... 22

Caution not to attend the worship of others, partic- ularly at burials, 22

No meeting to be appointed at interment of those not members, nor in a formal manner at the burial of members, ...... 22

No invitations are to be published in our meetings

for those who are not members, .... 22

Appointments to the care of our burial grounds,

and to grant orders for interment, ... 23

Non-members not#to be interred without a permit, . 23

Grounds to be properly inclosed, and no monu- ments to be admitted, ... . 23

Mourning habits disapproved, .... 23

Regular records of births and deaths to be kept

agreeably to form, ...... 24

Interments to be in the grounds of Friends, . . 25

Flowers and needless expenses to be -avoided, . 2">

BLASPHEMY to be testified against, .... M6

INDEX.

1(5 L

PA'.K

BOOKS 26

Writings on our religious principles to be submitted

to Meeting for Sufferings, ..... V)

Persons printing or publishing writings contrary to advice, or derogatory to our faith, or tending to disunity, disownable, 2G

A Monthly Meeting neglecting to administer the Discipline in such cases, to be represented to its Quarterly Meeting, 26

Printing, selling, or distributing works tending to lay waste the doctrines of Christianity, disown- able, 27

Care-takers of children to guard them from reading such works, and plays, romances, novels, and other pernicious books, 27, 28

Booksellers and printers cautioned against print- ing, selling, or lending them, .... 27

Friends advised to be careful in the choice of

books, ......... 28

Reading Holy Scriptures and other religious works

on the afternoon of First-day, advised, . . 42

Books to be provided by Quarterly and Monthly

Meetings to record minutes, .... 49

C.

CATTLE, feeding or selling for the army, disapproved, 141

CERTIFICATES, 28

To be forwarded for reinstated persons, . . 10 For travelling Friends to be recorded, and season- ably returned, 28, 93

Of removal to be lodged with the Monthly Meeting where accepted, and records kept of all certifi- cates issued, ....... 29

Mode of signing, ....... 29

When certificate is received, the parties to be mem- bers of the meeting removed to, ... 30

1G2 INDEX.

PAGE

Case of persons falling into necessitous circum- stances, . 30

To be applied for, or sent, after persons removing, 31, 114 If their conduct has been exceptionable, to be

treated with by Monthly Meeting removed to, 31, 51

To be applied for for apprentices and minors

removing, ........ 31

Disorderly persons appearing as Friends, without

certificates, to be treated with, .... 32,114

Committee to visit those who bring certificates, . 32

The property of the meeting addressed, and to be

carefully forwarded, ...... 32

When applied for, inquiry to be made respecting

outward affairs, etc., . . . . . . 32

To be considered as accepted, if the party reside in the limits of the Monthly Meeting when pro- duced, 33

If the conduct of the party requires them to be

dealt with, it is to be returned, .... 33

Persons about to marry at a distance from home, to

obtain certificates, ...... 71, 72

Signing certificates of the separatists for marriage,

testified against, ....... 766

Form of marriage certificate, .... 74

No minister to appoint meetings, or travel out of

the Quarterly Meeting, without certificate, . . 90, 01 For ministers travelling beyond the Yearly Meeting, 91, 93 Of removal for females, ...... 149

For religious concerns of females, .... 150

Issued for services in war. not to be dealt in, . 142

Of ministers attending Yearly Meeting, to be read

therein, 156

CENSURE, church, extent of, vi

CHANGE of residence to be made with caution — fellow- members to be consulted, ..... 29 CHARITY, necessity of, in building up one another, . viii CHILDREN not to read books subversive of Christian

principles, ........ 27

INDEX. 163

PA OK

Care advised in the choice of books for their use, . v>y

To be especially collected on First-day afternoon for

reading, etc., ....... 42

Discouraged from visiting and rambling about on First-day, and mingling with unprofitable com- pany, 43

Rights of, 54, 60

Apprentices and servants, to be brought to meeting

for worship, ....... 81

CHILDREN AND PARENTS, 105

Obedience to parents inculcated, .... 105

Vain fashions, corrupt company, taverns, and

places of diversion, etc., to be avoided, . . 106, 107 Simplicity of garb, language, and manners, en- forced, 106

Disregard of parental authority, and testimonies of

Friends, to be testified against, .... 106, 107 Parents liable to disownment for indulging children

in excesses, 107

To be educated in industry and placed with mem- bers, 106, 107

Friends in affluence exhorted to assist in educating

others, 107

Of poor Friends to claim care of Monthly Meetings, 110

Not to keep company for marriage without consent

of parents, nor with those not of our Society, 68, 69, 70, 113 Education of children. See Schools, .... 117

To be provided with teachers of our own persuasion, 118

To be educated in belief of the miraculous concep- tion, birth, miracles, death, resurrection, ascen- sion, and mediation of Christ, and the inward manifestation of the Holy Spirit, . . . 122

CHURCH — a preparation of heart necessary to manage

its concerns, ....... 56

Unclean hands disqualify for ruling in the church, 56

Learning, artificial acquirements, riches, eloquence or natural wisdom, insufficient for government in the church, 57

104

INDEX.

PAGE

CLERKS to be appointed annually, .... 55

Representatives of women's Quarterly Meetings to

select a clerk for their Yearly Meeting, . . 152

Representatives of the Quarterly Meetings to re- port clerk to the Yearly Meeting, . . . 155

The clerk of the preceding year to act till a new

appointment, 155

When likely to be prevented, the Meeting for Suf- ferings to take charge of the reports, . . 155 CIVIL GOVERNMENT, 33

Liberty of conscience the common right of all, . 33

No office to be accepted which violates our princi- ples, 33

Friends not to elect members to such offices, . . 34

Called to advance the Messiah's reign, we cannot

join in warlike measures, ..... 34

Caution against defrauding the government, . . 135

COLORS AND STUFFS, fashionable, advised against, 108 CODE OF DISCIPLINE, an infringement of, to be treated for according to the order laid down in the New

Testament, vi

Extent of Society's censure, .... vi

COMMITTEE on Appeals, 11

Names to be read in presence of appellants, etc., 11

To hear all parties, to stop irreverent speeches, and

not to divulge their opinions to either, . . 12

Their report simply to annul or confirm decision

below, 13

To confirm where there was a violation regularly

treated, 13

Of Preparative Meetings, to judge of references, . 20

To be appointed by Quarterly Meetings to be incor- porated with incompetent Monthly Meetings, . 47

To attend the opening of new meetings for worship, 49

COMPLAINTS FOR DEBT. See Arbitrations . . 17, 19

See Trade, 135-138

CONCEPTION, miraculous, 122

INDEX. 165

PAGE

CONCERNS OF SOCIETY, qualifications for conducting,

53-67, 111

CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION, .... Cursing, lying, swearing — unseemly, scandalous, gross, notorious, and indecent practices, testi- fied against, 35

Persons promoting noisy gatherings or tumults, to

be dealt with, ....... 36

Blasphemy, denial of the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit,

or Holy Scriptures, etc., to be testified against, . 36

Injustice and covetousness disapproved, . . 37

Frequent waiting on the Lord, and abstaining from

unprofitable intercourse and converse, enjoined, 38

CONNECTION and subordination of meetings, . . vii, 45 Of meetings not dissolvable but in the mode pre- scribed by the Discipline, ..... 47

CONSCIENCE, liberty of, the right, of all men, . . 33

CONVINCED PERSONS 38

Application for membership to be made to over- seers or elders, and when prepared to be laid be- fore Preparative and Monthly Meetings, . . 38 Inquiry respecting life, conversation, principles, etc. 38 Caution against haste in such cases, ... 39 Monthly Meetings exhorted to be weighty, and well satisfied of the applicant's convincement of our principles — when so, to receive without respect to nation or color, ...... 39

CORRESPONDENCE bet ween distant Monthly Meetings, 9, 31, 51 Between women's Monthly Meetings, . . . 51, 147 Between elders of different meetings, . . . 94, 95

Women's Yearly Meeting to correspond with those

of their own sex, ...... 152

Irregular, to be examined by committee before read, 154

CORRESPONDENTS to sign certificates of removal, . 29

To sign certificates of ministers, .... 93

COURTS OF LAW, the proper demeanor therein, . 20

COUSINS, first, not permitted to marry, ... 75

15

166

INDEX.

The term applies to grandchildren of one parent, . CREDITORS, cases in which they are allowed to sue at

law, ... .....

To be consulted in assignments, ....

To take no advantage of the rule requiring insolvent

debtors to pay whenever they are able,

D.

DANCING, members in the practice of, liable to disown- ment, .........

DAYS AND TIMES,

Advice against the superstitious observance of days,

and calling days and months by heathen names,

Reasons for not observing fasts and feast days and

times, etc.,

First-day not the Sabbath — set apart by primitive

Christians for worship and religious retirement,

Friends to forbear worldly business, except works

of necessity and charity, ....

To collect their children and families for religious reading, .......

DEATHS AND BIRTHS, regular records of, to be kept

by each Monthly Meeting

DEATH OF CHRIST, meritorious, DEALINGS among men to be just and free from all im position, .......

DEBTORS to take no advantage of the rule to guard them from unkind treatment, To be advised to convene their creditors early, To refrain from partial payments — their subscrip- tions, donations, or bequests, not to be received while insolvent, ......

To be urged to payment, and if unable, to assign at request of creditors, .....

When again solvent, justice requires payment of all their debts,

PAGE

76

19 135, 138

136

62 40

40

40, 41

42

42

42

24

123

37

64 133, 135

134

135

135, 136

INDEX.

167

l'A«.K

Circumstances of bankruptcy to be ascertained, . 134, 187 DECISIONS of superior meetings to be submitted to by

inferior, 45, 16

DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION 43

Friends exhorted to shun tale-bearing and detrac- tion, 43

To keep to the gospel order in treating -with those

who err, 43

Party to be admonished, and unless they acknowl- edge, to be disowned, ..... 44

Reporters and tale-bearers to be dealt with as

principals, ....... 44

DENIAL of the divinity, mediation, or atonement of Christ, the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit, 9r inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, testified against, ........ 27, 36

DILIGENCE in attending meet.ngs, . . . vii, 45, 80, 81

See Queries, 112, 116

DISCIPLINE, AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE, . 45

To te maintained in their original authority, . 45

Negligence in, produces spiritual death, . . 45

Connection and subordination, .... 45

Inferioi meetings to render account and submit to

superior, ........ 45

No meeting to be instituted but with consent of

superior, . 45

Dissolution ot Quarterly. Monthly, and Preparative

Meetings, and meetings for worship, . . 46

Quarterly Meetings to appoint oommittees to aid

incompetent Monthly Meetings, ... 47

Meetings possess no right to dissolve their connec- tion with superiors, ...... 47

Junction of a Preparative with another Monthly Meeting, or a Monthly Meeting with another Quarterly, ......... 48

Meetings for worship composed of parts of two

Monthly Meetings, 48

168 IXDEX.

PAGE

Books for record of proceedings of Quarterly and

Monthly Meetings, ...... 49

Business to be finished with dispatch, and when too

weighty, to be brought before the Quarter for aid, 49

Minutes may be granted to Quarterly and Monthly

Meetings, or individuals, when requested, . 49, 50

Representatives of Monthly and Quarterly Meetings to be punctual to appointment, or furnish reasons for absence, ....... 50

Meetings not to proceed to business while those not

members are present, ..... 51

Mode of treating with offenders at a remote distance, 51

Women's Monthly Meetings to correspond on such

occasions, ........ 51

Offenders not to sit in Meetings for Discipline, . 52

Mode of treating offenders, ..... 52

Qualifications requisite for all performances in Dis- cipline as well as worship, . . . 53-58, 114 Testimonies of disunion to be furnished with infor- mation of appeal, 53

Rights of Children, 54, 60

Application to jugglers or fortune-tellers, so called,

or a pretence to such art, disownable, . . 54

Accounts of Sufferings to be regularly forwarded, 55

Committees annually appointed for nominating

clerks, ........ 55

Care to be taken to judge of the qualifications of

members for service, ..... 55

The virtue and power of the Holy Head demonstrate that neither tradition nor education prepares for succession in the church, ..... 56

Caution against bringing into service prematurely, 56

Unclean hands, and connivance at undue liberties,

disqualify for church government, ... 56

Pertinent counsel, how to conduct in the church, . 57

Design of Preparative Meetings — cases to be for- warded in writing — not to take cognizance of

marriage,

58

INDEX. 169

PAGE

Monthly Meetings to seek the wanderers, . 58 Descendants of Separatists — how treated, . . 59 DISCORD and Disunity, persons publishing works tend- ing to excite it, ....... 26

Attempts at fomenting division, disownable, . 65

Implacable enmity testified against, . . . 66

DISORDERLY PERSONS appearing as Friends, . 32

DISOWNED PERSONS applying for reinstatement, . 9, 147

DISPUTES. See Arbitration, 17-20

DIVINITY of Jesus Christ, 27, 36

DIVISION and Dissension, parties to be labored with

and apprised of their danger, .... 66

DISUNITY, manifested by neglect of Divine worship,

disownable, ....... 81

Such to make acknowledgment before considered

in unity, ........ 82

DOCTRINES and Principles to be adorned by consistent

example, ........ 81

Unsound, cause of admonition and care, . . 87, 94, 95

DONATIONS, Bequests, etc., to be strictly applied to

the purposes intended, ..... 61

Not to be received from insolvent members, . . 134 DRESS and Address, simplicity of garb, language, and

manners, enforced, 106, 108

Copying after the vain and extravagant fashions,

testified against, ...... 106

Parents indulging their children in excesses in these

respects, disownable, 107

DROWSINESS in meetings — those who give way to it

to be labored with, and not employed in Society, 82

DUTIES — not to be withheld from government. . 135

E.

EDUCATION insufficient to make successors in the

church, 56, 57

Friends advised to bring up children in habits of 15*

170

INDEX.

industry, and place them to occupations consist- ent with our testimonies, ..... 107

In piety and virtue, and in proper share of useful learning, under religious, prudent persons, rec- ommended to subordinate meetings, . . . 118, 119

Children instructed in the Christian religion, and reading the Holy Scriptures in schools — guarded education not a temporal convenience merely, but a religious duty, 120

Liberality in aiding others, 121

Right education begun and conducted at home, . 122

ELDERS to be consulted respecting meetings at burials, 22

Decease of, to be forwarded to Yearly Meeting, . 83

And ministers to be as nursing fathers, . . 86

Their duty to admonish ministers, if unsound in

doctrine, ........ 87

To state cases of refractory ministers to Prepara- tive or Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, 87

To be treated as other members for violation of Discipline, and not to attend Select Meetings till again recommended, ...... 87

Two or more of each sex to be appointed by Monthly

Meeting, 88

Mode of appointing, 89

To introduce to Monthly Meeting the cases of per- sons appearing in the ministry, where there is no Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders, . 90

Believing themselves called to the ministry, to with- draw from Select Meeting, .... 91

To take steps to bring before Monthly Meetings

cases of those who disturb by preaching, . . 91

To treat with ministers coming among us who are unsound, and to forward their cases to the elders where they belong, 94

To extend care to ministers supposed to have lost their gifts — also, subject to the same treatment themselves, in similar circumstances, . . 97

INDEX.

171

Duties of — case of a Preparatory Meeting of Elders

without any minister — how suspended, To retain the office subject to the rules, ELECTING Friends to offices in government whose du

ties oppose our principles, disapproved, ENDORSING accommodation notes, disapproved, ENMITY, implacable, testified against, EXECUTORS and Trustees permitted to proceed at law To be faithful and punctual to trusts, And administrators to estates not to act where there are slaves, ......

To make complete inventory early after interment EXPENSES of ministers to be provided for when needful EXTRACTS from the minutes of the Yearly Meeting to be sent to all Meetings for Discipline,

99 100

34, 102

136

66

19, 20

61

125

144

95

155

F.

FAILURE in Business, to be treated for,

Inquiry into circumstances, .....

Subscriptions, etc., not to be received from such, . Advised to convene creditors, and assign, To discharge debts when they become able, . Creditors to be consulted — to appoint assignees — assignments to be unreserved, ....

FAITH — a tender care to be exercised that all may be

preserved in the unity of, . FAMILY Visits encouraged and recommended to the solid attention of Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, Concern to be approved where the Friend belongs

and where the visit is to be made, This regulation applies to those coming from other Yearly Meetings, ......

FASHIONS, in apparel, buildings, furniture, stuffs, colors, etc., to be kept out of, . The Spirit of Truth, which led Friends originally to lay aside these things, still leads in the same path,

134

133 137 134 135 135

141

61

62

62

108

109

172 INDEX.

PAGE

FASTS and feast days and times, not to be observed, . 40

The fast we are called to is a continual abstinence

from all evil, . 40

FIGHTINGS and Wars, Friends to maintain our testi- mony against, 138

Not to show the least connivance at war, by viewing military operations, encouraging party spirit, or joining political associations, .... 139

To avoid any trade promotive of it, partaking of the spoils, shipping in armed vessels, paying taxes, selling property for the use of the army, etc., . 140

The subject to claim care of Quarterly, Monthly,

and Preparative Meetings, ..... 141

FINES, or taxes for military demands, not to be paid,

though applied to civil government, . . . 139? 141 FIRST-DAY of the week not the Sabbath, ... 41

Set apart by Christians for religious retirement and public worship, after the example of the primitive Christians, ....... 42

Friends to abstain from labor, except works of ne- cessity, charity, or benevolence, ... 42

Religious retirement, and reading the Scriptures and other religious books — refraining from visit- ing about, recommended, 42

Marriages not to be accomplished on First-day, . 71

FORMAL WORSHIP testified against, .... 40

FORTUNE-TELLERS, or Jugglers, so called, . . 54

Any member applying to such persons, or pretend- ing to their arts, to be dealt with and disowned, if not convinced, ...... 55

FRIENDS, a people whom the Lord in these latter days hath gathered by his spirit and power to worship him in spirit and in truth, v

To exercise care over each other, that all may be

preserved in faith and practice, ... v

To be diligent at meetings, and to seek for ability

INDEX. 173

PAGE

to build one another in that faith which works by love and purifies the heart, .... vii

FUNERALS. See Births and Burials, .... 21

G.

GAMING and diversions testified against, ... 62

Stage-plays, horse-races, music, dancing, or any other vain sports, lotteries, wagering, or other species of gaming, disownable, .... 63

Music and musical instruments forbidden,. . . 64

GIFTS — Caution against introducing persons prema- turely into service, that by right discernment every gift may be properly exercised, . . 56

Patience in the use of gifts, reverence in speaking in the church, having our own spirits in subjec- tion, inculcated, ...... 57

Of Gospel Ministry, 100

Gifts and legacies to be strictly applied, . . 61, 114

Application to be made to Meeting for Sufferings

in case of difficulty, 79, 114

GOSPEL MINISTRY supplied by the immediate teach- ings of the Holy Spirit, 84

Prayers which are accepted produced by the influ- ence of the Holy Spirit, 40

GOVERNMENT, Civil, 33

No office to be accepted which requires the viola- tion of our principles, 33

Friends not to elect one another to offices whose

duties lay waste our testimonies, ... 34

Friends cannot join in hostile measures against the

government, or any person, .... 34

Not to be defrauded of its duties, . . . 135

GRAVITY at burials, 21

GRAVE-STONES not allowable in our burial-grounds, 23 GRINDING GRAIN, or selling it for the army, disap- proved, 140

174

INDEX.

H.

PAGE

HAT, keeping on, in time of prayer, disorderly, . . 88

HEDGE — The Discipline an exterior hedge of preser- vation, ........ y

HIRELING MINISTRY, incompatible with the free

gospel of Christ, 84

Contributing to support or encouraging it, opposed

to our testimony, and disownable, ... 84 HOLY SPIRIT, a denial of its immediate influence dis- ownable, 27, 36

All true worship performed under it, ... 40

The soul of man the temple of the Holy Spirit, . 41

The true authority of all our meetings, ... 55

By its immediate teaching, acceptable worship is per- formed, and all true gospel ministry supplied, . 84, 80 Ministers to seek the mind of the Spirit, to open

mysteries, . 86

Our forefathers led by the Spirit into the plainness

and simplicity which the gospel enjoins, . . 108

Still leads in the same path, 109

Qualifies to conduct the affairs of the Church, . 55j 114

Children to be educated in the belief of its inward

manifestation in the heart. 122, 123

Holy Scriptures written by its inspiration, . . 123

Gives a right understanding of the Divine will and

the meaning of Holy Scriptures, . . . 123

Leads out of bondage to the Spirit of the world, . 131

HOLY SCRIPTURES— denial of authenticity, disownable, 27, 36 Children to be restrained from reading works cre- ating doubt in them, ...... 27

Reading of, on First-day afternoon especially re- commended, ....... 42

Ministers advised to be frequent in reading them, 87

Drawing unsound inferences or misapplying them,

calls for notice, 87, 94

INDEX. 175

r.\'.r.

Daily realing in schools enjoined, . . . ]/jo

Parents and heads of families exhorted to instruct their children in the doctrines of the Christian religion as contained in them, .... 122

Friends have always believed they were written by

divine inspiration, ...... 123

Their authority depends not upon churches — we submit all doctrines to their standard — and reckon anything contrary to them a delusion, . . 123

HOLY-DAYS, so called, not to be observed, ... 40

HORSE-RACING testified against and disownable, . 62

I.

INSPIRATION of the Holy Scriptures, ... 27, 36

INTERCESSION of Christ, ,35

INTERMENT of the Dead. See Burials, ... 21 Committee to grant orders, ..... 23 A solemn pause before and after, to be observed, . 23 Extravagant expenses and mourning habits disap- proved, ........ 23

INSTITUTION of Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative

Meetings, and Meetings for Worship, . . 45^ 46, 48

INVENTORY of Estates to be full and clear, and made

out early after interment, ..... 144

JUDGMENT to be placed on offenders in the authority

of Truth, 47,113

JUSTIFICATION from the imputation of sins past by

propitiatory sacrifice, 37

JUSTICE, strict, to be adhered to in all our dealings, . 37

L.

LANGUAGE — the world's corrupt language, manners,

etc., to be kept from, 109

Plainness of speech, without respect of persons, to

be used in all our converse, .... 109

176 INDEX.

PAGB

LAW — Counsel learned in, to be consulted by arbi- trators, ........ 18

Administrators, Executors, and Trustees, to proceed

at law, if necessary, .... . . 19

Parties going to law to conduct circumspectly at

courts, 20

Suing a member, in violation of Discipline, dis-

ownable, ........ 64

Persons skilled in, to be employed to write wills, . 144

LEARNING insufficient to qualify for government in

the church, ....... 57

Teachers of our own persuasion to be employed to instruct the youth in useful learning to fit them for the business of life, and to train them in the knowledge of their duty to their Creator, . . 118

LEGACIES, gifts, bequests, etc., not to be perverted or appropriated to any other uses than designed by donors, ........ 61

Application to the Meeting for Sufferings to be

made in difficult cases, ..... 79, 114

LIBERTY of conscience the common right of all, . . 33

LOTTERIES, being concerned in, disownable, . . 62

LOVE AND UNITY, the bond of Christian brotherhood, 65

All attempts to promote separation testified against, 65

Persons infected with dissension to be timely warned, 65

Implacable enmity — persons indulging it to be

labored with, and if inflexible, to be disowned, . 65

True and superficial unity distinguished, . . 66

LYING, swearing, cursing, and other wicked conduct,

testified against, ....... 35

M.

MARRIAGE a Divine ordinance, 70

Relations (not members) to withdraw before meet- ings proceed to further business, ... 51 No Preparative Meeting to take cognizance of pro- posals of marriage, ...... 58

Value of religious unity in married life, . . 67

INDEX.

177

Persons proposing marriage to wait for Divine counsel, and consent of parents, etc.,

None to proceed till certificates and consent of guardians are produced, when necessary and prac- ticable, ........

Not allowed earlier than one year after the death of husband or wife, ......

Marrying a person not a member, or without con- sent of the Monthly Meeting, disownable, .

No misdemeanor to be published to prevent mar- riages, ........

Parties intending marriage not to reside in the same house, .......

Not accomplished in Meetings for Discipline or on First-day, ........

Expensive entertainments and large companies ad- vised against, .......

Keeping company for this purpose with those not of us, with servants or apprentices without leave of masters, etc. — being present or consenting to their children being present at marriages per- formed by aid of a priest — or attending mar- riage of a member accomplished in a way out of our order, testified against, ....

Attending the meetings of Separatists — their mar- riages— signing their certificates, repugnant to order, etc., .......

Parents or guardians approving addresses, not to retract without sufficient reason,

Mode of accomplishing, prescribed,

The rights of a widow's children to be secured be- fore marriage, .......

To be accomplished gravely and without immoder- ate feasting ; the contrary requiring care of the Friends charged with oversight,

Form of marriage certificate, ....

16

C8

71 7G 7G 69 71 71 71

70, 1U

765

69, 70

71-75

73 74

178 INDEX.

PAGE

Marriage of first cousins not permitted, . . 75

Reinstatement of such requires consent of Quar- terly Meeting, ....... To

Term first cousins includes the descendants of one

parent, ........ 70

Counsel to guard the youth from improper connec- tions— violations of the Discipline often arising from want of this care, ..... 68

Caution respecting the too ready acceptance of ac- knowledgments, ....... 76

Testimonies to be issued against those who consent to or connive at marriage of children under their care (members) contrary to Discipline, . . 76<z, 114

Acknowledgments for breach of Discipline, . . 76a

Exposure to improper connections cautioned against, 106

Women's Monthly Meetings to take cognizance of

proposals for marriage, ..... 146

MEDIATION of Jesus Christ, ... 27, 36, 37, 47, 123 MEETINGS — order and subordination, . . . vii, 45

For worship, not appointed at interment of those not members, and not in a formal manner at others, 22

All our meetings to be held in their original author- ity, the love, power, and peaceable spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, . . . . . . 45, 55

For worship, set up or discontinued by Monthly

Meetings, with consent of the Quarter, . . 46

Composed of parts of two or more Monthly Meet- ings, ......... 48

To be held in the authority of Truth and unity of

the Spirit, 80

Coming late, falling asleep, restlessness, going out,

etc., 80

Christian zeal and diligent waiting for power to

qualify for worship, ...... 80

Children and apprentices to be promoted to attend, 81

A wilful neglect of this duty an evidence of ingrat- itude and disunity, ...... 81

INDEX.

179

Such to acknowledge before restoration,

Dependence on the Lord, ....

Should not be disturbed by opposition to ministers unless, etc., ......

PREPARATIVE,

To judge of references, .....

Subordination to Monthly Meetings — mode of in stituting, dissolving, etc., ....

Duties — not to decide matters cognizable by Monthly Meetings,

To be early informed of offenders removed to remote places, .......

MONTHLY,

To appoint respondents in case of appeals,

May appeal from decision of Quarterly Meeting,

Refusing to attend to complaint of Meeting for Suf- ferings— course pursued, ....

To keep records of certificates,

To furnish pecuniary relief — to be refunded,

To write to distant Monthly Meetings respecting offenders appearing without certificates — also, those removed, .......

To appoint committees to visit those who bring cer- tificates, and to forward certificates by proper conveyances, .

To be weighty in deliberating on applications for membership, .......

Accountability to Quarterly Meetings — institution and suspension of, ..... .

To accept and recognize members of dissolved meet- ings,

To state its sense to Quarterly Meeting of dissolving inferior meeting, ......

incompetent, assisted by committee of Quarterly Meeting, ........

Cannot dissolve connection with Quarterly Meeting,

Mode of transfer to another Quarterly Meeting, .

To keep fair records, and dispatch business without improper delay, .......

PAOK

82 82

20

45-49

58

103

11 15

26

29 30

32, 61

32

39

45, 46

46

46

47 47

48

49

180

INDEX.

To apply to Quarterly Meeting for aid in difficult cases — to furnish minutes to meetings — to indi- viduals discretionally, ..... 49

To appoint representatives to Quarterly Meeting, . 50

Not to permit offenders to sit in Meetings for Dis- cipline, ........ 52

Mode of treating and disowning members, . . 52

To forward annually accounts of Sufferings, . . 55

To appoint committee annually to nominate clerks, 55

Not to employ drowsy members, .... 82

To select Elders, and forward their names, and those of Friends appearing as Ministers, to Quar- terly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, . . 89 To aid Ministers in the prosecution of their con- cerns, ... 96

Course to be pursued on refusing to take up cases introduced by Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and

Elders, 98

To appoint Treasurer — committee to have care of

the poor, . 110

To appoint Committee on Education, . . . 120

Women's Monthly Meetings — duties, etc. . . 145-150 Testimonies of disunion for females, . . . 146

Communications, not regular, to be examined by

committee, ........ 152

To furnish Preparative Meetings with extracts from

Yearly Meeting, . 155

QUARTERLY,

To hear appeals, and to appoint respondents to

Yearly Meeting, 10-13

To carry up appeals of Monthly Meetings, . . 13

When composed of two Monthly Meetings, to refer

appeals to Yearly Meeting, ..... 16

Subordination and accountability to Yearly Meeting, 41

To institute or dis-olve inferior meetings, . . 41

To appoint committee to aid Monthly Meetings, . 47

To forward accounts of Sufferings annually, . . 55

INDEX.

181

PAGE

To appoint Committee on Education, . . . 120

Women's Quarterly Meetings — duties, . . . 161

Irregular com municationa to be examined, . . 154

YEARLY,

Its decisions binding on all, .... yii, 45, 4')

Committee to provide for visits beyond sea, . • 96

History of origin -—committee to prepare epistles, 153, 154

Letters and papers, not from regular correspond- ents, to be examined, ..... 154

Representatives to propose clerks — extracts to be

sent to all Meetings for Discipline, . . . 155

FOR SUFFERINGS,

Appointed by Yearly and Quarterly Meetings — its

constitution, ....... 77

To take charge of all writings relating to our prin- ciples, 26, 78

To inform the Quarterly Meeting of a Monthly Meet- ing refusing to treat for an offence against the Discipline on books, ...... 26

To inspect memorials preparatory to Yearly Meet- ing, 79, 83

To represent the Yearly Meeting on all emergent

occasions, ........ 77, 78

To explain titles to property — to record accounts

of Sufferings — to apply to government, etc., . 79, 80

To correspond with other Meetings for Sufferings, 79

None members, but those regularly appointed — Ministers and members of other Meetings for Sufferings may attend, ..... 79

To advance the testimony against slavery, . . 126

To take charge of papers of the Yearly Meeting

when the clerk is likely to be absent, . . 155

OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS,

Preparative, composed of Ministers and Elders of a

Monthly Meeting 88

To bring before Monthly Meetings the cases of those

who appear as ministers, ..... 90

16*

182 INDEX.

PAGE

To meet every three months to answer queries, etc., 96

Quarterly — to aid Preparative Select Meeting in dealing with unsound Ministers, or those who may have otherwise lost their gifts, . 88 98

To decide on Ministers and Elders recommended, . 89

To read queries and answers brought from Prepara- tive Meetings, and annually forward comprised report to Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, 96

To represent to Quarterly Meeting for Discipline refusal of Monthly Meetings to take up cases of ministers, . ...... 98

To extend care over Preparative Meetings of Elders, and propose their suspension, when proper, to Monthly Meetings, ...... 99

Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders to read queries and answers from the Quarters, and to communicate advice and aid to subordinate meet- ings, 96, 97

Not to interfere with the sittings of Yearly Meeting

for Discipline, . 97

Meetings of Ministers and Elders not to interfere with the business, but may communicate with their respective Meetings for Discipline, . . 97

MEETING-HOUSES,

Titles to be frequently inspeoted, and trusts re- newed when necessary, ..... 766

Reoords of trusts and conveyances to be kept, and with whom the papers, minutes, etc, are de- posited, 76c

MEMORIALS, 83

Prepared by Monthly Meetings to be forwarded to

Quarterly Meeting and Meeting for Sufferings, . 83

MEMBERSHIP in the Society, how obtained, . 9, 38, 54, 147 MESSIAH'S peaceful reign begun, ... 34, 138, 140

MILITARY FIXES — no part of, to be accepted unless

returned in same species, ..... 139

Tax for purchasing drums, colors, and other war- like purposes, ...... 139

INDEX. 1 33

PAOI

raying fine, penalty, or tax for carrying on war, . 140

Tax levied for militia not to be paid, though ap

plied to civil purposes, ..... 141

IflNISTERS AND ELDEB

Ministers not employed as arbitrators, ... 21 Accounts of decease of, forwarded to Yearly Meeting, 83 To be nursing fathers — to read the Holy Scriptures frequently — seeking the mind of the Spirit to enable them to open the mysteries thereof — and not to extend declarations without life, . . 86, 87 Unsound doctrines and conclusions require admo- nition, . 87

Course of proceeding in case of refusal to acknowl- edge faults, ....... 87

Not to sit in Select Meetings, after case is in

Monthly Meeting, till recommended again, . 87

To be treated as other members for violation of

Discipline, 87, 88

Public opposition to, keeping on the hat in prayer,

disallowed, ........ 88

Mode of recommending and appointing, . . 89, 90

Without being approved by Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, none are to be received as ministers, sit in Select Meetings, or travel as ministers, ........ 90

No minister to appoint meetings, or travel out of

the Quarterly Meeting, without certificate, . 90

Elders appearing as ministers, .... 91

Concerns of ministers claiming care of superior meetings to be considered before reading cer- tificate of Monthly Meeting, .... 92

Meetings to be informed when visits are completed, 92

Attending a Yearly Meeting and a few in its vicinity, or to visit the meetings of one or two Quarterly Meetings, requires a minute of the Monthly

Meeting, 92

Visits beyond these limits, a certificate endorsed by

Quarterly Meeting, 93

184

INDEX.

Visit to Ohio, Indiana, and Carolina, or any two of them, or beyond sea, to be laid before Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, . 93, 94

Counsel to keep under religious weight and use dil- igence, ........ 94

At home, or from abroad, giving uneasiness in doc- trine— how treated, ...... 94

Services of, not to be impeded for want of means, . 95

To watch over the flock in their respective places, 97

Those who may be thought to have lost their gifts,

how treated, ....... 97, 98

To avoid improper tones and gestures — to watch

over each other for good, ..... 117

MINUTES for travelling Friends, to be recorded and

promptly returned, ...... 28

Copies may be granted by Quarterly and Monthly

Meetings, ........ 49

Discretional power to furnish individuals, . . 50

Of meetings to be placed under care of suitable

Friends, ........ 7Gc

MINISTRY, hireling, supporting or encouraging, dis-

ownable, ........ 81

Qualification for. ....... 84

Fresh anointing needful, ..... ^

MODERATION and Temperance,

At burials, and all other occasions, advised, . . 21 100 At marriages, advised, ...... 73, 100

MOURNING HABITS, wearing or giving, advised against, 23

MUSIC, the practice of, subjects to disownment, . . 63, 61

N.

NEGROES. See Slave Trade and Slavery, ... 124

Disunity with enslaving mankind, .... 124 To be taught principles of Christian religion and

school learning, ....... 125

Friends not to act as executors where slaves are

bequeathed, ....... 125

Traffic in, c»r lolding them in bondage, disownable, 125

INDEX.

Hiring slaves, when the compensation goes to tie master, ........

NOISY gatherings or tumults, promoting, disownable, .

NOTES, accommodation, with endorsements, disap- proved,

NOVELS, plays, romances, etc., to be discountenanced,

185

VA'.K

126

36

136 27

0.

OATHS — Christian testimony against, to be main- tained, .......

Members in office administering, or conniving at

their clerks administering oaths — disownable, Friends not to elect one another to offices which violate this testimony, ....

To choose witnesses to writings who do not swear, OBSERVANCE of days and times, testified against, OFFENDERS, removing into the limits of distant meet- ings,

Guilty of reproachful conduct and removing to re

mote places,

Not to sit in Meetings for Discipline,

Mode of treating, including offences not on minute

To be admonished, and sought in the spirit of love

before church censure takes place, Leaving their places of abode and removing to re- mote parts, to be early informed of, . OFFICES in government not to be accepted whose du

ties violate our testimonies. ORDER of the gospel in treating with offenders, . OVERSEERS, to judge of the propriety of reference, To be consulted on meetings at burials, . To ascertain whether disorderly persons, appearing

as Friends, are so, .... .

Every Monthly Meeting to appoint faithful and ju

dici)us men and women for, To ex< rcise a vigilant and tender care over the flock and to whom complaints are first to be made,

101

102

102

102

40, 41

31, 51

	26
	52
	62
	53
103,	104
34,	102
vii	, 43
	20
22	, 23
	32
	103
	103

186 INDEX.

PAGE

To treat offenders with meekness, and notify them previously to taking cases to Preparative Meet- ing, 103

Cases of offenders gone to remote places, . . 104

Their services not limited to their own Preparative

Meeting, 104

Committee to be appointed once in three years to

nominate, ........ 104

Friends brought forward not to offer excuse hastily, 104

To ascertain early the circumstances of failures, . 137

P.

PARENTS and guardians to prevent children from read- ing books prejudicial to Christian principles, . 27 To apply for certificates for minors removing, . 31 Having approved addresses, on account of mar- riage, should not retract without proper cause, . 70 To guard children against improper connections, . 68 Breaches of our testimony often owing to want of

parental care. ....... 69

AND CHILDREN, 105

Children exhorted to obey their parents — to avoid vain fashions, libertine company, taverns, diver- sions, etc., 105

Not to shrink from the cross, and the simplicity of

our worship, ....... 106

Parental authority disregarded, disownabie, . . 107

Parents indulging children in excesses, disownabie, 107

To bring up children in habits of industry, . . 107

Liable to disownment for conniving at violations of

the order of marriage, .... 70, 76a, 114

PARTY spirit not to be encouraged, .... 139

PEACE on earth, a great object of the Society, . 34, 66, 138

PEOPLE OF COLOR — testimony against enslaving — traffic in — ought to be taught principles of Chris- tian religion — school learning, etc., . . .124 125

INDEX.

187

i-A'.i: PENALTY or tax in lieu of personal service in war, . Ill PLAINNESS of dress, language, and mani_ers, incul- cated, 100

Corrupt language, fashions in apparel, furniture,

etc., advised against, ...... 108

Stuffs, colors, and dress, to please the vain mind to be avoided, and tradesmen and others not to be accessory to their use, ..... 108

All to keep to the plainness and simplicity into which the Spirit of Truth led our forefathers, and

still leads the obedient, 100

Testimony to plain language not to be balked be- fore others, 109

PLAYS, romances, novels, etc., to be discountenanced, 27, 02 POLITICAL devices or associations, not to be encour- aged, 139

POOR Friends to be relieved, 80, 31

To return to meeting removed from when requested, 30

This rule not applied to wife or children of a per- son not a member, ...... 30

Impoverished by fire, etc., ..... 30

Their situation to be inspected and relieved by committee — their children educated by the Monthly Meeting without expense — a treasurer, etc., to be appointed, ...... 110

PREACHING or praying, any public show of dislike of,

disapproved, ....... 88

Elders who speak as ministers to withdraw from

Select Meetings, ....... 91

Persons who give dissatisfaction by preaching to be

admonished, ....... 91

If they persist in imposing on Friends, to be dis- owned, ........ 91

PREPARATIVE MEETINGS — subordination, . . vii, 45 To determine on the propriety of referring dis- putes, 20

To render account of its proceedings, and submit

to Monthly Meeting, 45

188 INDEX.

PAGE

Instituted or laid down by Monthly and Quarterly- Meetings, 45, 46, 48

Joining to another Monthly Meeting, . . . 46, 47 Use and design — not to detain or decide on busi- ness of Monthly Meetings — cases to be carried forward in writing — not to take cognizance of proposals of marriage, ..... 68

PREPARATIVE Meeting of Ministers and Elders —

how instituted, 88

To bring cases of ministers before Monthly Meet- ings for consideration, ..... 90 To meet quarterly, answer queries, and appoint

representatives, . 96

Of elders — how suspended, ..... 97,98 PRIESTS, hireling — their ministry not to be encour- aged, 84

Attending marriages performed by their aid, dis-

ownable, ........ 70

PRIMITIVE Christians assembled for worship on the

First-day, 42

PRINCIPLES and doctrines of the gospel to be duly

maintained, . 26, 27, 36, 81, 94, 108, 116, 120, 122, 125 PRINTING books denying mediation, atonement, Holy

Spirit, &c, 27, 37

PRINTERS cautioned against printing, selling, or lend- ing romances, novels, plays, &c. ... 27 • PROFANITY to be testified against, .... 36

PROPITIATORY SACRIFICE, 37

PUBLISHING works laying waste Christian principles, 37

PRIZE GOODS, dealing in, to be avoided, ... 140

a.

QUARTERLY MEETINGS,

To hear appeals from Monthly Meeting, . . 11, 12

To appoint respondents to Yearly Meeting, . 13

INDEX.

189

PAOI

To carry up appeals of Monthly Meetings, . 16

When composed of two Monthly Meetings only, to

refer appeals to Yearly Meeting, ... 16

To record certificates of ministers, ... 27

Subordination to the Yearly Meeting, . . . 45

Institution and laying down, ..... 45, 4'i

Power to institute and dissolve Monthly and Pre- parative Meetings, ...... 46, 49

To aid incompetent Monthly Meetings, by com- mittee, ........ 47

To be consulted respecting transfer of Monthly and Preparative Meetings, and institution of meetings for Worship, composed of parts of two Monthly Meetings, ........ 48

To keep fair records of its transactions, . . 49

To grant copies of minutes to other meetings, and

discretionally to individuals, .... 49, 50

To appoint representatives to Yearly Meeting, . 50

To forward accounts of sufferings, ... 55

To appoint committee annually to propose clerks, 55

To be cautious of employing drowsy members, . 82

To furnish Yearly Meeting annually with account of deceased ministers and elders, and to examine

memorials, . 83

To deliberate on concerns of ministers, and to grant

endorsements on certificates, .... 91, 92

To aid ministers in prosecuting their religious visits

when needful, ....... 95

To decide on the suspension of Preparative Meet- ings of Elders, ....... 99

To appoint committees on education, . . . 120

Communications not regular to be examined by com- mittee, ........ 155

Of women Friends — their duties, .... 151

Of ministers and elders, to extend care to ministers

and elders, . 87, 98

17

190

INDEX.

To decide on appointments of elders, and acknowl

edgment of ministers, ..... To consider the state of Select Preparative Meet- ings, and answer the queries, To represent to Monthly Meetings the state of Pre parative Meetings of Elders, QUERIES,

Respecting births and deaths, to be answered, To be answered in writing, which, and by whom, Advices to be read annually, . Annually answered, For meetings of Ministers and Elders, To be answered by Women's Meetings, QUOTAS of the Quarterly Meetings, .

89, 90

96

99

24 111 113, 114 115 116 150 130

E.

RACES — members going to them, liable to disownment, 62

RECEPTION into religious membership, . . 9, 38, 54, 147

Injurious effects of haste, ..... 39

Parties to be clearly convinced of our principles, . 39

RECONCILIATION by Christ, 37

RECORDS of births and deaths to be kept, . . 24, 115, 150

Of certificates granted, ...... 29

A book to be provided for recording minutes, and

copies to be given at discretion of meetings, . 49, 50

Marriage certificates to be recorded, ... 74

Of trusts and conveyances, &c. .... 76c

Fair records of proceedings of Women's meetings, 152

REFERENCES. See Arbitrations, . ... 17, 18

Overseers and Preparative Meetings to judge of, . 20

REGENERATION, the work of the spirit of Christ

within, ........ 37

RELIGIOUS VISITS to Families, 61

Beyond limits of Quarterly Meeting, . . . 91, 93

Of females, 150, 151

REINSTATEMENT into membership 9, 10, 147

-

INDEX.

191

Of first cousins, 76

REMOVALS, 9,28,32,11'.*

Residence to be changed with caution, consulting

Friends, 29

Require certificates, ...... 31

To remote or unknown places, authorizes Monthly

Meetings to disown in scandalous cases, Into distant Monthly Meetings requiring care, REPRESENTATIVES to Quarterly and Yearly Meetings,

3G, 100 51 50, 150 161

They and others to be punctual to appointments — to send reasons for absence — and not to with- draw from meetings without consent, . Of Preparative and Quarterly Meetings of Ministers

and Elders, .

To propose clerks for the Yearly Meeting,

REPORTS to Quarterly and Yearly Meetings to be mad in writing and signed by the clerks,

RESIDENCE in a Monthly Meeting when certificate is produced gives right there, unless some miscon duct is discovered, .....

RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, ....

RESPONDENTS to appellants appointed,

RETIREMENT, advantage of, ... .

REVELATION of the Holy Spirit,

RICHES, nor greatness in this world, fits for govern ment in the church, ..... Inordinate love and pursuit of, counselled against,

RIGHTS of children,

ROMANCES, plays, &c, discountenanced, .

50

96 152, 155

50

33

123

11, 13

38, 42

27, 36

57

132, 137

54, 72

27

S.

SABBATH — the First-day of the week neither the antitype of the Jewish, nor is it the Christian Sabbath,

41,42

102 INDEX.

PAGE

SANCTIFICATION by the work of Christ, in the heart, 37

SCANDAL to be removed, by acknowledging the of- fences, and condemning the same in writing, . 35 SCHOOLS — Queries respecting, how answered, . . 115 Directions for the institution of, . . . 118 Teachers of our own persuasion to be provided, . 118, 119 Instruction in the principles of the Christian reli- gion— daily reading of the Scriptures, and attend- ance of mid-week meetings directed, . . 120 Liberality among Friends in the respective meet- ings, earnestly recommended, .... 121

People of color to be instructed in school learning, 125

SCRIPTURES of the Old and New Testaments, . . 122

Authenticity and inspiration of, . . 27, 36, 123

Books tending to raise prejudice against them, to

be avoided, ....... 27, 37

Ministers to read them frequently, seeking the

mind of Truth, ....... 86

Misapplying or drawing wrong inferences cause of

admonition, . 87, 94

To be daily read in schools, ..... 120

Children and families to read them diligently — they set forth the miraculous conception, birth, holy life, meritorious death, &c, of our Lord, . 122

Not to be subjected to reason, but understood by

the aid of the Holy Spirit, 123

Anything done contrary to them, a delusion, . 124

Their testimony of the Three which bear record in

heaven, ........ 124

Scripture names of days and months to be kept to, 40

6ECURITIES for mutual accommodation disapproved, 136

SELLING or spreading books denying the divinity, me- diation, atonement, &c. ..... 27, 37

SEPARATION — attempts to produce it, disownable, . 65

SEPARATISTS — attending their meetings, marriages,

or signing certificates, disownable, . . . 766

Descendants of how treated, ..... 59

SHADOWS and Figures ended, 41

'K J

INDEX. 193

PAGE

SILENT waiting for the renewal of strength, and for

the performance of Divine worship, ... 38, 80 SLAVE Trade and Slavery, testimony against, . . ]>_>{ Instruction of the people of color, . . . 125 Friends not to act as executors where slaves are be- queathed, 125

Trading in, or holding mankind in slavery, disown-

able, 125

Meeting for Sufferings to advance the testimony, . 126

The hiring slaves for the benefit of owner, disown-

able, 126

SPIRIT OF TRUTH to be sought unto, to qualify for

worship, and to open mysteries, ... 80, 86, 126 Still leads the faithful as it did our forefathers, . 109 Children to be educated in the belief of its opera- tion on the mind, 123

Leads out of bondage to the spirit of the world, . 131 Its restrictions to be attended to in trade and busi- ness, 137

SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS,

Advice against dram-drinking — giving it at ven- dues, disownable, 127

Ruinous effects of trading in it — advice against

giving it as drink, 127, 128

Distilling or trading in the article, disownable, . 129

Danger of frequenting taverns, .... 130

STOCK, . 129

SUBORDINATION of Meetings, .... Tii, 45, 47 SUBSCRIPTIONS not to be taken from insolvent mem- bers, 134

SUING members at law contrary to the Discipline, ex- cept under peculiar circumstances, ... 64

SUFFERINGS, mode of stating, 55, 80

Monthly and Quarterly Meetings to forward ac- counts annually, 55

17*

194

INDEX.

SWEARING, lying, cursing, and other wicked practices,

testified against, 35

SORCERY, 54

T.

TALE-BEARING AND DETRACTION to be suppressed, 43

Offenders herein to be admonished, and, if not re- claimed, disowned, ...... 44

Required to give their authority, or treated as orig- inators of reports, 44

TAVERNS, caution against frequenting them, . . 106, 130 Danger of ardent spirits — advised not to keep tav- erns— to exert their influence against unneces- sary increase, 131

TAXES for military purposes not to be paid, . . 138, 141

TEMPERANCE and Moderation, 100

TESTIMONIES of Denial not to be read in Meetings for

Worship, 10

To be delivered early as convenient, with informa- tion of the right to appeal, .... 10, 53 TEXT — misapplying or drawing unsound inferences, . 87,94 THREE that bear record in heaven, .... 124 TIMES, observance of, testified against, ... 40 TITLES of real estate to be inspected, and trusts

timely renewed 766

Records of trusts and conveyances to be kept, and

where papers are deposited, .... 76c

TRADE — Counsel against inordinate pursuit of wealth, entering on business not understood, or going beyond ability ....... 132

Hazardous enterprises to be avoided, . . . 132

Persons in danger of failing to be treated with and

advised to convene their creditors, . . . 133, 135 To inspect their affairs frequently and keep their

accounts clear, ....... 133

To avoid partial payments — assignees to be in- quired of, 134

INDEX.

195

Subscriptions not to be taken from insolvent mem bers,

Persons refusing to pay former debts after retriev ing their circumstances, disownable, .

Assignment to be made at request of creditors,

Accommodation paper and joint securities disap proved,

Divine counsel to be sought in all engagements,

Overseers to ascertain early the cause of failure

Failures to be testified against,

Assignments without restriction — creditors to have liberty to appoint assignees,

Or business, promotive of war, to be avoided

See sixth and seventh Queries, TRADITION, or mere outward education, do not pre

pare for succession in the church, TREASURER of Monthly Meetings,

TREATING with offenders, . vi, 51, 52, 53,

TRUSTEES permitted to proceed at law,

To be punctual and faithful to trusts,

Or assignees, to be active in discharging duties, TUMULTS, promoters of, to be disowned,

134

134, 135

135

136

137

137

137, 138

138 140 113

56

110

146, 148

19, 20

61

135

36

U.

UNITY of Faith and practice, .... AND LOVE, attempts to destroy it, testified against, Appearance of variance to be removed, Parties being irreclaimable to be disowned, .

65 66 66

V.

VENDUES, giving or taking ardent spirits at them dis- ownable, ........

VESSELS, arming or shipping in armed vessels, testi- fied against,

VISITING on First-day disapproved, ....

127

141 43

196 INDEX.

, PAGE

VISITS to families encouraged, 61

To receive sanction where the Friend belongs and where the visit is made : — This applies also to those coming from other Yearly Meetings, . . 62 Religious, out of the Quarterly Meeting, to be laid before Monthly and Quarterly Meeting and Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, as the case re- quires, 99-101, 91, 94, 150

To engage consideration before the certificate is

read, 92

The certificate to be returned promptly, &c, . . 92

Ministers exhorted to diligence and religious

weight, 94

Expenses, where needful, to be provided for, . 95

W.

WAGERING, disownable offence, 62

WAITING in silence, 38 80

WAR — Friends exhorted to maintain a testimony

against it, 138, 143

Overplus of distraints not received, unless in the

same goods, 139

Furnishing wagons, or other conveyances for mili- tary stores, 139

Tax for purchasing drums, &c, and for military re- quisitions, 139} 140

Viewing military operations, or joining political as- sociations, advised against, .... 139

Trade, promotive of war — Prize goods, shipping in armed vessels, grinding grain, feeding cattle, and selling property for the use of the army, .

Dealing in Public Certificates . ...

Militia fines, though applied to civil purposes, not

to be paid, .

WILLS, to be faithfully executed, ....

To be made, and affairs settled in health,

113,	140
	141
	141
61	, 92
114,	144

INDEX. 197

PAOK

Persons skilled in the law to be employed, . . 144

Executors and Administrators to make a complete

Inventory early after interment, . . . 144

WOMEN'S MEETINGS — institution and duties of, . 140

Monthly, to take care of their poor and cognizance

of proposals of marriage, 145

To 'appoint Overseers, treat with offenders, and

deliver testimonies, ...... 146

To transmit by minute, offences of persons removed

to distant Monthly Meetings, . . . 51, 146

Admission and reinstatement into membership, . 147

Acknowledgment for offences while under care, . 148

Authority to receive or disown a member vested in

the Men's Meeting, 149

Issuing and receiving certificates, .... 28, 149 Religious concerns of women to be laid before both meetings, the certificate signed by the clerks and

correspondent, 92, 150, 151

To unite with men in nomination of an Elder, . 89

Preparative — to answer Queries, where more than

one constitutes a Monthly Meeting, . . . 150

Monthly Meetings, also, to answer the first eight Queries, and appoint representatives to the Quar- ter, and to give information of births and deaths, 150 Quarterly Meetings to consider religious concerns — to transmit replies to Women's Yearly Meeting — appoint representatives to it — communicate Ad- vices or Epistles from the Yearly Meeting to the Monthly Meetings — to nominate committees to visit them, &c, ....... 151

Yearly Meeting to correspond with those of their

own sex, ........ 152

Not to hear appeals nor to make rules : — to have a

stock, 152

Representatives to select a clerk, . . . . 152

At the request of men, their Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly Meetings to appoint committees for setting up or laying down meetings. . . . 152

198 INDEX.

PAGE

WORSHIP, of those not in communion with us, . . 22

Formal, testified against, ..... 40, 41

Meetings for worship discontinued, ... 46 Mode of setting up Meetings composed of parts of

two Monthly Meetings, 48

All worship performed by the aid of the Holy

Spirit, * 82, 84

All meetings to be held in the authority of Truth, 80

Sleeping and other unbecoming deportment, . . 80 Exhortation to Christian zeal, for the performance

of, and diligent silent waiting, .... 80

Children and apprentices to be brought, . . 81

Care toward those who are negligent, ... 81

Drowsy members not to be employed, ... 82

A care maintained to guard against disorder, . 88

Persons disturbing by undertaking to preacn, . 91

Y.

YEARLY MEETING, to control proceedings of inferior

meetings, ........ 45

No Quarterly Meeting set up without its consent, 45 To dissolve Quarterly Meetings, and attach the

Monthly Meetings to another Quarter, . . 46

History of its origin, 153

Committee on Epistles, 154

Letters and papers, not from meetings with which

it regularly corresponds, examined by committee, 154

Representatives to propose clerks, .... 155

The present clerk to act till a new appointment, . 155 In case he is likely to be prevented, the Meeting

for Sufferings to take charge of the papers, . 155 Extracts of Minutes to be sent to all meetings for

Discipline, ........ 155

Certificates of Ministers to be reacl in Yearly Meet- ing, 156

To provide for expenses of Ministers when neces- sary, 95

INDEX 199

PAGE

Of Ministers and Elders, to read replies to Queries, and to issue advice, or extend care to subordinate

meetings, ........ 96, (.'7

Its adjournments not to interfere with Yearly Meet- ing for Discipline, ...... 07

Of Women Friends — duties, ..... 152 YOUTH — Ability to example them in the concerns of

the church, ........ 5G

Care requisite, not to bring them into premature

action, ........ 5G

Judicious care on account of marriage, . . . 68, 69

Exposure in coming to cities, .... 138

See PARENTS and CHILDREN, .... 105

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