BX 7799 .F912 P5 1834 Society of Friends. Philadelphia Yearly Rules of discipline of Digitized by tlie Internet Arcliive in 2015 Iittps://arcliive.org/details/rulesofdisciplin00soci_1 i. I i I RULES OF DISCIPLINE A OCT 23 19; YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, PENNSYLVANIA, NEW-JERSEY, DELAWARE, EASTERN PARTS OF MARYLAND: REVISED AND ADOPTED BY THE SAID MEETING, BY ADJOURNMENTS FROM THE 21st OF THE FOURTH MONTH, TO THF. •2f.ih OF THE SAME, INCLUSIVE, 1834. PHILJIDELPHIA: PRINTED BY JOSEPH RAKESTRAVV. 1834. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1834, by Joseph Rakeslraw, 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. INTRODUCTION. As 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 teach- ings of men, to inspire them with degrees of the same universal love and good will by which the dispensa- tion of the gospel was ushered in, — these have been engaged to meet together for the worship of God in Spirit, according to the direction of the holy Law- giver ; 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 Shepherd 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 and dangers, to which our situation in this world ex- poses 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 testi- monies which we believe we are intrusted with, for the promotion of truth and righteousness in the earth, it becomes our indispensable duty to treat with such. 4 INTRODUCTION. in meekness and brotherly compassion, without un- necessary 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. chap, xviii. 15, 16, 17. This is the extent of the Society's censure against irreclaimable offenders, they are disowned as members of our religious community ; which is recommended to be done in such a disposition of mind, as may con- vince them, that we sincerely desire their recovery and restoration, considering ourselves, 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 instituted: such as. Firsts Preparative meetings, which are subordinate to the monthly, and commonly consist of the mem- bers of a meeting for worship: Second, Monthly meet- ings, each of which commonly consists of several preparative meetings, all subordinate to the quarterly meeting : Third, Quarterly meetings, each of which consists of several of the monthly meetings ; it and INTRODUCTION. 5 its branches being under the direction of the yearly meeting* which embracing the whole, its decisions are obligatory upon all. These meetings have all distinct allotments of ser- vice; 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 Hol}'^ Head, and the help and edification of one another, in the love where- with he has loved us, our assemblies are often favour- ed with his aid and direction ; Friends are affection- ately desired and exhorted, to be diligent in the at- tendance of them ; 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 afid abilities, endue us with patience and con- descension towards each other ; and being preserved in fellowship 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 an- other in that faith, which works by love to the puri- fying 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. • In the society there are ten such yearly meetings, viz. one held in London, one in Dublin, and eight on the American continent. i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. It is the sense of this meeting, that offenders incHn- ing to make acknowledgment of their offences, do prepare the same in writing, and if, on consulting the overseers or other judicious Friends, the purport ap- pears 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 proceed- ed upon. The meeting is then to consider the case, and when a conclusion is come to, appoint two or more Friends to inform the part}' thereof. — 1743, 1806. When a disowned person removes out of the verge of the meeting which disowned him or her, and ap- plies thereto for reinstatement, acknowledging his or her error, and if by reason of the distance 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. 8 ACKN0WLEDG31ENTS. As it may not always be necessary that papers of acknowledgment should contain a recital of the occa- sion of disownment as specified in the testimonies of denial, it is agreed that monthly meetings be left to their discretion in this respect ; and that neither tes- timonies of denial nor acknowledgments be read at the close of our public meetings for worship. — 1806. If a monthly and quarterly meeting unite in believ- ing that the offering of a person who had been mar- ried to the husband of a deceased sister, (the husband being also deceased) proceeds from a ground of sin- cerity and real religious concern, they are left at liberty to accept it. — 1810. 9 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 judg- ment 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 or second monthly meeting immediately succeeding, but no other, of their intention of appealing to the ensuing quarterly meeting: which notification, the monthly meeting should enter on its minutes, 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 noti- fication of the appeal, and the minute appointing the committee (or respondents) is, after the representa- tives have been called, then to be read. Whereupon 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 cither 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 which the ap- peal comes. No 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 B 10 APPEALS. quarterly meeting. After the nomination has taken place, the names of the proposed committee shall be read in tlic presence of the appellant, and the respon- dents appointed on behalf of the monthly meeting, and each party shall be allowed to object to any of the committee, not exceeding three respectively. The places of the Friends Avho have been thus objected to, shall be supplied by a fresh nomination ; which nomi- nation shall be final. A time and place for their meet- ing shall now be fixed, of which due notice being given to the parties concerned, the appellant is to withdraw from the meeting. 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 respon- dents 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 replying to the case, shall digress into irrelevant matter, the com- mittee should stop such proceeding, and require that the subject of the appeal be steadily 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, care- fully deliberating upon the business referred to them, are to confirm or reverse the judgment of the monthly APPEALS. 11 meeting, 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 judgment. It is recommended that the purport of the written report of the committee, be simply the confirming or annulhng of the decision of the monthly meeting; and the judgment expressed in such report being adopted by the quarterly meeting, a few Friends should be ap- pointed to give early information 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 investiga- tion of the case, it shall be manifest to the committee of the quarterly meeting, that the appellant 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 meeting immediately suc- ceeding, 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 12 APPEALS. to appoint at least three Friends to attend the yearly meeting witli 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 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 respon- dents 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 parties, 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. No member of a quarterly meeting appealed against, nor any appellant, is to take any part in nomi- nating the committee of the yearly meeting. After the nomination has been made, the names of the proposed committee shall be read in the presence of the appel- lant and respondents, and each party shall be allowed to object to any of the committee, not exceeding 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 parties are present, after which, the appellant is to withdraw from the meeting. The committee and the parties being met, the appel- lant shall be heard in support of his or her objections. APPEALS. 13 and afterwards the respondents in reply, in the presence of each other, until both parties have been fully and fairly heard. If either of the parties concerned in an ap- peal, when stating or replying to the case, shall digress into irrelevant matter, the committee should stop such proceeding, and require that the subject of the appeal be steadily 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 committee then (the w hole or not less than fifteen being present,) carefully deliberating upon the business 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 de- cision 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 reconsideration and conclusion, under the same regulations as arc provided in the cases of individuals. In this recog- nition of the established right of monthly meetings to appeal from the judgment and determination of quar- terly meetings, it is fervently desired, that the peace 14 APPEALS. and harmony of religious Society, as well as an ad- herence to our Christian principles, may be carefully preserved : and that monthly meetings be exceedingly cautious and well assured of its necessity, before they proceed 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 fore- going rules and regulations, he or she shall lose the right of appeal; and the judgment of the monthly meeting is thereby confirmed: unless 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 satisfied, before it agrees to a postponement of the case. When a quarterly meeting has become so reduced 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 com- mittee as may be appointed by the yearly meeting, duly to consider and determine the same. — 1834. 15 ARBITRATIONS. If occasions of differences arise between any of our members about their property, it is recommended 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 de- mand ; 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 repeat the demand. If this step also fails of the desired effect, the parties should be advised to choose a suitable number of Friends as arbitrators, and mutually engage by bond, or other written instrument adapted to the oc- casion, to abide by their determination. — 1719. Should this proposal be acceded to, and arbitrators be accordingly chosen; they ought, as speedily as cir- cumstances will admit, to appoint time and place, and attend to the business without unnecessary delay ; giv- ing 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 16 AIIB1TRATI0N3. clear decision, which they should be careful to do within the time agreed on. But, if either of the said parties shall refuse to sub- mit the matter in dispute to arbitrators; or, when that is done, neglect to give his or her attendance when de- sired, without a sufficient reason 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 disunion with them, unless such person make it evident, to the satisfaction of the said meeting, or to a committee thereof, that the award is erroneous or un- just. In which case, the matter in dispute may be referred either to the same, or other arbitrators, 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 ac- quiesce in such corrected determination, the monthly meeting they belong to should proceed to issue a tes- timony 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 ex- pense of the parties, to take the opinion of counsel learned in the law, in order to come at a proper judg- ment in the matter referred to them. That they may the better answer the end of their appointment, and ARBITRATIONS. It be helpful in conciliating the minds of the parties, they ought not to consider themselves 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 re- specting the case ; or, having heard any thing on it, stand unbiased thereby. — 1751. They should reject no evidence or witness proposed; 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 creditors ; or, 2d. That the going through the meetings, by the time it must necessarily take up, might be a manifest damage to the creditor or claimant, by other people's post- poning him or her, as in cases of apparent danger of bankruptcy, or the party being overloaded with debts, and other creditors generally coming on; or, 3d. That there may be danger of future damage to such as submit thereto, as in the case of executors, adminis- trators, or trustees ; 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 mentioned circumstances in this paragraph, ap- pear to them to be really necessitated to proceed at C 18 ARBITRATIONS. law ; and in the latter case of executors, administra- tors 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 behave to- wards each other in brotherly love, decency and mode- ration, 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 opinion that the case does not require a reference, are to advise a speedy settlement thereof; which being ineffectual, and the complainant remaining dissatisfied therewith, he may have liberty to inform the preparative meeting where the other party is a member, without mention- ing any name, that having a matter in dispute with one of their members, he is desirous of their assist- ance in order to a settlement thereof. The said meet- ing is then to appoint a judicious committee to inquire into the propriety of the matter being left to arbitra- tion ; if they should judge that the complaint ought to be referred, they are to advise that it be submitted ac- cordingly : if either party refuses to comply with this advice, the monthly meeting of which he or she is a ARBITRATIONS. 19 member, is, through its respective preparative meeting, to be informed thereof, to take up the case accord- ingly and endeavour to bring the business to a speedy issue, that our Christian testimony to peace and con- cord may be duly maintained : but if the committee of the preparative meeting, where the assistance has been requested, concur in judgment 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. 20 BIRTHS AND BURIALS. As those who attend burials may sometimes come from far, and be in need of bodily refreshment, it is earnestly advised that, when this is really necessary, it may be with exemplary moderation ; and that Friends be careful in this and all other respects, to demean themselves with gravity and decency; remem- bering that such seasons, especially, ought never to be perverted into opportunities for intemperance or levity.— 1719. And it is desired that where any thing unbecoming appears, the offender may be tenderly admonished, that so every thing tending to lessen the solemnity 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. —1729. Advised that Friends be careful themselves, and dis- courage their children from attending the worship of those who are not in communion with us, and particu- larly at burials; seeing that, in so doing, there is BIRTHS AND BURIALS. 21 danger either of balking their testimony for the Truth, to the wounding of their own minds, or giving unneces- sary offence to their sober neighbours. — 1711. It is the sense of this meeting, that meetings should not be appointed on account of the interment in our burial grounds, of persons who are not in membership with us ; and that invitations to the burials of such who arc 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 inter- ment of our deceased members, in a customary or formal way, it is advised, that the proposal for holding any such meeting, be previously submitted to the con- sideration 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 Avhich the interment is to take place, that the counsel or mind of Truth may be waited for and followed. — 1792. To prevent the introduction of improper interments amongst us ; it is recommended that two or more Friends be appointed to the care of our several burial grounds, by preparative or monthly meetings, as the case may require, and that no person who is not in membership be buried therein, without a permit in writing signed by one or two of those Friends ; who 22 BIRTHS AND BURIALS. should also take care, that our burial grounds be pro- perly 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 monuments either of wood or stone be affixed to graves in any of our burial grounds ; and if any yet remain 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 cus- tom of wearing or giving mourning habits, and all extravagant expenses about the interment of the dead. 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 meet- ing, 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 members, 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. Whether BIRTHS AND BURIALS. 23 due care is taken to keep a regular record of births and deaths?— 1757, 1806. The form of the Record: BIRTHS. Names of the Children. WTien bom. Karnes of the Parents. Their residence. Occasional Aotes. BURIALS. Names of the deceased. men decea.scd. Age. Wliere buried. Late residence. Occasional Notes. • ► 24 BOOKS. As the meeting for SufTerings are to take the over- sight of all writings proposed to be printed, -which relate to our religious principles or testimonies ; our members wlio may have any such publications in view, are to lay them before the said meeting, 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 disunity 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 belong to; and if they are not convinced of the impropriety 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 administer the Discipline as herein directed, the meeting for Suf- ferings is then to spread the case before the respective quarterly meeting, that the said monthly meeting may BOOKS. 25 be proceeded with, as in the wisdom of Truth shall appear just and requisite. — 1834. If any member of our religious Society shall be en- gaged in printing, selling, or distributing books or papers, which tend to the denial or laying waste a belief m the divinity, mediation and atonement of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ — the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit, or the authenticity and divine inspira- tion 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 children, 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 authenticity and divine inspira- tion 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, romances, 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 prac- D 2G BOOKS. tice so inconsistent with the purity of the Christian rehgion. 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 repugnant to the truth in Christ Jesus. — 1764. 27 CERTIFICATES. It is recommended to the quarterly and monthly meetings, to take care that all certificates or minutes which may be given to any travelling Friend, be re- corded, and upon the return of such Friend, season- ably delivered back to the meeting; and that all cer- tificates of removal brought by any Friend intending to reside amongst us, shall be lodged in the monthly meeting where the same is accepted; and also, that every meeting do keep a copy or record of all certifi- cates which they give out. — 1718. All certificates of removal prepared for women Friends, after being considered in their monthly meet- ing, 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 given forth for Friends, which are to go beyond the quarterly meeting, arc to be signed in like manner.— 1723, 1828, 1834. 28 CERTIFICATES. Friends are advised to be very cautious in changing their places of residence: it liaving been observed that the dissolving of old, and the forming of new connections, have in many instances been attended with effects prejudicial to a growth in the Truth and the service thereof, both in the heads and younger branches of families. We therefore recommend to all, that on these occasions a strict attention be paid to the pointings of Divine Wisdom; and that before any determine to change their places of abode, they consult with their experienced fellow members. — 1719, 1769. It is the judgment of this meeting, that when a certificate of removal from one monthly meeting to 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, within one year after the receipt of such certificate, the meeting removed to ought to assist them, giving speedy no- tice thereof to the other. Whereupon that meeting should immediately take care of them, and repay the charge which has been or may be incurred on that account. And if the meeting from which such per- sons 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 assistance as the case may require. — If any such persons on being so required shall refuse CERTIFICATES. 29 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, however, 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 re- lief, 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 circumstances by fire, or other sudden unavoidable losses, though it may be within one year after their removal as afore- said, they should be kindly assisted and relieved by the meeting where such persons reside, and considered members thereof. — 1792. 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 advice, shall remove without BO 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 30 CERTIFICATES. removed, and that without improper delay; but if their conduct requires their being dealt with, and the dis- tance 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 thereon, 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 infor- mation 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 to the care and oversight of the monthly meetings whereto they remove. — 1744, 1783. If any person appearing as a Friend, come within the compass of a monthly meeting, not being recom- mended by certificate, and be of disorderly conduct, the overseers, or other concerned Friends, should in- quire 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 CERTIFICATES. 31 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 settle 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 exclusive 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 meet- ing, careful inquiry should be made by a committee appointed for the purpose, respecting the settlement of his or her affairs, and also if single, concerning their situation in relation to marriage engagements ; and if a satisfactory clearness is so far ascertained, that the circumstances of the party do not form any impediment to the granting a certificate, it should state, that on inquiry, no obstruction appeared to the recommending him or her to the Christian care of the meeting, within whose limits they are removed. — 1818, 1834. When a certificate of removal, addressed to a monthly meeting, is produced therein, and it is known 32 CERTIFICATES. that the person or persons recommended, reside within the hmits thereof, the certificate should be considered as accepted, and the parties members 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 conduct of them or any of them, requires their being dealt with, the certificate should be returned to the meeting which granted it. — 1816, 1834. 33 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 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 in- cumbent upon us to maintain it inviolably among our- selves : and therefore advise and exhort all in profession with us, to decline the acceptance of any office or station in civil government, the duties of which are inconsistent with our religious principles; or in the ex- ercise of which they may be, or think themselves to be, under the necessity of exacting of their brethren any compliances, against which we are conscientiously scrupulous. And if any persons in membership with us, notwithstanding this advice, shall persist in a con- duct 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 tes- tify our disunity with them. — 1710, 17G2. It is also the sense and judgment of this meeting, that Friends ought not, in any wise, to be active or accessary 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 Chris- tian testimony, or subject their brethren or others to E 31 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. sufferings on account of their conscientious scruples. — 17G2. 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, " Nation 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 of a hostile nature against any; especially in opposition to those placed in sove- reign or subordinate authority : nor can we unite with or encourage such as revile or asperse them. — 1762. See Oaths. 35 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. Whatever 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 contradiction of sinners, bearing 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 fight of faith, we may finally obtain the crown of righteousness which fadeth not away. — 1694* It is directed that if there should be any in member- ship with us, who are guilty of lying, swearing, cursing; men and women unlawfully or in an unseemly manner keeping company with each other, or any other scan- dalous practice, that they be speedily dealt with : and where any are guilty of any gross or notorious crime, or such other disorderly or indecent practices as shall occasion public scandal; they should also, if practica- ble, be dealt with without delay, by the overseers or other concerned Friends ; and if they are brought to a sense thereof, such offenders ought without improper delay, 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 wri- 36 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. ting under their hand, to the satisfaction of the monthly meeting whereto they belong. And where any such offender does not so acknowledge and condemn the fault, or has gone off to parts so remote or unknown, as to render it very difficult or impracticable for the overseers to treat with him or her ; the case should be early represented to the monthly meeting, that dili- gent care and exertion may be used to manifest our entire disapprobation of all such disgraceful conduct ; and whenever it shall appear seasonable, that a testi- mony be issued for the clearing our religious Society from the reproach 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. — 1720. 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, media- tion or atonement of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the immediate revelation of the Holy Spirit, or the authenticity and divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures; or print, publish, or spread any work tending to lay waste a belief in these important Chris- tian 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 convincement of his or her understanding and right restoration; but CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 37 if this be without effect, it should issue a testimony against them.— 1806, 1834. By the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ without us, he hath reconciled us to God, even while we are enemies; that is, he offers 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, nature and habits of sin, are destroyed ; that as sin once reigned unto death, even so now grace reigneth 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 pecu- niary interest may induce any of our members to im- pose on each other, or on others ; and it is desired that monthly meetings may be careful to extend suita- ble admonition against a spirit of covetousness; and where there is any deviation from strict justice in any of our members, that they be dealt with as for any other breach of our Discipline. — 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 as- sociation and converse, whether amongst those of our 38 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. own, or other professions. Much hurt may accrue to the religious mind, by long and frequent conversa- tion on temporal matters, especially by interesting ourselves unnecessarily in them ; for there is a leaven in that propensity, which being sufiered to prevail, indisposes and benumbs the soul, and prevents its fre- quent ascendings in living aspirations towards the fountain of eternal life. — .1796. 39 CONVINCED PERSONS. It is concluded that the following order be observed respecting persons who apply for admittance into membership, and request to come under the care of Friends. — That they apply to the overseers 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 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 princi- ples, 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 fitness for membership, a minute should be made, signifying the acceptance of such into membership, and appointing a Friend or two to ac(|uaint the person thereof, re- questing his or her attendance at the next monthly meeting.— 1 TOG, 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 40 CONVINCED PERSONS. having often been injurious both to the individuals and to the Society — to them, by settUng them in a false rest ; and to the Society, by adding to its num- bers, without increasing its jo}'. — 1806. Wherefore 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 believing that the applicants are clearly convinced of our reli- gious 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 re- spect to nation or colour. — 1796. 41 DAYS AND TIMES. Advised that Friends be exemplary in keeping to our ancient testimony against the superstitious obser- vation of days; and to the simphcity of Truth in calhng 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 in- stitutions 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 testimonies 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 assistance 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, having long since given place to the spiritual dispensation of the Gospel, we believe the fast we are now called to, is not the bowing of the head like a bull-rush for a day, but an universal and continual F 42 DAYS AND TIMES. fasting and refraining from every thing which has a tendency to defile the soul, and unfit it for becoming the temple of the Holy Ghost, according to the injunc- tions 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 Avorthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke xxi. 36. That the primitive believers saw an end to these shadows of good things, by coming to him in whom all figures and shadows end, is evi- dent by the words of the Apostle Paul ; " For Christ," said he, " is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." Rom. x. 4. — " But now hath he obtained 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, who it appears had fallen from the true faith in these respects: "But now, after that yc have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto 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, 10, 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 the first DAYS AND TIMES. 43 day of the week is the antitype thereof, or the true Christian sabbath; which we beheve has a more spi- ritual sense and signification ; and therefore we know no moral obligation by the fourth command or else- where, to keep the first day of the week more than any other, or that there is any holiness inherent in it. But as we believe the Apostles and primitive Christians did meet on this day to worship God, so we, following their example, do the like, and forbear working or engaging in our worldly aflfairs upon that day. — Works of charity or Christian benevolence, such as visiting and administering to the sick and afflicted; or occa- sions of unavoidable necessity may sometimes inter- fere with, or occasion a deviation from a strict adhe- rence to the uses and services to which this day is specially appropriated; yet it is our continued concern aflfectionately to recommend to all our members, that abstainmg from bodily labour on that day, they ob- serve and regard it as a day, which by the generality of Christians, is peculiarly set apart for religious re- tirement, 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 afternoon of the first day of the week, in such places where meetings for public worship are not held at that time; the due dis- 44 DAYS AND TIMES. charge of which duty, and sohdly reading the Holy Scriptures and other religious books, with a steady, watchful care over our young people, to discourage their visiting and rambling about on that day, and mixing with unprofitable company at this and at other times, would, under the Divine blessing, be a means of their preservation out of many ensnaring tempta- tions, to which they are liable. — 1834. 45 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. Friends every where 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 neighbours; as well as to unfit those who either pro- pagate or listen to evil reports, for being of that ser- vice to the persons reflected upon, which they might be, if the order prescribed by our blessed Lord to his church, was strictly observed: 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 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, 16, 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 injury of another's reputation or interest, let him or her be faithfully admonished; and if they cannot be prevailed 46 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. with to make such acknowledgment of their error, as shall be satisfactory to the monthly meeting, they are to be further dealt with ; when, if this produce not the desired effect, they should be testified against. — 1800, 1834. If any member who offends in this respect, shelters him or herself under a pretence, that they say no more than they have heard from others, yet will not disco- ver who they are — such reporters or tale-bearers should in like manner be dealt with, and testified against as being themselves the authors. — 1806. 47 DISCIPLINE, AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. The institution of our meetings for Discipline, having on experience, been found very beneficial, it is earn- estly recommended they be maintained in the autho- rity vs^herein they were established: 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 meetings for Discipline are thus: preparative meetings are ac- countable to the monthly; monthly to the quarterly; and the quarterly to the yearly meeting. So that if the yearly meeting be at any time dissatisfied 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 preparative 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 meet- ing. — 1719, 1834. See Appeals. No quarterly meeting shall be set up or instituted, without the consent and approbation of the yearly meeting — no monthly meeting, without the consent 48 DISCIPLINE. and approbation of the quarterly meeting — no prepa- rative meeting for business, nor meeting for worship, until united with by the monthly meeting; 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 meeting, the said meetings are with readiness to submit to such decision and junction. — 1834. And if any quarterly meeting shall, upon deliberate consideration, judge it is right and expedient to lay down or dissolve any of the monthly or preparative meetings belonging thereto, and join the members thereof to another of its monthly or preparative meet- ings, it is authorized so to do, and the members of those dissolved meetings, are to be accepted and recog- nized as under the care of the said meetings to which they are joined. — 1834. And if any monthly meeting should, upon deliberate weighty consideration, conclude that any of the pre- parative meetings belonging thereto had better be dis- solved, and the members joined to another 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 DISCIPLINE. 49 is obtained, the proposed dissolution, junction, and discontinuance is to take effect. — 1834. Wheresoever it 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 vari- ous obligations devolved upon them, it is recommended that they claim the sympathy and brotherly care of their respective quarterly meetings, which should ap- point committees to be so incorporated with monthly meetings, as to render the needful assistance in trans- acting their business, and in treating with offenders in order to their right restoration, or where the labour is ineffectual, that judgment may be placed upon them in the authority of Truth. This extension of aid to continue until the quarterly meeting shall judge that a different 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 enjoined as indispensably obligatory upon all our members in their several places and stations ; it is therefore the concern of this meeting renewcdly 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 dis- solve its connection with its respective monthly or quarterly meeting to which it has regularly belonged. No preparative meeting can therefore transfer its sub- G 50 DISCIPLINE. jection or join itself to any other monthly meeting, nor any monthly meeting to any other quarterly meeting, 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 promotion 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 different 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 trans- ferred to such monthly meeting as may be designated, within the limits of the said quarter; but if the propo- sal of either a preparative or monthly meeting extends to, and is comprehended within the limits of a different quarterly meeting; the quarterly meeting where those subordinate meetings belong, after carefully consider- ing the said application, and concurring therewith, is to consult the quarterly meeting proposed to be united to, and when it is there also approved, the contem- plated change and junction may be finally settled. — 1834. No meeting for worship, intended to consist of Friends belonging to two or more monthly meetings, shall be set up, until the proposal be offered to and approved by both those monthly meetings, and the consent of their respective quarterly meeting or meet- DISCIPLINE. 51 ings be obtained : when the meeting proposed is opened, it should be attended by a few sohd Friends, deputed by each of the said monthly meetings. And if at any time it is thought expedient, 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, applied 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 meetings, par- ticularly, are advised to attend to and finish all such business with care and despatch, 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 apply to their respec- tive quarterly meetings for assistance ; or if the cir- cumstances 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 of the papers, minutes or records of another monthly or quar- terly meeting, the same may accordingly be granted. —1705, 1719. 52 DISCIPLINE. Where any difference happens among Friends, and the same be entered in any monthly or quarterly meet- ing book, it is agreed, that if the parlies 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 discre- tional 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 respective 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 quarterly meeting appoint a suitable number of judicious 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 meet- ing ; to attend the yearly meeting with the reports and such other written documents as may be specially 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 pre- vented by sickness, or any other unavoidable occur- rence, that they be careful to send information thereof; also, that those who are under appointments to meet- ings, do not withdraw therefrom before the conclusion, without obtaining the meeting's consent. — 1719. DISCIPLINE. 53 When proposals of marriage are made, if any near relations of the parties (who are not in membership) are permitted to be present, they should withdraw be- fore the meeting proceeds to any other business. — 1755. If a member under dealing removes into the compass 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 resi- dence be at so great a distance as to render it incon- venient for the monthly meeting to which they be- • long, it should by minute request that into which they are removed, to treat with them according to our rules, and to report the effect of its care ; w^hen, if it is satisfac- tory, 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 meet- ing of women Friends w ithin the limits of which the person resides, clear information of the state of the case, and Vequest its care in dealing with her on their behalf; and when the monthly meeting removed from, has received a report of the effect of this labour, they are then to give due information thereof to their res- 54 DISCIPLINE. pective men's monthly meeting, in order that the busi- ness may be finished as before directed. — 1834. After a charge against a member is, by the prepar- ative meeting, conchided to be taken to the monthly meeting, he or she should not be permitted to sit in any of our meetings for Discipline, till the case is issued to the satisfaction of the monthly meeting. — 1S34. In all cases thus introduced from the preparative to the monthly meeting, a committee should be appointed to deal with the offender, in order to the convince- ment of his or her understanding and right restoration ; and if, in the prosecution of the service, it should come to the knowledge of the committee, 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 re- port accordingly to the next succeeding monthly meet- ing, and of the effect of their labour: 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 deal- ing may be beneficial, the case should be continued ; but whenever the meeting, after deliberate, weighty consideration, is satisfied that a continued extension of care and labour would be unavailing, and that the due maintenance of the Disciphne requires fhe case to be issued, the committee, 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 DISCIPLINE. 55 monthly meeting for approbation ; and that the neces- sary care be taken for delivering the party a copy of the said minute or testimony of disunion, with infor- 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 admo- nished and sought in the spirit of love and divine charity, so that it may be seen by all, that the restor- ing 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 worship. — 1746 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, endeavours should be used that the individual 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 affairs of the church, we ever bear in mind, that as it is the Lord's work. Friends should humbly and reverently endeavour to manage them in the peaceable spirit and wisdom of Jesus, with decency, forbearance, and love to each other. 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 remain out of membership, their children should not be 56 DISCIPLINE. esteemed members, till application for their admission is made either by themselves, or by their parent, pa- rents or guardians on their behalf, and the monthly meeting applied to, on a solid consideration of the case, is easy to admit them, or any of them. — 1762, 1782. All children born of parents who have been married according to our rules, and only one of them after- wards disowned; and such children as are born after their parents have both become members, and only one of them subsequently disowned, are to be consi- dered as in membership with us ; but where persons who have accomplished their marriage in our meet- ings have botlj become disowned, their offspring, born after this event, are not to be considered as having a right among us, unless those parents shall have be- come 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 therewith, is at liberty to admit them or any of them.— 1762, 1806, 1834. If any member of our religious Society shall apply to those called jugglers or fortune-tellers, or those who by colour of any art or skill whatsoever, 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 pretend to such art or skill, it is advised that they be speedily dealt with; DISCIPLINE. 57 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 Suffer- ings, that on inspection of some of the accounts of sufferings sent up by the quarterly meetings, consider- able difficulty has been occasioned by those accounts not expressing, with sufficient clearness, what the sufferings mentioned were for: it is now desired, that the monthly and quarterly meetings 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 here- tofore directed. — 1784. A committee should be annually appointed in each of our quarterly and monthly meetings, for the nomi- nation 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 meeting, that they may be held under the sense and influence of that holy unction. We affectionately recommend, that in making appointments in meetings for Discipline, care may be taken to judge of the qualifications of those who are employed in the church. H 58 DISCIPLINE. 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 con- ducting the important concerns of Society, we shall be enabled to example the beloved youth in a manner which will demonstrate to them, that neither tradition nor a mere outward education, 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 evi- dently under the forming hand, have been suddenly laid hold of, and introduced into service, before that preparation of heart hath been sufficiently experienced, which leads to a reliance upon divine direction, and redeems from a confidence in the natural understand- ing: it is therefore desired, that by a just discrimina- tion of times and seasons, and of the qualifications bestowed, every gift may be rightly exercised, and a succession of useful members preserved in every rank in the church. We are concerned that the management of our Christian Discipline be not committed to hands un- clean; particularly of such who allow or connive at undue liberties in their own children or families. " If a man," said the Apostle, " know not how to rule his DISCIPLINE. 59 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 you is not presently 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, " Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Therefore, 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 member 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 or natural wisdom, that makes him fit for government in the church of Christ: all his endowments must be sea- soned with the heavenly salt, his spirit be subjected, and his gifts pass through the fire of God's altar, a sacrifice to his praise and honour, that so self being baptised into death, the gifts may be used in the power of the resurrection of the life of Jesus in him. GO DISCIPLINE. As the use and design of prepamtive meetings is in general to digest and prepare business as occasion may require, which may be proper to be laid before the monthly meeting, Friends should be careful there- in, 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 ap- pear useful and right. But no preparative meeting shall take cognizance of proposals of marriage, this being exclusively the business of monthly meetings. — 1796. 61 DONATIONS, BEaUESTS, &c. Executors and trustees concerned in wills and set- tlements, are advised to a faithful and punctual dis- charge of their respective trusts, according to the intent of the donors and testators; and both they and the meetings concerned in any charitable gifts, lega- cies, or bequests, to take special care that these be not perverted or appropriated to any other uses than such as the donors or testators have directed and en- joined by legal settlement, will, or testament. — 1715, 1796. 62 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, recom- mended it to the solid attention of quarterly and monthly meetings: and it is desired, that concerns of this nature may be tenderly cherished, and those who are rightly exercised therein, encouraged to move for- ward in due season, and in a humble dependance on the Shepherd of Israel, who not only puts his own forth, but goes before and rewards all who are faithful to his appointments, 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 families are proposed to be visited; and when the concurrence thereof is also obtained, the necessary care should be extended to aid him or her in the performance thereof. This regulation is also to extend to such Friends, as may come from other parts on religious visits, to meetings within the limits of this yearly meeting. — 1834. 63 GAMING AND DIVERSIONS. As our time passeth swiftly away, and our delight ought to be in the law of the Lord, it is advised that a w^atchful 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 lotteries, wagering, or other species of gaming. And if any of our members fall into either of these practices, and are not prevailed with by private labour to decline them, the monthly meetings to which the offenders belong should be informed thereof, and, if they be not reclaimed by further labour, so as to con- demn their misconduct to the satisfaction of the meet- ing, it should proceed to testify our disunity with them.— 1716 to 1773. 64 HIRELING MINISTRY. Let us keep in remembrance, that it is under the immediate teaching and influence of the Holy Spirit, that all acceptable worship is performed, 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 arc so regardless of this testimony, as to contribute to the support or encouragement of a hireling ministry, that they be tenderly laboured with to convince them of their error; and if this prove ineffectual, the monthly meetings to which they belong should proceed to de- clare 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. 65 LAW. It is desired, that no debtors may shelter themselves under such of our rules, as are designed to guard 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 member thereof, disregarding the Gospel order prescribed 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 judi- cious Friends of the meeting to which the latter be- longs,) he or she in so doing, doth depart 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 prevailed with to with- draw the suit and pay the costs thereof, they should be disowned.— 1710, 1719. I 66 LOVE AND UNITY. 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 compact body, edifying itself in love. " If ye keep my command- ments, ye shall abide in my love." "This 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 an}' of the members from a due subjection to the salutary order and Discipline established in our religious So- ciety, 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 satisfac- tion of the monthly meeting, they should be testified against. — 1834. It is advised, that where there is any appearance of dissension and variance, or of unkind resentment and shyness among our members, the parties be timely LOVE AND UNITY. 67 and tenderly apprised of the danger to which they thereby expose both themselves and others, and earn- estly exhorted to mutual condescension and forgive- ness, becoming the followers of Christ. And if any, notwithstanding such endeavours for their help, con- tinue to manifest an implacable enmity to others, the overseers, or other solid Friends of the preparative or monthly meeting they belong to, should be informed thereof, and labour further 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, 1806. 68 MARRIAGES. It is advised that all young and unmarried people in membership with us, previously to their making any procedure in order to marriage, do seriously and humbly wait upon the Lord for his counsel and direc- tion in this important concern; and when favoured with satisfactory clearness therein, they should early acquaint their parents or guardians with their inten- tions, and wait for their consent ; thus preservation from the dangerous bias of forward, brittle, and un- certain afiections, 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 ex- tend seasonable caution and admonition, as occasions may require. — 1682. 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 right 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 guar- MARRIAGES. 69 dians thereto, be also signified in person, or by writing, wliere it is practicable, or may be reasonably obtained. —1682. No monthly meeting should permit any marriages 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 member do join in marriage with such as are not in member- ship with us, or in any other way than with the con- sent and approbation of the monthly meeting, they should be dealt with agreeably to our Discipline, and, if not brouorht to a sense of their error, disowned. — 1702 to 1721. On serious consideration concerning marriages, this meeting being tender in that respect, advises, that no misdemeanour 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 thincr, and should be checked and dis- couraged in all meetings. — 1712. It is recommended to monthly meetings, that ac- cording to the ancient decent practice amongst Friends, they take care that such men and women Friends, who make or admit of proposals of marriage with each other, do not dwell in the same house, from the time that they begin to be so concerned, until the marriage is accomplished. — 1714. 70 MARRIAGES. 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 careful to set a be- coming and encouraging example of moderation; and that all may avoid unnecessarily expensive entertain- ments and large companies, and especially guard against inviting such as guests, who are unlikely to conform to the order of our religious Society. — 1716. 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 appren- tices, without the leave of their masters or mistresses ; or who are either present themselves, or consent to their children being present at marriages of those not in membership, which are accomplished by the assist- ance 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 testified against. — 1719. If any of our members should attend the meetings 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 attend any of the marriages accomplished among the said people, or sign the certificates issued on those occasions; as MARRIAGES. 71 it is giving countenance to, and acknowledging those meetings, as though they were the meetings of Friends, this meeting declares that such conduct is of evil ten- dency, 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 labour, that the individuals may be instructed and re- claimed; and if those endeavours prove ineffectual, monthly meetings should testify against them. — 1833. It is the judgment of this meeting, that where pa- rents 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, without giving such reasons as shall be satisfactory to the monthly meeting whereto they belong. — 1719. For the accomplishment of marriage, it is directed that the following order be observed. — If 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 accom- panied into the women's meeting, by a suitable Friend nominated thereto — there the parties are first to de- clare, that "With Divine permission, and Friends' approbation, they intend marriage with each otiier" — 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 72 MARRIAGES. there, and two men Friends be in like manner ap- pointed 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 signified in writing; or, if the man is a member of another monthly meeting, the consent of his parents, if he have any, should be produced in writing, either then or at the next meeting, with a certificate from his monthly meeting, of his clearness from other hke 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 carefiil 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 to our rules, and appoint two Friends of each sex, to attend and see that good order is observed. It is further advised, that the said marriage be ac- complished decently, gravely, and weightily; and that the parties themselves, their parents, and others con- cerned, 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 intem- perate or immoderate feasting or drinking, or by any tmseemly, 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 any thing to MARRIAGES. 73 the contrary is observed, the overseers, or other con- cerned Friends present, ought, as speedily as they conveniently can, to take such aside who make any breach upon good order, and in brotherly love ad- monish them to a better behaviour; and the said overseers are to make report to the next monthly meeting, whether this advice concerning decency and order be observed, and take care that the marriage certificate be recorded. The form of which certificate shall be as follows: Whereas, A. B. of , in the county of , in , 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 propo- sal of marriage was allowed of by the said meeting. Now 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 a 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 occa- K 74 MARRIAGES. sion, openly declare, that he took her, the said D. E. to be his wife, promising, with Divine assistance, to be unto her a lovinjj and faithful husband until death shall separate them; and then, in the same assembly, the said D. E. did in like manner declare, that she took him, the said A. B. to be her husband, promis- ing, with Divine assistance, to be unto him a loving and faithful wife, until death shall separate them. And moreover, 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 subscribed, being present at the solemnization of the said marriage and subscription, have, as witnesses thereto, set our hands the day and year above written. A. B. D. B. That the marriage of persons too near akin may, as much as in us lies, be prevented, this meeting con- cludes, that no marriage between first cousins, nor between a man and his deceased wife's half-sister, shall be permitted aniong us; and that, where any person or persons so circumstanced shall intermarry, their so doing shall be considered as a relinquishment of their connection with the Society, and they be ac- cordingly disowned by the monthly meetings of which MARRIAGES. 75 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 rein- statement, the said meeting is not to accede to the proposal, until the case be represented to the quarterly meeting, and its consent and approbation obtained, after being well assured that the parties are brought to a due sense of their transgression, manifested by uprightness of life and conversation. — 1721. The term first cousins^ fully applies to every descrip- tion of grand children descended from one common parent. — 1807. It is advised, that parents exercise a religious care in watching over their children, and in endeavouring to guard them against improper connections in mar- riage; that they be not anxious to obtain for them large portions and settlements, but that they be joined with persons of religious inclinations, suitable, disposi- tions and diligence in their business, which are more necessary to a comfortable life in a married state. — 1723. 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 principles of Truth, and to impress their minds with the duty of religiously observing them; as 76 MARRIAGES. much as possible restraining them from such company as is Hkely 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 pre- cepts ; 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 insufficient to prevent their taking imprudent steps in the accomplishment of mar- riage, that timely application be made for the help of their friends. — 1761. The too ready acceptance of papers of acknow- ledgment from such persons who have accomplished 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 recom- mended to monthly meetings, that they be careful speedily to proceed to put the rules of our Discipline in practice against such offenders: and when papers of acknowledgment and condemnation are offered, such meetings should be well assured that they pro- ceed from a true ground of sincerity and conviction in the party, manifested by a consistency in hfe and conversation. — 1762. Monthly meetings are authorised to give forth tes- timonies of denial against such of their members, who MARRIAGES. 77 consent to, connive at, or encourage the marriage of their children or those under their care (members of our rehgious Society) contrary to the good order estabhshed amongst us; if, after Christian and bro- therly labour with them, they are not brought to a due sense of their error, and a satisfactory acknow- ledgment of the same. — 1792. 78 MEETING HOUSES. It is recommended to quarterly and monthly meet- ings, frequently to inspect the titles of meeting houses, burial grounds, and other estates which have been vested in trustees, and by them 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 sea- sonable care may be taken to appoint some others to the trust; whereby future 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 re- quire, keep exact records of all such trusts and con- veyances; 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 Society, are from time to time deposited; wherein due care should be taken to lodge them with suitable Friends. — 1796. 79 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. In order that this yearly meeting, with its several branches, might be properly represented in the inter- vals thereof, on emergent occasions, a meeting was instituted in the year 1756, by the name of the "Meet- ing for Sufferings:" which it was agreed should con- sist of twelve Friends appointed by the yearly meeting (living in or near Philadelphia, for the convenience of getting soon together) and also of four Friends chosen by each of the quarterly meetings ; who w ere directed to meet together in Philadelphia forthwith, for the regulation of its future meetings; which are subject to the following rules: First. — The said meeting shall keep fair minutes of all its proceedings, and annually lay them before the yearly meeting. Second. — No less number than twelve of the mem- bers attending, shall constitute a meeting capable of transacting any business. Third. — On all occasions of uncommon import- ance, previous notice thereof shall be given or sent to all the members. 80 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 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 neglecting their attendance for the space of twelve months, the meeting for Sufferings (if it be thought expedient) 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 appointments. As a change in the representation of quarterly meetings is not contemplated, except in the instances stated in this rule, it is therefore affectionately desired, that quarterly meetings may be weighty in their con- sideration 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 de- volve on this important station. — 1834. Fifth. — The said meeting may sit on its own ad- journments, 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 de- termined by the yearly meeting. The further services confided to the said meeting for Sufferings, are: MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 81 First. — In general to represent this yearly meeting, and to appear on its hehalf 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 our re- ligious principles or testimonies; and to promote or suppress the same at their discretion; also to print and distribute any writings already published by the Society, or which may be offered for 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 sufTerings, and also such memorials concerning deceased Friends, as those meetings may have concurred with: that when ex- amined and approved, they may be laid before the yearly meeting. Fifth. — To extend such advice and assistance to any individuals under sufferings for our testimonies, as their cases may require; and, if necessary, to apply to the government, or persons in authority, on their behalf. L 82 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. Sixlh. — To correspond with the meeting for Suffer- ings in London or elsewhere, on the common concerns of the Society. On sohd consideration it is agreed, that though none are properly members of the meeting for Suffer- ings, but such who are appointed by this yearly meet- ing, or by the several quarterly meetings; yet, that approved ministers, and members of any other meet- ing for Sufferings corresponding with this, be permit- ted to attend when inclined so to do. — 1796. Accounts of sufferings to be forwarded to the meet- ing for Sufferings, are to be preserved and recorded agreeably to the practice of our ancient Friends, reciting the sums demanded, the kind and amount of property taken, by whom the distraints were made, and the authority under which the officers acted. — 1807. 83 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. Dear Friends, keep all your meetings in the autho- rity, 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 themselves unbecoming our holy profession on those solemn occasions, be tenderly and seasonably admonished. — 1694, 1695. We exhort all to a Christian exercise and zeal for the performance of Avorship to Almighty God; and as we are not capable in our own strength to perform this great duty, we recommend to a diligent waiting in true silence and retirement of mind, for the renewed sense of the inward power and virtue of his Spirit, whereby alone we can be qualified to worship him in an acceptable manner. Let our faithfulness and sin- cerity herein appear, by the humility, meekness and circumspection of our lives and conversation, adorning the doctrines and principles of Truth, as declared by Christ and his Apostles: those who have been pre- served in faithfulness therein, having to testify from blessed experience, that it hath been very profitable; and therefore cannot be easy without encouraging and 84 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. putting forward their children, apprentices and serv- ants to this rehgious duty, as well as other behaviour consistent therewith. And if this useful practice was more generally attended to, it would do more for us and them than any outward acquisition 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. — 174G, 17C0. 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 im- portant duty, is a manifest evidence of ingratitude to the Divine Being, contrary to the example and prac- tice of the primitive believers in Christ, and our reli- gious testimony, it is the judgment of this meeting, that as such do thereby disunite themselves from Christian fellowship with us, monthly meetings, after having fully discharged their duty towards them, and finding their endeavours 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 labour 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, MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 85 to make an acknowledgment thereto of their having swerved from a just sense of their dependant condi- tion, 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 mem- bers in our reUgious meetings, they may be laboured with for their help; and where it is given way to, that quarterly, monthly and other meetings, should be cau- tious of employing such in the weighty services of the Discipline — 1789, 1834. 86 MEMORIALS. Quarterly and monthly meetings are directed 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 me- morial 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 appro- bation, previous to its being laid before the yearly meeting.— 1755, 178G. 87 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 dili- gence advise, admonish, and if they see occasion, re- prove 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 reverently seek the mind of the Spirit of Truth, to open the mysteries thereof, that, abiding in a simple and patient submission to the veill 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 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 fre- quent in reading the Scriptures of the old and new testaments; and if any in the course of their ministry, shall misapply, or draw unsound inferences or wrong conclusions from the text, or shall promulgate any doctrine which goes to lay waste any of our Christian 88 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 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 wisdom of Truth, by the preparative meeting of ministers and elders ; and if this labour is unavailing, the case should be reported to the quarterly meeting 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 minis- ters and elders in existence there, the elders are to state the case to the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders, which, as is already directed, is to take the necessary care; and if this brotherly concern and endeavour has not the desired effect, then the case is to be transmitted to the monthly meeting for Disci- pline; upon which he or she is no longer to be consi- dered 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 Disci- pline, they are to be treated with in the same manner as any other members of our religious Society; and whenever the case 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 considered as in either of those stations, until he or she shall have made satisfaction to the monthly meeting, and be again recommended or appointed as at first. — 1834. 311NISTERS AND ELDERS. 89 As the occasion of our religious meetings is solemn, a care should ever be maintained to guard against any thing 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 oppose a ministering Friend in his or her preaching or exhortation, or keep on the hat, or show anj^ 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 disowned by a monthly meeting, or his or her public appearances have been disapproved by the elders. — 1719. This meeting agrees, that each monthly meeting choose two or more Friends of each sex to sit with the ministers, and they together to compose a meet- ing, to be denominated a preparative meeting of minis- ters and elders; taking care that the persons chosen for that service, be Friends of solid judgment, pru- dence and experience. — 1714, 1740, 1755, 1834. Whenever it 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 proposed for the station should be deliberately and weightily considered; and if way does not open to bring forward any name, they are to report accordingly. Upon the nomination of M 90 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. any being agreed to, the report of the united commit- tee is to be made to each meeting; and the women's montlily meeting having solidly considered the same, and previous to making any conclusive minute there- on, is to impart its sense to the men's meeting, and there leave it for their judgment and determination. 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 expres- sive thereof, signed by the clerk of the men's meeting, is to be sent into the women's meeting for its concur- rence and signing; and this minute is to be forwarded to the quarterly meeting 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 meetings : and until the approbation of the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders is obtained, the nomi- nation made by the monthly meetings is not to have effect.— 1829. When any Friend has frequently appeared in our religious meetings as a minister, and the preparative 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 atten- tion of the monthly meeting for Discipline, of which the person is a member, they are at liberty to mention the matter therein; and if the monthly meeting, after deliberate consideration, should unite in believing that a gift in the ministry of the Gospel has been committed MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 91 to him or her, a minute expressive thereof should be forwarded to the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders, where, the case being solidly weighed, and the sense of the monthly meeting concurred with, infor- mation thereof should, by minute, be sent to the monthly meeting, and also to the preparative meeting of ministers and elders, of which the individual is to be a member. And until the approbation of the quar- terly meeting of ministers and elders is obtained, no such Friend is to be received as a minister, nor per- mitted 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 she be- longs, without a certificate from the monthly meeting for Discipline, or the concurrence thereof. — 1806, 1834. When any Friend, appointed to the station of an elder, believes him or herself called to the ministry, 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 a for any other 92 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. breach of our order; and if this labour is ineffectual, to 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 meeting, he or she is to open their concern in the monthly meeting to Avhich they belong, and obtain a certificate or minute (as the occasion may be) 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 Discipline it is requisite to be laid before the quarterly meeting, for its concurrence and endorse- ment — 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 propriety 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.— 1081, 1806, 1812, 1834. When the service of a Friend, who has been out on a religious visit, is accomplished, the meeting or meet- ings that have set him or her at liberty for that pur- pose, 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 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 93 thither, or on the return from thence, or a few meet- ings 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 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 belong- ing thereto — or if the concern embraces a visit to a considerable number of the meetings composing such distant yearly meeting, though it may be with, or exclu- sive of any prospect of attending it, and likewise in either case, such meetings as may be on the way in going and returning; after a certificate for that purpose has been obtained from the monthly meeting, the con- cern, together with the certificate, are to be laid before the quarterly meeting, that if concurred with, an en- dorsement to that effect may be made thereon. — 1834. If an approved minister is under a concern to per- form a religious visit to the meetings generally, which 94 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. are witliin 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 thereof 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 meetings generally: the concern is then to be opened in the respective quarterly meeting, in order for its concurrence and endorsement, which, if obtained, it, together with those testimonials, are to 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 religious visits, may humbly and steadily abide under the weight of the concern which drew them out on this important embassy, and in which the meetings they are respec- tively members of, have united; that using due dili- gence in endeavouring 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 occa- sion of uneasiness in his or her religious communica- tions, by misapplying or drawing unsound inferences MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 95 from the text, or shall propagate any doctrines or principles which are not according to the testimony of the Holy Scriptures, and inconsistent 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 give informa- tion thereof, and of the care extended, to the elders of the monthly meeting where such minister belongs, or report the case to their own respective monthly meet- ing, in order that if it should be judged requisite, an explicit communication from this latter monthly meet- ing to the one of which the individual is a member, may be seasonably made, further endeavours for his or her help thence be used, and our testimony to the principles and doctrines of the Gospel of Christ duly maintained.— 1699, 1834. It is recommended, that when the concern of a Friend for the performance of a religious visit to meet- ings 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 examine and see that the ser- vice 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 yearjy meeting, the like care should weightily rest upon and be attended 96 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. to by the quarterly meeting to which the Friend be- longs. When any Friend is drawn to make a reli- gious 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 stock of the meet- ing, as they may judge proper for payment of the expenses incurred in the performance of the service. — 1812. The ministers and elders of each monthly meeting, 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 meeting of minis- ters and elders, by two or more Friends, to be men- tioned 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 mem- bers and of the respective preparative meetings, should be weightily considered, that where occasion requires MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 97 it, advice, counsel and labour, may be seasonably ex- tended; 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 repre- sentatives. In this meeting the queries are also to be read, with the answers from the several quarters ; and the state of this part of the Society being collected and considered, advices adapted thereto may, if requi- site, 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. None of the said meetings of ministers and elders, are to interfere with the business of any meeting for Discipline: but in accordance with our ancient prac- tice, if any meeting of ministers and elders have under its care, a subject which peculiarly belongs to this part of our religious Society, and in their judgment it appears really needful to claim the consideration of its respective meeting for Discipline, 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 espe- cially ministers and ciders, to watch over the flock of Christ in their respective places and stations, always N 98 MINISTERS AND RLDERS. 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, by negligence, unfaithfulness, or otherwise, to have lost his or her service in that station, so as to become the subject of uneasiness and burdensome ; it is advised, that a timely and tender care be extended to such person according to Gospel order; first by the indi- viduals concerned, and then by the preparative meet- ing of ministers and elders to which he or she may belong; or if there is no such preparative meeting, by the elders. Should these labours 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 labour with 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 dis- charged, the case should then by. minute be transmit- ted 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 recom- mended or appointed as at first. But if the said monthly meeting declines or refuses to take up the MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 99 case, and extend such care and labour therein as is requisite, the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders should represent to its respective quarterly meeting for Discipline, the concern and exercise which has thus been brought upon them, that hence, the state of the monthly 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 such 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 counselHng and advising ministers, but to sit with them in those select meetings, and by a united exercise, be mutually assistant to each other in pro- moting a due regard to those services and duties which peculiarly belong to their respective stations; it is therefore the renewed concern of this meeting, afiec- tionately to recommend to the quarterly meetings of ministers and ciders, 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; carefully considering whether the continuance of meetings, which for many years have been in this situation, is fulfilling the design of such an institution, and of essential benefit to our religious Society ; that, where 100 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. a suspension of any of those meetings should appear seasonaWe and proper, an intimation thereof may be conveyed to the monthly meeting for Discipline; which, after consideration, and no weighty impedi- ment to the sense of the quarterly meeting of minis- ters and elders appearing, should by minute refer the same to the solid judgment and disposal of the respec- tive quarterly meeting for Discipline. Nevertheless, those Friends who have been appointed as elders, should be considered as remaining in that station, subject however 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 within the duties of the select preparative meeting. — 1834. 101 MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE. It is affectionately recommended, that Friends be careful to use moderation on account of marriages, burials, and on all other occasions; a departure frofti which, has been a cause of stumbling to many, and a great obstruction to a more full reformation, as well as attended with other evil consequences, tending to obscure that Light which is graciously bestowed, and which we should have more abundantly, if greater faithfulness was lived in ; lessening that savour 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. And as the all-seeing eye beholds our thoughts, and views us in all our ways and actions, what man- ner of men ought we to be in all godliness of life, and sobriety of deportment. — 1789. 102 OATHS. Advised, that our Christian testimony be faithfully maintained against the burden and imposition of oiiths, 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 shalt 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 Jerusa- lem, for it is the city of the great king. Neither shalt thou swenr by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black: but let your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay ; for whatsoever is more than these Cometh of 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 this meeting appear, declaring that oaths administered 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 recom- OATHS. 103 mended to quarterly and monthly meetings, that where any under our name are parties to the adminis- tration of oaths, to be careful to proceed in dealing with them; and- if they do not decline the practice, and give suitable satisfaction to the meeting they be- long to, to testify against them agreeably to the rules of our Discipline. As it is our duty to support our Christian testimony against oaths, faithful Friends are desired to extend brotherly labour towards those who deviate therefrom; and if such labour proves unsuccessful, monthly meet- ings should testify their disunity 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 temp- tation 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 re- quiring witnesses, it is recommended that Friends endeavour to procure such persons for this purpose, as will attest the same by affirmation. — 1762, 1806. 104 OVERSEERS. It is recommended, that in every monthly meeting, a proper number of faithful and judicious men and women, belonging to each of the particular or prepara- tive meetings, be appointed to the station of overseers within the same : whose duty it is to exercise a vigi- lant and tender care over their fellow members ; that if any thing repugnant to the Discipline, harmony and good order of the Society appears among them, it may be timely attended to and not neglected. And to pre- vent the introduction of all unnecessary and prema- ture complaints 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, patiently endeavour- ing to instruct and advise them : which if ineffectual, the individual should be notified, when it can be conve- niently done, that the preparative meeting is to be in- formed thereof.— 1719, 1834. If any in membership with us who, having violated our religious testimony and Discipline, have left their usual place of abode, and gone to such remote parts / OVERSEERS. 105 as to render it very difficult or impracticable for the overseers to treat with them ; the preparative meeting is to be early informed of the case and its circumstan- ces, in order that the monthly meeting may extend such care therein as its nature demands. — 1834. As overseers are appointed by, and are the officers of monthly meetings, their labour should not be con- fined to the preparative meetings where they may re- spectively belong J but they should be vigilant in the extension of care towards delinquent members in any part of the monthly meeting, w hich has delegated them to this important service. — 1828. It is further recommended to our monthly meetings, 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 improvement of their gifts, other Friends on whom a concern for the welfare of the Society rests. We tenderly exhort all our mem- bers 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 Apostle, " 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 being en- samples 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, 3, 4.— 1806. O 106 PARENTS AND CHILDREN. In much love to the rising generation, we exhort them to avoid the many vanities and ensnaring cor- ruptions 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 commandments." Psalm xci. 10. Take the advice of godly parents, guardians and friends ; ever remembering 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 some- times thwart your own inclinations ; and answer them not frowardly or crossly. They watched over you and took care of you, when you were utterly unable to help or care for yourselves. Why 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 into vain and expensive fashions; associating with corrupt and libertine persons; frequenting taverns 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 PARENTS AND CHILDREN. 107 to be destructive of your peace. We as fathers, be- seech 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 manners; but, through a sub- jection 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 seri- ous inquirers after truth ; and not of those who, under a profession thereof, are preferring their own crooked ways, and turning others from the footsteps of the followers of Christ. It is advised, that where the pious exercise of paren- tal care and authority is disregarded, and any of the youth in membership with us appear obstinately de- termined to run into and copy after the vain and ex- travagant fashions of the world, in their dress and address, exposing themselves to the corrupting influ- ence of evil company and excesses, whereby designing persons may entangle their affections, and draw them into unsuitable and unhappy connections in marriage or otherwise, that such be timely and tenderly treated with, and shown the dangerous tendency of their con- duct ; 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 meet- ings, as in other cases of offence; and if, after due ex- postulation and forbearance, they prove irreclaimable, they should be testified against. — 1792. 108 PARENTS AND CHILDREN. If any parents in membership with us, wilhngly in- dulge 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 liabits of industry, placing them with sober and exem- plary members of the Society, for instruction in such occupations as are consistent with our religious princi- ples and testimonies; that as far as in us lies, they may be preserved in a becoming conduct and demeanour. And it is desired that those whose circumstances may furnish with abihty for instructing, in useful and suit- able 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. — 1799. 109 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, in- decent, and unbecoming. And that they avoid im- moderation in the use of lawful things, which, however innocent in themselves, may thereby become hurtful ; also all such kinds of stuffs, colours 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 accessary 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 ungod- liness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteous- ly, 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 blessing, and be instrumental in his handforthegoodof others.— 1682, 1694, 1695, 1711. 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, salutations and conversation ; into which our forefathers were led by 110 PLAINNESS. the Spirit of Christ, and in conformity with whose pre- cepts and example, they patiently suffered long impri- sonments, and great persecutions ; 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 every thing unbecoming the followers of Christ, still leads in the same path, all who submit to its guid- ance; 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 considerate 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 un- der their care ; that they exercise plainness of speech, without respect of persons, in all their converse among men ; not balking their testimony by a cowardly com- pliance, 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 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. Ill POOR. It is advised, that the cases of all our members who are in indigent circumstances, be duly inspected, 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 defray the expenses which their support and the education 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 desired we may always guard against exposing the names or situations of our fellow members. An ap- pointment should be annually made of two or more Friends for settling the treasurer's account, and re- porting its state to the meeting. — 1721, 1796. 112 QUERIES. It is agreed, that the eight queries belonging to meet- ings 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 vi^riting 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 ansveers to them made in writing in the two quarterly meetings 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 immedi- ately succeed the yearly meeting, nor in the prepara- tive or monthly meetings which report to those quarters. It is not considered as obligatory on any meeting, to read the above queries oftener than is here men- tioned, nor to read any others than such as are to be answered. Nor is the reading and answering of them enjoined on any preparative meeting, where the members of that, and the montlily meeting are the same. — 1806. QUERIES. 113 It is further agreed, that at the time when the eight queries are read in the preparative and monthly meet- ings, the advices and caution subjoined, shall be also distinctly read and soUdly pondered; 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 behaviour therein? Second Query. — Are love and unity maintained amongst you. Are tale-bearing and detraction dis- couraged. And where any differences arise, are en- deavours used speedily to end them? Third Query. — Are Friends careful to bring up those under their direction, in plainness of speech, be- haviour and apparel ; in frequently reading the Holy Scriptures; and to restrain them from reading per- nicious books, and from the corrupt conversation of the world? And are they good examples 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 P 114 QUERIES. places of diversion, and to keep in true moderation and temperance on the account of marriages, burials, and all other occasions ? Fifth Query. — Are poor Friends' necessities duly inspected, and they relieved or assisted in such busi- ness 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 ? Sixth Query. — Do you maintain a faithful testimony against oaths ; an hireling ministry ; bearing 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 payment of their debts; and are such as give reasonable grounds for fear on these accounts, timely laboured with for their preservation or recovery ? Eighth Query. — Do you take due care regularly to deal with all offenders in the spirit of meekness, with- out partiality or unnecessary delay, in order for their help; and where such labour is ineftectual, to place judgment upon them, in the authority of Truth? QUERIES. 115 And in the preparative and monthly meetings, when all the foregoing queries are read and answered, the following advices are to be read, with a suitable pause between them: That no young or single persons make or encou- rage proposals of marriage with each other 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 keeping company, or marrying, that they be dealt with according to our Discipline. And if any of our members have been present at marriages accomphshed contrary to the rules of our Discipline, that they also be dealt with. That all public gifts and legacies be strictly applied to the uses intended by the donors ; or, if any unfore- seen occurrence should render such compliance diffi- cult or impracticable, that an early application be made to the meeting for Sufferings for its advice or assistance: and that timely care be taken for the re- newal of trusts. That Friends intending removal be careful to apply for certificates; and that the cases of such who re- move 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 IIG QUERIES. affairs once in the year; and make their wills and settle their outward estates whilst in health. And it is further recommended, that in conducting the affairs of our meetings, as it is the Lord's work, let it be done as in his sight; thus Friends should humbly endeavour to manage them in the peaceable spirit and wisdom of Jesus, with decency, forbearance, and love of each other. The following queries are also to be read, consider- ed and answered once a year, in each monthly and quarterly meeting, and a report thereof made in wri- ting to this meeting: and it is recommended, that in answering the query respecting schools, monthly meet- ings furnish their respective quarters with particular accounts of the situation and circumstance of the several schools within their limits, which are under the care of preparative, monthly, or quarterly meet- ings; and that the quarterly meetings convey to this meeting a summary statement thereof. First Query. — What ministers and elders deceased, and when ? Second Query. — What 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 ? QUERIES. 117 Fourth Query. — Are there schools estabhshed for the education of our youth, under the care of teachers in membership with us, and superintended by commit- tees 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. 118 aUERIES FOR MEETINGS OF MINIS- TERS AND ELDERS. It is also concluded, that of the following four que- ries, formed for the use of the meetings of ministers and elders, the first three be read and distinctly an- swered in writing, three times in a year, by each pre- parative meeting of that kind, to its respective quar- terly meeting: and that all the said four queries shall be in like manner read and answered, by the prepara- tive to their quarterly meetings next preceding the yearly meeting of ministers and elders ; that the quar- terly 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 with them. Do they diligently attend meet- ings for Discipline, encouraging such of their families to this duty as are of proper age, and suitable deport- ment? 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 QUERIES. 119 men: are they in unity one with another, and with the meeting they belong to, harmoniously labouring for Truth's honour? Fourth Query. — Are they good examples in upright- ness, temperance, and moderation; and careful to train up their families in plainness of dress and sim- plicity 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 affec- tation of tones and gestures, and every thing that would hurt their service; yet encouraging the humble, careful traveller; " speaking a word in season to them that are weary." And let all dwell in that which gives ability to labour 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. 120 SCHOOLS. The education of our youth in piety and virtue, and giving them useful learning under the tuition of reli- gious, prudent persons, having for a great number of years engaged the solid attention of this meeting, ad- vices thereon have been from time to time issued to the several subordinate meetings; it is renewedly de- sired, that quarterly, monthly and preparative meet- ings may be excited to proper exertions for the insti- tution and support of schools; there being but little doubt, that as Friends are united, and cherish a dis- position 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 encourage- ment to well qualified persons to engage in this ardu- ous employment: for want of which, it has been observed, that children have been committed to the care of transient persons, of doubtful character, and sometimes of very corrupt minds, by whose bad ex- ample 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 in- structing them in useful learning, to fit them for the SCHOOLS. 121 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, suf- ficient for a garden, orchard, grass for a cow, &c. and a suitable house erected thereon. Second. — That funds be raised by contribution, be- quests, &c. in each meeting; the interest of which to be applied either in aid of the tutor's salary, or lessen- ing the expense of Friends in straitened 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 beginnings into very val- uable establishments, it is desired that Friends may be encouraged thereto, and keeping an eye to the Divine blessing on their benevolent endeavours, make such essay for carrying into effect these recommendations as they may be enabled.— 174G, 1750, 1778 to 1787. Under a renewed fervent concern for the preserva- tion of our youth, and their advancement in piety and virtue, it is desired that quarterly meetings would enter Q 122 SCHOOLS. deeply into the important subject of education, and promote iu the subordinate meetings, the estabhsh- ment of scliools, to be taught by members of our re- hgious Society; and that a vigilant care be exercised in all such schools, to instruct the children in the prin- ciples of the Christian religion, and the peculiar testi- monies 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 attendance of the scholars at mid-week meet- ings, where it is practicable, should be enjoined at all these schools. Although various difficulties and discouragements exist in some of the quarterly meetings, yet if Friends generally were brought to consider a guarded educa- tion, not merely as a matter of temporal convenience and accommodation, but as it really is, a religious con- cern of primary obligation, and deeply affecting the spiritual welfare of their beloved offspring, they would be prepared to prosecute it with lively zeal, and to make such pecuniary and other sacrifices to procure it, that few meetings would be found where select schools could not be supported, and none of the chil- dren of Friends, to whom the invaluable blessing of a competent and religious education, would not be ac- cessible. Quarterly and monthly meetings are there- fore recommended to appoint committees to have this subject under their special care ; to make particular SCHOOLS. 123 inquiry into llie situation of all their members as re- gards education, and endeavour, as way may open, earnestly to impress on their minds, a due 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 meet- ings may cherish a liberal disposition, in contributing towards the assistance of their brethren, who have fam- ilies of children growing up around them, and are la- bouring under many discouragements and disadvanta- ges, arising from the want of means to give them that kind of education, which it has long been the fervent concern of this meeting to promote among its mem- bers. 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 bo 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 contigu- ous. If a proper concern for the promotion of the welfare of each other, is cultivated among our mem- bers, it is believed there would be little difficulty in procuring such situations for the children, where they can be accommodated during the week at a small ex- pense, and return home to spend the first-day with 124 SCHOOLS. their parents. It is also recommended, that all these schools should be under the care of committees, ap- pointed in the monthly or preparative meetings, who should frequently visit, and diligently watch over them, in order to promote their improvement, and to encou- rage Friends to send their children there, rather than to the mixed schools in the neighbourhood. As essentially connected with, and highly conducive to the fulfilment of the foregoing salutary recommen- dations, it is very important that Friends bear in mind, that the business of proper and just education, must be begun at home, and that the discipline 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, 1834. • 125 SCRIPTURES OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. We tenderly and earnestly advise and exhort all parents and heads of families, that they endeavour 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 conception, birth, holy life, wonderful works, blessed example, meritorious death, and glorious resurrection, ascension and medi- ation, of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and to educate their children in the belief of those important truths, as well as in the belief of the inward manifes- tation and operation 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 considera- tions.— 1732. We have always believed that the Holy Scriptures were written by Divine inspiration; that they arc 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 righteousness, that the man of God may 126 SCRIPTURES. be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. But as Ave 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 understand- ing of the Divine will, and meaning of Holy Scrip- ture, 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 instruc- tion and comfort. — 1828. We have always asserted our willingness, that all our doctrines and practices be tried by them; and 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 delusion of the devil." We 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. 127 SLAVE TRADE AND 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 en- slaving 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 prac- tice is still continued and connived at, we therefore think it proper to revive the advices heretofore issued ; and again exhort our members, to be no way acces- sary to this enormous national evil, but to discourage it by all the justifiable means in their power; it being obvious, that wherever it prevails, it tends to corrupt the morals of the people, so as not only to render them obnoxious to the displeasure of the Almighty, but deaf to his warnings, and insensible and regard- less of his impending judgments. — 1755, 1806. And we earnestly desire that our members gener- ally may use endeavours to promote the instruction of the people of colour, as objects of the common salva- tion, 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 128 SLAVE TRADE AND SLAVERY. society. Also, that Friends in their several neigh- bourhoods, advise and assist them in the education of their children, and common worldly concerns. — 1778. Friends are cautioned against acting as executors or administrators to estates where slaves are be- queathed; and doing any thing whereby their bondage 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 counte- nance a traffic in slaves, they should be treated with as for any other immoral, unjust, or reproachful con- duct; 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 satis- faction of the monthly meeting, they should be dis- owned.— 1774, 1834. It appearing that, notwithstanding the many afflic- tive dispensations with which Divine wisdom has seen meet to visit this land, many of its inhabitants 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 meet- ing, considering such a conduct as a bold and impious defiance of the Ruler of nations, and pregnant with the most alarming consequences to our country, earn- / SLAVE TRADE AND SLAVERY. 129 estly recommends to the meeting for Sufferings, to embrace every suitable opportunity for advancing our testimony in this respect, and for calhng 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 appropri- ated 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 viola- tion of our testimony, such members should be treated with, and after patient labour has been unavailing, monthly meetings should testify their disunity with them — 1824, 1834. R « 130 SPIRITUOUS LiaUORS. 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 become drunken to the greatest degree, yet they often thereby become like ground fitted for the seeds of the greatest transgres- sions; and some who have had the good example of virtuous parents, have, from small beginnings, arrived at a shameful excess, to their ruin, the great injury of their wives and families, and the scandal of the reli- gious profession they have made. — 170G, 1737. . 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 vendues to advance the price, which, besides the injustice 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 w ith us, do fall into the evil practice of giving or taking spirituous 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, SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS. 131 Many just and pertinent remarks being made in this meeting, clearly setting forth the corrupting, de- basing, and ruinous effects, consequent on the impor- tation and retailing large quantities of distilled spirits, whereby the intemperate use of them is greatly aided and encouraged, to the impoverishment of many, dis- tempering the constitutions and understandings of many more, and increasing vice and dissoluteness in the land, wherewith man)'^ religiously 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 endeavours, 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 inte- resting concern for the maintenance of our Christian testimony against the trading in, and use of distilled spirituous liquors, that a gradual and steady advance- ment thereof may in no respect be impeded, quarterly and monthly meetings are afresh urged to renewed, patient, persevering labour, 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 132 SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS. there is a faithful adherence to the Divine principle of good will to men. — 1796. If any in membership with us should distil, trade in, or sell distilled spirituous liquors, except it be for me- dicinal 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. 133 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 several agreements made, or hereafter to be made. — 1695. A stock having been generally kept, and by experi- ence found useful, for the necessary occasions of the Society, it is agreed, that the same be occasionally renewed by a collection from each quarter, and that it be continued in the hands of the treasurer appointed by this meeting, and subject to be drawn out by its direction or by the meeting for Sufferings, as the exi- gencies of Society may require. The sums which may be thought necessary, shall 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 quar- terly meetings, produced by a committee appointed for that purpose, was agreed to in 1831, as fol- lows: — 134 STOCK. Philadelphia Quarter to pay 33 dollars in every $100 Abingtoii do. 7 ditto. Joucks do. 7 1 '4.4. A ditto. Concord do. 10 ditto. Cain do. 7 ditto. Western do. 7 ditto. Burlington do. 11 ditto. Haddonfield do. 11 ditto. Salem do. 5 ditto. Shrewsbury and Railway 2 dittos $100 135 TAVERNS. We think it necessary to caution not only the youth, but those of riper age, to avoid the unnecessary atten- dance at taverns, and that they maintain a watchful religious guard respecting other places of public resort: that they be not exposed to noisy company, and un- profitable conversation ; or betrayed into the use of strong liquors, by which so many have been corrupted both in principle and practice, to the ruin of them- selves and their families. And if any are in danger on these accounts, 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 tempations and snares which they are exposed to, who keep houses of public entertain- ment, or beer houses, the corrupting influence of many who resort ^o 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 endeavour, as far as their influence extends in the community, to pre- vent the unnecessary increase of taverns, and be cau- tious of signing petitions in behalf of those who may apply for licenses on that account. — 1738. 136 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 disqualifying entanglements ; and contrarywise, that an inordinate love and pursuit of worldly riches, often betrays those who are captivated by them, into many difficulties and dangers, to the great obstruction of the work of Truth in the heart; we af- fectionately desire that the counsel and gracious prom- ise of our blessed Redeemer to his followers, may be remembered and duly regarded by us, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." — 1G95 to 1746. This meeting being earnestly concerned that the ser- vice of our religious Society may not be obstructed, or its reputation dishonoured, by any imprudence of its members in their worldly engagements, 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 profession of the Truth ; but that they bound their engagements by their means ; and when they en- ter into contracts, or give their words, that they en- deavour on all occasions strictly to fulfil them. TRADE. 137 We particularly exhort, that none engage in such concerns, as depend on the often deceptive probabilities of hazardous enterprises; but rather content them- selves with such a plain and moderate way of living, as is consistent with the self-denying principle we make profession of; whereby many 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 admonished. — 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 punctuality in fulfilling their contracts, or any other cause, are de- clining 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 credi- tors together without delay. And if, notwithstanding this advice, such persons still persist and run into em- barrassment, to the loss of others and to their own dis- reputation, the preparative and thence the monthly meeting to which they bclonor, ought to be timely in- formed thereof, and proceed to deal with them accord- mg to our rules ; when, if this labour also prove inef- fectual, a testimony of denial is to be issued against them.— 1710. It is recommended that Friends frequently inspect S 138 TRADE. the state of their ciffairs, and keep their accounts 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 survivors. And whenever any find that they have no more property left than is sufficient to discharge their just debts, it is advised, that they immediately consult with some judicious Friends, and, without loss of time, make their circum- stances 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 hap- pened, and report accordingly. — It is the judgment of this meeting, that neither monthly nor other meetings should receive subscriptions, donations, 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 remem- bered, that though, in such cases, the defaulter may have been legally discharged, 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 refiise to comply TRADE. 139 therewith, inquiry be made into the reason, and if it be not such as shall satisfy the monthly meetings of which they are members, and they cannot be prevailed with, the said meetings, after a proper time of labour and forbearance, should issue a testimony of denial against them. — 1782. Advised, that whe 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 every where carefully avoid being any way concerned in defraud- ing the government of its duties; that so our ancient testimony in this respect may be inviolably main- tained.— 1755, 1796. If any member is complained of for withholding a just debt, he or she should be tenderly urged to pay- ment; and if this is unavailing, be dealt with as in other cases of disorderly conduct. And if any of our members appear unable to satisfy their creditors, they should be advised to call them together without loss of time, and submit the state of their affairs to their inspection: when, if the creditors apprehend a surren- der of the debtor's effects to assignees, for the benefit of the whole, to be necessary, let him or her be earn- estly entreated to consent; and if they refuse so to do, the monthly meeting should be informed thereof; when, if the party still persists in refusing, he or she should be disowned without too long delay. — 1710, 1719, 1806. 140 TRADE. It is the judgment of this meeting, that if persons so failing in their circumstances, should at any time afterwards be favoured with full ability to pay off their deficiencies, justice will require it of them, notwith- standing a composition with, and legal discharge from their creditors, may have been obtained. This is, however, not meant to furnish any creditor with a pretext for advancing such claims, while persons so deficient are honestly labouring to retrieve their cir- cumstances; 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 concerned 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 inconsistent with the truth we pro- fess, 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 kindness; many by so doing, having been suddenly ruined, and their inno- cent wives and children reduced to deplorable circum- TRADE. 141 stances. "Be not thou," said the wise man, " one of them that strike hands; or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away tiiy bed from under thee." — 1806. We affectionately desire, that Friends may humbly wait for Divine counsel in all their engagements, 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 Apostle in his day, and so often sorrowfully verified in ours, that " They who will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare;" 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 tes- timonies, 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. — 180G. When any member of our religious Society, in trade or business, becomes unable to discharge his or her debts, the overseers should take an early opportunity to ascertain the circumstances of the case, and spread the same before the preparative meeting, in order that it may be regularly forwarded to the monthly meeting; 142 TRADE. and if it shall appear that such failure has arisen from a want of due attention to the 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 pro- perty, their creditors should be consulted, if practi- cable, and have the liberty of appointing assignees to take charge of the effects; which should be assigned without any reservation or other condition, than a dis- tribution 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. 143 WAR. Friends are exhorted faithfully to adhere to our ancient testimony against wars and fightings, and in no way to unite w ith any in warhl^e measures, either offensive or defensive, that by the inoffensiveness of our conduct, we may convincingly demonstrate ourselves to be real subjects of the Messiah's peaceful reign, and be instrumental in the promotion thereof, towards its desired completion ; when, according to ancient prophecy, " the earth shall be full of the know- ledge 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-per- formance 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 testimony 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 conveying of military stores, is a military service, and that the care of elders, overseers, and all faithful Friends, should 144 WAR. be extended in true love and Cliristian 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, colours, or for other warlike uses, cannot be paid consistently with our Christian testimony. — 1776. This meeting fervently recommends to the deep at- tention of all our members, that they be religiously guarded against approving or showing the least con- nivance at war, either by attending at, or viewing of military operations, or in any wise encouraging the unstable deceitful spirit of party, by joining with politi- cal devices or associations, however speciously disguis- ed under the ensnaring subtleties commonly attendant thereon ; but that they sincerely labour to experience a settlement on the alone sure foundation, of pure un- changeable Truth; whereby, through the prevalence of unfeigned Christian love and good will to men, we may convincingly 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 fight- ings.— 1798. A living concern for the advancement of our testi- mony to the peaceable kingdom of Christ, continu- ing to spread in many minds, we fervently desire that the members of our religious Society, may carefully WAR. 145 avoid engaging in any trade or business promotive of war; sharing or partaking of the spoils of war by pur- chasing 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 ap- pertains the kingdom and the power; who is wonderful in working, will continue to carry on 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 gen- eral: it being the judgment 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 carrying on war ; or allow their children, appren- tices 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 expenses 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 T 146 WAR. it is inconsistent with our religious testimony and prin- ciple, 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 he applied to- wards 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 convincement and restoration : and if this proves ineffectual, monthly meetings should pro- ceed to testily against them. — 1790. 147 WILLS. Knowing 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 satisfaction and peace; laying aside all resentment, though occasion may have been given, lest it should go with them to the grave; remember- ing 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 fami- lies, which the seasonable performance of this neces- sary duty might have effectually prevented. — 1691, 1703. Friends are earnestly recommended to employ per- sons skilful in the law, and of good repute, to make their wills, as great inconvenience and loss, and some- times 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. 148 WILLS. And all Friends who may become executors or ad- ministrators, are advised to make a full, clear, and perfect inventory of the estate and effects of the de- ceased, 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 long. — 1801. 149 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. Forasmuch as our women's meetings for Discipline were set up and established in Divine 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 particular; 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 atten- tion and care. On considering the nature and extent whereof, it is apprehended a benefit might accrue, by explicitly setting forth their distinct allotment, and separate services in their monthly and quarterly meet- ings, and also in their yearly meeting. — 1796. Women's monthly meetings ; are. First, To inspect and relieve the wants of the poor of their own sex; and where their own funds are insufficient, they are to apply to the men's meetings for their aid, and for their concurrence, as cases shall require. Second, — 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. 150 women's meetings. Third, — They tire to appoint a suitable number of overseers, who arc to treat with oiFcndcrs of their own sex; that their cases be laid before the women's preparative meeting, and if needful, the same should be spread before their monthly meeting; which should proceed to deal further with such delinquents, and re- port the result of their labours to the men's meeting; and if further dealing is expedient, the men should ap- point a committee to unite with the women therein ; the report of which 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 consideration there, further dealing does not appear to be needful, a com- mittee 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 concur- rence, and care in delivering it to the party. — 1796. If a female under dealing in the women's meeting removes into the compass of another monthly meet- ing; or if previous to or after such removal, her con- duct has been such as to require her being dealt with; and her residence be at so great a distance as to ren- der it 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 women's meetings. 151 her on their behalf: and when the monthly meeting removed from, has received an account of the effect of this labour, they are then to give due information there- of to their respective men's monthly meeting, in order that the business may be finally determined. — 1834. Fourth, — On application of a woman for admission into membership, after a religious care therein hath been exercised by women overseers, and in the prepara- tive meeting, as the case may require, and it appear- ing proper to claim the attention of their monthly meeting, it should accordingly be referred thereto; when, if no obstruction to its further procedure is dis- covered, they are to make an appointment to unite with a committee of men Friends, in further careful attention to the business; 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 meet- ing, where the subject shall be considered and finally resulted.— 179G, 1834. If a woman who has been disowned, presents to the women's monthly meeting an acknowledgment of her offence, and applies for reinstatement into member- ship; unless there is just ground of uneasiness and dissatisfaction therewith, they are to lay the case be- fore the men's monthly meeting, which is to determine how or in what manner it is to be issued: but if, although the way docs not then appear clear to accept the said ofiering, the men's meeting shall judge that 152 women's meetings. religious care therein sliould be extended by a visit to the party or otherwise, the women's meeting is to make an appointment 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 meet- ing, 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 conviction, 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 labour, and that although the party had presented an acknowledgment, yet their meeting, upon weighty deliberation, 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 de- viation, 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 women's meetings. 153 Friends, in renewed religious attention thereto; the report of which united committee is to be made to each meeting, and determined in hke manner as before directed. — The authority for disowning a member, or receiving a person into membership, nmst always rest in the men's meeting. — 1834. Fifths — 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 considered 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 certifi- cate is intended to include 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 meet- ing; 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 signing. All certificates received for women Friends, are to be laid before the men's meeting, before they can be fully accepted by the women's meeting. — 1796. Sixths — When a female minister apprehends herself 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 meeting, whose result is to be communicated to the women's meeting ; U 154 women's meetings. 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 89. Eighth^ — The women's preparative meetings, where more than one constitutes a monthly meeting, are to consider and answer the queries; which is likewise 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 extended to con- vey to the men's meeting, such information as may be necessary for the preservation of a regular record of births and deaths. — 1807. WOMEN'S QUARTERLY MEETINGS. Firsts — When a female minister, under a religious concern to travel in the service of Truth, produces to the quarterly meeting a certificate of the approbation women's meetings. 155 of the monthly meeting of which she is a member, if the concern is concurred with in the women's meeting, it is to be 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 meetings, 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 appoint a suitable number of representatives. See Discipline. Third, — They are to communicate to their respec- tive monthly meetings, such advices as they apprehend necessary, with any epistles or writings issued for that purpose by their yearly meeting ; nominate com- mittees, at the request of the men's meeting, to visit their monthly meetings, or for any other service which the men's meeting shall judge 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 hold- ing this meeting; is at liberty to correspond with any other yearly meetings of their own sex, either in 156 women's meetings. America or elsewhere, and to issue such counsel and admonition to their own quarterly and monthly meet- ings, as in the wisdom of Truth shall appear condu- cive to real benefit and mutual edification ; 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. — 1G85. They are to have a 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, quarterly 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 commit- tees, to unite with like committees of the men's meet- ings, in the setting up or laying down of preparative, monthly and quarterly meetings. — 1834. 157 YEARLY MEETING. It appears by the records, that the first yearly meeting was held at Burlington, New- Jersey, the 31st day of the Cth month, 1681, old style, for the pro- vinces 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 superintending care and jurisdiction, over all the meetings in those two provinces and parts adjacent; the yearly meetings in other provinces were accordingly informed of this concern, and requested to give their judgment upon a proposition so import- ant and interesting to the Society: a united concur- rence therewith being freely given, and Friends from New-Jersey and Pennsylvania, together with a number of Friends from other parts, having generally assem- bled at the yearly meeting held in Philadelphia, the 15th of 7th month, 1685, it was then unanimously concluded, that henceforward there should be one yearly and general meeting, held for the provinces of Pennsylvania and New-Jersey; the next year at Bur- lington, and the following year at Philadelphia, and so on alternately. It was further concluded, that Friends in the ministry should meet together on first-day 158 YEARLY MEETING. morning, at the seventh hour, before the public gene- ral meetings. The yearly meeting having assembled at Burlington at the time appointed, in 1686, it was opened under the title of " A General Yearly Meeting held for Friends of Pennsylvania, East and West Jerseys, and of the adjacent Provinces." At this meeting it was con- cluded, 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 appointed to prepare Epistles, shall meet together before they proceed on the service; and subsequently, that they examine the several essays previously to their being laid before this meeting. — 1724. All letters or papers directed to the yearly meeting, except from such meetings as regularly correspond YEARLY MEETING. 159 therewith, are to be first perused by a few Friends to be appointed, who are to consider and 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 not recognised or provided for in the rules of our 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 meeting as clerk, and a Friend to assist him ; and to make report to the next sittmg of the meeting. The clerk of the preced- ing year is, according to our ancient practice, to act as clerk until another is appointed by the yearly meet- ing; but if, through sickness, or any other cause, he is likely to be prevented 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 obstructed or delayed, for want of requisite attention to the re- ports and documents which are forwarded; that thus the meeting may be regularly opened at the time ap- pointed. — 1834. When extracts from the minutes of this meeting are ordered to be sent to the quarterly meetings, a full copy shall be sent by each of those meetings to their respective monthly meetings, and by the monthly to each of their preparative meetings, in order that each 160 YEARLY MEETING. 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 rcHgious concern are drawn to attend this, are to be read herein. — 1801. INDEX. A. Page ACC0M3I0DATI0N PAPER in trade, disapproved, ... 140 ACCOUNTS of Sufferings to be forwarded annually, ... 57 Mode of stating them, . 82 Of places of deposit of papers, minutes, title deeds, &c. . 78 Of deceased ministers and elders to be forwarded yearly, 86, 116 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS— to be prepared in writing, submitted to overseers, and may be presented by the party, . . 7 If the party resides within the limits of a distant Monthly meet- ing, it is to be written to, ib. Not always to recite causes of disownment, .... 8 Not read in meetings for worship, ib. Of persons marrying deceased sister's husband, ... ib. Of offences to remove scandal, 35 Hasty acceptance of, injurious, 76 Of disowned females for reinstatement, how treated, . . 151 Of females under care, . 152 ADMINISTRATORS, EXECUTORS, Sec. to resort to law where it appears indispensable, 18 Not to act where there are slaves bequeathed, . . . 128 To make complete inventory early after interment, . . 148 ADMISSIONS of persons into membership, .... 39, 151 ADVICES to be read annually 115 AFFAIRS of the church, how conducted, .... 56,116 outward, to be inspected annually, 115 APPAREL, plainness of, 109 APPEALS, 9 Appellant to be furnished with minute, or testimony of disunion, ib. To notify the first or second monthly meeting, ... ib. Committee or respondents to be appointed to attend the Quar- ter, with minutes of the proceedings, signed by the clerk or clerks, ib. Notification tobe read in Quarterly meeting after representatives are called, ib. Committee appointed to hear appellant, .... ib. Appellant and respondents may each object to three, . . 10 X 162 INDEX. Page Parties not to digress from the subject, nor any member to ex- press an opinion in their presence 10 Keport in writing, annulling or confirming the decision below, 11 Eaily information to be given to parties, .... ib. Decision of Monthly meeting to be affirmed, in a breach of Discipline, where proceedings have been correct, . . ib. Kight to appeal to Yearly meeting ; to notify the next Quarterly meeting, ib. Respondents to be appointed to attend Yearly meeting with certified copies of proceedings of both meetings, . . 12 Appointment of Yearly meeting committee and course pursued, 12, 13 Monthly meetings may appeal from the decision of the Quar- terly, 13 Appellant not appearing loses his right, unless prevented by sufficient cause, 14 Appeals to a Quarter, composed of two Monthly meetings, to be referred to Yearly meeting, ...... ib. APPOINTMENTS in meetings to be made with care, ... 57 APPRENTICES removing, their guardians to apply for certificates, 30 And children to be encour.iged to attend divine worship, . 84 ARBITRATIONS, 15 Party aggrieved to request the other to comply with the demand in presence of overseers, ib. Choice of arbitrators, and bond to abide their decision, . ib. Arbitrators to jiroceed promptly, listening to neither party sepa- rately, nor disclosing their opinions, .... ib. Either party refusing to submit the matter, give attendance, or .ibide by the award, to be complained of to Preparative or Monthly meeting, 16 An erroneous or unjust award cause of rehearing, . . ib. The matter again referred if the meeting thinks proper, and on further refusal to comply, to be disowned, ... ib. Arbitrators may consult counsel in the law, .... ib. They should shun previous information, and stand unbiassed, 17 To reject no evidence, nor receive any in absence of parties, ib. Circumstances which warrant an appeal to the law, . . ib. Certain cases to be settled without reference, ... 18 Preparative meeting to appoint a committee to judge, and the matter disposed of accordingly, ..... ib. Advised that ministers be not employed as arbitrators, . . 19 ARDENT SPIRITS— See Spirituous Liquors 130 Distilling, or trading in, disownable, 132 INDEX. 163 Page ARMING VESSELS, or shipping in them, testified against, . 145 ASCENSION of Jesus Christ, 125 ASSIGNEES, or Trustees, to be prompt in discharging duties, . 139 ASSIGNMENTS of insolvent persons to be without reservation, . 142 ATONEMENT of Jesus Christ, 25,36,37 AUTHORITY of meetings — the love, power and spirit of Christ, . 57 B. BANKRUPTCY, a cause for proceeding at law, .... 17 Inquiry to be made into the causes of, . . . . 138, 141 Subscriptions, &c. not to be taken from bankrupts, . . 138 Course of proceeding with insolvent debtors, . . 139,141 Persons becoming fully solvent required to discharge their former debts, 138, 140 Danger of inordinate pursuit of wealth, .... 141 Creditors to be consulted in assignments, .... 142 BEQUESTS and donations to be strictly applied, .... 61 Not to be received from insolvent members 138 BIRTHS AND BURIALS, 20 Moderation in provision at burials, gravity and decorum advised, ib. Suitable Friends to be appointed to attend, and the corpse to be removed in an hour, ib. Caution not to attend the worship of others, particularly at burials, ib. No meeting to be appointed at interment of those not members, nor in a formal manner at the burial of members, . . 21 No invitations are to be published in our meetings for those who are not members, ib. Appointments to the care of our burial grounds, and to grant orders for interment, ib. No persons not members are to be interred without a permit, ib. Grounds to be properly inclosed, and no monuments to be admit- ted 22 Mourning habits disapproved, ib. Regular records of births and deaths to be kept agreeably to form, 23 BLASPHEMY to be testified against 36 BOOKS, 24 Writings on our religious principles to be submitted to Meeting for Sufferings ib. Persons printing or publishing writings contrary to advice or derogatory to our faith, or tending to disunity, disownablc, ib. 164 INDEX. Page A Monthly meeting neglecting to administer the Discipline in such cases, to be represented to Quarterly meeting, . 24 Printing, selling, or distributing works tending to lay waste the doctrines of Christianity, disownable, .... 25 Care-takers of children to guard them from reading such works, and pbys, romances, novels, and other pernicious books, ib. Booksellers and printers cautioned against printing, selling, or lending them, ......... ib. Friends advised to be careful in the choice of books, . . 26 Reading Holy Scriptures and other religious works on the after- noon of First-day, advised, 43 Books to be provided by Quarterly and Monthly meetings to record minutes, 51 c. CATTLE, feeding or selling for the army, disapproved, . 145 CERTIFICATES, 27 To be forwarded for reinstated persons, .... 7 For travelling Friends to be recorded, and seasonably returned, 27, 92 Of removal to be lodged with the Monthly meeting where ac- cepted, and records kept of all certificates issued, . . 27 Mode of signing, ib. When certificate is received, the parties to be members of the meeting removed to, 28 Case of persons falling into necessitous circumstances, . ib. To be applied for, or sent after persons removing, . . 29, 115 If their conduct has been exceptionable, to be treated with by Monthly meeting removed to, 30, 53 To be applied for apprentices and minors removing, . . 30 Disorderly persons appearing as Friends, without certificates, to be treated with, 30, 115 Committee to visit those who bring certificates, ... 31 The property of the meeting addressed, and to be carefully for- warded, ib. When applied for, inquiry to be made respecting outward affairs, &c ib. To be considered as accepted, if the party reside in the limits of the Monthly meeting when produced, .... ib. If the conduct of the party requires them to be dealt with, it is to be returned 32 Persons about to marry at a distance from home, to obtain cer- tificates, 68,72 INDEX. 165 Page Signing certificates of the separatists for marriage, testified against, 70 Form of marriage certificate, 73 No minister to appoint meelings, or travel out of the Quarterly meeting, without certificate, 91, 92 For ministers travelhng beyond the Yearly meeting, . 92, 93, 94 Of removal for females, 153 For religious concerns of females, ib. Issued for services in war, not to be dealt in, . . . . 145 Of ministers attending Yearly meeting to be read therein, . 160 CENSURE, church, extent of, 4 CHANGE of residence to be miide with caution — fellow members to be consulted, 28 CHARITY, necessity of, in building up one another, ... 5 CHILDREN not to read books subversive of Christian principles, 25 Care .advised in the choice of books for their use, ... 26 To be especially collected on First-day afternoon for reading, &c. 43 Discouraged from visiting and rambling about on First-day, and mingling with unprofitable company, .... 44 Rights of, 55, 56 Apprentices and servants, to be brought to meeting for worship, 84 CHILDREN AND PARENTS, 106 Obedience to parents inculcated, ...... ib. Vain fashions, corrupt company, taverns and places of diversion, Sec. to be avoided, ib. Simplicity of garb, language and manners, enforced, . . 107' Disregard of parental authority and testimonies of Friends, to be testified against, ib. Parents liable to disownment for indulging children in excesses, 108 To be educated in industry and placed with members, . . ib. Friends in affluence exhorted to assist in educating others, ib. Of poor Friends to claim care of Monthly meetings, . . IH Not to keep company for marriage without consent of parents, nor with those not of our Societj', .... 68,70, 115 Education of children — See Schools, 120 To be provided with teachers of our own persuasion, . . ib. To be educated in belief of the miraculous conception, birth, miracles, death, resurrection, ascension and mediation of Christ, and the inward manifestation of the Holy Spirit, . 125 CHURCH — a preparation of heart necessary to manage its concerns, 58 Unclean hands disqualify for ruling in the church, . . ib, % 166 INDEX. Page Learning, artificial acquirements, riches, eloquence or natural wisdom, insufficient for government in tiie churcii, . 59 CLERKS to be appointed annually, 57 Hepresentatives of women's Quarterly meetings to select a clerk for their Yeaily meeting, 156 Representatives of the Quarterly meetings to report clerk to the Yearly meeting, I59 The clerk of the preceding year to act till a new appointment, ib. When likely to be prevented, the Meeting for Sufferings to take charge of the reports, ib, CIVIL GOVERNMENT, 33 Liberty of conscience the common right of all, ... ib. No office to be accepted whicii violates our principles, . . ib. Friends not to elect members to such offices, ... ib. Called to advance the Messiah's reign, we cannot join in warlike measures, .......... 34 Caution against defrauding the government, . . . 139 COLOURS AND STUFFS, fashionable, advised against, . . 109 CODE OF DISCIPLINE, an infringement to be treated for accord- ing to the order laid down in the New Testament, . . 3, 4 Extent of Society's censure, 4 COMMITTEE on Appeals, 9,12 Names to be read in presence of appellants, &c. . . 10, 12 To hear all parties, to stop irrelevant speeches, and not to di- vulge their opinion to either 10, 13 Their report simply to annul or confirm decision below, . 11 To confirm where there was a violation regularly treated, . ib. Of Preparative meetings, to judge of references, . . 18 To be appointed by Quarterly meetings to be incorporated with incompetent Monllily meetings, 49 To attend the opening of new meetings for worship, . . 51 COMPLAINTS FOR DEBT— See Arbitrations, . . .15, 18 See Trade, 139, 140, 141, 142 CONCEPTION, miraculous 125 CONCERNS OF SOCIETY, qualifications for conducting, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 116 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION 35 Cursing, lying, swearing — unseemly, scandalous, gross, notorious and indecent practices, testified against, ... ib. Persons promoting noisy gatherings or tumults, to be dealt with, 36 Blasphemy, denial of the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit or Holy Scriptures, Stc. to be testified against, . . . ib. INDEX. 167 Page Injustice and covetousness disapproved, ... 37 Frequent waiting on the Lord, and abstaining' from unprofitable intercourse and converse, enjoined, .... ib. CONNECTION and subordination of meeting-s, . . . 4,47 Of meetings not dissolvable but in the mode prescribed by the Discipline, 49 CONSCIENCE, liberty of, the right of all men, ... 33 CONVINCED PERSONS 39 Application for membership to be made to overseers or elders, and when prepared to be laid before Preparative and Monthly meetings, ib. Inquiry respecting hfe, conversation, principles, &c. . ib. Caution against haste in such cases, .... ib. 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 colour, ... 40 CORRESPONDENCE between distant Monthly meeting?, . 7, 30, 53 Between women's Monthly meetings, . . . .53, 150 Between elders of different meetings, .... 95 Women's Yearly meeting to correspond with those of their own sex, 155 Irregular, to be examined by committee before read, . 158 CORRESPONDENTS to sign certificates of removal, . . 27 To sign certificates of ministers, ..... 93 COURTS OF LAW, the proper demeanour therein, . . 18 COUSINS, first, not permitted to marry, .... 74 The term applies to grand children of one parent, . 75 CREDITORS, cases in which they are allowed to sue at law, . 17 To be consulted in assignment.s, 139, 142 To take no advantage of the rule requiring insolvent debtors to pay whenever they are able, 140 D. DANCING, members in the practice, liable to disownment, . 63 DAYS AND TIMES, 41 Advice against the superstitious observance of days, and calling days and months by heathen names, .... ib. Reasons for not observing fasts and feast days and times, &c. ib. First-day not the Sabbath — set apart by primitive Cliristians for worship and religious retirement, . . . . 42, 43 Friends to forbear worldly business, except works of necessity, ib. To collect their children and families for religious reading, ib. 168 INDEX. Paga DEATHS AND BIRTHS, regular records to be kept by each Monthly meeting', 22, 23 DEATH OF CHRIST, meritorious 125 DEALINGS among men to be just and free from all imposition, 37 DEBTORS to take no advantage of the rule to guard them from un- kind treatment, 65 To be advised to convene their creditors early, . 137, 138, 139 To refrain from partial payments — and subscriptions, donations or bequests, not to be received while insolvent, . 138 To be urged to payment, and if unable, to assign at request of creditors, 139 Wlien again solvent, justice requires payment of all their debts, 138,140 Circumstances of bankruptcy to be ascertained, . 138, 141 DECISIONS of superior meetings to be submitted to by inferior, 47, 48 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION, .... 45 Friends exhorted to shun tale-bearing and detraction, . ib. To keep to the gospel order in treating with those who err, ib. Party to be admonished, and unless they acknowledge, to be disowned, 45 Reporters and tale-bearers, to be dealt with as principals, ib. DENIAL of the divinity, mediation or atonement of Christ, the imme- diate influence of the Holy Spirit, or inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, testified against, ...... 25, 36 DILIGENCE in attending meetings, 5, 47, 83, 84 See Queries, 113, 118 DISCIPLINE, AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE, . . 47 To be maintained in their original authority, ... ib. Negligence produces spiritual death, ib. Connection and subordination, . ■ . . . . . ib. Inferior meetings to render account and submit to superior, . ib. No meeting to be instituted but with consent of superior, . ib. Dissolution of Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative meetings, and meetings for Worship, 48 Quarterly meetings to appoint committees to aid incompetent Monthly meetings, ........ 49 Meetings possess no right to dissolve tlielr cotmection with superiors, ib. Junction of a Preparative with another Monthly meeting, or a Monthly meeting with another Quarterlj', ... 50 Meetings for worship composed of parts of two Monthly meetings, ib. Books for record of proceedings of Quarterly and Monthly meetings, 51 INDEX. 169 Page Business to be finished with despatch, and when too weighty, to be brought before the Quarter for aid, .... 51 Minutes may be granted to Quarterly and Monthly meetings, or individuals, when requested, ..... 51, 52 Representatives of Monthly and Quarterly meetings to be punc- tual to appointment, or furnish reasons for absence, . . 52 Meetings not to proceed to business while those not members are present, ......... 53 Mode of treating with offenders at remote distance, . . 30, 53 Women's Monthly meetings to correspond on such occasions, ib. Offisnders not to sit in meetings for Discipline, ... 54 Mode of treating offenders, ib. Qualification requisite for all performances in Discipline as well as worship, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 116 Testimonies of disunion to be furnished with information of ap- peal, 55 Rights of Children, 55, 56 Application to jugglers or fortune-tellers so called, or a pretence to such art, disownable, 56 Accounts of Sufferings to be regularly forwarded, . . 57 Committees annually appointed for nominating clerks, . ib. Care to be taken to judge of the qualification of members for service ib. The virtue and power of the Holy Head demonstrate that neither tradition nor education prepares for succession in the church, 58 Caution against bringing into service prematurely, . . ib. Unclean hands, and connivance at undue hberties, disqualify for church government, ib. Pertinent counsel liow to conduct in the church, . . 59 Design of Preparative meetings — cases to be forwarded in wri- ting — not to take cognizance of marriage, ... 60 DISCORD and Disunity, persons publishing works tending to excite it, 24 Attempts at fomenting division, disownable, ... 66 Implacable-enmity testified against, 67 DISORDERLY PERSONS appearing as Friends, .... 30 DISOWNED PERSONS applying for reinstatement, . . .7, 151 DISPUTES— See Arbitration 15, 18, 19 DIVINITY of Jesus Christ, 25, 36 DIVISION and Dissension, parties to be laboured with and apprised of their danger, 66 170 INDEX. Page DISUNITY, manifested by neglect of divine worship, dlsownable, 84 Such to make acknowledgment before considered in unity, ib. DOCTRINES and Principles to be adorned by consistent example, 83 Unsound, cause of admonition and care, . . . 87, 94, 95 DONATIONS, Bequests, &c. to be strictly applied to the purposes intended, 61 Not to be received from insolvent members, . . . 138 DRESS and Address, simplicity of garb, language and manners, en- forced, 107, 109 Copying after the vain and extravagant fashions, testified against, 107 Parents indulging their children in excesses in these respects, disownable, ......... 108 DROWSINESS in Meetings — those wlio give way to it to be laboured with, and not employed in Society, 85 DUTIES — not to be withheld from government, .... 139 E. EDUCATION insufficient to make successors In the church, 58, 59 Fi'iends advised to bring up children in habits of Industry, and place them to occupations consistent with our testimonies, 108 In piety and virtue, and in proper share of useful learning, un- der religious, prudent persons, recommended to subordinate meetings, 120, 121 Children instructed in the Christian religion, and reading the Holy Scriptures in schools — guarded education not a temporal convenience merely, but a religious duty 122 Liberality in aiding others, 123 Right education begun and conducted at home, . . . 124 ELDERS to be consulted respecting meetings at burials, . . 21 Decease of, to be forwarded to Yearly meeting, ... 86 And ministers to be as nursing fathers, .... 87 Their duty to admonish ministers, if unsound in doctrine, ib. To state cases of refractory ministers to Preparative or Quar- terly meeting of ministers and elders, .... 88 To be treated as other members for violation of Discipline, and not to attend Select meetings till ag.iin recommended, . ib. Two or more of each sex to be appointed by Monthly meeting, 89 Mode of appointing, ib. To introduce to Monthly meeting the cases of persons appear- ing in the ministry, where there is no Preparative meeting of ministers and elders, 90 INDEX. ] 71 Paga Believing' themselves called to the ministry, to withdraw from Select meeting', ........ 91 To take steps to bring before Monthly meetings cases of those who disturb by preaching, ib. 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, 98 Duties — case of a Preparative meeting of elders without any minister — how suspended, 99 To retain the office, subject to the rules, .... 100 ELECTING Friends to offices in government whose duties oppose our principles, disapproved, ..... 33, 103 ENDORSING accommodation notes, disapproved, . . . 140 ENMITY, implac.ible, testified against, 67 EXECUTORS and Trustees permitted to proceed at law, . . 17, 18 To be faithful and punctual to trusts, 61 And administrators to estates not to act where there are slaves, 128 To make complete inventory early after interment, . . 148 EXPENSES of ministers to be provided for when needful, . 95, 96 EXTRACTS from the minutes of the Yearly meeting to be sent to all meetings for Discipline, 159 F. Failure in Business, to be treated for, 137 Inquiry into circumstances, 138, 141 Subscriptions, kc. not to be received from such, . . . 138 Advised to convene creditors, and assign 139 To discharge debts when they become able, . . 138, 140 Creditors lo be consulted — to appoint assignees — assignments to be unreserved, 142 FAITH — a tender care to be exercised that all may be preserved in the unity of faith, 3 FAMILY Visits encouraged and recommended to the solid attention of Quarterly and Monthly meetings, .... 62 Concern to be approved where the Friend belongs and where the visit is to be made, ib. This regulation applies to those coming from other Yearly meet- ings. ib. FASHIONS, in apparel, buildings, furniture, stuffs, colours, &c. to be kept out of, 109 172 INDEX. Page The spirit of Truth, which led Friends originally to lay aside tliese things, still leads in the same path, , . . 110 FASTS, and feast days and times, not to be observed, , . 41 The fast we are culled to, is a continual abstinence from all evil, ib. FIGHTINGS and Wars, Friends to maintain our testimony against, 143 Not to show the least connivance at war, by viewing military operations, encouraging party spirit, or joining political asso- ciations, 144 To avoid any tr.ide promotive of it, partaking of the spoils, shipping in armed vessels, paying taxes, selling property for the use of the army, &c 143, 145 The subject to claim care of Quarterly, Monthly, and Prepara- tive meetings, . ib. FINES, or taxes for military demands, not to be paid, though applied to civil government, 143 to 146 FIRST-DAY of the week not the Sabbath, 42 Set apart by Christians for religious retirement and public wor- ship, after the example of the primitive Christians, . . 43 Friends to abstain from labour, except works of necessity, cha- rity or benevolence, ib. Religious retirement, and reading the Scriptures and other reli- gious books — refraining from visiting about, recommended, ib. Marriages not to be accomplished on First-day, ... 70 FORMAL WORSHIP testified against, 41 FORTUNE-TELLERS, or Jugglers, so called, .... 56 Any member applying to such persons, or pretending to their arts, to be dealt with and disowned, if not convinced, . ib. FRIENDS, a people whom the Lord in these latter days h.ath gathered by his spirit and power to worship him in spirit and in truth, 3 To exercise care over each other, that all may be preserved in faith and practice, ib. To be diligent at meetings, and to seek for ability to build one another in that faith which works by love and purifies the heart, 5 FUNERALS— See Births and Burials, 20 G. GAMING and diversions testified against, 63 Stage-plays, horse-races, music, dancing or any other vain sports; lotteries, wagering, or other species of gaming, disownable, ib, GIFTS — Caution against introducing persons prematurely into service that by right discernment, every gift may be properly exercised, 58 INDEX. 173 Page Patience in the use of gifts, reverence in speaking in the church, having our own spirits in subjection, inculcated, . . 59 Of Gospel Ministry, 90 Gifts and legacies to be strictly applied, . . . 61,115 Application to be made to Meeting for Sufferings in case of dif- ficulty, 81, 115 GOSPEL MINISTRY supplied by the immediate teachings of the Holy Spirit, 64, 87 Prayers which are accepted produced by the influence of the Holy Spirit, 41 GOVERNMENT, Civil, 33 No office to be accepted which requires the violation of our prin- ciples, ib. Friends not to elect one another to offices whose duties lay waste our testimonies, ib. Friends cannot join in hostile measures against the government, or any person, 34 Not to be defrauded of its duties 139 GRAVITY at burials, 20 GRAVE-STONES not to be admitted in our burial grounds, . . 22 GRINDING GRAIN, or selling it for the Army, disapproved, . 145 H. HALF-SISTER of a deceased wife not to marry her surviving husband, 74 HAT, keeping on, in time of prayer, disorderly 89 HEDGE — The Discipline an exterior hedge of preservation, . . 3 HIRELING MINISTRY, incompatible with the free gospel of Christ, 64 Contributing to support or encouraging it, opposed to our testi- mony, and disownable, ib. HOLY SPIRIT, a denial of its immediate influence, disownable, 25, 36 All true worship performed under it, 41 The soul of man the temple of the floly Spirit, ... 42 The true authority of all our meetings 57 By its immediate teaching acceptable worship is performed, and all true gospel ministry supplied, .... 64, 83 Ministers to seek tlie mind of the Spirit, to open mysteries, . 87 Our forefathers led by the Spirit into the plainness and simplicity which the gospel enjoins, 109 Still leads in the same path, HO Qualifies to conduct the affairs of the Church, . . 56, 57, 116 Children to be educated in the belief of its inward manifestation in the heart, 125 174 INDEX. Page Holy Scriptures, written by its inspiration, .... 125 Gives a right understanding of the divine will and the meaning of Holy Scriptures, 126 Leads out of bondage to the Spirit of the world, . . . 136 HOLY SCRIPTURES— denial of authenticity, disownable, . 25, 36 Children to be restrained from reading works creating doubt in them 25 Reading on First-day afternoon espcci.illy recommended, . 43 Ministers advised to be frequent in reading them, ... 87 Drawing unsound inferences or misapplying them, calls for no- tice, 87, 94 Daily reading in schools enjoined, 122 Parents and heads of families exhorted to instruct their children in the doctrines of the Christian religion as contained in them, 125 Friends have always believed they were written by inspiration, ib. Their authority depends not upon churches — we submit all doc- trines to their standard— and reckon any thing contrary to them a delusion, 126 HOLY-DAYS, so called, not to be observed, 41 HORSE-RACING testified against and disownable, ... 63 I. INSPIRATION of the Holy Scriptures, .... 25,36 INTERCESSION of Christ, 35 INTERMENT of the dead— See Burials 20 Committee to grant orders, 21 A solemn pause before and after, to be observed, ... 22 Extravagant expenses and mourning habits disapproved, . ib. INSTITUTION of Quarterly, Monthly and Preparative meetings and meetings for Worsliip, 47, 48, 50 INVENTORY of Estates to be full and clear, and made out early after interment, 148 JUDGMENT to be placed on offenders in the authority of Truth, 49, 114 JUSTIFICATION from the imputation of sins past by propitiatory sacrifice, 37 JUSTICE, strict, to be adhered to in all our dealings, . . . ib. L. LANGUAGE — the world's corrupt language, manners, &c. to be kept from, 109 Plainness of speech, without respect of persons, to be used in all our converse, 110 INDEX. 175 Page LAW — Counsel learned in, to be consulted by arbitrators, . . 16 Administrators, Executors, and Trustees, to proceed at law if necessary, ^7, 18 Parties going to law to conduct circumspectly at courts, . . 18 Suing a member, in violation of Discipline, disownable, . 65 Persons skilled in, to be employed to write wills, . . . 147 LEARNING insufficient to qualify for government in tlie church, . 59 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, 120 LEGACIES, gifts, bequests &c. not to be perverted or appropriated to any other uses than designed by donors, ... 61 Applic.ition to the Meetings for Sufferings to be made in difficult cases, 81, 115 LIBERTY of conscience the common right of all 33 LOTTERIES, being concerned in, disownable, .... 63 LOVE AND UNITY, the bond of Christian brotherhood, . . 66 All attempts to promote separation testified against, . . ib. Persons infected with dissension, to be timely w.nrned, . . ib. Implacable enmity — persons indulging it to be laboured with, and if inflexible, to be disowned, 67 LYING, swearing, cursing, and other wicked conduct, testified against, 35 M. MARRIAGE of female to deceased sister's husband, how restored to membership, 8 Relations (not members) to withdraw before meetings proceed to further business, ........ 53 No Preparative Meeting to take cognizance of proposals of mar- riage, 60 Persons proposing marriage to wait for Divine counsel and con- sent of parents, &c. ...... . • 68 None to proceed till certificates and consent of guardians are produced, when necessary and practicable, . . ,68, 72 Not allowed earUer than one year after the death of husband or wife, 69 Marrying a person not a member, or without consent of the Monthly meeting, disownable, ...... ib. No misdemeanour to be publislied to prevent marriages, . ib. Parties intending marriage not to reside in the same house, . ib. Not accomplished in meetings for Discipline or on First-day, 70 Expensive entertainments and large companies Advised against, ib. 176 INDEX. Page Keeping company for this purpose with those not of us, with servants or apprentices without leave of masters, Sic. — being present or consenting to their children being present at mar- riages pcrfDrnicd by aid of a priest — or attending marriage of member accomplished in a way out of our order, testified against 70, 115 Attending the meetings of Se|)aratists — their marriages— signing their certificates, repugnant to order. Sec. ... 70 Parents or guardians approving addresses, not to retract without sufficient reason, ........ 71 Mode of accomplishing prescribed, ..... 71, 72 The rights of a widow's cliildren to be secured before marriage, ih. To be accomplished gi'avely and without immoderate feasting; the contrai'y requiring care of the Friends charged with over- sight, ib. Form of marriage certificate, 73 Marriage of first cousins, or with wife's half sister, not permitted, 74 Reinstatement of such requires consent of Quarterly meeting, 75 Term first cousins includes the descendants of one parent, lb. Counsel to guard the 3'outh from improper connections — viola- tions of the Discipline often arising from want of this care, ib. Caution respecting the too ready acceptance of acknowledgments, 76 Testimonies to be issued against those who consent to or connive at marriage of children under their care (members) contrary to Discipline, 76, 115 Exposure to improper connections cautioned against, . 107 Women's Monthly meetings to take cognizance of proposals for marriage, 149 MEDIATION of Jesus Christ, .... 25,36,37,42, 125 MEETINGS— order and subordination, .... 4, 47 For worship, not appointed at interment of those not members, and not in a formal manner at others, .... 21 All our meetings to be held in their original authority, the love, power, and peaceable spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, . 47,57 For worship, set up or discontinued by Monthly meetings, with consent of the Quarter, 47, 48 Composed of parts of two or more Monthly meetings, . 50 To be held in the authority of Truth and unity of the Spirit, 83 Coming late, falling asleep, restlessness, going out, 8cc. . ib. Christian zeal and diligent waiting for power to qualify for worship, 'b. INDEX. 177 Page Children and apprentices to be promoted to attend, . . 84 A wilful neglect of this duly an evidence of ingratitude and dis- unity, . . . . • ib. Such to acknowledge before restoration, .... ib. Should not be disturbed by opposition to ministers unless, 8ic. 89 PREPARATIVE, To judge of references, 18 Subordination to Montlily meetings — mode of instituting, dissolv- ing, &c 47 to 51 Duties — not to decide matters cognizable by Monthly meetings, 60 To be early informed of offenders removed to remote pkces, 104 MONTHLY, To appoint respondents in case of appeals, ... 9 May appeal from decision of Quarterly meeting, ... 13 Refusing to attend to complaint of Meeting for Sufferings — course pursued, 24 To keep records of certificates, . . • . . . . 27 To fiu-nish pecuniary relief— to be refunded, ... 28 To write to distant Monthly meetings respecting offenders ap- pearing without certificates — also, those removed, . 30, 53 To appoint committees to visit those who bring certificates, and to forward certificates by proper conveyances, . . 31 To be weighty in deliberating on applications for membership, 40 Accountability to Quarterly meetings — institution and suspen- sion, 47, 48 To accept and recognise members of dissolved meetings, . 48 To state its sense to Quarterly meeting of dissolving inferior meeting, ib. Incompetent, assisted by committee of Quarterly meeting, . 49 Cannot dissolve connection with Qu.irterly meeting, . . ib. Mode of transfer to another Quarterly meeting, ... 50 To keep fair records, and despatch business without improper delay, 51 To apply to Quarterly meeting for aid in diflicult cases — to fur- nish minutes to meetings — to individuals disci-elionally, 51, 52 To appoint representatives to Quarterly meeting, . . 52 Not to permit offenders to sit in Meetings for Discipline, . 64 Mode of treating and disowning memliers, .... ib. To forward annually accounts of Sufferings, ... 57 To appoint committee annually to nominate clerks, . . ib. Not to employ drowsy members, 85 To select elders, and forward their names, and those of Friends z 178 INDEX. I'age appearing as ministers, to Quarterly meeting of ministers and elders, 89, 90 To aid ministei'S in tlie prosecution of their concerns, . 95 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, 111 To appoint committee on education, 122 Women's Monthly meetings— duties, 8ic. . . . 149 to 154 Testimonies of disunion for females, 150 Communications not regular to be examined by committee, 159 To furnish Preparative meetings with extracts from Yearly meeting, ib. QUARTERLY, To hear appeals, and to appoint respondents to Yearly meet- ing, 9 to 12 To carry uj) appeals of Monthly meetings, .... 13 When composed of two Monthly meetings, to refer appeals to Yearly meeting, 14 Subordination and accountability to Yearly meeting, • . 47', 48 To institute or dissolve inferior meetings, . • . 48, 50 To appoint committee to aid Monthly meetings, . . 49 To forward accounts of Sufferings annually, ... 57 To appoint committee on education, 122 Women's Quarterly meetings — duties, .... 154, 155 Irregular communications to be examined, .... 159 YEARLY— number of, ' . . 5 Its decisions binding on all, 5, 47, 48 Committee to provide for visits beyond sea, ... 96 History of origin — committee to prepai'e epistles, . 157, 158 Letters and papers, not from regular correspondents, to be ex- amined, 158 Representatives to propose clerks — Extracts to be sent to all Meetings for Discipline 160 FOR SUFFERINGS, Appointed by Yearly and Quarterly meetings — its constitution, 79 To take charge of all writings relating to our principles, 24, 81 To inform the Quarterly meeting of a Monthly meeting refusing to treat for an offence against the Discipline on books, . 24 To inspect memorials preparatory to Yearly meeting, . . 81, 86 To represent the Yearly meeting on all emergent occasions, 79, 81 To explain titles to property — to record accounts of Sufferings — to apply to government, &c. .... 81, 82 To correspond with other Meetings for SufFerings, . . 82 INDEX. 179 Page None members, but those rej^ularly appointed — ministers and members of other Meetings for Sufferings may attend, . 82 To advance the testimony against slavery, .... 129 To take charge of papers of the Yearly meeting when the clerk is likely to be absent, 159 OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS, Preparative, composed of ministers and elders of a Monthly meeting, . 89 To bring before Monthly meetings the cases of those who appear as ministers, 90 To meet every tliree months to answer queries, &c. . . 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, . . . 90, 91 To read queries and answers brought from Preparative meetings, and annually forward comprised report to Yearly meeting of ministers and elders, 96 To represent to Quarterly meeting for Disciphne refusal of Monthly meetings to take up cases of ministers, . . 99 To extend care over Preparative meetings of elders, and pro- pose their suspension, when proper, to Monthly meetings, 99 Yearly meeting of ministers and elders. To read queries and answers from the Quarters, and to commu- nicate advice and aid to subordinate meetings, . . 97 Not to interfere with the sittings of Yearly meeting for Disci- pline, : . . . . ib. Meetings of ministers and elders not to interfere with the busi- ness, but may communicate with their respective meetings for Discipline, ib. MEETING HOUSES, Titles to be frequently inspected, and trusts renewed when necessary, 78 Records of trusts and conveyances to be kept, and with whom the papers, minutes. Sic. are deposited, .... ib. MEMORIALS, 86 Prepared by Monthly meetings, to be forwarded to Quarterly meeting, and Meeting for Sufferings, .... ib. MEMBERSHIP in the Society, how obtained, . . 7, 39, 55, 56, 151 MESSIAH'S peaceful reign begun, .... 34, 143, 144 MILITARY FINES — no part to be accepted unless returned in same species, 143 Tax for purchasing drums, colours, and other warlike purposes, 144 180 INDEX. Pngo Paying fine, penalty or tax, for carrying on \vi\r, . . 145 Tax levied for militia not to be paiil, though applied to civil purposes, 146 MINISTERS AND ELDERS 8r IMlnistcrs not employed as arbitrators, .... 19 Accounts of decease, forwarded to Yearly meeting, . . 86 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, 87 Unsound doctrines and conclusions require admonition, . ib. Course of proceeding in case of refusal to acknowledge faults, 88 Not to sit in Select meetings, after case is in Monthly meetings, till recommended again, ib. To be treated as other members for violation of Discipline, 88 Public opposition to keeping on the hat in prayer disallowed, 89 Mode of recommending and appointing, .... 89, 90 AVithout being approved by Quarterly meeting of ministers and elders, none arc to be received as ministers, sit in Select meet- ings, or travel as ministers, 91 No minister to appoint meetings, or travel out of the Quarterly meeting, without certificate, 91, 92 Elders appearing as ministers, 91 Concerns of ministers claiming care of superior meetings to be considered before reading certificate of Monthly meeting, 92 Meetings to be informed when visits are completed, . . ib. 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, 93 Visits beyond these limits, a certificate endorsed by Quarterly meeting, ib. Visit to Ohio, Indiana, and Carolina, or any two of them, or be- yond sea, to be laid before Yearly meeting of ministers and elders, 94 Counsel to keep under religious weight and use diligence, . ib. At home, or from abroad, giving uneasiness in doctrine — ^how treated, 95 Services not to be impeded for want of means, . . ib. To watch over the flock in their respective places, . . 97 Those who may be tliought to liave lost their gifts, how treated, 98 To avoid improper tones and gestures — to watch over each other for good, 119 MINUTES for travelling Friends, to be recorded and promptly re- turned, . 27 INDEX. 181 Page Copies may be granted by Quarterly and Monthly meetings, 51 Discretional power to furnish individuals, .... 52 Of meetings to be placed under care of suitable Friends, . 78 MINISTRY, hireling, supporting or encouraging, disownable, . 64 MODERATION and Temperance, At burials, and all other occasions, advised, . . . 20, 101 At marriages, advised, 72, 101 MOURNING HABITS, w earing or giving, advised against, . . 22 MUSIC, the practice subjects to disovirnment, .... 63 N. NEGROES— See Slave Trade and Slavery, 127 Disunity with enslaving mankind, ib. To be taught principles of Christian religion and school learning, ib. Friends not to act as executors where slaves are bequeathed, 128 Traffic in, or holding them in bondage, disownable, . . ib. Hiring slaves, when the compensation goes to the master, 129 NOISY gatherings or tumults, promoting, disownable, . . 36 NOTES, accommodation, with endorsements, disapproved, . . 140 NOVELS, plays, romances, &c. to be discountenanced, . . 25 o. Oaths — christian testimony against, to be maintained, . . . 102 Members in office administering, or conniving at their clerks ad- ministering oaths — disow)iable, ib. Friends not to elect one another to offices which violate this tes- timony, . . . . • 103 To choose witnesses to writings who do not swear, . . ib. OBSERVANCE of days and times, testified against, . . 41, 42 OFFENDERS, removing into the limits of distant meetings, . 30, 53 Guilty of reproachful conduct and removing to remote places, 36 Not to sit in meetings for Discipline, 54 Mode of treating, including offences not on minute, . . ib. To be admonished, and sought in the spirit of love before church censure takes place, 55 Leaving their places of abode and removing to remote parts to be early informed of, IO4 OFFICES in government not to be accepted whose duties violate our testimonies, 33, 103 ORDER of the gospel in treating with offenders, . , . . 4, 45 OVERSEERS, to judge of the propriety of reference, ... 18 To be consulted on meetings at burials, .... 21 182 INDEX. Page To ascertain whether disorderly persons, appearing as Friends, are so, 30 Every Monthly meeting, to appoint faithful and judicious men and women for, 104 To exercise a vigilant and tender care over the flock, and to whom complaints are first to be made, . . . . ib. To treat ofi'cnders with meekness, and notify Ihem previously to taking cases to Preparative meeting, 104 Cases of ofi'cnders, gone to remote places, .... 105 Their services not hmited to their own Preparative meeting, ib. Committee to be appointed once in three years to nominate, ib. Friends brought forward not to offer excuse hastilj% . . ib. To ascertain early the circumstances of failures, . . . 141 P. PARENTS and guardians to prevent children from reading books pre- judicial to Christian principles, 25 To apply for certificates for minors removing, ... 30 Having approved addresses, on account of marriage, should not retract without proper cause, 71 To guard children against improper connections, ... 75 Breaches of our testimony often owing to want of parental care, ib. AND CHILDREN, 106 Children exhorted to obey their parents — to avoid vain fashions, libertine company, taverns, diversions, he. * . . . ib. Not to shrink from the cross, and the simplicity of our worship, 107 Parental authority disregarded, dlsownable, . . . . ib. Parents indulging children in excesses, disownable, . . 108 To bring up children in habits of industry, . . . . ib. Liable to disownment for conniving at violations of the order of marriage, 70, 7.6, 115 PARTY spirit not to be encouraged, 144 PEACE on earth, a great object of the Society, . 34, 67, 143, 144 PEOPLE OF COLOUR— testimony against enslaving— trafHc in— ought to be taught principles of Christian religion — school learning, &c 127, 128 PENALTY or tax in lieu of personal service in war, . . . 145 PLAINNESS of dress, language and manners, inculcated, . . 107 Corrupt language, fashions in apparel, furniture, &c. advised . against, 109 StufTs, colours and dress, to please the vain mind, to be avoided; and tradesmen and others not to be accessary to their use, ib. INDEX. 183 Page All to keep to the plainness and simplicity into wliich the spirit of Truth led our forefathers, and still leads the obedient, 109, 110 Testimony to plain lanc^uage not to be balked before others, 110 PLAYS, romances, novels, &c. to be discountenanced, . 25, 63 POLITICAL devices or associations, not to be encouraged, . . 144 POOR Friends to be relieved, 28, 29 To return to meeting moved from when requested, . . 28 This rule not apphed to wife or children of a person not a mem- ber, 29 Impoverished by fire, kc ib. Their situation to be inspected and relieved by committee — their children educated by the Monthly meeting without expense — a treasurer &c. to be appointed, Ill PREACHING or praying, any public show of dislike, disapproved, 89 Elders who speak as ministers to withdraw from Select meetings, 91 Persons who give dissatisfaction by preaching to be admonished, ib. If they persist in imposing on Friends, to be disowned, . ib. PREPARATIVE MEETINGS— subordination, . . . .4,47 To determine on the propriety of referring disputes, . . 18 To render account of its proceedings, and submit to Monthly meeting, 47 Instituted or laid down by Monthly and Quarterly meetings, 47, 48 51 Joining to another Monthly meeting, .... 49, 50 Use and design — not to detain, or decide on business of Monthly meetings— cases to be carried forward in writing — not to take cognizance* of prbposals of marriage, .... 60 PREPARATIVE Meeting of Ministers and Elders— how instituted, 89 To bring cases of ministers before Monthly meetings for consid- eration, 90 To meet quarterly, answer queries, and appoint representatives, 96 Of elders — how suspended 99 PRIESTS, hireling — their ministrj- not to be encouraged, . . 64 Attending marriages performed by their aid, disownable, . 70 PRIMITIVE Christians assembled for worship on the First-day, . 43 PRINCIPLES and doctrines of the gospel to be duly maintained, 24, 25, 36, 83, 87, 95. 109, 118, 122, 125, 127 PRINTING books denying mediation, atonement. Holy Spirit, &c. 25, 36 PRINTERS cautioned against printing, selling, or lending romances, novels, plays, &c. 25 PROFANITY to be testified against 36 PROPITIATORY SACRIFICE, 37 PUBLISHING works laying waste Christian principles, . . 36 PRIZE GOODS, dealing in, to be avoided, 145 184 INDEX. Q. I'ace QUARTERLY MEETINGS, To hear appeals from Monthly meetings, . . . .9,11 To appoint respondents to Yearly meeting', .... 12 To carry up appeals of Monthly meetings, .... 13 "When composed of two Monthly meetings only, to refer appeals to Yearly meeting, 14 To record certificates of ministers, 27 Subordination to the Yearly meeting, 47' Institution and laying down, ...... 47, 48 Power to institute and dissolve Monthly and Preparative Meet- ings 48, 51 To aid incompetent Monthly meetings, by committee, . 49 To be consulted respecting transfer of Monthly and Preparative meetings, and institution of meetings for Worship, composed of parts of two Monthly meetings, 50 To keep fair records of its transactions, .... 51 To grant copies of minutes to other meetings, and discretion- ally to individuals, 51, 52 To appoint representatives to Yearly meeting, ... 52 To forward accounts of Sufferings, 57 To appoint committee annually to propose clerks, . . ib. To be cautious of employing drowsy members, ... 85 To furnish Yearly meeting annually with account of deceased ministers and elders, and to examine memorials, . . 86 To deliberate on concerns of ministers, and to grant endorse- ments on certificates, 92,93,94 To .aid ministers in prosecuting their religious visits when need- ful, 95 To decide on the suspension of Preparative meetings of elders, 100 To appoint committees on education, 122 Communications not regular to be examined by committee, 159 Of women Friends — their duties, 154 Of ministers and elders, to extend care to ministers and elders, 88, 98 To decide on appointments of elders, and acknowledgment of ministers, 89, 90 To consider the state of Select Preparative meetings, and answer the Queries, 96 To represent to Monthly meetings the state of Preparative meet- ings of elders, 99 QUERIES, Respecting births and deaths, to be answered, ... 22 INDEX. 185 Page To be answered in writing', which, and by whom, . 112, 113 Advices to be read annualJy, Annually answered. For meetings of Ministers and Elders, To be answered by Women's meetings, QUOTAS of the Quarterly meetings, R. 115 116 118 154 134 RACES — members going to them, liable to disowament, . . 63 RECEPTION into reUgious membership, . . 7, 39, 55, 56, 151 Injurious effects of haste, ....... 40 Parties to be clearly convinced of our principles, . . ib. RECONCILIATION by Christ, 37 RECORDS of births and deaths to be kept, . . . 22,23,116,154 Of certificates granted, 27 A book to be provided for recording minutes, and copies to be given at discretion of meetings, .... 51, 52 Marriage certificates to be recorded, ..... 73 Of trusts and conveyances, &c 78 Fair records of proceedings of Women's meetings, . . 156 REFERENCES— See Arbitrations, 15, 16, 17 Overseers and Preparative meetings to judge of, . . 18 REGENERATION, the work of the spirit of Christ within, . . 37 RELIGIOUS VISITS to Families, 62 Beyond limits of Quarterly meeting, .... 92, 93, 94 Of females, 153, 154 REINSTATEMENT into membership, .... 7,8,151 Of first cousins, and a man and his former wife's half-sister, 75 REMOVALS, 7, 27, 31, 153 Residence to be changed with caution, consulting Friends, 28 Require certificates, 29, 30 To remote or unknown places, authori.ses Monthly meetings to disown in scandalous cases, 36, 105 Into distant Monthly meetings requiring care, ... 53 REPRESENTATIVES to Quarterly and Yearly meetings, 52, 154, 155 They and others to be punctual to appointments — to send reasons for absence — and not to withdraw from meetings Avithout con- sent, 52 Of Preparative and Quarterly meetings of Ministers and Elders, 96, 97 To propose clerks for the Yearly meeting, . . 156, 159 REPORTS to Quarterly and Yearly meetings to be made in writing and signed by the clerks, 52 A a 186 INDEX. Page RESIDENCE in a Monthly meeting when certificate is produced gives right there, unless some misconduct is discovered, 31 RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, 125 RESPONDENTS to appclhints appointed 9,11 RETIREMENT, advantage of. 37,43 REVELATION of the Holy Spirit, . . . . . .25,36 RICHES, nor greatness in this world, fits for government in the church, 59 Inordinate love and pursuit, counselled against, • . 136, 141 RIGHTS of Children 55, 56, 72 ROMANCES, Plays, &c. discountenanced, .... 25 s. SABBATH — the first-day of the week neither the antitype of the Jewish, nor is it the Christian sabbath, .... 42 SANCTIFICATION by the woik of Christ in the heart, . . 37 SCANDAL to be removed, by acknowledging the offences, and con- demning the same in writing 35 SCHOOLS — Queries respecting, how answered, .... 116 Directions for the institution of, ..... 120 Teachers of our own persuasion to be provided, . 120, 122 Instruction in the principles of the Christian religion — daily reading of the Scriptures, and attendance of mid-week meet- ings directed, 122 Liberality .imong J'riends in the respective meetings, earnestly recommended 123 People of colour to be instructed in school learning, . . 127 SCRIPTURES of tlie Old and New Testaments, .... 125 Authenticity and inspiration, 25, 36, 125 Books tending to raise prejudice against them, to be avoided, 25, 35 Ministers to read them frequently, seeking the mind of Truth, 87 Misapplying or drawing wrong inferences cause of admonition, 87, 94 To be daily read in schools, 122 Children and families to read them diligently — they set forth the miraculous conception, birth, holy life, meritorious death, &c. of our Lord, 125 Not to be subjected to reason, but understood by the aid of the Holy Spirit, 126 Any thing done contrary to them, a delusion, ... ib. Their testimony of the Three which bear record in heaven, ib. Scripture names of days and months to be kept to, . . 41 SECURITIES for mutual accommodation disapproved, . . 140 SELLING or spreading books denying the divinity, mediation, atone- ment, &o. 25, 35 INDEX. 187 Page SEPARATION— attempts to produce it, disownable, . 65 SEPARATISTS — attending their meeting's, marriages, or signing cer- tificates, disownable, 70 SHADOWS and Figures ended, 41, 42 SILENT waiting for the renewal of strength, and for the performance of Divine worship, 37, 83 SLAVE Trade and Slavery, testimony against, .... 127 Instruction of tlie people of colour, ..... ib. Friends not to act as executors where slaves are bequeathed, 128 Trading in, or holding mankind in slavery, disownable, . ib. Meeting for Sufferings to advance the testimony, . . 129 The hiring slaves for the benefit of owner, disownable, . ib. SPIRIT OF TRUTH to be sought unto, to qualify for worship, and to open mysteries, . 83, 87, 126 Still leads the faithful as it did our forefathers, . . • 110 Children to be educated in the belief of its operation on the mind, .......... 125 Leads out of bondage to the spirit of the world, . . . 136 Its restrictions to be attended to in trade and business, . 141 SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, Advice against dram drinking — giving it at vendues, disownable, 130 Ruinous effects of trading in it— advice against giving it as drink, 131 Distilling or trading in the article, disownable, . . . 132 Danger of frequenting taverns 135 STOCK, 133 SUBORDINATION of Meetings, 4,47,49 SUBSCRIPTIONS not to be taken from insolvent members, . 138 SUEING members at law contrary to the Discipline, except under pecu- liar circumsi.anccs, 65 SUFFERINGS, mode of stating 57, 82 Monthly and Quarterly meetings to forward accounts annually, ib. SWEARING, lying, cursing, and other wicked practices, testified against, 35 SORCERY, 56 T. TALE-BEARING AND DETRACTION to be suppressed, 45 Offenders herein to be admonished, and, if not reclaimed, dis- owned, 46 Required to give their authority, or treated as originators of reports, .......... 11), TAVERNS, caution against frequenting them, . . 106, 135 Danger of ardent spirits — advised not to keep taverns — to exert their influence against unnecessary increase, . . ib. 188 INDEX. Page TAXKS for militaiy pvirposcs not to be paid, . . . 143 to 146 TEMrERANCE and Moderation, 101 TESTIMONIES of Denial not to be read in Meetings for Worship, 8 To be delivered early as convenient, with information of the right to appeal, 9, 54, 55 TEXT — misapplying or drawing unsound inferences, . . .87, 95 THREE that bear record in heaven 126 TIMES, observance of, testified against, 41 TITLES of real estate to be inspected, and (rusts timely renewed, 78 Records of trusts and conve3 ancesto be kept, and where papers are deposited, ib. TRADE — Counsel against inordinate pursuit of wealth, entering on business not understood, or going beyond ability, . . 136 Hazardous enterprises to be avoided, ..... 137 Persons in danger of failing to be treated with and advised to convene their creditors, 137, 139 To inspect tlieir affairs frequently and keep their accounts clear, 138 To avoid partial payments — assignees to be inquired of, . ib. Subscriptions not to be taken from insolvent members, . . ib. Persons refusing to pay former debts after retrieving their cir- cumstances, disownable, 138, 140 Assignment to be made at request of creditors, . . . 139 Accommodation paper and joint securities disapproved, . 140 Divine counsel to be sought in all engagements, . . . 141 Overseers to ascertain early the cause of failure, . . . ib. Failures to be testified against, 142 Assignments without restriction — creditors to have liberty to appoint assignees, ........ ib. Or business, promotive of war, to be avoided, . . . 144 See sixth and seventh Queries, ...... 114 TRADITION, or mere outward education, do not prepare for succes- sion in the church 58 TREASURER of Monthly meetings, '.Ill TREATING with offenders, .... 3,53,54,55,150,152 TRUSTEES permitted to proceed at law, 17, 18 To be punctual and faithful to trusts, 61 Or assignees, to be active in discharging duties, . . , 139 TUMULTS, promoters of, to be disowned, .... 36 u. UNITY of Faith and practice, 3 AND LOVE, attempts to destroy it, testified against, . . 66 Appearance of variance to be removed, ..... ib. Parties being irreclaimable to be disowned, ... .67 INDEX. 189 V. Page VENDUES, giving or taking ardent spirits at them, disownable, . 130 VESSELS, arming or shipping in armed vessels, testified against, 145 VISITING on First-day disapproved, .44 VISITS to families encouraged, 62 To receive sanction where the Friend belongs and where the visit is made :— this applies also to those coming from other Yearly meetings, ......... ib. Religious, out of the Quarterly meeting, to be laid before Monlli- ly and Quarterly meeting and Yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders, as the case requires, .... 92, 93, 94, 153 To engage consideration before the certificate is read, . . 92 The certificate to be returned promptly, &c. . . . . ib. Ministers exhorted to diligence and religious weight, . . 94 Expenses, where needful, to be provided for, . . 95, 96 W. WAGERING, disownable offence, 63 WAITING in silence, 37, 83 War — Friends exhorted to maintain a testimony against It, . . 143 Overplus of distraints not received, unless in the same goods, ib. Furnishing wagons, or other conveyances for military stores, ib. Tax for purchasing drums, &.c. and for military requisitions, 144, 145 Viewing military operations, or joining political associations, ad- vised against, 144 Trade, promotive of war — Prize goods, shipping in armed ves- sels, grinding grain, feeding cattle, and selling property for the use of the army, 114, 145 Deahng in Public Certificates, 145 Militia fines, though applied to civil purposes, not to be paid, 146 WILLS, to be faithfully executed, 61, 81 To be made, and affairs settled in health, .... 116, 147 Persons skilled in the law to be employed, .... 147 Executors and Administrators to make a complete Inventory- early after interment, 148 WOMEN'S MEETINGS— institution and duties, .... 149 Monthly, to take care of their poor and cognizance of proposals of marriage, ib. To appoint Overseers— treat with offenders, and deliver testimo- nies, 150 To transmit by minute, offences of persons removed to distant Monthly meetings, 53, 150 190 INDEX. Page Admission and reinstatement into Tnembership, . . . 151 Acknowledgment for offences while under care, . . , 152 Authority to receive or disown a member vested in the Men's meeting, 153 Issuing and receiving certificates, .... 27, 153 Keligious concerns of women to be laid before both meetings, the certificate signed by the clerks, and correspondent, 93, 153, 155 To unite with men in nomination of an elder, .... 89 Preparative — to answer Queries, where more than one consti- tutes a Monthly meeting 154 Monthly meetings, also, to answer the first eight Queries, and appoint representatives to the Quarter, and to give information of births and deaths, ib. Quarterly meetings to consider religious concerns — to transmit replies to Women's Yearly meeting — appoint representatives to it — communicate Advices or Epistles from the Yearly meet- ing to the Monthly meetings — to nominate committees to visit them. See 155 Y'early meeting to correspond with those of their own sex, . ib. Not to hear appeals, nor to make rules : — to have a Stock, . 156 Representatives to select a clerk, ...... ib. At the request of men their Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly meetings to appoint committees for setting up or laying down meetings, ib. WORSHIP, of those not in communion with us, ... . 20 Formal, testified against, . 41 Meetings for worship discontinued, ...... 48 Mode of setting up meetings composed of parts of two Monthly meetings, 50 All worship performed I)y the aid of the Holy Spirit, . . 64 All meetings to be held in the authority of Truth, ... 83 Sleeping and other unbecoming deportment, . . . ib. Exhortation to Christian zeal, for the performance of, and diligent silent waiting, ib. Children and apprentices to be brought, .... 84 Care toward those who are negligent, ib. Drowsy members not to be employed 85 A care maintained to guard against disorder, .... 89 Persons disturbing by undertaking to preach, ... 91 Y. YEARLY MEETING— number of Yearly meetings, . . • . 5 To controul proceedings of inferior meetings, ... 47 INDEX. 191 Page No Quarterly meeting set up without its consent, ... 47 To dissolve Quarterly meetings, and attach the Monthly meet- ings to another Quarter, 48 History of its origin, 157 Committee on Epistles, . 158 Letters and papers, not from meetings with which it regularly corresponds, examined by committee, ib. Representatives to propose clerks, ..... . 159 The present clerk to act till a new appointment, . . . ib. In case he is likely to be prevented, the Meeting for Sufferings to take charge of the papers, ib. ^ Extracts of Minutes to be sent to all meetings for Discipline, ib. Certificates of ministers to be read in Yearly meeting, . . 160 To provide for expenses of ministers when necessary, . . 96 Of Ministers and Elders, to read replies to Queries, and to issue Advice, or extend care to subordinate meetings, . . 97 Its adjournments not to interfere with Yearly meeting for Dis- cipline, ib. Of Women Friends — duties 155 YOUTH — Ability to example them in the concerns of the church, 58 Care requisite, not to bring them into premature action, . ib. Judicious care on account of marriage, .... 68, 75 See PARENTS AND CHILDREN 106