CONVERTED 
 
RULES OF 
 
 DISCIPLINE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OE FRIENDS, 
 
 WITH 
 
 ADVICES: 
 
 BEING 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES AND EPISTLES OF THEIR 
 
 YEARLY MEETING, 
 
 HELD IN LONDON, 
 FROM ITS FIRST INSTITUTION. 
 
 THIRD EDITION. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 DARTON AND HARVEY, GRACECHURCH STREET. 
 
 1834. 
 
' LONDON: 
 
 JOSEPH RICKKRBY, PRINTER, 
 
 8RBRBOURN LANK. 
 
 LI A"?. 
 
 m'^iij moi vj 
 
 
 i,i Bi^ 
 
 ■Aj'JO'I 
 
 l-yyi'^ti 
 
PREFACE 
 
 TO THE FIRST EDITION. 
 
 The Yearly Meeting having been apprehensive that, in some quarterly and monthly 
 meetings, due care hath not been taken to preserve, and enter regularly in the books 
 kept for that purpose, those minutes and advices which from its first institution have 
 occasionally been communicated to them, for establishing and conducting the discipline 
 of the church, hath seen meet to direct that those minutes and advices should be carefuUy 
 extracted and properly arranged under suitable heads, and be comprised in one volume, 
 for the general service of the society. This important work having been committed to 
 the care of the meeting for sufferings, it was with much labour and great attention per- 
 formed, and was laid before the yearly meeting in I78I ; when a considerable number 
 of judicious friends then present were appointed to come up to London in the Tenth 
 month ensuing, to join the meeting for sufferings in examining the same : most of whom, 
 in conjunction with that meeting, met accordingly, and having given their attendance 
 with unremitting assiduity, in much concord and to mutual satisfaction, were favoured 
 after many sittings to go through the work, comparing every part with the original 
 records ; and the whole, as contained in the following pages, was agreed to by the yearly 
 meeting in 1782, and directed to be printed : in order that. 
 
 First. Every quarterly and monthly meeting may be furnished with a complete and 
 correct collection of the several minutes and advices issued by the yearly meeting for 
 regulating the affairs of the society. 
 
 Secondly. That these minutes and advices, being more generally made known, may 
 be more uniformly observed and put in practice ; that order, unity, peace, and harmony 
 may be preserved throughout the churches. 
 
 Thirdly. That, in an especial manner, the youtli of the present and succeeding gene- 
 
 b 
 
 n^^ crr>*?<5/l 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 rations may be early and fully instructed in our religious principles, and in the nature 
 and design of our Christian discipline ; and, through divine assistance, be enabled to 
 adorn our holy profession by a consistent conduct and circumspect conversation, in 
 all godliness and honesty ; thereby avoiding the reproach which many, through a de- 
 fection in principle, or a degeneracy in practice, have brought upon themselves and the 
 body of which they profess to be members. 
 
 Fourthly. That the unfaithful, the immoral, and the libertine professors, may be 
 seasonably reminded of their danger and of their duty ; as well as of the great labour 
 which, in much Gospel love, hath been, from time to time, bestowed for their help and 
 recovery ; and that such as continue to despise and reject the convictions of truth, and 
 the counsel of their brethren, and refuse to be reclaimed, may be made sensible that 
 they themselves are the sole cause of their separation from our religious fellowship and 
 communion. For when any by their inconsistent and disorderly conduct, or by imbibing 
 and adopting principles and practices contrary to the doctrine which we have received, 
 have first openly manifested their disunity with the society, it is but just and requisite 
 that, after endeavouring and waiting to restore them without effect, the body should 
 testify its disunity with such erring and refractory members ; at the same time earnestly 
 desiring that they may be convinced of the error of their ways, and that through un- 
 feigned repentance, and a consistent, orderly conduct in future, they may be re-united 
 to the body. This being the utmost extent of our discipline respecting offenders, it 
 is very evident, that from the right exercise thereof no degree of persecution or impo- 
 sition can be justly inferred ; for the imposition rests entirely on the part of those who 
 insist on being retained as members, whilst at open variance with the body either in prin- 
 ciple or practice. 
 
 We are not, however, without a clear sense that this publication will prove insuf- 
 ficient to produce the desired effect, unless we are very careful to move and act under 
 the immediate influence of the Spirit of Christ in the pure love of the Gospel ; a close 
 adherence to which would render a multiplicity of rules unnecessary. 
 
 And whilst we are earnestly recommending this work to the notice and regard of 
 friends, we cannot omit to press upon them a diligent reading of the Holy Scriptures, as 
 superior to all other writings for instruction ; and it must yield great satisfaction to 
 observe how consonant these advices are to the doctrine and precepts of Christ and his 
 apostles. 
 
 Although this collection is printed solely for the use of our own society, yet should it 
 get abroad and meet the public eye, it is not doubted but every serious and candid 
 reader will observe, throughout the whole, the constant and earnest endeavours of the 
 yearly meeting for the promotion of virtue and religion. And notwithstanding it be too 
 obvious to be denied, that there are amongst us many sorrowful instances of a grievous 
 
PREFACE. iii 
 
 departure from the godly zeal, purity, probity, simplicity, and self-denial, so conspicu- 
 ous in our worthy predecessors ; yet, by comparing the later advices with those of a 
 more ancient date, and observing the continued care and concern of the yearly meeting 
 to guard and testify against every appearance of evil, and every mark of declension, it 
 must be allowed that, as a religious body, we are the same people our forefathers were, 
 in faith, in doctrine, in worship, in ministry, and in discipline. 
 
 And although it be our lot to live in an age of great dissipation, luxury, and profane- 
 ness, when the genuine fruits of the spirit of Christianity are so rarely seen, that every 
 thing sacred and serious seems threatened to be overwhelmed by the torrent of vice 
 and irreligion ; yet we are bowed in thankfulness to the Author of all good, in that 
 we have abundant cause to believe there are still many, of various ranks and ages, mer- 
 cifully preserved both among ourselves, and in other Christian communities, who, 
 through faithfulness to the measure of grace which is given to every one to profit with, 
 have been strengthened to retain their integrity, and to hold fast the profession of their 
 faith without wavering. Many of them, doubtless, are at times secretly mourning over 
 the great desolations which infidelity and immorality have made in the Christian world ; 
 nevertheless they are comforted at seasons in the hope of better times, and helped to look 
 forward with an eye of faith, and with unshaken confidence, to the gradual increase of 
 that day, when darkness shall no longer cover the earth, nor gross darkness the hearts of 
 the people ; when the spiritual kingdom of Christ shall be exalted over all, and that glo- 
 rious ancient prophecy fulfilled, when he shall have the heathen for his inheritance, and 
 the uttermost parts of the earth for his possesion ; when nation shall not lift up sword 
 against nation, neither shall they learn war any more ; and when the saving knowledge 
 of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea. 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings, 
 
 24th of the First Month, 1783. 
 
 b2 
 
PREFACE 
 
 TO THE SECOND EDITION. 
 
 Since the printing of the ' Extracts from the Minutes and Advices of the Yearly 
 Meeting of Friends held in London,' or The Book of Extracts^ as it is usually termed, 
 about nineteen years have elapsed. During this period so many new regulations have 
 taken place, as to render that book an imperfect collection of the rules of the society. 
 This inconvenience has been in part obviated by a subsequent collection, made by a 
 committee of the yearly meeting in conjunction with the meeting for sufferings ; which 
 collection was submitted to the yearly meeting in 1792, and printed by its order, toge- 
 ther with some minutes of the same year, under the title of an Appendix. But the 
 Book of Extracts itself being out of print, and the Appendix becoming, by means of 
 successive additions to the rules and advices, a deficient supplement, the yearly meet- 
 ing in ] 800 recommended the quarterly meetings to send deputies to London in the 
 Eleventh Month ensuing, to join the meeting for sufferings in revising the whole, and 
 preparing a new and complete edition. 
 
 The joint meeting accordingly entered on the business, the 7th of the Eleventh 
 Month, 1800, and pursued it diligently to the 29th of that month inclusive. In 
 the course of its deliberations, it was found expedient to omit several advices which 
 stand in the first edition ; chiefly, because there were others under the same head of 
 equal or superior pertinency, or because, in a few instances, it seemed eligible to 
 exchange them for others, issued since the printing of the Book of Extracts : and there 
 has been a considerable abridgement of some of those which remain. 
 
 In proceeding with the revision of the rules, the expediency also of some alterations 
 in them engaged the attention of the meeting ; and, as friends from various quarters of 
 the kingdom were present, there was an opportunity for full and free conference 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 respecting the general operation of existing regulations, and the probable eflfect of new 
 ones. The additional minutes thus produced, were submitted to the last yearly 
 meeting ; and will be recognised in the following pages with the date subjoined, of 1801. 
 But this date will also be observed at the end of minutes and advices, wherein no new 
 matter has been inserted. In this case it will generally be found that the import of 
 the original minute or advice has been somewhat confined, extended, or otherwise altered 
 by the change or omission of words. Where omissions are merely for the sake of con- 
 ciseness, and do not make an alteration in the sense of the sentence, the date of 1801 is 
 not added. 
 
 The minutes and advices do not in all cases stand in the same order as before. In 
 those heads where there is any deviation from the order of dates, besides the general 
 plan of letting the advices stand together before the rules, attention has been given to the 
 two following circumstances : first, where the head seemed naturally to admit of distinct 
 subdivisions, to place together what related to each ; and secondly, to endeavour that 
 the series of advice or of direction should proceed, under each head, in the manner which 
 seemed most likely to bring the subject into the clearest point of view. 
 
 The variety and excellency of the matter contained in the Book of Extracts, entitle 
 the collection to attentive and repeated perusal ; there is instruction for the inexperienced, 
 and confirmation for the more advanced Christian ; and while it teaches the letter of our 
 discipline, it bears abundant testimony to the spirit in which it should be conducted — the 
 spirit, temper, and habitude of mind, which ought to be the continual clothing of such 
 as undertake, in any way, to be the advocates of the Lord's cause. 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings, 
 
 5th of the Second Month, 1802. 
 
 *:)t* A portion of the preface to the second edition, which relates to a part of the 
 arrangement not adopted in the present edition, has been omitted. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 TO THE THIRD EDITION. 
 
 The second edition of this work which was published in the year 1802, being exhausted, 
 the Yearly Meeting of 1832 concluded that a new and revised edition should be prepared. 
 The quarterly meetings were therefore instructed to appoint a few of their members to unite 
 with the meeting for sufferings in the service, as had been done on former occasions. 
 The friends thus appointed met on the 29th of the Tenth month, 1832, and were fully 
 occupied with the business assigned to them until the 13th of the Eleventh month fol- 
 lowing. 
 
 A careful examination of the second edition of the work, including the supplement, 
 printed in the year 1822, by direction of the yearly meeting, the embodying or 
 substituting of rules and advices, which had been issued since that period, and the de- 
 liberation on some further changes in our discipline, engaged the close attention of 
 the friends so appointed. It was also thought desirable to insert some of the pertinent 
 advice and counsel, which had been issued by the yearly meeting, since the last edi- 
 tion of the work. 
 
 The friends who thus met were favoured to proceed, and to conclude their labours, in 
 much condescension and harmony. The present volume as now published under the di- 
 rection of the last yearly meeting, for the use and government of our religious society, 
 contains also those variations in rule and practice which were then adopted. The mode 
 of arranging the work pointed out in the extracts from the preface to the second edition, 
 has been, in great measure, observed in the present. Some pains have been taken 
 to render this arrangement additionally perspicuous, and the reference to subjects 
 more easy, especially by the addition of marginal readings, and by a more copious 
 index, ' 
 
PREFACE. vii 
 
 In the belief that they may prove acceptable to friends generally, some extracts 
 are appended to this preface, from approved documents of the Society, issued at 
 different periods, and declaratory of its views, in reference to some of the fundamental 
 doctrines of the Christian faith. Although the original and immediate ground of the 
 religious fellowship of our predecessors, was union of sentiment in regard to Christy's 
 inward teaching — a doctrine which they believed to have been too much neglected 
 by others, yet, as is evident from these extracts, they were firm believers in all 
 that is revealed in Holy Scripture respecting our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; nor 
 would they have allowed that any one held the truth, who denied his coming in the 
 flesh, or the benefit derived to fallen man by his propitiatory sacrifice. 
 
 Our early friends not only recognized the Bible as the standard of their religious doc- 
 trines, but were particularly careful to adhere to Scripture language in the statement of 
 them. They adopted no creed or confession of faith to be subscribed by their members, 
 yet when charged with false opinions, they did not hesitate to make a full declaration of 
 their views on any or all of the points of the Christian faith. Thus, when George Fox was 
 at Barbadoes, in the year I67I, the society being accused of denying the outward 
 coming of Christ, he, with some other friends, drew up a paper in reply to the charge, 
 " To go forth in the name of the people called Quakers." Again, in the year 1693, 
 on the occasion of a secession in America, a more enlarged statement of the doctrines 
 of our society was drawn up and published in London; and other documents have 
 been issued by the yearly meeting, of a similar tenor, so recently as the years 1829 and 
 1830. 
 
 The subjoined extracts are taken from these declarations ; and their harmony 
 cannot fail to be grateful to the members of our religious society. A brief notice 
 of the origin and establishment of our Christian discipline, of its objects, and of the 
 principal meetings instituted for its maintenance, is now inserted in the form of an 
 Introduction. 
 
 In conclusion, we would, in Christian love, invite our young friends to the serious 
 and attentive perusal of this work. May the evidence which it exhibits of the concern of 
 the society, from time to time, to maintain the profession of the truth in its primitive 
 purity, and to observe the precepts and practices taught and exemplified by the Lord 
 Jesus Christ and his apostles, commend themselves to the consciences and willing accept- 
 ance of all our members. It is the warm desire of this meeting that we may all be 
 established in the faith of the Gospel; and, when those who may have endeavoured, 
 though feebly in their own apprehension, to uphold the truth, shall have passed 
 from time to eternity, may there be a succeeding generation who shall maintain those 
 Christian testimonies which were dear to our predecessors in the truth, and which are 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 still dear to us ; and who shall, by life and conversation, adorn the doctrine of God our 
 Saviour in all things. 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings, 
 
 11th of the Second Month, 1834. 
 
 BXTBACTS FROM THE DOCUMENTS ABOVE BEFERBED TO. 
 
 Extract from George Fooo^s epistle to the Governor of Barbadoes, 1671' 
 
 We own and believe in God, the only wise, omnipotent, and everlasting God, the Creator 
 of all things in heaven and earth, and the Preserver of all that he hath made ; who is 
 God over all, blessed for ever; to whom be all honour, glory, dominion, praise and 
 thanksgiving, both now and for evermore ! And we own and believe in Jesus Christ, 
 his beloved and only begotten Son, in whom he is well pleased ; who was conceived by 
 the Holy Ghost, and born of the virgin Mary ; in whom we have redemption through 
 his blood, even the forgiveness of sins ; who is the express image of the invisible God, the 
 first-born of every creature, by whom were all things created that are in heaven and in 
 earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers; 
 all things were created by him. And we own and believe that he was made a sacrifice 
 for sin, who knew no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth ; that he was crucified 
 for us in the flesh, without the gates of Jerusalem ; and that he was buried, and rose 
 again the third day by the power of his Father, for our justification ; and that he as- 
 cended up into heaven, and now sitteth at the right hand of God. This Jesus, who was 
 the foundation of the holy prophets and apostles, is our foundation ; and we believe there 
 is no other foundation to be laid but that which is laid, even Christ Jesus ; who tasted 
 death for every man, shed his blood for all men, is the propitiation for our sins, and not 
 for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world : according as John the Baptist 
 testified of him, when he said, " Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of 
 " the world,*" John, i. 29. We believe that he alone is our Redeemer and Saviour, the 
 captain of our salvation, who saves us from sin, as well as from hell and the wrath to 
 come, and destroys the devil and his works ; he is the Seed of the woman that bruises 
 the serpent's head, to wit, Christ Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. 
 He is (as the Scriptures of truth say of him) our wisdom, righteousness, justification, 
 and redemption ; neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under 
 heaven given among men, whereby we may be saved. He alone is the Shepherd and 
 
PREFACE. ix 
 
 Bishop of our souls : he is our Prophet, whom Moses long since testified of, saying, 
 " A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me ; 
 " him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever he shall say unto you : and it shall come to 
 " pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the 
 " people."" Acts, ii. 22, 23. He is now come in Spirit, " and hath given us an under- 
 " standing, that we may know him that is true." He rules in our hearts by his law of love 
 and life, and makes us free from the law of sin and death. We have no life, but by him ; 
 for he is the quickening Spirit, the second Adam, the Lord from heaven, by whose blood 
 we are cleansed, and our consciences sprinkled from dead works, to serve the living God. 
 He is our Mediator, who makes peace and reconciliation between God offended and us 
 offending ; he being the Oath of God, the new covenant of light, life, grace, and peace ; 
 the author and finisher of our faith. This Lord Jesus Christ, the heavenly man, the 
 Emanuel, God with us, we all own and believe in; he whom the high-priest raged 
 against and said, he had spoken blasphemy ; whom the priests and elders of the Jews 
 took counsel together against, and put to death ; the same whom Judas betrayed for 
 thirty pieces of silver, which the priests gave him as a reward for his treason ; who also 
 gave large money to the soldiers to broach a horrible lie, namely, " That his disciples 
 " came and stole him away by night whilst they slept." After he was risen from the dead, 
 th6 history of the acts of the apostles sets forth how the chief priests and elders perse- 
 cuted the disciples of this Jesus, for preaching Christ and his resurrection. This, we 
 say, is that Lord Jesus Christ, whom we own to be our life and salvation. 
 
 Concerning the Holy Scriptures, we believe they were given forth by the Holy 
 Spirit of God, through the holy men of God, who (as the Scripture itself declares, 2 Pet. 
 i. 21,) spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. We believe they are to be read, 
 believed, and fulfilled (he that fulfils them is Christ;) and they are " profitable for doc- 
 " trine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God 
 " may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works," 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17 ; and are 
 able to make wise unto salvation, " through faith in Christ Jesus." 
 
 Extracts from a statement of Christian doctrine^ issued on behalf of the society, in 
 
 the year 1693. 
 
 We sincerely profess faith in God by his only begotten Son Jesus Christ, as being our 
 light and life, our only way to the Father, and also our only Mediator and Advocate 
 with the Father. 
 
 That God created all things, he made the worlds, by his Son Jesus Christ, he being 
 that powerful and living Word of God, by whom all things were made ; and that the 
 Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit are one, in divine being inseparable ; one true, 
 living, and eternal God, blessed for ever. 
 
 c 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Yet that this Word, or Son of God, in the fulness of time, took flesh, became perfect 
 man according to the flesh, descended and came of the seed of Abraham and David ; 
 but was miraculously conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the virgin Mary : and 
 also farther, declared powerfully to be the Son of God, according to the spirit of sanctifica- 
 tion, by the resurrection from the dead. 
 
 That in the Word (or Son of God) was life, and the same life was the light of men ; 
 and that he was that true light which enlightens every man coming into the world ; and 
 therefore that men are to believe in the light, that they may become the children of the 
 light ; hereby we believe in Christ the Son of God, as he is the light and life within us; 
 and wherein we must needs have sincere respect and honour to (and belief in) Christ, as 
 in his own unapproachable and incomprehensible glory and fulness; as he is the foun- 
 tain of life and light, and giver thereof unto us ; Christ, as in himself, and as in us, 
 being not divided. And that as man, Christ died for our sins, rose again, and was re- 
 ceived up into glory, in the heavens. He having, in his dying for all, been that one 
 great universal offering and sacrifice for peace, atonement and reconciliation between 
 God and man ; and he is the propitiation not for our sins only, but for the sins of the 
 whole world. We were reconciled by his death, but saved by his life. 
 
 That Jesus Christ, who sitteth at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the 
 heavens, yet is he our King, High Priest, and Prophet ; in his church, a Minister of 
 the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man. He 
 is Intercessor and Advocate with the Father in heaven, and there appearing in the pre- 
 sence of God for us, being touched with the feeling of our infirmities, sufferings, and 
 sorrows. And also by his spirit in our hearts, he maketh intercession according to the 
 will of God, crying Abba, Father. 
 
 That the Gospel of the grace of God should be preached in the name of the Father, 
 Son, and Holy Ghost, being one in power, wisdom, and goodness, and indivisible, (or 
 not to be divided,) in the great work of man's salvation. 
 
 We sincerely confess (and believe in) Jesus Christ, both as he is true God, and per- 
 fect man, and that he is the author of our living faith in the power and goodness of 
 God, as manifested in his Son Jesus Christ, and by his own blessed Spirit (or divine 
 unction) revealed in us, whereby we inwardly feel and taste of his goodness, life, and 
 virtue ; so as our souls live and prosper by and in him : and the inward sense of this di- 
 vine power of Christ, and faith in the same, and the inward experience, are absolutely ne- 
 cessary to make a true, sincere, and perfect christian in spirit and life. 
 
 That divine honour and worship is due to the Son of God ; and that he is, in true 
 faith to be prayed unto, and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ called upon (as the primi- 
 tive christians did,) because of the glorious union or oneness of the Father and the 
 Son, and that we cannot acceptably offer up prayers and praises to God, nor receive a 
 gracious answer or blessing from God, but in and through his dear Son Christ. 
 
PREFACE. xi 
 
 That Christ's body that was crucified was not the Godhead, yet by the power of God 
 was raised from the dead ; and that the same Christ that was therein crucified, ascended 
 into heaven and glory, is not questioned by us. His flesh saw no corruption, 
 it did not corrupt, but yet doubtless his body was changed into a more glorious and 
 heavenly condition than it was in when subject to divers sufferings on earth ; but how 
 and what manner of change it met withal after it was raised from the dead, so as to be- 
 come such a glorious body, (as it is declared to be,) is too wonderful for mortals to con- 
 ceive, apprehend, or pry into (and more meet for angels to see ;) the Scripture is silent 
 therein, as to the manner thereof, and we are not curious to enquire or dispute it ; nor 
 do we esteem it necessary to make ourselves wise above what is written, as to the manner 
 or condition of Christ's glorious body, as in heaven ; no more than to enquire how Christ 
 appeared in divers manners or forms ; or how he came in among his disciples, the doors 
 being shut ; or how he vanished out of their sight, after he was risen. However, we 
 have cause to believe his body, as in heaven, is changed into a most glorious condition, 
 far transcending what it was in on earth, otherwise how should our low body be changed, 
 so as to be made like unto his glorious body ; for when he was on earth, and attended 
 with sufferings, he was said to be like unto us in all things, sin only excepted ; which 
 may not be so said of him as now in a state of glory, as he prayed for ; otherwise where 
 would be the change both in him and in us. 
 
 Concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the great day of judgment yet to come, 
 beyond the grave, or after death, and Christ's coming without us, to judge the quick and 
 the dead : (as divers questions are put in such terms,) what the Holy Scriptures plainly 
 declare and testify in these matters, we have been always ready to embrace. 
 
 1. For the doctrine of the resurrection ; if, in this life only, we have hope in Christ, 
 we are of all men most miserable, I Cor. xv. 19- We sincerely believe not only a resur- 
 rection in Christ from the fallen sinful state here, but a rising and ascending into glory 
 with him hereafter ; that when he at last appears, we may appear with him in glory. 
 Col. iii. 4 ; 1 John iii. ^. 
 
 But that all the wicked who live in rebellion against the light of grace, and die finally 
 impenitent, shall come forth to the resurrection of condemnation. 
 
 And that the soul or spirit of every man and woman shall be reserved in its own dis- 
 tinct and proper being, and every seed (yea every soul) shall have its proper body, as 
 God is pleased to give it, 1 Cor. xv. A natural body is sown, a spiritual body is raised; 
 that being first which is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual. And thougli it is 
 said, this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality; 
 the change shall be such as flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither 
 doth corruption inherit incorruption, 1 Cor. xv. We shall be raised out of all corruption 
 
 c 2 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 and corruptibility, out of all mortality ; and the children of God and of the resurrection, 
 shall be equal to the angels of God in heaven. And as the celestial bodies do far excel 
 terrestrial, so we expect our spiritual bodies in the resurrection shall far excel what our 
 bodies now are. Howbeit we esteem it very unnecessary to dispute or question how the 
 dead are raised, or with what body they come : but rather submit that to the wisdom and 
 pleasure of Almighty God. 
 
 2. For the doctrine of eternal judgment; God hath committed all judgment unto his 
 Son Jesus Christ ; and he is Judge both of quick and dead, and of the states and ends of 
 all mankind, John, v. 22, 27 ; Acts. x. 42 ; 2 Tim. iv. 1 ; 1 Pet. iv. 5. 
 
 That there shall be hereafter a great harvest, which is the end of the world, a great 
 day of judgment, and the judgment of that great day, the Holy Scripture is clear. 
 Matt. xiii. 39, 40, 41 ; ch. x. 15, and xi. 24 ; Jude, vi. " When the Son of Man com- 
 " eth in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of 
 "his glory, and before him shall be gathered all nations," &c. Mat. xxv. 31, 32, to the 
 end, compared with ch. xxii. 31 ; Mark, viii. 38 ; Luke, ix. 26, and 1 Cor. xv. 52 ; 2 Thes. 
 i. 7, 8, to the end, and 1 Thes. iv. 16 : Rev. xx. 12, 13, 14, 15. 
 
 Extract from the minutes of the Yearly Meeting, 1829. 
 
 We feel ourselves called upon, at this time, to avow our belief in the inspiration and 
 divine authority of the Old and New Testament. 
 
 We further believe, that the promise made after the transgression of our first parents, 
 in the consequence of whose fall all the posterity of Adam are involved, that the seed of 
 the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent ; and the declaration unto Abraham, 
 " In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed," had a direct reference to the 
 coming in the flesh of the Lord Jesus Christ. To Him, also, did the prophet Isaiah 
 bear testimony, when he declared, " Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given : 
 " and the government shall be upon his shoulder : and his name shall be called Wonderful, 
 " Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace : of the increase 
 "of his government and peace there shall be no end." And again, the same prophet 
 spoke of him when he said, " Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: 
 " yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted ; but he was wounded for 
 " our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our peace was 
 " upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed." The same blessed Redeemer is empha- 
 tically denominated by the prophet Jeremiah, '' The Lord our Righteousness." 
 
 At that period, and in that miraculous manner, which God in his perfect wisdom saw 
 fit, the promised Messiah appeared personally upon earth, when " He took not on him 
 " the nature of angels ; but he took on him the seed of Abraham." He " was in all 
 
PREFACE. xiii 
 
 ** points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."" Having finished the work which was 
 given him to do, he gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God. He tasted 
 death for every man. " He is the propitiation for our sins : and not for ours only, but 
 " also for the sins of the whole world." " We have redemption through his blood, even 
 *' the forgiveness of sins." He passed into the heavens ; and being the brightness of 
 the glory of God, " and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the 
 *' word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand 
 " of the Majesty on high ;" and ever liveth to make intercession for us. 
 
 It is by the Lord Jesus Christ that the world will be judged in righteousness. He 
 is the mediator of the new covenant ; " the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of 
 " every creature : for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, 
 " visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers : 
 " all things were created by him, and for him : and he is before all things, and by him all 
 *' things consist." " In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily:" and to 
 him did the Evangelist bear testimony when he said, " In the beginning was the 
 *' Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the be- 
 *' ginning with God. All things were made by him ; and without him was not any thing 
 *' made that was made. In him was life ; and the life was the light of men." He '' was 
 *' the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." 
 
 Our blessed Lord himself spoke of his perpetual dominion and power in his church, 
 when he said, " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and 
 " I give unto them eternal life :" and, when describing the spiritual food which he bestow- 
 eth on the true believers, he declared, " I am the bread of life : he that cometh to me 
 " shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." He spoke also of 
 his saving grace, bestowed on those who come in faith unto him, when he said, 
 *' Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst ; but 
 " the water that I shall give him shall bein him a well of water, springing up into ever- 
 " lasting life." 
 
 Our religious society, from its earliest establishment to the present day, has received 
 these most important doctrines of Holy Scripture in their plain and obvious acceptation; 
 and it is the earnest desire of this meeting, that all who profess our name, may so live, 
 and so walk before God, as that they may know these sacred truths to be blessed to them 
 individually. We desire that, as the mere profession of sound Christian doctrine will 
 not avail to the salvation of the soul, all may attain to a living eflficacious faith, which, 
 through the power of the Holy Ghost, bringeth forth fruit unto holiness ; the end where- 
 of is everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. " Blessing, and honour, and glory, 
 " and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever 
 " and ever." 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Extract from the epistle of the Yearly Meeting^ 1830. 
 
 Dear friends, we are again made sensible that we cannot meditate on a subject more 
 fraught with instruction and comfort, than the coming of the Son of God in the flesh, 
 and the many blessings which through him have been conferred on the human race, — 
 the coming of Him, who, being born of a virgin, " was made in the likeness of men :" 
 " who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made 
 "himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant." He " was 
 " delivered for our oiFences, and was raised again for our justification." He ascended 
 on high, he led captivity captive, he received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious also, 
 that the Lord God might dwell among them. He " sitteth on the right hand of 
 " God,'' making intercession for us. He " is made unto us of God, wisdom and righteous- 
 " ness, and sanctification, and redemption ;" and unto him we must look as our mediator 
 and advocate with the Father. He emphatically describes himself as " the good Shep- 
 " herd." He is our Lawgiver ; and solemn indeed is the declaration, that we must all 
 appear before his judgment seat, to receive our reward, according to the deeds done in 
 the body, whether they be good or bad. 
 
 We feel that it is not a light matter thus to advert again to the various offices of the 
 Son and sent of the Father ; and we beseech all whom we are addressing, to contemplate 
 these solemn truths with due reverence ; yet frequently to meditate thereon, seeking for 
 the assistance of the grace of God to direct their understandings aright. As this is done 
 with humble and believing hearts, the conviction will increase, and ultimately become 
 settled, that it is a great mercy to know individually that we have not a High Priest 
 who cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities, but who was in all points tempted 
 like as we are, yet without sin. 
 
 But, blessed be God, he has not only provided the means of reconciliation unto him- 
 self, through the sacrifice of Christ ; he hath also, through the same compassionate 
 Saviour, granted unto us the gift of the Holy Spirit. By this, the patriarchs, and the 
 holy men of old who lived under the law, walked acceptably before God. Its more 
 plenteous effusion, and its powerful and life-giving effects, were distinctly foretold by 
 the ancient prophets. Christ himself declared, that it was expedient that he should 
 go away, that he might send the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who should guide 
 into all truth ; in allusion to whose coming he also said, " I will not leave you 
 " comfortless, I will come to you." To be guided by his Spirit is the practical appli- 
 cation of the Christian religion. It is the light of Christ which enlightens the dark- 
 ness of the heart of man ; and, by following this light, we are enabled to enjoy and 
 maintain communion with him. The children of God are led by the Spirit of God ; 
 
PREFACE. XV 
 
 and this is the appointed means of bringing us into that state of " holiness, without 
 " which no man shall see the Lord." It is not a doctrine of mysticism, but one of 
 practical piety. The great office of the Holy Spirit, we firmly believe to be, to con- 
 vince of sin, to bring the soul to a state of deep and sincere repentance, and to effect the 
 work of sanctifi cation. A holy and constant watchfulness is required, to preserve the mind 
 alive to the guidance of this divine Teacher ; who, if diligently sought after and waited 
 for, will be found to be a swift witness for God in the soul, producing that tenderness of 
 spirit, and that quickness of understanding in the fear of the Lord, which are essential to 
 our growth in grace. 
 
 It is through Him whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through 
 faith in his blood, that we obtain pardon for sin ; and it is through the power 
 of his Spirit working mightily in us, that we come eventually to experience freedom 
 from sin. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 On the Origin and Establishment of our Christian Discipline. 
 
 It is presumed that this revised and enlarged edition of Rules and Advices for the 
 government of our religious society, will have an extensive circulation amongst its mem- 
 bers, and it has been thought, that, at least to many of the younger class, a brief view 
 of the rise and progress of our discipline, and of the meetings established with reference 
 to it, might be useful and not uninteresting. 
 
 By the term discipline, we understand all those arrangements and regulations which 
 are instituted for the civil and religious benefit of a Christian church : the meetings 
 of discipline are, of course, for the purpose of carrying those objects into effect. Their 
 design was said, by George Fox, to be — the promotion of charity and piety. 
 
 It cannot be said that any system of discipline formed a part of the original compact 
 of the society. There was not indeed, to human appearance, any thing systematic in its 
 formation. It was an association of persons who were earnestly seeking, yea panting after 
 the saving knowledge of Divine Truth. They were men of prayer, and diligent search- 
 ers of the Holy Scriptures : unable to find true rest in the various opinions and systems, 
 which in that day divided the Christian world, they believed that they found the Truth 
 in a more full reception of Christ, not only as the living and ever present Head of the 
 church in its aggregate capacity, but also as the light and life, — the spiritual ruler, 
 teacher, and friend of every individual member. 
 
 These views did not lead them to the abandonment of those doctrines which they had 
 heretofore held in regard to the manhood of Christ, his propitiatory sacrifice, mediation, and 
 intercession. They did lead them, however, to a less dependence upon man, and to much 
 inward retirement and waiting upon God, that they might know his will, and become quick 
 of understanding in the fear of the Lord ; yet were they very frequent in their meetings 
 together for mutual edification and instruction, for the purpose of united worship in spirit 
 and in truth, and for the exercise of their several gifts, as ability might be afforded by Him 
 who has promised to be with the two or three disciples who are gathered together in his name. 
 
 From these meetings, in which the love of God was often largely shed abroad in the 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 hearts of those who attended them, even when held in silence, most of those ministers went 
 forth, who, in the earliest periods of the society, proclaimed to others the truth as they 
 had found it, and called them from dependence on man to that individual knowledge 
 of Christ and of his teachings, which the Holy Scriptures so clearly and abundantly 
 declare to be the privilege of the Gospel times. As these views struck at the very 
 root of that great corruption in the Christian church, by which one man's performances 
 on behalf of others had been made essential to public worship, and on which hung all 
 the load of ecclesiastical domination and the trade in holy things, so it necessarily sepa- 
 rated those who had, as they believed, found the liberty of the Gospel, from those who 
 still adhered with pious regard, or a mere ignorant and selfish attachment to that sys- 
 tem which was upheld by the existing churches of the land. 
 
 Being thus separated from others, and many being every day added to the church, there 
 arose of course peculiar duties of the associated persons towards each other. Christianity has 
 ever been a powerful, active, and beneficent principle. Those who truly receive it, no more 
 " live unto themselves," and this feature and fruit of genuine Christianity was strikingly 
 exhibited in the conduct of the early Friends. No sooner were a few persons connected to- 
 gether in the new bond of religious fellowship, than they were engaged to admonish, encou- 
 rage, and in spiritual as well as temporal matters, to watch over and help one another in love. 
 
 The members who lived near to each other, and who met together for religious wor- 
 ship, immediately formed, from the very law of their union, a Christian family or little 
 church. Each member was at liberty to exercise the gift bestowed upon him, in that beau- 
 tiful harmony and subjection which belongs to the several parts of a living body, from 
 the analogy of which the apostle Paul draws so striking a description of the true church ; 
 " Ye are the body of Christ and members in particular." 
 
 Of this right exercise of spiritual gifts, and thereby of an efficient discipline, many 
 examples are afforded in the history of the earliest period of the society; we shall select 
 one which we believe may be considered as fairly illustrating the practice of early times. 
 Stephen Crisp in his memoirs, speaking of his own state soon after his convincement, 
 which was in 1 Q55, and within a few years of the establishment of a meeting at Colches- 
 ter, the place of his residence, thus expresses himself: "The more I came to feel and 
 " perceive the love of God and his goodness to me, the more was I humbled and bowed 
 " in my mind to serve him, and to serve the least of his people among whom I walked ; 
 " and as the word of wisdom began to spring in me, and the knowledge of God grew, so 
 " I became a counsellor of those that were tempted in like manner as I had been ; yet 
 " was kept so low, that I waited to receive counsel daily from God, and from those that 
 " were over me in the Lord, and were in Christ before me, against whom I never rebelled 
 " nor was stubborn ; but the more I was kept in subjection myself, the more I was enabled 
 
 d 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 " to help the weak and feeble ones. And as the church of God, in those days, increased, 
 *' and my care daily increased, and the weight of things relating both to the outward 
 " and inward condition of poor friends came upon me, and being called of God and his 
 " people to take the care of the poor, and to relieve their necessities as I did see occasion, 
 " I did it faithfully for divers years, with diligence and much tenderness, exhorting and 
 " reproving any that were slothful, and encouraging them that were diligent, putting a 
 " difference according to the wisdom given me of God, and still minding my own state 
 " and condition, and seeking the honour that cometh from God only." — Memoirs. 
 
 Thus, then, we believe it may be safely asserted, that there never was a period in the 
 society when those who agreed in religious principles were wholly independent of each 
 other, or in which that order and subjection which may be said to constitute discipline, 
 did not exist. But as the number of members increased, those mutual helps and guards 
 which had been, in great measure, spontaneously afforded, were found to require some 
 regular arrangements for the preservation of order in the church. 
 
 The history of these proceedings affords no small evidence, that the spirit of a sound 
 mind influenced the body in its earliest periods : contending, as they did, for so large a 
 measure of individual spiritual liberty, and placing the authority of man, in religious 
 matters, in a position so subordinate to that of the one Great Head of the church, they 
 nevertheless recognized the importance and necessity of arrangements and of human in- 
 strumentality, under the direction of the Spirit of Christ ; and they were led to establish 
 a system of order at once so simple and efficient, that notwithstanding the varying cir- 
 cumstances of the society, and the power of every annual meeting to alter it, it has been 
 found, in its main particulars, adapted to those changes, and it remains to this day essen- 
 tially the same as it was within forty years of the rise of the society. Previously, how- 
 ever, to the establishment of that regular system of discipline, and of that mode of repre- 
 sentation in the meetings for conducting it, which now exist, there had been many 
 general meetings held in different parts of the nation, for the purpose of providing for the 
 various exigencies of the society. How these meetings were constituted it is not easy 
 precisely to ascertain. The " labourers in the Gospel," by whose instrumentality the 
 church had been gathered, appear to have taken the most prominent part in the proceed- 
 ings of these meetings. George Fox mentions in his journal, that some meetings for 
 discipline were settled in the north of England so early as 1653 ; the first general meet- 
 ing of which we are aware that any records are extant, was held at Balby, near Doncaster, 
 in Yorkshire, in the year 1656, and from this meeting a number of directions and advices 
 were issued, addressed " To the Brethren in the North." This document refers to most 
 of the points which now form the chief subjects of our discipline. It contains instructions 
 as to the Gospel order of proceeding with delinquents, and advices to husbands and wives, 
 parents and children, masters and servants, as to the discharge of their relative duties. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 and also in regard to strict justice in trade, and a cheerful and faithful performance of 
 civil offices in the commonwealth. George Fox mentions attending a general meeting in 
 Bedfordshire, in 1658, which lasted three days; at which, he says, " there were friends 
 " present from most parts of the nation, and many thousands of persons were at it." He 
 also mentions attending a meeting at Skipton, in 1660, " for the affairs of the church, both 
 " in this nation and beyond the seas:" and he says, that he had recommended the establish- 
 ment of this meeting several years before, when he was in the north, " for many friends 
 " suffered in divers parts of the nation ; their goods were taken from them contrary to 
 " law, and they understood not how to help themselves, or where to seek redress." " This 
 " meeting," he adds, " had stood several years, and divers justices and captains had come 
 ** to break it up ; but when they understood the business friends met about, and saw friends' 
 " books, and accounts of collections for the use of the poor ; how we took care one county 
 " to help another, and to help our friends beyond sea, and to provide for our poor, so that 
 " none should be chargeable to their parishes, the justices and officers confessed we did 
 *' their work, and would pass away peaceably and lovingly." 
 
 Next to general meetings we must notice the establishment of quarterly meetings, which 
 were constituted of friends deputed by the several meetings within a county. These meet- 
 ings, in several of the counties at least, had existed prior to the establishment of monthly 
 meetings, and they appear to have had much the same office in the body as the monthly 
 meetings now have amongst us. George Fox, in an epistle of an early date, writes thus 
 respecting them : " In all the meetings of the county two or three may be appointed 
 *' from them to go to the quarterly meetings, to give notice if there be any that walk not in 
 *' the truth, or have been convinced and gone from the truth, and so have dishonoured 
 " God ; and likewise to see if any that profess the truth follow pleasures, drunkenness, 
 " gaming, or are not faithful in their callings and dealings, nor honest ; but run into debt 
 *' and so bring a scandal upon the truth. Friends may give notice to the quarterly meet- 
 " ings (if there be any such,) and some may be ordered to go and exhort them, and bring 
 " in their answers to the next quarterly meeting. And to admonish all them that be care- 
 " less and slothful, to diligence in the truth and service for God, and to bring forth heaven- 
 *' ly fruits to God, and that they may mind the good works of God, and do them in belie v- 
 " ing on his Son, and showing it forth in their conversation, and to deny the devil and his 
 " bad works, and not to do them; and to seek them that be driven away from the truth into 
 " the devil's wilderness by his dark power. Seek them again by the truth, and by the truth 
 " and power of God bring them to God again." 
 
 It appears, by the preceding account of the meeting at Skipton, to have been with our 
 society as it had been with the primitive church, that the care and provision for its poor 
 
 d2 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 members was amongst the earliest occasions of disciplinary arrangements. The occasion 
 for this provision was much increased by the cruel persecutions and robberies to which, 
 on their first rise, the friends were almost every where exposed. It was no rare occur- 
 rence, at that period, for the father of a family to be thrown into a dungeon, and for tlie 
 house to be spoiled of the very children's beds and all their provisions. Nor was it un- 
 common to seek their entire proscription and ruin, by refusing to deal with them. Well 
 may we say, with reverent thankfulness, in reference to those times, " If it had not 
 " been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they had 
 ** swallowed us up quick when their wrath was kindled against us.''^ 
 
 The members of the persecuted society were far from opulent ; but they proved them- 
 selves rich in charity as well as in faith and hope: and the illustration of these virtues, by 
 the sacrifices which they made for the relief of their more afflicted associates, and their un- 
 broken constancy in the sufferings which they endured for the testimony of a good con- 
 science, were doubtless amongst the practical arguments which at length extorted the 
 commendation even of their enemies. 
 
 A second and perhaps contemporaneous object of the meetings for the discipline of 
 the society, was the obtaining of redress for those illegally prosecuted or imprisoned, as 
 also appears from the extract relative to the meeting at Skipton. Though so patient in 
 suffering they deemed it their duty to apprise magistrates, judges, and the government of 
 illegal proceedings, and to use every legal and Christian effort to obtain redress. 
 Several friends in London devoted a large portion of time to this object, and regular 
 statements of the most flagrant cases were sent to them, and were frequently laid by 
 them before the king and government. Their constancy in suffering was hardly ex- 
 ceeded by their unwearied efforts to obtain relief for their suffering brethren, and for the 
 alteration of the persecuting lav»s, and through these means the cause of religious liberty 
 was essentially promoted. 
 
 A third object, which at a very early period of the society pressed upon its attention, 
 was the proper registration of births and deaths, and the provision for due proceed- 
 ings relative to marriage. Their principles led them at once to reject all priestly inter- 
 vention on these occasions, and hence the necessity for their having distinct arrange- 
 ments in regard to them. In some of the meetings of earliest establishment regular 
 registers are preserved from the year 1650 to the present time. Great care was taken in 
 regard to proceedings in marriage; investigation as to the clearness of the parties from 
 other marriage engagements, full publicity of their intentions, and the consent of pa- 
 rents, appear to have been recommended in early times as preliminaries to the ratifica- 
 tion of the agreement between the parties ; and this act took place publicly in the re- 
 ligious meetings of the society. Marriage has always been regarded, by friends, as a 
 religious, not a mere civil compact. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The right education of youth, the provision of suitable situations for them as appren- 
 tices or otherwise, and the settlement of differences without going to law one with another, 
 were also among the early objects of the society's care. 
 
 The last object of the discipline in early times, which we shall enumerate, was the exer- 
 cise of spiritual care over the members. As the society advanced it was soon reminded of 
 our Lord's declaration : " It must needs be that offences come." United as they were, in 
 the main, in true Christian fellowship, differences did arise. Evidencing, as the society did, 
 to a large extent, the fruits of the Spirit, there were those who fell away from their Christian 
 profession, and walked disorderly — and sound as was the body of friends in Christian doc- 
 trine, there were members who were betrayed into false doctrines and vain imaginations ; 
 and pure, and spiritual, and consistent with true order and Christian subjection, as were 
 the principles of religious liberty advocated by the society, there were those who appear 
 to have assumed them under the false expectation of an entire independence. 
 
 To all these cases, the discipline was applied in very early times, yet the spirit of ten- 
 derness, which breathes through the writings of George Fox, in regard to the treatment 
 of delinquents, and which there is good reason to believe was practically illustrated to a 
 large extent in the conduct of the friends of those days, is worthy of especial notice. In one 
 of his epistles he thus writes : " Now concerning Gospel order, though the doctrine of Jesus 
 " Christ requireth his people to admonish a brother or sister twice, before they tell the 
 " church, yet that limiteth none, so as that they shall use no longer forbearance. And it is 
 " desired of all, before they publicly complain, that they wait in the power of God, to feel if 
 *' there is no more required of them to their brother or sister, before they expose him or her 
 " to the church. Let this be weightily considered, and all such as behold their brother or 
 " sister in a transgression, go not in a rough, light, or upbraiding spirit, to reprove or ad- 
 " monish him or her ; but in the power of the Lord and spirit of the Lamb, and in the wis- 
 " dom and love of the truth, which suffers thereby, to admonish such an offender. So may 
 " the soul of such a brother or sister be seasonably and effectually reached unto and over- 
 " come, and they may have cause to bless the name of the Lord on their behalf, and so a 
 " blessing may be rewarded into the bosom of that faithful and tender brother or sister who 
 " so admonished them. And so keep the church order of the Gospel, according as the 
 " Lord Jesus Christ hath commanded ; that is, ' If thy brother offend thee, speak to him 
 " betwixt thee and him alone ; and if he will not hear, take two or three, and if he will not 
 " hear two or three, then tell it to the church.' And if any one do miscarry, admonish 
 " them gently in the wisdom of God, so that you may preserve him and bring him to con- 
 " demnation, and preserve him from further evils, which it is well if such do not run 
 " into, and it will be well for all to use the gentle wisdom of God towards them in their 
 " temptations, and condemnable actions; and, with using gentleness, to bring them to con- 
 " demn their evil, and to let their condemnation go as far as their bad action has gone 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 " and no farther, to defile the minds of friends or others ; and so to clear God's truth 
 " and people, and to convert the soul to God, and preserve them out of further evils. — 
 " So be wise in the wisdom of God." 
 
 We now proceed to notice the more regular and systematic establishment of monthly, 
 and quarterly meetings, and of the yearly meeting. Though the history of those times 
 bears ample testimony to the useful part which was taken in this important work by many 
 faithful friends, yet it is clear that George Fox was the chief instrument in the arrange- 
 ment and establishment of these meetings. There was doubtless much reference to his 
 individual judgment, but it is worthy of notice how carefully he sought to keep the body 
 from an improper dependence upon him. As in his preaching he directed his hearers to 
 Christ for themselves, as alike their and his teacher, so in the discipline of the society 
 he laboured diligently that the body might be strengthened to help itself 
 
 Under the date of 1666, George Fox says in his journal, " Then was Imoved of the Lord 
 " to recommend the setting up of five monthly meetings of men and women friends in the 
 " city (London,) besides the women's meeting and the quarterly meetings, to take care of 
 " God's glory, and to admonish and exhort such as walked disorderly or carelessly, and 
 ** not according to truth. For whereas friends had had only quarterly meetings, now 
 " truth was spread and friends were grown more numerous, I was moved to recommend 
 " the setting up of monthly meetings throughout the nation." In 1667 ^^ laboured most 
 diligently in this service, under much bodily weakness from his long confinements in cold 
 and damp prisons. In 1668 he thus writes, concerning this service ; " The men's 
 *' monthly meetings were settled through the nation. The quarterly meetings were gene- 
 " rally settled before. I wrote also into Ireland, Scotland, Holland, Barbadoes, and seve- 
 " ral parts of America, advising friends to settle their men's monthly meetings in those 
 " countries, for they had their quarterly meetings before." These monthly meetings so in- 
 stituted, took a large share of that care which had heretofore devolved on the quarterly 
 meetings, and were no doubt the means of bringing many more of the members into a 
 larger sphere of usefulness and the exercise of their respective gifts in the church, the 
 free course for which he was so anxious to promote. With reference to this subject 
 he observes, in one of his epistles : " The least member in the church is serviceable, 
 " and all the members have need one of another." 
 
 The quarterly meetings from this time received reports of the state of the society 
 from the monthly meetings, and gave such advice and decisions as they thought right ; 
 but there was not, until some years after this period, a general yearly meeting, in 
 which all the quarterly meetings were represented. Of the establishment of that meet- 
 ing we come now to speak. 
 
 There appears to have been held in London, in 1668, a general meeting of friends 
 from all parts of the nation, from which an epistle was issued to the society, and the 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxiii 
 
 several quarterly meetings were requested to make a collection for the service of truth 
 beyond the seas, and for the distribution of books. There is some reason to believe that 
 this was a general meeting of ministers. In the year 1672 a general meeting of 
 ministers was held at Devonshire House, London ; amongst its proceedings we find 
 the following minute, in which we trace the origin of the yearly meeting, constituted as 
 it now is, of representatives from various parts of the kingdom. "It is concluded, 
 " agreed, and assented unto, by friends then present, that for the better ordering, 
 " managing, and regulating of the public affairs of friends relating to the truth and ser- 
 '* vice thereof, that there be a general meeting of friends held at London once a year, 
 " in the week called Whitsun-week, to consist of six friends for the city of London, 
 " three for the city of Bristol, two for the town of Colchester, and one or two from each 
 " of the counties of England and Wales respectively." 
 
 This representative yearly meeting met at the time proposed in 1 673, and came to the 
 conclusion, that the general meeting, constituted as it then was, " be discontinued till friends, 
 " in God's wisdom, shall see a further occasion;" and it was further agreed, that the gene- 
 ral meeting of friends who labour in the work of the ministry, do continue as formerly 
 appointed. This meeting of friends in the ministry, which had now been so formally consti- 
 tuted and authorized, appears to have been regularly held annually from this time to the 
 year 1677 inclusive. This meeting of ministers in London appears at that time to have 
 had the general care of the church. 
 
 In J 675 a series of important advices and instructions were agreed upon, and sent forth 
 to the several meetings : they are contained in an epistle, and are thus introduced : " At a 
 " solemn general meeting of many faithful friends and brethren concerned in the public 
 " labour of the Gospel and service of the church of Christ, from the most parts of the na- 
 " tion." This document is signed by eighty- one friends, most of whom are well known as 
 conspicuous in the early history of the society, and the spirit of fervent piety and charity 
 which it breathes is well worthy of their character. In 1677 the general meeting agreed 
 again to convene the meeting of representatives in the ensuing year, and then to advise re- 
 specting its continuance. Accordingly in 1678 the representative yearly meeting assembled 
 in London, and after agreeing upon several matters, the substance of which was conveyed 
 to the various meetings of friends, in the form of an epistle with much Christian counsel, 
 concluded to meet again the next year after the same manner ; and these meetings have 
 continued to assemble once a year in London, with unbroken regidarity,to the present time. 
 
 When the general meeting of ministers transferred much of its duties to the represen- 
 tative yearly meeting, of which they formed a part, there were some portions of the ser- 
 vice of these meetings which more particularly belonged to the ministers. 
 
 Although the power to approve or disapprove of ministers, rested with the members 
 of the church to which they respectively belonged, in the capacity of a monthly meeting, 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 yet it was deemed fitting that the ministers should have an especial oversight of each 
 other, and that they should meet together for mutual consultation and advice in regard 
 to those of their own station. 
 
 George Fox, in 1674, writes thus : " Let your general assemblies of the ministers, [in 
 *' London,] or elsewhere, examine, as it was at the first, whether all the ministers that 
 " go forth into the counties, do walk as becomes the Gospel, for that you know was one 
 " end of that meeting, to prevent and take away scandal, and to examine whether all 
 " who preach Christ Jesus do keep in his government and in the order of the Gospel, 
 " and to exhort them that do not."" Meetings for these purposes, in which friends in the 
 station of elder are now united, continue to be regularly held. 
 
 All the meetings which have been hitherto described were conducted by men ; but it 
 was one of the earliest features of our religious economy to elevate the character of the 
 female sex, by recognizing them as helpers in spiritual as well as in temporal things ; 
 holding in the former, as well as in the latter, a distinct place, and having duties 
 which more peculiarly devolved on them. For this purpose meetings were established 
 among them, with a special regard to the care and edification of their own sex. A meet- 
 ing of women friends is mentioned at Bristol as early as 1668, and it appears from a pas- 
 sage already quoted from George Fox, that they had been held in London at a still 
 earlier period. Their general establishment does not, however, appear to have taken 
 place until after the settlement of the men"'s meetings ; after speaking of these he says, 
 " Truth still spreading further over the nation, and friends increasing in number, I was 
 " moved by the same eternal power to recommend the setting up of women's meetings 
 " also." His views in regard to the establishment of these meetings are conveyed in the 
 following passages : " That faithful women, called to a belief of the truth, and made 
 " partakers of the same precious faith, and heirs of the same everlasting Gospel of 
 " life and salvation, as the men are, might in the like manner come into the profession 
 *' and practice of the Gospel order, and therein be meethelps to the men in the resto- 
 " ration, in the service of truth, and the affairs of the church, as they are outwardly in 
 " civil and temporal things ; that so all the family of God, women as well as men, might 
 " know, possess, and perform their offices and services in the house of God : whereby 
 " the poor might be better taken care of, the younger sort instructed, informed, and 
 " taught in the way of God ; the loose and disorderly reproved and admonished in the 
 " fear of the Lord; the clearness of persons proposing marriage more closely and strictly 
 " enquired into in the wisdom of God, and all the members of the spiritual body, the 
 " church, might watch over and be helpful to each other in love.*" 
 
 Again, speaking of the important duties of women in the church, he says : " The 
 " elder women in the truth were not only called elders, but mothers — now a mother in 
 " the church of Christ and a mother in Israel is one who nourishes, and feeds, and 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxv 
 
 " washes, and rules, and is a teacher in the church, an admonisher, an instructor, an ex- 
 " horter. So the elder women and mothers are to be teachers of good things, teachers of 
 " the younger, and to be trainers of them up in virtue, holiness, righteousness, in wis- 
 " dom, and in the fear of the Lord in the church of Christ." 
 
 The persevering efforts of George Fox to establish a regular discipline, a work in 
 which he was assisted by nearly all those who had been instrumental in gathering 
 the society, proved a great trial of spirits : to a large proportion of the members the 
 arrangements appear to have been quite satisfactory : there was, however, a considerable 
 number of objectors — the self-willed and lawless opposed it with vehemence, and it 
 must be admitted that not a few of a very different class were drawn aside by specious 
 arguments, to oppose what was represented as an encroachment upon individual spiritual 
 liberty. Certain it is, that a schism to some extent took place on this occasion; which, 
 however, there is reason to believe, left the society in a more healthy state than it found it. 
 The general meeting of 1677 issued a strong declaration on the subject. Robert Barclay 
 wrote, upon this occasion, his " Anarchy of the Ranters ;" William Penn his " Liberty 
 Spiritual ;" and Stephen Crisp an excellent tract, all of them endeavouring to prove the 
 necessity of established order and discipline in the church of Christ. This very conflict, 
 and the close examination to which it led of the true limits of church authority, tended, 
 there is reason to believe, under Divine direction, to establish the discipline at once more 
 firmly and safely throughout the society than might otherwise have been the case. 
 
 Thus was a system of order and government, in conformity with the spirit of Christianity 
 and the practice of the primitive churches, established amongst us in early times ; and 
 thus a field was opened for the exercise of the various gifts by which the church, the 
 body of Christ, is edified. It is very observable in the history of our society, that the 
 declension or revival of religious zeal has ever been accompanied by a corresponding relax- 
 ation or increase of care, in the exercise of the discipline. May the publication of 
 the present volume tend to strengthen our love and zeal in the support of our Christian 
 testimonies and institutions, in the bonds of that holy brotherhood which is the fellow- 
 ship of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
NOTICE. 
 
 The letters P. K. and W. E. added to the date of some of the Extracts, 
 signify that they are taken from the Printed or the Written Epistle of 
 that yesir. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 
 Advices 1 
 
 Appeals 3 
 
 Arbitration 22 
 
 Books 28 
 
 Civil Government 31 
 
 Conduct and Conversation 36 
 
 Convinced Persons 59 
 
 Covetousness 62 
 
 Detraction and Defamation 66 
 
 Grave Stones and Mourning Habits 7^ 
 
 Heathen Names of the Days and Months 7^ 
 
 Liberality and Benevolence 7^ 
 
 Love and Unity , 84 
 
 Marriage 91 
 
 Masters, Mistresses, Servants, and Apprentices 104 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings , 107 
 
 Meetings for Discipline Ill 
 
 Yearly Meeting l!i^3 
 
 Quarterly Meetings 1 27 
 
 Monthly Meetings 130 
 
 Preparative Meetings — 143 
 
 Women's Meetings 144 
 
 Meetings for Worship 148 
 
xxviii CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 Ministers and Elders and their Meetings 158 
 
 Morning Meeting of Ministers and Elders I70 
 
 National Fasts and Times of Public Rejoicing I72 
 
 National Stock 175 
 
 Oaths and Affirmation I78 
 
 Oversight 183 
 
 Parents and Education , 189 
 
 Plainness and Moderation 206 
 
 Poor 214 
 
 Queries 216 
 
 Registers 222 
 
 Removals and Settlements 228 
 
 Scriptures 238 
 
 Slave Trade and Slavery 244 
 
 Temperance , , 252 
 
 Tithes and Sufferings 254 
 
 Trade . 268 
 
 Trust Property 279 
 
 War 287 
 
 Wills, Executors, and Administrators 296 
 
 Youth 299 
 
 Index 31 1 
 
EXTRACTS, &c. 
 
 ADVICES. 
 
 Advices to be read, at least once in the year, in the Quarterly, Monthly, 
 and Preparative Meetings of men and women friends : they are 
 to be read in the mens and women s meetings separately. 
 
 Take heed, dear friends, we intreat you, to the convictions of the 
 Holy Spirit, who leads, through unfeigned repentance and living faith 
 in the Son of God, to reconciliation with our Heavenly Father, and to 
 the blessed hope of eternal life, purchased for us by the one oifering of 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 
 
 Be earnestly concerned in religious meetings reverently to present 
 yourselves before the Lord, and seek, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to 
 worship God through Jesus Christ. 
 
 Be in the frequent practice of waiting upon God in private retire- 
 ment, with prayer and supplication, honestly examining yourselves as to 
 your growth in grace, and your preparation for the life to come. 
 
 Be careful to make a profitable and religious use of those portions 
 of time on the first day of the week, which are not occupied by our 
 meetings for worship. 
 
 Live in love as Christian brethren, ready to be helpful one to another, 
 and to sympathize with each other in the trials and aflBictions of life. 
 
 Follow peace with all men, desiring the true happiness of all ; and be 
 liberal to the poor, endeavouring to promote their temporal, moral, and 
 religious well-being. 
 
 B 
 
ADVICES. 
 
 With a tender conscience, and in accordance with the precepts of the 
 Gospel, take heed to the limitations of the Spirit of Truth, in the pur- 
 suit of the things of this life. 
 
 Maintain strict integrity in all your transactions in trade, and in your 
 other outward concerns, remembering that you will have to account 
 for the mode of acquiring, and the manner of using, your possessions. 
 
 Watch, with Christian tenderness, over the opening minds of your 
 offspring ; enure them to habits of self-restraint and filial obedience ; 
 carefully instruct them in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and 
 seek for ability to imbue their minds with the love of their Heavenly 
 Father, their Redeemer, and their Sanctifier. 
 
 Observe simplicity and moderation in the furniture of your houses, 
 and in the supply of your tables, as well as in your personal attire, and 
 that of your families. 
 
 Be diligent in the private and daily family reading of the Holy 
 Scriptures ; and guard carefully against the introduction of improper 
 books into your families. 
 
 Be careful to place out children, of all degrees, with those friends 
 whose care and example will be most likely to conduce to their preserva- 
 tion from evil ; prefer such assistants, servants, and apprentices, as are 
 members of our religious society ; not demanding exorbitant apprentice 
 fees, lest you frustrate the care of friends in these respects. 
 
 Encourage your apprentices and servants of all descriptions to attend 
 public worship, making way for them herein : and exercise a watchftil 
 care for their moral and religious improvement. 
 
 Be careful to make your wills and settle your outward affairs in time 
 of health; and, when you accept the office of guardian, executor, or 
 trustee, be faithful and diligent in the fulfilment of your trust. 
 
 Finally, dear friends, let your conversation be such as becometh the 
 Gospel. Exercise yourselves to have always a conscience void of 
 offence towards God and towards man. Watch over one another for 
 good ; and when occasions of uneasiness first appear in any, let them 
 be treated with in privacy and tenderness, before the matter be com- 
 municated to another : and friends, every where, are advised to maintain 
 "the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." 1791.- 1801.— 1833. 
 
APPEALS. 
 
 Dear friends, in the spirit of the Gospel, which is peace on earth, j 
 
 and good-will to all men, labour to maintain the discipline of the 
 church, wherein you will be favoured with wisdom, prudently to 
 determine the affairs that may come before you, and be instrumental 
 to prevent appeals from coming to this meeting, which tend to prolong 
 it, and give uneasiness to friends. 1736. W. E. 
 
 Rules for hearing and judging of Appeals. 
 
 Appeals to Quarterly Meetings. 
 
 I. If any person shall, after a final decision in his case by any 2 
 monthly meeting, (which final decision where disownment takes place Meettngs^^ 
 is the issuing of a minute or testimony against him,) think himself 
 
 (a) injured or aggrieved by its proceedings in the case, he may appeal 
 to the quarterly meeting of which such monthly meeting forms a part. 
 Notice of such intended appeal is to be given, in writing, to the monthly 
 meeting within three months after such decision is communicated by, or 
 on behalf of, such meeting, to the party concerned ; or, if, because the 
 party could not be found, or by reason of his having left the kingdom, 
 the decision has not been so communicated, then within two years, at 
 the furthest, after the issuing of it. 
 
 II. The appeal is to be brought to the first or second quarterly 
 meeting which occurs after the monthly meeting immediately suc- 
 ceeding that at which the notice, above mentioned, has been given. 
 
 (a) \^or herself, her, %c.'\ ; persons of both Sexes having equal right of appeal. 
 
 B 2 
 
4 APPEALS. 
 
 '^M?e"t?^'^'!^^ In the notice, the appellant shall specify to which of the two he 
 means to present his appeal. If he has made choice of the first, and 
 circumstances should arise to prevent him from pursuing his intention, 
 he shall be at liberty to bring the appeal to the second quarterly 
 meeting, provided that previously thereto he renew his notice to the 
 monthly meeting. The monthly meeting receiving notice of appeal 
 as first mentioned, shall appoint respondents to act on its behalf, and 
 shall inform the appellant that an appointment has been made. If, 
 in the judgment of the monthly meeting, such notice of appeal be given 
 before a final decision in the case, the monthly meeting instead of 
 apj)ointing respondents shall send forward to the quarterly meeting a 
 minute, stating that a final decision has not been given in the case, and 
 that consequently the appellant has no right of appeal, which minute 
 the quarterly meeting shall, without entering into the case, record as 
 its judgment. But, after the final decision of the case, the monthly 
 meeting shall not be at liberty to omit or delay the appointment of 
 respondents, either because it does not deem the case one that admits 
 of appeal, or on any other ground. 
 
 III. The following regulations are to be observed in the conducting 
 of appeals to quarterly meetings : — 
 
 1. The appeal, in writing, and sealed up, shall be delivered to 
 the clerk for the time being, soon after the representatives are 
 called over, with an endorsement simply specifying the appellant, 
 his assistant, or assistants, (if any are intended,) the meeting 
 appealed against, and that appealed to. The indorsement shall be 
 read, and also the minute of the monthly meeting appointing 
 respondents to act on its behalf But, if no respondents have 
 been appointed, nor any minute produced from the monthly 
 meeting, informing the quarterly meeting that a final decision 
 , has not been given in the case, the quarterly meeting without 
 appointing any committee or otherwise entering into the case, 
 shall direct the monthly meeting to make the necessary appoint- 
 ment in order to the appeal being heard at the ensuing quarterly 
 meeting. If, at the ensuing quarterly meeting, no appointment 
 
APPEALS. 5 
 
 of respondents is reported, the quarterly meeting without entering To Quarterly 
 
 1 1 /> 1 1 • • Meetings. 
 
 into the case, shall at once record a reversal ot the decision 
 appealed against. 
 
 2. Unless an appeal relate to matter of faith and doctrine, 
 and unless the quarterly meeting is satisfied thereof, and also 
 inclines that without any previous reference, it should be heard 
 in the meeting itself, such meeting shall, when any appeal is so 
 brought as above, proceed to nominate a committee of twelve 
 disinterested friends, to hear the same and judge thereof, the 
 appellant, and the assistant or assistants of an appellant, and the 
 respondents having withdrawn previously to such nomination. No 
 member of a monthly meeting appealed against, is to be at liberty 
 to take any part in nominating the committee of the quarterly 
 meeting. 
 
 3. After the nomination has taken place, the appellant and 
 respondents shall be called in, the names of the proposed com- 
 mittee shall be read in their presence, and each party shall be 
 allowed, (after having had the opportunity, if desired, of with- 
 drawing a short time for consultation,) to object to any of the 
 committee, not exceeding three. In objecting, no cause shall be 
 assigned. The places of the friends who have been thus objected 
 to, shall be supplied by a fresh nomination ; which nomination 
 shall be final. 
 
 4. The appointment of the committee being completed, a time 
 and place shall be fixed for their meeting, of which due notice 
 shall be given to the parties concerned. On the principle of the 
 importance of promoting the speedy settlement of differences, 
 the time shall be as early an one as can with convenience be 
 chosen. 
 
 5. The committee, not less than ten of whom are to be a quorum, 
 shall, when met, proceed upon the business referred to them, by 
 opening and reading the appeal in the presence of the appellant 
 and respondents. In case an appeal, referred to a committee, shall 
 be found by them to relate to faith and doctrine, the committee shall, 
 
6 APPEALS. 
 
 To Quarterly without proceeding farther, report accordingly to the quarterly 
 
 meeting, that the said meeting may decide whether the appeal 
 shall be heard in the meeting itself, or be again referred to the com- 
 mittee. 
 
 6. In all appeals heard by a committee of a quarterly meeting, 
 the appellant shall, after the appeal has been read, be heard in 
 support thereof, and afterwards the respondents in- reply, in the 
 presence of each other, until both parties have been fully and 
 fairly heard ; after which the parties shall withdraw previously to 
 the committee's deliberation on the case. 
 
 7. When, in the committee, the whole or the greater part of 
 the members present (such members present not being less than 
 the quorum) have agreed in a judgment on the case, a report in 
 writing shall be prepared, which is to be signed, as the report of 
 the committee, by those so uniting in judgment. 
 
 If the members so present as above are equally divided in 
 judgment, the report shall be in favour of the appealing party. 
 
 The committee shall not be expected to assign any reasons for 
 the judgment expressed in their report ; and it is recommended, 
 that the purport of it be simply the confirming or annulling of the 
 decision of the monthly meeting. 
 
 8. The committee shall give notice in writing to both parties, 
 of the time when it is intended to deliver in the report ; which is 
 to be at an adjournment of the quarterly meeting, or at the next 
 quarterly meeting in course. 
 
 9. The report of the committee shall be read in the quarterly 
 meeting, in the presence of both parties, if they incline to attend ; 
 and, except when the circumstance occurs which forms the 
 subject of the next succeeding section (Sect. 10^, and with the 
 exception also of such appeals relating to faith and doctrine, 
 as may come to be opened in the quarterly meeting itself, accord- 
 ing to the liberty hereafter given (Sect. 11 J, the judgment ex- 
 pressed in any such report, shall be recorded as the decision of 
 the quarterly meeting in the case. 
 
APPEALS. 7 
 
 10. If, in the case of an appeal not relating; to faith and doc- To Quarterly 
 
 .... . . Meetings. 
 
 trine, brought by an individual in consequence of his disownment, 
 the report of the committee, confirmatory of the judgment of the 
 monthly meeting, be signed by less than eight of its number, such 
 judgment is to be reversed. 
 
 11. The report of any committee expressing a judgment on 
 the merits of an appeal relating to faith and doctrine, may be 
 objected to by the party against whom it is given, and such party 
 may require the case to be heard by the meeting itself. 
 
 12. Whenever an appeal relating to faith and doctrine, comes 
 to be heard in the quarterly meeting itself, the following regu- 
 lations are to be observed : — 
 
 First — The appeal shall be read in the presence of both 
 parties, and the appellant shall then be heard in support of 
 the same, and afterwards the respondents in reply, in the 
 presence of each other, until both parties have been fully 
 and fairly heard. 
 
 Second — In stating and replying, no persons are to be 
 permitted to speak on the case, but those who, as or for the 
 appellant and as respondents, are immediately concerned in 
 the appeal; except that any friend, (not being a member of a 
 monthly meeting concerned in the appeal, or of a committee 
 that may have heard it, and reported a judgment on the 
 merits thereof,) who may apprehend it proper for a question 
 to be put to either party, shall have the liberty of requesting 
 that it may be done through the clerk. 
 
 Third — ^The parties immediately concerned in the appeal 
 shall withdraw, previously to the meeting's deliberation on 
 the case ; and, after they have so withdrawn, or during their 
 absence in consequence of any prior withdrawing, no member 
 of a meeting concerned in the appeal, or of a committee that 
 may have heard it and reported a judgment on the merits 
 thereof, is to be allowed to speak on the subject before the 
 meeting. 
 
To Quarterly 
 Meetings. 
 
 APPEALS. 
 
 Fourth — When the meeting has come to a conclusion in 
 the case, its decision shall be entered on minute, and then the 
 parties shall be at liberty to come in again and hear it read. 
 
 13. In all cases, a copy of the minute of the quarterly meeting, 
 recording its decision in the case, shall be sent to each party. 
 
 14. Should any quarterly meeting be unable to appoint, on an 
 appeal, a committee of disinterested friends to the number of 
 twelve, such quarterly meeting shall, after making its own ap- 
 pointment, apply to some neighbouring quarterly meeting, for 
 such an addition as may be necessary to complete the number : in 
 which case notice shall be given to the appellant and respondents 
 of the intended application, that they may have the opportunity 
 of attending such neighbouring quarterly meeting, and exercising 
 (according to Sect. 3,) their right of objection, if such right has 
 not been before exhausted. And such meeting is to be informed 
 by the applying quarterly meeting, whether any and what right 
 of objection remains to the respective parties. 
 
 Appeals to the Yearly Meeting. 
 
 "^ M^^u^'^'^^"^ ^^" ^^ ^^y person shall think himself injured or aggrieved by the judg- 
 ment of any quarterly meeting given against him, he may appeal from 
 such judgment to the yearly meeting ; in which case, notice, in writing, of 
 his intention to appeal, is to be given by him, not later than to the second 
 quarterly meeting after that at which such judgment has been recorded. 
 V. A quarterly meeting receiving such notice shall appoint respond- 
 ents to act on its behalf, and shall inform the appellant that an ap- 
 pointment has been made. But if notice of appeal be given to a 
 quarterly meeting relating to a case in which the said meeting has 
 been informed by minute of the monthly meeting concerned, that a 
 final decision has not been given, the quarterly meeting, instead of 
 appointing respondents, shall send forward to the yearly meeting a 
 minute, stating that a final decision has not been given in the case, 
 and that consequently the appellant has, at that time, no right of ap- 
 
APPEALS. 9 
 
 peal; which minute the yearly meeting shall, without entering into the TotheYeariy 
 case, record as its judgment. But no quarterly meeting shall be at liberty 
 to omit the appointment of respondents on any other ground. 
 
 VI. If any person, having given notice of his intention of appealing, 
 is prevented from bringing his appeal to the yearly meeting imme- 
 diately succeeding such notice, he may continue his appeal to the next 
 following yearly meeting, on renewing his notice in writing to the 
 meeting appealed against, at any time preceding the second yearly 
 meeting. In this case, however, the appeal shall not be received, unless 
 satisfactory reasons for the delay be stated to the yearly meeting, or to 
 its committee on the appeal. 
 
 VII. The following regulations are to be observed in the conducting 
 of appeals to the yearly meeting : 
 
 1. The appeal, in writing and sealed up, is to be delivered to 
 the clerk for the time being, before the close of the first sitting 
 of the yearly meeting, with an indorsement simply specifying the 
 appellant, his assistant or assistants, (if any are intended,) the 
 meeting appealed against, and that appealed to. The indorse- 
 ment shall be read, and also the minute of the quarterly meeting, 
 appointing respondents to act on its behalf. 
 
 2. An appeal having been delivered in, the representatives shall 
 meet at the close of the first sitting of the yearly meeting, and a 
 committee shall be by them nominated to hear and judge of the 
 appeal, agreeably to the following regulations. 
 
 3. The committee shall consist of one representative from each 
 meeting in Great Britain represented in the yearly meeting, with 
 the exception of the meeting against which the appeal is brought, 
 and of any meeting appealing, or to which belongs a subordinate 
 meeting appealing ; the representatives of which excepted meeting 
 or meetings shall withdraw previously to the nomination. 
 
 Note. — If there be two appeals, the committee thus selected shall be considered 
 as also nominated to hear the second, with similar exception as is provided 
 with regard to the first ; and with the addition of a representative from the 
 meeting, or each of the meetings, before excepted : and so on for any number 
 of appeals. 
 
 C 
 
10 APPEALS. 
 
 Tothe Yearly 4. After the nomination has taken place, the appellant and re- 
 
 Meeting. , r ^ rr 
 
 spondents in each case of appeal shall be called in, the names of 
 the proposed committee shall be read, in their presence, and each 
 party shall be allowed (after having had the opportunity, if 
 desired, of withdrawing a short time for consultation) to object to 
 any of the committee, not exceeding six respectively, but shall 
 not assign any cause for such objection ; after which they shall 
 withdraw. If any of the committee be so objected to, they shall 
 be set aside, but only as to that particular appeal. Their places 
 shall be supplied from the other representatives of the quarterly 
 meetings to which they respectively belong ; but in case of there 
 being no representative left from any such quarterly meeting, the 
 deficiency shall be made up by nominating one friend out of each 
 such meeting in alphabetical order, that has not fewer than four 
 representatives present, beginning at any future time with the 
 next meeting in rotation. And any or all of those nominated in 
 the stead of others first selected and set aside as above mentioned, 
 shall themselves be liable to be objected to by either party ; in 
 which case a further nomination to supply their places shall be made 
 in like manner as before : but this third shall be a final nomination. 
 
 5. The committee or committees thus nominated shall be re- 
 ported to the yearly meeting at its second or third sitting, when 
 all appeals shall be delivered to the committee or committees, in 
 order to be immediately proceeded on ; not less than three-fourths 
 of the number appointed for a particular appeal being at any time 
 present thereon. 
 
 6. All appeals shall be opened and read in the presence of the 
 respective appellants and respondents. In case an appeal shall 
 be found to relate to matter of faith and doctrine, the committee 
 shall, without proceeding further, report accordingly to the yearly 
 meeting ; that the said meeting may decide whether to proceed 
 to hear the appeal in the meeting itself, or to refer it again to the 
 committee. 
 
 7. In all appeals heard by a committee of the yearly meeting. 
 
APPEALS. 11 
 
 the appellant shall, after the appeal has been read, be heard in To the Yearly 
 
 n 1 r. 11 • 1-1 Meeting. 
 
 support thereof, and afterwards the respondents m reply, in the 
 presence of each other, until both parties have been fully and 
 fairly heard; after which the parties shall withdraw previously to 
 the committee's deliberation on the case. 
 
 8. When, in the committee, the whole or the greater part of the 
 members present (such members present not being less than the 
 quorum) have agreed in a judgment on the case, a report in writing 
 shall be prepared, which is to be signed, as the report of the com- 
 mittee, by those so uniting in judgment. 
 
 If the members so present as above are equally divided in judg- 
 ment, the report shall be in favour of the party originally appeal- 
 ing. 
 
 The committee shall not be expected to assign any reasons for 
 the judgment expressed in their report, and it is recommended that 
 the purport of it be simply the confirming or annulling of the 
 decision of the quarterly meeting. 
 
 9. The committee shall give notice in writing, to both parties, of 
 the time when it is intended to deliver in their report. 
 
 10. The report of the committee shall be read in the yearly 
 meeting, in the presence of both parties, if they incline to attend ; 
 and, except when the circumstance occurs which forms the sub- 
 ject of the next succeeding section (Sect, llj, and with the ex- 
 ception also of such appeals relating to faith and doctrine, as may 
 come to be opened in the yearly meeting itself, according to the 
 liberty hereafter given (Sect. 12), the judgment expressed in any 
 such report, shall be recorded as the decision of the yearly meet- 
 ing in the case. 
 
 11. If, in the case of an appeal not relating to faith and doc- 
 trine, in which the disownment of an individual is involved, the 
 report of the committee, confirmatory of the disownment, be signed 
 by less than two-thirds of its number, the individual is to be re- 
 instated in membership. 
 
 12. The report of any committee expressing a judgment on the 
 
 c 2 
 
12 APPEALS. 
 
 TotheYearijr merits of an appeal relating: to faith and doctrine, may be objected 
 
 Meeting. ^^ . *, . . . i , 
 
 to by the party against whom it is given, and such party may 
 require the case to be heard by the meeting itself. 
 
 13. Whenever an appeal relating to faith and doctrine, comes 
 to be heard in the yearly meeting itself, the following regulations 
 are to be observed : — 
 
 First. — The appeal shall be read in the presence of both 
 parties, and the appellant shall then be heard in support of 
 the same, and afterwards the respondents in reply, in the 
 presence of each other, until both parties have been fully and 
 fairly heard. 
 
 Second. — In stating and replying, no persons are to be 
 permitted to speak on the case, but those who, as, or for, the 
 appellant, and as respondents, or as original appellant, are 
 immediately concerned in the appeal ; except that any friend, 
 (not being a member of a quarterly meeting concerned in the 
 appeal, or of a committee that may have heard it, and re- 
 ported a judgment on the merits thereof,) who may apprehend 
 it proper for a question to be put to either party, shall have 
 the liberty of requesting that it may be done through the 
 clerk. 
 
 Third. — The parties immediately concerned in the appeal 
 shall withdraw previously to the meeting's deliberation on the 
 case, and after they have so withdrawn, or during their ab- 
 sence in consequence of any prior withdrawing, no member 
 of a meeting concerned in the appeal, or of a committee that 
 may have heard it and reported a judgment on the merits 
 thereof, is to be allowed to speak on the subject before the 
 meeting. 
 
 Fourth. — When the meeting has come to a conclusion in 
 the case, its decision shall be entered on minute, and then 
 the parties shall be at liberty to come in again and hear it 
 read. 
 
 14. In every case a copy of the minute of the yearly meet- 
 
APPEALS. 13 
 
 ing, recording: its decision therein, shall be sent to each To the Yearly 
 
 ^' ° Meeting. 
 
 party. 
 
 VIII. The notice to be given to any monthly or quarterly meeting 
 of an intended appeal, shall be according to the following form, or in 
 words to the like effect : — 
 
 To the Monthly [or Quarterly'] Meeting of to he held 
 
 at the day of month, 18 . 
 
 / hereby give notice^ that I intend to appeal to the Quarterly 
 Meeting of [or to the Yearly Meeting] to he held 
 
 at [or in] the day of month, 18 , 
 
 against your decision in my case. 
 
 A. B. 
 
 Note. — By inserting the date, this form is adapted either to an original notice 
 of appeal, or to a renewed notice. 
 
 General Rules relating to Appeals both to Quarterly Meetings and 
 
 to the Yearly Meeting. 
 
 IX. In all cases of appeal, whether to a quarterly or to the yearly General 
 meeting, in which notice and renewed notice shall be given by the 
 appellant, such appellant shall, three weeks at least previously to the 
 time of holding the meeting specified in the first notice, apprize the 
 clerk of the monthly or quarterly meeting appealed against, that the 
 appeal is not about to be then brought. 
 
 X. If either of the parties concerned in an appeal, when stating or 
 replying to the case, shall digress into irrelevant matter, it is recom- 
 mended that the committee or meeting before which the appeal is 
 brought, do, through the medium of the clerk, stop such proceeding, 
 and require that the subject of the appeal be kept to. And no mem- 
 ber of a committee or meeting by which any appeal is heard, is to 
 express in the presence of the parties any opinion on the subject or 
 subjects at issue. 
 
 XL If any member of a committee on an appeal, be prevented 
 attending during any part of the time in which the case is proceeded 
 
 Rules. 
 
14 APPEALS. 
 
 General in by the appellant and respondents, he cannot afterwards unite with 
 the rest, either in the further hearing of the case, or in the delibera- 
 tion upon it, unless with the previous consent of the appellant and 
 respondents. 
 
 XII. All committees appointed to hear and judge of an appeal, 
 shall, after having had the case duly laid before them, require the 
 parties to sign an acknowledgment that they have been fully and 
 fairly heard ; such acknowledgment to be brought, with the report 6f 
 the committee, to the meeting appointing it. If either party refuse to 
 sign an acknowledgment of this tenour, the committee in making their 
 report shall give in a statement that the parties have been fully and 
 fairly heard, according to the judgment of at least four-fifths of the 
 members present at the decision ; which statement shall, as to any fur- 
 ther procedure in the case, have the same effect as an acknowledgment. 
 
 XIII. Any person that may think himself, or any meeting that 
 may deem itself, aggrieved, not observing the foregoing rules and 
 regulations, shall lose the right of appeal. And if an appellant shall 
 print his appeal, or any matter relating thereto, or cause to be printed, 
 or be in any way accessary to the printing of the same, such appeal 
 shall not be received by the quarterly or yearly meeting. And if any 
 monthly or quarterly meeting appealed against or the respondents 
 appointed on its behalf, shall print, or cause to be printed, or be in 
 any way accessary to the printing of, any matter respecting an appeal, 
 such respondents and their constituent meeting shall be precluded from 
 being heard in defence of the judgment appealed against ; the effect 
 of which (provided the appellant has proceeded regularly) shall be 
 a reversal of such judgment. 
 
 XIV. The foregoing rules and regulations shall apply to any meet- 
 ing, which shall consider itself injured or aggrieved by the decision of 
 any other meeting. 
 
 XV. An appellant shall be allowed to avail himself, throughout the 
 course of prosecuting his appeal, of the aid of one or two members 
 of our society, in speaking on the case on his behalf, or in otherwise 
 assisting him, or in conducting the appeal in his stead : but the appel- 
 
APPEALS. 
 
 15 
 
 lant is not to be himself absent, unless from some reasonable cause 
 approved by the committee, or meeting, hearing the appeal. 
 
 XVI. The respondents on behalf of a quarterly meeting, in any 
 case of appeal from a monthly meeting, in which an individual 
 is concerned as original appellant, shall be accompanied by such 
 individual, if he incline to attend ; who, so attending, shall have an 
 equal right with them of being heard. If in the committee of the 
 yearly meeting, the decision should be against such respondents, 
 and they should be willing to submit to such decision, the original 
 appellant, shall, nevertheless, in appeals relating to faith and doctrine, 
 have such right as appellants possess under the twelfth section of the 
 preceding seventh rule, of requiring that the matter be opened in the 
 meeting itself; in which case, such person shall appear in the character 
 of appellant, and the friends appointed by the monthly meeting, in 
 that of respondents. 
 
 XVII. No appeal that has once been determined by the yearly 
 
 meeting shall be received a second time, 1727. — 1733. — 1745. — 1787. 
 —1794.— 1806.— 1813.— 1815.— 1821.— 1822.— 1833. 
 
 General 
 Rules. 
 
 Appeals from Ireland. 
 
 The friends of Ireland, by a letter from their last national meeting, 3 
 
 and also by their representatives present, have earnestly requested Iceland. 
 to be excused from attending appeals against them to this meeting, 
 except in matters of faith and principle, wherein they desire not to be 
 excused ; but having urged many hardships and inconveniences, which 
 they apprehend must attend their following appeals in other cases, this 
 meeting, upon solid and deliberate consideration of their request, in 
 much brotherly condescension agrees thereto, until some manifest 
 inconvenience shall be found to arise from such exemption. 1760. 
 
 Appeals to the General Meeting for Scotland, and from thence to the 
 
 Yearly Meeting. 
 
 4 
 In consequence of the local circumstances of friends in Scotland, Scotland. 
 
16 APPEALS. 
 
 Scotland. Several variations in the foregoing rules on appeals have been agreed 
 upon and adopted, as applicable to friends in that country. These 
 variations are embodied in the following rules, which are for the future 
 to be observed in the prosecution of all appeals within the general 
 meeting for Scotland and from thence to this meeting, leaving the rules 
 which govern the hearing and judging of appeals to this meeting against 
 the decision of any quarterly or other meeting in England or Wales, 
 in equal force as to the hearing and judging of appeals against the 
 decision of the general meeting of Scotland. 
 
 I. If any person shall after a final decision in his case, (which final decision when 
 disownment takes place, is the issuing of a minute or testimony against him,) think him- 
 self injured or aggrieved by the proceedings of Aberdeen monthly meeting in such case, 
 he may appeal to the general meeting for Scotland, when held within the compass of 
 Edinburgh two-months meeting. Notice of such intended appeal is to be given in writing 
 to the monthly meeting within three months after such decision is communicated by or 
 on behalf of such meeting, to the party concerned, or, if, because the party could not be 
 found, or by reason of his having left the kingdom, the decision has not been so commu- 
 nicated, then within two years at the furthest after the issuing of it. 
 
 II. If any person shall, after a final decision in his case, think himself injured or 
 aggrieved by the proceedings of Edinburgh two-months meeting in such case, he may 
 appeal to the general meeting for Scotland when held within the compass of Aberdeen 
 monthly meeting. Notice of such intended appeal is to be given in writing to the two- 
 months meeting not later than the second meeting occurring after such decision is com- 
 municated, by, or on behalf of such meeting to the party concerned, or, if, because the 
 party could not be found, or by reason of his having left the kingdom, the decision has 
 not been so communicated, then within two years at the furthest after the issuing of it. 
 
 III. The appeal whether against the decision of Aberdeen monthly meeting, or against 
 that of Edinburgh two-months meeting, is to be brought to the first general meeting, at 
 Edinburgh or Aberdeen respectively, which shall occur after the meeting to which notice 
 of appeal is given — but, if such general meeting at which the appeal is (by either of the 
 preceding rules) to be heard, shall occur within two months from the time at which such 
 notice is presented — the prosecution of the appeal may, if the appellant think right, be 
 deferred to the next following general meeting which is held at the place where the said 
 appeal must be heard. The meeting receiving notice of appeal, shall appoint respondents 
 to act on its behalf, and shall inform the appellant that an appointment has been made. 
 If, in the judgment of the meeting receiving notice of appeal, such notice be given before 
 '4 final decision in the case, the meeting, instead of appointing respondents, shall send for- 
 
APPEALS. 17 
 
 ward to the general meeting a minute stating that a final decision has not been given in Scotland. 
 
 the case, and that consequently the appellant has no right of appeal, which minute the 
 
 general meeting shall, without entering into the case, record as its judgment. But after 
 
 the final decision of the case, the meeting receiving a notice of appeal shall not be at 
 
 liberty to omit or delay the appointment of respondents, because it does not deem the 
 
 case one that admits of appeal or on any other ground. 
 
 IV. The following regulations are to be observed in the conducting of appeals to the 
 general meeting : — 
 
 1. The appeal, in writing, and sealed up, shall be delivered to the clerk for 
 the time being, soon after the representatives are called over, with an endorse- 
 ment simply specifying the appellant, his assistant, or assistants, (if any are intended,) 
 the meeting appealed against, and that appealed to. The indorsement shall be 
 read, and also the minute of the monthly or two-months meeting appointing respond- 
 ents to act on its behalf. But, if no respondents be appointed, nor any minute 
 produced from the meeting appealed against, informing the general meeting that 
 a final decision has not been given in the case, the general meeting shall, as it 
 may deem best, either at once record a reversal of the decision appealed against, 
 or refer the appeal to a committee to be appointed in the manner pointed out in 
 the two next regulations, who shall hear and judge of the same upon such state- 
 ments and evidence as may be produced by the appellants alone. 
 
 2. When any appeal is so brought as above, the general meeting shall proceed 
 to nominate a committee, of not less than seven nor exceeding twelve disinterested 
 friends, to hear the same, and judge thereof. No member of the meeting appealed 
 against is to be at liberty to take any part in nominating the committee of the 
 general meeting. 
 
 8. After the nomination has taken place, the appellants and respondents shall 
 be called in, the names of the proposed committee shall be read in their presence, 
 and each party shall be allowed (after having had the opportunity, if desired, of 
 withdrawing a short time for consultation) to object to any of the committee, not 
 exceeding three if the committee consist of eleven or twelve members, not exceed- 
 ing two if it consist of nine or ten members, and not exceeding one if it consist 
 of less than nine members. In objecting, no cause shall be assigned. The place or 
 places of the friend, or friends, thus objected to, shall not be supplied by a fresh nomi- 
 nation, except such fresh nomination can be made with the consent of both parties. 
 
 4. The appointment of the committee being completed, a time and place shall 
 be fixed for their meeting, of which due notice shall be given to the parties con- 
 cerned. On the principle of the importance of promoting the speedy settlement 
 of differences, the time shall be as early an one as can with convenience be chosen. 
 
 5. The committee (not less than five of whom are to be a quorum) shall, when 
 
 D 
 
18 APPEALS. 
 
 Scotland. met, proceed to open and read the appeal in the presence of the appellant and 
 
 respondents. In case an appeal, when so read, shall be found by the committee 
 to relate to faith and doctrine, the committee shall, without proceeding further, 
 report in writing to the general meeting that such is the case, and the general 
 meeting, upon receiving this report, shall not enter upon any consideration of the 
 appeal, but refer it at once to be heard by the yearly meeting, and shall then make 
 an appointment of respondents to act on behalf of the meeting appealed against, 
 and shall immediately inform the appellant of such reference and appointment. In 
 case such reference of an appeal to the yearly meeting is made by and from the 
 general meeting, when held within the compass of Aberdeen monthly meeting, such 
 reference shall be made to the next following yearly meeting. But in case such 
 reference of an appeal to the yearly meeting is made by and from the general meet- 
 ing, when held within the compass of Edinburgh two-months meeting, such reference 
 shall be made, not to the yearly meeting of that year, but to that of the following 
 year, unless both parties agree in bringing it, without delay, to the yearly meeting. 
 
 6. In all appeals heard by a cotnmittee of the general meeting, the appellant shall, 
 after the appeal has been read, be heard in support thereof, and afterwards the 
 respondents in reply in the presence of each other, until both parties have been fully 
 and fairly heard ; after which the parties shall withdraw previous to the committee's 
 deliberation on the case. 
 
 7. \A'hen in the committee, the whole or the greater part of the members present 
 (such members present not being less than the quorum) have agreed in a judgment 
 on the case, a report in writing shall be prepared, which is to be signed as the report 
 of the committee by those so uniting in judgment. If the members so present as 
 above are equally divided in judgment, the report shall be in favour of the appealing 
 party. 
 
 The committee shall not be expected to assign any reasons for the judgment 
 expressed in their report, and it is recommended that the purport of it be simply the 
 confirming or annulling of the decision of the meeting appealed against. 
 
 8. If, in the case of an appeal not relating to faith and doctrine, brought by an 
 individual in consequence of his disownraent, the report of the committee confirmatory 
 of the decision of the meeting appealed against, be signed by less than four-fifths of 
 the members present in the committee when the judgment is come to, such judgment 
 is to be reversed. 
 
 9. If either of the parties concerned in an appeal when stating or replying, to the 
 case, shall digress into irrelevant matter, it is recommended that the committee do, 
 through the medium of the clerk, stop such proceedings, and require that the subject 
 of the appeal be kept to. And no member of the committee is to express, in the 
 presence of the parties, any opinion on the subject, or subjects at issue. 
 
APPEALS. J9 
 
 10. If any member of the committee, be prevented attending, during any part Scotland. 
 of the time in which the case is proceeded in by the appellant and respondents, 
 
 he cannot afterwards unite with the rest, either in the further hearing of the case, or 
 in the deliberation upon it, unless with the previous consent of the appellant and 
 respondents. 
 
 11. The committee shall, after having had the case duly laid before them, require 
 the parties to sign an acknowledgment that they have been fully and fairly heard, 
 such acknowledgment to be brought with the report of the committee to the general 
 meeting. If either party refuse to sign an acknowledgment of this tenour, the com- 
 mittee, in making their report, shall give in a statement, that the parties have been 
 fully and fairly heard, according to the judgment of at least four-fifths of the mem- 
 bers present at the decision; which statement shall, as to any further procedure in the 
 case, have the same effect as an acknowledgment. 
 
 12. The committee shall give notice in writing to both parties, of the time when 
 it is intended to deliver in the report, which is to be at an adjournment of the general 
 meeting, to be held at the place at which the appeal was heard. 
 
 13. The report of the committee shall be read in the general meeting in the pre- 
 sence of both parties, if they incline to attend ; and the judgment expressed in any 
 such report shall be recorded as the decision of the general meeting in the case. 
 
 14. In every case a copy of the minute of the general meeting recording its decision 
 therein, shall be sent to each party. 
 
 V. If any person shall think himself injured or aggrieved by the judgment of the gene- 
 ral meeting given against him, he may appeal from such judgment to the yearly meeting, 
 in which case, notice in writing of his intention so to appeal is to be given by him to the 
 next general meeting which occurs after such judgment is given, and whether the same be 
 held within the compass of Aberdeen monthly meeting, or of Edinburgh two-months 
 meeting. 
 
 VI. The general meeting receiving such notice shall appoint respondents to act on its 
 behalf, and shall inform the appellant that an appointment has been made. 
 
 If notice of appeal be given to the general meeting relating to a case in which the said 
 meeting has been informed, by minute of the meeting appealed against, that a final decision 
 has not been given, the general meeting, instead of appointing respondents, shall send 
 forward to the yearly meeting a minute stating that a final decision has not been given 
 in the case, and that consequently the appellant has no right of appeal : which minute 
 the yearly meeting shall, without entering into the case, record as its judgment. But the 
 general meeting shall not be at liberty to omit the appointment of respondents on any 
 other ground. 
 
 VII. The notice to be given to the monthly meeting of Aberdeen, the two-months 
 meeting of Edinburgh, and to the general meeting for Scotland, shall be according to the 
 following form, or in words to the like effect: — 
 
 d2 
 
20 APPEALS. 
 
 Scotland. To the Monthly Meeting of Aberdeen, ^ 
 
 The Two-Months Meeting of Edinburgh, K (as the case may be.) 
 The General Meeting of Scotland, J 
 
 to be held the day of month, 1 8 
 
 / hereby give notice, that I intend to appeal to the General Meeting of Scotland, 
 [^or to the Yearly Meeting^ to be held at [^or m] the 
 
 day of month, 1 8 , against your decision in my case. 
 
 A. B. 
 
 VIII. If any person, having given notice of his intention of appealing, is prevented 
 bringing his appeal to the yearly meeting immediately succeeding such notice, he may 
 continue his appeal to the next following yearly meeting, on renewing his notice in writing 
 to the general meeting at any time preceding the second yearly meeting, subject however 
 to the next following rule, whether such general meeting is held within the compass of 
 Aberdeen monthly meeting, or of Edinburgh two-months meeting. In this case, however, 
 the appeal shall not be received unless satisfactory reasons for the delay be stated to the 
 yearly meeting, or to its committee on the appeal. 
 
 IX. In all cases of appeal to the yearly meeting from a decision of the general meeting 
 when held within the compass of Aberdeen monthly meeting, in which notice of appeal shall 
 have been given, the appellant, in case he determine to defer presenting it till the following 
 year shall, three weeks at least previously to the time of holding the next yearly meeting 
 which occurs after the decision, apprize the clerk of the general meeting that the appeal is not 
 about to be brought to that yearly meeting; but in case of appeal to the yearly meeting 
 from a decision of the general meeting when held within the compass of Edinburgh two- 
 months meeting, in which notice of appeal shall have been given, the appellant shall be 
 required to apprize the clerk of the general meeting within three days from the time at 
 which such decision is recorded, in case he determines not to present his appeal to the 
 yearly meeting which next occurs after the decision is given. 
 
 X. All rules or regulations which govern the hearing and judging of appeals by the 
 yearly meeting against the decision of any quarterly meeting in England, are to remain in 
 equal force as to hearing and judging of appeals against the decision of the general meeting 
 of Scotland. 
 
 XI. An appellant shall be allowed to avail himself throughout the course of prosecuting 
 his appeal, of the aid of one or two members of our society in speaking to the case on his 
 behalf, or in otherwise assisting him, or in conducting the appeal in his stead ; but the 
 appellant is not to be himself absent, unless from some reasonable cause approved by the 
 committee, or meeting hearing the appeal. 
 
 XII. Any person that may think himself, or any meeting that may deem itself aggrieved, 
 not observing the foregoing rules and regulations, shall lose the right of appeal. And if 
 an appellant shall print his appeal, or any matter relating thereto, or cause to be printed, 
 or be in any way accessary to the printing of the same, such appeal shall not be received 
 
APPEALS. 21 
 
 by the general meeting. And if the meeting appealed against, or the respondents Scotland, 
 appointed on its behalf, shall print, or cause to be printed, or be in any way accessary 
 to the printing of any matter respecting an appeal, such respondents, and their con- 
 stituent meeting shall be precluded from being heard in defence of the judgment 
 appealed against ; the effect of which (provided the appellant has proceeded regularly) 
 shall be a reversal of such judgment. 
 
 XIII. The foregoing rules and regulations shall apply to any meeting, which may con- 
 sider itself injured or aggrieved by the decision of any other meeting. 
 
 XIV. The respondents on behalf of the general meeting in any case of appeal to the 
 yearly meeting, in which an individual is concerned as original appellant, shall be accom- 
 panied by such individual if he inclines to attend, who, so attending shall have an equal 
 right of being heard. 
 
 XV. No appeal that has once been determined by the yearly meeting shall be received 
 a second time. 1833 
 
22 
 
 vice. 
 
 ARBITRATION. 
 
 1 It is advised, that, in all cases of controversy and difference, the per- 
 
 Generai ad- g^j^g concerned therein, either speedily compose the difference between 
 themselves, or make choice of some faithful, unconcerned, impartial 
 friends, to determine the same ; and that all friends take heed of being 
 parties with one another. 1692. P. E.— -1833. 
 
 Advised, that no friends go from the order of truth, and former advice, 
 to sue one another at law ; but that all differences among friends be 
 speedily ended by themselves, or by reference, and not prolonged or 
 delayed. 1696. 
 
 Let friends every where be careful that all differences about outward 
 things be speedily composed, either between themselves, or by arbitra- 
 tors ; and it would be well that friends were at all times ready to submit 
 their differences, even with persons not of our religious persuasion, to 
 arbitration, rather than to contend at law. " Hear the causes between 
 your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his 
 brother, and the stranger that is with him.'" 1737. W. E. — 1833. 
 
 Whereas it sometimes happeneth, to the hurt of truth, and grief of 
 many friends, that differences about outward things do arise amongst 
 some professing truth; it is therefore by this meeting thought convenient, 
 and advised, that when any friend or friends shall hear of any such 
 difference betwixt any friends in that meeting to which they do belong, 
 that they forthwith speak to, and tenderly advise, the persons between 
 whom the difference is, to make a speedy end thereof; and if such 
 
 'Deut. i. 16. 
 
ARBITRATION. 23 
 
 friends do not comply with their advice, that then they take to them 
 one or two friends more, and again exhort them to end their dif- 
 ference. 1697. 
 
 The following method is to be observed in proceeding in Arbitrations. 
 
 I. Each party having chosen one or two indifferent, impartial, and 5 
 judicious friends, those so chosen are to agree upon a third, or a fifth JonducUngS' 
 friend, unless the parties first agree in the nomination, whose name is ^'■^'t'"at»o"s. 
 to be inserted with the others in the bonds of arbitration, or other 
 
 written agreement. 
 
 II. The arbitrators so appointed, or the majority of them, are to fix 
 the time and place of their meeting. 
 
 III. The arbitrators are not to consider themselves as advocates for 
 the party by whom they were chosen, but men, whose incumbent duty 
 it is to judge righteously, fearing the Lord. They are to shun all 
 previous information respecting the case, that they may not become 
 biassed in their judgments, before they hear both parties together. 
 
 IV. The parties are to enter into written engagements, or bonds in 
 the usual form, if either of them require it, to abide by the award of 
 the arbitrators, or a majority of them, to be made in a limited time. 
 
 V. Every meeting of the arbitrators is to be made known to the 
 parties concerned, until they have been fully heard ; nor are there to 
 be any separate, private meetings between some of the arbitrators, or 
 with one party separate from the other on the business referred to them ; 
 and no representation of the case of one party, either by writing or 
 otherwise, is to be admitted, without its being fully made known to the 
 other, and, if required, a copy to be delivered to the other party. 
 
 VI. The arbitrators are to hear both parties fully, in the presence of 
 each other, whilst either hath any fresh matter to offer, until a certain 
 time to be limited by the arbitrators. Let no evidence or witness be 
 withheld or rejected. 
 
 VII. If there should appear to the arbitrators, or to one or more of 
 them, to be any doubtful point of law, the majority of them are to 
 
24 
 
 ARBITRATION. 
 
 Rules for the a^ree upon a case, and consult counsel thereupon. The arbitrators are 
 
 conducting of . . 
 
 Arbitrations, not required to express in the award their reasons for their decision. 
 One writing of the award is to be delivered to each party. 
 
 VIII. Arbitrators are to propose to the parties, that they should give 
 an acknowledgment in writing, before the award be made, that they 
 have been candidly and fully heard. 
 
 Matters of defamation are not subjects to be arbitrated, until the 
 defamation is proved, and that some injury is sustained by the defamed 
 in his trade or property ; and in that case, the damage should be sub- 
 mitted to arbitration. 1782. — 1833. 
 
 6 
 
 General 
 Rules. 
 
 If any friend shall refuse speedily to end a difference in which he is 
 a party concerned, or to refer it as before advised, and if the overseers 
 or other friends who have given advice on the subject, being of opinion 
 that such case of difference should be referred to arbitration, have un- 
 availingly endeavoured to effect the same, the case should then be 
 reported to the monthly meeting to which the friend belongs ; and if 
 such meeting is also of the judgment that the case ought to be so 
 referred, and the friend shall continue to refuse so to do, the monthly 
 meeting, after the exercise of due care, and with a just regard to the 
 interests of the complaining party, is to express its disunity with his 
 conduct, and may proceed to disown him as a member of our Society. 
 1697.— 1828.— 1833. 
 
 When cases of difference are referred, and judgment and award are 
 made, signed, and given thereupon, the parties concerned are to stand 
 to and perform the said award, which they have bound themselves to 
 perform ; and, if any one shall refuse so to do, the monthly meeting to 
 which such person doth belong, upon notice thereof to them given, 
 shall admonish him thereunto ; and if, after admonition, he persist to 
 refuse, the meeting is then to proceed to disownment. 1697. — 1833. 
 
 If any friends that shall be chosen to hear and determine any 
 difference, (after having accepted thereof, and the parties differing are 
 
ARBITRATION. 
 
 25 
 
 become bound to stand to their determination,) shall decline and refuse 
 to stand and act as arbitrators, the person or persons so refusing, are 
 to be required to give the reasons of their refusal unto the monthly 
 meeting to which they belong ; and, if that meeting shall not esteem 
 those reasons sufficient justly to excuse them, the meeting is to press 
 them to stand to what they have accepted ; and if, after such admoni- 
 tion, they shall continue to refuse to stand as arbitrators, the meeting 
 may proceed to disown them, or either of them, as members of our 
 religious society. 1697.- — 1833. 
 
 General 
 Rules. 
 
 It is the advice of this meeting, that persons differing about outward 
 things, do, as little as may be, trouble ministering friends with being 
 arbitrators in such cases. 1697. 
 
 This meeting concludes, with respect to the appointing of arbitrators 
 in cases of differences between friends, that a person, or persons, not of 
 our religious society, may be chosen to the office, if both parties unite in 
 agreeing thereto. The concurrence of the overseers, or of the monthly 
 meeting, is also to be had, if the case is under their or its notice. It 
 is, however, the judgment of this meeting, that the long established 
 practice of confining the choice to friends, should, as much as circum- 
 stances will admit, be still observed. 1828. 
 
 10 
 
 It is the sense and judgment of this meeting, that, if any member of 
 our religious society shall arrest, sue, or implead at law, any other 
 member of our religious society, such person doth therein depart from 
 our religious principles, and the known way thereof, and that he acts 
 contrary thereunto, and ought to be dealt with for the same by the meet- 
 ing to which he belongs ; and if he shall not give satisfaction to the meet- 
 ting for such his disorderly proceeding, by condemning it, and himself 
 therein, that then he be disowned by the meeting. Or if the party so 
 sued or arrested, taking with him, or, if under confinement, sending one 
 or two friends, to the person who goes to law, shall complain thereof, the 
 said person shall be required immediately to stay proceedings ; and if he 
 
 11 
 
 Rules which 
 regard pro- 
 ceedings in 
 law. 
 
law 
 
 26 ARBITRATION. 
 
 Rules which docs not comply with such requisition, the monthly meeting to which 
 ceedingsin he bclougs shall disown him, if the case require it. 1697. — 1782. — 
 1833. 
 
 12 If any members of our society, after having contracted debts, or 
 otherwise become legally responsible, should prove so unworthy, as to 
 remove themselves, or to remove or appropriate property or effects, in 
 a way whereby the ends of justice may be defeated, it is hereby de- 
 clared, that the last preceding rule, which prohibits friends from suing 
 or arresting one another, is not intended to prevent such persons from 
 being proceeded against, at law, or in equity, as the nature of the case 
 may require ; subject to the provision in the regulation next following. 
 1720.— 1801.— 1828. 
 
 1 3 The several quarterly meetings are desired periodically to appoint a 
 committee for the whole, or if convenience require a division into dis- 
 tricts, two or more committees for such several districts of any such 
 meeting, with power to any committee so appointed, to grant, in its 
 discretion, liberty for proceeding at law or in equity, in cases such as 
 those described in the last preceding regulation. Such liberty to be 
 granted in any particular case by the committee or committees within 
 the limits of which the individual or individuals complained against, 
 may be a member or members. Any such committee to be summoned 
 at the instance of the complaining party, by any one of its members, 
 and not less than three members to be present, to enable the committee 
 to act. 1828. 
 
 14 This meeting agrees that, in cases of dispute about property, in which 
 legal difficulties obviously present themselves, the parties may, with 
 mutual consent, and with the approbation of a committee or com- 
 mittees, appointed under the last preceding regulation, submit such 
 disputes to the decision of a court of law or equity. If all the parties 
 are members within the district of the same committee, that committee 
 is to be, of course, the approving one ; if not, the approbation is to be 
 
ARBITRATION. 27 
 
 obtained of the committees within the limits of which each party (or Rules which 
 any one individual on each side) is a member. Any such committee is cSngsTn 
 to be summoned, in the cases under this regulation, at the instance of ^^* 
 either party, by any one of its members ; and not less than three to be 
 the number competent to act. 1720. — 1828. 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment that the rules for the settlement of 15 
 
 differences about property, are not to be considered as binding upon 
 trustees or upon executors acting for others in the performance of their 
 duties as such ; nor upon any friends acting on behalf of, and so as to 
 incur a legal responsibility to, persons not of our religious society. 
 1828. 
 
 e2 
 
28 
 
 BOOKS. 
 
 1 
 
 Advice against 
 infidel publi- 
 cations : 
 
 This meeting, considering that some in the present age do endea- 
 vour, as well by certain books, as by a licentious conversation, to lessen 
 and decry the true faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ — even 
 that precious faith once delivered to his saints, which by the mercy of 
 God is also bestowed upon us — doth therefore earnestly advise and ex- 
 hort all parents, masters and mistresses of families, and guardians of 
 minors, that they prevent, as much as in them lies, their children, ser- 
 vants, and youth, under their respective care and tuition, from having 
 or reading books or papers that have any tendency to prejudice the 
 profession of the Christian religion, to create in them the least doubt 
 or question concerning the truth of the Holy Scriptures, or those 
 necessary and saving truths declared in them ; lest their minds should 
 be poisoned thereby, and a foundation laid for the greatest evils. 1723. 
 P. E. 
 
 also against 
 novels and 
 other per- 
 nicious books. 
 
 This meeting, being sorrowfully affected, under a consideration of 
 the hurtful tendency of reading plays, romances, novels, and other 
 pernicious books, earnestly recommends to every member of our 
 society, to discourage and suppress the same ; and particularly to 
 acquaint all booksellers, under our name, with the painful anxiety oc- 
 casioned to this meeting, by a report of some instances of selling or 
 lending such books, intreating them to avoid a practice so incon- 
 sistent with the purity of the Christian religion. And friends are de- 
 sired to be careful in the choice of all books, in which their children 
 read, seeing there are many, under the specious titles of the promotion 
 of religion and morality, containing sentiments repugnant to the truth 
 as it is in Christ Jesus. 1764. 
 
BOOKS. 29 
 
 There having been, for many years past, a great circulation of vain, s 
 
 idle, and irreligious books and pamphlets, tendino; to lead the mind ^^'^V^^. 
 
 ' o 1 X ' o against impro- 
 
 awav from sober and serious duty, to infect the inexperienced and un- per reading, 
 
 •^ '' ^ and in lavour 
 
 vs^ary with notions which promote infidelity and corruption, and to of the Scrip- 
 alienate their attention from the Spirit of God, under whose influence 
 and holy keeping alone is safety ; we earnestly request that parents, 
 and all others who have youth under their tuition, will keep a constant 
 eye over them, and as much as possible guard them against, and prevent 
 them from, wasting their precious time upon such unprofitable and 
 pernicious reading ; that they inure them to the frequent and diligent 
 reading of the sacred writings, which through divine goodness are 
 afforded to us, for our " instruction in righteousness," and, " that we, 
 through patience, and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope."^ 
 1769. P. E. 
 
 We earnestly recommend to all, the frequent perusal of the Holy 4 
 
 Scriptures, according to repeated exhortations ; and we at this time fngs o/our^^' 
 also recommend the writings of our faithful predecessors, and the ac- pi'^decessors. 
 counts that are published of their experiences, labours, travels, and 
 sufferings in the cause of Christ. Those hours of leisure would be 
 profitably employed in this manner, which are often wasted in reading 
 light and trivial publications, calculated to gratify the vain imagination, 
 and to feed that disposition that is always hankering after some new 
 thing. 1789. P. E. 
 
 The meeting for sufferings is to take the care of inspecting, ordering, 5 
 
 regulating the press, and printing of books. Any friend may, on ^tShe"^ 
 application, be supplied, at prime cost, with friends' books for gratuit- §[s"rSion* 
 ous distribution, from the stock of this meeting, in such quantity, and of ^ooks. 
 under such regulations, as the meeting for sufferings may from time to 
 time direct. It is further agreed, that friends be at liberty to re-print 
 and distribute works which have been approved by the morning meet- 
 
 ' 2 Tim. iii. 16 ; Rom. xv. 4. 
 
30 
 
 Kegulations 
 about the 
 printing and 
 distribution 
 of books. 
 
 BOOKS. 
 
 ing, provided they give notice to the meeting for sufferings of such 
 intention. This notice is not required in the case of small tracts: 
 nevertheless it is not intended hereby to sanortion any infringement on 
 the copyright of individuals. 1672.— 1679.— 1813. 
 
 It is agreed that the meeting for sufferings do distribute in such 
 manner, and to such parts of the world as they think proper, the ap- 
 proved writings of members of our society, and such other works as 
 accord with our religious principles, and which that meeting may think 
 it desirable to circulate. 1732. — 1833. 
 
 As it is of great importance that members of our society, and others, 
 should be invited to a perusal of the approved writings of friends, it is 
 desired that monthly meetings would request their particular meetings 
 to revise the catalogues of their libraries once in the year, and report 
 their having done so to the monthly meeting ; and then to consider 
 what additions may be suitably made, as well as the best means of 
 giving publicity to the collection, promoting the circulation of them, 
 and affording ready access to the books to all who may wish to peruse 
 them, whether members of our religious society or not. 1821. — 1833. 
 
 Monthly meetings may furnish their libraries, or those of their par- 
 ticular meetings, out of the stock of this meeting, at prime cost : and it 
 is recommended that suitable measures be taken for promoting the 
 establishment and proper use of libraries within the respective monthly 
 meetings, where that is not already done. 
 
 The meeting for sufferings is left at liberty to employ the national 
 stock in purchasing and printing such works as it may think best 
 adapted for the supply of friends. 1828. 
 
31 
 
 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 
 
 Advised to walk wisely and circumspectly towards all men, in the . 1 
 peaceable spirit of Christ Jesus, giving no offence or occasions to those cumspectcon- 
 
 , • 1 1 T '^"'^t towards 
 
 m outward government, nor way to any controversies, heats, and dis- the Govern- 
 tractions of this world, about the kingdoms of it ; but to pray for the 
 good of all, and submit all to that divine power and wisdom, which 
 rules over the kingdoms of men. 1689. 
 
 It is advised that friends be circumspect, and not make it their busi- 2 
 ness to discourse of the outward powers, but to discourage all such 
 things : and although we gave plain and Christian advice and admo- 
 nition last year, for friends to beware of all airy discourses, disputes, 
 and controversies, about the kingdoms of this world ; that all might 
 walk circumspectly and wisely, in subjection to the divine and over- 
 ruling power and wisdom of God; yet contrary wise, to our grief, we 
 have heard too much complaint and reflections, occasioned by some 
 who have not observed a true bridle to their tongues, but have been too 
 busy, loose, and airy, in discourses of this nature ; and therefore we do 
 exhort and admonish all such in the fear of God, and as they have 
 respect unto His holy truth and innocent people, and their own safety, 
 to be watchful, careful, and circumspect for the time to come : that 
 none may suifer as busy-bodies, or bring suffering or reproach, or cause 
 jealousies to be raised upon or against others that are innocent and 
 singly desire the preservation, safety, and peace of all friends, in truth 
 and innocency towards all men. 1690. W. E. 
 
32 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 
 
 3 This meeting was well satisfied, and very glad, in the sense it had 
 aWy andlnof- ^^ ^he innocency and peaceableness of the body of our friends in 
 Christian ^So^ general towards the civil government; under which we live, and enjoy 
 ciety. ^^j. pregent liberty in the peaceable exercise of our tender consciences 
 
 towards Almighty God ; to whom we are humbly thankful for the same ; 
 being obliged to demean ourselves not only as a grateful people, but, 
 as a Christian society, to live peaceably and inoffensively under the 
 present government, as we have always done under the various revolu- 
 tions of government, ever since we were a people, according to our 
 ancient principle and practice ; in which we hope we shall ever perse- 
 vere, according as we are enjoined by our peaceable Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, we being a people clear, in the sight of God, from all evil de- 
 signs, plots, and conspiracies whatever, and hope we shall continue a 
 people always quiet in the land, having nothing but love and good-will 
 to all men. For which end we earnestly desire, that a care may not be 
 wanting among you, for the preservation of our whole society, in that 
 innocent life and peaceable conversation, which is agreeable to our 
 Christian principle and profession; wherein we have from the begin- 
 ning found our safety and peace with God, and Him to be our defence ; 
 being fully persuaded, that this our ancient Christian testimony, pub- 
 licly owned among us, none can gainsay, nor any faithful friends can 
 ever decline ; being assured that the Lord will, in his own due time, 
 remove all offences, and causeless jealousies and reproaches, tending 
 to cloud our innocency, and will set his own power, and the peaceable 
 kingdom of his dear Son, over all. 1692. W. E. 
 
 4 As we have, in common with other protestant dissenters, been fa- 
 voured by government with the enjoyment of our religious liberties, and, 
 in an especial manner, relieved by the legislature in several cases which 
 peculiarly concern us as a people ; we therefore think ourselves obliged 
 earnestly to advise friends, that they be particularly careful to behave 
 with all dutifulness and gratitude ; and especially to discountenance 
 every indecent mark of dissatisfaction in word or writing, relating to 
 the government. 1730. P. E. 
 
CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 33 
 
 We think it incumbent upon us to exhort friends in every place, 5 
 
 not only to demean themselves as becomes good and faithful subjects, ^bject^^t'o 
 in word and conduct ; but also to promote the like sentiments of duty contentfons 
 and affection among those over whom their influence may extend ; and 
 that they avoid being ensnared by the animosities of contending parties, 
 or any thing unbecoming the stability and uprightness of our profession, 
 and incompatible with the pure and peaceable spirit of our holy head, 
 the Lord Jesus Christ. 1769. P. E. 
 
 We trust we are called to show forth to the world in life and prac- 6 
 
 tice, that the blessed reign of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, is be- 
 gun ; and we doubt not but it will proceed, till it attain 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; 
 much less in opposition to those providentially placed, either in sove- 
 reign or subordinate authority ; nor can we unite with, or encourage, 
 such as revile and asperse them : for it is written, " Thou shalt not 
 speak evil of the ruler of thy people."^ 1775. P. E. 
 
 We observe, with great satisfaction, from the accounts received, that 7 
 
 friends are generally careful not to defraud the king in any branch of kin^m\he ^ 
 his revenues, nor to deal in goods clandestinely imported : we most fevenue^*^^^'** 
 earnestly exhort the same care may be continued with the utmost dili- 
 gence, and that friends keep clear of purchasing any such goods, either 
 for sale or for private use ; from motives of gratitude to the govern- 
 ment, and justice to our fellow-subjects. For though we cannot, for 
 conscience sake, actively comply with some things enjoined by human 
 laws, yet the Holy Scriptures require that we should " render unto Csesar 
 the things that are Caesar's,"^ and be punctual in the payment of every 
 tribute, which we can justly do, without acting in opposition to that 
 
 I Isaiah, ii. 4; Micah, iv. 3. * Acts, xxiii. 5. ^ Matt. xxii. 21. 
 
 F 
 
34 
 
 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 
 
 Fidelity to the sacred illumination bestowed upon us by the Father of Lights ; not only- 
 king in the i i i it n i • i • i 
 
 payraentofhis to teach, but also to enable us to perform, every duty with uprightness 
 and integrity both to God, and to those who, in the course of his pro- 
 vidence, are placed in authority. 1757. P. E. 
 
 •J 8 In order to promote an increasing care in these respects, we intreat 
 
 all duly to consider that by being accessary, in any degree, to the con- 
 tinuance of such unlawful practices, even by buying for private use 
 only, encouragement is given to perjury and bloodshed, the frequent 
 attendants of smuggling. 1786. W. E. 
 
 9 As our testimony hath ever been, and still is, against defrauding the 
 
 king of any of his customs, duties, or excise, buying goods, reasonably 
 suspected to be run, or doing any other thing whatsoever to the in- 
 jury of the king's revenues, or of the common good, or to the hurt of 
 the fair trader ; so if any person or persons under our name and pro- 
 fession shall be known to be guilty of these, or any such crimes and 
 offences, we do earnestly advise the respective monthly meetings to 
 which such offenders belong, that they reprehend, and if needful, testify 
 against such offenders. 1719. P. E.— 1833. 
 
 10 
 
 Unstamped 
 receipts. 
 
 The writing in books, or on invoices, or other unstamped paper, or 
 the accepting, of terms intended to convey the substance of what 
 should be written on receipt stamps, is illegal, _ and is an evasion un- 
 worthy of the character of a member of our society. Where friends 
 observe, in any of their members, deviations in this respect from that 
 uprightness which becomes us in every part of our conduct, we desire 
 that they will extend tender, private admonition on the subject ; which 
 will, we believe, be found the most effectual means of removing this 
 occasion of concern. 1821. 
 
 11 
 
 Elections. 
 
 The corrupt and immoral practices, which have frequently attended 
 public elections, are a scandal to the Christian name, and would be 
 very reproachful to any of our profession : wherefore, if any amongst 
 
CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 
 
 us, should be prevailed upon to become managers or agents in elections, 
 let such be visited, and laboured with, in order to convince them of the 
 hurtful and reproachful consequences that may ensue. 1774. W. E. 
 
 35 
 
 Elections. 
 
 The principle of truth calls us out of contention, it even seeks not its 
 own end by means productive of animosity ; much less therefore should 
 its professors indulge themselves in strife, for objects of a perishing 
 nature : such are the desires of power and advancement, which are too 
 often the incitements to contested elections ; and were even the purpose 
 purer, we know the means are polluted. We know that drunken- 
 ness, riot, and confusion, are frequently attendant on these contests ; 
 and how can any in profession with us, expose their minds, which it is 
 their duty to keep unspotted of the world, to such contamination ? 
 1790, W. E. 
 
 12 
 
 The awfiil subject of the punishment of death has at this time deeply 
 impressed our minds. We believe that where the precepts and spirit 
 of our great Lord and Lawgiver have a complete ascendency, they will 
 lead to the abolition of this practice. The situation of those who have 
 forfeited their liberty by the commission of crime, has also claimed our 
 consideration. We regard such as objects of great compassion, and 
 desire that they may receive the kind assistance of friends who may 
 have it in their power to help them ; but this should be coupled with 
 due prudence and discretion, and with that respect to the laws of our 
 country, and to those who administer them, which we have ever be- 
 lieved it our duty to enjoin. 1818. P. E. 
 
 13 
 
 Punishment 
 of death. 
 
 F 2 
 
36 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 Clirist our 
 Sanctuary. 
 
 May all keep and walk in Christ Jesus, the Sanctuary : for in Him 
 are peace and safety, who destroys the destroyer, the enmity, and 
 adversary. For Christ is your Sanctuary in this day of storm and 
 tempest, in whom you have rest and peace. And, therefore, whatever 
 storms or tempests do or should arise within or without, Christ your 
 Sanctuary is over them all, who has all power in heaven and earth 
 given unto Him ; and none is able to pluck his lambs and sheep out 
 of his Father's or his hand, who is the true Shepherd ; neither are 
 any able to hurt the hair of your head, except it be permitted by his 
 power for your trial. And therefore rejoice in his power, the Lamb 
 of God who hath the victory over all, both within and without. He 
 by whom all things were made, and is over all ; the first and the last ; 
 the Amen; and the faithful and true witness in all his, males and 
 females ; the heavenly rock and foundation for all the believers in the 
 light and children of the day to build upon, to stand sure. 1683. P. E. 
 
 2 
 
 Against the 
 spirit of the 
 worW, and its 
 fashions : 
 
 We earnestly desire that friends every where be put in mind to keep 
 under the leadings and guidance of the Spirit of Truth in their out- 
 ward habits and fashions thereof; not suffering the spirit of the world 
 to get over them, in a lust to be like unto it in things useless and 
 superfluous ; lest it prevail upon ihem, by giving a little way to it, till 
 it leads tliem from the simplicity and plainness that become the Gospel ; 
 and so from one vain liberty to another, till they come to lose the 
 blessed liberty that is in Christ; into which they were in measure 
 redeemed ; and fall back into the bondage of the world's spirit, and 
 grow up into the liberty of the flesh with the lust and concupiscence 
 thereof; and so lose both their name and place in the truth, as too 
 many have done. 1688. P. E. 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 37 
 
 Advised, in God's holy fear to watch against, and keep out the spirit 3 
 
 and corrupt friendship of the world ; and that no fellowship may be the unneces- 
 held or had with the unfruitful works of darkness, nor therein with the wV/faverns' 
 workers thereof: — and to avoid unnecessary frequenting of taverns, 
 alehouses, all looseness, excess, and unprofitable and idle discourses, 
 mis-spending their precious time and substance to the dishonour of 
 truth, and scandal of our holy profession. 1691. W. E. 
 
 Let us all walk with much circumspection, fear, and humility before 4 
 
 the Lord, under a sense of our present outward liberty, and the theLordkfthe 
 temporal mercies that have for some years attended the same ; that our of^fs'merdes. 
 love and service for the Lord, and his holy truth and church, may have 
 the preference of our worldly business in our thoughts, lest we should 
 incur his displeasure, for an ungrateful neglect of our duty and 
 thankfulness to Him ; for it has sometimes pleased the Lord to deprive 
 his people of the favours they abuse ; though He is a God slow to 
 anger, and of long suffering towards his children. 1707. P. E. 
 
 Let the Christian duty of visiting the sick be timely remembered and 5 
 
 practised ; it having often left comfort, ease, and sweetness upon the "heTick.^^ 
 spirits of many, to their very end. 1710. P. E. 
 
 The Lord is one, and his name, power, and Spirit, one ; and He 6 
 
 hath called us to be one, in charity, in principle, and practice. Let *^"chrisr"^ 
 us all therefore diligently follow and pursue the same, according to 
 the degrees of that Divine grace, wisdom, and understanding given us 
 of God, through the dear Son of his love, Jesus Christ our only 
 Mediator. And, let us all diligently follow Him, and his example, 
 in his Divine light and Spirit, wherein Satan, the adversary, the devil, 
 the murderer, and divider hath no place ; that the power of CJirist 
 Jesus, in whom the prince of the world hath nothing, may reign over 
 all for ever ; to whose name and power every knee must bow, and 
 tongue confess. We pray God that friends every where may truly 
 reverence his name and power, and be mindful of his kingdom and 
 government over all. 1715. P. E. 
 
38 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONyERS ATION. 
 
 7 Advised against a declension crept in among us, by unbecoming 
 
 way of saiuta^ gcstures, in Cringing and bowing the body by way of salutation which 
 ought not to be taught or countenanced. 1718. W. E. 
 
 tion. 
 
 at inns. 
 
 8 It is earnestly recommended to all friends, resorting to any of our 
 
 spectcondJjct ^^nual or other meetings, to be very careful at their inns, or other 
 places where they may lodge or converse, to be prudent in all manner 
 of behaviour, both in public and private; avoiding all intemperance in 
 eating and drinking, and likewise foolish jesting, or any undue liberty 
 whatsoever ; that our conversation, seasoned with the fear of God, may 
 appear correspondent to our profession, and answer the witness of God 
 in others. 1731. W. E.— 1801. 
 
 9 
 
 On watchful 
 conduct at 
 fill times. 
 
 Friends are also advised to be careful of their conduct at all times, 
 and on all occasions, that no stumbling-block be laid in the way of 
 honest inquirers, nor offence given to tender young convinced friends. 
 " Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good 
 works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."^ Let us walk 
 wisely towards those that are without, as well as those within; let our 
 moderation and prudence, as well as truth and justice, appear to all 
 men, and in all things, in trading and commerce, in speech and com- 
 munication, in eating and drinking, in habit and furniture ; and, 
 through all, in a meek, lowly, quiet, spirit ; that as we profess to be a 
 spiritually-minded people, we may appear to be such as, being bounded 
 by the cross of Christ, show forth the power of that divine principle 
 we make profession of, by a conversation every way agreeable there- 
 unto. 1731. P. E. 
 
 10 
 
 Against vain 
 company. 
 
 Seeing it is evident that evil communications corrupt good manners, 
 we recommend with much affection to our young friends, that they be 
 very careful to avoid all such company, as by a light and vain conver- 
 sation would tend to alienate their minds from the love of virtue and 
 sobriety. 1734. P. E. 
 
 > Matt. V. 16. 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 39 
 
 And, dear friends, in order that as we have received Christ, so we 11 
 may walk in Him, in all holiness and godliness of conversation, we ^chrisV" 
 earnestly exhort, that ye hold fast the profession of the faith of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, without wavering; both in respect to his outward 
 coming in the flesh, his suiferings, death, resurrection, ascension, 
 mediation, and intercession at the right hand of the Father ; and to 
 the inward manifestation of his grace and Holy Spirit in our hearts, 
 powerfully working in the soul of man, to the subduing of every evil 
 affection and lust, and to the purifying of our consciences from dead 
 works to serve the living God ; and that through the virtue and efficacy 
 of this most holy faith, ye may become strong in the Lord, and in the 
 power of his might. 1736. P. E. 
 
 It is with much grief and concern, that we observe in some a 12 
 declension from the way of righteousness and truth, as well as from theiighrS"^ 
 the plainness of habit, and simplicity of speech and behaviour, which ^^"s*- 
 were so conspicuous in our early friends, and many of their offspring. 
 This declension, we apprehend, arises from a disregard to the divine 
 light and truth they have often been recommended to, as the regulator 
 of their words and actions. By a careful, conscientious regard to this, 
 the holy men in all ages obtained a good report ; and our ancients, and 
 many of their immediate offspring, were comely in the eyes of the 
 nation for their solid deportment, and religious regard to their words 
 and actions : a godly fear rested upon their minds, that the precious 
 truth and principle which they professed, and felt the blessed effects of, 
 might not suffer reproach from their misconduct. The like holy con- 
 cern now would tend to regulate our youth. This would instruct 
 them to avoid all pride and affectation, and endue them with humility, 
 modesty, and virtue, which recommend to the favour of God, and a 
 good esteem among men. A religious regard to the principle of light 
 and truth, God's witness in the mind and heart of man, ever produces 
 the most beneficial effects, as well to society in general, as to every one 
 in particular. This would introduce universal love, peace, and concord, 
 among mankind. This would sweeten the bitter spirit, mollify and 
 
40 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 Christ. 
 
 On following assuao^e the fierce and violent dispositions of men, mutually endear 
 
 the light of ° . , \ '' 
 
 relations and friends, and bring all into the unity and fellowship of the 
 Holy Spirit ; the fruits whereof, the apostle declareth, are joy, peace, 
 long-suffering, brotherly kindness, and charity. We do therefore most 
 earnestly recommend a strict attention to this holy and divine principle, 
 to friends every where, and in a particular manner to the youth of the 
 present generation. 1736. P. E. 
 
 13 Let none be ashamed of the tendering power of the Lord, but yield 
 
 ofbrokenness to the Operation of his Word which is as a fire to burn up, and as a 
 hammer to break in pieces. It was by this that our ancients became 
 a bright and shining people. The Lord himself hath declared his 
 approbation of an humble and contrite state and condition of soul ; 
 so that none need to be ashamed of it. " Thus saith the Lord, the 
 heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool : where is the 
 house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 
 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have 
 been, saith the Lord : but to this man will I look, even to him that is 
 poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."^ And the 
 royal prophet says, " The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a bro- 
 ken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.'"^ 1739. P. E. 
 
 14 
 
 On watchful- 
 ness and 
 humility. 
 
 Beware of that wisdom which descendeth not from above, but is 
 earthly, sensual, and puffeth up the mind ; but be ye, like our great 
 pattern the Lord Jesus, meek and lowly in heart, not seeking your own 
 glory, but the honour of Him that hath called you. Be ready to every 
 good office of love, even to the least of Christ's disciples, and He will 
 esteem it as done to Himself: delight to encourage those who are 
 honest and sincere in heart, and to strengthen the feeble-minded under 
 their trials and conflicts ; so shall ye become as nursing- fathers and 
 nursing-mothers in the church of God, and be qualified with wisdom 
 from above to administer suitably to the conditions of others, to the 
 
 * Is. Ixvi. 1, 2. 
 
 'Ps. li. 17. 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 41 
 
 comfortins: of their souls, that they may have cause to bless the Lord On wauhtui- 
 
 ° ^ J J _ ^ ness and 
 
 on your behalf. And, dear friends, under a consideration of the subtle humility. 
 and continual assaults of the enemy of our souls, we find it necessary 
 to put you in mind, that whatever your advancement in the work of 
 religion, or your services in the church, may have been, you have still 
 as great need as ever to dwell in an humble state of watchfulness. 
 Some, whom the Lord hath favoured with the influences of his love, 
 while their hearts remained low and humble in his sight, have, by 
 giving way to the subtle temptations of the enemy, under the specious 
 pretence of enlargement and freedom of spirit, become exalted in their 
 minds, gradually declined from their first love, and from that tender 
 regard and care which once rested upon their minds towards God; 
 and by an unguarded conduct have lost their esteem and service in 
 the church, and brought dishonour on the blessed truth which they 
 had long professed. " Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, 
 take heed lest he fall."^ 1743. P. E. 
 
 And, dear friends, our advice and exhortation is, that all masters 15 
 
 of families, parents, guardians, and tutors of children, would frequently f^^^'^f^^'f J 
 put in practice the callino; tog-ether of their children and household, miiiestocaii 
 
 . .... ... their house- 
 
 to wait upon the Lord in their families; that, receiving wisdom and holds toge- 
 
 counsel from Him, they may be enabled seasonably to exhort and the fear of the 
 
 1 • 1 c ^ f ^ • Lord to in- 
 
 encourage them to walk in the way of the Lord, to exercise themselves struct them. 
 in reading the Holy Scriptures, and in observing the duties and 
 precepts of holy living therein recommended ; admonishing them to 
 keep to that plainness and simplicity, in apparel, speech, and behaviour, 
 into which the Spirit of Truth led our forefathers, and which becomes 
 the humble, self-denying followers of Jesus Christ. 1748. P. E. 
 
 We beseech you, in your ordinary conversation among men, let your -, r> 
 words be few and savoury, and observe the precept of the apostle, On guarded 
 '' Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth :'' so may 
 
 ' 1 Cor. X. 12. 
 
 G 
 
42 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 On guarded your good example, and the gravity and circumspection of your 
 conduct and behaviour, minister matter of just rebuke to those who 
 know not a bridle to their tongues, and who seem not sufficiently 
 aware, that " in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin," 
 1755. P. E. 
 
 17 
 
 On Christian 
 simplicity in 
 conduct. 
 
 Our concern is to revive a truth which is worthy of general remem- 
 brance, that no affectation of singularity was the cause of a demeanour 
 both civil and religious in our forefathers (or in the faithful of this day) 
 different in many respects from the conduct of those among whom we 
 dwell ; but they, beholding the vanity, unprofitableness, and insin- 
 cerity of the salutations, customs, and fashions of the world, and observ- 
 ing the example of our blessed Saviour and that of his followers, with 
 the frequent testimonies recorded in holy writ to the necessity of a self- 
 denying life and conversation, together with the law and the testimony 
 revealed in their hearts, retained in view the injunction of the apostle, 
 not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renew- 
 ing of the mind, that we " may prove what is that good, and acceptable, 
 and perfect will of God."^ May an uprightness of heart, as in the sight 
 of God, ever attend this simplicity of appearance, that none, by a con- 
 duct inconsistent therewith, may furnish occasion for the testimony to 
 be evil spoken of, or despised. 1761. P. E. 
 
 sation. 
 
 18 Frequent waiting in stillness on the Lord, for the renewal of 
 
 SreTiieJcford' Strength, kccps the mind at home in its proper place and duty, and 
 fitabiecon''™" ^^^ ^^ ^^^ unprofitable association and converse, whether amongst 
 those of our own, or other professions. Much hurt may accrue to the 
 religious mind by long and frequent conversation on temporal matters, 
 especially by interesting ourselves too much in them ; for there is a 
 leaven therein, which, being suffered to prevail, indisposes and benumbs 
 the soul, and prevents its frequent ascendings in living aspirations 
 towards the Fountain of eternal life. 1770. P. E. 
 
 * Rom. xii. 2. 
 
va- 
 nities of the 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 43 
 
 We clearly rank the practice of hunting and shooting for diversion 19 
 with vain sports ; and we believe the awakened mind may see, that ^"d shoSg 
 even the leisure of those whom Providence hath permitted to have a ^°^ dwersion. 
 competence of worldly goods, is but ill filled up with these amusements. 
 Therefore, being not only accountable for our substance, but also for 
 our time, let our leisure be employed in serving our neighbour, and 
 not in distressing the creatures of God for our amusement. 1795. 
 W. E. 
 
 Let us, in reverence of soul, avoid too nice an enquiry into the 20 
 moral causes of such dreadful calamities ; ^ but seek, with unremitting fjfeslnd va 
 solicitude, an entrance, through the strait gate, into that narrow, but 5J,^^rid 
 not untrodden path, which alike leads to blessedness through every 
 dispensation of the Lord's unerring providence. — ^We in this land, do 
 not live unsurrounded by manifold dangers ; nor in an age in which we 
 can dispense with any part of the whole armour of light. The 
 increase of mortality in a country brings the body into jeopardy ; but 
 it often arouses the careless, and drives the awakened mind into closer 
 communion with God. But it is the peculiar property of many of the 
 contagious vices and vanities, with which these countries abound, 
 that they lull to security the incautious, even though once aroused ; 
 and point their infection at the well-being of the soul. By what 
 means, then, shall we expect preservation ? Our belief, dear friends, 
 is, that it will depend on a frequent recurrence to our first principle : 
 even to the saving power of Christ Jesus our Lord, revealed in the 
 heart. " This," said our Redeemer when personally on earth, " is 
 life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus 
 Christ whom thou hast sent."*^ But this, friends, is no trivial nor 
 momentary acquirement. Many of you know that it must be waited 
 for in singleness of heart; and that the important pursuit of this 
 heavenly knowledge should regulate the tenour of our lives. Where, 
 
 ' The contagious fever which prevailed in Philadelphia in 1 798. 
 * John xvii. 3. 
 
 g2 
 
44 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 Against the then, judp'e ye, would any find leisure for those amusements, in which 
 
 vices and va- . „ . . 
 
 nitiesoftiie some in profession with us, are reported to waste much of their time ? 
 
 world. 
 
 This meeting has repeatedly testified against vain sports, and places of 
 diversion, as so many allurements tending to draw the mind from its 
 watch, and to lay it open to further temptation. The best recreation 
 of a Christian is the relief of distress; and his chief delight to promote 
 the knowledge, and to exalt the glory, of his heavenly master : and this 
 is most effectually done, under his holy influence, by a life of faith, 
 purity, and general benevolence. False principles too, as well as 
 wrong practices, may have their advocates for a time ; but the un- 
 spotted lives of the faithful remain to be their best refutation. Let 
 none then start aside at the magnitude of the object, or be too 
 much dismayed because of the little progress they seem to them- 
 selves to make in the way of holiness ; but, trusting in the Lord, who 
 giveth power to the faint, let us all press after ability to comply 
 with the apostolic advice, " Be ye holy in all manner of conversa- 
 tion."^ 1799. P. E. 
 
 2 1 Dear friends, we beseech you to consider the holy gradation of 
 
 ness" nd T"^" rightcousuess, pcacc and joy ; and to mark that the first step is that 
 grace. "^ most Comprehensive attainment, righteousness. — Righteousness is 
 immutable justice. It leaves no duty unfulfilled. Man has his full 
 share of love from man ; and God, his due reverence, adoration, and 
 praise. Peace then flows as a river, and joy in the Holy Spirit 
 completes the gracious purpose of Christian redemption. " Happy 
 is that people that is in such a case : yea, happy is that people whose 
 God is the Lord."* As the vigorous tree brings forth its fruit in its 
 season, so if any man grow in the Truth, he will bring forth the fruits 
 of Truth, even the fruit of the Spirit, so well described by the apostle 
 to the Galatian converts. ^ And what obstructs this growth in any ? 
 We reply, The love of ease : the dread of conflict. But as winter and 
 storms promote the well-being of the outward creation, so tribulation 
 
 ' 1 Peter, i. 15. * Ps. cxliv. 15. " Gal. v. 22. 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 45 
 
 and conflict improve the Christian. They have their appropriate and On righteous- 
 
 ,., IP • r ' . ness and a 
 
 appointed end, in the w^ork of sanctification ; they arise not out of the growth in 
 dust, but are sent or permitted in the proper seasons ; and whoever 
 seeks to escape without his share, rejects the very means of his ad- 
 vancement, and scarcely can hope to attain his due " measure of the 
 stature of the fulness of Christ :"^ a state of which the same apostle 
 speaks, as attainable by all. 1806. P. E. 
 
 We may now turn from subjects which concern every state in life ; 22 
 and direct the course of our Christian counsel to the states more in par- °"poV°^ ^ 
 ticular. And first, you who are not intrusted with much of the pos- 
 sessions of this life, you are still the objects of our constant care. The 
 society has long endeavoured to consult your interests, and to place 
 within your reach whatever is necessary for your welfare, and for that 
 of your offspring. And you are equally the care of Him who provides 
 for the sparrows ; to his ear your access is as easy as that of any condi- 
 tion amongst men ; and if, by his holy assistance, and by a conformity 
 to his will, you become truly poor in spirit, yours is the kingdom of 
 heaven. 2 But, dear friends, suffer us to remind you, that there is not 
 a passion that can infest the rich, which may not also, in a degree sub- 
 versive of your peace, be fostered in your minds. You may covet, and 
 give way to pride and anger, and to all the " foolish and hurtful 
 lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." ^ Therefore 
 do you partake of the universal necessity of paying strict attention to 
 Christ's sacred injunction, when, addressing himself to his immediate 
 followers, he closed his address with these memorable words, " What 
 I say unto you, I say unto all. Watch."* 
 
 As for you, dear friends, who occupy what are termed the middle to those in 
 stations of life, you have every cause to bless the Lord for the sphere in sta^tiras'of 
 which he hath permitted you to move. In you, seems fulfilled the wish 
 
 ' Eph. iv. 13. » Matt. v. 3. » 1 Tim. vi. 9. 
 
 * Mark, xiii. 37. 
 
46 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 to those in 
 the middle 
 stations of 
 life: 
 
 to those in 
 affluent cir- 
 cumstances : 
 
 of Agur : " give me neither poverty nor riches ; feed me' with food 
 convenient for me ; lest I be full and deny thee, and say, Who is the 
 Lord ? or lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in 
 vain."^ Among your number the society has often found many of 
 its more useful members, of its more able advocates. Be content 
 therefore with your stations. Seek not great things for yourselves; 
 yea, "Mind not high things; but condescend to men of low estate." « 
 But above all things, " Follow on to know the Lord ;" ^ or, if you have 
 not known him and served him fully and faithfully, seek him, " with 
 a perfect heart, and with a willing mind," for if you seek him, he 
 will be found of you ;* and you will remain to be, as many of you 
 have been, supports of the building, under the protecting providence 
 of the Lord ; who is the sole and true builder of his spiritual house, 
 the " house of prayer for all people." 
 
 And you who are intrusted with much of the good things of this life, 
 you who cannot disclaim the title of affluent — we believe there are 
 among you many good stewards of the temporal things committed to 
 your trust ; yet we desire that others may duly consider, whether they 
 are so " rich in faith," as to be " heirs of the kingdom,"^ being fruitful 
 in those good works which are produced by faith. Though, friends, 
 you may not have to labour with your hands, the cause of Truth has 
 business of importance for you to do ; and it may be promoted or 
 obstructed by the right or wrong application of your property. Much 
 responsibility lies on you ; your property is an additional article in the 
 account ; and we much desire that you may be so awake to a sense of 
 these things, as to be prepared to render up your accounts with joy, 
 and to receive the answer of " Well done." The poor and the rich 
 have their appropriate virtues ; and, at the same time that each is re- 
 quired to be content and to be humble, we believe it may be truly 
 said, that as contentment is a peculiar ornament of the poor, so is 
 
 ' Prov. XXX. 8, 9. 
 
 Rom. xii. 16. ' Hosea, vi. 3. 
 
 ' James, ii. 5. 
 
 * 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 47 
 
 humility of the rich. Your station in life subjects you, more than to those in 
 
 J ... J J ' amuence cir- 
 
 others, to be tried by associating with other wealthy persons, among cumstances. 
 the people at large, with whom the cross of Christ is often in too little 
 esteem. You may be leavened by their conversation and example; 
 and it may operate still more sensibly and rapidly upon your children. 
 Therefore we tenderly intreat you, for your own sake, for that of your 
 offspring whom you are bound to protect, and for the sake of the cause 
 of Truth — we intreat you, dear friends, we beseech you " by the mer- 
 cies of God," " Be not conformed to this world ; but be ye transformed 
 by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, 
 and acceptable, and perfect will of God." " For," continues the apostle, 
 " I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among 
 you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought ta think ; 
 but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the 
 measure of faith."' 1808. P. E. 
 
 Our solicitude has at this time been awakened for our young men 23 
 employed as travellers in business. The exposure of these to the meifenipfoy- 
 temptations to which they are often unavoidably subjected, has tended le^rs^in^busi' 
 to draw aside some from that simplicity, that purity of heart and "^^^' 
 thought, that strict morality, which our Christian principles require. 
 We would submit to the serious consideration of their parents and 
 employers, the extreme danger of sending forth into such service any 
 young persons whose religious principles are not fixed, nor their habits 
 formed ; and we would encourage friends in different places, where 
 those in this line of employment may travel, to continue and to extend 
 that kind and hospitable notice which has been already manifested. 
 1816. P. E. 
 
 In a well-ordered family, short opportunities of religious retirement 24 
 frequently occur, in which the mind may be turned in secret aspiration po"t^,IlSitie^^of 
 to the Author of all our blessings ; and which have often proved times cified occa-^^' 
 
 sions. 
 ' Rom. xii. 1 — 3. 
 
sions 
 
 48 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 *^ortuniSeTof ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ transient benefit. It is our present concern, that no 
 cified o°" ^^^" ^^^^P^^^^ ^^ t^is practice may be found amongst us ; whether it take 
 place on the reading of a portion of the sacred volume, or when we 
 are assembled to partake of the provisions with which we are supplied 
 for the sustenance of the body. On these latter occasions, may the 
 hearts of our young friends also, be turned in gratitude to God, who 
 thus liberally provides for them. May the experience of us all be such, 
 that we can adopt the words of the Psalmist, " Evening, and morning, 
 and at noon, will I pray."' 1817. P. E. 
 
 25 In turning our attention to the state of the society as it has been 
 
 observance of uow laid before us, the proper employment of the First-day of the 
 ' *^* week, the day more particularly set apart for public worship, is a 
 subject that has claimed our serious attention. It is no small privilege 
 to be living in a country where much regard is paid to this duty, and 
 it highly becomes us to be careful that our example in this respect be 
 consistent with the profession we make to the world. We desire 
 that heads of families, and our younger friends also, may closely 
 examine, whether they are sufficiently solicitous to improve that 
 portion of this day which is not allotted to the great duty of meeting 
 with their friends for the purpose of Divine worship. To those who 
 are awakened to a due sense of the eternal interests of the soul — and 
 oh ! that this were the case with all — we believe that these intervals 
 have often proved times of much religious benefit. Many have derived 
 great increase of strength both at these and other times, from retiring 
 to wait upon the Lord ; from reading the Holy Scriptures with minds 
 turned to their Divine Author, in desire that He would bless them to 
 their comfort and edification ; and from perusing the pious' lives and 
 experiences of those who have gone before them. But we avoid 
 prescribing any precise line of conduct, believing that if the attention 
 be sincerely turned unto the Heavenly Shepherd, his preserving help 
 and guidance will not be withheld. 1817. P. E. 
 
 ' Psalm Iv. 17. 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 49 
 
 In the wilderness of this life, dangers assail us on every hand : 26 
 but if we look with entire reliance unto Christ, the o-reat Head of the ^"^"i^^'"^. 
 
 ' c3 unto Christ 
 
 Church, He will lead us safely along ; He will protect us from being ""^^,r.f^^ '"- 
 entangled by the briars and thorns ; He will shield us from the sun, 
 and from the storm ; He will permit us to know his voice, and to 
 distinguish it from the voice of the stranger; and humbly to believe 
 that we are of that one fold, of which He is the everlasting Shepherd, ^ — 
 that He will give unto us eternal life, and that none shall pluck us 
 out of his hand. How inviting are these truths ! how animating are 
 these assurances ! But this attainment is to be ours, only as we look 
 in faith unto Him who declared, " If any man will come after me, let 
 him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me."^ To 
 deny ourselves, and to take up the cross, are duties which we desire 
 earnestly to press upon all. If we seek for divine aid that this may 
 become the daily engagement of our lives, we shall be induced to 
 make a narrow scrutiny into our thoughts, and into the motives which 
 influence our conduct. Frequent self-examination will convince us 
 that we are frail, and unworthy of the Lord's mercies. A conviction 
 of our own weakness and transgressions will make us fearful of 
 speaking of the errors of others ; and tend to restrain us from tale- 
 bearing and detraction. At the same time, divine love operating on 
 our hearts, and begetting there the love of our neighbour, will con- 
 strain us to offer a word of counsel, in a way most calculated to pro- 
 duce the desired effect on such as we deem deficient in moral or 
 religious duty. Precious and very desirable is an humble, contrite, 
 teachable state of mind, in which the earnest prayer is raised, that we 
 may live in the love and fear of our great Creator, and in all things 
 walk acceptably before Him. Oh ! that all may be kept in the low 
 valley of humility, where the dew remains long ; where they will know 
 the Lord to be "as a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from 
 the tempest."^ Here preservation is witnessed within the holy inclosure : 
 here we are guarded against the snares which beset those who would 
 
 ' John, X. 16. 2 Luke, ix. 23. ^ Isaiah, xxxii. 2. 
 
 H 
 
50 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 On looking make haste to be rich. How safe, how necessary it is, for the humble 
 
 unto Christ . . . 
 
 under the tri- Christian to set out well; to watch against the first temptations to covet 
 
 als of life. i • i c( • • • 
 
 great thmgs ! Sweet is the condition of the grateful mind : sweet is a 
 state of contentment and of daily dependence on the Lord. 1819. P. E. 
 
 27 Our Christian principles teach us to live in the world aright, but 
 Uan'cmlSe'of "^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ world. If wc indeed seek to be redeemed from its 
 Umesofout- ^P^^it ; if it be our daily concern that our garments may be kept 
 ward trouble, unspotted by its defilements ; that we may be clothed with the meek- 
 ness and gentleness of Christ ; we shall be enabled to discharge our 
 civil and religious duties with holy propriety, and to adorn the Gospel 
 in our lives and conversation. In times, in which the public feeling 
 may be agitated by civil or political questions of general interest, or 
 by such as involve the vital principles of our faith, the humble 
 Christian, thus prepared, will retire to the place of true inward 
 prayer. He will see the necessity of carefully suppressing in his own 
 mind the first emotions of party zeal ; but he will feel the advantage 
 of cherishing a willingness to suffer, whether little or much, whether 
 in secret exercise of mind, or in outward trials, to promote the cause 
 of his Lord. He will not view with indifference any open, or less 
 direct attacks upon those blessed truths on which his hope of salvation 
 is founded. He will not be improperly solicitous for his own ease and 
 security, when he sees difficulties or trouble threatening those around 
 him : his great concern will be that he may in no way bring reproach 
 on his high profession, but that by acknowledging the Lord in all his 
 ways. He may direct his paths. 1820. P. E. 
 
 28 Our present concern is, to turn the attention of all our dear friends 
 forthe^nfu- to a strict examination of their religious profession and experience. 
 Hoiy^Spirit, We profcss to bclicve in the inward teachings of the Spirit of Christ 
 ft" guidance.^ Jesus, our Redeemer and Mediator, our Advocate with the Father ; — 
 
 of Him whose precious blood was shed, that He might procure unto 
 us eternal life, and present us holy, and unblamable, and unreprovable 
 unto God. Let us individually inquire, how far we are acting in con- 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 51 
 
 formity with the solemn truths of the Gospel. Are we seeking in hum- On waiting 
 ble supplication unto the Lord, that our faith may be established there- enceofthe 
 
 . . . . . , . . , Holy Spirit, 
 
 in ? Are we, in patient waiting before Him, desiring that we may and following 
 
 1 1 T 1 • ^ • ■ r* 1 • T 1 T T 1 ^^^ guidance. 
 
 clearly discover the inshmmgs of his hght upon our understandings, and 
 that, by walking in faith, according to its manifestations, our lives may 
 be spent in the love and fear of our great Creator ? 
 
 It is of unspeakable importance to all, that they should know their 
 own wills and dispositions regulated and sanctified by the power of 
 the Holy Spirit. If this engagement of heart be earnest and fi-equent, 
 humble views of ourselves ensue, a distrust in our rational powers as 
 sufficient for the great work of salvation is induced : we are taught the 
 inestimable blessing which those enjoy who attain to a reliance on 
 holy aid ; and, whilst we are brought low in our own estimation, and 
 are fearful to speak of our religious attainments, we are enabled to 
 rejoice in Him in whom we have believed. 1820. P. E. 
 
 If we are really concerned to look into our own hearts, if we do 29 
 but enough bear in remembrance that our inmost thoughts are beheld ^^ trusf L 
 by the all-penetrating eye of God, we shall be sensible that there S°iive t'ohls 
 ought to be no relaxation in the great duty of watchfulness unto prayer. Praise. 
 The frequent recurrence of this conviction will lead us to look to a 
 higher power than our own faculties, to enable us to work out our sal- 
 vation, or to aid in promoting the Lord's work on the earth. At the 
 same time, an increase of gratitude, from a continued sense of the 
 Lord's unmerited goodness, will animate us to serve Him in the per- 
 formance of our allotted duties in civil and religious society; in doing 
 good to our neighbours, or in the concerns of the church. Then will 
 there be a constant reference to Him who has qualified for the work : 
 we shall, in reality, seek no honour one from another ; but, by our 
 lives as well as by our words, ascribe all to Him to whom it is due. It 
 is equally the duty of all our members, to endeavour, in their daily 
 walk through life, to act consistently with their Christian profession. 
 It is a serious reflection for us to make, that our conduct may, in the 
 eyes of our associates, either adorn or dishonour the principles which we 
 
 H 2 
 
52 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION, 
 
 30 
 
 On the faith- 
 fulness of our 
 early friends. 
 
 SusKcod'^ profess. Our views on silent waiting upon God in religious meetings, 
 tohU%i°ise'^ ^"^ belief that pure gospel ministry ought to be exercised from the im- 
 mediate influence of the Holy Spirit, our testimony to the meek and 
 peaceable nature of the religion of Jesus, and our non-observance of 
 outward ordinances, originate in a conviction that the dispensation of the 
 Gospel is a spiritual dispensation. This our religious profession is a loud 
 call upon us for great circumspection of conduct, and deep, inward retire- 
 ment before the Lord. And, whilst we are persuaded that these precious 
 testimonies are founded upon the precepts and spirit of the Gospel, we 
 believe, and we desire especially to press this sentiment upon our younger 
 friends just setting out in life, that we are at no time more qualified to 
 bear them, than when we have the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, 
 and are willing to suffer for the name of Christ. 182 J. P. E. 
 
 We have at this time been renewedly convinced that the gather- 
 ing and establishing of our religious society was not the effect of human 
 wisdom. It pleased the Lord, by the powerful influence of his eternal 
 word on the hearts of our faithful predecessors, to prepare them to 
 receive the Truth in the love of it. They consulted not with flesh and 
 blood, but obeyed the heavenly call. They were strengthened to bear, 
 with firmness and meekness, the scoffs and persecutions, and imprison- 
 ments, to which they were subjected. In supporting their religious 
 testimonies, they sought not the praise of men, but the approba- 
 tion of God. Believing that their views of the design in the coming 
 of Christ, and of the nature of his dispensation, were confirmed to 
 their understandings, by the power of his Spirit, they suffered freely 
 and cheerfully for his name. Their patience and fortitude, and their 
 firm reliance on the Lord alone for deliverance from the hands of their 
 persecutors, gave clear proof of their sincerity, and ultimately secured 
 a free and undisturbed profession of their religious principles. And 
 it has been under the influence of the same Almighty Power, we have 
 been preserved an united and religious body, and that these testimonies 
 have been faithfully borne amongst us from generation to generation. 
 1822. P. E. 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 53 
 
 Whilst he who would be a real and not a nominal Christian, is duly 31 
 impressed with the necessity of striving to become a meek and humble of continued 
 disciple of Jesus, — whilst he bears in mind that he is constantly liable upon^G^od.^ 
 to fall, and that he must therefore be waiting for the renewal of his 
 spiritual strength, and at all times be placing his dependence upon 
 Divine aid, — there is safety. But we fear, with respect to some who 
 have run well for a time, that either through the friendship of men or 
 outward prosperity, or through unwatchfulness, they have gradually 
 fallen away from that to which they had once attained ; and 
 that others, from similar causes, are not advancing to that state of 
 purity and simplicity in which they would become useful members of 
 the church of Christ. Dear friends, permit us in Christian love, to 
 remind* you of the ever important injunction of our Lord: — " Watch 
 and pray, that ye enter not into temptation ; the spirit indeed is wil- 
 ling, but the flesh is weak."^ If you endeavour to prove by your actions 
 the sincerity of your profession, if in your intercourse with others you 
 show that you have an honest and upright heart, if your lives are 
 ordered in the fear of the Lord; you may, by your daily walk through 
 life, commend and adorn your own rehgious principles. But, if there 
 be a want of consistency of conduct, it may lead those around you, 
 lightly to esteem those very principles which their judgment has at 
 one time approved ; nay, it may cause the way of Truth to be evil 
 spoken of. 1823. P. E. 
 
 In the sacred writings no duty is more clearly set forth than that of 32 
 prayer. Prayer is the aspiration of the heart unto God : it is one of "P'"*^®'"' 
 the first engagements of the awakened soul, and we believe that it 
 becomes the clothing. of the minds of those whose lives are regulated 
 by the fear and love of their Creator. If in moments of serious re- 
 flection, and when communing with our own hearts, we are sufficiently 
 alive to our helpless condition, we shall often feel that we may pour 
 forth our secret supplications unto the Lord. And as we believe that 
 
 ' Matt. xxvi. 41. 
 
54 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 On prayer, it is One of the greatest privileges a Christian can enjoy, thus to draw 
 nigh in spirit unto the Father of mercies, we earnestly desire that no 
 one may deprive himself of so great a blessing. But let all on such 
 occasions remember the awful majesty of Him who filleth heaven and 
 earth, and their own unworthiness in his pure and holy sight. If 
 these considerations ought to possess the mind in our secret aspira- 
 tions unto the Almighty, how incumbent is it upon those who publicly 
 approach the throne of grace, to cherish them in their hearts, and to 
 move only under the influence of that Spirit which enables us to pray 
 aright! 1823. P. E. 
 
 33 
 
 On the con- 
 sistency of a 
 true Chris- 
 tian. 
 
 The consistent Christian will make no compromise of principle. 
 When persecution does not await him, it will be his earnest prayer 
 that, whilst he thankfully enjoys the temporal blessings dispensed 
 by the all-bounteous Giver, he may not so fix his heart upon these 
 fading treasures, as to be unprepared, should the day of trouble over- 
 take him, to stand with uprightness, and to adorn his profession 
 by patiently enduring affliction. Whilst, upon a well-grounded con- 
 viction, he is satisfied that he ought to be aiming at a perfect stand- 
 ard, he will be solicitous that no part of his demeanour, that none 
 of his transactions among men, may tend to diminish the excellence 
 of that standard in the view of those with whom he associates. 
 1825. P. E. 
 
 34 Vital Christianity consisteth not in words but in power ; and how- 
 
 ^•'tr'^^a"^^^ ever important it is that we have a right apprehension of the doctrines 
 tianexperi- of the Gospel, this availcth not, unless we are regenerated by the 
 power of the Holy Ghost. We therefore tenderly intreat all to wait 
 in humble faith for its quickening influence ; and to seek to have their 
 hearts contrited before the Lord. Then we believe that they will know 
 for themselves of His great goodness ; and as they continue, from time 
 to time, profiting by what they learn in the way of life and salvation, 
 but not trusting to it, they will partake of that living bread which 
 Cometh down from heaven ; they will drink of those living waters 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 55 
 
 which nourish the soul unto eternal life. This course of Christian On the benefit 
 
 - , . „ of true Chris- 
 
 experience we earnestly desire tor every one amongst us. It is an tian experi- 
 
 ence. 
 
 individual work ; but it is indispensable for all. It may often be slow 
 in its progress, but it is certain in its effects ; and amongst the blessed 
 consequences which it produces, we come to have an establishment 
 in Christ, resulting not from any speculative system of belief, but 
 from a heart-felt acquaintance with His power inwardly revealed to the 
 soul. When assailed by false doctrines, or when in the support of our 
 views of Christian practice, trials are our portion, knowing in whom 
 we have believed, we can look, in humble but firm reliance, unto Him. 
 Resignation under the varied trials incident to human life, is often the 
 happy attainment of the patient. Christian traveller : these may arise 
 to him from outward afHictions, or from the privation of the society 
 of faithful Christian friends : he may be cast down from not feeling 
 those evidences of the love of God, or of the clear guidance of the 
 Spirit of Truth, which his soul would desire. But a frequent recur- 
 rence to past mercies, and to numberless blessings still bestowed upon us, 
 should warm the heart with gratitude, and animate it with the belief, 
 that all these things will be blessed, as means by which we may become 
 of the pure in heart who shall see God. Wait then, dear friends, upon 
 Him : be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your hearts. ^ 
 1827. P. E. 
 
 We continue to believe that our disuse of set forms of prayer is 35 
 founded on a correct view of the spiritual nature of the Gospel dispen- ^" Player, 
 sation. At the same time we are persuaded, that all who have a just 
 sense of the value of their immortal souls, and of their own great 
 need of help from above, must rejoice with thankfulness, in knowing 
 and in feeling that they may pray unto our Father who is in heaven. 
 Oh ! then that every one may, with a sincere and believing heart, and 
 with reverential awe, approach the throne of grace ; trusting in the me- 
 diation of Him through whom we " have access by one Spirit unto the 
 
 ' Psal. xxvii. 1 4. 
 
56 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 On prayer. Father. "^ But having thus asked in faith and submission, may we all 
 be concerned so to walk before the Lord, that our prayers may be heard 
 with acceptance. Let none, however, be discouraged from the per- 
 formance of this duty by a sense of their transgressions ; but in humi- 
 lity and sincere repentance, let them implore the forgiveness of God, 
 who, as they patiently wait before Him, will in his own time supply all 
 their need. And if there be any, who, if they deal honestly with their 
 own hearts, must acknowledge that they do not pray, may these deeply 
 reflect upon the danger of their situation, and be alarmed at the great 
 loss which they sustain, and avail themselves of the high privilege of 
 drawing nigh unto God, and partaking of the assurance that He will 
 draw nigh unto them. 1 828. P. E. 
 
 36 Whilst the remembrance of our Creator ought at all times to 
 
 occupation of be present with us, we have been again concerned that the day 
 irs - ay. more especially set apart for religious duties, may be rightly ob- 
 served amongst us. Let those hours which are not passed in attend- 
 ing our meetings, be so occupied as to strengthen habits of piety and 
 devotion. It is good to exercise an especial care that the converse of 
 the day be not such as to dissipate any religious impressions which may 
 have been received. The households of friends ought to be as- 
 sembled at least once in the course of the day, for the public read- 
 ing of the Holy Scriptures, and for retirement in spirit before the 
 Lord. And we wish particularly to call the attention of those who 
 are in remote and country situations, to the purport of this advice. 
 . 1828. P. E. 
 
 37 In these days of religious liberty, and in which our intercourse with 
 
 TOmpromlseof thosc of Other societics is widely different from that which obtained 
 
 our ancient 
 testimonies. 
 
 in the times of our pious predecessors, it becomes us to be especially 
 careful that we do not in any way compromise our ancient principles 
 and testimonies. We believe that it is equally incumbent on us, as on 
 
 'Ephes. i. 16. 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 57 
 
 those who were made instrumental in the first gatherino: of our society, Against any 
 
 _ _ compromise of 
 
 to maintain those views and practices by which they were distinguished, our ancient 
 
 . iii'i n p --ii testimonies. 
 
 And we feel desirous that both m the performance of our civu duties, 
 and in associating for objects of benevolence, all our dear friends may 
 be concerned not in any way to forfeit the character of consistency, 
 but in all things to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour. It is, we 
 believe, alike important to our own benefit, and that of the universal 
 church of Christ, that we do not shrink from filling that station in it which 
 Divine Wisdom has assigned us, but in singleness of heart give ourselves 
 up to what it may be our individual duty to perform. 1828. P. E. 
 
 The humble endeavour to observe the precepts of the Gospel leads 33 
 
 to purity of heart and conduct; it induces strict integrity in all our ^J'riu^ofiife 
 
 transactions: and o-ives rise to the exercise of that meekness and which the 
 ' ^ Gospel en- 
 
 charity which shine forth in the conduct of the true and practical be- J"'"*'- 
 
 liever in the Christian religion. If we seek first the kingdom of God 
 and his righteousness, we shall be instructed by the example of pious 
 men, but not blind to their infirmities ; comforted by their society, but 
 not dependent upon it ; helped by religious conversation, but not dis- 
 posed to enter into it hastily or superficially. If we are concerned 
 aright for the cultivation and cleansing of our own hearts, impressed with 
 the importance of our own stewardship unto God, and duly sensible of 
 our own sins and great need of forgiveness from Him, we shall become 
 very cautious how we converse on the failings of others, and anxious 
 not to violate that charity which is enjoined upon all ; that love which 
 is the true badge of discipleship. 
 
 The great importance of cultivating true piety and virtue, is what 
 we are at this time concerned earnestly to press upon every one. If 
 this become, as it ought to be, the main object of our lives, the fruit 
 of the Spirit will be apparent. But we are constantly to bear in 
 mind, that this is not the place of our rest. The warfare must be 
 maintained ; we can at no period put off the armour with safety : we 
 have an unwearied enemy to contend with, whose temptations are 
 diversified, subtle, and insidious : the path of life is an arduous one ; 
 
 I 
 
58 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 On that but, thanks be unto Him who is omnipotent, his grace is all-sufficient : 
 
 purity of life 
 
 which the as He is daily sought unto, he strengtheneth our souls and increaseth 
 
 joins. our confidence in him ; and, if we faint not, but persevere unto the end, 
 
 He will give the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1829. P. E. 
 
 39 May we all draw nigh unto God in prayer — ask the assistance of 
 n prayer. ^^.^ grace to help in time of need — and look unto Him as our merciful 
 
 Father who is in heaven : assuredly believing, that, as He is approached 
 in reverence and faith, he will graciously answer our petitions, and 
 supply all our need, in and through Christ Jesus. As this sacred duty, 
 so forcibly enjoined in Holy Scripture, is correctly understood and per- 
 formed aright, parents will become so sensible of its great value to 
 themselves, that they will feel the importance of turning thereto the 
 attention of their beloved offspring ; and, as they seek for wisdom and 
 strength to act rightly herein, they will be assisted by Him to whom 
 they should desire, that they and their children may be wholly dedi- 
 cated. 1830. P. E. 
 
 40 Now, dear friends, of every rank, state, and condition, let us en- 
 deavour to be one in the Lord : that He may shower down of his 
 mercies, gifts, and grace upon all. This will keep each in his proper 
 place. The young will be mild, submissive, and teachable ; and will 
 become early acquainted with that power which is their only safe con- 
 ductor through life, and their hope in death. These are near to our 
 hearts. The very remembrance of them awakens our tenderest feel- 
 ing, and prompts our prayer to the Lord for their preservation. The 
 middle-aged will stand firm in their day, as watchmen upon the wall, 
 and as valiants, having on the armour of light, to withstand the attacks 
 of the enemy. And the aged will have to rejoice both in retrospective, 
 and prospective view. The past will recall to their gladdened remem- 
 brance the numberless mercies of the Lord ; and the future, through the 
 power of an endless life, and the efficacy of that redemption which comes 
 by the Lord Jesus, will open to them the prospect, and satisfy them with 
 the assurance, of being His for ever. Amen. 1808. P. E. — 1833. 
 
 Conclusion. 
 
59 
 
 CONVINCED PERSONS. 
 
 We esteem it very necessary, that young convinced and well in- 1 
 clined persons and friends, be early visited in the love of God, by faith- ^erninaulose 
 ful friends; for their encouragement, help, and furtherance in the vScedTmi 
 
 truth. 1710. P. E. un<lercon- 
 
 vincement. 
 
 For the sake of tender and young convinced friends, an earnest 2 
 concern is on the minds of many, that no occasion of stumbling or 
 offence be laid in their v^^ay ; but that all such as have made longer 
 profession with us, may be careful to walk in all holiness and upright- 
 ness of conversation, and in an humble waiting upon the Lord ; that 
 their example may tend to the encouragement and strengthening of 
 those who have been more lately visited, to a steady and constant 
 perseverance in the path into which the Lord hath directed their feet. 
 1737. P. E. 
 
 As we have received comfortable accounts from divers parts, of a 3 
 convincement amongst the people, so as to join with us in profession; 
 we earnestly intreat that a holy care may rest upon all our members, 
 to walk circumspectly as good examples ; that, in a particular manner, 
 the ministers and elders may carefully watch that their conduct may 
 be to the edification and strength of the honest, though sometimes weak 
 inquirers. And that friends be careful to lay hands suddenly on no 
 man, but distinguish between a true Christian tenderness to help the 
 weak, and a hasty reception of those under convincement, into mem- 
 bership with us; which has often hurt the individuals, by settling 
 them in a false rest, and been very injurious to the reputation of the 
 society. 1753. W. E. 
 
 I 2 
 
60 
 
 CONVINCED PERSONS. 
 
 4 
 
 Care recom- 
 mended re- 
 specting ad- 
 mission into 
 membership. 
 
 Advised, that monthly meetmgs lay hands on no man suddenly, 
 nor speedily admit into membership, any who may come to friends' 
 meetings as convinced persons, especially such as discover an earnest- 
 ness for a speedy admission into communion with us, without a season- 
 able time to consider their conduct. Let the innocency of their lives 
 and conversation first be manifested, and a deputation of judicious 
 friends be made, to enquire into the sincerity of their convincement 
 of the truth of our religious principles, and let this appear to the 
 satisfaction of the monthly meeting, previously to their admission. 
 1764. 
 
 5 
 
 Advice to 
 those newly 
 convinced. 
 
 We have received accounts, this year, as well as in preceding years, 
 that divers persons have joined our society by convincement. — For 
 you of this description, we feel a tender care, that, after admittance 
 into membership, you may not measure yourselves by others ; nor 
 take up a rest short of the true rest. Seek rather an increase in the 
 heavenly principle which comes by Jesus Christ, the true and holy 
 pattern for his flock. Thus only, will your union with us contribute to 
 your advantage ; and thus only, will the increase of numbers produce 
 an increase of the joy. 1799. P. E. 
 
 6 
 
 General 
 counsel. 
 
 We find, at this as at other times, that several persons have been 
 added to us by convincement. We desire it may also have been by 
 conversion, from form to power. Such truly convinced and converted, 
 are a strength to us. They know the sacrifice which they have made for 
 their present condition, and value it accordingly. They have bought 
 the truth, and are so far from desiring to sell it, that they are concerned 
 that others should possess the same enjoyment. But we are some- 
 times grieved that persons finding their way, and probably through 
 self-denial, into our society, do not always retain their ground. The 
 salt doth not always retain its savour. In tenderness therefore we 
 intreat the newly-convinced not to esteem their admission as a period 
 of rest from conflict. It rather requires a deeper exercise. And we 
 beseech friends among whom such may dwell, to treat them with 
 
CONVINCED PERSONS. 61 
 
 great circumspection as well as kindness. Beware of hurtino; them General 
 
 . , counsel. 
 
 by any ill example. They may be offended, and if they are sincere, 
 they are in the number of those whom we are cautioned not to offend. 
 On the other hand, they are tender and inexperienced, and they may 
 be laden with the concerns of our discipline faster than their strength 
 will bear. Thus, friends, on every occasion we see that sound judg- 
 ment and sound practice require depth and solidity. Let us then keep 
 in view, and earnestly desire to be endued with that discernment which 
 is the means, under direction of the Holy Head, of edifying the body 
 of Christ. 1807. P. E. 
 
62 
 
 COVETOUSNESS. 
 
 1 Let none strive nor covet to be rich in this world, in these change- 
 General ad- able thinsis that will pass away ; but let your faith stand in the Lord 
 
 vice against o r j ^ j 
 
 covetousuess Qq^ ^Ijq changes not, that created all, and gives the increase of all. 
 
 and over- o ' ^ o 
 
 reaching. 1676. 
 
 2 We do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, warn and charge all that 
 profess the truth amongst us to take heed and beware of covetousness, 
 over-reaching, oppressing, and defrauding of any, from whence strife, 
 contention, and law-suits do often arise ; and if any difference about 
 these things do happen among you, to stop and suppress it. 1697. P. E. 
 
 3 Let all friends be exhorted to abide under the daily cross, whereby 
 JtSnTo^Mf' ^^^^ earthly mind may be crucified, which hath its delights and ease in 
 denial and the vanity, pride, and covetousness; that friends, beino- preserved out of 
 
 daily cross as *' * ■- o i 
 
 means of prs- thosc thing's whcrcin the enemy hath had, and has, his kinordom, and 
 
 servalion. *=> , *' , , & ' 
 
 too plainly lays his snares to hinder their holy progress, may every 
 where be more and more a retired, serious, plain, and self-denying peo- 
 ple ; growing in the grace and knowledge of God, and our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, and exalting his spiritual kingdom in their souls. 1699. P. E. 
 
 4 
 
 General ad- 
 vice. 
 
 Seeing that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ exhorted to take heed 
 and beware of covetousness, ^ which is idolatry, we are concerned, that all 
 among us, may take heed of pride, covetousness, and hastening to be rich 
 in the world, which are pernicious and growing evils : let them be watched 
 against, resisted, and suppressed in the fear and dread of Almighty God, 
 and have no place or countenance in his camp. 1720. P. E. 
 
 ' Luke, xii. 15. 
 
COVETOUSNESS. 63 
 
 We beseech you to stand upon your guard against the allurements 5 
 
 and temptations of this evil world ; and beware of an ambitious and ambitforfana^ 
 covetous spirit, by which many are ensnared in an eager pursuit of ^ich^lH {^rth 
 earthly enjoyments ; the danger of which is thus described by the 
 apostle Paul : " They that will be rich, fall into temptation and a 
 snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in 
 destruction and perdition : for the love of money is the root of all evil ; 
 which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and 
 pierced themselves through with many sorrows."^ Beware, therefore, 
 dearly beloved, lest you also, being led aside by the love of this world, 
 and the deceitfulness of riches, fall from your own steadfastness. 1740. 
 P. E. 
 
 The great deception of mankind is, that they look for happiness 6 
 
 where it is not ; are ensnared by the love of the world, and the deceit- 
 fulness of riches, which, " while some coveted after, they have erred 
 from the faith ;"^ have abused what they should have made good use of, 
 and hurt themselves with the means given for the help of others. : the 
 love of money shutting up their hearts from the exercise of charity, in 
 proportion to the substance bestowed on them. 1746. P. E. 
 
 Dear friends, the continuance of covetousness and of earthly-mind- 7 
 
 edness in many, calls upon us to endeavour to awaken such as are 
 infected with it, to a sense of what they are pursuing, and at what 
 price. The great Master hath shown the unprofitableness to a man 
 of the whole world, compared with his immortal soul ; ^ and yet many 
 are pursuing a delusive portion of it, at the expense of their soul's 
 interests. But were all thus awakened, what place would be found 
 for extensive schemes in trade, and fictitious credit to support them ? 
 To mix with the spirit of the world in the pursuit of gain, would then 
 be a subject of dread ; and contentment under the allotment of Provi- 
 dence, a sure means of preservation. 1788. P. E. 
 
 * 1 Tim. vi. 9, 10. * 1 Tim. vi. 10. ' Matt. xvi. 26. 
 
64 
 
 COVETOUSNESS. 
 
 8 
 
 The wordly 
 sjjirit may 
 prevail in 
 small as well 
 as in larger 
 concerns. 
 
 We are not disposed to enter into all the particulars of deviation, in 
 which those, who will not submit to be bound by the testimony of 
 Truth in their hearts, may be found ; but we think we can trace several 
 of them to that common, but destructive cause, the love of worldly 
 things. In some it discovers itself in a desire to be rich and great ; 
 whilst in others the worldly spirit is as clearly discerned, though the 
 attention seems to be occupied in smaller concerns : and though we 
 are clear that very extensive ones are often in themselves great evils, 
 yet the trafficker in hundreds, unless the eye be kept single, may be as 
 much buried in the earth as the trafficker in thousands. But were each 
 honestly to ask himself the question, ' Have I first sought the kingdom 
 of heaven and its righteousness?' how might the answer tend to cover 
 the face with confusion ! Did our Lord utter any one precept with a 
 clearer address to the reason, and greater promise of support, than that 
 of which such a question is the substance ? So that to seek first the 
 world, is to give up at once our obedience to his command with our 
 trust in his promises. — " All these things shall be added unto you." 
 " Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."^ 
 1797. P. E. - 
 
 9 
 
 General 
 counsel. 
 
 Dear friends, in times of outward prosperity there are snares to 
 be avoided, as well as duties to be fulfilled. One of those snares 
 seems to us to be a too eager, and therefore unlawful, pursuit of law- 
 ful things. Such a pursuit prevents the mind from rising in living 
 aspirations to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift ; indisposes 
 it for duly assembling with his devoted servants to wait upon Him, 
 and worship Him ; and causes " the volume of the book" of sacred 
 scripture — that record of truth which was written aforetime for our 
 instruction — to be but seldom perused. Such a pursuit also, if gene- 
 ral, spreads devastation over religious society. But, friends, we intreat 
 you, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness ; and 
 all these things," said our blessed Redeemer, speaking of necessary 
 
 ' Matt. vi. 32, 33. 
 
COVETOUSNESS. 65 
 
 things, "shall be added unto you."' Then would your assemblings General 
 together be seasons of heavenly consolation ; your hearts would be 
 enlarged in that gospel love that knows no bounds to its desire of 
 human happiness ; ye would covet that others might partake with you 
 of the enriching joy ; and ye would be careful that not any trifling im- 
 pediment prevented the due attendance of your own families. " Come," 
 would ye say by your example if not in words, " Come and let us 
 go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of 
 Jacob ; and He will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his 
 paths. "^ " Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a perpetual 
 covenant that shall not be forgotten."^ 1802. P. E. 
 
 ' Matt. vi. 33. ' Isa. ii. 3. * Jer. 1. 5. 
 
ee 
 
 DETRACTION AND DEFAMATION. 
 
 1 Dear Friends, the increase of love, unity, and peace amongst all 
 
 Advice. .... . . . . . 
 
 friends in their respective meetings and in general, is greatly desired 
 by us ; and that every one watch against, and shut out all occasions 
 of offences, contentions, and divisions, and stop all whisperings, tale- 
 bearing, back-biting, and evil-speaking tending thereunto. Be kind, 
 and tender-hearted, one to another, and earnestly labour for universal 
 love, union, and peace, in all the churches of Christ. 1689. P. E. 
 
 2 And where any hath received offence from another, let him first 
 speak privately to the party concerned, and endeavour reconciliation 
 between themselves : — and not to whisper, or aggravate matters against 
 them, behind their backs, to the making of parties, and to the widen- 
 ing of the breach. 1692. P. E. 
 
 3 Let those just and ancient commands of God be observed, " Thou 
 shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people ;"^ and 
 " Thou shalt not raise a false report."^ In the fear of the Lord stand 
 against all whisperers, back-biters, tale-bearers, defamers, and slander- 
 ers ; and against all whisperings, back-bitings, tale-bearing, reproach- 
 ing, and slandering, and put a speedy stop thereto, as much as in you 
 lies : for such works of darkness and envy tend to division and discord, 
 and the righteous law of God goes against both the authors, fomenters, 
 receivers, and encouragers thereof 1695. P. E. 
 
 4 If you hear a report of a friend [to his disadvantage] be careful not 
 
 ' Lev. xix. 16. * Exod. xxiii. 1. 
 
DETRACTION AND DEFAMATION. 67 
 
 to report it again, but go to the person of whom the report is, and in- Advice. 
 quire if it be true, or not ; and if it be true, then deal with such per- 
 son for it, according to the doctrine of Christ ; ^ but if false, then en- 
 deavour, as much as in you lies, to stop such report ; for, as Solomon 
 says, " A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches."*^ 
 1719. P. E. 
 
 The preservation of love is a duty in every state of religious attain- 5 
 
 ment ; and did we faithfully observe the great Master's precept of 
 doing to others as we would they should do to us, its practice would be 
 easy. Detraction and enmity would then be destroyed in the seed, and 
 that excellent Christian charity, recommended by the Apostle, prevail 
 overall. 1789. P. E. 
 
 From obedience to the law of Christ, arises that stream of love Q 
 
 to the brotherhood, which, if suffered to flow in our hearts with unob- 
 structed course, would bear away all malice and guile, and cause all 
 complaints of tale-bearing and detraction to cease in our borders. O 
 the precious care that attends the mind in which Christian charity is 
 become habitual ! " Charity," saith the apostle, " hopeth all things."^ 
 It divulges not the faults of others, because, in its unbounded hope, it 
 desires their removal without exposure. For the mind in which it 
 dwells, ascribes its own preservation, and the cleansing of its former 
 sins, to the unbounded love of God in Christ Jesus ; and it prays that 
 all may partake of the same benefit. How opposite that disposition, 
 which delights to report evil, and to accuse ! Shun it, dear friends, as 
 the poison of asps. Even the sacred writings emphatically denominate 
 the grand adversary of mankind by the name of accuser of the brethren. 
 " Follow," therefore, " peace with all men, and holiness, without which 
 no man shall see the Lord : looking diligently, lest any man fail of the 
 grace of God ; lest any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, 
 and thereby many be defiled."' 1804. P. E. 
 
 ' Matt, xviii. 16, 17. 'Prov. xxii. 1. ' 1 Cor. xiii. 7. ' Heb. xii. 14, 15. 
 
 K 2 
 
68 DETRACTION AND DEFAMATION. 
 
 7 It is the advice of this meeting, that any person charged with defa- 
 
 Ruies. niation or scandal, ought to be proceeded against in the manner, and 
 by the several steps follovi^ing : — 
 
 First, the person defamed, or supposed to be defamed, in his own 
 person, or any other to whom the knowledge of the case shall come, 
 to go to the accused and tell him his fault, or supposed fault, between 
 them alone ; and, by the best method he is capable of, to labour to 
 convince him of it, in order to his acknowledgment of the truth, and 
 repentance, if he appear to be guilty. But if the accused shall ap- 
 pear, either through ignorance not to apprehend the validity of the 
 proof, or through wilfulness not to yield to it, or being convinced, 
 shall refuse to make such satisfaction as the nature of the case requires 
 (that being the consequence of true repentance) ; in such case the ac- 
 cuser to take with him one or two more of the monthly meeting the 
 accused belongs to, if it may be conveniently done; and if the accused 
 thinks fit, he may bring with him one or two friends also of the same 
 monthly meeting, if it may be conveniently done ; and they together, 
 in the wisdom of God, to endeavour to obtain the true knowledge of 
 the case, by hearing witnesses, if there be occasion. And if they all 
 judge him guilty, and he doth not make satisfaction ; or if they do not 
 all agree that he is innocent ; in either of these cases happening, the 
 person charging is at liberty to bring the matter before the church, 
 who are the only judges now remaining, both of the nature of the fact, 
 and the validity of the proof of it ; and they, in the wisdom of God, 
 which we hope will not be wanting to his church, as they humbly wait 
 on him for it, to deal with the accused person for the good ends before 
 mentioned, and as they see cause upon a mature and deliberate con- 
 sideration, to justify or condemn him. And if the church shall see 
 meet to commit the consideration of a case of this nature, for better 
 dispatch, to certain persons of their own body, we recommend it as our 
 tender advice, in case the accused shall object against one or more of 
 the friends so chosen, that the church have a due regard for such objec- 
 tion ; and set aside the person or persons so objected against, and sub- 
 stitute another, or others, in his or their room ; provided such objection 
 
DETRACTION AND DEFAMATION. 69- 
 
 doth not extend to the major part of the friends so chosen : and in ge- Rules, 
 neral we desire all tenderness and regard may be had to a person under 
 such circumstances ; and that friends in a spirit of love and condescen- 
 sion, should be ready to make him as easy as they can, provided they 
 keep up the authority of their meetings. 
 
 Anonymous books, pamphlets, and papers, reflecting darkly on 
 friends, are testified against ; and it is desired that no such book, 
 pamphlet, or paper be written, printed, published, or privately handed 
 about, by any under our profession. 1718. 
 
 Whereas it may happen, that friends may suffer much in their repu- g 
 
 tation and character by a detracting spirit, which prevails among some 
 bearing our name ; who shelter themselves under a pretence that they 
 say no more than they have heard from others, but will not discover 
 who they are ; wherefore to prevent this evil of reporting and tale- 
 bearing; it is agreed that such reporters or tale-bearers shall either dis- 
 cover their authors, or be dealt with, and testified against, as the 
 authors thereof. 1744. 
 
70 
 
 GRAVE STONES AND MOURNING HABITS. 
 
 1 This meeting being informed, that friends in some places have gone 
 Gravestones, jj^^^ ^^le vain custom of erecting monuments over the dead bodies of 
 
 friends, by stones, inscriptions, &c. it is therefore the advice of this 
 meeting, that all such monuments should be removed, as much as may 
 be vrith discretion and conveniency ; and that none be any where made 
 or set up, near, or over, the dead bodies of friends or others, in friends' 
 burying places for time to come. 1717. 
 
 2 This meeting being informed, that since the advice formerly issued, 
 in order to excite friends to a proper regard to our testimony against 
 grave stones, divers have accordingly been removed; and being desirous 
 that the revival of this concern may be effectual, we earnestly recom- 
 mend the removal of them may become general. 1766. 
 
 According to the primitive simplicity of friends, it is the advice of 
 this meeting, that no friends imitate the vv^orld in any distinction of 
 habit, or otherwise, as marks or tokens of mourning for the dead. 1717. 
 
 Advised against imitating the vain custom of wearing or giving 
 mourning, and all extravagant expenses about the interment of the 
 dead. 1724. P. E. 
 
 5 
 
 and the at- 
 tendance of 
 the female 
 sex at inter- 
 ments. 
 
 Having observed that, in imitation of a custom prevailing of late 
 in this nation, divers under our religious profession have discouraged 
 the female sex from attending the burial of their relations, by not 
 inviting them thereto with the men ; which is neither agreeable to the 
 practice of our worthy predecessors, nor a decent token of respect, 
 
GRAVE STONES AND MOURNING HABITS. 71 
 
 which, if health permits, it becomes both sexes to show for their Mourning 
 deceased relations and friends, on these solemn occasions ; we are the attend- 
 therefore concerned to recommend that friends in general, and ministers, male sex at 
 elders, and overseers in particular, would tenderly advise against any 
 conformity amongst us, with the modern general custom of the world 
 in this respect ; as well as in that of putting on black, or any other 
 garments approaching to that colour, by way of distinction on such 
 occasions ; which we as a people are well known to have always had a 
 testimony against. 1782. 
 
72 
 
 HEATHEN NAMES OF THE DAYS AND MONTHS. 
 
 It is the advice of this meeting that all friends keep to the simplicity 
 of truth, and our ancient testimony in calling the months and days by 
 scripture names, and not by heathen. 1697. P. E. 
 
 Letter from the Meeting for Sufferings assigning reasons for the 
 disuse of the common names of the days and months. 
 
 To the quarterly and monthly meetings of friends in Great Britain, 
 Ireland, and America. 
 
 Dear Friends, 
 
 Pursuant to the directions of the last yearly meeting, 
 in relation to an act made, the last session of parliament, for regulating 
 the commencement of the year, and correcting the calendar now in use, 
 this meeting hath thought convenient to communicate unto you the 
 following advices: — 
 
 By the said act it is ordered and enacted, that the ' supputation 
 according to which the year of our Lord beginneth on the twenty- 
 fifth day of March, shall not be made use of from and after the 
 last day of December, 1751 ; and that the first day of January next 
 following the said last day of December, shall be reckoned, taken, 
 deemed, and accounted to be the first day of the year of our Lord, 
 1752, and so on, from time to time, that the first day of January in 
 every year, which shall happen in time to come, shall be reckoned, 
 taken, deemed, and accounted to be the first day of the year ; and 
 that each new year shall accordingly commence, and begin to be 
 reckoned from the first day of every such month of January.' 
 
HEATHEN NAMES, &c. 
 
 73 
 
 The 
 
 Month 
 called 
 
 Month of 
 the next 
 and every 
 succeed- 
 ing Year. 
 
 First. That in all the records and writings of friends, from and 
 after the last day of the Tenth month called December, next, the com- 
 putation of the time established by the said act, should be observed ; 
 and that accordingly, the First day of the Eleventh month, commonly 
 called January, next, shall be reckoned and deemed, by friends, the 
 First day of the First month of the year 1752, and 
 
 Eleventh 
 
 Twelfth 
 
 First 
 
 Second 
 
 Third 
 
 Fourth 
 
 Fifth 
 
 Sixth 
 
 Seventh 
 
 Eighth 
 
 Ninth 
 
 Tenth 
 
 ■ Secondly. And whereas for the more regular computation of time, 
 the same act of parliament doth direct, that the natural day next imme- 
 diately following the ' second day of September' in the year 1752, 
 ' shall be called, reckoned, and accounted to be the fourteenth day of 
 September, omitting, for that time only, the eleven intermediate days of 
 the common calendar;' — that friends should be found in the observance 
 of this direction, and omit the said eleven nominal days accordingly. 
 
 And we think it may be useful and expedient, on the present oc- 
 casion, to revive in your remembrance some of the motives which 
 induced our ancient friends to forbear the appellations of the months 
 and days, and to observe in their conversations and writings such names 
 as were agreeable to scripture, and the practice of good men therein 
 recorded. 
 
 The children of Israel, the people whom God chose out of all the 
 families of the earth to place his name among, and to make himself 
 known unto, were strictly commanded, not only to abstain from the 
 
 L 
 
 January 
 
 
 First 
 
 February 
 
 
 Second 
 
 March 
 
 
 Third 
 
 April 
 
 
 Fourth 
 
 May 
 
 shall be reck- 
 
 Fifth 
 
 June 
 
 oned and 
 
 Sixth 
 
 July 
 
 styled the 
 
 Seventh 
 
 August 
 
 
 Eighth 
 
 September 
 
 
 Ninth 
 
 October 
 
 
 Tenth 
 
 November 
 
 
 Eleventh 
 
 December 
 
 
 Twelfth 
 
74 HEATHEN NAMES OF 
 
 idolatrous practices of the nations, in the midst of whom they dwelt, 
 but were enjoined to be circumspect in all things that the Lord com- 
 manded ; and even, to make no mention of the name of other Gods, 
 neither to let it be heard out of their mouth/ This injunction was not 
 relative to any legal or typical rites, external ceremonies, or institutions 
 of the law, peculiar to the Jewish nation, but was a perpetual com- 
 mand and standing ordinance, respecting the honour of the One Al- 
 mighty Being, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever ; and as such 
 ought to be regarded by us, and by all the generations of those who 
 with the heart believe, as well as with the tongue confess, " that the 
 Lord he is God," and that " there is none else beside Him;"^ who hath 
 declared, " I am the Lord ; that is my name ; and my glory will I not 
 give to another, neither my praise to graven images."^ 
 
 Convinced of this great and everlasting truth, both by the testimony 
 of the Holy Scripture, and the manifestation of that divjne principle, 
 which leads those who are faithful to its teachings, from all that would 
 dishonour the name of God, either in word or deed, our ancient friends 
 were conscientiously concerned to refrain from the use of those names 
 of months and days, which had been ascribed by way of honour to the 
 idols of the heathen, and in conformity to their false worships : this 
 concern rested upon them, from a firm persuasion, that the glorious 
 gospel day and time was come, wherein the Lord was fulfilling his 
 covenant with Israel, viz. " I will take away the names of Baalim^ out 
 of his mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their 
 name."^ 
 
 And that you may the more clearly discern the importance of that 
 Christian testimony borne by our predecessors in this case, we recom- 
 mend what follows to your serious consideration : viz. 
 
 A brief account of the origin of the names of some months of the 
 
 ' Exod. xxiii. 13. * Deut. iv. xxxv. ^ Is. xlii. 8. 
 
 * This word Baalim, being the plural number of Baal, signifying Lord, has relation to the 
 
 names of divers idols of the heathen worshipped in several places. 
 
 *Hos. ii. 17. 
 
THE DAYS AND MONTHS. 75 
 
 year, and of all the days of the week, now customarily and com- 
 monly used. 
 
 I. January was so called from Janus, an ancient king of Italy, whom 
 heathenish superstition had deified, to whom a temple was built, and 
 this month dedicated. 
 
 n. February was so called from Februa, a word denoting purgation 
 by sacrifices ; it being usual in this month for the priests of the heathen 
 god Pan to offer sacrifices, and perform certain rites ; conducing, as 
 was supposed, to the cleansing or purgation of the people. 
 
 ni. March was so denominated from Mars, feigned to be the god of 
 war, whom Romulus, founder of the Roman empire, pretended to be 
 his father. 
 
 IV. April is generally supposed to derive its name from the Greek 
 appellation of Venus, an imaginary goddess worshipped by the Romans. 
 
 V. May is said to have been so called from Maia the mother of Mer- 
 cury, another of their pretended ethnic deities, to whom in this month 
 they paid their devotions. 
 
 VI. June is said to take its name from Juno, one of the supposed 
 goddesses of the heathen. 
 
 VII. July, so called from Julius Caesar, one of the Roman emperors, 
 who gave his own name to this month, which before was called Quin- 
 tilis, or the Fifth. 
 
 VIII. August, so named in honour of Augustus Csesar, another of 
 the Roman emperors. This month was before called Sextilis, or the 
 Sixth. 1 
 
 The other four months, namely, September, October, November, and 
 December, still retain their numerical Latin names ; which, according to 
 the late regulation of the calendar, will for the future be improperly 
 applied. However, from the continued use of them hitherto, as well 
 as from the practice of the Jews before the Babylonish captivity,^ it 
 seemeth highly probable, that the method of distinguishing the months 
 by their numerical order only, was the most ancient, as it is the most 
 plain, simple, and rational. 
 
 ' Macrob. Saturn, lib. i. cap. \2. * Fid. the Scriptures to the time of Ezra. 
 
 L 2 
 
76 HEATHEN NAMES OF 
 
 As the idolatrous Romans thus gave names to several of the months 
 in honour of their pretended deities : so the like idolatry prevailing 
 among our Saxon ancestors, induced them to call the days of the week 
 by the name of the idol, which on that day they peculiarly worshipped. 
 Hence 
 
 The First day of the week was by them called Sunday, from their 
 customary adoration of the Sun upon that day. 
 
 The Second day of the week they called Monday, from their usual 
 custom of worshipping the Moon on that day. 
 
 The Third day of the week they named Tuesday, in honour of one 
 of their idols called Tuisco. 
 
 The Fourth day of the week was called Wednesday, from the appel- 
 lation of Woden, another of their idols. 
 
 The Fifth day of the week was called Thursday, from the name of 
 an idol called Thor, to whom they paid their devotions upon that day. 
 
 The Sixth day of the week was termed Friday, from the name of 
 Friga, an imaginary goddess by them worshipped. 
 
 The Seventh day they stiled Saturday, as is supposed from Saturn, 
 or Seater, by them then worshipped. ^ 
 
 In the ages of popish superstition, not only the use of such heathen- 
 ish names and customs was indulged, but also other unsound and un- 
 scriptural practices in religion were invented and introduced. For 
 when the profession of the Christian religion became national, multi- 
 tudes of the heathen priests, whose interest lay in the performance of 
 rites, ceremonies, and sacrifices, embraced prevailing Christianity with 
 selfish views ; and laboured early, with too much success, to find em- 
 ployment for themselves, by imposing on the people a new set of cere- 
 monies and sacrifices, bearing some resemblance to those, which in their 
 former state of heathenism they had been accustomed to. From this 
 corrupt source sprang the popish sacrifice of the mass, the celebration 
 of which, at particular times, and on particular occasions, gave rise to 
 the vulgar names of Michaelmas, Martinmas, Christmas, and the like. 
 
 ' Fid. Verstegan, and Sheringbam. 
 
THE DAYS AND MONTHS. 77 
 
 Seeing therefore that these appellations and names of days, months, 
 and times, are of an idolatrous or superstitious original, contrary to the 
 divine command, the practice of good and holy men in former ages, 
 and repugnant to the Christian testimony borne by our faithful friends 
 and predecessors in the truth, for the sake of which they patiently en- 
 dured many revilings ; let neither the reproach of singularity, nor the 
 specious reasonings of such as would evade the cross of Christ, turn 
 you aside from the simplicity of the gospel ; nor discourage you from 
 keeping to the language of truth, in denominating the months and days 
 according to the plain and scriptural way of expression : thereby fol- 
 lowing the example of our worthy elders, and coming up in a noble 
 and honourable testimony against these, and all other remains of 
 idolatry and superstition. 
 
 From the Meeting of Sufferings in London, 
 the sixth day of the Seventh Month, 1751. 
 
78 
 
 LIBERALITY AND BENEVOLENCE. 
 
 General ad- 
 vice. 
 
 It is desired that such among friends as are endowed with plenty 
 of outward substance, be timely and tenderly advised to do good there- 
 with, in their day and generation, especially with regard to the poor ; 
 that the tokens of your charity may be good precedents to generations 
 to come. 1696. P. E. 
 
 2 Let the rich remember the poor, and do good in their life-time ; and, 
 
 securi^ of ^ if they make any settlement for the use of the poor, take advice and 
 quests! ^ ^ counsel, that friends may not be deprived of their charity ; but that it 
 may be firm, and according to law. 1696. 
 
 3 
 
 Times of 
 scarcity and 
 sickness. 
 
 We find ourselves at this time engaged to request that friends in 
 any part of this kingdom, or other places, where provisions and the 
 necessaries of life are dear and scarce, or sickness doth remarkably 
 afflict, would, in proportion to such scarcity and affliction, exert their 
 charitable assistance to the poor; which is our Christian duty, as 
 stewards of the many mercies wherewith the Lord has intrusted us. 
 1729. P. E. 
 
 4 
 
 Personal mo- 
 deration in 
 connexion 
 with charity, 
 recommended. 
 
 " Let your moderation be known unto all men."^ Warn those that 
 are rich in this world, that they apply not the blessings of God to the 
 indulging of their appetites in pleasure and vanity ; but that they be 
 ready to do good, and to communicate to the relief of those who are 
 in necessity. The principal, if not only satisfaction, a man of a truly 
 Christian disposition can have in affluence and the increase of the 
 things of this world, must arise from the greater opportunities put into 
 
 ' Phil. iv. 5. 
 
LIBERALITY AND BENEVOLENCE. 79 
 
 his hands of doing; good therewith. But, alas ! it is a most melancholy Personal mo- 
 
 r ^ • • n 1 1 ^ deration in 
 
 reflection, that the very superfluities oi the apparel of one person connexion 
 might sometimes be sufiicient to clothe the nakedness of several fellow- recommended. 
 creatures. 1741. P. E. 
 
 And as it has pleased the Lord to favour many amongst us with 5 
 
 the outward blessings of this life, in so plentiful a manner that we are those in afflu- 
 placed in a capacity of doing much good, and of exercising offices of 
 Christian love and charity, to the comfort and assistance of the poor 
 and needy ; we earnestly recommend to the practice of those whom God 
 hath so favoured, the excellent advice given by the apostle : " Charge 
 them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust 
 in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all 
 things to enjoy : that they do good, that they be rich in good works, 
 ready to distribute, willing to communicate ; laying up in store for 
 themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may 
 lay hold on eternal life." ' 1750. P. E. 
 
 We think it incumbent upon us in this time of severity, particularly q 
 
 to impress it upon our brethren to open their hearts and hands freely 
 for the relief of the poor and needy of all denominations : those in 
 affluence especially ought ever to bear in mind, that none are entrusted 
 with riches that they may indulge themselves in pleasures, or for the 
 gratification of luxury, ambition, or vain glory ; but to do good and to 
 communicate thereof, and thus to mitigate the afflictions of the dis- 
 tressed. 1757. P. E. 
 
 We fear that some of our youth are training in habits of expense 7 
 
 » . , , ... , . . Expensive 
 
 in attire, lurniture, and attendance, which are not only inconsistent habits in 
 with the simplicity of the gospel, but a constant call for much of that vourabie to 
 property, which would be better employed in feeding the hungry ; and 
 of that time, which might be occupied in visiting and cheering the 
 
 • 1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19. 
 
80 
 
 LIBERALITY AND BENEVOLENCE. 
 
 Expensive 
 habits in 
 youth unfa- 
 vourable to 
 charity. 
 
 habitations of human misery. ' The trimming; of the vain world,' said 
 our worthy elder, William Penn, ' would clothe the naked one.' It is 
 not however with such only that we plead, on behalf of the indigent. 
 We wish those who are generally consistent in appearance and manners 
 with our self-denying profession, to be clear that a due proportion of 
 their time and substance is spent in the relief of distress. 1798. 
 P. E. 
 
 8 
 
 Counsel at a 
 time of severe 
 pressure on 
 the poor. 
 
 In this season of almost unprecedented pressure on some of the 
 poorer classes of our countrymen, we deem it particularly desirable, 
 that our dear friends every where should not be backward in examining 
 into their distresses ; but liberal in contributing a due proportion of 
 relief. Many are allowed to have temporal possessions sufficient to do 
 this with comparative ease. Let these therefore remember that they 
 are but stewards, and let them seek to be good and faithful stewards. 
 And it is probable that others, not equally abounding in the good 
 things of this life, may find that in using moderation in their own 
 expenditure, they may have wherewith to supply the wants of others, 
 and to make the heart of the poor man sing for joy. O the blessing 
 of clothing the naked and feeding the hungry — who would not desire 
 to be entitled to a share in it ! 1812. P. E. 
 
 9 
 
 A disposition 
 to active be- 
 nevolence en- 
 couraged. 
 
 As it is the natural effect of obedience to the love of Christ revealed 
 in the heart, to enlarge our love to others, the more we are brought 
 under the influence of this principle, the more we shall be prepared to 
 employ a portion of our time and of our substance, in promoting the 
 temporal and spiritual welfare of mankind. We warmly desire that 
 the moral and religious improvement of every class of our fellow-men, 
 and the alleviation of their sufferings and distress may ever obtain that 
 aid and sympathy, which, in the unlimited love of the Gospel of Christ, 
 should be extended towards the whole human race. We therefore de- 
 sire that a disposition for active benevolence may be cherished in every 
 heart ; each being concerned to know for himself, in what way con- 
 sistently with his private and social duties, he may employ his talents 
 
LIBERALITY AND BENEVOLENCE. 81 
 
 for the good of others, and steadily to persevere in what he may have 
 rightly undertaken ; with a constant reference to the divine blessing : — 
 not with a view to popularity or ostentation, but simply as acting the 
 part of a wise and faithful servant who must give an account to his 
 Lord at his coming. 1824.— 1825. P. E. 
 
 There is a humility and sweetness, combined with a noble firmness 10 
 of character arising from the expansive influence of Christian love, tionof'mind 
 which ought to actuate all our endeavours for the good of others. Ji"voien^^^" 
 Strive then, dear friends, that, in your benevolent exertions to promote gxerdsed 
 the temporal, the moral, or the religious welfare of your fellow-men, 
 your whole conduct maybe marked by an unobtrusive, Christian temper; 
 that, when associated with your friends and neighbours on these occa- 
 sions, it may be manifest that your great concern is to live under the 
 influence of that Wisdom which is from above ; which is pure, peace- 
 able, gentle, and easy to be intreated, without partiality and without 
 hypocrisy, full of mercy and full of good fruits. The pure exercise of 
 Christian kindness brings with it its own reward : but to be pure, it 
 must have its origin in the love of God, which produces love to man ; 
 and the satisfaction is never so great, the efforts are never so steady, 
 as when we continually bear in mind, that we are to commit all our exer- 
 tions to the blessing of Him whose providential eye is over all, and who is 
 continually caring for the workmanship of his holy hand. 1827. P. E. 
 
 The degraded and demoralized state of the poor, in many parts of 11 
 the United Kingdom, and the great extent of crime, have at this time commended^' 
 deeply affected us. We therefore intreat friends, in their respective Jbi^o/the^' 
 situations in town or country, to search out the causes of these things. ^°^' 
 We apprehend that among these causes will be found those abridge- 
 ments of the comfort of the labourer, which tend to a wretched and 
 disreputable pauperism. We earnestly desire that friends may be ex- 
 emplary in their attention to this important subject; and that they 
 may encourage their neighbours, and unite with them in their endea- 
 vours, to apply a remedy to these evils. And seeing it is sin which 
 
 M 
 
82 
 
 LIBERALITY AND BENEVOLENCE. 
 
 separates the soul from God, and that ignorance and intemperance, 
 vice and irreligion, so much prevail among the inhabitants of the 
 British Isles, we are desirous that our members may allow their sym- 
 pathies to be awakened for these our fellow-subjects. And may their 
 religious concern extend to other parts of Christendom similarly cir- 
 cumstanced, with an earnest desire that, under the blessing of Provi- 
 dence, they may be made instrumental to effect a real improvement in 
 the domestic, moral, and religious state of our fellow-men. 1833. P. E. 
 
 12 
 
 The benight- 
 ed condition 
 of the Hea- 
 then recom- 
 mended to 
 sympathy. 
 
 The true 
 Christian will 
 be enabled to 
 discover the 
 path of his 
 duty. 
 
 The deplorable condition of the Heathen, and the degraded circum- 
 stances under which they are living, have been felt at this time, as well 
 as in former years, to be truly affecting. And although no way ap- 
 pears to open for our adopting any specific measure, in order to com- 
 municate to them the knowledge of the truths of the Gospel, we 
 earnestly recommend their benighted condition to the frequent remem- 
 brance and Christian sympathy of all our members. There are various 
 means of diffusing a knowledge of Christianity among them, which in 
 no degree compromise our religious principles. The holy Scriptures 
 abundantly testify how offensive in the Divine sight are the abomina- 
 tions of idolatry ; and we desire that all may stand open to the inti- 
 mations of the Heavenly Shepherd, and follow the leadings of his 
 Spirit into such services as He may be pleased to appoint to them 
 individually. We rejoice in the part which many of our members 
 have taken in the general diffusion of the holy Scriptures, and in pro- 
 moting a Christian education of the poor in this and in other countries ; 
 and we desire that these very important objects may receive the con- 
 tinued attention and support of Friends. 
 
 We feel at this time a warm and affectionate solicitude that we may 
 all strive, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to live up to that pro- 
 fession of the Christian religion, and to maintain those views of its 
 simplicity, spirituality, and purity, which our society has uniformly 
 thought it right to uphold. And, as living faith in the doctrines of 
 the Gospel, and a practical observance of the precepts and example of 
 our blessed Lord, regulate our affections and conduct, we shall be 
 
LIBERALITY AND BENEVOLENCE. 83 
 
 enabled more correctly to perceive our individual places in the church. 
 In the exercise of this faith and obedience, we shall become more 
 weaned from the love of the world, and more filled with the love of 
 God ; and whether our lot be cast at home or abroad, in more civilized 
 or in less enlightened countries, we shall be made instrumental in 
 advancing that kingdom which is righteousness, and peace, and joy in 
 the Holy Ghost. ^ 1833. P. E. 
 
 * Rom. xiv. 17. 
 
 M 2 
 
84 
 
 LOVE AND UNITY. 
 
 1 Advised, that friends be tender to the principle of God in all, and 
 Advice. shun the occasion of vain disputes and j anglings, both among them- 
 selves and others : for this many times is like a blustering wind, that 
 hurts and bruises the tender buds of plants. 1676. 
 
 2 Seeing our comfort as a people depends upon our care to maintain 
 condescension P^acc and fellowship amongst brethren, in all our services, we earnestly 
 recommended recommend an humble and condescending frame of spirit unto all ; 
 
 that with godly fear, wisdom, and meekness, we may be so ordered in 
 all our respective services, that every high and rough thing may be 
 laid low, that all occasions of striving may be prevented, and the 
 peace of the church of Christ preserved and increased amongst us. 
 
 And to this purpose it is tenderly advised, that we diligently and 
 carefully observe the comely and blessed gospel order, so long known 
 and in practice amongst us, in the spirit of meekness and of a sound 
 mind ; which is the way to crush all differences in their infancy, and 
 suppress the rise, as well as stop the progress, of every thing that is 
 unseemly, and inconsistent with the testimony of the precious truth. 
 1699. P. E. 
 
 3 It is our earnest desire, that, above all, friends hold fervent charity 
 tian charity in the body, that will keep the members together in a blessed concord 
 concord"" ° ^ud communion ; which is esteemed by the apostle the more excellent 
 
 way, excelling other gifts, which pass away : but charity (that is the 
 love of God, from which our Christian and brotherly affection springs) 
 shall endure for ever. This envieth not, vaunteth not, boasteth not 
 itself, and seeketh not its own ; but is patient, beareth all things, suf- 
 
LOVE AND UNITY. 85 
 
 fereth all things, and watcheth not with an evil eye, no, nor thinketh 
 ill, but is kind. In which blessed love, dear friends, hold your fellow- 
 ship one with another, which was the character of the primitive Chris- 
 tians. 1705. P. E. 
 
 Among the gospel precepts, we find not any thing more strongly 4 
 
 and frequently recommended by our Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles Jnd^frosperi- 
 to the primitive believers, than that they should love one another ; and ^J^^^/^lfde- 
 as we are sensible, that nothing will more contribute to the peace and fi^^p^jJ^g^^lP"" 
 prosperity of the church, than due regard to this advice, so we ear- tionofiove. 
 nestly desire that it may be the care and concern of all friends to 
 dwell therein; and, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to maintain 
 love, concord, and peace, in and among all the churches of Christ. 
 1730. P. E. 
 
 It is our earnest desire that a spirit of love and humility may more 5 
 
 and more diffuse itself among us, and influence the hearts of all, so 
 that every one may come to seek peace, and pursue it ; and that none 
 be apt to take offence ; but each, in his own particular, be more care- 
 ful to rectify his own failings and imperfections, than curious in 
 observing, censuring, and aggravating those of others. This will lead 
 to the exercise of mutual forbearance and forgiveness one of another ; 
 by which the occasions of contention will be avoided, and the churches 
 preserved in a state of peace and tranquillity. 1736. P. E. 
 
 By accounts received it appears, that in general love and concord are 6 
 
 maintained, and that friends in divers places are under an earnest 
 concern for the promotion of peace, and for suppressing and guarding 
 against every occasion of strife and discord, tending to divide and scat- 
 ter the flock of Christ. For strengthening this concern, and promoting 
 this Christian disposition of love, wheresoever it appears, we remind you 
 of the benefits thereof, expressed in Psalm cxxxiii. " Behold, how 
 good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! 
 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the moun- 
 
86 
 
 LOVE AND UNITY. 
 
 tains of Zion ; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for 
 evermore." Be ye also mindful of the saying of our blessed Lord him- 
 self : " By this shall all men knovi^ that ye are my disciples, if ye have 
 love one to another."^ 1752. P. E. 
 
 Christian hu- 
 mility the 
 true ground 
 of love. 
 
 Friends, seek peace and pursue it. Ye are called to love. O that 
 the smallest germ of enmity might be eradicated from our inclosure! 
 And verily there is a soil in which it cannot live, but naturally withers 
 and dies. This soil is Christian humility : a state highly becoming 
 and indispensable, for a being who depends continually on the favour 
 of his Lord ; a state in which of all others he can most acceptably ap- 
 proach his presence ; and a state which naturally conducts frail man 
 to love and compassion, for the companions of his frailty and po- 
 verty, yet his fellow-partakers of the offered riches of the gospel. 
 1805. P. E. 
 
 8 
 
 No degree of 
 resentment 
 can consist 
 with Chris- 
 tian love. 
 
 Let love — pure, unconquerable love, reign in our hearts. We have 
 often expatiated on this topic ; but yet we must violate our feelings, if 
 we suppress some further observations on it at this time. Friends, 
 remember, that to be " made perfect in love," is a high state of Chris- 
 tian excellence, and not attainable but by the sacrifice of selfish pas- 
 sions. No degree of resentment can consist with this state. Some 
 persons are apt to profess that they can forgive those whom they sup- 
 pose to have injured them, when such are brought to know, and ac- 
 knowledge their fault. But that is little else than a disguised pride, 
 seeking for superiority. The love which Christ commanded to his 
 church, goes further than that. " This is my commandment, that ye 
 love one another, as I have loved you."^ And how did the Lord love 
 the world ? Let the apostle answer : " God commendeth his love 
 toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."^ And, 
 friends, mark and remember his gracious dying words, when, praying 
 for his very persecutors. He said, " Father, forgive them, for they know 
 
 ' John, xiii. 35. 
 
 John, XV. 12. 
 
 ' Rom. V. 8. 
 
LOVE AND UNITY. 87 
 
 not what they do."^ And shall we expect access for our feeble prayers, 
 at the throne of grace, if we harbour any ill will to our fellow-travellers 
 towards immortality ? Let us hear again the Saviour of men : " And 
 when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any." He 
 doth not allow time for seeing the injuring person become submissive ; 
 but, — Standing, forgive : for, " If ye do not forgive, neither will your 
 Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses"' O, the excellence 
 of Christian love and the temper of forgiveness ! 1806. P. E. 
 
 Our concern for the preservation of brotherly love remains strong 9 
 
 and unabated. When assembled in this meeting we have special S^uJ'Jmain" 
 cause to know the invigorating, uniting effects of it. Therefore were brotheri? 
 there no other inducement, we should still be disposed, from time to '"^^* 
 time, to renew our earnest and pressing exhortation, that it may 
 abound and flourish amongst our dear brethren in religious profession. 
 Enmity, even in a small degree, pollutes the mind, and renders it un- 
 fit to approach with acceptance that pure and holy Being, of whom 
 the beloved disciple thus emphatically testifies, " God is love."^ Do 
 we not peculiarly lament the wide spread of distress, which the spirit 
 of contention is, even now, occasioning to suffering humanity ? This, 
 though it differs in degree, springs from the same root as private ill 
 will. Therefore a people abhorrent of war, if they are consistent, will 
 watch against the smallest bud of enmity, as it is conceived, on any 
 occasion, in the heart. And the man who, in the school of Christ, hath 
 learned the useful lesson of self-denial, will often make a sacrifice of his 
 own will and opinion, though he may esteem them to be right, rather than 
 persist in them, at the expense of Christian fellowship. 1808. P. E. 
 
 Seeing therefore the infinite value of love, that indispensable quali- 10 
 
 fication of a true disciple, we are desirous of pressing it on every divrduaUeif- 
 individual, to examine impartially how far he feels it to flourish in as to^Te'pre- 
 his own mind, and to influence all his actions. And we believe that J^o^ve"*^^ "^ 
 
 ' Luke, xxiii. 34." *Mark, xi. 25, 26. ' iJohn, iv. 8. 
 
88 
 
 LOVE AND UNITY. 
 
 Friends en- 
 couraged to 
 accept the 
 office of 
 peace-maker. 
 
 nothing will be so favourable to the preservation of this holy dispo- 
 sition as humility of heart, a temper in which we constantly see our- 
 selves unworthy of the least of the Lord's mercies, and dependent only 
 on his compassion for our final acceptance. Seeing also that no 
 awakened mind can be without a view to a better and an enduring 
 state, and that no one knows how soon he may be called to put off mu- 
 tability ; let us bear in perpetual recollection that, in the state to which 
 we aspire, there is nothing but eternal love, joy, and adoration, in the 
 presence of Him through whose love we were first awakened. 
 
 In contemplating this copious subject, we feel disposed afresh to 
 encourage friends to be prompt in undertaking, and prudent in exe- 
 cuting, the blessed ofllice of peace-maker. And we believe the patient 
 endeavours of faithful friends will be generally crowned with success, 
 in proportion as their own minds are seeking to Jesus, for assistance in 
 performing an office on which He has pronounced his blessing ; and in 
 endeavouring to lead the minds of any contending persons, to a sense 
 of the absolute necessity for all true disciples to live in peace one with 
 another, and to forgive one another, even as God for Christ's sake has 
 forgiven them.' 1812. P. E. 
 
 11 
 
 Effects of 
 true love and 
 charity. 
 
 One of the blessed effects of aspiring after holiness of life, is an in- 
 crease of true love. This Christian virtue so expands and gladdens the 
 heart, that its possessor having known its value, will be on the watch 
 against any thing that may tend to disturb it : he will strive to yield to 
 heavenly love, when causes of irritation present themselves. Even 
 when he deems himself injured, he will be the more prepared to dis- 
 play the beauty of condescension, and, for the preservation of love and 
 harmony, to relinquish his own right, and to refrain from insisting on his 
 own views. He will be so guarded in his conversation as not to take 
 pleasure in discoursing on the errors of his neighbour. Instead of thus 
 contributing to kindle the flame of dissension and variance, he will be 
 vigilant in his attempts to extinguish the sparks, by the power of per- 
 suasion and love. 1821. P. E. 
 
 'Eph. iv. 32. 
 
LOVE AND UNITY. 89 
 
 Love and charity towards others are essential features in the religious 12 
 character. They excite in us a deep interest in the spiritual welfare 
 of our friends; they prompt us to sympathize with them in their 
 troubles, and, in real kindness, to offer a word of encouragement, and 
 to extend a hand of help. When they are the habitual clothing of the 
 mind, they check the first inclination to speak to the disadvantage of 
 another. These Christian virtues are compatible with a firm adherence 
 to our own religious principles, and with a steadfast care to observe that 
 line of conduct which it may be right for us to pursue. They enlarge 
 the heart towards the whole human race ; they lead us to rejoice in the 
 extension of pure, vital Christianity, whatever may be the denomina- 
 tion amongst men, by which the disciples, engaged in its diffusion, are 
 designated. 1822. P. E. 
 
 Dear friends, " be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly 13 
 love; in honour preferring one another."^ May we labour after andforbear- 
 an increase of that fellowship and sympathy in which we can bear mendedT™' 
 one another's burdens ; and in which, if one member of the church 
 suffer, the others can suffer with it, and if one be honoured, the 
 others can rejoice with it. May it be the prayer of us all, that the 
 charity which hopeth, believeth, and endureth all things, may increase 
 and abound amongst us. Bear one with the other in meekness and 
 love, amidst the infirmities of flesh and spirit. " Likewise, ye younger, 
 submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to 
 another, and be clothed with humility;"*^ and may we every one so hold 
 out to the end, that when the chief Shepherd shall appear, we may each 
 receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.' 1833. P. E. 
 
 Now, dear friends, let us observe, that love, Christian love, is the 14 
 parent of every virtue : it restrains our immoderate gratification of per- 
 sonal indulgence ; it expands our hearts to every class of society, and to 
 every modification of the human species ; it makes us prompt to lend a 
 
 ' Rom. xii. 10. ' 1 Pet. v. 5. ' 1 Pet. v. 4. 
 
90 LOVE AND UNITY. 
 
 hand of help to such as may stray from the path of safety ; it leads to 
 universal benevolence : and as it is the origin of every good work, so 
 through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, it will be the 
 reward of a life passed in his service, in its native region, the realm of 
 unmixed love, with Him for ever. Amen. 1812. P. E. 
 
91 
 
 MARRIAGE. 
 
 We earnestly advise and exhort all young and unmarried friends, ^ 
 
 . Counsel on 
 
 that they do not make any procedure one with another upon the ac- the subject of 
 
 n ■ • ^ n 1 • 1 • T marriage. 
 
 count of marriage, without nrst applying to their parents or guardians 
 for their consent and agreement therein. And we also advise, that, in 
 the first place, all young persons concerned, seriously wait upon the 
 Lord for counsel and clearness in this weighty concern, before they 
 make any procedure with any, in order to marriage ; that they may 
 not be led by any forward or uncertain affections in this great concern ; 
 to their own hurt, the grief of their friends, and the dishonour of truth. 
 1690. P. E.— 1801.— 1833. 
 
 It is further advised, that parents and guardians wait upon and seek 2 
 
 the Lord for their children in proposals of marriage, before they give 
 any encouragement thereunto ; and that after they have suffered them 
 to engage one another in affection, they do not consent to their break- 
 ing off upon any worldly account. 1707. P. E. 
 
 Parents are tenderly advised not to make it their first or chief care 3 
 
 to obtain for their children large portions or settlements of marriage ; 
 but rather to be careful that their children be joined in marriage with 
 persons of religious inclinations, suitable dispositions and temper, 
 sobriety in manners, and diligence in business, (which are things essen- 
 tially necessary to a comfortable life in a married state) ; and carefully 
 to guard against all mixed marriages, and unequal yoking of their 
 children. 1722. P. E. 
 
 As parents have a natural right to approve of, and consent to, the 4 
 
 N 2 
 
92 • MARRIAGE. 
 
 Counsel on marriaoTe of their children, so this meeting doth earnestly desire that 
 
 the subject o^ ^ . , , , . , . . 
 
 marriage. friends children would consult and advise with their parents and 
 guardians, in that great and weighty point so essential to their hap- 
 piness and comfort, before they let out their minds, or entangle their 
 affections : the too frequent examples that have happened to the con- 
 trary, have caused lamentation in honest parents, and great affliction to 
 themselves. 1723. P. E. 
 
 ^ And we do exhort friends, that in the great concern of marriage, 
 
 whereon much of the comfort and happiness of life depend, they be 
 mindful to proceed in the fear of the Lord, and have an eye to Him for 
 counsel and instruction in their choice ; the neglect of which has been 
 the ruin of many. 1734. P. E. 
 
 6 This meeting strongly recommends friends to avoid and to discounte- 
 nance very early proceedings in regard to marriage after the death of 
 husband or wife : esteeming such conduct as tending to the dishonour 
 and reproach of our Christian profession. 1691. — 1833. 
 
 7 Friends are advised against running into excessive, sumptuous, and 
 costly entertainments at marriage dinners ; a great part of the cost of 
 which would be better employed in relieving the necessities of the 
 poor. 1718. W.E. 
 
 Rules for proceeding in relation to Marriage. 
 
 When the parties are members of the same monthly meeting. 
 
 8 I. The parties intending to join in marriage, are first to declare their 
 
 Seding^h/*™' intention at the monthly meeting whereof they are members, in terms 
 marriage. ^£ ^j^g following import, viz. the man, that he intends to take D. E. to 
 
 he his wife, if the Lord permit : the woman, that she intends to take 
 
 A. B. to be her husband, if the Lord permit. 
 
MARRIAGE. 93 
 
 II. These declarations are to be made first before the women's meet- Rules tor pro- 
 ing where such are held, and then before the men's meeting. marriage. 
 
 III. If parents or guardians be present, they are to declare their 
 consent , if absent, a certificate or certificates are to be produced, sig- 
 nifying, that it is with their consent the parties proceed to accomplish 
 their intended marriage ; which certificates are to be signed by the 
 parents or guardians, and attested by two competent witnesses. 
 
 IV. If there appear no sufficient objection, the said meetings are to 
 appoint two men and two women friends to inquire into the clearness 
 of the parties from any other marriage engagements. Those appointed 
 by the men's monthly meeting are also to see if there be issue by a for- 
 mer marriage or marriages, that the children's rights are legally secured ; 
 and to take care that public notice of such intended marriage be given 
 at the close of a first-day morning meeting to which the parties re- 
 spectively belong : this is to be done as early as convenient after the 
 appointment, and in the following form : Friends, there is an intention 
 of marriage between A. B. of N. and D. E. of P. : if any person 
 have any thing to object let timely notice be given. 
 
 V. The friends appointed are to make report at a subsequent 
 monthly meeting of the day and place of the publication of the intended 
 marriage, and on the other subjects of their appointment : the particu- 
 lars of this report are to be recorded. If no sufficient obstruction 
 appear in the monthly meeting, liberty is then to be granted to the 
 parties to solemnize the marriage ; and the women's monthly meeting 
 is to be informed of this conclusion. 
 
 When the parties are members of different monthly meetings.' 
 
 VI. If the parties be of different monthly meetings, the man is first 
 to declare his intention to the men's monthly meeting to which he be- 
 longs, and there to produce certificates of his parents' or guardians' con- 
 sent to his proceedings therein ; also of the woman's consent, and of 
 that of her parents or guardians ; each signed by the respective party 
 or parties, and attested by two competent witnesses. If there appear 
 
94 MARRIAGE. 
 
 iiuies for pro- no Sufficient objection, two men friends are to be appointed who are 
 
 ceeding in . ' . 
 
 marriage. to procccd as directed in rule IV. If no sufficient obstruction arise, 
 they are to prepare and produce to the monthly meeting a certificate 
 thereof, which, if approved, is to be issued by the meeting, and for- 
 warded to the monthly meeting to which the woman belongs. The 
 man is not to be required in this case to produce to the monthly meet- 
 ing of which the woman is a member, certificates of the consent of his 
 parents or guardians to his proceedings in marriage. 
 
 It* is however agreed that after the man has, with the necessary con- 
 sent of the parties concerned, declared his intention of marriage to the 
 monthly meeting of which he is a member, a notification of his having 
 so done, in the following form, may be signed by the clerk of the 
 meeting on his behalf: viz. 
 
 To Monthly Meeting of Friends. 
 
 Dear Friends, 
 
 We hereby inform you, that A. B., a member of this meeting, 
 has communicated to us on the day of the 
 
 month, 18 , his intention of marriage with D. E., a member of your 
 monthly meeting, accompanied by the needful, certificates of the con- 
 sent of all parties concerned. An appointment is made agreeably 
 to the direction of the yearly meeting, and if 7io obstruction arise, a 
 certificate is to be issued in due course. 
 
 Signed on behalf of morithly meeting, held this 
 
 day of month, 18 . 
 
 S. T. Clerk. 
 
 With this notification he may proceed to the monthly meeting to 
 which the woman belongs, where they are to propose their intention of 
 marriage to the women's and men's meetings, who are to receive and 
 act upon the said proposal of marriage as regards the woman, as 
 already prescribed. A certificate of clearness on behalf of the man 
 from the monthly meeting of which he is a member, must however 
 be produced to that to which the woman belongs, before liberty for 
 solemnizing the marriage is granted ; which certificate is to be in the fol- 
 lowing form : — 
 
MARRIAGE. 95 
 
 To Monthly Meeting of Friends. Rules for pro- 
 
 ceeding in 
 
 Dear Friends, marriage. 
 
 A. B., a member of this meeting, has communicated to us his inten- 
 tion of marriage with D. E. a member of your monthly meeting. We 
 hereby certify on his behalf, that due attention has been paid to the 
 rules of the yearly meeting which are to be observed by us on such 
 occasions ; and no objection arising, we leave him at liberty for fur- 
 ther proceedings in regard to his intended marriage, and requesting 
 to be informed by you in usual course, when the same is accom- 
 plished, 
 
 We remain, with love, your friends. 
 Signed in and on behalf of monthly 
 
 meeting, held at this day of 
 
 month, 18 . 
 
 S. T. Clerk. 
 
 Note. — The use of printed forms is not to be introduced on any occasion. 
 
 VII. Monthly meetings are to make a suitable appointment of 
 friends, to take the needful care that good order be observed on the 
 day of marriage, and that the certificates and the registers^ of the mar- 
 riage be properly filled up, and duly signed and witnessed ; who are to 
 make a report to the next monthly meeting. 
 
 VIII. Marriages are to be solemnized at the usual week-day meet- 
 ing, or at a meeting appointed at some seasonable hour in the forenoon 
 on some other convenient week-day (previous notice in the latter case 
 having been given) ; and at the meeting-house to which the woman 
 belongs, unless leave be obtained of the woman's monthly meeting to 
 solemnize the marriage in some other meeting-house, with the consent 
 of the friends of such other meeting. 
 
 IX. After the meeting has been held a seasonable time, the parties 
 are to stand up, and, taking each other by the hand, to declare in an 
 audible and solemn manner to the following effect: the man first, 
 viz. Friends, I take this my friend D. E. to be my wife, promising, 
 
 ' See Registers, No. 1. 
 
96 MARRIAGE. 
 
 iiuies for pro- throufrh diviTie assistauce, to be unto her a lovinff and faithful hus- 
 
 ceeding m " o j j 
 
 marriage. band, Until it shall please the Lord by death to separate us ; and 
 then the woman in like manner, Friends, I take this mi/ friend A. B. 
 to be my husband, promising, through divine assistance, to be unto 
 him a loving and faithful wife, until it shall please the Lord by 
 death to separate us. 
 
 X . A certificate (with a five shilling stamp afl&xed) in the following 
 form of words, is to be audibly read at the close of the meeting by 
 some proper person, the express names and description of the parties 
 being first inserted : they are then to sign the same ; the man first ; 
 the woman with her maiden or widow name ; the relations next ; and 
 such others present at the solemnity as think proper. 1754. — 1790. — 
 1801— 1833. 
 
 The form of the Certificate. 
 
 A.B.of [grocer], /SoTi q/*D. B. of in 
 
 the of , yeoman, and E. his wife, 
 
 and D. E. daughter of M. E. of in the of 
 
 , [draper,] and M. his wife, having declared their 
 intention of taking each other in marriage before the monthly meeting 
 of Friends, commonly called Quakers, of in the of 
 
 , the proceedings of the said A. B. and D. E. after due 
 inquiry and deliberate consideration thereof, were allowed by the said 
 meeting, they appearing clear of all others, and having consent of 
 parents [or guardians, as the case may be]. Now these are to 
 certify, that for the accomplishing of their said marriage, this 
 
 day of the month, in the year one thousand eight 
 
 hundred and , they, the said A. B. and D. E. appeared at 
 
 a public assembly of the aforesaid people, in their meeting-house in 
 [or at, as the case may be] ; and he the said 
 
 A. B. taking the said D. E. by the hand, declared as followeth : 
 
MARRIAGE. 97 
 
 And the said D. E. did then and there, in the said assembly, declare Rules for pro- 
 
 ceeding in 
 as followeth : marriage. 
 
 And the said A. B. and D. E. as a further confirmation thereof, 
 
 and in testimony thereunto, did then and there to these presents set 
 
 their hands. 
 
 A. B. 
 
 D. E. 
 
 We, being present at the above said marriage, 
 have also subscribed our names as witnesses 
 thereunto, the day and year above written. 
 
 If the man be a member of a different monthly meeting from that 
 to which the woman belongs, when report is made to the monthly 
 meeting of which the latter was a member, that the said marriage has 
 been solemnized, a notification in the following form is to be sent to 
 the monthly meeting to which the man belongs ; and the said meeting 
 on receiving such notification, is desired in every case to enter on its 
 minutes a copy thereof. 
 
 Form of Notification. 
 
 The Monthly Meeting of is hereby informed, 
 
 that the Marriage between A. B. and C. D. was solemnized in Friends' 
 
 Meeting-House at iii the County of 
 
 the day month, 18 . 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of \ 
 
 Monthly Meeting held at V E. F. Clerk, 
 
 the of month, 18 . ) 
 
 On Marriages contrary to our Rules. 
 
 It is our living sense and judgment, that not only those marriages 10 
 
 of near kindred, expressly forbidden under the law, ought not to be near kindred 
 
 o 
 
98 MARRIAGE. 
 
 and of first practised under the gospel; but that we in our day ought not to 
 take first cousins in marriage, being brought to that spiritual dispen- 
 sation which gives dominion over the affections, and leads to those 
 marriages which are more natural, and of better report. And though 
 some, through weakness, have been drawn into such marriages (which 
 being done must not be broken,) yet let not their practice be a pre- 
 cedent or example to any others amongst us for the time to come. 1675. 
 
 11 And further, that such friends as have with serious advice, due 
 contract of deliberation, and free and mutual consent, absolutely agreed, espoused, 
 marriage. ^^ contracted upon the account of marriage, shall not be allowed, or 
 
 owned amongst us, in any unfaithfulness or injustice one to another, 
 to break or violate any such contract or engagement : which is to 
 the reproach of truth, or injury one of another. And where any such 
 injury, breach, or violation of such solemn contract is known or com- 
 plained of, or enmity or strife occasioned thereby, we advise and 
 counsel that a few faithful friends, both men and women, in their re- 
 spective meetings, to which the parties belong, be appointed to inquire 
 into the cause thereof, and to report to a succeeding monthly meeting 
 the result of their inquiry, that it may use its discretion as to the due 
 exercise of the discipline in the case. 
 On consent of And, further, we advise and exhort that no engagements made 
 paren s, t. ^yj|.jjQy|. }ionest cndcavours to obtain, or due regard first had to, the 
 counsel and consent of parents, relations, and friends, be countenanced ; 
 that so all foolish and unbridled affections, and all ensnaring and selfish 
 ends, be not so much as found among us on any hand. 1675. — 1833. 
 
 12 This meeting, on receiving a minute relating to marriage of persons 
 firsrcousLs! ^^^^ of kin, having taken into consideration the yearly meeting minute 
 
 of 1675, made against such marriages, and particularly of first cousins, 
 do declare it to be our sense and judgment, that no monthly meeting 
 should pass first cousins in order for marriage ; and this meeting 
 earnestly desires . all friends, whenever they know or hear of any first 
 cousins designing or intending to marry, that they immediately advise 
 them against it. 1747. — 1801. 
 
MARRIAGE. 99 
 
 The modifying or rescinding of the rules which disallow the mar- 13 
 riage of first cousins amongst us, has been at this time deliberately- 
 considered, and this meeting does not deem it right to make any alter- 
 ation in the said rules. 1833. 
 
 In order to put a stop to an undue liberty in contracting marriages 14 
 with such as are not of our society, it is advised, that all parents and inJmarrTage 
 guardians of children do take especial care, as much as in them lies, not memSrs 
 to prevent their children from running into such marriages ; and that "* °^^ society. 
 the friends of each particular meeting, as also of the monthly meeting 
 to which such persons belong, do, in the wisdom and power of truth, 
 use their endeavours to put a stop to the said evil, by admonishing 
 such as may attempt to marry as aforesaid ; but if they refuse to take 
 counsel, or go on to marry as aforesaid, that then such persons be 
 dealt with according to the good order of truth, and judgment fixed 
 upon all who take such an undue liberty. 1719. P. E. — 1833. 
 
 And it is the sense and judgment of this meeting, that when any 1.5 
 marry by the priest, or in any other manner contrary to the established ^^hTpffest^ 
 rules of the society, they shall be dealt with in the spirit of Christian 
 love and tenderness, agreeably to our known discipline ; and that if 
 after the commission of such offence, access cannot be had to them for 
 the right exercise of the discipline, on account of their absence from 
 the United Kingdom, they shall not be relieved in the manner of poor 
 friends until they be restored into unity with the monthly meeting 
 to which they belong. 1744.— 1783.— 1833. 
 
 This meeting having deliberately considered the great exercise iq 
 brought upon our society, by divers in profession with us, who, con- 
 trary to our known principles, and the wholesome discipline established 
 among us, are joined in marriage by the priest with persons either 
 of our own or other persuasions, doth earnestly advise, that all friends 
 use their utmost endeavours to prevent such marriages, when the 
 parties' inclinations may come to their knowledge. 1768. 
 
 o 2 
 
100 
 
 MARRIAGE. 
 
 17 This meeting being sorrowfully affected under the consideration of 
 
 guardians' divers in our society entering into marriage with such as are not in 
 
 marriage? ^^ membership with us ; or being married, in a manner contrary to our 
 
 our^rules^" established rules, with such as are in profession with us ; to prevent 
 
 which, many minutes directing dealing with such offenders have from 
 
 time to time been made ; but the said minutes not appearing to extend 
 
 to parents and guardians, that may be encouraging such marriages ; it 
 
 is therefore the direction of this meeting, when that appears to be the 
 
 case, that such parents or guardians, so offending, be dealt with in a 
 
 spirit of Christian love and meekness ; and unless satisfaction be given 
 
 to the monthly meeting in which such circumstances may fall out, that 
 
 a testimony may go forth against them. 1752. — 1833. 
 
 18 
 
 Clandestine 
 proceedings. 
 
 We also recommend the good order of friends relating to marriage, 
 that it be carefully preserved and duly maintained in the first and 
 earliest proceedings leading thereunto, as well as the orderly solem.ni- 
 zation thereof; and if any persons, contrary to the repeated advice 
 and established order of friends, shall, under any pretence whatsoever, 
 presume to take one another in any meeting for worship, without the 
 consent of the nionthly meeting to which they belong, such proceeding 
 being of a clandestine nature, tending to make void the just care of 
 friends in that case, we advise that the monthly meeting do not fail to 
 testify against the practice, as well as against the persons concerned 
 therein. 1730. P. E. 
 
 J 9 This meeting is of the judgment, that when a woman marries a mem- 
 
 S?c"se^oTa^" ber of another monthly meeting, in a manner contrary to our rules, she 
 
 woman who should be dealt with by, or on behalf of, the monthly meeting to which 
 
 marries con- "^ ' ' Jo 
 
 trary to our she bclong^cd before marriage. 1 796. 
 
 rules. ^ ^ 
 
 20 This meeting having solidly considered the ffreat inconsistency. 
 
 Elders and ■ ■ re p • --i 
 
 overseers as and pemicious eilects, of marriages by the priest with persons not 
 
 well as pa- - . . • i • p • • i • t 
 
 rents to guard ot our socicty, as being a violation or our testimony against a hireling 
 
 against mar- . . i • i i i i i t i • 
 
 ministry, which we, as a people, have always believed it our duty to 
 
MARRIAGE. 101 
 
 testify against : seeing also, that disorder in families is thereby occa- "ages bj the 
 
 . . . priest. 
 
 sioned, generally rendering a married state (which under the divine 
 blessing, and within the limit of truth, is helpful towards a religious 
 growth) a state of confusion and perplexity, and laying waste that 
 united religious care, which ought to accompany the minds of parents 
 for the education of their offspring in the principles of true religion. 
 Under the sorrowful consideration of these and other unhappy effects 
 of such undue proceedings, and the great difficulty of reclaiming such 
 offenders, when thus united to persons of different religious principles ; 
 we earnestly advise all parents, and others who have youth committed 
 to their care, to be very watchful against their forming such connexions ; 
 and when they, or overseers and elders, perceive any in danger thereof, 
 that they timely advise and deal with them, to prevent their being thus 
 entangled. 
 
 And as we have great cause to believe, that remissness in d ealing. The accept- 
 and weakness in some monthly meetings in accepting superficial and in- fidaiacknow- 
 sincere acknowledgments, have had a great tendency to promote such advised 
 marriages, we earnestly advise, that monthly meetings be very careful ^^^^"^ " 
 not to accept acknowledgments without full satisfaction of the sincere 
 repentance of such transgressors, manifested by a conduct circumspect 
 and consistent with our religious profession. 1783. 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment, that as compliance with the laws 21 
 of the land in cases wherein conscience is not violated, is an ac- ^ohiwfedbv 
 knowledo-ed principle of friends, the society cannot, consistently with Jf ^^^P'^ ^^^"- 
 
 o r IT ' J ' J destine pro- 
 
 this principle, allow, in our meetings, the passing of marriages which feedings. 
 are not authorized by the law on this subject, and which are included 
 in the degrees of consanguinity or affinity prohibited thereby. And 
 this meeting is further of the judgment, that, according to our rules, 
 clandestine proceedings cannot be regarded by us, as constituting a 
 proper, sufficient, and valid marriage. 1811. 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment, with respect to cases in which 22 
 
 monthly meetings have been diligent in their care, over such as have meeting to 
 
102 MARRIAGE. 
 
 use their dis- appeared inclined to marry in a manner contrary to the rules of our 
 
 cretion in re- . , '' 
 
 gard to visits socictv, and in which they believe no further extension of labour is re- 
 after mar- • j i • 
 riage contrary quircd ou their part, that they shall be at liberty to proceed to disown- 
 
 ment ; after having ascertained that the marriage is accomplished, and 
 
 informed the party in all such cases, where it can conveniently be done, 
 
 of the intention of the meeting. 1819. 
 
 23 Marriage being a divine ordinance, and a solemn engagement for 
 
 ?(ivi?e^^ term of life, is of great importance to our peace and well-being in 
 this world, and may prove of no small consequence respecting our state 
 in that which is to come ; yet it is often too inconsiderately entered 
 into, upon motives inconsistent with the evident intention of that 
 unerring Wisdom by which it was primarily ordained ; which was for 
 the mutual assistance and comfort of both sexes, that they might be 
 meet-helps to each other, both in spirituals and temporals, and that 
 their endeavours might be united for the pious and proper education of 
 their children, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and for suit- 
 ably qualifying them to discharge their duty in the various allotments 
 in the world. 
 
 Marriage implies union and concurrence, as well in spiritual as tem- 
 poral concerns. Whilst the parties differ in religion, they stand dis- 
 united in the main point ; even that which should increase and confirm 
 their mutual happiness, and render them meet-helps and blessings to 
 each other. 
 
 To prevent falling into these disagreeable and disorderly engage- 
 ments, it is requisite to beware of the paths that lead to them — the 
 sordid interests, and ensnaring friendships of the world, the contami- 
 nating pleasures and idle pastimes of earthly minds ; also the various 
 solicitations and incentives to festivity and dissipation ; likewise espe- 
 cially to avoid too frequent and too familiar converse with those from 
 whom may arise a danger of entanglement, by their alluring the pas- 
 sions, and drawing the affections after them. 
 
 For want of due watchfulness, and obedience to the convictions of 
 divine grace in their consciences, many amongst us, as well as others, 
 
MARRIAGE. 103 
 
 have wounded their own souls, distressed their friends, injured their General 
 families, and done great disservice to the church, by these unequal 
 connexions ; which have proved an inlet to much degeneracy, and 
 mournfully affected the minds of those who labour under a living 
 concern for the good of all, and the prosperity of Truth upon earth. 
 1777. P. E. 
 
104 
 
 attend meet 
 ings 
 
 MASTERS, MISTRESSES, SERVANTS, AND 
 
 APPRENTICES. 
 
 1 Advised, that servants professing the truth behave themselves in 
 advke. ^^^ Subjection, humility, and plainness, as becomes their profession 
 
 and places : and likewise, that masters and mistresses behave them- 
 selves toward their servants, according to the apostle's direction. 
 Eph. vi. 5, 6, 9. Col. iv. 1. 1 Tim. vi. 1, 2. Titus ii. 9, 10. 1 Pet. ii. 
 18, 19, 20. 1703. P. E. 
 
 2 A religious care is recommended toward our servants, that all 
 encouraged to ^^ppearancc of pride, idleness, and vain conversation in them may be 
 
 discouraged ; and that they may be exhorted to attend First-day and 
 week-day meetings, and have a sense of God's love upon their spirits, 
 and therein partake of the sweetness of truth ; and in the discharge of 
 their duty to God, and to their masters and mistresses, know peace in 
 themselves. 1718. W. E. 
 
 3 We earnestly intreat, that it may be the constant care of all masters 
 masters *and ^^^ mistrcsscs properly to teach, restrain, and example those whom 
 speSgThose Providence hath placed under them, for their help, direction, and pre- 
 care^*^ ^ scrvation, and for whom an account must be rendered ; bringing them 
 
 up in the fear of the Lord, and in that sobriety, moderation, and plain- 
 ness of speech, apparel, and deportment, which become a people pro- 
 fessing to be followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect pattern of 
 humility and self-denial. 1760. P. E. 
 
 4 The situation of the offspring, and of the servants, of those who 
 ricbSleadsto ^Gglect the due attendance of our religious meetings, .is greatly to be 
 
MASTERS, MISTRESSES, &c. 105 
 
 lamented : as is that even of some who, though frequently seen at indifference 
 
 . . "^ as to the at- 
 
 them, do not, by their conduct, seem to believe that it is required tendance of 
 of them to allow their dependents also to attend ; but are leaving these 
 still to pursue the world for them at home. For if any have, in a 
 greater or a less degree, made gold their hope, or have said to the fine 
 gold, "Thou art my confidence," it will be found that, in proportion, 
 they will be slack in bringing their families to our accustomed oppor- 
 tunities for public worship. 1797. P. E. 
 
 We request those who have the privilege of ability to employ ser- 5 
 
 vants, whether professing with us or not, to sympathize with them in with servants 
 their labours, to delight to render them happy, and to seek for that hours: 
 disposition that can lead them along as fellow-travellers in the road to 
 the city of God. Various are the means by which this may be at- 
 tempted. The principal one certainly is, the keeping of the mind 
 attentive to the discoveries of Truth ; and as, we doubt not, a perusal their attend- 
 of the Scriptures is the frequent employ of many families, we desire family read- 
 that the servants may be made partakers of the benefits resulting from Scnpturi re- 
 the practice, and from occasional opportunities of retirement in spirit. ^''™™^" 
 1805. P. E.— 1833. 
 
 This meeting has been impressed with the importance of the exercise 6 
 
 of a due care towards young persons who are taken as apprentices by friends to 
 friends. It may be thought that an additional responsibility attaches fnToTheirTm- 
 to the taking of members of our society in that station, or as shopmen JfTurown so- 
 or servants; but this meeting trusts that if, from a sincere desire to "^^'^' 
 protect such individuals, friends were willing to give a preference to 
 our own members, a real satisfaction would arise from it; and we 
 further desire that those who fill the station of masters, may endeavour 
 to discharge the important duties which devolve upon them, in a moral 
 and religious care of those who are employed in their service. 
 
 We are comforted in the persuasion that the care and instruction 
 which many in early life have received in our public schools have an interest in 
 been a blessing to them, and we are anxious that both masters and young per^ 
 
 p 
 
106 
 
 MASTERS, MISTRESSES, &c. 
 
 sons within 
 their meet- 
 ings : 
 
 other friends in the meetings in which these and other young persons 
 reside, may watch over them for good, and be willing in various ways 
 to show an affectionate interest in their comfort and welfare. A few 
 kind expressions arising from a solicitude for their moral and spiritual 
 good, offered in love as opportunities occur, may have more effect than 
 is at the time apprehended. 1828. 
 
 7 This meeting recommends friends who have the charge of servants 
 
 mote°the at- ^^^ apprentices, to extend kind attention and care towards them, and 
 tendance of ^q make such domestic arrangements as may enable them to attend 
 
 servants, &c. '^ •' 
 
 at public wor- pyblic worship duly and punctually, and to promote their employing 
 the portions of the First-day of the week not so occupied, in a manner 
 becoming the professors of the Christian name. 1833. 
 
107 
 
 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 
 
 Agreed, that certain friends of this city be nominated to keep a i 
 
 constant meeting about sufferings four times in a year, with the day ^JlrSnls^es 
 and time of each meeting here fixed and settled. That at least one tabUshed. 
 friend of each county be appointed by the quarterly meeting thereof, 
 to be in readiness to repair to any of the said meetings at this city, at 
 such times as their urgent occasions or sufferings shall require. 1675. 
 
 It is agreed to be sufficient, that the meeting for sufferings be held 2 
 
 in course on the first Sixth-day in each month ; subject nevertheless, meeting, 
 on any emergency, to the call of any five of the members thereof. 
 1794.— 1798. 
 
 N. B. It appears by the records of the meeting for sufferings, that the mode 
 of meeting every week was practised in the year 1676 ; and continued 
 until the year 1794. 
 
 The meeting for sufferings, (so called from the nature of its origi- 3 
 
 nal object,) is a standing committee of this meeting, and is entrusted duties, 
 with a general care of whatever may arise during the " intervals of this 
 meeting, affecting our religious society, and requiring immediate atten- 
 tion ; particularly of such matters as may occasion an application to 
 the legislature for the relief of the society in regard to its Christian 
 testimonies. 1833. 
 
 Agreed, that the meeting for sufferings do consist of correspondents 4 
 
 nominated by the several quarterly meetings and approved by this 
 meeting, and of those appointed by meetings in foreign parts cor- 
 responding with this meeting, and of foreign correspondents appointed 
 by this meeting; and likewise of men friends in the stations of ap- 
 
 p2 
 
108 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 
 
 proved ministers and appointed elders. No quarterly meeting is to 
 have more than four correspondents in London, and no friend is to be 
 appointed for more than four places. 1702. — 1717. — 1770. — 1833. 
 
 5 It is agreed that the following minute be read previously to the 
 Qualifications calling: ovcr of the correspondent-book in this meetino;. 
 
 of members. , 
 
 This meeting having considered the nature and importance of the 
 affairs transacted by the meeting for sufferings, and the continued ne- 
 cessity there is that they should be managed by grave and weighty 
 friends, such as are themselves men of clean hands, and adorning the 
 doctrine they profess, in their lives and conversation ; it is the earnest 
 desire of this meeting, that friends be particularly careful in their choice 
 of such as are to act as correspondents, either in the city or the coun- 
 ties ; informing themselves, as much as may be, of the qualifications 
 of those who are intended for such services ; and that such only may 
 be nominated as are faithful in the several branches of our Christian 
 testimony against tithes, bearing arms, and oaths, and are also exem- 
 plary in their conduct and conversation amongst men, and coming up 
 in that plainness of speech, behaviour, and apparel, which highly 
 becomes those in an especial manner, who are concerned in manag- 
 ing the affairs of the church. 1747. — 1759. 
 
 6 The elders and overseers of the several monthly meetings in the 
 London'cor- quarterly meeting of London and Middlesex, are directed to take par- 
 respondents, ticular notice of those friends in their respective meetings, whose con- 
 duct and conversation appear to be agreeable to the description given 
 in the last preceding minute, respecting the choice of correspondents. 
 
 And those elders and overseers are to meet together annually, at a 
 convenient time before the yearly meeting, and make a list of such 
 friends' names, as shall be by them approved for this service ; and 
 leave the said list with the clerk of the meeting for sufferings, for the 
 information of friends in the country. Nevertheless, it is not hereby 
 intended to restrain them from choosing any member of that meeting, 
 provided he is not already a correspondent for more than three places. 
 1772.— 1833. 
 
MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 109 
 
 Agreed, that the quarterly meetings be directed expressly to give 7 
 
 instructions to their representatives who attend this meeting, what cor- meetings to 
 respondents they shall nominate in the city, in the room of any friends representa- 
 deceased or removed ; or else expressly leave them to their liberty of choice of cor- 
 
 choice. 1725. respondents. 
 
 The meeting for sufferings, on the removal of any of its members, g 
 
 by death or otherwise, from the office of correspondent, is to ffive Quarterly 
 
 •^ ' r ' o meetings to 
 
 notice to the quarterly meeting by which such correspondent was be informed 
 appointed, in order that the quarterly meeting may be prepared to movai of their 
 propose a successor at the ensuing yearly meeting ; and it is agreed respondents, 
 that the meeting for sufferings is, at its discretion, to report to this 
 meeting the names of such correspondents in London, as do not attend Regulation 
 it six times in the year, in order to their being discharged by this tendance, 
 meeting, unless sufficient reason be rendered for their absence. ] 725. 
 — 1737.— 1801.—1833. 
 
 This meeting desires that friends in the several counties will be 9 
 
 diligent in acquainting the meeting for sufferings with any applications the country 
 that are likely to be made to parliament, in cases that may affect nUcatio?sTo" 
 friends ; such as enclosing lands, building or repairing steeple-houses, ^^^^^™^"^- 
 or other local occasions, which may be known in the country much 
 sooner, than to the meeting for sufferings : for want of which intelli- 
 gence, opportunities may be lost for soliciting relief, that by timely 
 application might have been obtained. 1765. 
 
 On considering the case of persons residing in foreign parts, who 10 
 may appear to be under convincement, and may apply to be received sons under 
 into membership, it is agreed, that the meeting for sufferings may ment^eSding 
 receive and judge of such applications, and admit such persons into part"^^'^" 
 membership ; after which, the said meeting may be at liberty, if 
 occasion should arise, to empower any monthly meeting to perform 
 any act of discipline that may become necessary towards such persons : 
 and it is further agreed, that the meeting for sufferings report all such 
 admissions to the succeeding yearly meeting. 1793. 
 
110 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 
 
 1 1 This meeting is of the judgment that the yearly meeting of ministers 
 
 5e7ting"mu' ^^^ eld^rs, or the morning meeting, when it sees right to liberate a 
 
 nngTnSgn ^iend to travel in the work of the ministry in foreign parts, out of 
 
 parts: ^jjg acknowledged limits of any monthly meeting, should inform the 
 
 meeting for sufferings of such conclusion. The last mentioned meeting 
 
 is desired to extend such Christian care as it may deem necessary, in 
 
 aiding friends thus liberated in the prosecution of their concern, and 
 
 also from time to time during the said engagement, particularly as it 
 
 relates to their being suitably accompanied. And it is further left to 
 
 the said meeting to exercise its discretion in regard to the companions 
 
 of such travelling friends; care being taken that, when convenient, 
 
 a minute of the approbation of the monthly meeting of which any 
 
 such companion is a member, has been obtained. 
 
 applicable In the casc of any friend liberated to travel on similar service from 
 
 ters tVonV"^ " America or elsewhere, the foregoing provision is also to apply, after 
 
 ehewhere! such friend shall have laid his concern before our yearly meeting of 
 
 ministers and elders, when it can conveniently be done, or otherwise 
 
 before the morning meeting, which meeting is to inform the meeting for 
 
 sufferings of the circumstance. 1827. — 1833. 
 
Ill 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 It is our judgment and testimony, that the rise and practice, setting 1 
 
 up and establishment of men's and women's meetings, in the church of ground and 
 Christ in this our generation, is according to the mind and counsel of meeUngs^fo^ 
 God, and done in the ordering and leading of his eternal Spirit; and ^^^s"?^'"®- 
 that it is the duty of all friends and brethren in the power of God, in 
 all parts, to be diligent therein, and to encourage and further each 
 other in that blessed work ; and particularly that friends and brethren 
 in their respective counties encourage their faithful and grave women in 
 the settlement of the said meetings. Advised, that the church's testi- 
 monies and judgments against disorderly and scandalous walkers, as 
 also the repentance and condemnation of the parties restored, be re- 
 corded in the respective monthly meetings, for the clearing of truth, 
 friends, and our holy profession. And it is also our advice in the love 
 of God, that after any friend's repentance and restoration, he abiding 
 faithful in the truth that condemns the evil, none among you so re- 
 member his transgression, as to cast it at him, or upbraid him with it ; 
 for that is not according to the mercies of God. 1675. 
 
 Let all your affairs be managed in your meetings, in the peaceable 2 
 
 wisdom and spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ ; not striving, but bearing conduct!^ If 
 one with and for another ; that the power of Christ may rest upon you, *^® discipUne. 
 and rule in all your assemblies. 1696. P. E. 
 
 Keep all your meetings, as well those for good order, charity, and 3 
 
 Christian discipline, as those set apart entirely for the worship of God, 
 in his love, and in the name, power, and peaceable spirit of his dear 
 Son Jesus Christ, which is the alone true authority of all our meetings ; 
 
112 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 DISCIPLINE, for without Him we can do nothing : and in his blessed power, stand 
 
 o th ri ht ^^^^ ^^ righteous judgment over all unruly and disorderly spirits, that 
 
 conducting of ^ould break in upon the good order and discipline settled among us ; 
 
 as well as over all those that seek to lay waste the testimony of truth, 
 
 and cause the offence of the cross to cease. 1700. P. E. 
 
 4 Our monthly and quarterly meetings being set up by the power and 
 in the wisdom of God, which is the authority of those meetings, all 
 friends are tenderly desired and advised, carefully to keep to, and in, 
 that authority ; and therein manage all the business and affairs of the 
 said meetings, in discharge of their duty to God and his church ; and 
 not expect or depend upon this meeting for particular direction from 
 time to time, how they shall proceed in the management of the con- 
 cerns of those meetings, relating to truth's testimony and service ; but 
 wait for, and depend upon, the power and wisdom of God for counsel 
 and direction in such matters and cases as may come before them ; 
 which will be to the great ease of this meeting, and dispatch of the 
 proper concerns thereof. And let the man's part, and natural wisdom 
 and attainments, be subject to the power and spirit of God, which will 
 truly edify the body in love, righteousness, and peace. 
 
 It is recommended unto faithful friends and elders especially, to 
 watch over the flock of Christ in their respective places ; that they 
 faithfully and diligently walk up to the testimony of the blessed truth, 
 to which the Lord hath gathered us in this latter age of the world ; 
 that so where any are found short, weak, or faulty, they may be ad- 
 monished and sought in the spirit of love, which is the spirit of the 
 gospel — that divine charity, wherein mercy is not only mixed with 
 judgment, but may appear over all our works ; that it may be seen 
 by all, that church-love abounds before church-censure comes, and 
 that a gospel-spirit is the spring and motive to all our performances, 
 as well in discipline as worship. 1703. P. E. 
 
 5 So will all be done in a holy awe, reverence, and humility, and none 
 will intrude themselves into things too high for them, nor exalt them- 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 113 
 
 selves above their proper growths and stations in the church, whether discipline. 
 they be elder or younger ; but self (that great mountain which stands on the right 
 so much in opposition to the cross of Christ, and his love and peace in JhSsclpine 
 the church) will be abased, and the Lord alone exalted among his 
 people. 1706. P. E. 
 
 Recommended, that friends concerned in meetings for discipline, do 6 
 
 labour to know their own spirits subjected by the Spirit of Truth ; that 
 thereby being baptized into one body, they may be truly one, in the 
 foundation of their love and unity ; and that therein they may all 
 labour to find a nearness to each other in spirit : this being the true 
 way to a thorough reconciliation, wherever there is, or hath been, any 
 difference of apprehension. Hereby friends will be preserved in that 
 sweetness of spirit, that is, and will be, the bond of true peace through- 
 out the churches of Christ. 1717. P. E. 
 
 Advised, that nothing be done through strife and contention, or vain 7 
 
 glory, murmuring or disputing ; but in the spirit of meekness, love, and 
 humility carry yourselves towards one another : and ye younger bre- 
 thren, endeavour to know your places, as living members of one body, 
 and preserve a due regard to your elders in Christ Jesus. 1718. P. E. 
 
 Advised to a cementing in a very close and brotherly fellowship one • g 
 with another in the divine Spirit ; and therein to watch against all 
 occasion of discord, or breach of unity, in any quarterly, monthly, or 
 particular meeting ; to the end Sion may continue a quiet habitation, 
 the glory and presence of God rest and remain on her, and the spirit 
 and doctrine of the gospel be lived in and maintained. And we also 
 recommend, that such friends as are concerned in the affairs of the 
 church, in quarterly, monthly, or particular meetings, be careful to act 
 therein in the wisdom of God ; whereby they will be exemplary to the 
 young : and as such young persons are found to be qualified with a 
 real sense of truth upon their spirits, and subjection thereunto, and 
 thereby made capable to come up to a service in their respective meet- 
 
 Q 
 
114 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 DISCIPLINE, ings, friends are desired to encourage and bring them forward therein ; 
 
 On the right whereby they may be helpful to the ancients, and brought up in a life 
 
 theliiscipfine. ^^ rightcousness, to walk and act to the praise of God's holy name ; 
 
 and, standing in their lot, may supply the place of the elders in such 
 
 meetings, through the same spirit, when they are gone. 1722. P. E. 
 
 9 Advised, that friends, in meetings for discipline, watch over their own 
 spirits ; that no indecent warmth get in, whereby the understanding 
 may be hurried, and hindered from a regular judgment on the affairs 
 before the meeting. 1724. P. E. 
 
 10 As the promotion of piety and charity is the end and intent of our 
 meetings for the discipline of the church, a weighty concern rests upon 
 us, that friends be careful diligently to attend those meetings ; and, 
 when there, to act in the wisdom given them of God, with a real and 
 living sense of truth upon their spirits ; that so the affairs of the church 
 may be carried on in brotherly love : and in that sweet, calm, and 
 Christian disposition of mind, which tends to the mutual comfort and 
 edification one of another, and of the church in general. 1733. P. E. 
 
 11 We earnestly exhort all friends and brethren, that, under a living 
 concern of spirit for the honour of God and welfare of his people, they 
 diligently watch over one another for good : and where any weakness 
 or unfaithfulness, touching any branch of our Christian testimony, 
 appears in any making profession with us, let such be timely and ten- 
 derly advised, and in the wisdom of truth stirred up to do their duty. 
 1734. P. E. 
 
 12 It is earnestly recommended, as a means very conducive to the 
 preservation of friends a people of one heart and one way, for the good 
 of themselves and their children after them, that the discipline of the 
 church, in the several meetings instituted for that purpose, be kept up 
 and managed in a spirit of love and wisdom. Let all things in those 
 meetings be done with charity; let the love of God, in an especial 
 
y 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 115 
 
 manner, rule in your hearts ; and therein, though sometimes different discipline. 
 sentiments may arise, yet will every member have the same thing in ^^^^ ^ ^ 
 view, viz. the glory of God, and the good of his church and people \ JJ"*l"'^^-"{? "*^ 
 and will, in this singleness of heart, best promote the great end and 
 services of those meetings. We advise therefore, that nothing be 
 done through strife and contention, or from any private views, or by 
 the influence of numbers ; but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem 
 another better than himself. 1735. P. E. 
 
 We tenderly exhort, that in all your meetings for the discipline of 13 
 the church, you wait in humility to have your own spirits brought 
 into a holy subjection to the spirit of Christ ; that thereby you may 
 be duly qualified for the work and service conducive to the building 
 up of his church ; in which work all who are engaged, should be 
 men of upright hearts, and clean hands, rightly prepared for the 
 service they undertake. 1748. P. E. 
 
 The want of a due concern to deal with such as walk inconsis- 14 
 
 tently with our holy profession, and are unfaithful in respect to our 
 Christian testimony, being but too obvious, an early and diligent care 
 over such is earnestly recommended ; and we do desire, that all who 
 have at heart the honour of God, and prosperity of truth, would be 
 stirred up to discharge this necessary part of Christian duty in their 
 respective stations. Timely caution may often prevent unhappy 
 effects ; and a brotherly care over such as are in danger of receiving 
 hurt, may be rewarded with the secret satisfaction of being made 
 instrumental in their preservation. 
 
 Greatly would the Christian discipline established amongst us (if 
 thus exerted in divine wisdom and zeal) contribute to prevent the 
 growing evils, and hurtful liberties of various kinds, which appear in 
 too many places, to the dishonour of God, the grief of good men, and 
 the reproach of our holy profession. 
 
 But if individuals neglect their duty, grow cool in their love to God, 
 and lose that hunger after divine virtue and inward support, to live to 
 
 q2 
 
116 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE! 
 
 DISCIPLINE, his praise and their own comfort, which is the certain effect of his 
 
 On the right visitation, whcrcver it is embraced ; how can a proper concern for the 
 
 the disci"fin? E^^^ ^^ Others, and for the prosperity of truth, have due place in their 
 
 minds ; or be properly exerted by those who are not enough engaged 
 
 to feel after the increase of its blessed effects for themselves ? 
 
 As this neglect of steadily applying and waiting for heavenly virtue 
 and ability to discharge the duties required of us, is the source of loss 
 and decay to individuals, with respect to a growth in religion ; so the 
 same unhappy effects are communicated to the body, and, where this is 
 the case, evidently discover themselves in a disregard to discipline, and 
 the want of a proper concern for the good order of the church. 
 
 Let all therefore be excited to labour, in a spirit of fervent charity, 
 with such as may be in danger of falling into things injurious to 
 their peace, and tending to the dishonour of our Christian profession ; 
 so that in thus exercising a tender care and watchfulness over one 
 another, for mutual edification, we may approve ourselves faithful, 
 just, and true, in the sight of God; and examples of temperance, 
 patience, purity, and holiness before men ; to the praise of the Most 
 High, the comfort of his people, and our own eternal happiness. 
 1750. W.E. 
 
 15 In all your meetings for the discipline of the church, let all be 
 done in a meek, calm, and peaceable spirit, in which the force and 
 power of love may effectually operate upon those who shall perceive 
 that your care and regard for their good and preservation in the truth, 
 is founded upon so excellent a principle. May this peaceable wisdom 
 and spirit of Christ ever preside in all your assemblies, that therein 
 all your affairs may be conducted to his glory ; who is worthy for ever 
 and ever. 1752. W.E. 
 
 16 In order to unite us the more nearly one to another, as members 
 of the same body, and to strengthen our hands to promote the 
 general cause of truth, it is recommended to friends to stand open 
 to the leadings of the love of God through Jesus Christ our Lord ; 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 117 
 
 and when they feel drawings in their minds, to sit with any of their discipx,ine. 
 neighbouring monthly or quarterly meetings, that they attend thereto ; q^ ^^^ ^.j j^^ 
 and that such monthly or quarterly meetings as are visited, receive jonductingof 
 such as they know to be well approved at home, in the love of God, 
 and not look upon them as intruders : so shall mutual help be given 
 and received amongst us, and we truly be a people led by one and the 
 same spirit. 1759. W. E. 
 
 Let a necessary inquiry be raised in the minds of all members of 17 
 the church, who have had any part of the Lord's work upon them, 
 how they have acquitted themselves therein, and discharged them- 
 selves in the sight of God ; forasmuch as a day comes on apace, in 
 which an account of our stewardship will be required at our hands. 
 The discipline of the society, in some places at a low ebb, would 
 again be revived and strengthened, if this awful sense of rendering 
 an account of our trust, and the importance of being clear from the 
 blood of all men, were enough impressed upon all minds. And, dear - 
 friends, as it is the Lord's work, let it be done as in his sight. Let 
 all answers to this meeting's, and other queries, be plain and explicit. 
 Let a due sense of the state of the church prevail on your minds, 
 rather than an unwillingness to appear deficient among your brethren. 
 May a suitable engagement of mind prevail on all the active members 
 of the church, to acquit themselves with faithfulness, that they may at 
 last receive the crown of righteousness, which will never fade away. 
 1760. W.E. 
 
 A concern hath been spread amongst us, that the management of 18 
 our Christian discipline be not committed to hands unclean ; particu- 
 larly that such should not be active therein, 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 own house, how shall he take 
 care of the church of God?" And we particularly desire that those, 
 who from their experience and stations, ought to lead such to greater 
 circumspection, do not encourage their remissness, by putting them im- 
 properly forward into service. 1795. W. E. 
 
118 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 DISCIPLINE. We earnestly recommend to meetings, to allow sufficient time for 
 
 transacting the important business which may come before them, and 
 
 On the right to avoid unnecessary adjournments to distant times and places; but 
 
 the discipfme. when the business cannot be properly accomplished at one sitting, that 
 
 the adjournments may be held on the same or next succeeding day. 
 
 1787.— 1801. • 
 
 20 This meeting is impressed with a sense of the important duties 
 which devolve upon quarterly and monthly meetings, and under this 
 impression feels that small meetings for worship, and small preparative 
 meetings, ought peculiarly to claim their attention. We desire that 
 quarterly or monthly meetings may, from time to time, consider 
 whether these meetings are held in such a manner, under such regu- 
 lations, and at such times, as are best adapted to answer the end de- 
 signed ; and whether there may not be a propriety in appointing suit 
 able committees occasionally to visit them. 1815. — 1821. — 1822. 
 
 21 This meeting has been afresh impressed with the benefits resulting 
 from our Christian discipline, that salutary provision for the exercise 
 of gospel love and care, and for the purpose of reclaiming and 
 restoring those who may be overtaken with a fault. We believe that 
 it had its origin in Divine authority ; that it was founded on love 
 one towards another ; and that it has been a great blessing to our 
 society. We therefore affectionately recommend, that where any are 
 deficient, they should, in tenderness and love, be invited to assemble 
 with their brethren in meetings held on these occasions. If it be the 
 concern of all when thus met, to seek to have their minds settled in 
 that state, in which they are most fit to perceive the gentle intimations 
 and restraints of the Spirit of Truth, these meetings will often prove 
 times of great instruction, of close self-examination, and of a renewal 
 of strength ; they would then tend to unite us still more strongly one 
 unto another in the bond of Christian love ; and they would be a 
 means of increasing our esteem for those salutary restraints which 
 our religious testimonies require. Some who may have far to travel 
 to attend such meetings, whilst careful not to neglect their outward 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 119 
 
 affairs, would do well, on the recurrence of these occasions, to con- discipline. 
 sider whether it would not be for their good thus to be separated on the right 
 from the cares of this life ; and to breathe, in tender aspirations, for fhe1usci"in^ 
 strength to rise above them ; and these would, we believe, often be 
 permitted to feel, that such acts of dedication are followed by a peace- 
 ful reward. 1819.— 1820. 
 
 This meeting, notwithstanding the advice which has been issued 22 
 of later years, believes it right again to express an earnest desire, that 
 our meetings for discipline may be held in the power and authority 
 of Truth. We recommend, that in making appointments in such meet- 
 ings, care be taken to judge of the respective qualifications of those 
 who are employed in the service of the church, and not to introduce 
 friends to matters which may be beyond their religious strength. 
 
 As one means of preserving a quiet, settled frame of mind, we 
 exhort friends to consider whether it may not be injurious to leave 
 the meeting-house, or to enter into conversation, when about to attend 
 a meeting for discipline, after having previously been at a meeting 
 for worship ; and we desire that this care may prevail, with regard 
 to conversation, both before entering, and on leaving, all our religious 
 meetings. 
 
 The meeting for divine worship, previous to a meeting for discipline, 
 affords an opportunity for retirement in spirit before the Lord ; a 
 state in which we are best qualified to enter upon the concerns of 
 the church : and if friends endeavour to settle down in this collected x* 
 
 state of mind, and to maintain the watch as the business proceeds, 
 we believe they will often be sensible of the prevalence of Christian 
 love, be assisted to keep their own wills in due subjection, and mani- 
 fest to others, that they have no desire that their sentiments may be 
 adopted, rather than the solid judgment of the meeting. 1821. 
 
 The true nature and spirit of Christian discipline are thus instruc- 23 
 tively unfolded by the Apostle Paul : " Brethren, if a man be over- 
 taken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the 
 
120 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 »^^^^^^;^ spirit of meekness; considering thyself lest thou also be tempted."* 
 On the right From this passage we may learn, that the first object of our discipline 
 thedbcipLl ought to be, to restore offenders; and that it should ever be conducted 
 in the spirit of humility, meekness, and love. 
 
 While it is our steadfast endeavour, in the government of the 
 Church, to maintain our integrity in the truth, a due sense of our own 
 frailty will discourage all harsh judgment of our brethren ; and the 
 love of Christ, who came to seek and to save that which is lost, will 
 lead his servants into earnest and patient endeavours to gather again 
 those who are gone astray. Nor ought this Christian care to cease 
 when disownment has taken place. It is the earnest desire of this 
 meeting, that such individuals may not be overlooked in any part of 
 the society ; but that they may be the objects of the tender and watch- 
 ful care of friends, in order to their restoration. 1833. 
 
 24 We have been much impressed with the Value and importance of 
 
 our Christian discipline : we believe that our forefathers in the Truth 
 were graciously favoured with Divine aid in its establishment, and that 
 it is in accordance with the simple principles of church government 
 developed in the New Testament. While it enjoins upon us to be 
 subject one to another in love, it neither encroaches on true Christian 
 liberty, nor in any degree releases us from that individual dependence 
 on the great Head of the church, and that obedience to his command- 
 ments, without which we can have no claim to be regarded as mem- 
 bers of the body of Christ. We highly esteem this institution as a 
 means of preservation to us and to our children, and most earnestly do 
 we desire that it may ever be administered by men of clean hands, in 
 the spirit of meekness, and in the fear of God. And we affectionately 
 recommend those who are advancing to manhood, justly to appreciate 
 the care which our discipline extends over them ; to consider it a privi- 
 lege to be subject to it, and, as occasions may arise, to contribute to 
 uphold it. And whilst we fervently desire that the number of faithful 
 
 'Gal.vi. 1. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. • 121 
 
 labourers in word and doctrine may be increased, we wish to remind discipline. 
 
 our dear friends, that the discipline of the church affords a wide sphere 
 
 of usefulness to all who are concerned for the prosperity of the cause 
 
 of Truth ; and little as, in some cases, our dear brethren and sisters 
 
 may see of the fruit of their labours, we would at this time press it upon 
 
 them not to relax in a pious watchful care over the flock. 1833. P. E. 
 
 Forasmuch as a godly care is growing among friends in many 25 
 places, that all things which are unsavoury and hurtful may be re- ^^commSed 
 moved, so that all who profess the precious truth with us, may come a?MseVriends 
 up together in the good order of the gospel; for the furthering thereof, Jl^jheir famU 
 and encouraging thereto, it is recommended that weighty and sensible 
 friends, of unblamable conversation, be chosen in the wisdom of God 
 to visit the families of friends in his love ; and they are desired to 
 advise and admonish, in the peaceable spirit of truth, as occasion may 
 offer. 1708. P. E. 
 
 This meeting being under a weighty concern and exercise, on observ- 
 ing that the many wholesome advices, recommended from year to year, 
 are in too many places either neglected, or not enough practised ; par- 
 ticularly those against tithes, church-rates so called, and priests' main- 
 tenance ; also about keeping up to justice in dealing, plainness of habit 
 and speech, and several other branches of our Christian testimony ; 
 we therefore again recommend to friends in their several monthly meet- 
 ings, to take especial care to appoint proper, prudent, and judicious 
 friends, to visit their brethren in their families, pursuant to former 
 advices ; and that such friends labour faithfully in a spirit of love, and 
 in the meekness of wisdom, to convince the judgments of their respec- 
 tive members, of the necessity of their coming up with their brethren 
 in practice, agreeable to our Christian principle ; that so the several 
 branches of the testimony, which truth hath given our ancients and us 
 to bear, may be maintained inviolate. 1733. 
 
 R 
 
 26 
 
122 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 DISCIPLINE. We are concerned again to recommend to monthly meetings, the 
 ^« appointment of solid and judicious friends to visit the families of their 
 brethren in Christian love, and therein to inform, admonish, and advise, 
 as occasion may be ; and we beseech you, brethren, let the tender ad- 
 vice of such as shall undertake so brotherly an office, meet with a kind 
 and open reception, that in the mutual giving and receiving of whole- 
 some counsel and advice, you may co-operate to the help and further- 
 ance of each other's faith, and the reviving of our ancient Christian 
 testimony. 1752. P. E. 
 
 28 A weighty concern being livingly impressed on our minds in this 
 
 meeting, that good service may arise from visiting the families of our 
 brethren, by rightly concerned friends, we are engaged to recommend 
 to the sensible members of the body, and to monthly and quarterly 
 meetings, to feel deeply after the pointings of truth ; and that as this 
 divine principle opens their way, they may promote this useful service 
 in their respective meetings, by appointing suitable friends, of either 
 or both sexes, who are desired to proceed therein in the love of the 
 gospel, and under the tendering influence thereof; which we have good 
 cause to hope may thus be attended with beneficial effects to the 
 visited ; and with solid satisfaction, and additional experience in the 
 work of truth, to those who may be engaged therein. 1773. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 123 
 
 YEARLY MEETING. 
 
 For better managing, ordering, and regulating the public affairs of 1 
 
 friends, relating to truth, and the service thereof, it is agreed that a ing^estabiisit 
 general meeting be held in London annually. 1672. ^ ' 
 
 The good and blessed intent and end of this and all our assemblies, 2 
 
 is, with the Lord's assistance, for his honour : in the promoting and ^ ° J^<= • 
 maintaining of our Christian society and religion, in life and practice, 
 in all the parts and branches thereof. 1695. P. E. 
 
 It is the fervent desire of this meeting, that the business and con- 3 
 
 cerns thereof be solidly, in the fear of God, managed and carried on, ducting rf"its 
 without contention or striving, and with as few words, and in as perti- ^"'^"^* 
 nent expressions to the matter in hand, as may be, for expediting the 
 affairs thereof without loss of time, or any ways disordering the meet- 
 ing ; but one at a time speaking, and standing up, that all things may 
 be done decently, and in good order. 1710. 
 
 The intent and design of our annual assemblies, in their first consti- 4 
 
 tution, was for a great and weighty oversight and Christian care of the nan^ceof' true 
 affairs of the churches pertaining to our holy profession and Christian ^°^J of esse"- 
 communion ; that good order, true love, unity, and concord may be ance"^^'^'' 
 faithfully followed and maintained among all of us, as a peculiar 
 people, called and chosen out of the world, and the errors and corrup- 
 tions thereof; knowing also, that sincere love and union in general 
 will be a great cause of truth's prosperity among ourselves, and of the 
 prevalency thereof over the world, and the spirit of it : all which seri- 
 ously considered, we sincerely desire and humbly hope, that God will be 
 graciously pleased more and more to put into the hearts of friends and 
 
 R 2 
 
124 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 YEARLY 
 MEETING. 
 
 5 
 
 Constitution. 
 
 brethren, to be zealously concerned that universal love, true union, 
 peace, and concord be followed and maintained in all the churches of 
 Christ ; and, on the contrary, all enmity, divisions, discord, and strife, 
 watched against and shut out, that the power and peace of our God 
 may prevail and rule in all hearts. 1718. P. E. 
 
 It is concluded that this meeting consist of representatives from 
 every quarterly meeting in Great Britain, and from the yearly meeting 
 in Ireland; likewise of acknowledged ministers and appointed elders, 
 and of the correspondents. Each quarterly meeting is to depute not 
 more than eight, nor less than four representatives, where they can 
 conveniently be found ; but the quarterly meetings of Lancashire, Lon- 
 don and Middlesex, and Yorkshire, in consideration of their numbers, 
 are each allowed to send tw^elve. 1728. — 1730. — 1782. — 1801. — 1833. 
 
 6 
 
 Who to be 
 deputed as re- 
 presentatives: 
 
 Quarterly meetings are desired to be careful annually to depute such 
 friends to attend the service of this meeting, whose lives and con- 
 versation become our Christian profession, and who manifest their love 
 to the cause of Truth by a diligent attendance of their meetings for 
 worship and discipline at home, and by a faithful support of our various 
 testimonieg. 1714. P. E.— 1733. P. E.~1743. W. E.— 1833. 
 
 "7 This meeting directs, that the names of the representatives to this 
 
 given of their meeting, and also to the yearly meeting of ministers and elders, be 
 entered under the answers to the respective queries, previously to the 
 signatures of the clerks of the several quarterly meetings. And also, 
 that the representatives do deliver in their names in writing, and for what 
 meetings, to the clerk of the meeting for suiferings in London, previ- 
 ously to the sitting of this meeting, that they may be entered in the 
 yearly meeting book : in order to save time, and that the names may 
 be entered more correctly. The names of the representatives are like- 
 wise to be indorsed on the answers to the queries ; and a reference is 
 to be added to any minute or testimony which may be sent from the 
 quarterly meeting. 1753.— 1790.— 1833. 
 
 and of mi- 
 nutes, &c. 
 from quarter 
 \y meetings. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 125 
 
 It is agreed that the following be the arrangement for the holding of yearly 
 this meeting, and other meetings immediately connected therewith : — ^>,^»\^^^ 
 
 The yearly meeting of ministers and elders to begin on the day after 8 
 
 the third first day in the fifth month, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, and howw the 
 to proceed the remainder of that day, and third day morning with its fnTiJd"outer 
 
 biminesq • meetings con- 
 
 The adjourned general meeting for Ackworth school, to be held on ^^'^' 
 third day afternoon at five. 
 
 The yearly meeting at large to sit down on fourth day morning 
 at ten. Meetings for worship to be held on sixth day morning at ten, 
 and on fourth day morning in the week following at the same hour. 
 1798.— 1833. 
 
 Advised, that no representatives withdraw, or go out of town, before 9 
 
 the meeting end, without leave first requested and granted; that the tivesnotto 
 service of the meeting may not be neglected. 1709. without leave. 
 
 It is agreed that the representatives shall meet at the close of the first 10 
 sitting of this meeting in each year, and shall, when so met, nominate assistants. 
 a clerk and two assistants for the current year, from amongst the mem- 
 bers of this meeting ; except that they shall be at liberty to nominate 
 the former clerk. The said nomination is to be reported to the next 
 sitting of this meeting previously to any other business : and the 
 former clerk is not to consider himself discharged until another be 
 chosen. 1807.— 1822.— 1833. 
 
 Agreed, that two or three friends be appointed to revise the minutes 1 1 
 of each day's transactions, and to correct any slight inaccuracies that appointed to 
 may be observed ; and if any alterations or corrections in things of mhiutes.^ 
 moment appear necessary, to propose the same to the meeting at its 
 next sitting, previously to any other business ; in order that the minutes 
 may be entered with due accuracy, and in a manner clearly to be com 
 prehended. 1762. 
 
126 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 YEABLY 
 MEETING. 
 
 12 
 
 Committee 
 to audit 
 accounts. 
 
 A committee is to be amiually appointed to audit the accounts of 
 this meeting, which committee is to consist of one representative from 
 each quarterly meeting, by which means all the quarterly meetings 
 may have an opportunity of being informed how the money collected 
 for the general service of the society is expended. 1752. — 1833. 
 
 13 All letters directed to this meeting, except from such meetings as 
 
 ]ks"p?rused^ regularly correspond therewith, are to be first perused by two or three 
 three friends, ^^^^^s to be appointed, who are to consider and report whether the 
 same be proper to be read in this meeting or not. 1736. 
 
 14 
 
 Propositions 
 to be sent in 
 writing. 
 
 This meeting desires, that all propositions from any quarterly or 
 yearly meeting to this meeting, be delivered in writing, and signed by 
 order of such meeting. 1735. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 127 
 
 QUARTERLY MEETINGS. 
 
 All minutes and written epistles from the yearly meeting are to be 1 
 entered by the quarterly meetings in fair books, and the printed from"thTyear- 
 epistles properly kept, that all friends of their counties may have Ji'^^nterei or 
 recourse to them, as occasion shall require : and quarterly meetings P^'^served. 
 are desired to take care, that the same attention be had in their several 
 monthly meetings. 1727. — 1801. 
 
 When a quarterly meeting hath come to a judgment respecting 2 
 
 any difference, relative to any monthly meeting belonging to it, and ,^ee"fjg^ ^^y 
 notified the same in writing to such monthly meeting, the said monthly JiPu/^gnt' 
 meeting; ouffht to submit to the iud^ment of the quarterly meeting: of quarterly 
 
 o» J n T..70' meetings. 
 
 but if such monthly meeting shall not be satisfied therewith, then the 
 monthly meeting may appeal to the yearly meeting against the judg- 
 ment and determination of the quarterly meeting. 
 
 And if a monthly meeting shall refuse to take the advice, and sub- Case in which 
 mit to the judgment, of the quarterly meeting, and notwithstanding meeting may 
 will not appeal against the determination of the said meeting to the monthly 
 yearly meeting, in such case the quarterly meeting shall be at liberty, 
 either to dissolve such monthly meeting, or bring the affair before the 
 next or succeeding yearly meeting. 
 
 And in case a quarterly meeting shall dissolve a monthly meeting, but subject to 
 the dissolved monthly meeting, or any part thereof in the name of the peafon the 
 
 • 1 n 1 V, IT J- part of the 
 
 said meetmg, shall be at liberty to appeal to the next or succeeding monthly 
 
 1 • • 1T1' i-niTii 11 meetings con- 
 
 yearly meeting against such dissolution ; but ii the dissolved monthly cemed. 
 
 meeting, or a part thereof in its behalf, shall not appeal to the yearly 
 
 meeting, the quarterly meeting shall join the members of the said 
 
 late monthly meeting to such other monthly meetings as it may think 
 
128 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 aUARTERLY 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 most convenient ; and until such junction, shall take care that no 
 inconvenience doth ensue to the members of such dissolved meeting, 
 respecting any branch of our discipline. 
 
 And if any of the monthly meetings, to which the quarterly meeting 
 shall join the whole or a part of the late monthly meeting, do think 
 themselves aggrieved, they shall be at liberty to appeal against the 
 quarterly meeting to the yearly meeting ; and until such appeal is 
 heard and determined, the friends added by the quarterly meeting to 
 them, shall be deemed their members. 1743. 
 
 3 It is agreed that where general or other periodical meetings are 
 
 other periodi- established in the place of quarterly meetings, directions respecting 
 the latter are applicable to the former, so far as circumstances will ad- 
 mit. 1801.— 1833. . " 
 
 4 
 
 Monthly- 
 meetings to 
 receive the 
 especial no- 
 tice of quar- 
 terly meet- 
 ings in the 
 summer. 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment that due attention on the part of 
 quarterly meetings to inspect and to assist their respective monthly 
 meetings, when deficiencies are known to exist, is highly conducive 
 to the maintenance of our Christian discipline. The several quarterly 
 meetings of men and women friends are therefore desired, without omit- 
 ting the necessary care at the time the answers are brought in, to em- 
 ploy also the Summer quarterly meeting in further attention to the 
 state of their several monthly meetings, as laid open in the answers to 
 the queries sent forward to this meeting. 1801. 
 
 In the consideration of that care which it is the duty of quarterly 
 meetings to extend towards their monthly meetings, this meeting is 
 engaged to recommend that at the Midsummer quarterly meeting, 
 when the query expressly addressed to such meetings is brought 
 under notice, the state of their respective monthly meetings should 
 claim their solid consideration, more especially with a view to the 
 extending of the necessary help to those monthly meetings which 
 may be in a weak or reduced condition, and may stand in need of 
 assistance ; and if any quarterly meetings find that they require the 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 129 
 
 help of this meeting, they are encouraged to represent the same in quarterly 
 brotherly openness. 1827. 
 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 This meeting having considered the case of ministers who have to 6 
 
 apply to their quarterly meetings for concurrence in their concerns to SSers*'^ 
 
 travel in religious service, concludes that the said meeting's are at J>e laid before 
 
 o ' o the joint 
 
 liberty to enter upon the consideration of such concerns in a ioint quarterly 
 
 •' ^ ^ '> meeting of 
 
 quarterly meetins; of men and women friends, if they should think it "^^n and wo- 
 
 ^ _ *' ^ ' ./ men friends. 
 
 desirable to pursue such a course. 1830. 
 
 The several quarterly meetings are to transmit annually in the Spring 7 
 
 to the meeting for sufferings, information of any meetings which have meetifVto 
 
 been settled, discontinued, or united in the course of the year, in order annu^iT^^^' 
 that such information may be duly communicated to this meeting. 1833. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting when any quarterly meeting g 
 
 thinks it right to give permission to a monthly meeting to be held less '^^*'° ^^^^^ °^" 
 
 frequently than once in the month, or iudo-es it expedient that men quiring the 
 
 . , ' J n r yearly meet- 
 
 and women friends should sit together as a monthly meeting for dis- ing's previous 
 
 _ , . . approbation. 
 
 cipline, that the same be reported to this meeting for its approbation, 
 before either measure be carried into effect. 1833. 
 
130 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 MONTHLY MEETINGS. 
 
 1 Agreed, that no monthly meeting shall be allowed to divide itself 
 
 montWy° into two Separate monthly meetings, without the consent or concur- 
 meetings. rencc of the quarterly meeting. 1715. 
 
 2 
 
 Union of 
 
 monthly 
 
 meetings. 
 
 Wheresoever it appears that any monthly meetings, through the 
 smallness of the number of friends attending them, are not sufficiently 
 qualified for carrying on the discipline of the church, we wish that 
 such small meetings might join some other neighbouring monthly 
 meetings; that by such union they might be assisted and strength- 
 ened. 1752. W. E. 
 
 3 It is the judgment of this meeting, when any monthly meeting thinks 
 
 ment or dis- it right to establish any new meeting for worship or any preparative 
 of^mTSgs meeting, or to discontinue, either wholly, or in part, any such meeting 
 ariVprepara- already Settled, that the same be reported to the quarterly meeting for 
 ti^re meetings. -^^ approbation, before it be carried into effect. 1822. 
 
 4 
 
 The care of 
 small meet- 
 ings for wor- 
 ship recom- 
 mended. 
 
 This meeting being of the judgment that it would be an acceptable 
 and useful service, if friends were occasionally to attend the smaller 
 meetings for worship, held on first days, and on other days of the 
 week, in the districts in which they reside, recommends the subject to 
 the attention of quarterly and monthly meetings. Such an intercourse 
 would enable friends to enter more closely into the peculiar circum- 
 stances of their brethren ; and would, we believe, tend to strengthen 
 the precious bond of Christian fellowship. 1826. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 131 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting that our meeting-houses be monthly 
 
 jr EE TT Vf S 
 
 not lent for the purposes of worship to those who make use of modes ^s^^v^^ 
 and forms, from which we are religiously restrained. On this account, 5 
 
 it is the further judgment of this meeting that the meeting-houses of SeeUng'"^ 
 other societies should be very cautiously applied for, or accepted ; and ^°"^^®* 
 it is recommended that on such occasions, when unavoidable, friends do 
 endeavour, in meekness and wisdom, to inform such as are free to offer 
 their meeting-houses, of the reasons by which we are restrained from 
 reciprocally granting our own. As the considerations which apply to 
 meeting-houses in use do not altogether attach to those that are dis- 
 used, this meeting leaves the subject of their appropriation to the dis- 
 cretion of monthly meetings. 1799. — 1833. 
 
 We earnestly desire the increase of true gospel labourers amongst Q 
 
 us, for the edification of our own body, and the spreading of the truth ^ent of mi^' 
 as it is in Jesus. At the same time, let us remember the apostolic "''^^ers. 
 advice, " Lay hands suddenly on no man ;"^ for we have cause to believe 
 that injudicious encouragement hath tended to promote an unsound 
 ministry in some places. It is therefore recommended, that the minis- 
 ters and elders, in the several monthly meetings,, would tenderly advise 
 those who come forth in public testimony, to wait patiently under a 
 deep consideration of their state of infancy and childhood : and when 
 their fruits afford sufficient evidence of their qualifications for so im- 
 portant a service, that such young ministers be reported to their 
 monthly meetings; which, upon solid and deliberate consideration, 
 may, as in the wisdom of truth shall seem meet, recommend them to 
 the meetings of ministers and elders, in order to their becoming mem- 
 bers of those meetings. 1773. W. E.— 1833. 
 
 This meeting recommends to ministers and elders, when they may « 
 
 deem it proper to submit to the monthly meetings to which they 
 belong, the propriety of acknowledging a friend as a minister, that pre- 
 viously to doing so they should apply to, and have the advice of^ the 
 
 ' 1 Tim. V. 22. 
 
 s 2 
 
132 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 MONTHLY 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 quarterly meeting of ministers and elders of which they form a part. 
 No record of such cases is to be made in any meeting of ministers and 
 elders. 1830. 
 
 This meeting recommends, when a proposition for acknowledging a 
 minister is about to be made to a monthly meeting, as pointed out by 
 the two last preceding rules, or if the case originate in the meeting itself, 
 that the same be brought forward in the men's monthly meeting, pre- 
 viously to its entering upon any other business. The men's meeting 
 on receiving it, is either then, or at a more suitable time, to proceed, in 
 conjunction with the members of the women's monthly meeting, to the 
 consideration and conclusion of the case. 1810. — 1822. — 1833. 
 
 9 
 
 Concerns of 
 ministers to 
 travel on re- 
 ligious ser- 
 vice : 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, when either men or women friends 
 have a concern to travel in the work of the ministry, and have occasion 
 to apply to their monthly meeting for a written testimonial of its con- 
 currence, that they communicate their views to men and women friends 
 collectively assembled, on notice being given at the close of the pre- 
 ceding meeting for worship, for the women friends to remain until the 
 men's meeting is regularly constituted ; when, on the concern of the 
 individual being communicated, it is to be made the subject of joint 
 deliberation and conclusion ; after which, if the concern be united with, 
 a certificate or other written testimonial of concurrence, is to be pre- 
 pared, and signed in the men's and women's meetings separately. 
 Nevertheless the friends thus collectively assembled are at liberty to 
 postpone the decision, or refer the subject to a committee for consider- 
 ation, whenever they may apprehend such delay or reference desirable ; 
 and any committee so appointed, is to make report at another joint 
 conference, previously to the ordering or granting of a certificate. 1811. 
 —1816.— 1822. 
 
 10 
 
 I reland ! 
 
 Ministers under a concern to visit the meetings of friends in the 
 nation of Ireland, should have the concurrence of, and certificates 
 from, not only the monthly, but also the quarterly meeting to which 
 they belong, when it can be had with conveniency. 1763. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 133 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment, that ministering friends who have ^ionthly 
 
 ./"N "I T»TTT. MEETINGS' 
 
 a concern to travel in Scotland, or on the islands adjacent to that \,^^/^^t^ 
 nation, with a view of holding meetings among those of other religious 1 1 
 societies, should have the concurrence and unity of. their quarterly 
 meetings, in addition to that of their monthly meetings, when the 
 same can be had with convenience ; apprehending that such procedure 
 will be of considerable advantage to friends under an exercise of so 
 important a nature. Nevertheless, it is not meant, that this rule shall 
 apply to friends travelling in the work of the ministry, whose concern 
 is chiefly to the members of our own society. 1812. 
 
 This meeting recommends, when monthly meetings liberate friends 12 
 to travel in the work of the ministry, and the places at which their la- ^e^eocca-*'" 
 bours are likely to commence are at a considerable distance from their ^^'^"^' 
 respective residences, as may particularly occur in the case of visits 
 to Ireland and Scotland, that such meetings provide for the discharge 
 of the necessary travelling expenses of such friends, and of a guide 
 where needful, until they enter upon their service, in like manner as if 
 the distance were less; and that similar expenses of any friends so 
 travelling and returning home from a place considerably remote, be 
 defrayed by any monthly meeting in Great Britain in the compass of 
 which their service may terminate. 
 
 If in any of the cases which may come within the preceding recom- 
 mendation, neither the monthly meeting, nor the quarterly meeting of 
 which it forms a part, should be in a situation suitably to bear the 
 expenses so incurred, it is agreed that the latter shall be at liberty to 
 apply to the meeting for sufferings ; which meeting may, in its dis- 
 cretion, reimburse the whole or any part thereof out of the national 
 stock. 1827. 
 
 If any person appearing as a minister, shall give cause of uneasiness 13 
 
 or dissatisfaction to friends, in doctrine, behaviour, or conversation, SiTwitJf^" 
 the person so offending is to be dealt with privately in a gospel spirit i»»"isters. 
 and manner. If this shall not take effect, then let complaint be made 
 
134 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 MONTHLY 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 14 
 
 Readmission 
 into member- 
 ship does not 
 reinstate as a 
 minister. 
 
 of such person to the monthly meeting to which he or she may belong ; 
 in order that proceeding thereon may be had accordingly, and the 
 affair settled with all possible expedition. 1723. 
 
 If any one who has been a public minister, shall be guilty of such 
 practices as may justly deserve public censure, and shall be publicly 
 censured and disowned, and afterwards, upon tokens of repentance, 
 be again admitted into membership ; such readmission is not to be 
 considered as reinstating him or her as a public minister. 1737. 
 W. E. 
 
 15 
 
 Testimonies 
 concerning 
 deceased 
 friends. 
 
 When monthly meetings judge it proper to draw up testimonies 
 respecting the religious lives and services of deceased ministers, they 
 are desired to exercise due care therein ; but to include, as far as may 
 be expedient, the remarkable dying-sayings of such friends, and to 
 mention the age, place of abode, time of decease, and place of burial, 
 also how long they had been ministers : and it is desired that these 
 testimonies or accounts may be drawn up with sufficient regard to con- 
 ciseness, and be revised and recorded by the quarterly meetings, 
 previously to their being sent to this meeting. 
 
 Where no particular account concerning a deceased minister is 
 judged necessary, information is nevertheless to be transmitted to this 
 meeting, of the name, age, place of abode, time of decease, and place 
 of burial of such friend, and it is also to be noted, how long he or she 
 had been a minister. 1710.— 1713.— 1740.— 1743.— 1791.— 1801. 
 
 16 On considering the subject of admitting testimonies concerning 
 
 deceased friends, other than ministers, it is concluded best to make no 
 alteration of the former practice of this meeting : nevertheless any 
 friend who may have in possession any instructive communications 
 from friends near the close of life, is encouraged to send up the same 
 to the clerk of the meeting for sufferings in London, to be laid before 
 that meeting for its disposal. 1795. — 1833. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 135 
 
 Monthly meetings are desired to appoint some serious, discreet, monthly 
 
 IT-P'TI •• 11 1 MEETIKG8. 
 
 and judicious friends, who are not ministers, tenderly to encourage and \^^\^^ 
 
 help young ministers, and advise others, as they in the wisdom of God 1 7 
 
 see occasion ; and where there are meetings of ministering friends, the SSera!" 
 friends so appointed are to be admitted as members of such meetings of 
 ministers, and to act therein for the good purposes aforesaid. 1727. 
 
 In the appointment of elders, age or wealth is not to be an induce- 18 
 ment in the choice ; but let such be appointed as fear God, and love 
 his truth in sincerity, who, being sound in Christian doctrine, and of 
 clean hands, may comfort the feeble-minded and reprove the unruly, 
 with proper weight. 1761. — 1833. 
 
 In order to assist in a suitable choice, when an appointment of 19 
 elders appears to a monthly meeting to be desirable, application is to 
 be made to the quarterly meeting for the assistance of a few friends ; 
 and the quarterly meeting of women friends is to have the opportunity 
 of appointing some of its number. Monthly meetings are to appoint 
 a few judicious men and women friends, prior to this application, who, 
 with those appointed by the quarterly meeting, are to form a committee 
 for judging of the gifts and qualifications of such as may be then pro- 
 posed for this important station. Their report is to be presented to the 
 monthly meeting for its consideration. Such friends as may be thus 
 nominated, if approved by the monthly meeting, are to be appointed 
 to the station of elder. Information thereof is to be conveyed to the 
 meeting of ministers and elders ; as from the period of their appoint- 
 ment they become members of the said meeting. 1784. — 1796. — 
 1812.— 1833. 
 
 Monthly meetings are at liberty, after the exercise of due care and 20 
 admonition, to displace from the appointment, such elders as appear "^f^Jiders.^ 
 to be either incompetent to their station or unfaithful in it. 1772. — 
 1776.— 1801. 
 
136 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 MONTHLY Doubts having arisen, whether a friend appointed to the station of 
 
 MEETINGS. . .,..-. ,. 
 
 v,,^^^^^ elder in any monthly meeting retams that station, if removed into 
 
 21 another monthly meeting; it is the judgment of this meeting that 
 sidenceof ^^' such Station is not lost, provided such removal be w^ithin the same 
 
 quarterly meeting ; but in case the removal of an elder be out of the 
 limits of the quarterly meeting to which he or she belongs, such elder 
 shall not be continued in that station, unless a reappointment be made, 
 pursuant to the rules for the choice of elders. 1801. 
 
 22 To the end that effectual care be taken in all cases wherein the 
 of overseers, testimony of truth is concerned, we advise you to appoint some faith- 
 ful friends of your respective meetings to see how well such things are 
 observed ; and tenderly to admonish those, in brotherly love, that shall 
 decline the same. 1698. P. E. 
 
 23 We desire, pursuant to former advices, that meetings would appoint 
 suitable friends as overseers of the flock ; who are intreated to enter 
 into and discharge this labour with a ready mind. And, dear friends, 
 we earnestly recommend, that in all your meetings, in the choice of 
 elders, or overseers of the flock, you be especially careful to choose such 
 as are themselves of upright and unblamable conversation ; that the ad- 
 vice which they shall occasionally administer to other friends may be the 
 better received, and carry with it the greater weight and force on the 
 minds of those whom they shall be concerned to admonish. 1752. W. E. 
 
 24 When an appointment of overseers is necessary, the matter is to be 
 referred to a committee of judicious friends ; who are to report to the 
 monthly meeting, for its approbation, the names of such friends as are 
 thought suitable for that service. 1789. — 1801. 
 
 25 It is the judgment of this meeting that, as far as circumstances will 
 admit, at least two men and two women friends be appointed as 
 overseers in each particular meeting. Where this is not the case, 
 monthly meetings are desired in answering the fourteenth query briefly 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 13^ 
 
 to represent to the quarterly meeting the particular situation in this monthly 
 respect of any such constituent meeting. 1833. 
 
 MEETIXGS. 
 
 This meeting apprehends that considerable advantage would arise 26 
 from each monthly meeting keeping an alphabetical list of its members, J^er^to^be «c^ 
 and examining such list at least once in the year; and recommends amined annu- 
 the different quarterly meetings to take measures for the adoption of 
 this practice.^ 1812. 
 
 On the subject of the right of children to membership in the society, 27 
 this meeting considers it proper to define, that such right is to be un- S-?n to"^mem- 
 derstood as extending to any child born of parents in membership, ^^^^^'P- 
 such parents having been married in a manner agreeable to, or not in 
 violation of the rules of the society ; also to any child, either the father 
 or mother of whom is at the time of its birth a member, provided such 
 father and mother were married in a manner agreeable to, or not in vio- 
 lation of the said rules. Children who are the offspring of marriages 
 contrary to such rules, unless born after the parents are severally, 
 either by acceptance of acknowledgment, by reinstatement, or by ad- 
 mission, members in unity, are not to be considered as having a right to 
 membership : yet it is the judgment of this meeting, that monthly children not 
 meetings in which they reside, ought to extend a tender care over such j^g^^^j/j" ^^"^ 
 children, and that it should be in the discretion of such meetings to ^aredfor: 
 admit them into membership, (either in their infancy or more advanced 
 years,) according to circumstances. 1820. — 1833. 
 
 Children born after the disownment of their parents, and who duly oo 
 attend our meetings for worship, being also of an orderly conversation, 
 should be tenderly regarded ; and when the meeting wherein they 
 reside, apprehends they have attained sufficient judgment to choose 
 for themselves, they should be visited, and if they express a desire 
 to be esteemed members of our society, they ought to be admitted, 
 at the discretion of the monthly meeting. 1767. 
 
 ' See Oversight, No. 12, and the 14th Query. 
 
 T 
 
138 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 MONTHLY 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 29 
 
 and also their 
 parents. 
 
 This meeting has derived satisfaction from the attention which has 
 been paid in the respective quarterly meetings, to the children of 
 parents not in affluence, not members of our society, which children 
 are brought up in the attendance of our religious meetings ; and wishes 
 to encourage friends of the respective quarterly and monthly meetings 
 to continue to extend a friendly care and interest towards the parents 
 of such children, and towards the children themselves as regards their 
 moral and religious education. 1829. — 1833. 
 
 30 
 
 Finding 
 
 E laces lor 
 oys as ap- 
 prentices. 
 
 This meeting having taken into consideration the loss which youth 
 sustain for want of suitable places being timely known, wherein they 
 may be placed out as apprentices, agrees that each monthly meeting 
 be desired to inquire, (at least as often as at the monthly meeting 
 which occurs before every quarterly meeting,) whether any masters want 
 apprentices, or any boys want places ; and if the inquiry should not 
 supply the respective wants, to transmit an account of those which are 
 unsupplied to the quarterly meeting. 1806. 
 
 31 
 
 Annual ap- 
 pointment to 
 collect ac- 
 counts of suf- 
 ferings. 
 
 This meeting recommends to general practice what hath been found 
 of great use in many places, viz. an annual appointment in each 
 monthly meeting of a suitable number of friends, to apply for an 
 account of sufferings once a year to each of their members liable to 
 priests' demands, tithes, or those called church-rates, also demands 
 on account of the militia, and things of that nature; and, where 
 weakness or unfaithfulness appears in any, to administer such advice 
 and admonition as may be necessary for their help : and the monthly 
 meetings are requested to take due care, that those appointed for 
 this service be faithful and judicious friends. 1780. 
 
 32 This meeting directs that monthly meetings do annually make ap- 
 
 Sie annual in- poiutmcnts of Suitable friends to communicate to their members indi- 
 
 ^pectionofaf. yidually, whom it may concern, the advice to be imparted as to their 
 
 keeping clear and correct accounts, and as regards a careful inspection 
 
 into the state of their affairs once in the year. In the discharge of 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 139 
 
 this service, opportunities are afforded for a kind and brotherly inter- monthly 
 
 .,..,. MEETINGS. 
 
 course, which without intruding into the private affairs of individuals, \.^\^^^ 
 may be productive of real benefit.' 1793. — 1833. 
 
 In the love of Christ, we earnestly exhort you to watch diligently 33 
 over the flock, and deal in due time, and in a spirit of Christian love the^dSdpfhie 
 and tenderness, with all such as walk disorderly amongst you, in order unquYncy!'^^ 
 to reclaim and restore them by brotherly counsel and admonition ; and 
 when, after patient waiting, you find that your Christian labour of love 
 hath not its desired effect, neglect not to testify against and disown 
 such persons, and thereby prevent the reproach and dishonour that 
 may be brought upon our holy profession through their means ; that 
 the end and design of our wholesome discipline may be answered. 
 
 The want of due care in this respect, hath, as we apprehend, 
 brought great difficulties on some meetings; for we think it both 
 unseasonable and dishonourable, when persons apply to monthly 
 meetings on account of marriage, or for relief in case of necessity, 
 or any similar occasion, then to object to them such offences as the 
 meeting, through neglect of its own duty, hath suffered long to pass 
 by, unreproved, and unnoticed. 1743. W. E. 
 
 When any one of our members commits an offence, and after due 34 
 private labour it has been communicated to the monthly meeting, that ^''"eedin^^"" 
 meeting shall appoint some well qualified friends to visit the offending 
 member, and in Christian love to inquire carefully into the matter, and 
 labour for the restoration of the brother or sister who may have been 
 overtaken in a fault. The friends appointed are to report as early as 
 convenient to the monthly meeting. 
 
 In the case of delinquency by a friend who is not a member of the 
 meeting in which he resides, care should be taken, after due inquiry 
 and private labour, that the meeting to which he belongs be informed 
 of the case. The meeting of which he is a member is then to proceed 
 to visit and deal with him, unless by reason of distance it be not con- 
 
 * See the 15 th Query. 
 
 t2 
 
140 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 MONTHLY 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 Course of pro- 
 ceeding. 
 
 venient ; in which case, it is to apply to the monthly meeting in which 
 the offender resides, to act for it and visit him, and report its proceed- 
 ings to the meeting of which he is a member; which meeting is to 
 receive his acknowledgment, or disown him, as in its judgment the 
 case shall require, reporting either conclusion to the other meeting. If 
 a testimony of disownment be issued, a copy thereof is to be sent to 
 the meeting in the compass of which the offender resides, which is to 
 acquaint him therewith, and acknowledge the receipt thereof to the 
 meeting that sent it. 
 
 If the offender remove after dealing be commenced, the meeting that 
 had him under its care, shall continue the same, if he be equally with- 
 in its reach, or otherwise is at liberty to write to the meeting into the 
 compass of which he is removed ; which meeting is to proceed therein, 
 and report to the meeting of which he is a member, which shall receive 
 his acknowledgment, or proceed to disown him as aforesaid. 
 
 In case offenders shall remove to places not within the acknow- 
 ledged limits of any monthly meeting, it is agreed that they may be 
 placed under the care of the meeting to which they are the nearest 
 situated. 
 
 If an offender cannot be found, the meeting to which he belongs, 
 shall issue a testimony against him ; if the nature of the case require 
 it. Information of disownments is to be sent to the women's monthly 
 meeting; and also to the preparative meeting (if there be one) to 
 which the disowned person belonged : and in all cases a copy is to 
 be delivered to the person disowned, if access can be had to him. 
 1782.— 1801.-^1833. 
 
 35 
 
 Papers of coir 
 •lemnation 
 from delin- 
 quents. 
 
 Forasmuch as some persons, who by their ill-conduct, have justly 
 deserved and come under the censure of the meetings to which they 
 belong, have thought to get from under the weight of that judgment, 
 by signing a paper of condemnation, and thereby have supposed them- 
 selves discharged ; it is therefore recommended to friends' consideration, 
 that they be careful not to admit such persons too early into fellowship, 
 or give them cause to think they are accepted, before the meeting or 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 141 
 
 meetino;s are satisfied of their repentance and amendment; notwith- mokthly 
 standing such paper be given. 1708. P. E. 
 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 Should any^ person having been disowned, coming to a just sense of 36 
 his misconduct, be desirous of readmission into the society, he is to ^nSbers" 
 apply to the monthly meeting which disowned him ; which, if it think 
 proper, is to visit him, or to apply to the meeting wherein he resides, to 
 do it, and make report. The meeting which disowned him is then to 
 proceed to accept or reject his acknowledgment, as it may see meet : 
 and, if readmitted, he is to become a member in the meeting to which 
 he formerly belonged. The same course is to be pursued in the case 
 of a friend who may have resigned his membership, and apply for re- 
 admission into the society. 1782. — 1801. — 1833. 
 
 Unsoundness 
 of doctrine. 
 
 If there be any such gross errors, false doctrines, or mistakes, held 37 
 by any professing truth, as are either against the validity of Christ's 
 sufferings, blood, resurrection, ascension, or glory in the heavens, 
 according as they are set forth in the scriptures ; or any ways tending 
 to the denial of the heavenly man Christ ; such persons ought to be 
 diligently instructed and admonished by faithful friends, and not to 
 be exposed by any to public reproach ; and where the error proceeds 
 from ignorance and darkness of their understanding, they ought the 
 more meekly and gently to be informed : but if any shall wilfully 
 persist in error in point of faith, after being duly informed, then such 
 to be further dealt with according to gospel order, that the truth, 
 church, or body of Christ, may not suffer by any particular 'pretended 
 member that is so corrupt. 1694. W. E. 
 
 Persons professing with us, who absent themselves from our religious 38 
 meetings, and disregard the repeated advice and endeavours of friends meeUngs\)r 
 to stir them up to this necessary duty, are to be dealt with by the ^^^'^^ *^' 
 monthly meeting to which they belong, even to disowning, if the 
 case require it. 1770. 
 
142 
 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 MONTHLY 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 39 
 
 Illegal deal- 
 ings in the 
 public stocks. 
 
 This meeting has been deeply affected with the reproach brought 
 on truth and friends, by the misconduct of some under our name, who 
 through an evil covetousness, have engaged in illegal dealings in the 
 public stocks, or government securities ; which is a species of gaming, 
 and altogether inconsistent with our religious principles. In order 
 therefore to prevent, as much as may be, such disgraceful practices, 
 we do advise, that where any member of our society is found to be 
 guilty thereof, either as principal, agent, or broker, monthly meetings 
 do not fail tenderly to advise and deal with such ; and if they cannot 
 bring him to a sense of his misconduct, and induce him to relinquish 
 the practice, to testify against and disown him. 1788. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. H3 
 
 PREPARATIVE MEETINGS. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, that the holding of preparative l 
 
 meetings, under suitable regulations, may be of real advantage, where meSSre- 
 monthly meetings consist of two or more particular meetings ; and that commended : 
 the proper business of such meetings is 
 
 To inquire after births, burials, and removals, in order to carry their busi- 
 accounts thereof to the monthly meeting : 
 
 To read and consider the queries, as settled by the yearly meeting, 
 and conclude on answers in writing, if convenient, to the first ten, the 
 twelfth, and the fore part of the thirteenth : 
 
 To appoint representatives to the monthly meeting. 1794. — 1833. 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment, that men and women should not be 2 
 
 at liberty to sit together, in transacting the business of preparative meet- cases of weak- 
 ings ; except at the discretion of the quarterly meeting, in consideration 
 of the smallness of the number and manifest weakness. The men's 
 queries then to be considered to be the queries of the preparative meet- 
 ing, and the answers to be sent from thence to the men's and, as far as 
 circumstances require it, to the women's monthly meeting ; and repre- 
 sentatives appointed to each, as far as practicable. 1799. — 1833. 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment that when a preparative meeting is 3 
 
 omitted to be held, information of the same should be sent from the quaTter^^ 
 monthly to the quarterly meeting ; but that it is not necessary for such be^^nfoSned: 
 information to be transmitted to this meeting. 1828. 
 
 It is suggested that advantage might be derived from occasionally 
 ading in preparative meetings portions of the co 
 meeting, contained in the Book of Extracts. 1833. 
 
 reading in preparative meetings portions of the counsel issued by this of Extracts, 
 
144 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 Women's 
 meetings re- 
 commended. 
 
 WOMEN S MEETINGS. 
 
 1 It is our tender and christian advice that you do encourage faithful 
 women's meetings, and the settling of them where they are wanting, 
 and may with convenience be settled ; knowing their service, and what 
 need there is also of their godly care in the church of Christ, in divers 
 weighty respects proper to them. 1691. P. E. 
 
 2 Our women's meetings being set up and approved in the love of 
 God, and by his wisdom and power; and being of manifest service, 
 and helpful in the church ; it is the earnest desire and advice of this 
 meeting, that they may be upheld and encouraged, where they are 
 settled, by monthly and quarterly meetings ; and that in counties and 
 places where they are not, it be the care of the quarterly meetings to 
 endeavour that they be set up and encouraged in proper and conve- 
 nient places, where they may be most serviceable and helpful. 1707. 
 P. E. 
 
 3 Advised, that friends in all places encourage the service of the meet- 
 ings of faithful women, and that quarterly meetings would help and 
 assist such women friends in setting up monthly meetings; wherein 
 they may wait for divine wisdom to g;ive proper advice to those of their 
 
 Proceedings own scx ; and that proceedings in relation to marriage be laid before 
 beTaidT^bre such meetings, and the clearness of the persons concerned be inquired 
 ^™' into by them ; which method, we apprehend, will render our grave and 
 
 solid women helpmeets to the brotherhood in the discipline, and con- 
 duce to the edification of the church. 1745. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 145 
 
 This meeting agrees, that the meeting of women friends held annu- women's 
 
 ,,.,.., ,., , . . . . , MEETINGS. 
 
 ally in this city, be at liberty to correspond m writing, with the quar- "^^^/^^^ 
 terly meetinp'S of women friends : to receive accounts from them, and "^ 
 
 / ® . . . . ' Constitution 
 
 to issue such advice as, in the wisdom of truth, may from time to time and duties of 
 
 . . IT- ^^® women's 
 
 appear necessary, and conducive to their mutual edification. The seve- yearly meet- 
 
 'Iff. 
 ral quarterly meetings of women friends are at liberty to appoint two 
 
 or more of their members to meet in London, at the time of holding 
 this meeting; nevertheless so that the number from any women's 
 quarterly meeting, do not exceed that of the representatives allowed 
 to be appointed by the men's quarterly meeting for the same district ; 
 which meeting of women so appointed shall be denominated the Yearly 
 Meeting of Women Friends held in London. And this meeting is fur- 
 ther of the judgment, that the several women's quarterly meetings 
 should annually send to their yearly meeting, answers in writing to the 
 queries proper for the women friends. But the said yearly meeting is 
 not at liberty to make or alter any rules of discipline, or queries. 
 1784—1790. 
 
 On considering the nature and extent of the discipline committed to 5 
 
 women friends, it is our judgment, that its nature is, as expressed by clpi^ne^mn-^" 
 the minutes of the yearly meeting, to come up to the help of their men friendl^" 
 brethren in the discipline of the church. 
 
 As to its extent, 
 
 I. They are to inspect and relieve the wants of the poor of their 
 own sex ; and to apply to the men's meeting for the means, and for 
 its concurrence, as cases shall require. 
 
 II. They are to take cognizance of proposals for marriage, conform- 
 ably to the rules on that subject. 
 
 III. They are to join in certificates of removal for women friends, 
 when they are about to be recommended with their husbands. In such 
 cases the women's monthly meeting, on notice from the men's meeting, 
 is to appoint one or two of its members to make the necessary inquiry, 
 and to report the result thereof to the friend or friends appointed to 
 inquire by the men's meeting. But when it may appear proper to 
 
 u 
 
146 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 issue a certificate of removal on behalf of a woman friend other than 
 as above, the men's meeting on receiving such information shall make 
 a record of the same, and then request the women's meeting to appoint 
 two of its members to make the needful inquiry. If no obstruction 
 arise, the friends so appointed are to prepare a certificate agreeably to 
 the second and third rules for Removals and Settlements ; which, after 
 being read and approved in the women's meeting, is to be sent into 
 the men's meeting for its approbation and signature in the usual man- 
 ner, and is then to be returned to the women's meeting to receive the 
 signature of its clerk. 
 
 IV. They are also, on receiving from the men's meeting certificates 
 for women friends, to make appointments to visit the persons removed 
 into the compass of the monthly meeting.^ 
 
 V. They are to have overseers, agreeably to their tenth query. In 
 order to which, when it is necessary that women overseers be appointed, 
 the women's monthly meeting is to appoint a committee, which is to 
 join a committee to be appointed by the men's monthly meeting. The 
 joint committee is to nominate the overseers, and the names of the 
 women then nominated are to be reported to the women's monthly 
 meeting, and, if approved by the said meeting, sent to the men's meet- 
 ing for confirmation. 
 
 VI. The women's monthly meeting, at the desire of the men's monthly 
 meeting, should make appointments to join the men in visiting such 
 women as apply for admission, or reinstatement, into membership ; and 
 the report of the committee is to be. made to the men's monthly meet- 
 ing, which is to inform the women's meeting of the conclusion. 
 
 VII. In cases of delinquency of women friends, when, after due 
 exercise of private labour, the women's monthly meeting believes it 
 necessary to record any of its members as delinquents, it is to inform 
 the men's meeting thereof. If the men do not take up the matter ex- 
 clusively, the women are then to proceed to deal with the delinquent, 
 and report the result of their labours to the men's meeting ; but if the 
 men's meeting should see it expedient to join them in the dealing, the 
 
 * See the 4th Rule for Removals and Settlements. 
 
MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 147 
 
 report of the joint committee is to be made to the men's meeting, 
 which, in either case, is to inform the women's meeting of its determi- 
 nation. No proceedings of the women only, are to be a sufficient 
 ground for a testimony of disownment ; unless, after mature delibera- 
 tion, and from any peculiar circumstances which may attach to the 
 case, the men's meeting, feeling satisfied that the discipline has been 
 fully exercised by the labour of the women friends, shall be convinced 
 that it is not its place to make any appointment on the case of delin- 
 quency. 1792.— 1801.— 1822. 
 
 If a quarterly meeting of women friends should apprehend itself 6 
 
 unable to give to its monthly meetings such assistance as the place of Quarterly 
 the one, and the state of the other require, it is desired to lay the case ^tfiyffr S- 
 before its men's quarterly meeting for advice and assistance, previously men'Twhen^^ 
 to expressing such inability in its answer to the query on that subject, "^edfui. 
 to the yearly meeting. And the quarterly meetings of men friends are 
 desired to attend to such applications as may be thus made, and give 
 to their women's meetings all the assistance they may be enabled to 
 render them. 1803. 
 
 u3 
 
148 
 
 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 1 As it hath been our care and practice from the beginning, that 
 Counsel to a^ open testimony for the Lord should be borne, and a public standard 
 
 laitnrulness m ^ "^ ^ 
 
 the duty of for truth and righteousness upheld, in the power and spirit of God, 
 ship. by our open and known meetings, against the spirit of persecution, 
 
 that in all ages hath sought to lay waste God's heritage ; and as 
 only through faithfulness, constancy, and patience, victory hath been 
 and is obtained; so it is our advice and judgment, that all friends, 
 gathered in the name of Jesus, keep up these public testimonies in 
 their respective places ; and do not decline, forsake, or remove their 
 public assemblies, because of times of suffering ; as worldly, fearful, 
 and politic professors have done, because of informers and the like perse- 
 cutors : for such practices are not consistent with the nobility of the truth, 
 and therefore not to be owned in the church of Christ. 1675. W. E. 
 
 2 Dear friends and brethren, keep in the pure and peaceable wisdom 
 of Jesus, that you may be in all things ordered to the Lord's glory, 
 and your mutual peace and refreshment. Friends, though the enemy 
 be near to betray with fair pretences, the Lord is nearer to preserve 
 his heritage and water his plants ; therefore let none wax cold, let 
 none murmur. Be noble and valiant for the truth on earth, look to 
 the Lord God of your life, and keep your eye steadfastly to Him ; and 
 be of an universal spirit, and by how much the more it is a day of 
 trial, and an hour of temptation, forsake ye not the assembling of 
 yourselves together : but by so much the more be zealous, and diligent 
 in keeping all your meetings in the Lord's everlasting power, by which 
 they were set up : and as you are found diligent and steadfast in the 
 work of the Lord, the God of peace will suddenly tread down Satan 
 
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 149 
 
 under your feet, and plentifully reward your patience and perseverance 
 with the durable blessings, peace, and joy of that kingdom which was 
 before the world began, and that never shall have an end. 1678. W. E. 
 
 Let every one be watchful against an earthly spirit, for that will 3 
 
 choke the good seed, and bring forth a slighting or neglecting of your g^^gfi"*g* f^"^ 
 testimony in your first-day, and week-day meetings, and bring a decay 
 of your strength and zeal for God, and his truth, and bring a weak- 
 ness upon you, by reason whereof you will not be able to stand in an 
 hour of temptation. 1689. P. E. 
 
 Advised, that friends keep their children to a constant, seasonable, 4 
 
 and orderly frequenting, as well of week-day, as of first-day meetings ; ^j^^f'^'^j,"^ 
 instructing them to have their minds stayed in the divine gift, to wait 
 upon the Lord therein to receive a portion of his spiritual favour ; that 
 they, from the tendering virtue of the Holy Spirit, may be engaged in 
 heart and mind to walk worthy of so great grace ; and in a holy zeal to 
 honour God, submit to bear the cross, endure the shame, and become 
 witnesses for him amongst the sons of men. 1723. P. E. 
 
 Advised, that friends, though meetings are sometimes held in silence, 5 
 
 would not neglect their attendance ; for the hungry soul will labour Silent meet- 
 for bread, and the thirsty for the water of life ; and the diligent hand 
 will make rich in that treasure which is of an enduring substance. 
 1724. P. E. 
 
 In your religious meetings for the worship of God, both on the first q 
 
 and other days of the week, be diligent to wait on him, whereby you may Exhortation 
 renew your streno-th, and witness him your sufficient help : for surely waiting upon 
 
 ^ ° 11- , .... God in religi- 
 
 many of us have cause thankfully to remember his early visitations in ous meetings. 
 the assemblies of his people ; where he broke in upon our hearts with 
 his power and love, and did, in the needful time, administer help, com- 
 fort, and counsel ; whereby, in the renewings thereof, we have been 
 upheld in a faithful testimony, and in the discharge of our duty to 
 him. 1725. P. E. 
 
150 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 7 The Spirit of God being the foundation of all true knowledge and 
 
 minfsters and experience, both in ministers and hearers, we earnestly exhort that all 
 hearers. would diligently wait upon and mind it : ministers in their public 
 
 services, especially, ought always to attend closely to their several 
 and peculiar gifts, and minister the word faithfully as it is manifested 
 and revealed to them, observing a decent and modest behaviour in the 
 exercise of their ministry ; and not entangling themselves with the 
 affairs of this life, that they may the better answer the holy warfare 
 in which they are engaged. And let the hearers be watchful over 
 their own spirits, and not forwardly judge or censure the testimonies 
 which may be delivered amongst them ; for if they be not very careful 
 and diligent in attending upon the Lord in meetings, they are liable 
 to mistake in the judgment they may pass on the ministry. Now this 
 being a matter of great moment, for the preservation of love and 
 concord in the churches ; and knowing the danger and ill consequences 
 which attend a hasty and censorious judging of the ministry ; we think 
 it necessary to caution friends, not to let their own spirits sway them, 
 but to let the Spirit of God rule and reign in their hearts ; for this will 
 preserve all in sweetness and tenderness one towards another : the due 
 observance of which will be a great help to ministers in the discharge 
 of their duty, and the service to which they are called. 1731. W. E. 
 
 8 In all your meetings appointed for religious worship, wait with 
 
 lukewarmness revcrencc and devotion of heart and soul for the power and life-giving 
 ence. " presence of God, which is the crown and diadem of our assemblies. 
 Take care, we beseech you, in this day of ease and liberty, lest luke- 
 warmness and indifference prevail over you, to the stopping up of the 
 streams of the water of life, and rendering you like the barren heath in 
 the desert, which knoweth not when good comes. We intreat you to 
 be especially watchful in this behalf, that an indolent and sluggish dis- 
 position appear not among you, to the stumbling of such serious in- 
 quirers as may attend our meetings, in expectation of that life and 
 power, to which the observation of your indifference and unconcerned- 
 ness may give them too just cause to suspect that ye yourselves are 
 strangers. 1741. P. E. 
 
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 151 
 
 In all your meetings for the worship of Almighty God, let your 9 
 
 deportment be such as may demonstrate, that you are in earnest in S^£e?thS! 
 the great duty of waiting upon and worshipping God in spirit ; that 
 serious and tender-hearted inquirers may be encouraged to come and 
 partake, in your assemblies, of that inward and spiritual consolation 
 and refreshment, which the Lord is graciously pleased to impart to the 
 souls of such as are humbled in his sight, and approach his holy 
 presence with reverence and fear. 1744. P. E. 
 
 Dear Friends, although the labours of such as are called forth by the 10 
 Spirit of Christ, and instructed thereby rightly to divide the word of sing"e depen- 
 truth, are highly serviceable in the church ; yet the aim and design Godln^reUgi- 
 of every true gospel minister, is to direct the minds of all to the ^us meetings. 
 divine teachings of the Holy Spirit, and to wait upon, and have their 
 whole trust and expectation on the Lord alone. And as the religious 
 strength and communion, both of preachers and hearers, consist in their 
 united dependence on the power and Spirit of Christ, their guide and 
 leader ; so where any part of that dependence is broken off from Him, 
 the Holy Head, and placed on any instrument or member of the body, 
 it hath been sometimes experienced to become a weight or burden on 
 such instrument, and a real impediment to its present service. Where- 
 fore, brethren, we beseech you, that in all your assemblies for the 
 worship of God, your eye be single unto him, your expectation fixed 
 on him alone, and your faith standing in his power and Spirit ; thus 
 may you grow and be established therein, and be made one another's 
 strength in the Lord. 1753. P. E. 
 
 We tenderly exhort such as, through fear of neglecting their tern- 1 1 
 poral concerns, or other considerations, are kept from a due attendance to diligence, 
 of meetings for worship, seriously to consider that gracious promise the zeal'"? 
 left upon record : " Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righte- fHend^J.^^ 
 " ousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."^ Some of 
 us have to testify, that our outward affairs have not suffered, by giving 
 
 ' Matthew, vi. 33. 
 
152 
 
 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 up our time, the few hours set apart for religious worship ; but, on the 
 contrary, our minds have been thereby greatly strengthened to come 
 up with propriety in the duties we owe to God, to our families, and to 
 all mankind. Let us call to remembrance the zeal of our honourable 
 predecessors, who when they had great reason to expect they should 
 be driven into noisome and pestilential prisons, sent into banishment, or 
 subjected to other grievous sufferings, for meeting together on no other 
 account than to worship God according to their consciences ; yet, in the 
 strength of that holy faith and love which supported them in suffering, 
 failed not constantly to keep up their meetings at the hazard of all ; and 
 expense of many of their lives, liberties, and properties. 1758. P. E. 
 
 12 When gathered in your religious assemblies, be truly concerned to 
 
 A right en- retire to the divine and heavenly gift : which will minister to every 
 
 gagement or ./ o ^ j 
 
 mind in meet- state and Condition, though you may have no outward teaching: ; and 
 
 ings to be . . . . . 
 
 cultivated. will direct you to wait without being restless or uneasy, till it be a 
 proper time to break up your meetings with that decency and solem- 
 nity, which should attend our minds in such service ; for want of 
 which, some forward spirits, who have been destitute of the right and 
 true feeling in which such service should be performed, have broken 
 up meetings in an unbecoming manner, to the sorrow and pain of mind 
 of such as have been truly concerned for the good and prosperity of 
 Sion. 1755. 
 
 13 
 
 The para- 
 mount obliga- 
 tion not to 
 neglect meet- 
 ings for wor- 
 ship. 
 
 " Where two or three," saith our Lord, " are gathered together in 
 my name, there am I in the midst of them."^ In these words, he, by 
 implication, invites us not only to meet one with another, but in so 
 doing, with Himself also. Shall the King of kings, and Lord of lords, 
 condescend to offer his divine presence for our good, and shall we, his 
 dependent creatures, set so light by his inestimable kindness, as, either 
 wilfully or negligently, to let slip those precious seasons, wherein we 
 might receive his blessed assistance so necessary to our help and 
 
 ' Matt, xviii. 20. 
 
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 153 
 
 salvation? Shall the poor, perishing gratifications of sense and self-love, 
 or any inconveniences of a trivial nature, be suffered to prevent our 
 dutiful attendance upon Him, in whom alone stands our everlasting 
 interest ? Shall a cloudy sky, a little wet, a little cold, a little ease to 
 the flesh, a view to a little earthly gain, or any common incident, 
 furnish an excuse for declining this duty, and thereby depriving our- 
 selves of the blessed advantage, often vouchsafed to the faithful, of 
 enjoying heavenly communion together in spirit, with the Lord of life 
 and glory? 1765. P. E. 
 
 We are concerned at this time to press upon your consideration the 14 
 
 awful duty of pure and spiritual worship. It is not enough that, after pure an/spi ■ 
 the example of our forefathers, we meet together in one place, in out- ship! 
 ward silence ; rejecting those forms and ceremonies which were in- 
 vented by the wisdom, as well as that worship which is performed only 
 in the will, of man ; it is not enough that, with a commendable dili- 
 gence, we attend all our religious meetings ; unless also like them we 
 wait in humble reverence, for spiritual ability to worship acceptably 
 the Lord of heaven and earth. Wait therefore, dear friends, humbly 
 and diligently wait, in the spirit of your minds, for the coming of 
 Him who told his disciples, " Without me ye can do nothing;"^ that ye 
 may happily experience the influence of his Spirit to enlighten and 
 quicken the soul to a true sight and sense of its condition ; that, feel- 
 ing the spirit of supplication, ye may approach the throne of grace, 
 and, under a renewed sense of the Father's mercy and goodness, may 
 be enabled to offer the sacrifice of praise. This living and spiritual 
 worship is ever acceptable, and draws down his favour on those who 
 are thus humbly exercised before him. 1789. P. E. 
 
 They who are obedient to this universal injunction of our Saviour, 15 
 
 "Watch,"" are prepared for the due fulfilling of every duty; and 
 eminently so, for that most essential one of worship. How many feel 
 
 ' John, XV. 5. * Mark, xiii. 37. 
 
 X 
 
154 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 themselves languid, when assembled for this solemn purpose, for want 
 of a previous preparation of heart ! "The mind, crowded with thoughts 
 on outward things, in approaching the place for public worship, and 
 resuming them with avidity on its return, is not likely to fill up the 
 interval to profit ; and to such, their meeting together may prove a 
 form as empty, as any of those out of which, we believe, truth called 
 our forefathers, and still calls us. 1800. P. E. 
 
 16 That the assembling of ourselves for the purpose of expressing our 
 
 tendance en- ^^nsc of dependence on our great Creator is a duty, most if not all 
 joined. of yg acknowledge, by stated or occasional attendance at some of the 
 
 times appointed for worship. But too many content themselves with 
 an attendance once in the week, on the day when business is sus- 
 pended ; and even of that day, the greater part is devoted to what is 
 called relaxation. Thus, little as it is which is meant for sacrifice, 
 that little has cost them nothing. And how many — how many even 
 of those who are far removed above indigence — seldom, if ever, leave 
 their outward pursuits, to join with their brethren, on other days of 
 the week ! The want of a due and diligent attendance at the usual 
 times, is productive of many evils. It often deprives the mind of 
 opportunities of instruction and consolation ; and thus leaves it more 
 liable to be drawn aside from the right way, by the spirit of the world ; 
 it leads naturally to the neglect of other religious duties ; and it tends 
 to occasion indifference in those to whom the influence reaches, by its 
 baneful example. But the habitual neglect of religious meetings, in 
 any of our members, as it is thus the cause of many evils, hath also 
 itself a cause. This, dear friends, we should search out, if we wish 
 to have the remedy applied. And to what cause can we ascribe it, 
 but to a want of hunger and thirst for that spiritual refreshment, which 
 is yet, blessed be the Lord, to be known in the meetings of his humble 
 and dependent servants ? Now, if we feel not this hanger and thirst, 
 is there not reason for us to be alarmed ; and may we not justly fear, 
 that we are spiritually sick ? And truly, notwithstanding the excuses 
 of such as yet acknowledge public worship to be essential, and the 
 
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 155 
 
 specious semblances of reasoning, of such as attempt to set aside a 
 constant obligation to it, experience has taught us, that a neglect of 
 meetings both indicates and produces indisposition of mind ; and tends to 
 lay waste religious society. Wherefore we once more beseech the remiss 
 of the present day to lay these things to heart, and strive for amendment ; 
 and we again press it upon such as are themselves diligent, that they do 
 not neglect any gentle intimation of duty, to admonish a brother or a 
 sister for whose remissness they may feel concern. 1803. P. E. 
 
 Great are the benefits which result from a right performance of pub- 17 
 
 lie worship. The tendency of our practice is to direct the mind unto performance 
 God ; and if it be pursued with sincerity and earnestness, our hopes ship?^^''^ ^^"^" 
 will be ultimately fixed on Him, the unfailing source of help. We 
 shall then be led from an undue dependence on outward ministry, and 
 come to experience that state in which we can " worship God in the 
 spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the 
 flesh." How circumspect, how reverent, and how watchful, ought we 
 then to be in our religious meetings ! But we fear that too many do not 
 maintain a waiting, dependent state of mind in these assemblies ; that 
 they do not enough seek for strength to abstract their attention from 
 wandering thoughts and earthly cares. Hence it arises, that they do 
 not so fully partake of that evidence of Divine superintending regard, 
 of those consolations, which the Lord in mercy grants to such as 
 hunger and thirst after righteousness. This unwatchfulness, we ap- 
 prehend to be a principal cause that so many are found to neglect 
 our first-day afternoon meetings. And we intreat those who are thus 
 deficient, to consider whether they are not preferring ease, and an in- 
 dulgence in the pleasures of life, to the obligations of religious duty, 
 and the possession of spiritual riches. 1818. P. E. 
 
 A punctual attendance at the hour appointed for public worship is 18 
 a matter of no small importance. If we hurry away from our out- of thrtime 
 ward occupations to the meeting-house, thinking that, by the delay of ^pp°^"*^«'^- 
 
 ' Philippians, iii. 3. X 2 
 
vice. 
 
 156 . MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 a few minutes, we shall not be long behind our brethren, we are in 
 great danger of having our thoughts employed on that in which we 
 have been engaged, and of interrupting that holy silence, which, it is 
 believed, would often prevail, if all the members of a meeting were 
 assembled not only in one place, but at one time, with one and the 
 same great object in view. 1821. 
 
 19 One of the evidences of our dependence upon God, and that we do 
 
 General ad- indeed acknowledge him, is the diligent attendance of our meetings 
 for public worship. We are pained on hearing that numerous omis- 
 sions in the right performance of this indispensable duty still exist. 
 We would gladly persuade you, beloved friends, who are remiss in 
 this important part of our Christian practice, closely to examine your- 
 selves, and to strive to ascertain the cause of this neglect. Is it that 
 you are not concerned for the salvation of your souls ? Is it that you 
 are disregarding the divine injunction, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy 
 God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might?" ^ 
 Has lukewarmness, or unconcern in regard to religious duties, taken 
 possession of your minds ? or has the love of this world, or its deceitful 
 allurements, the pursuit of its riches and its pleasures, the ascendancy 
 in your hearts ? Be aroused, we beseech you, in the love of the Gos- 
 pel, to a close searching of the motives of your conduct. You are not 
 in the habitual neglect of all our meetings for worship. Be earnest in 
 spirit before the Lord, when you do attend : wait patiently upon him, 
 ask for the assistance of his grace, that he may incline his ear unto 
 you, and hear your cry : come before him under a sense of your past 
 transgressions, and of the natural depravity of your own hearts ; for if 
 this conviction prevail not, your state is truly alarming : apply in faith 
 unto him, through Jesus Christ the righteous, our advocate with the 
 Father. If an evidence of the love of God to your souls be not 
 immediately granted, persevere and faint not. Then will you become 
 careful to omit no opportunity of presenting yourselves before the 
 Lord from time to time with your assembled brethren and sisters. 
 
 ' Deut. vi. 5. 
 
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 157 
 
 Many are the instances, furnished in the history of our society, of the 
 Christian attainments of those who have duly attended our religious 
 meetings, seeking, in deep prostration of soul, to draw nigh unto God, 
 and to worship him in spirit and in truth. They have been favoured 
 unitedly to partake of that meat which endure th unto everlasting life ; 
 and have returned from their silent assemblies with a humbling sense 
 of the spiritual favours which they had received immediately from Him 
 who is the way, the truth, and the life. Instrumental ministry in 
 the life and power of the Gospel is a great favour to the church ; 
 but the distinguishing excellence of the Christian dispensation is the 
 immediate communication with our Heavenly Father, through the 
 inward revelation of the Spirit of Christ. Let us, therefore, submit 
 to the baptizing operations of the Holy Spirit, which purify the soul 
 and produce the capacity for communion with God. Earnestly 
 beseech the Lord, to grant you, in his mercy, the communion of the 
 Holy Ghost; at the same time pray that you may be preserved in 
 reverent humility, steadfastly looking unto the Lord Jesus. Live in 
 the pure and holy fear of God, striving to keep all his commandments. 
 Then will at times be granted an inward persuasion, that Christ is in- 
 deed your Shepherd, and that you are of those who hear his voice ; 
 faith and hope in the Gospel, which give stability to the soul, will be 
 experienced ; and being weaned from all inferior dependence, you may 
 at times reverently apply the language, " Lo, this is our God : we have 
 waited for him, and he will save us : this is the Lord ; we have waited 
 for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."^ 1832. P.E. 
 
 ' Is. XXV. 9. 
 
158 
 
 Counsel to 
 ministers and 
 
 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND THEIR 
 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 1 This meeting desires, that you whom the Lord hath gifted with a 
 public testimony for his name and truth, will, in this day of liberty, 
 
 elders. ]^q diligent to visit the heritage of God in their meetings, and more 
 
 especially those least frequented. 1695. P. E. 
 
 2 Advised, to have a godly care of judging or contradicting one 
 another in public meetings ; or shewing any marks or signs of division 
 therein, amongst ministers or others; it being of a very pernicious 
 consequence to bring blame or contempt upon the ministry, and a great 
 hurt to our youth and others. 1716. P. E. 
 
 3 Advised, that ministers, as well as elders and others, in all their 
 preaching, writing, and conversing about the things of God, do keep 
 to the form of sound words, or scripture terms ; and that none pretend 
 to be wise above what is there written, and in such pretended wisdom 
 go about to explain the things of God, in the words which man's wis- 
 dom teaches. 1728. P. E. 
 
 4 We earnestly request, that the elders in monthly and quarterly 
 meetings would be ready to help and inform the weak, when suitable 
 opportunities present ; that, both ministers and hearers pursuing one 
 and the same end, namely, the glory of God and the good and welfare 
 one of another, the church may be edified, increase, and flourish, to the 
 consolation of the faithful. 
 
 On the other hand, we advise ministers to have it very much at 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 159 
 
 heart, to maintain a perfect harmony and good understanding with the Counsel to 
 
 11 • I • 1 1 1 1 11 1 -1 • ministers and 
 
 monthly meetmgs to which they belong ; and that as the said meetmgs elders. 
 may sometimes find themselves concerned to advise them, respecting 
 their conduct in meetings, or otherwise, they show themselves ready to 
 hear and receive advice, as well as to teach and instruct. 
 
 We further advise all monthly meetings, to take great care in giving 
 certificates to those who travel ; to prevent the uneasiness which some- 
 times falls on the church, from a weak and unskilful ministry : and let 
 the elders, when they see occasion, advise ministers to be very prudent 
 in their conduct, not as busy-bodies, nor meddling with family or per- 
 sonal affairs, in which they are not concerned, or required to be assist- 
 ing ; and to be very tender of one another's reputation, and of that of 
 friends among whom they travel ; neither giving ear to, nor spreading, 
 reports tending to raise in the minds of others, a lessening or disesteem 
 of any of the brotherhood ; and, as soon as their service in the ministry 
 is over, to return to their habitations, and there take a reasonable and 
 prudent care of their own business, household, and family. 1731. 
 W. E. 
 
 As the Lord in his mercy is breathing afresh on several of our 5 
 
 youth, of both sexes, and fitting them for his service, we recommend 
 it to the elders in every meeting, that they tenderly watch over all 
 young ministers, and advise and help them, as they in the wisdom 
 of truth may be opened thereunto ; nourishing that which is right, 
 and which comes forth in the savour of life, and discouraging every 
 thing that is unbecoming the ministry. 1736. W. E. 
 
 We further intreat you, that in all your religious meetings appointed 6 
 
 for the worship of Almighty God, you wait in humble reverence for the 
 influence of the Word of life. Be cautious not to move, in acts of 
 devotion, in your own will ; set not forward self to work, but patiently 
 attend and wait for the gift and enlivening power of the Divine Spirit ; 
 without which your performances will be unacceptable, and like those 
 of old, of which it was said, " Who hath required this at your hand ?" 
 1742. P. E. 
 
160 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 Counsel to 
 ministers and 
 
 7 In much love we caution those friends who are rightly concerned in 
 the work of the ministry, to watch over their own spirits, and not to be 
 
 elders. Qygj. hasty or ccusorious in passing judgment respecting the state of 
 
 those who hear them; but to manifest that, in the exercise of their 
 ministry, they are led by the love of God, and that their principal aim 
 is, that they may be instrumental to administer spiritual consolation and 
 strength to the churches where they come. 1745. W. E. 
 
 8 As to the elders among you, and those whom God, having endued 
 with knowledge, and experience of the cleansing operations of his 
 Spirit, hath concerned to minister unto others, let them adorn the doc- 
 trine of the gospel, by showing, out of a good conversation, their works 
 with meekness of wisdom. Such as these being clothed with humility, 
 and exemplary to the flock, are worthy of double honour, and to be 
 highly esteemed in the church of Christ. 1751. P. E. 
 
 9 We tenderly, and with earnestness, advise all friends who travel 
 in the work of the ministry, as well as others, that they not only shut 
 their ears against all private informations of persons and things, 
 tending to the defamation of particular persons or families, and to stir 
 up disputes and contentions in meetings for discipline ; but also rebuke 
 and reprove the person or persons, who shall attempt to prejudice 
 their minds with any private informations of that nature ; which are 
 often false, and attended with baneful consequences to the reputation 
 of the persons or families who are so unkindly and unjustly dealt by; 
 and may tend to lead such ministers or others as shall give ear to the 
 same, in a wrong line of judgment. 1752. W. E. 
 
 jQ As the Lord is graciously pleased effectually to touch the hearts of 
 
 many of the youth, and prepare them for the reception of his heavenly 
 gifts, whereby many are called to the work of the ministry ; and well 
 knowing it is a due attention to the gift, and waiting for the heavenly 
 power and life, to discharge themselves therein, which has ever proved 
 a blessing to the individual and the churches in general ; we earnestly 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 161 
 
 recommend, that the elders, and sensible solid friends do watch over Counsel to 
 such in a holy concern for their, and the church's good ; that the weak elders. 
 and tender may be encouraged in a faithful discharge of their duty ; 
 and, where a forward spirit appears that would lead into many words 
 out of the power and life, such may be properly admonished in the 
 meekness of wisdom, that each may speak by the ability which the 
 Lord only gives ; and that the monthly meetings do not encourage any 
 to travel and appoint meetings too soon, for many have been hurt 
 thereby. 1753. W. E. 
 
 Being favoured in the several sittings of this meeting with our Hea- { i 
 venly Father's tender regard renewed to us, whereby our souls have 
 been deeply humbled before him ; and looking into the state of this 
 part of the society which stands in a more conspicuous point of view 
 than the more private members ; the necessity of their being ensamples 
 to the flock appears exceedingly great : particularly in a diligent at- 
 tendance of all our meetings for solemn worship, and the discipline of 
 the church ; and being therein very deep and weighty in spirit, labour- 
 ing with an ardour of soul suited to the occasion, for the arising of the 
 ancient spring of life. This, of a truth, is the crown of our assemblies, 
 and the ground of our joy and rejoicing in the Lord, and one in an- 
 other ; it being this alone which preserves living, fresh, and active mem- 
 bers in the church of Christ. 1770. 
 
 We are fully persuaded, that the ministry of the gospel is not re- 12 
 
 ceived of man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ, according to that 
 apostolical direction : " As every man hath received the gift, even so 
 minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold 
 grace of God : if any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of 
 God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which 
 God giveth ; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus 
 Christ."^ And as this ministry is divine, the motives and inducements 
 
 • 1 Peter, iv. 10, 11. 
 
162 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 Counsel to thereunto are perfectly disinterested, and no way mercenary and 
 
 ministers and . , . . 
 
 elders. lucrative, but concurrent with the precept Christ gave to his apostles 
 
 and immediate followers: "Freely ye have received, freely give."^ 
 1771. P. E. 
 
 13 This meeting recommends to ministers on all occasions, and more 
 especially when about to leave home in the service of the Gospel, to 
 take care that their outward affairs are so conducted and arranged as 
 to prevent any dishonour being brought on our religious profession, 
 through any neglect on the one hand, or on the other through their 
 being immersed in the cares of the present life. 1833. 
 
 14 This meeting feeling the importance of extending care and counsel, 
 as well as manifesting due sympathy towards those who are liberated 
 to travel in the work of the ministry, wishes to encourage friends 
 under the appointment of elder, to be willing, as way may open, to 
 accompany ministers when thus travelling, believing that their cordial 
 union in such service may be a strength to the minister. And it is the 
 judgment of this meeting, that when such companions, or other friends 
 who may travel in a similar character, are likely to go far from home, 
 or to be absent for a length of time, they be furnished with a minute 
 of the approbation of the monthly meeting to which they belong, when 
 the same can suitably be obtained. 1833. 
 
 15 Where friends in any county are really dissatisfied, or burthened, 
 
 ga^i-d to minis- with any that take upon them to preach among them, let them first be 
 elders"^ duly admouishcd in their own county, with the assistance of the faith- 
 
 ful, approved ministers and elders of the same meeting and county, 
 or adjacent county or counties, if need be ; and if afterwards they will 
 persist to impose upon and burthen friends, then to be publicly testi- 
 fied against where they so impose. If any such, after due admonition, 
 
 ' Matt. X. 8. 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 163 
 
 will travel abroad to minister, out of unity with friends of their own Care in re- 
 county, the friends of those other counties where they travel, should ters and 
 have due notice of them from friends who have had them under admo- 
 nition. 1698. 
 
 Recommended to the several monthly and quarterly meetings, that 16 
 they take care to advise that those friends who go forth with a public 
 testimony be such as are well approved at home, by their own respec- 
 tive monthly or quarterly meetings, and are sound in doctrine, of good 
 conversation, and in unity with their own meetings. And if any 
 faithful friends, or meetings, be burthened with the contrary, let 
 them tenderly clear their consciences privately to the parties con- 
 cerned, according to gospel order ; and if they do not receive admoni- 
 tion, the meeting to which they belong should be acquainted therewith. 
 1699. 
 
 It is recommended to monthly and quarterly meetings, to see that 17 
 friends, who travel in the work of the ministry, do go in the unity of the 
 meetings to which they belong, and with certificates therefrom ; and 
 further, that it may become the tender care of the said meetings, to 
 watch over such as may be young in the ministry, to see that they walk 
 humbly and wisely : that as on the one hand, nothing truly tending to 
 the glory of God, and the edification of his church and people, may be 
 discouraged : so on the other, where any thing appears which may 
 make advice necessary, the elders of the church, both ministers and 
 others, do, in the wisdom of God, give their advice thereupon, with 
 due regard to the state of weakness and childhood that such may be in. 
 1720. P. E. 
 
 This meeting advises friends every where to avoid public opposition 18 
 to a minister not disowned as such, by the monthly or quarterly meet- 
 ing to which he or she shall belong, by keeping on their hats in time 
 of prayer, or any other tokens of disunion. 1723. 
 
 y 2 
 
164 
 
 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 19 
 
 Care in re- 
 gard to minis- 
 ters and 
 elders. 
 
 Divers of the answers received from the quarterly meetings of minis- 
 ters and elders have deeply affected our minds, in consideration of the 
 loss sustained by the deficiency of many of the appointed elders, in not 
 duly attending meetings for vv^orship and discipline, and being also 
 remiss in some other respects ; it is therefore become our care and con- 
 cern, to recommend to the several quarterly and monthly meetings, to 
 make due inquiry vs^hether such non-attendance or other remissness 
 proceeds from bodily infirmity or other unavoidable necessity, or from 
 manifest neglect ; in order that suitable endeavours may be used to 
 remove the causes of complaint. And it is the sense of this meeting, 
 where such deficiencies appear to be the consequence of lukewarm- 
 ness, and an over attachment ta the world and its concerns, and such 
 elders disregard the admonition of friends, that they be desired to with- 
 draw from that important station, 1772. 
 
 20 
 
 Meetings of 
 ministers and 
 elders. 
 
 It is agreed, that, as far as can suitably be done, there be held in 
 each monthly meeting, a meeting of ministers and elders once in three 
 months, some time previous to those monthly meetings which imme- 
 diately precede the quarterly meeting ; in which meetings of ministers 
 and elders, after some time spent in solid retirement, the queries are 
 to be read and considered, and answered in writing, according to the 
 directions of this meeting in that behalf. Opportunity also may here 
 be given for tender advice and assistance, as the nature of any case 
 may require : and representatives, taken from the members in either 
 station, are to be appointed to attend the quarterly meeting of minis- 
 ters and elders, constituted of such representatives, and of the other 
 approved ministers and elders of the quarterly meeting. A list of the 
 names of all the ministers and elders in the several monthly meetings, 
 is to be taken to the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders, to be 
 kept there on record, and annually revised. 
 
 At the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders, the queries are 
 also to be read, and the answers thereto from the meetings of ministers 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 165 
 
 and elders in the several monthly meetings : to which latter meeting's Meetings of 
 
 . , _ ^ ministers and 
 
 of ministers and elders such advice is to be extended as circumstances eiders. 
 may require. At the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders next 
 preceding the yearly meeting, a general answer is to be drawn up to 
 the queries, to be sent by representatives, appointed from among the 
 ministers and elders indiscriminately, to the yearly meeting of ministers 
 and elders. The names of the representatives are to be reported to 
 the quarterly meeting for discipline ; and the said representatives are 
 to be furnished with a copy of the afore-mentioned answers to the 
 queries, to be in readiness in case it should be called for by the said 
 quarterly meeting for discipline: to which also an account is to be 
 given, in writing, as to the due holding of the quarterly meetings of 
 ministers and elders, throughout the year. 
 
 It is the sense and judgment of this meeting, that it is of advantage 
 to the society to hold a yearly meeting of ministers and elders, in 
 London, preceding the yearly meeting, to be continued by adjourn- 
 ments, so that such adjournments do not interfere with the sittings of 
 this meeting, and that such meeting do not in any wise take upon it, 
 or interfere with, any part of the discipline of the church, belonging 
 either to this meeting, or any subordinate meeting. 
 
 That the morning meeting of ministers and elders in London, do 
 adjourn itself to Ten, in the forenoon, on the Second-day preceding the 
 sitting of this meeting; and that the several quarterly meetings of 
 ministers and elders in Great Britain, do appoint at least two of their 
 members as representatives ; and that the yearly meeting of ministers 
 and elders of Ireland do also appoint some of its members, as may be 
 convenient : the whole to form, together with such approved ministers 
 and appointed elders as may be in London, the said yearly meeting of 
 ministers and elders. 
 
 The yearly meeting of ministers and elders is to receive and read the 
 answers to the queries from the quarterly meetings of like kind, by 
 which an opportunity will be given of imparting such advice as shall 
 be necessary ; and after having informed itself, by means of the an- 
 
166 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 Meetings of swers received, of the state of the ministers and elders in the several 
 
 ministers and 
 
 elders. quarterly meetings, it is to lay annually before this meeting a summary, 
 
 yet clear, account thereof. The said meeting is also to desire all friends 
 in the station of elder then in London from the country, together with 
 those vi^ho are under a similar appointment in the quarterly meeting 
 of London and Middlesex, to meet at the close of the different meetings 
 for worship in the city and its vicinity, which they may attend during 
 the time of holding this meeting. And it is to be considered the 
 proper business of the friends thus met to communicate such advices 
 and in such manner as they, in the wisdom of truth may find need- 
 ful, and to make a. general report to some adjournment of the said 
 meeting. 
 
 It is desired, that the names of the representatives to the yearly 
 meeting of ministers and elders, be given, previously to the sitting 
 thereof, to the clerk of the morning meeting, who is to attend on the 
 Second-day morning, until the time of the gathering of the meeting ; 
 and if any friends be unavoidably prevented from entering their 
 names as aforesaid, that the same be delivered in at the table in 
 writing. 1753.— 1754.— 1757.— 1758.— 1780.— 1784.-1786.— 1790. 
 —1797.— 1801.— 1833. 
 
 21 The morning meeting of ministers and elders held in London, and 
 
 every other meeting of ministers and elders, may, as they see meet in 
 the wisdom of truth, advise, exhort, and rebuke any of their members, 
 or any one who may travel in the work of the ministry, as occasion 
 may require, without being accountable for the same to any monthly 
 or quarterly meeting. 
 
 But if any member of the said meetings, or any other minister, 
 should at any time be overtaken with a fault, and the same be under 
 the cognizance of the morning meeting or any other meeting of ministers 
 and elders, and the monthly meeting to which such person belongs shall 
 also deal with him or her for the same ; then, on notice from such 
 monthly meeting, that they have taken the case under their care, all 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 167 
 
 proceedings of the morning; meetinor or other meeting; of ministers and Meetings of 
 
 ,1 • T • • n , 11 1 1 ministers and 
 
 elders, agamst such mmister or elder shall be stopped. elders. 
 
 Neither the morning meeting, nor any other meeting of ministers 
 and elders, has power to disown any minister, or other person, in any 
 capacity whatsoever ; this power solely belonging to the monthly, quar- 
 terly, half-yearly, or yearly meetings. 1735. — 1833. 
 
 It being weightily under the consideration of this meeting, the 22 
 necessity for acknowledged ministers who find themselves under an 
 engagement of mind to travel in the service of the gospel in foreign 
 parts, to have the full concurrence and unity of their brethren ; it is 
 the sense and judgment of this meeting, that, for the future, friends 
 under such concern submit the same not only to the monthly meeting 
 to which they belong, but also to their quarterly meeting, and to the 
 meeting of ministers and elders in London, in order to be favoured with 
 the concurrent testimonies of the said meetings, to strengthen them in 
 so great and weighty engagements. 1763. 
 
 The several meetings of ministers and elders, are desired to be clear 23 
 and explicit in their answers to the queries peculiar to meetings of 
 ministers and elders ; to keep as much as possible to the words of the 
 queries, carefully avoiding all ambiguous expressions ; and, where any 
 remissness is remarked in the answers, to report what care is taken to 
 advise in such cases. 1769. — 1833. 
 
 This meeting agrees that certificates from the yearly meeting of 24 
 ministers and elders be signed by the clerk only. 1792. 
 
168 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 ADVICES TO MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 Advices to ministers and elders, to he read at least once in the year 
 in the quarterly and monthly meetings of ministers and elders. 
 
 Let ministers and elders be constant in their endeavours to live under 
 the government of Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Let ministers and elders be frequent in reading the Holy Scriptures, 
 diligent in meditating upon them, and careful not to misquote or mis- 
 apply them. In preaching, writing, or conversing about the things of 
 God, let them keep to the form of sound words or to Scripture terms. 
 
 Let all be careful faithfully to occupy the spiritual gifts entrusted to 
 them to the honour of God. 
 
 Let all be careful, in the exercise of their gifts in the ministry, to 
 wait for the renewed putting forth of the Holy Spirit, and be earnestly 
 concerned that they proceed and conclude in the life and power of the 
 Gospel ; and they are advised to be careful on all occasions not to ex- 
 ceed the measure of their gift. 
 
 Let them be cautious of laying too great stress on the authority of 
 their ministry, by too positively asserting a divine motion ; the baptiz- 
 ing power of the Spirit of Truth accompanying the words, being the 
 true evidence. 
 
 Let ministers be careful how they enter upon disputed points in their 
 testimony; or make such objections as they do not clearly answer; or 
 give repeated expectations of coming to a conclusion. 
 
 Let all be cautious of using unnecessary preambles, or hurting meet- 
 ings by additions towards the conclusion, when the meeting was left well 
 before. 
 
 Let ministers and elders be especially careful, whilst diligent when 
 engaged in business, not to become entangled with the cares of this 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 169 
 
 world ; let them guard against the snare of accumulating wealth, and 
 be examples of Christian moderation and contentment in all things. 
 
 Let ministers at all times be tender of each other's reputation ; and 
 let them be watchful not to hurt each other's service in religious meet- 
 ings, but let every one have a tender regard for others. Let nothing 
 be done or offered with a view to popularity, but in humility and in 
 the fear of the Lord. 
 
 Let ministers avoid all unbecoming tones, sounds, gestures, and all 
 affectation ; these not being agreeable to Christian gravity. Let them 
 be careful, when they travel in the service of truth, not to make their 
 visits burthensome, or the Gospel chargeable. Men and women are 
 cautioned against travelling together as companions in the work of the 
 ministry, to avoid all occasions of offence. 
 
 Let none presume to prophesy in their own spirits against any na- 
 tion, town, people, or person. 
 
 Let all beware of too much familiarity, which, biassing the judgment 
 and producing an undue attachment, tends to hurt. 
 
 Let ministers and elders be careful to adorn the doctrine of God our 
 Saviour in all things, keeping their whole conversation unspotted, and 
 being examples of meekness, temperance, patience, and charity. 
 
 Let the elders cherish a deep religious interest on behalf of those 
 who are called to the ministry. Let them watch especially over the 
 young and inexperienced with tender Christian concern, encouraging 
 them in the right way of the Lord. 
 
 And lastly, as prayer and thanksgiving are an especial part of wor- 
 ship, they must be performed in spirit and in truth, with a right under- 
 standing seasoned with grace. Therefore let ministers be careful how 
 and what they offer in prayer, avoiding many words and repetitions ; 
 and let all be cautious of too often repeating the high and holy name 
 of God, or his attributes, by a long conclusion ; neither let prayer be 
 in a formal and customary way to conclude a meeting ; nor without an 
 awful sense of Divine influence. 1775. — 1792. — 1833. 
 
170 
 
 MORNING MEETING OF MINISTERS AND 
 
 ELDERS. 
 
 1 The meeting which is held monthly in London, under the denomina- 
 
 Constitution. ^-^^^ of the Moming Meeting, first established in the year 1672, is con- 
 sidered by this meeting as constituted of the acknowledged ministers 
 and appointed elders of the quarterly meeting of London and Middle- 
 sex, together with all other friends in those stations who incline to 
 attend. 1833. 
 
 2 
 
 Duties. 
 
 3 
 
 Care in re- 
 gard to publi- 
 cations. 
 
 This meeting considers, that, agreeably to the established usage of 
 the society, it is the duty of the morning meeting to exercise a tender 
 Christian care over those ministers who may from time to time visit the 
 city of London and its vicinity. 
 
 It is also the office of that meeting to judge of the religious con- 
 cerns of such ministers as may have been liberated by their monthly 
 and quarterly meetings to travel in the service of the Gospel in 
 foreign parts, when great inconvenience would ensue from their wait- 
 ing for the occurrence of the yearly meeting of ministers and elders : 
 the said meeting is also left at liberty to grant certificates to minister- 
 ing friends returning to America under similar circumstances. On all 
 such occasions the morning meeting is to inform the yearly meeting 
 of ministers and elders of its proceedings. 1833. 
 
 This meeting recommends to friends generally, the observance of 
 the ancient and approved practice of our religious society, of submit- 
 ting manuscripts which relate to our Christian principles and practices 
 to the morning meeting in London. 
 
 The said meeting is annually to appoint a committee, with whom 
 
MORNING MEETING. 171 
 
 those who are concerned to pubhsh works of the above description may 
 consult and advise. And the friends of the said committee are en- 
 couraged in brotherly openness to communicate and confer with such 
 authors. The manuscripts thus submitted are to be first presented to 
 the meeting, but not read there ; and the committee are to make rcr 
 port of the result of their judgment. Authors are at liberty to sit 
 with committees so appointed, if they incline to do so. 1801. — 1833. 
 
 z2 
 
172 
 
 2 
 
 Illumination 
 of windows. 
 
 NATIONAL FASTS, AND TIMES OF 
 PUBLIC REJOICING. 
 
 Advised that friends keep to their wonted example and testimony, 
 against the superstitious observance of days. 1691. P. E. 
 
 There being some disagreement in the conduct of friends, respecting 
 the illumination of the windows of their houses, upon what are called 
 rejoicing nights ; which increases the weight of the sufferings of such 
 friends as are conscientiously concerned to maintain inviolably our 
 ancient and Christian testimony in these respects; it is desired and 
 advised by this meeting, that wherever a defection of this kind appears, 
 some friends treat with the unfaithful herein, in a spirit of love and 
 tenderness, in order that such may be awakened to a serious considera- 
 tion of their duty, and encouraged to a faithful discharge thereof. 
 1759.— 1801.— 1833. 
 
 3 As the merciful visitations of the God of all grace are still renewed, 
 
 Public rejoic- through Jesus Christ our Lord, by him to reconcile all things unto 
 himself, let us receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able 
 to save our souls; that we may experience an advancement in the 
 work of redemption from the lusts of this world, and our minds be 
 established in peace. And as we are preserved in a constant sense of 
 his justice, wisdom, and mercy, we shall fear always, and therein fast 
 acceptably to the Lord ; and being enabled to wash our hands in inno- 
 cency, may compass the altar of God ; and, under these necessary 
 qualifications, pour forth our souls before him, for the enlargement of 
 his kingdom on earth, and the increase of that righteousness which 
 exalts a nation. A humble and grateful sense of the mercies of our 
 
NATIONAL FASTS, &c. 173 
 
 heavenly Father, every way extended, will also remain with us, and 
 fill our hearts with thanksgiving and praise to himself; a tribute ever 
 due to him from all his people, and to be acknowledged with the deep- 
 est solemnity ; not with those tumultuous demonstrations of joy, which 
 are often attended with rioting and drunkenness ; and instead of being 
 acceptable to a holy, pure God, rather tend to increase the weight of 
 national transgressions. 
 
 Let us therefore be found worshippers within the temple, and be 
 cautious how any of us give occasion of additional suifering to the 
 truly conscientious amongst us, by any compliance with such ob- 
 servances, as our worthy ancestors were rightly concerned to bear 
 testimony against. ] 759. P. E. 
 
 We believe that at times the Lord is pleased, in an especial manner, 4 
 
 to visit nations by his judgments, and that they call for deep humili- ^d'^IXe/ap-^ 
 ation before him, and for that repentance which includes a real turning servances!'' 
 away from all our evil works. This was the great feature of that me- 
 morable fast which obtained the divine favour for Nineveh, after the 
 prophet had been sent to pronounce its destruction. 
 
 The true and acceptable fast to the Lord was declared, by the pro- 
 phet Isaiah, to be, not the bowing of the head for a day, but the right 
 performance of acts of justice and mercy. ' How loudly then are we, 
 as Christians, called upon to beware of depending upon any temporary 
 or external performances, and to observe that daily and continual fast, 
 which consists in the obedient homage of the soul to its Almighty 
 Creator and Redeemer. 
 
 We have thought it right, as a society, to abstain from the observ- 
 ance of days set apart, without a divine direction, for the religious 
 commemoration of particular events, or for national humiliation under 
 peculiar trials. We consider the dictation, by man, of specific acts of 
 worship, as opposed to those views of the spirituality of true worship, 
 which it is our duty and privilege to hold. The public commemora- 
 
 ' Is. Iviii. 5 — 7. 
 
174 NATIONAL FASTS, &c. 
 
 tion of important events in the church, on certain specific days, arose 
 and increased as the simplicity of Christianity declined ; and though 
 they bore the semblance of piety, and have doubtless often been ob- 
 served with sincerity, yet they tended greatly to draw men from the 
 constant duties and simple worship which Christianity enjoined ; and 
 led to a dependence on occasional exercises and imposing services. 
 
 The appointment of days for national humiliation, by the civil go- 
 vernment, we consider to be liable to the preceding, and to other ob- 
 jections. 
 
 The imposition of religious exercises by the civil government, we 
 conceive to be an infringement of the rights of conscience, and an in- 
 trusion on His province whose right it is to rule there. When we con- 
 sider that the orders for such observances in this country are issued 
 under the authority of the King, as head of the church of England, 
 and that a form of prayer is commanded to be used under certain out- 
 ward penalties, we feel additionally bound, with meekness, to refuse 
 compliance with such orders, and thereby to testify against that usurpa- 
 tion which we believe to be anti-christian. 
 
 Whilst supporting these our views of the liberty of the gospel, let 
 us be careful to prove, by our conduct and conversation, that we walk 
 in the fear of God, and do indeed believe that He rules in the king- 
 doms of men. May we increasingly cherish that true love of our 
 country which would lead us frequently to the throne of grace on its 
 behalf; that so, whilst we cannot lift up the sword in its defence, our 
 prayers and intercessions may ascend availingly to Him in whose hand 
 are the prosperity of nations, and the issues of life and death. 1833. 
 
 5 This meeting having weightily considered the propriety of receiving 
 
 fhesrocfa-"" ^^^ recording the sufferings of friends, for not illuminating their 
 
 ported? ^^'^^ houses, and not shutting up their shops, on public occasions, is of the 
 
 judgment that friends should send up an account of such sufferings, 
 
 from time to time, to this meeting. 1789. 
 
175 
 
 NATIONAL STOCK. 
 
 Agreed, that a collection be occasionally made in the several 
 counties and places for defraying the expenses of the society, as print- 
 ing and distributing books for the service of truth, the passage of minis- 
 tering friends who are called into the service of the Lord beyond sea, 
 the salary of a clerk, and house-rent for keeping records, with other 
 incidental charges ; to be sent up to the correspondents of the several 
 counties and places, and paid to the cashiers. 1672. — 1676. 
 
 Origin and 
 design. 
 
 Disbursements out of the national stock to be such only, as shall be 
 agreed to and directed by the meeting for sufferings in London. 1679. 
 
 2 
 
 Control of 
 payments. 
 
 It being represented to this meeting, that friends in some places have 
 sent, as their contributions to the general stock, a certain stated sum 
 taken from their meeting's stock ; this meeting recommends to such 
 places in future, to raise their contributions towards the general stock, 
 by a separate, free, and liberal collection for the purpose, in a propor- 
 tion adequate to the occasion. 1771. 
 
 3 
 
 Mode of 
 collection. 
 
 It is agreed, that in future the cash of this meeting be kept at the 
 bankers' in the names of six friends, under the denomination of trustees, 
 to be appointed by the meeting for sufferings, and renewed from time 
 to time, whenever by death, a desire to be excused, or any other rea- 
 sonable cause, the trust shall be reduced to three ; for which purpose, 
 the names of the trustees shall be called over in the meeting for suffer- 
 ings previous to the yearly meeting ; and that the drafts be in future 
 signed in the meeting by three of the members present, and afterwards 
 countersigned by one or more of the trustees. 1793. 
 
 4 
 
 Trustees. 
 
176 NATIONAL STOCK. 
 
 5 The original objects of the national stock appear to have been the 
 
 ^^lTOpriat*U)nr defraying of the necessary expenses of friends called to labour in the 
 Gospel in foreign parts ; and the charge for books for distribution on 
 our religious principles both in our own and in foreign languages. 
 
 The printing of epistles and other papers issued on behalf of the 
 society, as well as the providing of birth and burial notes, and marriage 
 registers for the use of friends generally, have long formed a part of the 
 expenditure. 
 
 An annual payment is also incurred of the remaining annuities on 
 the money borrowed to supply the deficiency in the subscription raised 
 to purchase the ground, and to erect thereon the meeting-houses 
 for the use of the yearly meeting. A considerable charge is neces- 
 sarily incurred in keeping in repair the said buildings, and the vari- 
 ous offices connected with them, which are the property of the society 
 at large. 
 
 A large proportion of the salary of the clerk in London, whose time 
 is much occupied in the service of the society, is also paid out of the 
 national stock. 
 
 In addition to the before-mentioned objects, numerous incidental 
 expenses are constantly incurred ; and there are some other annual 
 charges of a smaller amount, which the meeting for sufferings has been 
 authorized by this meeting to pay. 1833. 
 
 g This meeting agrees that the national stock may be employed in 
 
 defraying the expenses of ministering friends from other countries, 
 who may be returning from visits to any part of Great Britain, al- 
 though such visits may not have been general : such expenses having 
 been examined and allowed by the quarterly meeting in which the 
 same shall have been incurred. The said fund may also be expended 
 in defraying the charges of ministers who may be called to travel in 
 any foreign country, in which there are not any friends, or none 
 suitable to bear such charges. 1793. 
 
 7 This meeting agrees that the expenses of ministering friends travel- 
 
NATIONAL STOCK. 177 
 
 ling to and on any of the islands adjacent to Great Britain, or on the 
 islands of Guernsey and Jersey, and also of their necessary guides from 
 the residence of friends to and at the ports whence they may embark, 
 and at the ports where they may disembark, and from thence to the 
 residence of any neighbouring friends, except the expense occasioned 
 by the holding of any public meetings, not held on the islands ; and 
 also that similar expenses incurred in such parts of Wales and Scotland 
 as are out of the acknowledged limits of any monthly meeting, may be 
 defrayed out of the national stock. The said expenses are to be pre- 
 viously examined and allowed by the quarterly or general meeting. It is 
 further agreed, that the general meetings of Scotland and of Hereford- 
 shire, Worcestershire and Wales, may be at liberty, when they think 
 proper, to apply for reimbursement out of the national stock, of the whole 
 or part of any similar expenses arising within the limits of the several 
 meetings in Wales and Scotland. 1799.— 1800.— 1833. 
 
 This meeting agrees, that any expenses incurred by the general 
 meeting of Dorsetshire and Hampshire, in its care of the members of 
 our society on the islands of Guernsey and Jersey, may be applied for 
 by that general meeting, and paid at the discretion of the meeting for 
 sufferings. 1817.— 1833. 
 
 A A 
 
178 
 
 OATHS AND AFFIRMATION. 
 
 Ground of our 
 testimony. 
 
 Advised, that our Christian testimony b^ faithfully maintained 
 against the burthen and imposition of oaths, according to the express 
 prohibition of Christ, and also of the apostle James : " Ye have 
 " heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not for- 
 " swear 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 Jerusalem, for it is 
 " the city of the great King ; neither shalt thou swear by thy head, be- 
 " cause thou canst not make one hair white or black : but let your com- 
 " munication be, Yea, yea ; Nay, nay ; for whatsoever is more than 
 " these, Cometh of evil."^ 
 
 " But above all things, ray brethren, swear not ; neither by hea- 
 " ven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your 
 " yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."* 
 1693. P. E.— 1782. 
 
 2 
 
 Enactments. 
 
 We cannot but with great humility acknowledge the goodness of 
 God, in disposing the legislature to grant us, the last session of parlia- 
 ment, such form of affirmation, as, by accounts received, we find very 
 satisfactory to all the brethren : for which we are truly thankful to God, 
 and those in authority. 1722. P. E. 
 
 ' Matthew, v. 33-— 37. 
 
 James, v. 12. 
 
OATHS AND AFFIRMATION. 179 
 
 The meeting for sufferings, in ijiserling in the present edition of the Book of Extracts, 
 the subjoined Act of Parliament, which has passed since our late yearly meeting, 
 has apprehended that it might he suitable to prefix the following introductory para- 
 graph, and also to revive the appropriate counsel contained in the concluding para- 
 graph. The latter is principally extracted from an epistle of caution, issued by the 
 meeting for sufferings, in 1721, on the passing of the Affirmation Act of 8th George 
 1st, which epistle was earnestly recommended to the attention of friends by the yearly 
 meeting of 1722. 
 
 In the course of the late session of parliament, an act, of which the 
 following is a copy, was passed, giving, in all cases, to the affirmation 
 of friends, the legal force and effect of an oath. Thus has this testi- 
 mony of our religious society against all swearing, been, through pro- 
 gressive steps, recognised by the legislature, until at length in this 
 respect every obstacle is removed to a full participation with our fellow- 
 countrymen in all civil duties and privileges. We cannot but regard 
 this important result, although not solicited by us, as happily indicating 
 more enlarged and enlightened views, thaji have heretofore prevailed, in 
 regard to Christian liberty and the rights of conscience. It is probable 
 however that some of our dear friends may, in consequence of the re- 
 cent enactment, be subjected to trying and even to painful circum- 
 stances ; yet we trust, that, as they are engaged to watch unto prayer 
 for the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit in all their conduct, they 
 will be preserved from evil ; and, by faithfulness in the support of our 
 various religious testimonies, be made instrumental in advancing still 
 further those views of Christian truth which our religious society has, 
 in accordance with Holy Scripture, maintained from the beginning. 
 
 ^rd and 4th William the Wi, Chapter 49. 
 
 " An Act to allow Quakers and Moravians to make Affirmation in all Cases where an Oath 
 is or shall be required*. 28th August, 1833. 
 
 " Whereas it is expedient and reasonable that the solemn affirmation of persons of the 
 persuasion of the people called Quakers, and of Moravians, should be allowed in all 
 cases where an oath is or shall be required ; be it therefore enacted by the King's most 
 excellent majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the lords spiritual and temporal, 
 
 A A 2 
 
180 OATHS AND AFFIRMATION. 
 
 and commons, in this present parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, 
 That every person of the persuasion of the people called Quakers, and every Moravian, 
 be permitted to make his or her solemn affirmation or declaration, instead of taking an 
 oath, in all places and for all purposes whatsoever where an oath is or shall be required 
 either by the common law or by any act of parliament already made or hereafter to be 
 made, which said affirmation or declaration shall be of the same force and effect as if he 
 or she had taken an oath in the usual form ; and if any such person making such solemn 
 affirmation or declaration shall be lawfully convicted wilfully, falsely, and corruptly to 
 have affirmed or declared any matter or thing, which if the same had been in the usual 
 form would have amounted to wilful and corrupt perjury, he or she shall incur the same 
 penalties and forfeitures as by the laws and statutes of this realm are enacted against 
 persons convicted of wilful and corrupt perjury, any law, statute, or custom to the con- 
 trary notwithstanding : Provided always, that every such affirmation or declaration shall 
 be in the words following ; (that is to say,) 
 
 " / A. B. being one of the people called Quakers {jor one of the persuasion of the people 
 called Quakers, or of the United Brethren called Moravians, as the case may be^] do 
 solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm. 
 
 "II. And whereas some doubts may arise as to the form of the affirmation to be taken 
 in lieu of the oath of abjuration by persons of the persuasion of the people called 
 Quakers; be it therefore enacted. That instead of the form of affirmation prescribed in 
 lieu of the abjuration oath by an act of the eighth year of the reign of his late majesty 
 King George the First, intituled An Act for granting the People called Quakers stick 
 Forms of Affirmation or Declaration as may remove the Difficulties ?vhich many of them lie 
 under, and instead of the form of the oath of abjuration prescribed by an act of the sixth 
 year of the reign of his late majesty King George the Third, intituled A?i Act for 
 altering the Oath of Abjuration and the Assurance, and for amending so much of ati Act 
 of the Seventh Year of Her late Majesty Queen Anne, intituled ' An Act for the Improve' 
 ment of the Utiiofi of the Two Kingdoms,' as after the Time therein limited requires the 
 Delivery of certain Lists and Copies therein mentioned to Persons indicted of High Treason 
 or Misprision of Treason, every person of the persuasion of the people called Quakers shall 
 be permitted to make his or her solemn affirmation in the following words ; (videlicet,) 
 
 "I A. B. being one of the people called Quakers, [ox one of the persuasion of the 
 people called Quakers, or of the United Brethren called Moravians, as the case may be,] 
 do solemnly, sincerely, and truly acknowledge, profess, testify, and declare, that King Wil- 
 liam is lawful and rightful king of this realm, and of all other his dominions and countries 
 thereunto belonging : And I do solemnly and sincerely declare, That I do believe thai not 
 any of the descendants of the person who pretended to be Prince o/" Wales during the life 
 
OATHS AND AFFIRMATION. 181 
 
 vf the late King James the Second, and since his decease pretended to he and took upon 
 himself the style and title of king of England by the name of James the Third, or of 
 Scotland by the naine of James the Eighth, or the style and title of King of Great 
 Britain, hath any right or title whatsoever to the crown of this realm, or any other the 
 dominions thereunto belonging ; and I do renounce and refuse any allegiance or obedience to 
 any of them : And I do solemnly promise, That I will be true and faithful and bear true alle~ 
 giance to King William, and to him will be faitlful against all traitorous conspiracies and 
 attempts whatsoever which shall be made against his person, crown, or dignity ; and 1 will 
 do my best endeavour to disclose and make known to King William and his successors all 
 treasons and traitorous conspiracies which I shall know to be made against him or any of 
 them ; and I will be true and faithful to the succession of the crown, against ike de- 
 scendants of the said James, and against all other persons whatsoever, which succession by 
 an Act, intituled An act for the further Limitation of the Crown and better securing the 
 Rights and Liberties of the Subject, is and stands limited to the Princess Sophia Elecloress 
 and Duchess Dowager q/" Hanover, and the heirs of her body, being Protestants : And all 
 these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge, promise, and declare, according to 
 these express words by me spoken, and according to the plain aiid common sense and un- 
 derstanding of the same words, without any equivocation, mental evasion, or secret reserva- 
 tion whatsoever : And I do make this recognition, acknowledgment, renunciation, and pro- 
 mise heartily, willingly, and truly." 
 
 Although the evidence of friends upon their affirmation was, previ- ,, ,. 
 
 o r 7 r Cautionary 
 
 ously to the passing of the foregoing act, admissible on all occasions ; advice, 
 yet, as it is probable that, in consequence of this further acknowledg- 
 ment of their civil rights, they may be more frequently called upon, 
 than heretofore, publicly to make their solemn affirmation, we desire, 
 in the language of this meeting on a former similar occasion, to remind 
 our dear friends of the saying of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ; "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid ;" and in every age, 
 as many as do walk in obedience to his Gospel, must unavoidably be 
 so ; for the daily cross and self-denial which he doth enjoin, are public 
 marks, which are easily seen and readily observed by those with whom 
 we have occasion of business or converse ; and our transacting hereof 
 with uprightness, justice, and moderation, will show that we have an 
 awful regard to our Lord Jesus Christ, whom we acknowledge and de- 
 clare to be our great lawgiver and example. It is the effect of that 
 grace and truth which are come by Jesus Christ, to draw men into 
 
182 OATHS AND AFFIRMATION. 
 
 obedience to his law written in the heart, by which only the inside 
 can be made clean, and, according to the degrees of obedience to this 
 divine law, which the apostle calls " the law of the spirit of life in 
 "Christ Jesus," the proper result thereof will appear; that is, the out- 
 side will be clean also : hereby truth, justice, righteousness, and cha- 
 rity will shine forth in the words and actions of such. We do there- 
 fore intreat, that when any friend has occasion to make an affirmation, 
 he be very considerate and sure of the truth of what he is about to 
 affirm, remembering that " a false witness shall not be unpunished, 
 " and he that speaketh lies shall not escape,"^ and that that command, 
 " thou shalt not bear false witness,"^ is as well in the Gospel as in the 
 law ; and that " all liars shall have their part in the lake which burn- 
 " eth with fire and brimstone."^ If this awful sense of the obligation to 
 truth-speaking adequately rest upon the mind, its effect will be mani- 
 fest even in the deportment of those who are giving evidence. Let it 
 also be considered, that the ground of this testimony of our religious 
 society is a conscientious scruple : how infamous, therefore, would it 
 be, for any who profess a scruple against swearing at all, to be at the 
 same time guilty of false affirming, and, while they pretend to a great 
 degree of purity, to fall short in common honesty. It would, indeed, 
 be among the highest degrees of hypocrisy, a crime abhorred in the 
 sight of God and man. 
 
 » Proverbs, xix. 5. « Matthew, xix. 18. ^ Rev. xxi. 8. 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings, 1st of 11 tk mo. 1833. 
 
183 
 
 OVERSIGHT. 
 
 If any weakness, shortness, failure, or unfaithfulness appear in any 1 
 
 professing the same truth with us, we hope faithful friends and care^mi over- 
 brethren will continue their Christian care for their help, instruction, ^'^ ^' 
 and admonition, in the love and power of the Lord, as in his wisdom 
 they shall see cause, still aiming at their good, their inward peace of 
 conscience, and salvation in Christ Jesus. 1701. P. E. 
 
 We intreat the elders amongst you to abide in that power that "2 
 
 gives dominion over all corrupt spirits ; and in meekness and con- 
 descension to seek to recover that which is strayed; that when 
 the great Shepherd shall appear, you may receive your reward. 1751. 
 W.E. 
 
 You that are elders and overseers in the church, and concerned in the 3 
 
 maintenance of good order, and the preservation of the discipline, keep 
 your own hands clean, and garments unspotted ; that you may rebuke 
 with authority, and being clothed with the meekness and gentleness of 
 the Lamb, may steadfastly persevere in the discharge of the duty com- 
 mitted to you ; that when the great Shepherd shall appear, you may 
 receive the reward of " Well done, good and faithful servant;" "enter 
 " thou into the joy of thy Lord." 1753. W. E. 
 
 We especially intreat those appointed as elders and overseers to be 4 
 
 diligent in the discharge of their extensive and important duties ; that 
 the ignorant may be informed, the weak strengthened, the tender en- 
 couraged, the scattered sought out, the unwary cautioned, the unruly 
 warned ; and that such as act in opposition to the testimonies required 
 
184 OVERSIGHT. 
 
 of us by the Spirit and doctrines of Truth, may be treated with in love 
 and meekness, yet with holy firmness : that the cause of truth may 
 not be suffered to fall, through the remissness of those who are placed 
 as watchmen on the walls of Zion. 1780. P. E. 
 
 m. A r This meeting; feels a lively concern to recommend elders, overseers, 
 
 The duty of ^ J ^ ' ' 
 
 private ad- ^nd other conccmed friends, to discharg-e their duty in Christian 
 
 monition. .... 
 
 love, by faithfully and early administering private counsel when neces- 
 sary. By this means the hands of those concerned in the further 
 exercise of the discipline will not be weakened by a consciousness of 
 their having themselves departed from the true order of the Gospel. 
 Where private labour may prove ineffectual, or the nature of a case of 
 delinquency may require it, such cases are to be reported in due time 
 to the monthly meeting. 1787.— 1801.— 1833. 
 
 ^ This meeting is desirous of encouraging not only overseers, but all 
 
 well concerned friends, to be diligent in discharging the duty of private 
 admonition. And we desire that the care and love of friends, in this 
 respect, may be manifested not only towards parents and heads of 
 families, but that, where any of our dear young friends stand in need 
 of counsel, it may not be withheld ; trusting that a hint in kindness to 
 such would often be well received. The exercise of Christian care in 
 this private way is an important feature in our discipline : it tends, 
 when the counsel is administered in love, to strengthen the bands of 
 fellowship, and is useful both to those who give, and to those who 
 receive it. 1821. 
 
 7 It appears from information received by this meeting, that youns^ 
 
 On providing _ . , , i t i 
 
 suitable situ- men, members ot our society, who nave removed to London from 
 young men. various parts of the country, are frequently, from the want of proper 
 superintendence and suitable employment, placed in circumstances of 
 great difficulty and danger. This meeting has been painfully affected 
 on this subject ; and whilst we feel a tender sympathy with such indi- 
 viduals, we believe it right earnestly to impress on the attention of 
 
OVERSIGHT. 185 
 
 friends, in our several quarterly and monthly meetings,- the very great 
 peril which young men cannot fail to incur, who come, or are sent by 
 their parents, to this great metropolis, without any definite prospect of 
 protection or employment ; it is but too evident that such a proceeding 
 may lead even to their ruin. We believe that much may be effected by 
 the kind endeavours of friends, in procuring for our young men situa- 
 tions in the country ; and if these endeavours were diligently used im- 
 mediately on the return of lads from school, it would often be the 
 means of preventing future difficulties. It is also of great importance 
 to forward certificates on behalf of such young persons, as early as 
 possible after their removal ; and to place them even before the send- 
 ing of their certificates, under the kind notice of friends. 
 
 In reference to this subject, which has thus engaged our attention, 
 we are again concerned earnestly to advise friends, in their choice of 
 servants, apprentices, and assistants, to prefer the members of our 
 society : a preference which seems to form an essential part of the care 
 which we owe to our religious body. 1821. 
 
 We have been brought into a feeling of sympathy with such of 8 
 our members as are engaged in the sea-faring line, and recommend fHendfinlihe 
 that friends in the several meetings to which persons of this description if^/^""^ 
 belong, extend a tender and watchful care towards them ; and when 
 they know of any of their members, so circumstanced, likely to sail 
 to, or frequent a port or ports, at or near to which any of our society 
 reside, that they take early care that such sea-faring persons may 
 obtain the kind oversight of friends during the time they remain in 
 port. 1822. 
 
 We have in this meeting been led to the reflection, that one of the 9 
 
 great benefits of religious society is, that it places us under the care Jf anfthe?"^ 
 one of another, and that we are called upon to watch over each other 
 for good. When we see any of our brethren or sisters overtaken 
 with a fault, or neglecting an important duty, we ought to cherish 
 a solicitude for their improvement; and, in that love which would 
 
 B B 
 
186 OVERSIGHT. 
 
 lead them to Christ, to offer such counsel or encouragement as we 
 may think best calculated to help them. Much depends on the 
 manner in which advice is offered, and on our embracing the right 
 opportunity to convey it. If it should not immediately have a salutary 
 effect, we are not to be too much discouraged ; we ought to take heed 
 that we become not impatient or discomposed, but repeat our efforts 
 in a spirit of love and forbearance. — The result of this Christian 
 concern for our friends is often greater than is at the time apparent. 
 
 In the exercise of this duty, it becomes those who have the earliest 
 opportunity of knowing the faults of others, seriously to consider 
 on all occasions, whether they ought not to endeavour to reclaim 
 them before they disclose the matter to another. At the same time 
 we believe it has often happened, that the lengthened concealment 
 of the errors of our friends from those who were best qualified to advise 
 them, has been productive of serious injury, which might have been 
 prevented by an early, yet prudent disclosure to those of greater 
 experience. 1827. P. E. 
 
 10 This meeting being deeply impressed with the great importance of 
 settlement of the preservation of love amongst us, and with the advantage of an early 
 disputes. ^^^ timely settlement of disputes, recommends to all friends when they 
 
 see their brethren in danger of being involved in this way, to be 
 prompt and persevering, in the spirit of love and meekness, in their 
 endeavours to bring such differences to a safe and amicable termina- 
 tion. 1828. 
 
 11 We are afresh engaged to encourage all friends to watch over one 
 ex^oSon. another for good. We greatly desire the increase of true overseers 
 
 amongst us, under whatever name they may stand in the church. We 
 exhort ministers, elders, and overseers, to take the oversight of the 
 flock, not by constraint, but willingly, and of a ready mind. May 
 those who are called to minister in word and doctrine, be diligent in 
 the exercise of their gifts in the fear of the Lord, and in humble 
 dependence on the ability which he giveth. And may the elders 
 
OVERSIGHT. 187 
 
 not consider themselves solely appointed to the care of the ministry ; 
 but maintain a lively concern that all the members of their respective 
 meetings may walk in the paths of safety, and be led into the pastures 
 of life. We earnestly desire that every appearance of good may be 
 cherished ; that counsel and encouragement may be extended to the 
 young and inexperienced, and a parental care exercised over those who 
 appear to be in danger of wandering from the fold of Christ. May 
 the body be thus edified in love, and the fellowship of the Gospel 
 increase amongst us. 1833. 
 
 This meeting earnestly recommends to all friends who are concerned 12 
 for the prosperity of the truth, to exercise a tender care over the be especial 
 younger members of our society, bearing in mind the exposed situation care? 
 of many of them and their critical period of life. We would encourage 
 friends to cultivate an acquaintance with such, to call upon them at 
 their places of abode, and to manifest, by the general tenour of their 
 conduct towards them, a kind interest in their welfare and preserva- 
 tion from harm, and a solicitude that they may be established on the 
 right foundation, in the faith and hope of the Gospel. We believe this 
 feeling of regard, if cherished, will induce friends, when any are not 
 diligent in attending our religious meetings, to press upon them the 
 advantage and importance of this primary duty. It will lead them also 
 to encourage our young people to read the Holy Scriptures daily, with 
 desires that the Lord may bless these invaluable writings to their 
 spiritual instruction. And we intreat friends to promote, especially 
 among the younger part of our body, an acquaintance with the writ- 
 ings of our approved authors, in which are set forth the grounds of our 
 religious testimonies, the persecutions suffered by our faithful prede- 
 cessors in the support of them, and many instances of the visitations 
 of divine love so often mercifully granted in early life. 
 
 In order to bring our members, and more especially our younger Lists of mem- 
 friends, under notice, with reference to the foregoing advice, this meet- read over. 
 ing recommends to monthly meetings, that provision be made for 
 the reading, at least once in the year, of their respective lists of mem- 
 
 B B 2 
 
188 OVERSIGHT. 
 
 bers, either by the elders and overseers, or by the said friends, together 
 with any other well -concerned men and women friends of the monthly 
 meeting, whom it may think proper to unite with them.^ Monthly 
 meetings are left at liberty, in the performance of this service, if pre- 
 ferable, to read their lists of members when collectively met. 1833. 
 
 ' See Monthly Meetings, No. 26, and the 14th Query. 
 
189 
 
 PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 
 
 We do intreat and desire all you dear friends that are parents and 1 
 
 governors of families, that ye diligently lay to heart your work and parents, &e. 
 calling in your generation, for the Lord, and the charge committed to 
 you ; not only in being good examples to the younger sort, but also to 
 use your power in your own families in educating your children and 
 servants in modesty, sobriety, and in the fear of God, curbing the ex- 
 travagant humour in the young ones when it doth appear ; and not to 
 indulge or allow of it : for you are set in your families as judges for 
 God, and it is you that must give an account of the power committed 
 to you. And when you see a libertine and wanton spirit appear in 
 your children and servants, that lusteth after the vain customs and 
 fashions of the world, either in habit or outward adorning, and craves 
 your assistance and allowance, without which it cannot get forward 
 while they are under your government ; O then look to yourselves, and 
 discharge your trust for God, and for the good of their souls, exhorting 
 in meekness, and commanding in wisdom ; that so you may minister 
 and reach to the witness, and help them over their temptations, in the 
 authority of God's power; and when they feel themselves helped and 
 delivered, their souls will bless God for you, and you will reap the 
 comfort of your labour. 1688. P. E. 
 
 It is our Christian and earnest advice and counsel to all friends con- 2 
 
 cerned, to provide school-masters and mistresses who are faithful schooi-mas- 
 friends, to teach and instruct their children ; and not to send them to tresses, 
 schools where they are taught the corrupt ways, manners, fashions, and 
 language of the world ; and of the heathen in their authors ; tending 
 greatly to corrupt and alienate the minds of children into an averse- 
 
190 
 
 PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 
 
 ness or opposition against the truth, and the simplicity of it. But take 
 care that you train up your children in the good nurture, admonition, 
 and fear of the Lord, in that plainness and language which become 
 truth. 1690. P. E. 
 
 Advised, that school-masters and mistresses who are faithful friends, 
 and well qualified, be encouraged in all counties, cities, great towns, 
 or other places where there may be need : and that care be taken, that 
 poor friends' children may freely partake of such education as may 
 tend to their benefit and advantage, in order to apprenticeship. 1695. 
 P.E. 
 
 4 
 
 Apprentices. 
 
 It being under consideration how friends' children might be disposed 
 of, that are trained up in the way of truth, and fit to be put forth ap- 
 prentices ; it is the advice and counsel of friends, that special care be 
 taken to put them apprentices to honest friends, that they may be pre- 
 served in the way of truth. 1697. 
 
 5 
 
 Useful occu- 
 pations. 
 
 This meeting doth earnestly recommend that friends of all degrees 
 take due care to breed up their children in some useful and necessary 
 employments, that they may not spend their precious time in idle- 
 ness ; which is of evil example, and tends much to their hurt. 
 1703. P.E. 
 
 6 
 
 KcUication. 
 
 As touching the education of friends' children, for which this meeting 
 hath often found a concern, we think it our duty to recommend unto 
 you, that no opportunity be omitted, nor any endeavours wanting, to in- 
 struct them concerning the principle of truth which we profess : and there 
 being times and seasons, wherein their spirits are, more than at others, 
 disposed to have such things impressed upon them, so we desire that 
 all parents, and others concerned in the oversight of youth, may wait 
 in the fear of God to know themselves qualified for that service ; that 
 in his wisdom they may make use of every such opportunity which the 
 Lord shall put into their hands. 1717. P. E. 
 
PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 191 
 
 We tenderly recommend to all parents, and such as may have the care 7 
 
 of children, that they do, as far as in them lies, carefully inspect, and 
 narrowly inquire into, the manner of their conversation ; that where 
 counsel or reproof may be wanted, it may in the spirit of love and in 
 sound judgment be given. 1724. P. E. 
 
 And you who are parents of children, labour fervently in spirit, 8 
 
 with secret supplication unto the Lord, that he may give them an in- 
 heritance in the truth, wherein they may be enabled to stand up in their 
 generation after you, to his praise and glory, rather than labour to get 
 inheritances for them in this world, which has proved a snare and 
 temptation to some to shun the cross, and embrace the glory of this 
 present world. But let those to whom God hath given riches, take 
 the apostle's advice, That they be not highminded, but fear, and trust 
 not in uncertain riches ; but therewith be rich in good works, willing 
 to communicate, ready to distribute, and therein be a good example to 
 their children.^ 1725. P. E. 
 
 We earnestly and tenderly advise, that mothers of children (as well 9 
 
 as fathers), as they have frequently the best opportunities, would take trained hi a ^ 
 particular care to instruct them in the knowledge of religion, and the Holy Scffn"* 
 Holy Scriptures ; because it has been found by experience, that good *"*^^' 
 impressions, early made on the tender minds of children, have proved 
 lasting means of preserving them in a religious life and conversation. 
 When parents or guardians are deficient in such their care, we recom- 
 mend to monthly meetings, that they stir them up thereto, either by visit- 
 ing them in their families, or in such manner as in the wisdom of God they 
 may see meet ; that so the doctrines of the Gospel, and a conversation 
 agreeable thereto, may be maintained unto all generations. 1731. P. E. 
 
 And, as it hath been frequently the care and concern of the meeting jq 
 to advise parents, and all who have the tuition and education of chil- 
 
 MTira. vi. 17, 18. 
 
192 PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 
 
 dren, to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, we 
 are still sensible that there is occasion to repeat our tender advice and 
 exhortation that you would lay this matter closely to heart ; for it is 
 certain that the preservation of your offspring in the way of true reli- 
 gion and godliness, is of much greater moment to their happiness, both 
 in this life and in that which is to come, than any thing else you are ca- 
 pable of doing for them. We therefore renew our advice, that you be 
 diligently exercised in such a godly care, waiting upoji God for wisdom 
 from him, first to walk wisely and circumspectly before them your- 
 selves, and then you may, with more weight and authority, in the meek- 
 ness of that wisdom, instruct, advise, exhort, and rebuke, as you shall 
 see occasion. And we think it will contribute very much to your 
 success in these endeavours, if you put them frequently, in a solemn 
 manner, upon reading the Holy Scriptures, especially such parts of 
 them as relate to the great doctrines and precepts of the Christian 
 religion, and then wait upon God with them, that you may become in- 
 struments to open their understandings ; and, in the sense of his power 
 and wisdom, press them closely to the practice of what they read. 
 Such an exercise as this, begun early and frequently repeated, we re- 
 commend as the indispensable duty of all concerned, and the most 
 likely means for the preservation and improvement of children in the 
 way of truth ; and, through the Lord's blessing, to secure them from 
 being prevailed upon by the many false, deceitful spirits that are gone 
 forth into the world, tending to subvert the Christian faith, and a 
 practice and conversation agreeable thereto. 1 735. P. E. 
 
 Instruction 
 in modern 
 
 11 It has been the concern of this meeting, from the relation given of 
 
 truth's spreading in foreign countries, that friends who are of ability, 
 languages. ^jj^j hsive the prosperity of truth at heart, would in the education of 
 their children take care, as suitable opportunities and occasions may 
 offer, to let them be instructed in some modern tongues, as French, 
 High and Low Dutch, Danish, &c. that so when they are grown up, 
 they may reap the benefit thereof; and, as it shall please the Lord to 
 dispose and incline them, may be of service to the church. 1737. W. E. 
 
PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 193 
 
 We do with earnestness recommend to all such parents as have ex- 12 
 perienced the gracious dealings of the Lord with their own souls, to ^^'*®"*^' *<^- 
 take all proper opportunities of instilling into the minds of their chil- 
 dren just sentiments respecting the vanity and emptiness of fading and 
 transitory enjoyments ; and to direct them to seek after that solid peace 
 and serenity of mind, which attend the sincere practice of true religion 
 and virtue. 1745. P. E. 
 
 We desire that your several monthly and quarterly meetings, where 13 
 
 any school-masters or mistresses of our profession may reside, may ters°i"mis 
 not be wanting to admonish them, to bring up the children of friends, '^^^^®^- 
 committed to their care, as much as in them lies, in plainness of 
 speech, behaviour, and apparel, agreeable to our profession : and that 
 such of them as have boarders in their families, would frequently call 
 them together, and accustom them to a solemn reading of the Holy 
 Scriptures, and press and excite them to the observance of the Christian 
 precepts therein contained : and that they themselves walk before the 
 scholars as ensamples of that plainness and simplicity which they re- 
 commend. 1745. P. E. 
 
 As the want of proper persons amongst friends qualified for school- 24 
 masters hath been the occasion of great damage to the society in many 
 places, as thereby well-disposed friends are deprived of opportunities 
 for the education of their children in a manner consistent with a 
 religious concern for their welfare, and have been necessitated to send 
 them to those of other persuasions ; whereby the tender minds of such 
 children have been in great danger of being leavened into the language, 
 customs, and habits of the world, from whence it is difficult afterwards 
 to reclaim them; we desire friends would attend to this important 
 point, and in their monthly meetings assist young men of low circum- 
 stances, whose genius and conduct may be suitable for that office, with 
 the means requisite to obtain the proper qualifications; and, when so 
 qualified, afford them the necessary encouragement for their support. 
 1751. W.E. 
 
 c c 
 
194 PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 
 
 15 It has been the frequent concern of this meeting, by former advices, 
 Parents, &c. ^^ press all parents, guardians, and heads of families, to a strict watch 
 
 over the conduct and behaviour of their children, servants, and the 
 youth under their care ; and, in order that they themselves may be 
 properly qualified to discharge so great and necessary a duty, we 
 earnestly recommend, that in whatsoever relation they stand to the 
 rising generation, they be very circumspect and exemplary in every 
 particular of their own conduct, and be fully given up in faithful obe- 
 dience to the manifestations of light and grace received : whereby they 
 will be enabled to advise and reprove with proper authority, and to 
 restrain those under them from all superfluous and hurtful things, 
 which it may be in their power to prevent. 1758. P. E. 
 
 16 As the right education of children, and the nurture of youth, is of 
 very great consequence to them, and to the succeeding generation, we 
 pressingly exhort all parents and heads of families, to procure such 
 useful learning for their children, as their abilities will admit ; and to 
 encourage them, as well by example as precept, to the frequent read- 
 ing of the Holy Scriptures ; and that they begin, as early as possible, 
 to instil into their tender minds the principles of truth and virtue ; and 
 instruct them in the nature and necessity of being born from above, 
 without which, our Lord declared, no man shall see the kingdom of 
 God ; and, in order hereunto, that they labour to bring them acquainted 
 with the holy seed, which is sown by the divine hand in every heart 
 for that gracious end. 
 
 The importance of an early instruction in the law of God, is set 
 forth with peculiar strength, clearness, and solemnity : " Hear, O 
 " Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord : and thou shalt love the Lord 
 " thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all 
 " thy might : and these words which I command thee this day, shall be 
 " in thine heart ; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, 
 " and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou 
 " walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou 
 " risest up." ^ It is requisite also that restraint be added to instruction, it 
 
 ' Deut. vi. 4 — 7. 
 
PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 195 
 
 being much easier, as well as more prudent, to exercise it upon the 
 first appearances of an inclination to dangerous or hurtful liberties, 
 than afterwards ; for where children, through the prevalence of fond 
 affection, have been accustomed to improper indulgences, when they 
 are grown to such a dangerous degree of ripeness, that the exertion of 
 authority hath become absolutely necessary, the strength of their 
 passions so habituated, hath often proved unconquerable, or very diffi- 
 cult to overcome ; to the great hurt of the unhappy youth, and the un- 
 speakable grief of the imprudently indulgent parents. 1760. P. E. 
 
 To all masters and tutors of children, we affectionately address our- 17 
 selves ; that in a particular manner it may be your care to caution, and TuSrsf"^ 
 as much as in you lies to guard, the youth committed to your charge, 
 against the dangers and allurements of evil communications, and the 
 reading of profane and immoral writings, (those powerful engines of 
 Satan), whether they be such as directly tend to defile the affections, 
 or, with a more specious appearance, to subvert the doctrines of Chris- 
 tianity, by a presumptuous abuse of human reason, and by vain and 
 subtle disputations, after the rudiments of the world, and not after 
 Christ. 1766. P. E. 
 
 As, next to our own souls, our offspring are the most immediate ob- 18 
 jects of our care and concern, it is earnestly recommended to all ^^^^"^S'*''- 
 parents and guardians of children, that the most early opportunities 
 be taken, in their tender years, to impress upon them a sense of 
 the Divine Being, his wisdom, power, and omnipresence, so as to beget 
 a reverent awe and fear of him in their hearts ; and, as their capacities 
 enlarge, to acquaint them with the Holy Scriptures, by frequent and 
 diligent reading therein, instructing them in the great love of God to 
 mankind through Jesus Christ, the work of salvation by him, and sanc- 
 tification through his blessed Spirit. For though virtue descendeth 
 not by lineal succession, nor piety by inheritance ; yet we trust the 
 Almighty doth graciously regard the sincere endeavours of those pa- 
 rents, whose early and constant care is over their offspring for good ; 
 
 c c 2 
 
196 PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 
 
 who labour to instruct them in the fear of the Lord, and in a humble 
 waiting for, and feeling after, those secret and tender visitations of 
 divine love, which are afforded for the help and direction of all. Be 
 ye therefore excited to a faithful discharge of your duty. Be examples 
 to them, in your meetings, your families, and your employments, of a 
 diligent, humble watchfulness, and steady regard to that holy principle 
 in yourselves, which you recommend to their observance. Be careful 
 not to indulge them in any thing of an evil tendency. Keep them, 
 while young, out of the vain fashions, the corrupt customs, and unpro- 
 fitable conversation of the world ; guard them against the reading of 
 plays, romances, and other licentious publications, of a nature preju- 
 dicial to the promotion of true Christianity ; likewise against the 
 public pastimes, and pernicious diversions of the age : all which are 
 the inventions of degenerate and corrupt spirits, and strongly tend to 
 draw the incautious mind from a sense of religious duty, to bring it 
 into a state of alienation from the life of God, and to deprive it of 
 that inexpressible comfort and delight, which attend the daily exercise 
 of religion and virtue. 1767. P. E. 
 
 19 It is the renewed concern of this meeting, to recommend a care for 
 of friends in the offspring of parents whose income or earnings are so small, as to 
 
 render them incapable of giving their children a suitable and guarded 
 education, and that especially from home. They may be exposed to 
 mix with others not of our religious persuasion, which so often leads into 
 hurtful habits, from which they are not afterwards easily reclaimed : and as 
 some of our members may incautiously permit their offspring to suffer this 
 great loss, rather than apply for assistance from their monthly meetings, it 
 is recommended to friends in every monthly meeting to seek out such of 
 their members as may be thus straitened, and administer to their help ; 
 and it is desired that such will receive the salutary aid with a willing 
 mind, and thankfulness to the great Author of all good. 1777. 
 
 20 And ye parents, be ye solicitous to discharge your important and 
 Parents, &c. ^wful duty, with scrupulous attention. It is often too late to warn the 
 
 straitened 
 circum- 
 stances. 
 
PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 197 
 
 youthful mind of danger, when your own negligence, or indulgence, 
 hath suffered your offspring to deviate from that path of simplicity, in 
 which you have thought yourselves bound to walk, and in which you 
 have found peace. If you fail to suppress the early beginnings of un- 
 due liberty, how can you expect a blessing on your endeavours, when 
 further deviations at length arouse your attention ? and how, having 
 failed to rule your own houses well, can you expect duly to " take care 
 of the church of God," by performing that too much neglected duty 
 of private admonition therein ? There were of old those who brought 
 children to Christ, 'in the days of his flesh ; and now the religious parent 
 can breathe no better aspiration for them, than when he spiritually 
 commends his tender offspring to the protection of his Lord. But see, 
 friends, that you encourage no propensities in them which prevent a 
 union with Him. Restrain them, we beseech you, from associating 
 with those whose influence and example lead away from his law ; and 
 be especially careful that you introduce not among them, publica- 
 tions, which are either wholly or in part, repugnant to the faith as it 
 is in Jesus. Let it be your own daily care to endeavour after closer 
 communion with him, and to walk in meek submission to his com- 
 mands : so may you gain, over the minds of the youth provi- 
 dentially placed under your care, that ascendency which arises from 
 the united effects of sound judgment, truest love, and a good example, 
 1800. P. E. 
 
 Dear friends, you know our annual inquiry, ' Do friends endeavour, 2I 
 by example and precept, to train up their children, servants, and Application of 
 those under their care, in a religious life and conversation, consistent 
 with our Christian profession?' The query then descends to particu- 
 lars, all of them indeed important, but we now hint at them only to 
 observe, that, important and indispensable as we believe they are for 
 us, they are not to be made the sole criterion for judging whether 
 religious education has been duly and successfully given. Consider, 
 dear friends, what subjection of spirit, what care of conduct, and 
 what self-restraint go to make up a good example; tempered as it 
 
198 PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 
 
 should be with sweetness of manner, seconded by holy firmness, and 
 recommended by its being manifest that yourselves are " seeking first 
 " the kingdom of God, and his righteousness." These are truly great, 
 but they are attainable objects; and equally the duty of every one 
 who lays claim to the Christian character ; for though all are not called 
 to the same stations in the militant church, all are invited to heaven ; 
 and the general terms of invitation are alike to all. O friends, did we 
 all thus seek and attain to the things that are excellent, precept, im- 
 pressive precept, would not be withheld. Love would inspire it, 
 prudence would direct it, both as to season and quantity, and what 
 reason have we not for hoping that the Lord himself would render it 
 availing by his blessing? 1807. P. E. 
 
 22 Among some of the most irksome restraints to the lively dispositions 
 ^'^^dress! ^^ ^^ youth, are often those which relate to speech and dress. But as we 
 
 know that the ground of our dissent from the world in these things, is 
 Christian simplicity ; so we know by experience, that they are often 
 the means of defence against temptation to mingle in the company of 
 such as are unsuitable examples for our youth to observe and to follow. 
 And when by the gentle intimations of the Spirit of Truth in their ripen- 
 ing understandings, they are entered on a course of self-denial, they 
 will feel you doubly dear to them, for having led them on in the way 
 they should go, and will bless the Lord on your behalf. 1808. P. E. 
 
 23 The habit of a constant attendance of meetings for divine worship, 
 week^day'^^ ^ forms an important branch of the religious education of our youth ; we 
 meetings. ^^^ therefore desirous of impressing on the minds of those to whom 
 
 they are intrusted, and who themselves may be diligent, to beware 
 how they deprive their children of such opportunities on the week-day, 
 even for the sake of their attendance at school. 1815. P. E. 
 
 24 We observe with pleasure the increasing desire manifested by friends 
 Parents, &c. ^^ obtain a guarded and useful education for their children. The re- 
 ports concerning the schools under the notice of this meeting prove that 
 
PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 199 
 
 religious care and good order prevail in them, and have yielded us Parents, &c. 
 great satisfaction. The improvement of the understanding, and the 
 communication of that knowledge by which it may be more extensively 
 prepared for the service of Him to whom we must all render our 
 account, are duties not to be neglected. We desire however to im- 
 press upon all, whether parents, or those to whom they intrust their 
 tender offspring, the supreme importance of inculcating the first of 
 duties, the fear and love of God. 
 
 A watchful parent will at no time be more alive to the welfare of his 
 children, than when they are passing from the age to which we have 
 just adverted, to the succeeding stage of life. The situations in which 
 they are then placed, and the companions with whom they associate, 
 may have a decided influence on their future character. We would 
 therefore encourage both parents and masters, not to relax at this 
 critical period, either in care or counsel, or in proper restraint tempered 
 with kindness. Here we would advert to the importance of good 
 example, and to the great blessing which will attend the labours of 
 those whom we are now addressing, as they seek to become preachers 
 of righteousness, in life and conduct, to those around them. How 
 inviting, how instructive, it is, to behold such as by the purity of their 
 lives, by the meekness of their spirits, and by the benevolence of their 
 characters, are adorning their profession ! 1816. P. E. 
 
 Dear friends, who fill the important station of parents, permit us to 25 
 express the warm interest which we have felt on your account, and on 
 that of your offspring. It has often been the concern of this meeting 
 to recommend, (and again feeling its importance we desire to enforce 
 the advice,) that your interesting charge may, from very early life, be 
 brought up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Let it be 
 your earnest and tender care to subject their wills, and thus prepare 
 them to bear the cross of Christ. Cultivate in their minds, a strict 
 regard to truth and integrity. Neglect no endeavours to preserve them 
 in the paths of virtue, and let them be early habituated to simplicity 
 of dress and manner, and to restraints from indulgences inconsistent 
 with our Christian profession. 
 
200 PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 
 
 Parents, &c. Parents, as they watch the opening capacities of their beloved off- 
 spring, may instil into them, during their very early years, (a period 
 when prejudice and worldly temptations present but little obstruction 
 to the work,) the first principles of religion. It is their indispensable 
 duty to seek opportunities for this purpose; that they may impress 
 upon their children the fear and the love of God ; and point their 
 early aflfections to the blessed Jesus, who laid down his life for them, 
 and who has, in a peculiar manner, called them unto himself. — " Suffer 
 " little children to come unto me, and forbid them not." 
 
 A highly important means for promoting these objects, is instruction 
 in the Holy Scriptures. No study is more interesting to children when 
 it is judiciously presented to their attention. It is a pleasant and 
 most useful employment to store their tender minds with a knowledge 
 of those sacred histories which so beautifully display the wisdom and 
 love of God ; to make them acquainted with the types and prophecies 
 which represented beforehand the coming and character of Christ ; and 
 to point out to them those essential truths which were fully brought 
 to light by the gospel. In the course of such instruction, their minds 
 ought to be directed to those parts of Scripture which elucidate our 
 peculiar religious testimonies. Thus, as they advance in life, they will 
 know on what grounds their profession rests. An increasing attach- 
 ment to that profession will also be promoted in them, by their being 
 led to peruse the history of our society, and especially the interesting 
 lives of our early predecessors. 
 
 As friends are thus concerned to communicate to their tender charge 
 a knowledge of Christian truth, we believe that they will themselves 
 often derive instruction as well as comfort from the work. In prose- 
 cuting this work, however, let us always remember that we cannot, of 
 ourselves, produce religion in the mind. On this principle, we must 
 make it our chief object to direct the early and constant attention of 
 our offspring to the Spirit of Christ within them, from which alone 
 can spring the fruits of righteousness : we must wait upon that Spirit 
 ourselves, for ability to perform our parental duties ; and we must seek 
 the Lord, in prayer, for his blessing upon all our efforts. Teach them, 
 dear friends, that of themselves they can do nothing ; let them be ac- 
 
PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 201 
 
 customed, in early life, to religious retirement ; and tenderly advise Parents, &c. 
 them to lift up their hearts, morning by morning, and evening by 
 evening, to the Author of all their mercies. Thus they will experience 
 preservation, and as they increase in stature, vrill increase also in favour 
 vs^ith God and man. 
 
 But, never forget, that it should be your care to set that example of 
 a humble Christian, which so beautifully enforces the pure precepts of 
 the gospel ; your own minds must be seasoned with grace ; and your 
 labours will only be effectual as they are carried on and blessed by the 
 power of the Spirit of Christ. If, in the discharge of this duty, dis- 
 couragements should arise, let not these become a cause of dismay. 
 Even these may teach the important lesson, highly necessary to be 
 learned, that it is only as fresh supplies of holy aid are granted, 
 that we can safely labour in this work. The evidence which will 
 at times in mercy be afforded, that Divine Goodness views such 
 efforts with acceptance, and the cheering trust that the continued 
 care of a tender parent may, if not at the time, yet at a future 
 day, be rewarded, are powerful incitements to persevere in the way 
 of well-doing. 1818. 
 
 In the earliest periods of life, much of the care of children rests 26 
 with mothers, and we desire that in all cases their pious endeavours 
 may be strengthened by the co-operation of the fathers. The youth- 
 ful mind is very soon susceptible of serious impressions ; and we be- 
 lieve that if parents are careful to watch the most favourable oppor- 
 tunities, they may instil religious truths, lay a foundation for correct 
 principles, and give a right bias to the affections, which may be 
 greatly blessed at a future day. The safe ground on which parents 
 can proceed, is so to live and so to wait before the throne of grace, as to 
 be enabled to pour forth their secret prayers for the blessing of the 
 Most High. Then, instead of looking back with bitter regret, if their 
 beloved offspring should deviate from the path of Christian virtue, they 
 may commit their cause with conscious integrity to Him whom they 
 have desired to serve. 1821. P. E. 
 
 D D 
 
202 PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 
 
 27 Much of the undue liberty indulged in by the youth, is often occa- 
 Parents, &c. gJQjjed by the early indulgence granted to them by the parent : 
 
 wherefore this meeting tenderly, affectionately, yet earnestly, intreats 
 such as are parents, or have the care of children, that they be very 
 early and firm in endeavouring to habituate them to a due subjection 
 of their will ; that, having maturely weighed the injunctions which they 
 find necessary to impose, they suffer them not to be disregarded and 
 disobeyed. The habit of obedience, which may thus be induced, will 
 render the relation of parent and child additionally endearing ; and as 
 it will prepare the infant mind for a more ready reception of the neces- 
 sary restraints of the cross, it may be considered, in part, as pre- 
 paring the way of the Lord ; whilst those who neglect to bend the 
 tender minds of their children to parental authority, and connive at 
 their early tendencies to hurtful gratifications, are, more or less, making 
 way for the enemy and destroyer. 1822. 
 
 28 In contemplating the temptations incident to human life, our 
 thoughts are again turned to the responsible situation of parents, and 
 others who have the care of children. Much depends, under the 
 divine blessing, upon the early formation of character. We therefore 
 earnestly recommend to all who have the charge of youth, to embrace 
 the first opportunities to instil into their tender and susceptible minds 
 correct principles of piety and virtue ; in reverent fear to speak to 
 them of Him who made them, and of Him who died for them ; and to 
 turn their attention to the discoveries of the Spirit of Truth. It is of 
 great importance that every endeavour should be used, in love to check 
 the evil propensities of their nature, to control their will, to induce 
 habitual reverence for God, and for the solemn truths of the Gospel, 
 and to lay the foundation of that humble faith in redemption through 
 Christ, and in the teachings of the Holy Spirit, which we believe to 
 be the basis of the Christian edifice. 
 
 Calmness and firmness on such occasions, and indeed in the daily 
 occurrences of life — precept enforced by consistent example — are well 
 calculated to command respect, and to give the most beneficial effect 
 
PARENTS AND EDUCATION. .203 
 
 both to restraint and counsel. When true parental love, regulated Parents, &c. 
 by the love of Christ abiding in the heart, is thus exercised, it often 
 produces obedience and corresponding love in the child. In this 
 parental love, a vs^atchful care is maintained with regard to his as- 
 sociates ; and this dangerous avenue to evil is sedulously guarded. 
 On the same principle, the attentive parent will exercise a diligent 
 care, that the minds of his offspring be not contaminated by pe- 
 rusing such books as would induce a disregard for the tendering 
 visitations of divine love ; or a disrelish either for the truths of 
 Holy Scripture, for the society of good men, or for the narratives 
 of those who, through the power of redeeming love, have been pre- 
 pared to enter into eternal rest. Thus we may see that that which is 
 of the world leadeth unto the world, whilst that which is of God leadeth 
 unto God. 1824. P. E. 
 
 The importance of endeavouring to train up children in the right 29 
 way of the Lord is so great, that it is no cause for surprise that the 
 minds of faithful brethren are, from year to year, as has been the case 
 at the present time, exercised on the subject in this meeting. Our 
 Christian profession leads to a religious life and conversation of great 
 purity, both in example and precept. It forbids worldly-mindedness : 
 it enforces the necessity of habits of Christian love and gentleness : it 
 enjoins a watchful, guarded demeanour : it allows of no compromise 
 of principle for any system of expediency. Thus the life of a pious 
 parent will show forth a steady endeavour to follow the light of Christ, 
 and to imitate his pure and holy example. 
 
 Such parents will often watch for favourable opportunities to imbue 
 the susceptible minds of their youthful charge with the true filial fear 
 and love of the Almighty ; to turn their attention to " the Lamb of God, 
 " which taketh away the sin of the world ;"^ and to instruct them in the 
 precious truths of Holy Scripture, They will frequently feel the vast 
 importance of doing their utmost to cultivate in their tender offspring, 
 
 ' John, i. 29. 
 
 D D 2 
 
204 PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 
 
 Parents, &c. a humble obedience to the teachings of the Lord's Spirit ; and, as they 
 advance in years, to establish in them a firm belief in the all- 
 sufficiency of this holy guide. When precept and example are 
 thus happily combined, they most effectually prepare the way for 
 the adoption of those testimonies and practices in regard to speech, 
 behaviour, and apparel, which accord with our views of Christian 
 simplicity. These we believe to have their origin in that pure 
 and perfect law of the Lord, from whence spring our more im- 
 portant views of Christian doctrine and practice. And we desire that 
 none of our dear friends may be discouraged in contemplating that 
 high standard of parental duty, which we are concerned to hold 
 up. All should be endeavouring to perform their part with entire con- 
 sistency ; and if we are sincere in these attempts, we have abundant 
 cause to believe that the blessing of the Most High will not be withheld. 
 1826. P. E. 
 
 30 We affectionately exhort parents, and all who have the care of 
 
 children and young persons, constantly to bear in remembrance the 
 great value of a tender conscience ; and to turn their attention to the 
 secret instructions of Divine Grace, reproving for evil, and bringing 
 peace for doing well. Be concerned, dear friends of this class, early to 
 subject the wills of those entrusted to your charge ; encourage them to 
 fix their affections on things which are eternal ; set before them 
 the necessity of being converted from the evil of their own hearts, and 
 kept clean from the sin which abounds in the world ; impress them 
 with a sense of the holiness and purity of God, and of his righteous 
 law : and whilst we would exhort you to continue to instruct them 
 in the invaluable truths of the Bible, may you lead them to seek after 
 the practical application of these precepts and doctrines under the 
 influence of the Holy Spirit. By such a course of religious care and 
 Christian instruction, carried on, in simple, humble dependence upon 
 God, you will perform the great duty of bringing them up in the nur- 
 ture and admonition of the Lord. 1830. P. E. 
 
PARENTS AND EDUCATION. 205 
 
 The reports which we have at this time received, of the state of our 31 
 public schools have been satisfactory to us ; we believe that they have ^terf "S?^" 
 been rendered a great blessing to our society. Our sympathy and esteem 
 are peculiarly due to those who are conscientiously occupied in dis- 
 charging the responsible duties attached to the care of youth. With 
 the right fulfilment of your trust, dear friends, our hopes of a succeeding 
 generation are intimately connected. Your calling is arduous, but of 
 eminent utility ; and one in which you have abundant opportunity to 
 serve the Lord. You have especial need to seek for the wisdom which 
 is from above ; but if, through heavenly help, you have been made 
 instrumental in establishing correct moral habits and sound religious 
 principles, however limited your sphere, you may hope to partake of 
 the blessing of those who turn many to righteousness. We are religi- 
 ously concerned that our young people of every class, whilst they are 
 receiving that education which will fit them for usefulness in after life, 
 may continue to be trained up in the knowledge and love of the Holy 
 Scriptures ; and that they may, in humility and the fear of the Lord, 
 examine for themselves the external evidences of the Christian re- 
 ligion. May they ever be preserved in that teachable, watchful, and 
 tender state of mind in which they will be alive to the perceptible in- 
 fluence of the Holy Spirit, and in which the Lord will be pleased to 
 grant them a right understanding of the way of life and salvation. 
 1833. P. E. 
 
206 
 
 PLAINNESS AND MODERATION. 
 
 1 It is much upon us to put friends in remembrance to keep to the 
 to Christian^ aucicut testimony, truth begat in our hearts in the beginning, against 
 seTffdenmi.^" the Spirit of this world ; for which many have suffered cruel mockings, 
 
 beating, stoning, &:c. particularly as to the corrupt fashions, dealings, 
 and language of the world, their over-reachings and vain jestings ; that 
 the cross of Christ in all things may be kept to, which preserves friends 
 blameless, and honours the Lord's name and truth in the earth. 1675. 
 W. E. 
 
 2 It is our tender and Christian advice that friends take care to keep to 
 truth and plainness, in language, habit, deportment, and behaviour ; that 
 the simplicity of truth in these things may not wear out or be lost in our 
 days, nor in those of our posterity ; and to avoid pride and immodesty in 
 apparel, and all vain and superfluous fashions of the world. 1691. P. E. 
 
 3 This meeting, under a deep sense that pride, and the vain customs 
 and fashions of the world prevail over some of our profession, par- 
 ticularly in the excess of apparel and furniture, doth earnestly recom- 
 mend, that all who make profession with us take care to be exemplary 
 in what they wear, and what they use, so as to avoid the vain customs 
 of the world, and all extravagancy in colour and fashion ; and keep 
 themselves, in respect thereof, spotless and blameless, adorning their 
 profession in all modesty and sobriety : and that all parents be watch- 
 ful over their children, and careful not to suffer them to get up into 
 pride and excess, but keep them to that decent plainness which be- 
 comes the people of God ; that their children may not be exposed to 
 ruin by their parents' neglect. 1703. P. E. 
 
PLAINNESS AND MODERATION. 207 
 
 Let all be examples to their children, in wisdom, moderation, and 4 
 
 plainness in language and habit; and not examples only, but also ^^chrSkJ^ 
 restrain them from any thing that might be to their hurt, either in- simplicity and 
 wardly or outwardly : neither providing for them costly and gaudy 
 attire unbecoming godliness, nor letting them have money to gratify 
 themselves therein. 1709. P. E. 
 
 We exhort all such as are professors of the truth, faithfully to obey the 5 
 
 same, in keeping to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the several 
 testimonies thereof; so that none may despise the day of small things, 
 or turn aside from the plainness, simplicity, and life of the truth, into 
 the words, ways, customs, and fashions of the world, which are vain, 
 and will perish with the using ; God having redeemed his people out 
 of the same, through his righteous judgments in their inward parts : 
 knowing, that whatsoever hath been condemned, and overturned thereby, 
 is never to be built up again, by any who are lovers of the truth as it 
 is in Jesus. 1712. P. E. 
 
 Advised, that all friends, both male and female, be careful that their 6 
 
 adorning be that " of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of 
 " God of great price;" even as the holy men and women of old, pro- 
 fessing godliness, were adorned. O that our young men and women 
 would follow their example ! but to our great grief we find too 
 many of our young men, instead of observing that gospel exhorta- 
 tion to be soberminded, have given way to lightness and vanity ; the 
 pernicious effects whereof have led them into pride, and such ex- 
 travagances as those who are not of our profession observe, as marks 
 of declension from our primitive plainness. And O that our young 
 women, likewise, would cease from all unseemly and immodest appear- 
 ance in their apparel ! Certainly both males and females who take 
 such undue measures, fly from the cross of Christ ; and if they do not 
 repent and return, they will thereby suffer great loss. 1715. W. E. 
 
 Forasmuch as a true Christian practice, and every branch of it, is 7 
 
208 PLAINNESS AND MODERATION. 
 
 Exhortations the fruit and eifect of the inward sanctification of the heart, by the 
 
 to Christian ... ^ J 
 
 simplicity and Spirit of Christ, for which we are frequently to wait on him in all hu- 
 
 self-denial. . . ^ j 
 
 mility and lowliness of mind ; we tenderly advise, that every thing 
 tending to obstruct, or divert the minds of children, or those of more 
 advanced years, from this good exercise, may be carefully avoided and 
 taken out of the way. And it being evident, that the glory and vanity 
 of the world, and the pleasures and diversions of it, are of this nature 
 and tendency ; we therefore advise that all parents and masters, in the 
 first place, be good examples to their children and families, in a hum- 
 ble and circumspect walking, and with all plainness of habit and 
 speech ; and also, that they be very careful not to indulge their chil- 
 dren in the use and practice of things contrary thereunto. For we are 
 sensible that, by such habits, of how little moment soever some may 
 think them, the tender minds of children, while very young, being 
 lifted up, and drawn aside from the simplicity of the truth, a foundation 
 is early laid for those undue liberties, so justly complained of; for a 
 love and delight in such things, imprudently indulged at first, grows 
 up with them, and becomes strengthened more and more into confirmed 
 habits ; and thus some have become enemies to the cross of Christ, and 
 forsaken and opposed the way of truth ; which possibly might have 
 been prevented by parents doing their duty, in being good exam- 
 ples, and not cherishing the seeds of vanity and folly in their chil- 
 dren, but, on the contrary, prudently discouraging every appearance 
 of evil in them : which necessary duty we earnestly recommend to their 
 serious consideration and practice. 1735. P. E. 
 
 8 It is also our concern to exhort all friends, both men and women, to 
 
 watch against the growing sin of pride, and to beware of adorning 
 themselves in a manner disagreeable to the plainness and simplicity of 
 the truth we make profession of O that they would duly consider 
 that reproof which the Lord, by the mouth of his prophet, pro- 
 nounced against the haughty daughters of Zion, where he describes 
 even the particularities of their dressings and ornaments, so displeas- 
 ing to the Lord, and drawing down his judgments upon them !^ 
 
 ' Isaiah, iii. 
 
selMenial. 
 
 PLAINNESS AND MODERATION. 209 
 
 "I will," saith the apostle Paul, " that women adorn themselves in mo- Exhortations 
 
 1-11 n 1 11' •! 1 ^^ Christian 
 
 * dest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety; not with broidered simplicity and 
 " hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array ; but, which becometh women 
 " professing godliness, with good works:"' plainly shewing, that such 
 adornings are contrary to the profession of godliness. The apostle Peter 
 also is very full in his exhortations on this subject : " Whose adorning," 
 saith he, " let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, 
 " and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel ; but let it be the 
 *' hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the orna- 
 " ment of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great 
 " price ; for after this manner, in the old time, the holy women also who 
 " trusted in God, adorned themselves :"2 plainly intimating, that those 
 who of old were holy, and did trust in God, placed not their delight in 
 such ornaments. O that ye would weigh and consider these things ! 
 " Let your moderation be known unto all men,"^ and, " grieve not the 
 '• Holy Spirit of God;" but, be ye followers of Him, as dear children; 
 walking " circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, 
 " because the days are evil."* 1739. P. E. 
 
 The example of our blessed Saviour and his followers, and of vir- 
 tuous and holy men in all ages, ought to make a due impression on 
 every considerate mind ; and especially on such as have had the advan- 
 tage of an education in a plainness agreeable to such example. 
 
 Let not any such as degenerate in these respects excuse their own 
 weakness, under a pretence of the misconduct of some, who have ap- 
 peared outwardly plain ; an objection of very little weight : for did they 
 rightly consider, they would clearly see, that the very reason why de- 
 ceivers sometimes put on plain apparel, is, because true men have been 
 accustomed to wear it. We also tenderly advise, that friends take 
 heed, especially those who should be exemplary to others under their 
 care, that they exercise plainness of speech without respect of 
 persons, in all their converse among men ; and not balk their testi- 
 
 ' 1 Tim. ii. 9, 10. ' 1 Pet. iii. 3, 4, 5. ' Phil. iv. 5. * Epb. iv. SO; v. 1, 15, 16. 
 
 E E 
 
210 
 
 PLAINNESS AND MODERATION. 
 
 Exhortations mony by a cowardly compliance, varying their language according 
 simplicity and to their Company : a practice of very ill example to our observ- 
 ing youth, and rendering those who use it contemptible, and looked 
 upon as a kind of hypocrites, even by those with whom they so comply. 
 1743. W. E. 
 
 10 It is matter of exceeding grief and concern to many of the faithful 
 
 among us, to observe, how far that exemplary plainness of habit, 
 speech, and deportment, which distinguished our forefathers, and for 
 which they patiently underwent reproach and contradiction, is now 
 departed from, by too many under our name. A declension from the 
 simplicity of truth herein, hath been, and we fear is, attended with 
 pernicious consequences, in opening the way of some, the more easily 
 and unobservedly, to attend the places of public resort, for the exercise 
 of sports, plays, and other hurtful and destructive diversions of the 
 age ; from which truth taught our faithful elders, and still teaches 
 us, wholly to refrain ; and indeed the Christian gravity of their lives 
 and actions carried with it a severe reproof, and manifest oppo- 
 sition to the wantonness and levity of such dangerous and sinful 
 pastimes. 
 
 Wherefore, we beseech you, be not deceived, nor led aside by false 
 notions of imaginary pleasures, to partake of works of darkness, but 
 " watch and be sober," and, as becometh children of the light and of 
 the day, " abstain from all appearance of evil. "^ 1753. P. E. 
 
 11 
 
 Against 
 worldly gran- 
 deur and ex- 
 pensive ha- 
 bits. 
 
 We find it necessary to remind you, that our worthy ancestors, hav- 
 ing their eye directed towards an enduring inheritance, and their affec- 
 tions established upon things above, sought not after greatness in this 
 world ; but passed the time of their sojourning here in fear, and in 
 great simplicity of heart, as well as of outward demeanour ; endeavour- 
 ing thereby to reach the divine witness in every mind, and promote 
 the love of truth and righteousness amongst mankind. 
 
 In minds thus bent upon seeking a more glorious inheritance than 
 
 • 1 Thes. V. 6, 22. 
 
PLAINNESS AND MODERATION. 211 
 
 temporals can afford, the love of this world had little influence. They 
 were shining examples of temperance, justice, and truth. A defection 
 from this simplicity of heart and heavenly- mindedness, into the love 
 and pursuit of this fading world, hath obviously prevailed with too 
 many amongst us, and produced the fruits of pride and ambition. 
 These have brought in many wants, from which the simplicity and 
 integrity of our ancestors preserved them. To satisfy these wants, 
 divers have been excited to enter into a larger extension of trade and 
 commerce, than they had stock and ability to conduct. Vain ambition, 
 and evil emulation, have led into higher living, and greater expenses, 
 than their income would admit. Reduced by these means in their cir- 
 cumstances, yet unwilling to lessen their appearance in the world, they 
 have made use of indirect methods to procure a temporary support, 
 which have ended in failures and bankruptcies. 
 
 This lamentable defection in some under our name, hath oc- 
 casioned great reproach, and grievous suffering in the property of 
 many, almost to the ruin of individuals, who placed more confidence 
 in them on account of the self-denying profession they made to the 
 world. 1767. P. E. 
 
 Now, dear friends, we would mention one subject which at this time 12 
 has been under our notice ; a caution to all, to use moderation in their moderation^n 
 manner of living ; and in this way to seek relief from the increasing {Jjfj ^^""^'^ °* 
 expense of the times in which we live, rather than by engaging in 
 more extensive, and often hazardous schemes in trade. By these latter 
 means the mind becomes encumbered, and unfitted for religious service, 
 yea, often for religious thought, and for breathing daily after the 
 spiritual riches, which are to be enjoyed in close communion with God. 
 And let us beseech you to consider, how distant from the state which 
 endeavours to stand resigned to give up all, if required, is that 
 state which indulges itself in ease to the full extent of its power, 
 or is endeavouring by multiplied adventures in trade, to acquire 
 that power which it covets for the purpose of worldly enjoyment. 
 1810. P. E. 
 
 E E 2 
 
 ing: 
 
212 
 
 PLAINNESS AND MODERATION. 
 
 13 
 
 and to sim- 
 plicity in the 
 furniture of 
 houses: 
 
 A fear has prevailed amongst us, at this time, that not a few elder 
 friends, and even some who take part in our discipline, have not been 
 sufficiently exemplary with regard to plainness ; particularly in the 
 furniture of their houses. It seems, therefore, right to caution all 
 against giving way, in this respect, to the varying, and often costly, 
 fashions of the age. Though it is a weakness which does not seem to 
 savour so much of personal pride, as does vain attire ; yet it bespeaks 
 a mind engaged with trifles, and a fondness for show which is inconsist- 
 ent w4th the Christian character ; and it disqualifies for duly advising 
 such as may rush into further degrees of extravagance. 1809. P. E. 
 
 14 ' Moderation in personal and domestic expense, every way becomes 
 
 the followers of a Saviour, who was " lowly in heart." We are there- 
 fore engaged to press it upon our young friends, just setting out in life, 
 to beware of needless expense in the furniture of their houses, and in 
 their general domestic habits. Even those who think their property 
 may entitle them to abundance or to elegance, by indulging in costly 
 habits are setting but an ill example to those of more contracted means ; 
 and as we are but too apt to copy that which coincides with our natural 
 disposition, our want of circumspection may prove an incitement to ex- 
 travagance in others, and prompt them to use exertions for supporting 
 an appearance, which may divert them from the true business of life, — 
 the daily study to be approved in the sight of God. 1812. P. E. 
 
 15 
 
 and in dress 
 and address. 
 
 The love of the world operates in various ways to turn us aside from 
 the path of holiness. We believe that it leads many to gratify them- 
 selves in dress and language, in a way inconsistent with Christian 
 simplicity. We are convinced that this departure from our well-known 
 testimony, is an inlet to greater temptations, and we believe that where 
 this salutary restraint is found to be irksome, a desire to throw it off 
 tends to retard the spiritual growth. We therefore affectionately 
 intreat those who may be thus disposed, that they would consider well 
 the motives for their conduct, and reflect whether by this unwillingness 
 to take up the cross to their natural inclinations, they are not so far de- 
 clining to become the disciples of Christ. 1820. P. E. 
 
PLAINNESS AND MODERATION. 213 
 
 It ought to be the frequent concern of every one who professes the 16 
 name of Christ, by watchfulness unto prayer, (a duty often enjoined, but counsel 
 which cannot bfe too deeply impressed,) to follow the example of our 
 blessed Saviour, and to obey his sacred precepts. If thus concerned 
 he will be anxious by an honest examination to ascertain, whether, by 
 a daily course of self-denial, he is evincing his sense of the marvellous 
 love displayed by the coming in the flesh, and as a sacrifice for sin, of 
 the Son of God, who is " the light of the world." 
 
 We are persuaded, beloved friends, that if these solemn subjects 
 have their due place in the mind, you will become fearful lest the love 
 of the world should dispossess you of the love of God. In this day 
 of comparative outward ease, and of exemption from great suffering 
 in the support of our views of the pure and spiritual nature of the 
 Gospel, it especially behoves us to be on our guard that we be not 
 gradually drawn aside from the simplicity of the truth as it is in Jesus. 
 It is upon this priticiple of simplicity that our testimony to plainness 
 in speech, behaviour, and apparel rests. And, believing as we do, that 
 nothing ought to be esteemed little, that forms a part of our Christian 
 duty, we would exhort all our members to an entire consistency on 
 these points. But we would remind you, dear friends, that this sim- 
 plicity includes something more ; and that it is also incumbent upon 
 us to consider, whether we are not in danger of following the vain 
 fashions of the world in the decoration of our houses ; and whether, 
 whilst given to hospitality, we are sufficiently careful to observe due 
 moderation in our manner of livino*. 1825. P. E. 
 
214 
 
 POOR. 
 
 1 With respect to the poor among us, it ought to be considered, that the 
 eduSon"o poor, both parents and children, are of our family, and ought not to be 
 be provided, ^ui-ugjj off to any Others for their support or education ; and although 
 
 some may think the poor a burthen, yet be it remembered, when our poor 
 are well provided for, and walk orderly, they are an ornament to our so- 
 ciety; and the rich should consider, " It is more blessed to give than to re- 
 " ceive." ^ " He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and 
 "that which he hath given will He pay him again.'" 1718. P.E. — 1833. 
 
 2 Advised, that where friends want ability in the world, their monthly 
 and quarterly meetings assist them, that the children of the poor may 
 have due help of education, instruction, and necessary learning ; and 
 that the children both of the rich and the poor may be early provided 
 with useful employments, that they may not grow up in idleness, loose- 
 ness, and vice ; but that, being seasoned with the truth, taught our 
 holy self-denying way, and sanctified of God, they may become a repu- 
 tation to our holy profession, the comfort of their honest parents, and 
 instrumental to the glory of God, and to the good of the succeeding 
 generations. 1709. P. E. 
 
 3 As mercy, compassion, and charity are eminently required in this 
 new-covenant dispensation which we are under ; so, respecting the poor 
 and indigent among us, it is the advice of this meeting that all poor 
 friends be taken due care of, and none of them sent to the parish to be 
 relieved ; and that nothing be w^anting for their necessary supply ; ac- 
 cording to our ancient practice and testimony. 1720. P. E. 
 
 ' Acts XX. 35. ' Prov. xix. 17- 
 
POOR. 2J5 
 
 The families of poor friends to be provided, at the discretion and 4 
 
 expense of monthly meetings, with bibles, and also with friends' books, frlendVTooks 
 particularly such as are adapted to the instruction and edification of 'o^^s"pp*>«<^- 
 their children. 1754—1801. 
 
 We have ever esteemed the duty of ministering to the wants of the poor 5 
 
 as one of primary obligation. This duty ought to be exercised cheer- cheerfuiij 
 fully and without grudging, and in assisting our poorer brethren, care ^^ ^^^^ * 
 should be taken not to wound their feelings. It highly becomes a peo- 
 ple professing to be united in the faith and hope of the Gospel, to pro- 
 vide for the relief of their own poor. The care of the poor was one of 
 the earliest evidences which Christianity afforded to the Gentiles, of the 
 superiority and divine character of its principles ; and a similar provi- 
 sion for those who are united with us in religious fellowship, appears to 
 have been one of the earliest occasions of our meetings for discipline. 
 
 The provision made for its poor by our society, is however, it should ^"t to use 
 
 ^ i^ J •/ ' ' exertions to 
 
 be remembered, entirely a voluntary one : and its only ground is Chris- maintain 
 
 ' *' . . -^ ' -^ ° themselves. 
 
 tian charity. W hilst enjoining the duty of charity on those who are of 
 ability to extend it, we would remind our poor friends, that it is their 
 duty, by frugality and industry, to use their strenuous endeavours to 
 maintain themselves and their families ; and by small savings in time 
 of health, to provide for sickness and old age, so as not to be dependent 
 on others. 
 
 We would also observe, that the provision of the society was never children to 
 designed to contract the duty of charity between individual friends ; or parents. 
 to lessen the claims which near relations, in times of necessity, have 
 upon each other. In an especial manner, we esteem it the privilege 
 and the duty of the children of persons who are destitute, to minister 
 to the wants and comforts of their parents with an affectionate cheerful- 
 ness, and not to throw the care of them on others. 1833. 
 
216 
 
 QUERIES. 
 
 1 
 
 Their object. 
 
 This meeting feels a lively concern to remind our members, that the 
 intention of directing sundry queries to be answered, relative to the con- 
 duct of individuals in the several branches of our Christian profession, 
 is not only to be informed of the state of our meetings, but also to im- 
 press on the minds of friends a profitable examination of themselves, 
 how far they act consistently with their religious principles. We would 
 therefore earnestly recommend to every one of our members, more es- 
 pecially when the answers are drawn up, to examine whether he himself 
 is coming up in that life of self-denial and devotedness unto God which 
 so highly becomes all who make profession of the name of Christ. 
 1787.— 1833. 
 
 2 
 
 Directions as 
 to answering 
 them. 
 
 The answers to the queries are to be drawn up in writing in the re- 
 spective meetings, under a serious consideration of the state of the meet- 
 ing. The answers to the queries from the men's meeting are intended 
 to refer to the state and conduct of the whole body of men and women 
 friends. 1787.— 1819.— 1833. 
 
 In those queries which consist of several particulars, the answers, if 
 there be any deficiency, should show in what particulars it consists. If, 
 in answering the third query, any difference should exist between mem- 
 bers of two preparative or monthly meetings, each meeting is to report 
 the said difference, and also whether the same is under due care. On 
 all occasions, the words of the query are, as much as may be, to be 
 kept to in the answers ; and when deficiency is acknowledged, report 
 is to be made in the answer whether due admonition and care have 
 been extended. 1798.— 1833, 
 
QUERIES. 217 
 
 MEN S QUERIES. 
 
 The following are the queries for the men's meetings : the first twelve 
 are to be answered in writing to the Spring quarterly meetings, and 
 from thence to this meeting ; the first, third, tenth, thirteenth, fourteenth, 
 fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth are to be answered in writing to the 
 quarterly meetings in Autumn ; and the first and third to the quarterly 
 meetings in Winter. 
 
 I. Are meetings for worship and discipline kept up, and do friends 
 attend them duly, and at the time appointed ; and do they avoid all un- 
 becoming behaviour therein ? 
 
 II. Is there among you any growth in the truth ? 
 
 III. Are friends preserved in love one towards another ; if diflferences 
 arise, is due care taken speedily to end them ; and are friends careful to 
 avoid and discourage tale-bearing and detraction ? 
 
 IV. Do friends endeavour by example and precept to train up their 
 children, servants, and those under their care, in a religious life and 
 conversation, consistent with our Christian profession ; and in plainness 
 of speech, behaviour, and apparel ? 
 
 V. Is it the care of all friends to be frequent in reading the Holy 
 Scriptures ; and do those who have children, servants, and others under 
 their care, train them up in the practice of this religious duty ? 
 
 VI. Are friends just in their dealings, and punctual in fulfilling their 
 engagements? 
 
 VII. Do friends avoid all vain sports, and places of diversion, gaming, 
 all unnecessary frequenting of taverns and other public-houses, excess 
 in drinking, and other intemperance ? 
 
 VIII. Are friends faithful in bearing our Christian testimony against 
 receiving and paying tithes, priests' demands, and those called church- 
 rates ? 
 
 FF 
 
218 QUERIES. 
 
 IX. Are friends faithful in our testimony against bearing arms, and 
 being in any manner concerned in the militia, in privateers, or armed 
 vessels, or dealing in prize-goods ? 
 
 X. Are the necessities of the poor among you properly inspected and 
 relieved ; and is good care taken of the education of their offspring ? 
 
 XL Is due care taken, when any thing appears to require it, that the 
 rules of our discipline be timely and impartially put in practice ? 
 
 XII. Is there any appearance of convincement among you, and have 
 any been joined to our society on that ground since last year ? 
 
 XIII. Is care taken early to admonish such as appear inclined to 
 marry in a manner contrary to the rules of our society ; and in due 
 time to deal with such as persist in refusing to take counsel ? 
 
 XIV. Have you two or more faithful friends, appointed by the monthly 
 meeting, as overseers in each particular meeting ;^ are the rules respect- 
 ing removals duly observed ; are the general advices read as directed f 
 and are the lists of your members revised and corrected once in the 
 year ?^ 
 
 XV. Are friends annually advised to keep correct and clear accounts, 
 and carefully to inspect the state of their affairs once in the year ?* 
 
 XVI. Are friends clear of defrauding the king of his customs, duties, 
 and excise, and of using or dealing in goods suspected to be run ? 
 
 XVII. Do you keep a record of the prosecutions and sufferings of 
 your members ; is due care taken to register all marriages, births, and 
 burials ; are the titles of your meeting-houses, burial-grounds, &c. duly 
 preserved and recorded ; are the rules respecting registers and trust 
 property observed ; and are all legacies and donations properly secured 
 and recorded, and duly applied ? 
 
 ■ See " Monthly Meetings." No. 25. 
 
 'See "Advices," p. 1. 
 
 ' See *' Monthly Meetings," No. 26, and " Oversight," No. 12. 
 
 * See " Monthly Meetings," No. 32. 
 
QUERIES. 219 
 
 WOMEN S QUERIES. 
 
 It is agreed, that the following be the queries for the women's 
 meetings ; and that they be answered in writing to the women's 
 quarterly meetings in the Spring, and, with the exception of the last 
 two clauses of the sixth query, from thence to their yearly meeting ; 
 also that the first, second, ninth, and tenth be answered in writing to 
 the quarterly meetings in Autumn, and the first and second to the 
 quarterly meetings in Winter, 
 
 I. Do friends attend meetings for worship and discipline duly, and 
 at the time appointed ; and do they avoid all unbecoming behaviour 
 therein ? 
 
 II. Are friends preserved in love one towards another ; and are they 
 careful to avoid and discourage tale-bearing and detraction ? 
 
 III. Do friends endeavour by example and precept to train up their 
 children, servants, and those under their care, in a religious life and 
 conversation, consistent with our Christian profession ; and in plain- 
 ness of speech, behaviour, and apparel ? 
 
 IV. Is it the care of all friends to be frequent in reading the Holy 
 Scriptures ; and do those who have children, servants, and others under 
 their care, train them up in the practice of this religious duty ? 
 
 V. Are friends faithful in bearing our Christian testimony against 
 receiving and paying tithes, priests' demands, and those called church- 
 rates ? 
 
 VI. Do friends avoid all vain sports and places of diversion, gaming, 
 excess in drinking, and other intemperance ? 
 
 VII. Are friends just in their dealings, and punctual in fulfilling their 
 engagements ? 
 
 VIII. Is care taken early to admonish such as appear inclined to 
 marry in a manner contrary to the rules of our society ; and to report 
 such as persist in refusing to take counsel to the men's meeting in due 
 time?' 
 
 F F 2 
 
QUERIES. 
 
 IX. Are the necessities of the poor among you properly inspected 
 and relieved; and is good care taken of the education of their off- 
 spring ? 
 
 X. Have you two or more faithful friends, appointed by the monthly 
 meeting, as overseers in each particular meeting : and is the part of 
 the discipline committed to your care, timely and impartially exer- 
 cised ? 
 
 QUERY TO QUARTERLY MEETINGS ONLY. 
 
 The following query is to be read every quarter in the quarterly 
 meetings of men and of women friends, and an answer sent from the 
 Spring quarterly meeting to the yearly meeting : 
 
 Are you careful to give to your monthly meetings such assistance as 
 your place in the body and their state require ? 
 
 QUERIES FOR MEETINGS OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 It is agreed, that the following be the queries for the meetings of 
 ministers and elders; and that they be answered in writing to the 
 quarterly meetings of ministers and elders in the Spring, and from 
 thence, with the exception of the seventh, to the yearly meeting of 
 ministers and elders ; also that in Autumn the first six, and in Summer 
 and Winter the second and fourth, be answered in like manner to the 
 quarterly meetings of ministers and elders, and that the rest be then 
 read. 
 
 I. Do any friends travel from or among you in the work of the 
 ministry without certificates from the monthly meetings to which they 
 belong, or against their advice ? 
 
QUERIES. 221 
 
 II. Are ministers and elders diligent in attending their meetings for 
 worship, and in bringing their families with them ? Are they also dili- 
 gent in attending their meetings for discipline, and careful to promote 
 the attendance of their families ? 
 
 III. Do any overcharge themselves with trade or other outward 
 engagements to the hinderance of their service ? 
 
 IV. Are ministers and elders preserved in love, and in unity one 
 with another, endeavouring in harmony to promote the advancement 
 and spreading of the truth ? 
 
 V. Are ministers and elders careful to rule their own houses well, 
 and to bring up their families in plainness of speech, behaviour, and 
 apparel, and in other respects consistently with our Christian profes- 
 sion ; also to be good examples therein themselves ? 
 
 VI. Are they careful tenderly to admonish, should inconsistency ap- 
 pear in ministry or conduct ? 
 
 VII. Are the advices^ of the yearly meeting to ministers and elders, 
 read at least once every year, in your monthly and quarterly meetings? 
 
 ' For the Advices, see " Ministers and Elders," page 168. 
 
222 
 
 REGISTERS. 
 
 Two registers of every marriage, agreeable to the following form, are 
 to be signed at a convenient time on the day of marriage, by the parties 
 themselves, and by three witnesses. These registers are to be delivered 
 to the monthly meeting, next occurring, to which the woman belongs, and 
 to be there carefully examined. One of them is to be securely preserved 
 in the book kept for that purpose, belonging to the monthly meeting, 
 and the other is to be taken to the quarterly meeting, to be fixed in its 
 marriage register book and indexed. 
 
 Form of the Marriage Register. 
 
 On this Day of the Month, One Thousand Eight 
 
 Hundred and A. B. of in the 
 
 of yeoman. Son ofCT>. of 
 
 in the of draper, and E. 
 
 his Wife and F. G. 
 
 Daughter of H. G. of in the of 
 
 merchant, and J. his Wife, took each other in 
 
 Marriage, in a public assembly of the people called Quakers, at in the 
 
 of 
 in the presence of us, who as witnesses 
 thereof, and of the signatures hereto of 
 the said parties, have also subscribed our 
 names the day and year above written. 
 
 K. L. of farmer. 
 
 M. N. of grocer. 
 
 O. P. of mason. 
 
 [Care is to be taken, in filling up the above form, to insert the occupation or other usual addi- 
 tion, as well as the residence of the several persons mentioned in it. If the woman has 
 been previously married, she should be described as the widow of her last husband.] 
 
 This marriage was solemnized between us: 
 
 A.B. 
 F.G. 
 
REGISTERS. 223 
 
 In every monthly meeting one or more proper persons are to be ap- 
 pointed to give out birth notes, and burial notes ; who are to fill them 
 up agreeably to the prescribed forms, or to take care that the same be 
 properly done ; also to enter into the check margin of each note, the 
 name of the person to whom such notes are delivered, and the other 
 requisite particulars ; the check margins are to be carefully preserved. 
 No burial is to take place before the issuing of a burial note. 
 
 Forms of the Birth and Burial Notes. 
 
 BIRTH NOTE. 
 
 [Tft'o of these are to be properly filled up, inserting the father's occupation, or other usual 
 addition, and residence, and to be signed. If there be more than one child at a birth, each 
 child is to be mentioned in the birth notes in the order of birth, and in such case, an addi- 
 tional note or notes are to be executed. These several birth notes are to be alike in all 
 respects.] 
 
 On the 
 
 
 Day of the 
 
 
 Month, One Thousand Eight 
 
 Hundred and 
 
 
 
 
 born at in the 
 
 Parish of 
 
 
 in the 
 
 
 of , unto 
 
 A.B. 
 
 
 of 
 
 
 in the of 
 
 yeoman. 
 
 and C 
 
 
 
 his Wife, * 
 
 who 
 
 
 
 named 
 
 
 We, who were present at the said Birth, have subscribed our names as Witnesses f 
 thereof: 
 
 Examined at Monthly Meeting,'^ 
 
 of mo. 18 . > 
 
 Clerk.J 
 
 " Here insert a son, a daughter, two sons, &c., as the case may be. 
 ■j- The residences of Witnesses to be added to their signatures. 
 
 BIRTHS AND 
 BURIALS. 
 
224 REGISTERS. 
 
 BIRTHS AND BURIAL NOTE. 
 
 BURIALS. 
 
 [To be properly filled up, inserting the description, occupation, or other usual addition and 
 
 residence of the deceased.] 
 
 To Grave-Maker. 
 
 The Bay of the Month, 18 
 
 Make a Grave on or before next Day, in Friends' Burial-Ground at or near 
 
 in the of ^ 
 
 and therein lay the Body ojf A. B. of 
 
 in the of draper, aged about 
 
 who died the Day of the Month, 
 
 One Thousand Eight Hundred and 
 
 [To be here signed by the Friend appointed to give out burial notes.] 
 The body above mentioned was buried the Day of the 
 
 Month, 18 . 
 
 Witness Grave-Maker. 
 
 This Note to be delivered by the Grave-Maker, as soon as may be, to the person who signed it, 
 or to be forwarded to the proper meeting, for the purpose of making the registry. 
 
 In every monthly meeting, a suitable friend is to be appointed as 
 registrar of marriages, births, and burials. The registers of births and 
 burials are to be made agreeably to the following plans; and they 
 are to be entered by the friend appointed as registrar, from the birth 
 notes and burial notes, after they have passed the monthly meeting. 
 
 No mistake that happens to be made in a register, is to be erased, 
 but to be corrected by drawing a line through the same, so as to leave 
 it legible ; and what should have been written, is to be inserted near 
 it, and to be authenticated by the registrar's signing the initials of his 
 name thereto. No contractions are to be used either in filling up any 
 of the foregoing forms, or in the registers, except that in the latter, 
 dates may be expressed by figures. 
 
REGISTERS. 
 
 225 
 
 Forms of the Monthly Meeting Registers of Births and Burials. 
 
 BIRTHS. 
 
 When Born. | Where Born. I Name. I Son or I Names of I Residence, I Description of 
 
 I I Daughter. | Parents. | | the Father. 
 
 BURIALS. 
 When died. I Name. I Age. I Residence. I Description. I When buried. I Where Buried. 
 
 Birth notes and burial notes are to be taken to the monthly 
 meeting, there read, and the duplicate (or triplicate, &c. as the case 
 may be,) birth notes compared, and all signed by the clerk ; one birth 
 note is to be delivered to the registrar, and the other or others given 
 to the parents : the registrar, after entering the notes in the book kept 
 for that purpose, and filling up the index, is to forward them to the 
 quarterly meeting, at least once within the year, they are then to be 
 fixed into a proper book and indexed. 
 
 Burials are to be registered in the monthly meeting in which the 
 burial ground is situated ; and if the deceased were not a member of such 
 monthly meeting, the burial note is to be afterwards forwarded to the 
 monthly meeting to which such deceased person did belong, to be 
 there also registered, and sent from that meeting only to the quarterly 
 meeting. But seeing that the burial grounds in the six monthly 
 meetings of London are the joint property of those meetings, it shall 
 suffice that burials in those grounds of members of any of the said meet- 
 ings, be registered in the monthly meeting to which the deceased did 
 belong, and the burial notes taken thence to the quarterly meeting. 
 
 Children who have not a birthright in our religious society, may be 
 
 G G 
 
 6 
 
 General 
 regulations. 
 
226 REGISTERS. 
 
 General registered upon application made for that purpose. Burials of persons, 
 not members of our religious society, may also take place in our burial 
 grounds, provided they be, in all respects, conducted as the burials of 
 friends are conducted ; but no meeting for worship is to be appointed 
 on any such occasion. In both instances it is to be stated on the notes 
 and in the register, that the individuals are not in membership with lis, 
 Friends are to exercise discretion in complying with any application 
 that may be made in the before-mentioned cases. 
 
 9 Monthly meetings are in all cases to make a record on their minutes, 
 of the names of those for whom birth and burial notes, or marriage 
 registers have been produced ; and when the record is of the birth 
 or burial of any one who was not a member of our religious society, 
 the same is to be briefly noticed in the minute. The friend who gives 
 out the birth or burial note, is to notice such cases as are last described 
 in the check which he keeps, and also to take care that the monthly 
 meeting is informed of the circumstance when the note is produced. 
 
 10 In the case of any witness not being able to write, the affixing of 
 his or her mark is to be attested by the signature of another person. 
 
 11 Monthly meetings are, previously to the Spring quarterly meet- 
 ^f rSters" ^^^ ^^ every year, to appoint a committee to examine the registers 
 
 of marriages, births, and burials : which committee is to ascertain 
 by examination of the monthly meeting minutes, and of the check 
 margins of the notes, that all birth and burial notes given out 
 by the friends appointed to that service have been delivered in to 
 the monthly meeting ; and also by a comparison of the marriage 
 registers, and of the birth and burial notes, as recorded on the 
 minutes of the monthly meeting, with the register books, to ascer- 
 tain that all marriages, births, and burials, have been duly and cor- 
 rectly registered ; and also that the indexes at the ends of the re- 
 spective register books are regularly kept up. The committee is also 
 to make out a list of the said notes and registers, which list is to 
 be signed on their behalf, and to be transmitted, together with the 
 
REGISTERS. 227 
 
 birth and burial notes and marriage registers enumerated in it, to the 
 Spring quarterly meeting. 
 
 The quarterly meeting is to deliver the said notes and marriage 12 
 registers, to its registrar for preservation ; and it is annually to appoint a 
 committee to ascertain by an examination of its registers, that all mar- 
 riage registers and birth and burial notes, enumerated in the lists sent 
 in from the respective monthly meetings, are duly entered in the said 
 registers, and that the indexes at the ends of the respective register 
 books are kept up. 
 
 Quarterly and monthly meetings are also to exercise a proper care 13 
 that the indexes of all register books of former times are so complete 
 that there may be a ready reference to them in case of need. 1767. — 
 1774.— 1794.— 1801.— 1832.— 1833. 
 
 G (i 2 
 
228 
 
 REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 1 
 
 Caution with 
 regard to a 
 change of" re- 
 sidence. 
 
 We feel it our concern to caution friends to be very circumspect, 
 how they remove themselves and their families, from the places of their 
 residence ; it having been observed that the dissolving of old, and the 
 forming of new connexions, 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 ; especially where 
 the inclination to such removals hath originated in worldly motives. 
 And as the growth and establishment of children in a religious life 
 and conversation, being the most interesting, ought to be the 
 principal engagement of the minds of parents, we desire that 
 in putting them forward in a way of life, the probable effect it may 
 have on their minds be the chief object in view. We recommend 
 friends, both young and old, in these cases to give close attention to 
 the pointings of divine wisdom, and also timely to consult ex- 
 perienced friends, previously to their fixing a resolution of changing 
 their situation. 1784. P. E.— 1833. 
 
 fVith respect to the commencement of the following rules, it was agreed that they should 
 take place immediately after the end of the 8th month, 1820 ; but with this provision, 
 that under any certificate issued before that time, (although such certificate might 
 have a subsequent indorsement,) the gaining of settlement should be governed by the 
 old rules ; except in cases to which the eleventh of the present rules might be appli- 
 cable ; tohich eleventh rule, it was added, should be considered as wholly superseding 
 from the above-mentioned period, the eleventh of the old rules. 
 
REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 229 
 
 Rules respecting Removals and Settlements. 
 
 REMOVALS. 
 
 L All friends removing from one monthly meeting to another, are 2 
 
 to have certificates from the monthly meeting of which they are mem- 
 bers, recommending them to that into the compass of which they are 
 removed : and it is considered as obviously of importance, that such 
 recommendation should take place without any unnecessary delay, in 
 order that the individuals may come under the early notice and over- 
 sight of the meeting within the district of which they are residing. If on 
 removal any friend does not himself apply for a certificate, the monthly 
 meeting from which he is removed, is to recommend him without such 
 application. In case this should be omitted for the space of three 
 months, the monthly meeting into which such friend is removed, is at 
 liberty to apply for a certificate ; and any monthly meeting to which 
 an application of this kind shall be made, is to comply therewith, or 
 assign sufiicient reasons for not doing so. 
 
 II. Before issuing a certificate of removal, monthly meetings are, 
 except in the case of a young person under, or about, the age of six- 
 teen years, to make a suitable appointment of friends, for the purpose 
 of inquiry respecting the conduct of the person removing. Such in- 
 quiry is also to extend to the situation of the party with respect to 
 pecuniary circumstances, so that care may be effectually taken not to 
 proceed to a recommendation, if the individual removing has disrepu- 
 tably omitted to discharge, or to make proper arrangements relative to, 
 his just debts ; and, in preparing the certificate, care is likewise to be 
 had, correctly to comply with the provisions, which hereafter occur in 
 these rules, with regard to notice of relief received, or of recorded 
 insolvency. 
 
 If a friend on whose behalf a certificate is issued, is an acknowledged 
 minister, information thereof is to be included in the certificate ; and in 
 the case of a woman friend in the station of a minister removed by mar- 
 riage, information of her being in that station, is to be communicated by 
 minute. 
 
230 REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 KEMovALs. The same course is to be pursued in the case of an elder, if the re- 
 moval be into another monthly meeting within the limits of the same 
 quarterly meeting. 
 
 III. After inquiry made agreeably to the last preceding rule, and 
 report thereon, the monthly meeting shall, unless any thing appear in 
 the conduct (including that which relates to pecuniary engagements) 
 of the party removing, to require its notice of him as a delinquent, 
 proceed to issue a certificate of removal on his behalf. In all cases, 
 the individual who forwards the certificate is to accompany it with the 
 address of a friend to whom the acknowledgment of its acceptance may 
 be transmitted. Such certificates* are to be in one or other of the fol- 
 lowing forms : — 
 
 To Monthly Meeting of Friends. 
 
 Dear Friends, 
 
 A. B.y a member of this Meeting, has removed to 
 (a) in the compass of yours, and, upon inquiry made relative to his co7i- 
 duct and respecting debts, nothing appears to prevent the issuing of a 
 certificate on his behalf (6) we therefore recommend him to your Chris- 
 tian care, and remain with love, 
 
 Your Friends, 
 Signed in and on behalf of \ C. D. 
 
 Monthly Meeting, held at the f E. F. 
 
 of mo. 18 V G. H. 
 
 (c) ^ J. K. Clerk. 
 
 (a) Here insert the residence of the party removed. 
 (h) Here add, if the occasion requires it : — under the Sth [or 9th as 
 the case may be] Rule for Removals and Settlements. 
 (c) Add — if the certificate respects a female : — 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of the Women's Monthly Meeting. 
 
 L. M. Clerk. 
 
 * Although the manner in which certificates are to be expressed, is thus pointed out, 
 the use of printed forms is not to be introduced. 
 
REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 231 
 
 A wife is to be included in the same certificate as her husband, chil- »emovals. 
 dren under the age of sixteen years, or about that age, (at the discretion 
 of monthly meetings,) are, on removal with their parents, to be also 
 recommended without separate certificates. 
 
 In the case of a wife, and of children as thus pointed out, the certifi- 
 cate is to assume this form : 
 
 A. B., and C. his Wife, members of this meeting, have removed to 
 (d) in the compass of yours, and upon inquiry made re- 
 lative to their conduct and respecting debts, nothing appears to pre- 
 vent the issuing of a certificate on their behalf (e) we therefore recom- 
 mend them to your Christian care, with their children. D., E,, F., ^c. 
 and remain, ^c. 
 
 (d) Here insert the residence of the party removed. 
 
 (e) Add, if the occasion requires it : — under the Blh [or 9th as the case 
 may be] Rule for Removals and Settlements. 
 
 For a young person under the age of sixteen years, or about that age, 
 (at the discretion of monthly meetings,) who in consequence of sepa- 
 rately removing, or from any other cause, is the sole subject of a certi- 
 ficate, the following form may suffice :— 
 
 A. B., a minor, a member of this Meeting, has removed to 
 , in the compass of yours, and nothing appears to pre- 
 vent the issuing of a certificate on his behalf, we therefore recommend 
 him to your Christian care, and remain, <^c. 
 
 The signature of three friends besides the clerk or clerks, as pointed 
 out in the preceding general form, and implied of course with regard 
 to the others, is to be considered as sufficiently authenticating a certi- 
 ficate. If the certificate be addressed to any monthly meeting in 
 America, it is to be countersigned by one of our correspondents in Lon- 
 don for the yearly meeting of which the said monthly meeting forms a 
 part. 
 
232 REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 REMOVALS. IV. On receiving certificates, monthly meetings are to appoint a few 
 friends to visit the persons recommended. This, it should be borne in 
 mind, will furnish occasion for encouraging the appearances of good, as 
 well as of advising against those of a contrary tendency ; and may be 
 the introduction to an acquaintance fruitful of future advantage : an ad- 
 vantage which may in an especial manner prove a blessing to such of 
 the younger part of our society as are placed in exposed situations, if 
 they should thus obtain the kind and watchful care and counsel of judi- 
 cious friends. 
 
 V. On accepting a certificate, either upon receiving the report of 
 such a visit or previously, an acknowledgment is to be transmitted to the 
 monthly meeting which issued it, in the following form : — 
 
 To the Monthly Meeting of 
 We hereby inform you of our acceptance, this day, of your certi- 
 ficate on behalf of , dated the 
 of mo. 18 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of Monthly 
 
 Meeting, held at the of 
 
 mo. 18 
 
 A. B., Clerk. 
 
 VL If a monthly meeting to which a certificate is delivered, shall 
 find that the party is not resident within its district, it may forward the 
 certificate to any other monthly meeting within the compass of which 
 he does reside, informing the recommending monthly meeting thereof. 
 But if this be not done, or if, on any other ground than non-residence, 
 the monthly meeting to which a certificate is delivered, shall deem the 
 same improper to be accepted, it shall return such certificate to the 
 monthly meeting issuing it, and state the reason. Such return and 
 statement to be made, at the latest, from the second monthly meeting 
 after that at which the certificate has been delivered; or, acceptance at 
 such second monthly meeting to be inferred. 
 
REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 233 
 
 MENTS. 
 
 VIL Upon the acceptance of a certificate, either by acknowledgment settlk 
 or inference as aforesaid, a friend becomes a member of the accepting 
 monthly meeting in all respects, except that, as to relief, regard is to be 
 had to the provisions in these rules that relate to Settlement ; or, (in 
 other words,) that point out the monthly meeting which is liable to the 
 charge of affording the necessary assistance. 
 
 The settlement of a person admitted into the society, is in the monthly 
 meeting admitting, until another settlement ba gained elsewhere. 
 
 The settlement of a married woman is uniformly the same as that of 
 her husband, if the husband be a member of the society. 
 
 Children who have a birth-right in the society, have by birth the 
 same settlement as that of their father or mother at the time of such 
 birth; and on removal and recommendation with their parents, or either 
 parent, any fresh settlement acquired in consequence of such recom- 
 mendation by such parents or parent, is also acquired by the children ; 
 but, except in this case, and in that of the separate recommendation of 
 such children, placed out from home, as are recommendable without 
 reference to either the eighth or ninth of these rules, no fresh settlement 
 can be gained by young persons under the age of sixteen years. 
 
 VIIL If within one year previously to the issuing of a certificate, 
 the party has received relief, the circumstance is to be noticed in that 
 document, either expressly, or by reference to this rule. In the case of 
 so having received relief, as also in the case of reverting for relief under 
 the last provision but one in Rule X. a friend does not gain a new set- 
 tlement, except as hereafter provided (Rule XL) If in the intervening 
 time he is recommended from one monthly meeting to another, notice 
 either expressly, or by reference as above mentioned, is to be included 
 in any certificate concerning him. 
 
 IX. If the person recommended has been, at any time previously, in 
 the due course of the discipline of the society, reported to his monthly 
 meeting, and recorded as insolvent, and has not subsequently made full 
 payment to his creditors, such circumstance is to be noticed in the cer- 
 tificate either expressly, or by reference to the present Rule. Under 
 such form of recommendation, or where such ought to have been the form, 
 
 H H 
 
234 REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 a friend does not gain a settlement in the accepting monthly meeting, 
 except as hereafter provided (Rule XL) And this regulation with re- 
 spect to recommendation, and the effect of it, shall extend to the wife of 
 any such person (whether such person continue in membership or not) 
 during the husband's life, and for one year after his decease : and also to 
 the children of any such person, whether such person continue in member- 
 ship or not, such children beingrespectively under the age of sixteen years. 
 
 The wife as well as children of a person who, not being a member of 
 the society, openly fails in the payment of his just debts, (such wife and 
 children being in this, as well as in the former case, themselves entitled 
 to membership,) shall be in the same situation with regard to recom- 
 mendation and settlement, as if such person had been a member, and 
 been recorded as insolvent. 
 
 As instances may occur in which the proper procedure in a recom- 
 mending monthly meeting usually consequent on insolvency, may hap- 
 pen to be omitted, it is deemed expedient to provide, as is hereby done, 
 that in the cases which admit of being easily ascertained, such as 
 bankruptcy, or assignment of effects to, or composition with, creditors, 
 a person so omitted to be recorded as insolvent, shall nevertheless for 
 the purposes of any of these rules be considered as thus recorded. 
 
 X. Persons not coming under the provisions of either of the two 
 last preceding rules, uniformly begin to acquire a settlement in the 
 accepting monthly meeting, from the time of the acceptance of their 
 respective certificates. Such settlement shall not, however, be com- 
 plete, and consequently the accepting monthly meeting shall not be 
 ultimately liable to any charge for relief, if any one or more of the three 
 following circumstances occur : — 
 
 L Ceasing to be a member of the accepting monthly meeting, 
 within two years from the time of acceptance : 
 
 2. Receiving relief within the like period : 
 
 3. Being, in the regular course of the exercise of the discipline, re- 
 corded, within four years immediately subsequent to the accept- 
 ance, as insolvent, either by the accepting or any other monthly 
 meeting of which the party may be at the time a member. 
 
REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 235 
 
 MENTS. 
 
 XL It being proper, in reference to the situation of persons who are settle 
 placed, by these rules, under certain restrictions as to the acquisition of 
 settlement, to provide for the removal of such restrictions, — it is agreed 
 that a settlement shall be gained, in any monthly meeting of which the 
 party shall have been two years a member, in any of the five following 
 cases : 
 
 1. By a person previously in any monthly meeting recorded as 
 
 insolvent, if he shall have fully discharged his debts, and shall 
 not be receiving relief: 
 
 2. By the widow of any person so recorded, if such widow shall 
 
 have survived her husband not less than one year, and shall 
 not have fallen into necessitous circumstances so as to have re- 
 ceived relief: 
 
 3. By a person having received relief from any monthly meeting^ 
 
 who shall have been for three years without the repetition of 
 any such assistance : 
 
 4. By the widow of a person having within one year before his 
 
 decease received relief from any monthly meeting, who shall 
 have been for two years after the decease of the husband with- 
 out receiving relief herself 
 
 5. By any child of any person so recorded, or of any person having 
 
 received relief from any monthly meeting, if such children 
 shall have respectively attained the age of sixteen years, and 
 not be themselves in the receipt of relief. 
 Also, and as of course, such settlement shall be gained by the 
 wife and children under sixteen years of age, of any person so 
 recorded, or so relieved, on his acquiring himself the right ; with- 
 out respect to the length of time during which such wife and chil- 
 dren may have been members of the monthly meeting. 
 XIL In order to prevent any delay of relief, it shall be incumbent on 
 a monthly meeting within the compass of which a friend resides at the 
 time of his becoming necessitous, whether he be a member thereof or 
 •not, to see that suitable relief be extended. If such meeting be not the 
 meeting in which the settlement of the friend is, any expense which the 
 
 H H 2 
 
236 REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 MENTS. 
 
 SETTLE- former may have incurred on his account, shall on application be reim- 
 
 •\nrwTG •^ ^ *■ *- 
 
 J bursed by the latter. 
 
 Whenever a case of relief is taken up by one meeting on behalf of 
 another, notice is to be conveyed without any unnecessary delay to the 
 meeting on which the charge devolves. 
 
 A monthly meeting on which the charge of relief devolves, shall have 
 the option of taking upon itself to administer such relief, although the 
 party may be, and continue to be, a member of another monthly meet- 
 ing, and consequently in all other respects under Us care. 
 
 When the understanding between two meetings is, that relief shall 
 be handed by one on behalf of the other, it is recommended that an 
 arrangement be effected for reimbursement in a direct manner, without 
 unnecessarily making any other monthly meeting of which the party 
 may have been intermediately a member, the channel of communication. 
 
 XIIL In cases of removal from one monthly meeting in London to 
 another, a minute of recommendation delivered by one or two members 
 of the former meeting to the latter, in the manner that has been long 
 practised in that city, shall operate in all respects as a certificate ; 
 provided such minute of recommendation contain the requisites of a 
 certificate, as pointed out in these rules. If such minute is accepted when 
 delivered, a report by the friend or friends attending with it, shall be 
 considered suflficient, without the acknowledgment prescribed by Rule V. 
 
 XIV. It is to be understood that every provision in these rules, 
 applicable to both sexes, extends equally to each ; although for the 
 sake of brevity, not particularly so expressed : also, that the term relief 
 or relieved uniformly implies relief from a monthly or other meeting, 
 (or from funds under the direction of any such meeting,) to families or 
 individuals as proper subjects of relief from a monthly meeting. 
 
 XV. It is agreed with reference to the case of friends who, after being 
 recommended from a monthly meeting in Great Britain to one out of 
 the limits of this yearly meeting, return to this island, and are in con- 
 sequence recommended from abroad to any monthly meeting in it, 
 that, with respect to the rules of settlement, the time between the 
 granting of a certificate for any such individuals on going out, and 
 
REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 237 
 
 the receipt of a certificate for them on their return, shall be wholly dis- settle- 
 regarded ; so that any monthly meeting in this country of which they may ^> 
 be members upon or after such return, shall have the same claim upon 
 any other monthly meeting here, as if no interval whatever had taken 
 place between the occurrence of the two above-mentioned circumstances. 
 XVL With a view to remove every impediment from the efforts of 
 monthly or other meetings, to promote the right education of children, it 
 is concluded that any expenditure hereafter made by a monthly or other 
 meeting for the education of a child, at a school approved by the monthly 
 or other meeting of which such child is a member, or the payment by 
 a monthly or other meeting of any annual sum in lieu of an appren- 
 tice fee, or for the clothing or pocket-money of an apprentice, shall not 
 be considered as " relief" within the meaning of the rules for removals 
 and settlements, and shall not render such child or its parents liable 
 to any of the consequences attached under the said rules to the " relief" 
 of members of our society by the monthly or other meeting to which 
 they belong, and that such assistance shall not in any way be alluded to 
 in certificates of removal. 1737.— 1761.— 1769.— 1782.— 1786.— 
 1789.— 1801.— 1820.— 1822.— 1824.— 1831.— 1833. 
 
 No proposal for altering the rules for removals and settlements of 2 
 friends, shall be received by this meetina:, unless such proposal be signed I'^'^spectinrr 
 
 ' *' *=• J. 1 o proposals tor 
 
 in and by order of a quarterly meeting, or some other meeting which altering rules. 
 doth directly correspond with this meeting. 1740. — 1801. — 1833. 
 
238 
 
 SCRIPTURES. 
 
 X We recommend it as an incumbent duty on friends, to cause their 
 
 earkinstruct^ children to be frequent in reading the Holy Scriptures, and to observe 
 ed in the Ho- to them the examples of such children as in scripture are recorded to 
 
 ly Scriptures. *■ ^ 
 
 have early learned the fear of the Lord, and hearkened to his counsel : 
 instructing them in the fear and dread of the Lord, planting upon their 
 spirits impressions of reverence towards God, from vv^hom they have 
 their daily support; showing them they ought not to oifend Him, but love, 
 serve, and honour Him, in whose hands all blessings are. 1709. P. E. 
 
 2 It is also seriously advised, that no friends suffer romances, play- 
 
 books, or other vain and idle pamphlets, in their houses or families, 
 which tend to corrupt the minds of youth : but that they excite them 
 to the reading of the Holy Scriptures, and religious books. Let the 
 Holy Scriptures be early taught our youth, and diligently searched, 
 and seriously read by friends, with due regard to the Holy Spirit from 
 whence they came, and by which they are truly opened. 1720. P. E. 
 
 3 And, dear friends, inasmuch as the Holy Scriptures are the means 
 
 i)ortatfc"of ^^ conveying and preserving to us, an account of the things most 
 
 tures^^" nd on surely to be believed concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 
 
 oflh^ i?oiv"^ in the flesh, and the fulfilling of the prophecies relating thereto ; we 
 
 Spirit. therefore recommend to all friends, especially elders in the church, 
 
 and masters of families, that they would, both by example and advice, 
 
 impress on the minds of the younger a reverent esteem of those sacred 
 
 writings, and advise them to a frequent reading and meditating therein ; 
 
 — and that you would, at proper times and seasons, when you find your 
 
 minds rightly disposed thereunto, give the youth to understand, that 
 
SCRIPTURES. 239 
 
 the same ffood experience of the work of sanctification, through the 0" ti^e im- 
 
 , . . . . portance of 
 
 operations of the Spirit of God, which the Holy Scriptures plentifully the Scrip- 
 
 .,. 111T -n • tures, and on 
 
 bear testimony to, is to be witnessed by believers m all generations, as the operations 
 
 well as by those in the first ages of Christianity ; in which case, some Spirit. 
 
 account of your own experience may be helpful to them. And this we 
 
 recommend as the most effectual means of begetting and establishing 
 
 in their minds a firm belief of the Christian doctrine in general, as 
 
 well as of the necessity of the aid and help of the operations of the 
 
 Holy Spirit of God in the hearts of men in particular, contained 
 
 in the Bible ; and of preserving them from being defiled with the 
 
 many pernicious notions and principles, contrary to sound doctrine, 
 
 which are at this time industriously dispersed in the nation, to the 
 
 reproach of the Christian profession in general. 1728. P. E. 
 
 And, dear friends, we tenderly and earnestly advise and exhort all 4 
 
 parents, and masters of families, that they exert themselves in the 
 wisdom of God, and in the strength of his love, to instruct their chil- 
 dren and families in the doctrines and precepts of the Christian religion 
 contained in the Holy Scriptures ; and that they excite them to the 
 diligent reading of those sacred writings, which plainly set forth the 
 miraculous conception, birth, holy life, wonderful works, blessed ex- 
 ample, meritorious death, and glorious resurrection, ascension, and 
 mediation 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 manifestation and operation of the Spirit of God 
 on their own minds, that they may reap the benefit and advantage 
 thereof, for their own peace and everlasting happiness, which is in- 
 finitely preferable to all other considerations. We therefore exhort, in 
 the most earnest manner, that all be very careful in this respect ; a neg- 
 lect herein being, in our judgment, very blame-worthy. And further, 
 where any deficiency of this sort appears, we recommend to monthly 
 and quarterly meetings, that they stir up those whom it may concern to 
 their duty therein. 1 732. P. E. 
 
240 
 
 SCRIPTURES. 
 
 Family read- 
 ing of* the 
 Holv Scrip- 
 tures recom- 
 mended. 
 
 And, dear friends, as much as in you lies, encourage a frequent and 
 diligent reading of the Holy Scriptures in your families. In them are 
 contained the promises of eternal life and salvation. For as a steady 
 trust and belief in the promises of God, and a frequent meditation in 
 the law of the Lord, was the preservation of a remnant in old time, so 
 it is even to this day ; and as a distrust and disbelief of the promises 
 of God, and a neglect of his holy law, was the occasion of the com- 
 plaints made against the Jews, the posterity of Abraham, even so we 
 have reason to fear, that the apparent decline in our time of true 
 piety and godly zeal, in many places, is too much owing to a disre- 
 gard of the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures, and the promises of 
 the Holy Spirit in them recorded. Wherefore it greatly behoves 
 every one, who would be united to Christ, and a member of his 
 church, to believe in the promises of God and Christ, and wait to 
 know the fulfilling of them in his own heart. It was by this the 
 primitive believers became of "one heart, and of one soul."^ It was 
 by one Spirit, namely, the Spirit promised by Christ, that they were 
 " all baptized into one body."^ Having therefore, dearly beloved, 
 such great and precious promises, and being encompassed with so 
 great a cloud of witnesses, let us run with cheerfulness in the ways 
 of the Lord ; " Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our 
 faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, 
 despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne 
 ofGod."^ 1740. P. E. 
 
 We believe there is an increased attention in friends in various parts, 
 not only to promote in their families the frequent reading of the Holy 
 Scriptures, but to make it the employment of a portion of time daily. 
 We commend this practice, and we believe that if the heads of families 
 are careful in cultivating the seed of Truth in themselves, there will 
 be so little danger of the custom becoming formal, that it will not 
 unfrequently be the means of quickening the minds of those con- 
 
 ' Acts, iv. 32. 
 
 1 Cor. xii. 13. 
 
 Heb. xii. 2. 
 
SCRIPTURES. 241 
 
 cerned in it : more especially if a subsequent pause be allowed ; in 
 order that the sacred truths which have been read may have time to 
 make their due impression on the mind ; or that the mind may have 
 time to rise in secret aspiration after a blessing. 1807. P. E. 
 
 Amongst the numerous benevolent undertakings, which now interest 7 
 
 the minds of our countrymen, we contemplate, with much satisfaction, those^engaged 
 the general circulation of the Holy Scriptures. Our sense of that the Bibie!'"^ 
 inestimable treasure has been frequently acknowledged ; and we feel 
 ourselves engaged to call the attention of such of our members as may 
 be employed in this salutary work, to the supreme importance of giving 
 heed to that Divine Word, to which the Scriptures bear testimony. 
 This Word is Christ; the '' Bread of Life,"' and the " Light of men;" 
 that " Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. "2 
 If we are earnest to obey the teachings of this unerring guide, we shall 
 be led to cry to the Lord, that he would preserve us from self-exaltation ; 
 from attributing to ourselves or others, that honour which is due to 
 Him alone : we shall be on our guard lest we should mistake our 
 proper sphere of usefulness, or suffer any pursuit, however laudable 
 in itself, to divert us from our true allotment of labour in the church. 
 This watchfulness unto prayer can alone ensure our growth in religious 
 experience, and our establishment in every good word and work. 
 1813. P. E. 
 
 It has afforded us much satisfaction to believe, that the Christian 8 
 
 practice of daily reading in families a portion of Holy Scripture, with heads'^of fami- 
 a subsequent pause for retirement and reflection, is increasing amongst ^^^' 
 us. We conceive that it is both the duty and the interest of those 
 who believe in the doctrines of the Gospel, and who possess the in- 
 valuable treasure of the sacred records, frequently to recur to them for 
 instruction and consolation. We are desirous that this wholesome 
 domestic regulation may be adopted every where. Heads of families, 
 
 • John, vi. 48. ' lb. i. 4, 9. 
 
 I I 
 
242 SCRIPTURES. 
 
 who have themselves experienced the benefit of religious instruction, 
 will do well to consider whether, in this respect, they have not a duty 
 to discharge to their servants and others of their household. Parents 
 looking sincerely for help to Him of whom these Scriptures testify, 
 may not unfrequently, on such occasions, feel themselves enabled and 
 engaged to open to the minds of their interesting charge, the great 
 truths of Christian duty, and Christian redemption. 1815. P. E. 
 
 9 The practice of frequent retirement in spirit greatly assists us on 
 exportation, ^^^ ^^7 ^^ ^^^ kingdom of hcavcn. If an impartial review of our 
 
 conduct then takes place, and if the sincere and secret petition is 
 raised for Almighty help, we are led from an undue attachment to the 
 things of this life, and our hopes and dependence are increasingly 
 placed upon our Holy Redeemer. The sacred truths of the Bible are 
 often at such times brought to remembrance with consolation and 
 strength. It is one among the many evidences of the divine authority 
 of Holy Scripture, that, in the various ages of the Christian church, 
 its invaluable contents have produced in true believers a harmonizing 
 sense of their blessed effects. If in humility, and in reliance upon 
 the Spirit which gave them forth, we are diligent in reading these 
 sacred writings, we become increasingly sensible of their value. We 
 are then prepared from our own experience to say that they are able 
 to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus; we 
 readily subscribe to the truth of the position, that in order to the 
 accomplishment of this great end they need no human comment : and 
 we are anxious that our fellow-men, in every region of the globe, 
 may possess and may be able to read the volume of inspiration. 
 1825. P.E. 
 
 10 We are glad to know that the daily reading of the Holy Scriptures 
 ^adin^oftle ^^ ^^^ families of friends, is so prevalent as it is, and we earnestly 
 sacred vol- desirc that this practice may be observed bv all our members, and that 
 
 u me enforced. r j j ^ 
 
 those who neglect the performance of it, would seriously consider the 
 great injury which they and their families suffer by such omission. The 
 
SCRIPTURES. 243 
 
 more we rightly know and comprehend the truths of the Bible, the 
 more we shall find that they contribute, under the power of the Holy 
 Spirit, by their practical application to our moral and religious conduct, 
 to lead us forward in the way of life and salvation. We therefore 
 earnestly recommend to all, the diligent private reading of the sacred 
 volume, in addition to the practice already alluded to. 1828. P. E. 
 
 In addition to the practice of the family-reading of the Holy Scrip- 1 1 
 tures, the importance of which we deeply feel, be encouraged often to ^ainfrom^^ 
 read them in private : cherish a humble and sincere desire to receive on^unfSiieti 
 them in their genuine import; and at the same time, dear friends, p^^p^^^T' 
 avoid all vain speculations upon unfulfilled prophecy. Forbear from 
 presumptuously endeavouring to determine the mode of the future 
 government of the world, or of the church of Christ. Seek an en- 
 lightened sense of the various delusions of our common enemy, to 
 which we are all liable ; ask of God that your meditations upon and to seek 
 the sacred writings may be under the influence of the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spi- 
 their effect, when thus read, is to promote an increase of practical the^Scrtp-'"^ 
 piety, and the right performance of all our civil and religious duties, ^^^^^' 
 and not to encourage vain and fruitless investigations. Remember, 
 dear friends, that they are " profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for 
 correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may 
 be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. "^ And, whilst 
 we fully acknowledge that " all scripture is given by inspiration of 
 God," a view supported by sound and undeniable rational evidence, 
 let us ever bear in mind, that it is only through faith which is in Christ 
 Jesus that they are able to make wise unto salvation. ' As this precious 
 faith is sought for and prevails, the evidence of the Spirit of God in 
 our hearts most satisfactorily confirms our belief in the divine authority 
 of these inestimable writings, and increases our gratitude for the 
 possession of them, and for the knowledge of that redemption which 
 comes by the Lord Jesus. 1832. P. E. 
 
 • 2 Tim. iii. 16. *Ib. iii. 15. 
 
 I I 2 
 
244 
 
 SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY. 
 
 1 It is the sense of this meeting, that the importing of negroes from 
 
 discminte-^ their native country and relations by friends, is not a commend- 
 nanced. ^^^^ j^^j. aJJowed practice, and is therefore censured by this meeting. 
 
 1727. 
 
 2 We fervently warn all in profession with us, that they be careful 
 
 keep clear of to avoid being any way concerned in reaping the unrighteous profits 
 ousgaS^of^" arising from the iniquitous practice of dealing in negroes, and other 
 oppression. giayes ; whereby, in the original purchase, one man selleth another, as 
 he doth the beast that perisheth, without any better pretension to a 
 property in him, than that of superior force ; in direct violation of the 
 Gospel rule, which teacheth all to do as they would be done by, and 
 to do good to all; being the reverse of that covetous disposition, 
 which furnisheth encouragement to those poor ignorant people to 
 perpetuate their savage wars, in order to supply the demands of this 
 most unnatural traffic, whereby great numbers of mankind, free by 
 nature, are subjected to inextricable bondage ; and which hath often 
 been observed to fill their possessors with haughtiness, tyranny, luxu- 
 ry, and barbarity, corrupting the minds and debasing the morals of 
 their children, to the unspeakable prejudice of religion and virtue, 
 and the exclusion of that holy spirit of universal love, meekness, 
 and charity, which is the unchangeable nature, and the glory, of true 
 Christianity. 
 
 We therefore can do no less, than, with the greatest earnestness, im- 
 press it upon friends every where, that they endeavour to keep their 
 hands clear of this unrighteous gain of oppression. 1758. P. E. 
 
SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY. 245 
 
 This meeting having reason to apprehend, that divers under our 3 
 
 name are concerned in the unchristian traffic in negroes, doth recom- ^h^peJ-grsts 
 mend it earnestly to the care of friends every where, to discourage, as n"egrSs"tVbe 
 much as in them lies, a practice so repugnant to our Christian profes- 'iisowned. 
 sion ; and to deal with all such as shall persevere in a conduct so re- 
 proachful to Christianity, and to disown them, if they desist not there- 
 from. 1761. 
 
 We think it seasonable at this time to renew our exhortation, that 4 
 
 friends every where be especially careful to keep their hands clear of toTe^'cLar^of 
 giving encouragement in any shape to the slave-trade, it being evi- fradeln^any 
 dently destructive of the natural rights of mankind ; who are all ran- ^^^P^ ' 
 somed by one Saviour, and visited by one divine light, in order to sal- 
 vation; a traffic calculated to enrich and aggrandize some upon the 
 misery of others, in its nature abhorrent to every just and tender sen- 
 timent, and contrary to the whole tenour of the Gospel. 1763. P. E. 
 
 It appears that the practice of holding negroes in oppressive and un- 5 
 
 natural bondage, hath been so successfully discouraged by friends in tinue°the?r 
 some of the colonies, as to be considerably lessened. We cannot but cSur^e slave- 
 approve of these salutary endeavours, and earnestly intreat they may '^<^^P"^g- 
 be continued, that, through the favour of Divine Providence, a traffic 
 so unmerciful, and unjust in its nature, to a part of our own species 
 made equally with ourselves for immortality, may come to be considered 
 by all in its proper light, and be utterly abolished, as a reproach to 
 the Christian profession. 1772. P. E. 
 
 Our testimony against the inhuman practice of slave-keeping gains 6 
 
 ground amongst our brethren in the American colonies, and hath had 
 some happy influence on the minds of considerate people of other de- 
 nominations, in opposition to that flagrant injustice to our fellow-crea- 
 tures ; for whom our Saviour shed his precious blood, as well as for 
 others, and to whom he dispense th a measure of his grace in common 
 with the rest of mankind. 1774. P. E. 
 
246 
 
 SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY. 
 
 ami to endea- 
 vour to put a 
 atop to the 
 traffic in ne- 
 groes. 
 
 The Christian religion being designed to regulate and refine the 
 natural affections of man, and to exalt benevolence into that charity 
 which promotes peace on earth, and good-will towards all ranks and 
 classes of mankind the world over; under the influence thereof, our 
 minds have been renewedly affected in sympathy with the poor en- 
 slaved Africans ; whom avarice hath taught some men, laying claim to 
 the character of Christians, to consider as the refuse of the human 
 race, and not entitled to the common privileges of mankind. The con- 
 tempt in which they are held, and the remoteness of their sufferings 
 from the notice of disinterested observers, have occasioned few advo- 
 cates to plead their cause. The consideration of their case being 
 brought weightily before the last yearly meeting, friends were en- 
 gaged to recommend endeavours for putting a stop to a traffic so 
 disgraceful to humanity, and so repugnant to the precepts of the 
 Gospel 1784. P. E. 
 
 As the slave-trade, whereby such multitudes of the human race are 
 violently subjected to a state so abject and deplorable, is extensively 
 carried on by persons resident in these kingdoms, we earnestly exhort 
 all in profession with us, not to defile themselves by having any con- 
 cern whatever in this unrighteous traffic ; from which, if persisted in, 
 very distressing consequences to this nation and its dependencies, may 
 be justly apprehended. 1785. P. E. 
 
 We desire that friends may continue united in a fervent concern, 
 that the reproach of a traffic so iniquitous as the slave-trade may be 
 done away from the Christian name, and the day spoken of by the 
 Lord's prophet be happily hastened : " For from the rising of the sun, 
 even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among 
 the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be off'ered unto my name, 
 and a pure off'ering."' 1 790. P. E. 
 
 10 
 
 As a Christian society we have found it our duty to promote the 
 
 • Malachi, i. 11. 
 
SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY. 247 
 
 abolition of the slave-trade ; it remains our steady concern to discou- 
 rage so iniquitous a traffic; and, at the present juncture, we think 
 it particularly incumbent on every individual deeply to ponder his own 
 particular share in the testimony, which we have so long believed it our 
 duty to bear, and to be careful not to stifle the smallest conviction of 
 duty ; more especially that the prospect of gain may not lead any to 
 countenance a trade, of which the immediate and unavoidable conse- 
 quence is the miseries of men. 1791. P. E. 
 
 We lament the slow progress in this country of the cause of our fel- 1 1 
 low-men, the oppressed black people, but we do not despair of its suc- 
 cess : and we desire friends may never suffer the cause to cool on their 
 minds, through the delay which the opposition of interested men hath 
 occasioned, in this work of justice and mercy ; but rather be animated 
 to consider, that the longer the opposition remains, the more necessity 
 there is, on the side of righteousness and benevolence, for steadiness, 
 perseverance, and continued breathing of spirit to the God and Father of 
 all, who formed of one blood all the families of the earth. 1 793. P. E. 
 
 A feeling hath been witnessed amongst us at this time, which directs 12 
 the mind in pity towards the deplorable state of those men, who pro- S"s?recom- 
 mote, procure, and execute the tearing away of the Africans from their JJIdf oAhe 
 parent-soil : and seeing we believe that a just and dreadful retribution s'ave-trader. 
 awaits the unrepenting and obdurate oppressor, at that awful tribunal 
 where sophistry will not prevail to exculpate, let us, amidst our sym- 
 pathy for the sufferers, give place in our minds to a true concern for 
 the traders in negroes — men equally interested with us in the rewards 
 of futurity ; and let us seek for and cherish that disposition of mind, 
 which can pray for these enemies of humanity, and fervently breathe 
 for their restoration to soundness of judgment, and purity of principle. 
 
 It hath been often observed that the desire of acquiring wealth 
 is an incitement to every evil ; and having, in this instance, a proof 
 to what great lengths it will carry those who give it place in their 
 hearts, let us guard against the beginnings of so great temptation. 
 1795. P. E. 
 
248 SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY. 
 
 13 The dismal subject of the slave-trade, the source of accumulating misery 
 trade^a^e-' *^ Africa, of accumulating guilt to Britain, and of continued reproach to the 
 Christian pro- ^^^7 religion which, in common with our countrymen, we profess, has claim- 
 fessors: ^^ ^^j. sympathy in this meeting : and we desire our friends may be indi- 
 vidually prompt to entertain for our fellow-men, the oppressed Africans, the 
 sensations of pity, which on various occasions may arise. Where, friends, 
 shall we find ajuster cause of regret, than to see a nation professing Chris- 
 tianity, pouring forth from her harbours numerous equipments, not design- 
 ed to improve and exalt, but todegrade, enslave, and consign to misery, those 
 very nations, to which, in recompense for ages of injury and insult, she owes 
 the benefits of brotherly kindness and Christian example ! 1805. P. E. 
 
 14 Now, beloved brethren, a subject, a deeply interesting subject, hath 
 ment"of fts intervened among our deliberations on the state of our society ; and its 
 restriction: long-felt importance induces us to suffer it here also to interrupt the 
 
 current of our Christian counsel. No longer since than the last year we 
 excited your attention afresh to the sufferings of the Africans, and spoke 
 of the continuance of the cruel slave-trade as of an accumulation of misery 
 and of guilt. How then do we now rejoice in having to proclaim that 
 this torrent of iniquity is arrested in its progress ; that an important re- 
 striction of the trade has taken place ; that the annual enslaving of thou- 
 sands is prevented ; and that the prospect again opens, with increased 
 brightness, of a termination to the wrongs of Africa. 1806. P. E. 
 
 15 We are inclined to express our thankfulness for an event which 
 Stfon! ^*^^ *^'^' concerns not us only, but incalculable multitudes of our fellow- 
 creatures, our fellow-possessors of the faculty of reason, our fellow- 
 objects of the redemption which comes by Christ. We scarcely need 
 name the abolition of the slave-trade. We view it as one of the most 
 important acts of public, national righteousness, which ever dignified 
 the councils of any government ; and our minds have been directed 
 in secret prayer to the Almighty Parent of the universe, that he may 
 be pleased to regard this kingdom for good ; and direct its future 
 councils to such further acts of justice and mercy as may promote his 
 glory, in the harmony of his rational creation. 1807. P. E. 
 
SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY. 249 
 
 Although the infamous traffic with Africa in slaves has been abolished 16 
 
 by law, we desire friends not to forget that slavery still exists within the the victims."of 
 
 British empire, and to suffer their sympathy still to flow towards its op- cherished! 
 pressed victims. 1812. P. E. 
 
 We hope that friends will continue to feel a deep interest in 17 
 the welfare of the African race, and not dismiss the subject from 
 their thoughts, until such wise and prudent measures may be. adopted, 
 as shall promote and finally secure universal emancipation. 1816. 
 P.E. 
 
 This meeting has been deeply affected on hearing that the slave-trade, 18 
 
 notwithstanding its abolition by our legislature, and by various foreign 
 powers, still exists, with the horrors consequent upon it, to a lamentable 
 extent ; and although the way does not immediately open for much to be 
 done by us, on behalf of the objects of this nefarious and cruel traffic, 
 we earnestly commend them to your continued remembrance and com- 
 miseration. 1820. P.E. 
 
 The cruelties and horrors of the slave-trade have, at this time, 19 
 deeply interested our feelings. We have heard with sorrow that this ^g'^^nhab". 
 trade, with all its attendant evils and miseries, is still pursued, by tantsofEu- 
 the subjects of several foreign powers, to a very great extent. 
 As a testimony of our belief that it is a disgrace to any people 
 professing the Christian name, we have been engaged to issue an 
 address to the inhabitants of Europe on the iniquity of the traffic. 
 We recommend the unhappy victims of it to your continued pity 
 and commiseration, and we desire that the minds of friends may be 
 frequently exercised in secret before the Lord, not only on their 
 behalf, but for those who, by pursuing this odious traffic, are 
 doing violence to all law, both moral and divine, and are increasing 
 their guilt to an alarming extent in the sight of a merciful but 
 righteous God. 1822. P. E. 
 
 K K 
 
250 SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY. 
 
 20 The slave-trade, with its inseparable horrors, and the gradual but 
 he^offs^"?n ^^^^^ abolition of slavery, continue to be objects of deep interest in 
 commended q^j. yiew, and although we have not found it to be our duty, as a reli- 
 gious body, to be frequently appearing by any public act, as advocates 
 of humanity and justice, we would again commend injured Africa 
 and her offspring to the commiseration of every one amongst us. 
 1824. P. E. 
 
 21 It has been very acceptable to find that our brethren on the other side 
 partof friends ^^ ^^^ Atlantic are in various places alive to the enormities of slavery, 
 in America. ^^^^ diligent in their endeavours to expose the iniquity of the internal 
 
 slave-trade, carried on in the southern and south-western states of the 
 Union. The desolating and widely extended effects of this dreadful 
 traffic, whether we turn our attention to Africa, to America and the 
 West India islands, or to other parts of the globe, are indeed enor- 
 mous and mournfully distressing. Much remains to be done before 
 this foul disgrace is removed from the Christian name; but we are 
 comforted in believing that, not only in this country but elsewhere, the 
 cause of the oppressed is gaining ground ; and as its advocates con- 
 tinue to labour with zeal and perseverance in the spirit of the Gospel, 
 we entertain no doubt that they will have fresh cause to rejoice ; and 
 that, ultimately, slavery with the vices resulting from it, will be un- 
 known amongst the subjects of those governments where the pure and 
 just precepts of Christianity are professed. 1827. P. E. 
 
 22 The important and affecting subject of the continuance of slavery 
 SnSavery; ^^ ^^^ British colonics, has again occupied our attention. A deep 
 
 conviction of the extent and enormity of the evil, and of its utter in- 
 consistency with the purity and righteousness of the Christian religion, 
 has led this meeting, with great unanimity, to direct that a petition be 
 presented to the legislature, to convey our feelings on the subject. 
 And we desire that friends every where may embrace such opportu- 
 nities as occur, in their intercourse with others, to promote a just and 
 correct view of the rights of the enslaved. 1828. P. E. 
 
SLAVE-TRADE AND SLAVERY. 251 
 
 This meeting has felt deep regret and sorrow in reflecting upon the 23 
 continuance of slavery, and all the evils connected with it. And under fnmiSiiate 
 a full conviction of the iniquity of such a system, it desires the meet- ntion"^^^ ^^°' 
 ing for sufferings to embrace the earliest opportunity which it may 
 judge suitable, to petition the legislature for the immediate and total 
 abolition of slavery within the British dominions. 1830. 
 
 In former Epistles we have often had occasion to express ourselves 24 
 in language of commiseration, and even in terms of discouragement, on theXoUtion 
 the long-continued oppression of the slaves in the colonies of the '*^*^*^'^^-^- 
 British empire. In the course of the last two years, our fellow-coun- 
 trymen, of various religious denominations, have co-operated with in- 
 creased zeal in advocating the cause of the oppressed. The righteous- 
 ness of the law of Christ has been pleaded in these nations as an 
 unanswerable argument for the total extinction of slavery. Within 
 the same period of time, a variety of concurrent events have marked 
 the hand of an overruling Providence ; and this cause of humanity and 
 justice has made its way to an unparalleled extent. It is with re- 
 verent thanksgiving to our Almighty Father in heaven, that we now 
 look forward to the termination of this cruel and disgraceful system as 
 an event not far distant. The government of the country has, in effect, 
 recognized the grand principle, that man should hold no property in 
 the person of his fellow-man ; and the House of Commons are engaged 
 in legislating upon this deeply-interesting question. We humbly com- 
 mend these proceedings to the blessing of the Most High. May it 
 please Him, to whom the cause of the poor and afflicted is precious, 
 to influence our rulers to the enactment of such just and equal laws as 
 shall place the enslaved negroes in full possession of those rights and 
 liberties to which they are entitled equally with ourselves. 1833. P. E. 
 
 K K 2 
 
252 
 
 TEMPERANCE. 
 
 Advice a- 
 gainst excess 
 in drinking; 
 
 As temperance and moderation are virtues proceeding from true re- 
 ligion, and are of great benefit and advantage, we beseech all to be 
 careful of their conduct and behaviour, abstaining from every " appear- 
 " ance of evil ;" and as an excess in drinking has been too prevalent 
 among many of the inhabitants of these nations, we recommend to all 
 friends a watchful care over themselves, attended with a religious 
 and prudent zeal against a practice so dishonourable and pernicious. 
 1751. P. E. 
 
 2 
 
 frequenting 
 taverns, &c. 
 
 Brethren, we caution you against resorting to places of public diver- 
 sions, unnecessarily frequenting taverns and alehouses, and mixing your- 
 selves in such company and conversation, as have a manifest tendency 
 to corrupt your hearts, and draw them aside from that steady and re- 
 ligious concern, and reverent awe, which dwell on the minds of true 
 Christians. We also especially warn you to beware of the too frequent 
 use of spirituous liquors, and intemperance of every kind ; but let your 
 behaviour and conduct in all respects be such, that your moderation 
 may be known to all men. 1754. P. E. 
 
 As to the frequenting of public-houses, we desire that all under 
 our name may be cautious of remaining in them, after the purpose 
 of business, or of refreshment, is accomplished : but to make them 
 a resort for any other purpose — may it never need to be named 
 among a people who profess the practice of Christian sobriety. 
 1797. P. E. 
 
TEMPERANCE. 253 
 
 This meeting having been deeply impressed with the great immo- 4 
 
 rality and misery which at the present time exist in this country from ^[^d"scX'. 
 the improper and immoderate use of ardent spirits, feels itself engaged t^nanced. 
 to recommend to friends in their individual character, to cherish a right 
 concern for the removal of this disgraceful evil, and, as opportunity 
 presents, to advocate and promote the suppression of this baneful prac- 
 tice. 1830. 
 
254 
 
 GROUNDS 
 OF OUR 
 TESTIMONY 
 AND 
 GENERAL 
 COUNSEL. 
 
 TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 Advised, that our ancient testimony against tithes, which we have 
 borne from the beginning, and for which many have deeply suffered, 
 some not only the spoiling of their goods, but imprisonment even unto 
 death, be carefully and punctually upheld and countenanced, in the 
 power of God ; and that all those who oppose, slight, or neglect that 
 testimony, be looked upon as unfaithful to the ancient testimony of 
 truth, and dealt with according to the Gospel order established among 
 us. 1675. 
 
 It is our desire, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and his holy 
 testimony, that all friends be faithful to him in their testimony against 
 tithes of all sorts ; knowing that, since they were ended by Christ, they 
 were imposed by and originally sprang from that antichristian root, 
 popish usurpation in church and state : and that friends would tenderly 
 consider, that where any decline their testimony, or are negligent in 
 this weighty case, they do thereby increase the weight and burden of 
 sufferings upon them that are faithful, and strengthen the hands of their 
 adversaries. 1690. P. E. 
 
 Our testimony against tithes and forced maintenance in this Gospel 
 day, being received from Christ our head and high priest, is not of our 
 own making or imposing, nor from the tradition of men ; but what we 
 have from Him, by whose divine power we were raised up to be a peo- 
 ple, and by which we have been preserved to this day ; knowing that 
 his ministry and Gospel are free, according to his own express com- 
 mand, " Freely ye have received, freely give."^ 1701. P. E. 
 
 ' Matt. X. 8. 
 
TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 255 
 
 We think it necessary to put you in mind, that the zeal of our friends 
 who have abode faithful in their testimony against paying tithes, stee- 
 ple-house rates, and priests' maintenance, has greatly tended to the 
 opening of the eyes of many, not only in this, but also in other coun- 
 tries. 
 
 We received last year an account from New England, where our 
 friends formerly underwent grievous sufferings, that a law is made, 
 exempting them from paying either to the maintenance of the esta- 
 blished ministers or to the repairing of their worship-houses ; and it is 
 our belief, that if all friends here had been faithful in their testimony 
 against tithes, the time of our deliverance from that oppression, under 
 which this nation yet groans, would have been nearer at hand. 1733. 
 P. E. 
 
 GROUNDS 
 
 OF OUR 
 
 TESTIMONV 
 
 AND 
 
 GENERAL 
 
 COUNSEL. 
 
 We earnestly intreat the faithful among you to take all suitable op- 
 portunities of endeavouring to demonstrate, to such as are weak and 
 unfaithful, the importance of our testimony against receiving or paying 
 tithes ; the natural tendency whereof is to obtain that liberty, which 
 the purest ages of Christianity enjoyed ; that is, a liberty for any per- 
 son moved by the Holy Spirit of God, to preach the doctrine of the 
 glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ freely ; and of 
 which they were not deprived, till great corruptions of doctrine and 
 practice were found amongst the professors of Christianity, and the 
 civil powers were prevailed upon to meddle with the consciences of the 
 people, which of right are to be subject to God only. 
 
 We cannot therefore but bless the Lord, from an experimental wit- 
 nessing of the comfort and spiritual advantage which arise from such a 
 liberty, that he was pleased to raise up our worthy elders, and to give 
 them a testimony against that antichristian yoke ; making them willing, 
 in this and other nations, to suffer for that testimony, thereby showing 
 to the world what the love of Christ is able to do ; for we believe 
 nothing short of that love could have enabled them to suffer the spoil- 
 ing of their goods, and the long imprisonment of their bodies, even 
 unto death, as some of them did, for their conscientious refusal to pay 
 tithes. 1735. P. E. 
 
OllOl'NDS 
 
 OF OUR 
 
 TESTIMONV 
 
 AKD 
 
 GENERAL 
 
 COUNSEL. 
 
 256 TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 6 And as we have been convinced of the inconsistency of tithes with 
 
 the nature of the Gospel dispensation, it is our necessary duty to act 
 agreeably to such convictions ; and if sufferings for our testimony shall 
 be the consequence of our obedience thereto, it will become us, after 
 the example of the primitive Christians, cheerfully to submit, and to 
 take joyfully the spoiling of our goods; that so we may preserve a 
 conscience void of offence toward God, and at the same time, by our 
 Christian meekness and innocent deportment, give reasonable evidence 
 of our sincerity to men. 1737. P. E. 
 
 As the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was at first 
 freely promulgated by himself, and his immediate followers, the nature 
 of it being unalterable, it behoveth that the ministers thereof, in all 
 succeeding times, be like-minded ; not acting " by constraint, but will- 
 " ingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.'" When we call to 
 mind the grievous sufferings which our ancients underwent, in this and 
 other nations, for their testimony against a man-made ministry and 
 hireling preachers ; and their great concern to revive and publish the 
 doctrine of the Gospel, as it was declared by Christ himself when on 
 earth ; our hearts are grieved when we find any of their offspring or 
 any under our name, declining their testimony against the antichristian 
 yoke of tithes. We therefore tenderly exhort all who profess the 
 truth, to watchfulness and zeal, that this branch of our Christian testi- 
 mony be not laid waste by connivance, or private agreement with 
 priests or impropriators; but that all abide patient under that testi- 
 mony which the Lord hath called us to bear ; not doubting but that the 
 gradual progress of real Christianity will at length operate to the re- 
 moval of a yoke so directly contrary to the liberty wherewith Christ 
 hath made us free. "Stand fast," says the apostle, " in the liberty 
 " wherewith Christ hath made us free ; and be not entangled again with 
 '< the yoke of bondage."'^ 1738. P. E. ' 
 
 Dear friends, let us ever keep in remembrance, that it is under the 
 ' 1 Pet. V. 2. *Gal. V. 1. 
 
TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 257 
 
 GROUNDS 
 OF OUR 
 
 It seems incumbent upon us to repeat our exhortation to faithfulness, 
 in supporting our testimony against the antichristian yoke of tithes ; 
 and we intreat that all who suffer, either upon that account, or for any 
 other demands inconsistent with the principles of truth, may demon- 
 strate, by their whole conduct and conversation, that they really suffer 
 for conscience sake ; and keep close to the guidance of that good Spirit, 
 which will preserve in meekness and quiet resignation, under every 
 trial. For if resentment should arise against those whom you may 
 look upon as the instruments of your sufferings, it will deprive you of 
 the reward of faithfulness, give just occasion of offence, and bring dis- 
 honour to the cause of truth. Cavilling, or casting reflections upon 
 any, because of our sufterings, doth not become the servants of Christ, 
 whose holy example and footsteps we ought in all things faithfully to 
 follow. 1759. P.E. 
 
 AND 
 
 GENERAL 
 
 COUNSEL. 
 
 immediate teaching and influence of the Holy Spirit, that all accept- 
 able worship is performed, and all true Gospel ministry supplied ; that testimony 
 this pure and powerful influence, in vessels sanctified and prepared by 
 the divine hand, is the essential qualification to that work ; that, as the 
 gift is divine, the service is freely and faithfully to be discharged, with- 
 out any view to reward from man : and therefore, should we voluntarily 
 either by open or collusive means, contribute to the maintenance of 
 such as preach for hire, we should be guilty of inconsistency in prac- 
 tice, by supporting, as ministers of Christ, those whom we do not 
 believe to be sent by him, and upholding them in a conduct contrary 
 to his command, which is, " Freely ye have received, freely give."^ And 
 this practical opposition to his Gospel law, we cannot but look upon as 
 denying Him before men, and therefore in us antichristian. 1758. P.E. 
 
 9 
 
 Dear friends, let us bear in constant remembrance that impor- 
 tant principle of our profession, a testimony to the pure and free 
 ministry of the Gospel of Christ ; whose sole prerogative it is, to send 
 
 10 
 
 Matt. X. 8. 
 
 L L 
 
258 
 
 TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 GROUNDS 
 OF OUR 
 TESTIMONY 
 AND 
 GENERAL 
 COUNSEL. 
 
 and qualify such as it pleases Him, without respect to worldly rank, 
 or human acquirements ; and all his truly devoted servants, whatever 
 may be their gifts and stations in the church, are brethren ; and hold 
 them under Him, the only Head, and the universal, and all-sufficient 
 Teacher. 1798. P. E. 
 
 11 We retain an unabated concern that friends may be strengthened 
 
 to support, on principle, our testimony against a ministry supported 
 by pecuniary means and not depending on the fresh opening of the 
 Spirit of Christ in the heart. We believe also, that this testimony to the 
 purity and freedom of genuine Gospel ministry, strongly evinces that 
 the formation of our society was not an effort of human wisdom : nei- 
 ther is there any thing more calculated to sap our foundation, and ren- 
 der us a degenerate church, than a general departure from this princi- 
 ple. 1809. P. E. 
 
 12 We have uniformly entertained the belief, on the authority of Holy 
 
 Scripture, that when, in the fulness of time, according to the all-wise 
 purposes of God, our blessed Lord and Saviour appeared personally 
 upon earth, he introduced a dispensation pure and spiritual in its cha- 
 racter. He taught by his own holy example and divine precepts that 
 the ministry of the Gospel is to be without pecuniary remuneration. 
 As the gift is free, the exercise of it is to be free also : the office is to 
 be filled by those only who are called of God by the power of the 
 Holy Spirit ; who, in their preaching, as well as in their circumspect 
 lives and conversation, are giving proof of this call. The forced 
 maintenance of the ministers of religion is, in our view, a violation of 
 those great privileges, which God, in his wisdom and goodness, bestowed 
 upon the human race, when he sent his Son to redeem the world, and, 
 by the power of the Holy Spirit, to lead and guide mankind into all 
 truth. 
 
 Our blessed Lord put an end to that priesthood, and to all those 
 ceremonial usages connected therewith, which were before divinely or- 
 dained under the law of Moses. The present system of tithes was 
 
TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 259 
 
 not in any way instituted by Him, our Holy Head, and High Priest, 
 the great Christian Law-giver. It had no existence in the purest and 
 earliest ages of his church, but was gradually introduced, as supersti- 
 tion and apostacy spread over professing Christendom, and was subse- 
 quently enforced by legal authority. And it further appears to us, 
 that in thus enforcing as due "to God and Holy Church,"^ a tithe 
 upon the produce of the earth, and upon the increase of the herds of 
 the field, an attempt was made to uphold and perpetuate a divine in- 
 stitution, appointed only for a time, but which was abrogated by the 
 coming in the flesh of the Lord Jesus Christ. The vesting of power 
 by the laws of the land in the king, assisted by his council, whereby 
 articles of belief have been framed for the adoption of his subjects, 
 and under which the support of the teachers of these articles is en- 
 forced, is, in our judgment, a procedure at variance with the whole 
 scope and design of the Gospel ; and as it violates the rights of private 
 judgment, so it interferes with that responsibility by which man is 
 bound to his Creator. 
 
 In accordance with what has been already stated, we of course con- 
 scientiously object also to all demands made upon us in lieu of tithes. 
 We likewise object to what are termed easter-dues, demands originally 
 made by the priests of the church of Rome, but continued in the pro- 
 testant church of England, for services which we cannot receive. We 
 also object to mortuaries, sums applied for and still enforced in some 
 places, as due to the incumbent of a parish on the death of the head 
 of a family. Neither do we find, in the example or precepts of our 
 blessed Lord and his apostles, any authority for these claims, or others 
 of a kindred nature, which all had their origin in times of the darkness 
 and corruption of the Christian church. And we further consider, that 
 to be compelled to unite in the support of buildings, where a mode of 
 religious worship is observed in which we cannot conscientiously unite, 
 and in paying for appurtenances attached to that mode of worship from 
 
 GROUNDS 
 
 OF OUR 
 
 TESTIMONY 
 
 AND 
 
 GENERAL 
 
 COUNSEI.. 
 
 ' 27 Henry VIII. c. 20. 
 
 L L 2 
 
260 
 
 TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 GROUNDS 
 OF OUR 
 TESTIMONY 
 AND 
 GENERAL 
 COUNSEL. 
 
 which we alike dissent, is subversive of that freedom which the Gospel 
 of Christ has conferred upon all. 
 
 Seeing that we have as a religious society invariably made, on this 
 subject, an open confession before men, we earnestly desire that we 
 may all steadfastly adhere to the original grounds of our testimony ; 
 not allow ourselves to be led away by any feelings of a party spirit, or 
 suffer any motives of an inferior character to take the place of those 
 which are purely Christian. May none amongst us shrink from the 
 faithful and upright support of our Christian belief, but through the 
 grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, seek after that meek disposition, in 
 which our society has uniformly thought it right to maintain this tes- 
 timony, and which we desire may ever characterize us as a body. It 
 becomes us all, when thus conscientiously refusing a compliance with 
 the law of the land, to do it in that peaceable spirit of which our Lord 
 has left us so blessed an example. And it is our firm conviction, that 
 in proportion as the heavenly precepts, and the blessed example of the 
 Son of God, who is given of the Father to be Lord of all, spread and 
 prevail, and effectually rule in the hearts and consciences of men, — in 
 proportion as the pure doctrines of the Gospel gain the ascendancy, — 
 it will be seen, that to uphold any church establishment by compulsory 
 laws, which oppress the consciences of sincere believers in the Lord 
 Jesus, is at variance with his holy law, and is calculated to retard the 
 universal spreading of his reign. 1832. 
 
 1 3 We have reason to believe that friends, in every part of the country, 
 
 continue to be faithfully attached to our ancient testimony against 
 tithes and other ecclesiastical demands. It is our firm conviction, that 
 one of the purposes for which the Lord saw meet to raise us up as a 
 people, was that we might become faithful witnesses against the cor- 
 ruptions which had found their way into his visible church ; yet we 
 would affectionately remind you, that to maintain a controversy with 
 error does not necessarily establish us in the truth ; that it is possible 
 not to be conformed to the world, in many things, and, at the same 
 time, not to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. We therefore 
 
TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 261 
 
 earnestly intreat our beloved friends, while steadfastly adhering to all our 
 Christian testimonies, not to rest satisfied with any thing short of that 
 conversion of heart, that daily dependence upon God, and that entire obe- 
 dience to his law, which constitute the very life of godliness. 1833. P. E. 
 
 REGULATIONS 
 
 AND SPECIAL 
 
 ADVICES. 
 
 As this meeting doth not enjoin or advise any friends, in sufferings 14 
 
 for our Christian testimonies, to take a course at law for remedy, 
 
 neither can we impose upon them, not to use law in any case ; but 
 
 a freedom is left to the sufferers, to use such means as consist with Legal pro- 
 ceedings for 
 the unity of friends, and their own peace and satisfaction in the truth, redress. 
 
 and bearing a faithful testimony in righteousness. Advised, that 
 friends do not judge or reflect one upon another in those cases, a free- 
 dom being left upon urgent occasions, to take such a course for relief 
 and ease to the oppressed, as may not be prejudicial to the testimony 
 of truth. But any friend apprehending a necessity to endeavour for 
 relief by the law of the land, to stop the destroyers, is advised to 
 consult about his case with his monthly or quarterly meeting, or at 
 least with some judicious friends, before he makes any procedure at law : 
 and friends who suffer, are advised not to let out their minds into too 
 much expectation of outward relief in point of law, but that they 
 patiently and principally depend on the Lord, and his power, to plead 
 their cause. 1675. 
 
 That friends be careful of entangling themselves in law, because of ] 5 
 some small irregularity in the proceeding ; but if the law be materially 
 transgressed, and the severity of it exceeded by the persecutor, that 
 friends use their freedom, upon serious and good advice among them- 
 selves, so as the testimony of truth may be kept clear over all. 
 1676. 
 
 It is advised, that all friends have a care that they neither openly 16 
 nor secretly consent to the taking away of their tithes, nor to the pay- ^^u"ioV"*' 
 
262 
 
 TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 REGULATIONS mcnt of theiTi by any one whomsoever on their behalf; but keep faith- 
 ful to their testimony. 1676. 
 
 AND SPECIAL 
 ADVICES 
 
 17 It is the sense of this meeting, that executors who have a testimony 
 
 tors^tofriends' ^^^ truth, havo a testimony against the paying of the tithes pretended 
 to be due from the testator being a friend, and ought to bear his testi- 
 mony against payment thereof. 1682. 
 
 18 
 
 Against 
 compromise, 
 
 19 
 
 or collusion. 
 
 20 
 
 With respect to a proposal about taking a farm, and agreeing to pay 
 so much the more to be exempt from tithes ; it is left to the several 
 monthly and quarterly meetings to advise friends to be careful that 
 nothing be done that tends to weaken our testimony against tithes by 
 any, and that such be admonished as they see cause. 1696. 
 
 Advised, that our ancient Christian testimony against tithes be not 
 avoided or shunned by any indirect ways or courses, with landlords, 
 or otherwise : and that friends be careful to keep a true record of the 
 value of what is taken from them on that account, in the field or other- 
 wise, whether it exceed the demand or not, with the respective date of 
 each suffering, and the time when any suit is commenced. 1698. P. E. 
 
 This meeting taking notice that in many places advantages are taken 
 of friends, by making stoppages upon them in the way of trade, or by 
 debtors, or otherwise ; or by kindred or neighbours laying down the 
 money for tithes, or church-rates so called ; it is recommended, as the 
 sense and advice of this meeting, to the several quarterly and monthly 
 meetings, to stir up friends in their respective meetings to zeal and 
 faithfulness in this respect ; that they may not connive at such pay- 
 ments, stoppages, or discountings on such accounts ; but deal plainly 
 and earnestly with their relations or neighbours who shall so pay, or 
 others who shall so stop or discount ; and not discharge the debt from 
 their books, but keep the debt still in demand ; and be as careful as 
 they can for the future, to keep such persons, as much as in them lies, 
 out of a capacity of stopping upon them : that they may thereby dis- 
 
TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 263 
 
 courage all such ways of proceeding, which tend to weaken or lessen regulations 
 
 1 • • All ^^" SPECIAL 
 
 their testimony. And such stoppages are not to be brought in as advices. 
 sufferings, inasmuch as the debt is not thereby discharged ; for if it '^^^^ 
 
 were, the stoppage would be allowed, and the testimony suffered to 
 fall. 
 
 This meeting declares it is its sense and judgment, that no friend impropriate 
 in truth can either pay or receive impropriate tithes, being inconsistent 
 with our Christian testimony. 1703. 
 
 Notwithstanding the judgment and advice frequently given by this 21 
 meeting against the payment of tithes, and more particularly in ^"p^ay'or're- 
 the year 1703, against the paying or the receiving* of tithes ; some ^^^^^^ t't'^^s- 
 persons who go under our name, do yet continue not only to pay 
 them, but some few also havino; estates in impropriate tithes Cwhich character of 
 
 '^ '■ ^ ^ impropriate 
 
 are the same in nature, ground, and root, with the tithes paid to the tithes, 
 priests) do not forbear as yet to receive them ; to the great dishonour 
 of our holy profession ; though others have conscientiously given up 
 and released them : this meeting thereupon doth now again signify, 
 that for any amongst us to pay or receive tithes (which were a part of 
 the ceremonial law belonging to the Levitical priesthood, abrogated 
 and taken away by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and his death 
 on the cross) doth directly oppose and tend to overthrow the ancient 
 Christian testimony of truth against tithes, which hath been borne 
 by friends from the beginning of our day, not only by word and 
 doctrine, but by deep sufferings, and sealed even with the blood of 
 some of our dear and faithful brethren, who have cheerfully laid down 
 their lives by long and hard imprisonments, in confirmation of that 
 their conscientious testimony. 
 
 In the sense hereof, this meetino; doth earnestly recommend to the Course of 
 
 / . ® ^ •' dealing with 
 
 several monthly meetino-s of friends, if they should find any under our those who 
 
 ••111 1 • 1 J P^^s^st in 
 
 name that do either pay or receive tithes, that they use their best and paying or re- 
 
 l^r'^/^^^•l ceiving tithes. 
 
 utmost endeavours, in the spirit and order or the (jrospel, and in the 
 exercise of great tenderness and brotherly kindness, to inform, ad- 
 monish, and convince all such, without respect of persons ; in order to 
 
264 TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 REGULATIONS briiiff thcm to the aknowledgment and obedience of the truth in that 
 
 AND SPECIAL 1 T O 1 TIT 
 
 ADVICES, respect; and if, after such gentle and tender deahng with them, 
 any such shall continue in their unfaithfulness, that then the monthly 
 meeting' unto which such persons shall belong, having exercised 
 Christian patience and forbearance towards such, and finding itself 
 clear in the sight of God, do declare that such, for their unfaithfulness 
 and opposition to this our Christian testimony, are unworthy to be 
 admitted to the meetings for business amongst friends, or to be received 
 to join in the collections made by friends for the service of the 
 church ; and if after that, such persons shall persist in such their 
 unfaithfulness and opposition, that then the monthly meeting proceed 
 further, to give judgment for the clearing of truth and friends, as in 
 the holy counsel and wisdom of God they shall be directed and guided 
 therein. 1706. 
 
 22 Whereas it appears, that the method of taking the priests' demands 
 ourwarran?" without warrant or due form of law, prevails more in some places than 
 
 heretofore, friends are therefore intreated to be as much upon their 
 guard as possible, against the introduction of any practices that may 
 tend to encourage unfaithfulness or collusion : a disposition altogether 
 unbecoming the nobility of truth, and inconsistent with the uprightness 
 it requires. 1750. W. E. 
 
 23 As it appears by some accounts, that in some places the officers, in 
 A ixed rates. j^g^]^jjjg their rates, viz. the poors'-rate which is by act of parliament, 
 
 and the church-rate or sess, so called, which is mostly by ecclesiastical 
 law, mix them together, and sometimes [demands] for the priest ; it is 
 therefore recommended, that friends be careful to examine into the said 
 rates, or the parish-books, that they may not be imposed on, it being con- 
 trary to law ; and such rates may be refused, and if warrants are granted 
 upon such rates, they being altogether illegal may be set aside. 1756. 
 
 24 - From the accounts brought to this meeting, it appears that in divers 
 turns, piaceg it has been the practice to receive the overplus in money, of the 
 
TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 265 
 
 distraints made from friends on account of tithes, church-rates, so called, regulations 
 
 AND SPECIAL 
 
 and other ecclesiastical demands : it is the advice of this meeting, that advices. 
 friends should decline, as much as may be, to receive such overplus when 
 offered, in a different species from that which was distrained. 1757. 
 
 We earnestly exhort and beseech quarterly meetings, carefully to 25 
 inspect and consider the state of their monthly meetings ; and when erdsedb^^^^ 
 weakness and remissness are manifestly apparent therein, that they mSungs! 
 appoint committees, as occasions may require, to assist them in extend- 
 ing such admonition and help as may be found necessary ; in order that 
 this important branch of our testimony, against the receiving and 
 paying of tithes, as well as every other branch thereof, may be 
 more generally, becomingly, and consistently supported ; and that 
 friends may be clear, in the discharge of their duty to God and to each 
 other, in the great day of account. 1772. W. E. 
 
 This meeting having weightily considered the deficiencies, which 26 
 from year to year have been complained of, in the support of our i*o^'"«^^"t- 
 Christian testimony against tithes, is apprehensive that they may be 
 occasioned in degree by some misconstruction of the yearly meeting 
 minute of 1706, as though it did not enjoin monthly meetings to pro- 
 ceed to the disownment of such of their members as persist in rejecting 
 the admonition of their brethren : wherefore this meeting thinks it 
 expedient to declare, that no such exemption from the invariable issue 
 of our dealings with irreclaimable delinquents, is considered by this 
 meeting to be allowed by the said minute. 1796. 
 
 Agreed, that tithes taken away by force be recorded as a suffering 27 
 
 for truth. 1676. stjffeeixgs. 
 
 And because some have not kept an account of the tithes in kind 28 
 that have been taken from them, as if that were no suffering, because kind.*" 
 
 M M 
 
266 
 
 TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 
 
 SUFFERINGS. 
 
 the priests' and impropriators' pretended due ; we find ourselves en- 
 gaged in spirit, to desire you to reckon that of tithe, amongst the 
 other sufferings that you send up, and to take the same care of record- 
 ing all taken away upon that account, in your book of sufferings. 
 1678. 
 
 29 
 
 Mode of re- 
 porting suf- 
 ferings. 
 
 It is desired that when sufferings are sent up in order for redress 
 of any particular case, the same be written down, as to the loss sus- 
 tained, goods distrained, severe and illegal treatment or usage by 
 justices or other persons, plainly, pertinently, and distinctly, as to 
 matter of fact only, without any reflection upon the magistrates and 
 persons by whom friends have suffered, or against whom any complaint 
 is made ; and that sufferings sent up to be recorded here, be first read 
 in the quarterly meeting, and therein signed. 1681. 
 
 30 
 
 Account to 
 be rendered 
 respecting 
 friends in 
 prison. 
 
 That an account be yearly sent up of all such friends as are in 
 prison, or prisoners, that it may be known who are detained in prison, 
 and who are discharged since the preceding yearly meeting, and when 
 discharged; also to signify the time of their commitment, by whom 
 prosecuted, and for what cause ; and that distinct accounts be brought 
 up of all such friends as have died in prison, as prisoners for their 
 testimony to the truth, since the foregoing yearly meeting, with their 
 names, ages, dwelling-places, education, time of convincement, and 
 the places of their travel and service, time of sufferings, and death. 
 1681. 
 
 31 Upon consideration of sufferings in general, it is advised, that in 
 
 to^be'senrto^^ cascs of difficulty, and where friends who are suflferers stand in need 
 suffe\-ii5rs?^ of advicc in any particular case, they send up their respective cases 
 to the meeting for sufferings in London. 1682. P. E. 
 
 32 
 
 Prosecutors 
 to be reason, 
 ed with. 
 
 Where any friend or friends shall be prosecuted for any branch of 
 their testimony for the truth, it is recommended that such labour, in a 
 sense of the weight of their testimony, with the prosecutor, before or at 
 
TITHES AND SUFFERINGS. 267 
 
 the beginning of the prosecution ; that so, if possible, the witness of sufferings. 
 God in him may be reached, and he may be convinced that the refusal 
 to comply proceeds not from obstinacy or self-interest, but from a 
 godly care to preserve a conscience void of offence. 1703. P. E. 
 
 This meeting desires, that an account of all proceedings in such 33 
 suffering cases as come under the care of the meeting for sufferings, poiiin<^cases 
 and the issue thereof, may be duly brought or sent to that meeting in suES^'" 
 writing, specifying the places or the counties where such sufferers 
 dwell, with the several proceedings in the said cases, in order to be 
 duly recorded. 1746. 
 
 Quarterly and monthly meetings are desired, in indorsing the 34 
 accounts of sufferings, to arrange the amount under the following, with Jn^amiuTuc- 
 any incidental heads : Tithes in kind — Tithes, priests' demands, and feriUll"^^"^ 
 those called church-rates, by warrant — Military demands by warrant. 
 1806.— 1816. 
 
 This meeting, on considering the clause in the minute of 1681, No. 29, 35 
 under this head, which enjoins that " sufferings sent up to be recorded qulrterh''^ 
 " here, be first read in the quarterly meeting, and therein signed," con- "^^^'^^"s^- 
 eludes that quarterly meetings be left at liberty either to have the 
 said accounts read in the quarterly meetings, or to refer them to a 
 committee to be read and examined thereby : the committee so ap- 
 pointed is to make a report to the quarterly meeting, and the indorse- 
 ment prepared agreeably to the last preceding minute, which is in all 
 cases to be read in the quarterly meeting, recorded there, and signed 
 by the clerk on its behalf 1828. 
 
 M M 2 
 
268 
 
 TRADE. 
 
 Let friends and brethren in their respective meetings watch over 
 one another in the love of God and care of the Gospel ; particularly 
 admonish that none trade beyond their ability nor stretch beyond their 
 compass ; and that they use few words in their dealings, and keep their 
 word in all things, lest they bring through their forwardness dishonour 
 to the precious truth of God. 1675. 
 
 As it hath pleased God to bring forth a day of liberty and freedom 
 to serve Him, let every one have a care so to use this liberty, as that 
 the name of God may be honoured by it ; and not an occasion taken 
 by any because of the present freedom, to launch forth into trading and 
 worldly business beyond what they can manage honourably and with 
 reputation ; and so that they may keep their words with all men, and 
 that their yea may prove yea indeed, and their nay may be nay indeed. 
 1688. P. E. 
 
 It is advised, and earnestly desired, that the payment of just debts 
 be not delayed by any professing truth beyond the time promised and 
 agreed upon ; nor occasion given of complaint to those they deal with, 
 by their backwardness of payment where no time is limited ; nor any to 
 overcharge themselves with too much trading and commerce, beyond 
 their capacities to discharge with a good conscience towards all men ; 
 and that all friends concerned be very careful not to contract extrava- 
 gant debts, endangering the wronging of others and their families; 
 which some have done, to the grieving the hearts of the upright ; nor 
 to break their promises, contracts, or agreements, in their buying or 
 selling, or in any other lawful affairs, to the injuring themselves and 
 
TRADE. 269 
 
 others, occasioning strife and contention, and reproach to truth and 
 friends. And it is advised, that all friends that are entering into trade, 
 or that are in trade, and have not stock sufficient of their own to 
 answer the trade they aim at, be very cautious of running themselves 
 into debt, without advising with some of their ancient and experienced 
 friends among whom they live ; and more especially such trading as 
 hath its dependence upon sea-adventures. 1692. P. E. 
 
 It is our earnest desire that friends be very careful to avoid all pur- 
 suit after the things of this world, by such ways and means as depend 
 too much on hazardous enterprises ; but rather labour to content them- 
 selves with such a plain way and manner of living, as is most agreeable 
 to the self-denying principles of truth which we profess ; and which is 
 most conducive to that tranquillity of mind that is requisite to a 
 religious conduct. 1724. P. E.— 1801. 
 
 We find it our duty to remind our respective members, of the re- 
 markable uprightness and honesty of our friends in the beginning, in 
 their commerce and converse. How exact were they in performing 
 their words and promises, without evasive excuses and insincere deal- 
 ings ! how careful not to involve themselves in business which they 
 understood not, nor had stock of their own to manage ! how circum- 
 spect not to contract greater debts than they were able to pay in due 
 time ! — conduct which brought great credit and reputation to our religious 
 society. But with sorrow we observe, that, contrary to their example, 
 and the repeated advices formerly given by this meeting against an in- 
 ordinate pursuit after riches, too many have launched into trades and 
 business above their stocks and capacities ; by which unjustifiable pro- 
 ceedings, and high living, they have involved themselves and families 
 in trouble and ruin, and brought considerable loss upon others, to the 
 great reproach of our holy profession. 1732. P. E. 
 
 Circumscribed even as we are more than many, it is not unusual, in 
 our pursuit of the things of this life, for our gain and our convenience 
 
270 TRADE. 
 
 GENEUAL to clash with our testimony. O then may we be willing to pause, and 
 give time for those passions to subside, which would hurry us to the 
 accomplishment of the desired purpose, ere the still voice of wisdom 
 be distinctly heard, to guide us in the way in which we should go ! 
 1795. P. E. 
 
 7 We do not condemn industry; which we believe to be not only 
 praise-worthy, but indispensable. It is the desire of great things, and 
 the engrossment of the time and attention, from which we desire that 
 all our dear friends may be redeemed. We doubtless owe duties to 
 ourselves and to our families ; but we owe them also to society ; and 
 do we not owe even our ownselves to our all-wise, all-protecting, and 
 provident Creator ? 1797. P. E. 
 
 8 We do not tax all who embark in large concerns in trade, with an 
 undue desire after riches ; but we much fear that the effect, which their 
 schemes are likely to have upon themselves and their connexions, as 
 affecting their condition, both religious and civil, is not duly regarded. 
 The love of money is said in Scripture to be "the root of all evil;" 
 and we believe it may be shown, that honest industry and moderation of 
 desire are ' roots' of incalculable benefit to the humble Christian. We 
 feel for many of our friends in limited circumstances, in this day of 
 increased, and possibly increasing expense ; but we would caution 
 such, and particularly those who are setting out in life, against imi- 
 tating the manner of living of those whose means are more abundant. 
 We wish, friends, to call you, not to penuriousness but to economy ; 
 and we particularly desire that all such as have families of children, 
 even if in more affluent circumstances, would inure them to early in- 
 dustry, and not to habits of depending too much on the services of 
 domestics. 1805. P. E. 
 
 9 We believe that many who begin the world with moderate views, 
 meeting at first with success in trade, go on extending their commer- 
 cial concerns until they become involved therein to a degree prohibited 
 
TRADE. 271 
 
 b.y the precepts of Christ, and incompatible with their own safety. 'iENEHAt 
 
 COUNSEL. 
 
 Thus situated, some may be tempted to adopt a Ime of conduct, dis- v,^^,^^ 
 
 honourable in itself, and injurious to others. That contentment which 
 
 characterizes the pious Christian, is a treasure which we covet for all 
 
 our members ; and we especially desire that those who are setting out 
 
 in life may so circumscribe their expectations, and limit their domestic 
 
 establishments, as not to bring upon themselves expenses which could 
 
 only be supported by an imprudent extension of their trade. Care in 
 
 this respect will enable them to allot more of their time to the service 
 
 of their fellow-men, and to the promotion of the Lord's cause. 1815. 
 
 P. E. 
 
 We believe that, if friends are careful to attend to the limitations of 10 
 Truth in their trade, they will generally be preserved from great trouble. 
 It is the duty of all, frequently to inspect the state of their affairs ; 
 and if reverses should occur, to ascertain and know for themselves, 
 that they are fully justified, as honest, upright men, in going on with 
 their business. Such an examination would be greatly facilitated by 
 all being very careful to keep clear accounts ; that, whether they may 
 be taken off by death, or it may be needful to exhibit those accounts to 
 others, the same may appear perspicuous and intelligible. 
 
 And we would affectionately encourage friends, who find themselves 
 in embarrassed, or even in doubtful circumstances, not to hesitate, not 
 to be ashamed, to disclose their affairs to men of upright character, in 
 whom they can confide. Such a timely procedure would, we believe, 
 often save the reputation of individuals, call forth the respect and com- 
 passion of their creditors, and prevent the keen sufferings of tender 
 wives and innocent children, and such reproach as, in some instances, 
 has been brought upon our high profession. 
 
 And may you, dear friends, who are favoured with outward pros- 
 perity, so live, that when riches increase, you set not your hearts upon 
 them. Be very careful how you venture to increase your ways of ac- 
 cumulating wealth ; but walk as ensamples to those around you, 
 evincing that you are redeemed from the inordinate pursuit of lawful 
 
272 TRADE. 
 
 GENERAL thiogs. You Will theu be more prepared to enter with kindness into 
 
 COUNSEL. 1 . . /. 1 11 1 Ml 1 
 
 .^^^^^ the situation of others, when they may consult you ; you will be more 
 qualified, in a brotherly way to advise your brethren, to take such 
 measures as may prevent those sufferings to which we have alluded. 
 1819. 
 
 1 1 Speculations of any kind which may seem to hold out the prospect 
 of a rapid accumulation of wealth, greatly endanger tranquillity of 
 mind. They often involve in perplexities, which disqualify us for exer- 
 cising a patient dependence upon Him from whom cometh our strength. 
 They not unfrequently lead into acts unbecoming the character of up- 
 right men, and in some cases their effects are deplorably felt by inno- 
 cent sufferers. They often arise from the love of money, and from 
 that eager pursuit after riches, which is inconsistent with the character 
 of a people, who believe in the necessity of being redeemed from the 
 spirit of this world. 
 
 We are aware that many of our dear friends may, at the present 
 time, in seeking for a fair means of gaining a livelihood, and in the 
 regular conducting of their outward concerns, be subjected to peculiar 
 difficulties. In the competition of trade, they may be tempted to do 
 that which endangers their peace of mind. We would tenderly coun- 
 sel all these, whilst they cherish a disposition to honest industry, to let 
 their wants be few ; to keep to habits of moderation and economy, but 
 at the same time abhorring covetousness ; and, above all, so to live 
 and so to act, that they may be able to place a humble reliance on the 
 blessing and care of the Almighty ; and to follow the exhortation of 
 the apostle ; "In every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanks- 
 " giving, let your requests be made known unto God."^ And we 
 desire that a Christian example in others, who are not subjected to the 
 same difficulties, may strengthen these good resolutions. 1824. P. E. 
 
 12 He that is concerned to support the character of a follower of 
 
 ' Phil. iv. 6. 
 
TRADE. 273 
 
 Christ, — and who amongst us would disclaim this character? — ouffht general 
 
 1 • 1 • 1 1 • r. 1 1 1 COUNSEL, 
 
 to be earnest in his endeavour that accessions oi wealth do no '^,.^^,^^^ 
 disqualify him for the discharge of any duty. Those who, whilst 
 honestly and diligently endeavouring to provide for their families, have 
 to encounter many difficulties, have a strong claim on the sympathy of 
 their friends : yet they need not fear, as they continue to place their 
 whole trust in our Heavenly Father, but that he will care for them in 
 such a way as he sees meet. But if any, whether of the more afflu- 
 ent, or of those who cannot be ranked in this class, are deviating from 
 safe and regular methods of business, if they are carried away by un- 
 certain and hazardous, though plausible schemes for getting rich, if 
 they yield to a desire rapidly to enlarge their possessions — such are 
 in imminent danger. They cannot justly expect the blessing of the 
 Most High on such pursuits : their spiritual eye becomes dim ; and 
 they do not perceive with clearness that light which would enable 
 them to perfect holiness in the fear of God. 1825. P. E. 
 
 It becomes those who are attached to the cause of truth, who love 13 
 our principles, and are desirous of promoting the best interests of our 
 society, to remember that they are not exempt from danger. Dear 
 friends of this description, and especially you who are young, accept 
 a word of caution offered to you in Christian love. If you attend not 
 to the witness of God in your own hearts, and seek not to be delivered 
 from the spirit of this world, you may, contrary to any apprehensions 
 that you now entertain, be introduced into future trouble. You may 
 obstruct your own usefulness in the church, mar the designs of Infinite 
 Wisdom concerning you, and when it is too late, have bitterly to 
 regret the want of timely withstanding the first temptations of the 
 enemy. 
 
 And we would tenderly invite those who may have acquired a com- 
 petency of outward substance, to watch the proper period at which 
 they may withdraw from the cares of business, and when disengaged 
 from the regular concerns of trade to beware how they employ their 
 
 N N 
 
274 TRADE. 
 
 property in investments which may involve them anew in care and 
 anxiety. We affectionately desire that neither these nor other cares 
 may disqualify them from acting the part of faithful stewards in 
 the employment of their time, their talents, and their substance, or 
 from being concerned above all things, through watchfulness unto 
 prayer, to have their lamps trimmed, and oil in their vessels ; that 
 when the solemn close of life shall come, they may, through redeeming 
 love and mercy, be prepared to enter into the joy of their Lord. 
 1826. 
 
 REGULATIONS 
 
 AND SPECIAL 
 
 ADVICES. 
 
 14 We recommend to friends in their respective quarterly and monthly 
 
 meetings, to have a watchful eye over all their members ; and where 
 they observe any deficient in discharging their contracts and just debts 
 On failing in [^ (j^g time, SO as to ffivc reasonable suspicion of weakness or nesrli- 
 
 the payment . 
 
 of just debts, gencc, that friends do earnestly advise them to a suitable care and 
 necessary inspection into their circumstances, in order that they may 
 be helped ; and if any proceed contrary to such advice, and by their 
 failure bring open scandal and reproach on the society, that then 
 friends justifiably may and ought to testify against such offenders. 
 Nevertheless it is not intended to prevent monthly meetings from exer- 
 cising the dicipline in cases in which no advice may have been given 
 prior to insolvency. 1732. P. E.~1816. 
 
 15 It is earnestly recommended, that friends frequently inspect the 
 
 state of their affairs, and when any find themselves unable, or have 
 not more than sufficient, to pay their just debts, that they imme- 
 diately disclose their circumstances to some judicious friends, or 
 principal creditors, and take their advice how to act, and be par- 
 ticularly careful not to pay one creditor in preference to another. It 
 is also recommended to all persons concerned in trade to keep their 
 accounts in such a clear and accurate manner, that in case of failure, 
 their creditors may see how the deficiency has happened. Those 
 
TRADE. 275 
 
 friends, who may be appointed by monthly meetings to visit those regulations 
 who have failed, should always enquire of their assignees or trustees advices. 
 
 how they have acted in the above respects, and report to the meeting. ^^^"'^^^ 
 1782. 
 
 If through adverse accidents any should fail in paying their just 16 
 debts, and should, after a composition with their creditors, be so far payaUhough 
 blessed and prospered in their affairs, as to be capable of paying their Sged."' 
 deficiencies, it is the earnest desire and advice of this meeting, that 
 they do not omit the same. 1727. P. E. 
 
 It is the sense and judgment of this meeting, if any fall short of 17 
 paying their just debts, and a composition be made with their credi- 
 tors to accept of a part instead of the whole, that notwithstanding the 
 parties may look upon themselves legally discharged of any obligation 
 to pay the remainder, yet the principle of universal righteousness we 
 profess, enjoins full satisfaction to be made, if ever the debtors are of 
 ability. And in order that such may the better retrieve their circum- 
 stances, we exhort them to submit to a manner of living in every re- 
 spect the most conducive to this purpose. 1759. P. E. 
 
 Our sympathy is much excited for those^ who, after fair prospects, iq 
 have, from a sudden depreciation of property, been subjected to many 
 difficulties. We wish kindly to encourage such of these as have it 
 still within their power, to a timely contraction of their domestic 
 expenses. And we desire that their trials may be lightened by behold- 
 ing in their offspring a disposition to industry and economy, and a will- 
 ingness that their expectations should not exceed those limits which 
 become a Christian character : this we believe would ultimately tend 
 to their greatest good. Before we quit this subject, we would remind 
 our friends of the former advice of this meeting, that where any have 
 injured others in their property, the greatest frugality should be ob- 
 served by themselves and their families ; and although they may have 
 a legal discharge from their creditors, both equity and our Christian 
 
 N N 2 
 
276 
 
 TRADE. 
 
 REGULATIONS professioii demand, that none when they have it in their power should 
 rest satisfied, until a just restitution be made to those who have suffered 
 by them. 1817. P. E. 
 
 AND SPECIAL 
 ADVICES 
 
 19 
 
 Contributions 
 not to be re- 
 ceived from 
 debtors until 
 their debts 
 are paid. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, that monthly or other meetings 
 ought not to receive collections or bequests for the use of the poor, or 
 other services of the society, of persons who have fallen short in the 
 payment of their just debts, though legally discharged by their credi- 
 tors ; for until such persons have paid the deficiency, what they pos- 
 sess cannot in equity be considered as their own. And monthly meet- 
 ings are desired to exercise due caution against too early admitting such 
 individuals to take an active part in the discipline. 1782. — 1833. 
 
 20 
 
 Fictitious 
 paper-credit. 
 
 We warn all against a most pernicious practice, too much prevailing 
 amongst the trading part of mankind, which hath often issued in the 
 utter ruin of those concerned therein, viz. that of raising and circulating 
 a fictitious kind of paper-credit (by what are called accommodation bills), 
 with indorsements and acceptances, to give an appearance of value with- 
 out an intrinsic reality : a practice highly unbecoming that uprightness 
 which ought to appear in every member of our religious society, and 
 of which practice we therefore think it our incumbent duty to declare 
 our disapprobation, and disunity therewith, as absolutely inconsistent 
 with the truth we make profession of. 1771. P. E. 
 
 21 On considering the subject of fictitious paper-credit, as set forth in 
 
 the last preceding minute, we are of the judgment, that the said minute, 
 conjoined with the first paragraph of No. 33, under the head " monthly 
 MEETINGS," constitutes a full authority to deal with, and if necessary to 
 disown, any who may be found delinquents in this respect, and we 
 are concerned to stimulate overseers, friends generally, and monthly 
 meetings, to a vigilant and early attention to the subject. 1817. — 
 1833. 
 
 22 
 
 Among the evils of later times has been the practice of individuals 
 
TRADE. 277 
 
 trading beyond their capital, and that of carrying* on their business by regulations 
 means of a fictitious credit ; practices very dangerous in their effects, advices. 
 and utterly inconsistent with Christian moderation and contentment. 
 1826. 
 
 Joint securi- 
 ties with 
 
 We are engaged to caution every individual against imprudently en- 23 
 tering into joint securities with others ; for by these practices many in- 
 nocent wives and children have been inevitably and unexpectedly in- others. 
 volved in ruinous and deplorable circumstances. We therefore earnestly 
 desire friends to keep strictly on their guard, that none, through any 
 specious pretences of rendering acts of friendship to others with safety 
 to themselves, may risk their own peace and reputation, and the security 
 of their families : in order hereunto, we recommend this salutary advice 
 of the wise man to their especial notice and regard : " Be not thou 
 " 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 thy bed from 
 "under thee ?"^ 1771. P. E. 
 
 It is advised, that when friends accept the office of trustee or 24 
 assignee, they be active in collecting the effects of the estate, and "^^tSees^"*^ 
 punctual in making a speedy distribution. 1782. 
 
 We intreat friends frequently to inspect the state of their affairs, 25 
 and not to delay the performance of this duty, either from an appre- spect"theh"^' 
 hension that things are going on well, or from a fear to know how their quenUy!^^" 
 accounts really stand. It is a practice which can be injurious to no one; 
 but it has very frequently been seen, that had it been timely and regu- 
 larly resorted to, it would in all probability have prevented grievous 
 suffering. Those who hold the property of others, and this may be 
 said to be the case more or less with most who are engaged in trade, 
 are not warranted, on the principles of justice, in neglecting to inform 
 themselves from time to time of the real situation of their affairs. If 
 
 ' Prov. xxii. 26, 27. 
 
278 TRADE. 
 
 REGULATIONS meii conccal from their nearest connexions in life a knowledge of the 
 ADVICES, actual state of their property, they may deprive themselves of salutary 
 Friendst^n- couuscl and of a kind participation in trouble, family expenses may 
 fah-?fre^'^ ^ " ^^ incurred, and subsequent distress may ensue, which might have been 
 quently. avoided. And we particularly advise young persons to be cautious not 
 
 to enter too hastily into business, and, from the time of their being thus 
 engaged, to be very careful to make themselves well acquainted with 
 their annual income and expenditure. This would be greatly facili- 
 tated by their early adopting, and regularly pursuing, a clear and me- 
 thodical system of keeping their accounts, in regard both to trade and 
 domestic expenses. 
 
 We know that the experience and sufferings of the past year in this 
 nation, have furnished many useful lessons to those who have escaped 
 the troubles of which others have partaken ; and we desire that these 
 lessons may not be without their practical good effect. They should 
 teach us not to trust in uncertain riches ; and they should be a warning 
 to parents to be careful how they enlarge their domestic establishments, 
 and not to hold out to their children expectations of ease and abund- 
 ance, nor to train them up in habits of delicacy and indulgence. O! that 
 both parents and their offspring might fix their hopes of happiness on 
 that which is substantial and eternal, and endeavour to be good stew- 
 ards of the temporal blessings bestowed upon them. — Such we believe 
 to be the concern of many of our dear friends. 1826. 
 
279 
 
 Forms of 
 conveyance. 
 
 TRUST PROPERTY. 
 
 Advised, that all and every of your meeting-houses, and mansion- ] 
 
 houses where meetings are, or may be held, be entered upon record meftSe""^ 
 as the law directs: (vid. 1. W. & M. chap. 18. sec. 19) having seen ^°"'^'- 
 both the service and safety thereof, and the hurt and danger that may 
 come by the omission. 1691. P. E. 
 
 It is recommended, that whenever any freehold, copyhold, or lease- 2 
 
 hold property shall be newly acquired for meeting-houses or burial 
 grounds, or for the benefit of quarterly, monthly, preparative, or other 
 meetings, or for any other charitable purpose under the care of friends, 
 the trusts be declared in the deed of conveyance, and that one or other of 
 the following forms be employed, according to the tenure of the property. 
 
 On any such new acquisition, whether by purchase or gift, a deed 
 indented, sealed, and delivered, by the conveying party in the pre- 
 sence of two credible witnesses, and enrolled in Chancery, within six 
 calendar months after such execution, must constitute, or form part of, 
 the conveyance. If these formalities are not complied with, the con- 
 veyance will be void. 
 
 Note. — It is a common mistake to suppose that the formalities here mentioned, and which are 
 required by the act 9 Geo. II. c. 36, are only necessary on voluntary gifts and not on ptirchases for 
 charitable purposes. Their omission having been a frequent cause of defect in titles to charity 
 lands, the legislature at length, by 9 Geo. IV. c. 85, interfered to remedy it in all &ctuz\ purchases for 
 charitable purposes previously made. But as this enactment is only retrospective, the formalities 
 are necessary on all acquisitions, subsequent to the 9 Geo. IV. c. 85, 
 
 As the 9 Geo. II. c, 36 annuls conveyances for charitable purposes which reserve any benefit 
 to the grantor, it is doubtful whether a rent reserved by a lease is of this description. Friends will 
 do well to avoid the doubt, by taking leases, whether original or renewed, to a third person, and then 
 obtaining an assignment from him ; the assignment and not the lease, being the deed to be executed 
 and enrolled, as above described. 
 
280 TRUST PROPERTY. 
 
 Forms of Habendum and declaration of trust, in a conveyance of 
 
 conveyance. -n i ? i 
 
 r reehold property. 
 To have and to hold the said premises hereinbefore assured, unto and to the use of 
 the said {^Trustees'] their heirs, and assigns, for ever, upon trust from time to time, to 
 sell, exchange, or otherwise assure, and in the meantime to mortgage, demise, or let, 
 all or any part or parts of the said premises, to such person or persons for such estate 
 or estates, and for such purposes and in such manner as the persons for the time assem- 
 bling as the meeting, usually known by the name of " monthly, \j)r quarterly 
 
 or other^ meeting" of Friends, commonly called Quakers, shall [|for better effecting 
 the charitable purposes hereinafter specified, ifi the case of any special charity] direct by 
 any minute or minutes, to be signed on behalf of such monthly \or quarterly or oiher~^ 
 meeting by the person acting at the time as the clerk thereof, and in the meantime, and 
 subject to the trusts aforesaid, upon trust to permit the said premises to be used as a 
 meeting-house, [^and burial-ground, &c.] for the use and accommodation of the society 
 of Friends, subject to such regulations as shall be specified by any minute or minutes 
 so to be made as aforesaid, {or hi case of a charity, to permit the yearly rents and profits 
 of the said premises to be applied for the &c. statvig the charity, Sj-c. subject to such regu- 
 lations as shall be specified by any minute or minutes so to be made as aforesaid.] And 
 it is hereby declared, that the receipts in writing of the said trustees or trustee for the 
 time being, for any money payable to them or him by virtue of these presents, shall 
 discharge the persons to whom the same shall be respectively given, from being bound 
 to see to the application of the money therein respectively mentioned to be received, 
 or to ascertain the regularity of any sale, exchange, mortgage, lease, or other disposition 
 or assurance, to be made under the authority of all, or any of the trusts aforesaid, and 
 that no tenant, lessee, mortgagee, purchaser, or other assignee, shall be bound to ascertain 
 or show the existence of any such minute as aforesaid, which might otherwise be neces- 
 sary to verify the title. 
 
 Habendum and declaration of trust, in an assignment of 
 Leasehold property. 
 
 To have and to hold the said premises hereinbefore assigned, (subject nevertheless 
 to the reservations and covenants in the said indenture of lease,) unto the said \jruS' 
 tees,'} their executors, administrators, or assigns, for all the residue of the said term 
 
 of years, upon trust from time to time, to sell, exchange, or otherwise assure, 
 
 and in the meantime to mortgage, demise, or underlet, all or any part or parts of 
 the said premises, to such person or persons for such estate or estates, and for such 
 purposes and in such manner as the persons for the time assembling as the meeting 
 
TRUST PROPERTY. 281 
 
 usually known by the name of" monthly Qor quarterly, or o/Aer] meeting" of Forms of 
 
 Friends, commonly eallecl Quakers, shall [for better effecting the charitable purposes here- *^o°^^y3nce. 
 
 inafter specified, in the case of any special charity~\ direct by any minute or minutes to 
 
 be signed on behalf of such monthly \_or quarterly or otker^ meeting, by the person acting 
 
 at the time as clerk thereof, and in the meantime, and subject to the trusts aforesaid, upon 
 
 trust, to permit the same premises to be used as a meeting-house [[and burial-ground, &c.^ 
 
 for the use and accommodation of the society of Friends, subject to such regulations as 
 
 shall be specified by any minute or minutes so to be made as aforesaid, [or in case of a 
 
 charity, to permit the yearly rents and profits of the said premises, to be applied for the 
 
 &c. stating the charity, <^c. subject to such regulations as shall be specified by any minute 
 
 or minutes, so to be made as aforesaid.] And it is hereby declared that the receipts in 
 
 writing of the said trustees or trustee for the time being, for any money payable to them 
 
 or him by virtue of these presents, shall discharge the persons to whom the same shall 
 
 be respectively given, from being bound to see to the application of the money therein 
 
 respectively mentioned to be received, or to ascertain the regularity of any sale, exchange, 
 
 mortgage, underlease, or other disposition or assurance, to be made under the authority 
 
 of all or any of the trusts aforesaid ; and that no tenant, lessee, mortgagee, purchaser, 
 
 or other assignee, shall be bound to ascertain or show the existence of any such minute as 
 
 aforesaid, which might otherwise be necessary to verify the title. 
 
 Covenant to surrender Copyhold property. 
 
 And the said [vendor or other surrenderor,'] doth hereby for himself, his heirs, executors, 
 and administrators, covenant with the said [trustees'] their heirs and assigns, that he, the 
 said [vendor or other surrenderor,'] will, at or before the next court, to be holden for the 
 
 manor of , surrender into the hands of the lord or lady of the said manor, all, 
 
 &c. [the copyhold property,] and the appurtenances, to hold the said premises hereinbefore 
 covenanted to be surrendered as aforesaid unto the said [trustees,] their heirs and 
 assigns, at the will of the lord or lady of the said manor, according to the custom of the 
 said manor, by the rents and services therefore due and of right accustomed, but 
 nevertheless, upon trust, (in conformity with the custom of the said manor,) from 
 time to time, to sell, exchange, or otherwise assure, and in the meantime to 
 mortgage, demise, or let all or any part or parts of the said premises, to such 
 person or persons, for such estate or estates, and for such purposes and in such manner, as 
 the persons for the time assembling as the meeting, usually known by the name of 
 
 *' monthly [or quarterly, or other] meeting" of Friends, commonly called Quakers, 
 
 shall [{ov better effecting the charitable purposes hereinafter specified, in the case of any 
 special charity] direct by any minute or minutes, to be signed on behalf of such monthly 
 [or quarterly, or other] meeting, by the person acting at the time as clerk thereof, and in 
 the meantime, and subject to the trusts aforesaid, upon trust to permit the said premises 
 
 o o 
 
28'2 TRUST PROPERTY. 
 
 Forms of to be used as a meeting-house, [|and burial-ground, &c.] for the use and accommodation 
 conveyance. ^^ ^j^^ society of Friends, subject to such regulations as shall be specified by any minute 
 or minutes so to be made as aforesaid, [or in case of a charity, to permit the yearly rents 
 and profits of the said premises to be applied for the &c. stating the charity, Sfc. subject to 
 such regulations as shall be specified by any minute or minutes so to be made as aforesaid.] 
 And it is hereby declared that the receipts in writing of the said trustees or trustee for 
 the time being, for any money payable to them or him by virtue of these presents, shall 
 discharge the persons to whom the same shall be respectively given, from being bound to 
 see to the application of the money therein respectively mentioned to be received, or to 
 ascertain the regularity of any sale, exchange, mortgage, lease, or other disposition or 
 assurance, to be made under the authority of all or any of the trusts aforesaid ; and that 
 no tenant, lessee, mortgagee, purchaser, or other assignee, shall be bound to ascertain or 
 show the existence of any such minute as aforesaid, which might otherwise be necessary 
 to verify the title. 
 
 Surrender of Copyhold property to he entered on the 
 rolls of the manor. 
 
 At this court came [the vendor or other surrenderor^ one of the customary tenants of 
 
 this manor, and in consideration of the sum of to him in hand paid by \the 
 
 trustees,'] surrendered into the hands of the lord of this manor, by the hands and accept- 
 ance of the said steward, by the rod, according to the custom of this manor, all, &c. [the 
 copyhold property, "] with their appurtenances ; (and to which premises the said [vendor 
 or other surrenderor'] was admitted tenant at a court, held for this manor, on the — — 
 
 day of ) and the reversion, &c. and all the estate, &c. to the use of the said 
 
 [trustees^ their heirs and assigns for ever, according to the custom of this manor. But 
 nevertheless, upon the trusts declared, concerning the same, by a deed indented, bearing 
 
 date the day of and made, or expressed to be made between, &c. 
 
 [stating the parties :] and sealed and delivered in the presence of two credible witnesses, 
 
 and enrolled in the Court of Chancery, on the day of , being the same 
 
 trusts as are hereinafter set forth : (that is to say,) upon trust, (in conformity with the 
 custom of the manor,) from time to time to sell, exchange, or otherwise assure, and in the 
 meantime to mortgage, demise, or let, all or any part, or parts of the said premises, to 
 such person or persons, for such estate or estates, and for such purposes, and in such 
 manner, as the persons for the time assembling as the meeting usually known by the name 
 
 of " monthly [or quarterly, or other,'] meeting," of Friends, commonly 
 
 called Quakers shall, [for better effecting the charitable purposes hereinafter specified in the 
 case of any special charity,] direct by any minute or minutes, to be signed on behalf of 
 such monthly, [or quarterly, or other,] meeting, by the person acting at the time as clerk 
 thereof, and in the meantime, and subject to the trusts aforesaid, upon trust, to permit the 
 same premises to be used as a meeting-house, [and burial-ground, &c.] for the use and 
 
TRUST PROPERTY. 
 
 283 
 
 accommodation of the society of Friends, subject to such regulations as shall be specified 
 by any minute or minutes, so to be made as aforesaid : [or in case of a charity, Sfc. to 
 permit the yearly rents and profits of the said premises to be applied for the, &c. staling 
 the charity, ^c. subject to such regulations as shall be specified by any minute or minutes, 
 so to be made as aforesaid.] Provided always, that the receipts in writing of the said 
 trustees or trustee, for the time being, for any money payable to them or him by virtue 
 of this surrender, or the trusts thereof, shall discharge the persons to whom the same 
 shall be respectively given from being bound to see to the application of the money, 
 therein respectively mentioned to be received, or to ascertain the regularity of any sale, 
 exchange, mortgage, lease, or other disposition or assurance, to be made under the 
 authority of all, or any of the trusts aforesaid; and that no tenant, lessee, mort- 
 gagee, purchaser, or other assignee, shall be bound to ascertain or show the exist- 
 ence of any such minute as aforesaid, which might otherwise be necessary to verify 
 the title. 
 
 Forms of 
 conveyance. 
 
 Whenever an appointment of new trustees of any real or personal 
 property belonging to, or under the direction or care of, a quarterly, 
 monthly, preparative, or other meeting, may become desirable, either 
 from reduction of the existing trustees who are solvent members of 
 our society, and resident within the united kingdom, to two, or from 
 other circumstances, it is recommended that such appointment be 
 speedily made, and the trust property legally transferred accordingly. 
 Of course, this recommendation is not to interfere with any special 
 provision for appointing trustees, made at the original creation of the 
 trust. 
 
 3 
 
 Change of 
 trustees. 
 
 In transfers to new trustees, forms similar to the foregoing may, in 
 general, be used. But in these cases, the two following cautions 
 should be attended to. First, that where there has been any previous 
 declaration of trust, especial care be taken not in any way to alter the 
 trust. In these cases the forms must only be followed as far as the 
 circumstances of the case will properly admit. Secondly, that where 
 the title to the trust property is imperfect, either from want of enrol- 
 ment, or from the form of a previous declaration of trust, it may be 
 expedient to keep the declaration of trust distinct from the conveyance 
 to the new trustees where this is practicable. 
 
 o o 2 
 
284 
 
 TRUST PROPERTY. 
 
 Custody of 
 deeds. 
 
 The formalities of enrolment and attestation, pointed out in No. 2, 
 are not considered necessary on transfers to new trustees. 
 
 Care is to be particularly taken that all title-deeds and writings relat- 
 ing to meeting-houses, burial-grounds and trust property of any kind, 
 held for the use of any part of the society, as well as all deeds and 
 records relative to donations and legacies, be deposited in a place of 
 security, free from damp, and from danger by fire ; and that the custody 
 of them be entrusted to two or more friends appointed for the pur- 
 pose. It is suggested, that where practicable or convenient, the title- 
 deeds of such property, situate within the limits of any one quarterly 
 meeting, be deposited (under the direction of the said meeting) in the 
 most suitable, and as far as practicable, central place, combined with 
 security ; that it may be more generally known where they are to be 
 met with. 
 
 7 
 
 Record of 
 trusts. 
 
 8 
 
 Accounts. 
 
 Monthly meetings are to take care that a correct account of the 
 nature of all trusts, with the names of the trustees of such real or 
 personal property as tliey are entrusted with, or entitled to, be recorded 
 in a book kept for that purpose ; in which should be inserted the place 
 of deposit of the title-deeds of such property. In all cases of legacies 
 or donations, copies of the wills, or of the clauses of the wills, with the 
 date of probate, and of deeds of gift, are, as far as practicable, to be 
 procured, and carefully recorded in the said book. 
 
 Monthly meetings are to exercise due care, that all legacies and 
 donations be properly secured, and duly applied, according to the 
 directions of the testators and donors : and in order that the appro- 
 priation of these, as well as of all other trust funds under the care of 
 the monthly meeting, may be duly attended to, distinct accounts are 
 to be regularly kept of the receipts and expenditure thereof; which 
 accounts are to be annually examined by the monthly meeting, or a 
 committee appointed by it, when the list of trustees is to be read over 
 with reference to No. 3. 
 
TRUST PROPERTY; 
 
 285 
 
 Monthly meetings are to furnish the quarterly meetings, of which 9 
 
 they form parts, with a brief account of the nature of the trusts and meeuSJj to 
 the names of the trustees of the real and personal property possessed qXteriy 
 by them ; and also to transmit from time to time accounts of any ^n^etings. 
 additions or alterations therein. Quarterly meetings are to record 
 such accounts in a proper book, with an index : and the names of the 
 trustees are to be annually examined by or on behalf of the quarterly 
 meeting. 
 
 Where the trust property belongs to, or is under the care of, pre- 10 
 
 parative or particular meetings, the monthly meeting is to exercise a J^ofpartSiN 
 
 general superintendence over them, in conformity with the spirit of the ^^^ J^eeungs ; 
 several provisions contained in Nos. 6, 7, and 8. 
 
 Where the trust property belongs to, or is under the care of, quar- 1 1 
 terly meetings, they are to conform to the foregoing regulations, which "^eetiiiS^^ 
 may be applicable to their case. But it is not expected that they 
 should furnish to this meeting any account of the trusts, or trustees, 
 unless specially required. 
 
 Where the trust property belongs to, or is under the care of, any 
 distinct body or committee of friends, as in the case of schools and 
 other charitable foundations, it is recommended that the spirit of the 
 above rules should be attended to, and the provisions complied with, as 
 far as the circumstances will permit. 
 
 12 
 
 of other de- 
 scriptions. 
 
 The statute of charitable uses, 9 Geo. II. c. 36, does not extend to 
 Scotland ; but the foregoing recommendations, which relate to the 
 general care and oversight of trusts by quarterly, monthly, and other 
 meetings, are to be considered applicable to the general meeting of 
 friends in Scotland and its subordinate meetings. 
 
 13 
 
 Scotland. 
 
 Should any meeting be dissolved or cease to retain its distinct 14 
 character, care should be taken that a minute be previously entered ^'^ "^* 
 
286 TRUST PROPERTY. 
 
 meeting a- on its books, for regularly transferring the property under its direction 
 solved. to the superintendence of the meeting which may succeed it in autho- 
 
 rity, in all instances where the nature of the trust admits of this being 
 done. This will be the case with every trust created agreeably to any 
 of the above forms, 1794.— 1832. 
 
287 
 
 WAR. 
 
 It hath been a weighty concern on this meeting, that our ancient 
 and honourable testimony against being concerned in bearing arms, 
 or fighting, may be maintained ; it being a doctrine and testimony 
 agreeable to the nature and design of the Christian religion, and to 
 the universal love and grace of God. This testimony, we desire may 
 be strictly and carefully maintained, by a godly care and concern in 
 all to stand clear therein ; so shall we strengthen and comfort one 
 another. 1730. P. E. 
 
 And as it hath pleased the Lord, by the breaking forth of the 
 glorious light of his Gospel, and the shedding abroad of his Holy 
 Spirit, to gather us to be a people to his praise, and to unite us in 
 love, not only one unto another, but to the whole creation of God, by 
 subjecting us to the government of his Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, the Prince of Peace ; it behoveth us to hold forth the ensign 
 of the Lamb of God, and by our patience and peaceable behaviour to 
 show, that we walk in obedience to the example and precepts of our 
 Lord and Master, who hath commanded us to love our enemies, and 
 to do good even to them that hate us. Wherefore we intreat all who 
 profess themselves members of our society, to be faithful to that ancient 
 testimony, borne by us ever since we were a people, against bearing 
 arms and fighting ; that by a conduct agreeable to our profession, we 
 may demonstrate ourselves to be real followers of the Messiah, the 
 peaceable Saviour, of the increase of whose govrenment and peace, 
 there shall be no end. ^ 1744. P. E. 
 
 ' Isaiah, ix. 6, 7, 
 
WAR. 
 
 We have endeavoured, in the last two years, to caution our brethren 
 in profession, against suflfering the commotions of the times to seduce 
 them from the path of blameless simplicity, in which it becomes all 
 true followers of Christ to walk. And, though we desire not to repeat 
 similar advice, we think it incumbent on us now to bid you beware of 
 being induced, either inadvertently or for gain, in any manner to give 
 countenance to the destroying practice of war. Many are the ways 
 by which the unwary and the covetous may be caught. But, brethren, 
 look beyond the surface. Behold the depth of misery into which war 
 plunges mankind. Then, putting your trust in Him who gives under- 
 standing to the simple, and provides for the sparrows, ye may avoid 
 the pollution which is theirs, who join hands with this desolating evil. 
 1795. P.E. 
 
 We feel not inclined, though war yet continues to desolate the earth, 
 to repeat our advices on that head, or to resume the subject further 
 than to remark how thankful we ought to be, in that we are still per- 
 mitted to meet together, as we have done at this time, in brotherly 
 fellowship and mutual condescension ; whilst the world around us is 
 tossed with the tempest of discord. O friends, may we consider it as 
 an incitement to suffer every thing which tends to contention, to be 
 eradicated from our hearts; and, under the influence of the spirit 
 of Christ, to cultivate with unwearied assiduity and patience, all those 
 dispositions which make for peace ; things whereby we may edify one 
 another ; yea, things by which we may evince to our fellow-men at 
 large, that we are really redeemed from the spirit of contests, and truly 
 the disciples of a merciful Redeemer, whose holy, pure, and undefiled 
 religion is a system of universal love ! 1797. P. E. 
 
 Our general scruple to bear arms is well known ; and truly we are satis- 
 fied that our testimony in this respect is a testimony for Messiah, of whose 
 reign it is the glory, that " the wolf and the lamb shall feed together."^ 
 
 ' Is. Ixv. 25. 
 
WAR. 289 
 
 Most, if not all, people admit the transcendent excellency of 
 peace. All who adopt the petition, " Thy kingdom come," pray for 
 its universal establishment. Some people then must begin to fulfil 
 the evangelical promise, and cease to learn war any more. Now, 
 friends, seeing these things cannot be controverted, how do we long 
 that your whole conversation be as becometh the Gospel ; and that 
 while any of us are professing to scruple war, they may not in some 
 parts of their conduct be inconsistent with that profession ! It is an 
 awful thing to stand forth to the nation as the advocates of inviolable 
 peace ; and our testimony loses its efficacy in proportion to the want of 
 consistency in any. And we think we are at this time peculiarly 
 called to let our light shine with clearness, on account of the lenity 
 shown us by government, and the readiness of magistrates to afford us 
 all legal relief under suffering. And we can serve our country in no 
 way more availingly, nor more acceptably to Him who holds its pros- 
 perity at his disposal, than by contributing, all that in us lies, to 
 increase the number of meek, humble, and self-denying Christians. 
 1804. P. E. 
 
 HEGULATIOKS 
 
 AXD SPECIAI. 
 
 ADVICES. 
 
 vessels. 
 
 A complaint being made about some ship-masters, who profess the 
 truth, and are esteemed Quakers, carrying guns in their ships, sup- 
 posing thereby to defend and secure themselves and their ships, con- 
 trary to our principle and practice, and to the endangering of their Armed 
 own and others lives thereby ; also giving occasion of more severe 
 hardships and sufferings to be inflicted on such friends as are pressed 
 into ships of war, who, for conscience sake, cannot fight or destroy men's 
 lives ; it is therefore recommended to the monthly and quarterly meet- 
 ings whereunto such ship-masters belong, to deal with them in God's 
 wisdom, and tender love, to stir them up and awaken their consciences ; 
 that they may seriously consider how they injure their own souls in 
 so doing, and what occasion they give to make the truth and friends 
 to suffer by their declension, and acting contrary thereunto through 
 
 p p 
 
290 
 
 WAR. 
 
 AND SPECIAL 
 ADVICES. 
 
 REGULATIONS disobediencc and unbelief, placing their security in that which is alto- 
 gether insecure and dangerous : which we are really sorry for, and sin- 
 cerely desire their recovery, and safety from destruction, that their faith 
 and confidence may be in the arm and power of God. 1693. P. E. 
 
 Privateers or 
 letters of 
 marque. 
 
 It having been represented to this meeting, that some professing to 
 be of our society have of late slighted and neglected our ancient and 
 Christian testimony to such a degree, as to be concerned in privateer- 
 ing, or as owners of ships going with letters of marque ; which is a 
 flagrant and lamentable departure from our peaceable principle (which 
 hath always been to confide in the protection and providence of 
 Almighty God, and not in weapons of war,) and a practice that may 
 be attended with injustice, barbarity, and bloodshed : 
 
 This meeting having taken this sorrowful and aflHicting case, and 
 breach of our ancient testimony, into its serious consideration, has 
 thought it its incumbent duty to bear its testimony against such prac- 
 tices ; and it is the unanimous sense of this meeting, that all monthly 
 meetings ought speedily to deal with all persons found in the practice 
 of such things, in the spirit of truth and love, in order to bring them 
 to a sense of their error, and to reclaim them from it ; which if they 
 cannot do, then to testify against them, and let them know we have no 
 unity or fellowship with them. 1744. W. E. 
 
 It having been weightily under th^ consideration of this meeting to dis- 
 courage all under our profession from that great inconsistency of being 
 concerned in privateers, letters of marque, or ships armed in a warlike 
 manner, we think it necessary earnestly to recommend to monthly meet- 
 ings, to keep a watchful eye over their members, in this important 
 branch of our Christian testimony ; and where any inclination toward 
 such practices appears, that timely admonition and suitable counsel be 
 given, in the spirit of love and meekness. 1757. P. E. 
 
 9 It is recommended to the several monthly meetings, that all con- 
 
 cerned in armed vessels be dealt with according to the minute of 
 
WAR. 291 
 
 1744; and it is recommended to friends every where, to take into their regulations 
 serious consideration the inconsistency of any under our profession suf- advices. 
 fering their temporal interest to induce them in any manner to contri- ^^^^^^^^ 
 bute to the purposes of war. 1781. 
 
 And, dear friends, as it hath pleased the Almighty to reveal unto 10 
 mankind his Son Jesus Christ, the peaceable Saviour, let it be our steady wrrs"thJ"ub- 
 concern to demonstrate to the world that we are his followers, by bring- iatL'rf.'^""^^^" 
 ing forth the fruits of the Spirit, " love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentle- 
 ness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."^ And as we are called 
 out of wars and fightings, so let them be, as seldom as possible, the 
 subjects of our conversation : but let a holy care rest upon us, to abide 
 in that power which gives dominion over the hopes and fears that arise 
 from the concerns of an unstable world ; and tend, as they are admitted 
 into the mind, to lessen its trust on that rock which is immovable. Thus, 
 like faithful Abraham, may we hope for preservation, and be qualified 
 to approach the throne of mercy in intercession for others, at a time when 
 the tokens of Divine displeasure are manifest. Let us keep in mind that 
 declaration of our Lord : " IV^y kingdom is not of this world ;"^ for they 
 whose kingdom is of this world, will only strive for the things thereof. 
 Therefore, we beseech you, mind your calling, that it may be evident 
 you are not seeking a city here, but one to come, which hath everlasting 
 " foundations, whose builder and maker is God."^ 1757. P. E. 
 
 We are sorrowfully affected to find by the answers to the queries, 1 1 
 
 that some friends in a few counties have failed in the maintenance Hiring substi- 
 tutes. 
 
 of our Christian testimony against wars and fighting, by joining with 
 others to hire substitutes, and by the payment of money to exempt 
 themselves from personal service, in the militia : a practice inconsistent 
 with that testimony to the reign of the Prince of Peace, which our ancients 
 received, and were concerned to maintain through cruel sufferings, and 
 which the faithful in this day dare not shrink from : which defection 
 
 ' Gal. V. 22, 23. ' John, xviii. 36. ^ Heb. xi. 10. 
 
 p p 2 
 
292 
 
 WAR. 
 
 AND SPECIAL 
 ADVICES. 
 
 REGULATIONS froiii ouF Christiaii testimony and general practice, having been matter 
 of sorrow to this meeting, we are concerned strongly to advise against, 
 and that friends every where stand faithful and single in their depen- 
 dence on the Lord for preservation, who alone is for ever able to keep 
 in perfect safety. And if suffering be the lot which doth result from 
 such obedience to the divine requiring, these will, as they abide in the 
 simplicity and innocence of truth, reap the fruits of peace in their own 
 bosom. Let therefore the care of friends, in their several monthly 
 meetings, be exerted to prevent any contributions for hiring substitutes, 
 or other methods of exempting themselves from the militia inconsistent 
 with our well-known testimony. 1760. W. E. 
 
 12 
 
 Rates or as- 
 sessments for 
 military pur- 
 poses. 
 
 It is our sense and judgment that we cannot, consistently with our well- 
 known principles, actively pay the rate or assessment, which by virtue of 
 any militia act, may be imposed in lieu of personal service ; or any rates 
 or assessments made for advancing the hire or enlisting-money of volun- 
 teers ; or the money to be raised and given to militia-men. And as over- 
 seers are sometimes directed by militia acts, to make the said rates and 
 assessments, and to collect and levy the same, such friends as shall be in 
 that office are advised, with meekness and prudence, to inform the deputy 
 lieutenants and acting justices within their districts, that they cannot be 
 active in or concerning such rates. And friends are desired to be careful 
 to guard against paying the said rates mixed with some other rate. 
 
 And we think it expedient that friends should be tenderly advised 
 to avoid giving occasion of reproach, by any unjustifiable endeavours to 
 evade the law ; and that, in all cases wherein they allege a conscien- 
 tious scruple for not actively paying what may be demanded of them, 
 they manifest, by a patient and Christian conduct under such sufferings 
 as may attend in consequence thereof, that their scruples are real and 
 sincere. 1762.— 1801. 
 
 13 If any be concerned in fabricating or selling instruments of war, let 
 
 of arms,'^ loans them be treated with in love ; and if by this unreclaimed, let them be 
 for war, &c. f^j-^jj^j. (jgalt with as those whom we cannot own. And we intreat that 
 
WAR. 293 
 
 when warlike preparations are making, friends be watcbfeil lest any be regulations 
 
 , . , . 1 . , . , . , , AND SPECIAL 
 
 drawn into loans, arming or letting out their ships or vessels, or other- advices. 
 wise promoting the destruction of the human species. 1790. W. E. ^^^^V^^ 
 
 We desire afresh to press upon all our members, the necessity of a 14 
 peaceful and innocent demeanour amongst men ; and especially, let all cepdnf profit 
 be careful not to seek or accept profit by any concern in the prepara- ^""^ ^^^' 
 tions so extensively making for war ; for how reproachfully inconsistent 
 would it be, to refuse an active compliance with warlike measures ; and, 
 at the same time, not to hesitate to enrich ourselves by the commerce 
 and other circumstances dependent on war ! 1798. P. E. 
 
 On the calamitous subject of war we do not feel much now to say. 15 
 
 Friends, you are not ignorant of what adorns our profession, with upon fleet? 
 respect to this subject. Only this would we say — Make it not a topic ^"^ armies. 
 of conversation. Guard against placing your dependence on fleets and 
 armies ; be peaceable yourselves, in words and actions ; and pray to the 
 Father of the universe that he would breathe the spirit of reconciliation 
 into the hearts of his erring and contending creatures. 1805. P. E. 
 
 We are inclined also, dear friends, to draw your attention to the root 16 
 of our testimony against war. It is no other than Christian love, and that SnsStencyr 
 righteousness which produces peace, quietness, and perpetual assurance, tE who '" 
 as its natural fruit. This draws the mind away from those passions and testfmon ^^^^ 
 desires, in which are laid the foundations of contest. Let us then fre- 
 quently examine our hearts, yea, let us prove our own selves, and see how 
 far the seed of contention withers, and a resignation to suffer is cherished 
 there. And since, as we have mentioned, some of our young men have 
 suffered, and more may probably suffer imprisonment, we are deeply 
 desirous that they may walk consistently with their testimony in every 
 respect ; showing by their conduct that they truly follow a Master who 
 was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. 1809. P. E. 
 
 17 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, that it is inconsistent with our conveyance 
 
 well-known testimony against war, for friends to be in any manner aid- &c? ^^^^' 
 
294 WAR. / 
 
 REGULATIONS ing End assisting in the conveyance of soldiers, their baggage, arms, 
 ADVICES, ammunition, or military stores. 1810. 
 
 18 It appearing to this meeting that some of our members have caused 
 In^rfor^pro? their property to be protected by armed men ; a tender concern has 
 tfmesofTrou- ^^^^ ^^^^> ^^^^ friends may, on all occasions, endeavour to have their 
 bie,&c. confidence placed on divine protection, and thus be enabled to support 
 
 our Christian testimony against such modes of defence. This meeting 
 further feels itself engaged to caution friends every where against keep- 
 ing guns or arms of any kind in their houses, or on their premises, or 
 in any manner uniting in armed associations ; that so, whatever trials 
 may take place, our society may not, by thus becoming liable to con- 
 tribute to the destruction of their fellow-creatures, violate our peace- 
 able principles ; in the belief of the rectitude, and even safety of which, 
 we feel our minds confirmed. 1812. 
 
 19 Deeply impressed with gratitude to Almighty God, that the sword is 
 l?theViess.'^" again stayed in this quarter of the globe, and that the spirit of conten- 
 ing of peace, ^-^j^ which has SO long prevailed, has been succeeded by marks of 
 
 Christian forbearance and charity, we desire to express our thankful- 
 ness for the prospect of peace. The judgments of the Lord have in- 
 deed been in the earth ; and many have learned righteousness. May 
 the number of these increase ; may the peaceable spirit of the Gospel, 
 the surest pledge of permanent tranquillity, spread and prevail ! We 
 of this island have cause to be doubly thankful : we have been pre- 
 served from witnessing the effusion of blood, and the ravages of war, 
 which have spread over the greatest part of Europe ; and we are now 
 permitted, in common with other nations, to rejoice thus far in their 
 cessation. 
 
 In what way, therefore, beloved friends, shall we evince our sense of 
 these unmerited favours ? It is well known that we reg-ard it as a 
 Christian testimony,^ to refrain from uniting in those public demonstra- 
 tions of joy, which often prevail on such occasions. We are convinced 
 
 ' See " National Fasts, &c." page 172—174. 
 
WAR. 295 
 
 that frequently they lead to practices, inconsistent with that meek and regulatioxs 
 
 AND SPECIAL 
 
 quiet spirit which should clothe the disciple of Jesus, and are an inlet advices. 
 to excesses which estrange the mind from God. It is not in this way 
 that we should manifest our grateful feelings ; but by endeavouring, 
 through the influence of redeeming love and power, to live more and 
 more in the spirit of the Gospel, and thus to become examples of genuine 
 Christian conduct. 1814. P. E. 
 
 The continuance of the blessing of peace to this nation has warmed 20 
 our hearts with gratitude. Our refusal to bear arms is a testimony not Snuance'of 
 only against the violence and cruelty of war, but against a confidence p®^^®- 
 in what is emphatically termed in Scripture, the " arm of flesh :"^ it is 
 a testimony to the meekness and gentleness of Christ, and a resignation 
 to suffer, in reliance on the power, the goodness, the protection, and 
 the providence of the Almighty. Let us, even now, seek to have our 
 trust so firmly fixed on this unfailing source of help, that if our faith 
 should be again put to the test, we may have ground to look with hum- 
 ble confidence to Him in whom we have believed. 1819. P. E. 
 
 ' 2 Chron. xxxii. 8. 
 
296 
 
 WILLS, EXECUTORS, AND ADMINISTRATORS. 
 
 1 Knowing how quickly many are removed by death, it is weightily 
 
 vised to make recommended that care be taken in each monthly meeting, that friends 
 who have estates to dispose of, by will or otherwise, be advised to 
 make their wills in time of health, and strength of judgment, and to 
 dispose of their substance as in justice and wisdom may be to their 
 satisfaction ; to prevent the inconveniences, loss, and trouble that may 
 fall upon their relations and friends, through their dying intestate. 
 Making such wills in due time can shorten no man's days, but the 
 omission or delay thereof has proved very injurious to many. 1691. — 
 1695. P. E.— 1703. P.E. 
 
 2 
 
 and appoint 
 guardians. 
 
 Recommended, that friends who have young children, do in their 
 wills appoint faithful friends to be guardians to them, till they come to 
 the age of twenty-one years. 1 706. 
 
 3 
 
 Care in ac- 
 cepting 
 trusts, &c. 
 
 Advised, that friends take care that none do unadvisedly bring them- 
 selves, or others, into sufferings, by undertaking trusts or executorships, 
 when they cannot legally and consistently discharge the trust. 1713. 
 
 Advice to ex- 
 ecutors and 
 trustees. 
 
 Executors and trustees, concerned in wills and settlements, are ad- 
 vised to take especial care that they faithfully discharge their respec- 
 tive trusts, according to the intent of the donors and testators ; and 
 that all charitable gifts, legacies, bequests, and settlements of estates, 
 by will or deed, intended and given for the use of the poor, the aged, 
 the impotent, or putting poor friends' children to education or appren- 
 ticeships, may not be appropriated or converted to other uses than such 
 as the donors and testators have directed and enjoined by legal set- 
 tlement, will, or testament. 1715. 
 
WILLS, EXECUTORS, &c. ' 297 
 
 As in cases of administration to the estate or effects of deceased 5 
 
 persons, a bond is required in the ecclesiastical courts, where the same fhTform oV" 
 is granted ; which bond contains several titles and designations of the tfon^bondf" 
 archbishops or bishops, which it is inconsistent with our religious prin- 
 ciples to acknowledge, such as ' The most' or ' right reverend father 
 in God' — 'by divine providence, lord,' &c. and as some friends have , 
 scrupled to sign such bonds on that account, and have been permitted 
 to strike out the exceptionable parts ; it is therefore recommended to 
 friends in such cases, to offer a bond in the underwritten form ; or at 
 least to endeavour to obtain consent to strike out such parts as are in- 
 consistent with our principles. 1773. 
 
 Form of a Bond. 
 
 Know all men hy these presents, that we are become hound unto 
 
 , archbishop [or bishop as the case may be] of , ■ , in the sum of 
 
 pounds of good and law/id money of Great Britain, to be paid to the said 
 archbishop [or bishop^ or his certain attorney, executors, administrators, or assigns : for 
 which payment, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, and each of us, for the 
 whole, our heirs, our executors, and administrators, firmly hy these presents. Sealed with 
 our seals, dated the day of the month, called , 
 
 in the year of our Lord, one thousand hundred and 
 
 [Here to follow the condition of the Bond.] 
 
 Advice to 
 testators. 
 
 Advised, that friends in making their wills have a strict regard to 6 
 
 justice and equity, and be not actuated by caprice and prejudice, to 
 the injury of those who may have a reasonable expectation from their 
 kindred and near connexion ; nor (although occasion may have been 
 given or taken,) carry any resentment to the grave, remembering we 
 all stand in need of mercy and forgiveness : also that none postpone 
 making their wills to a sick-bed, an improper season to settle our out- 
 ward affairs, in the painful struggles of nature, even if we should be 
 favoured with a clear understanding ; which ought not to be diverted 
 from a solemn consideration of the approaching awful period of life. 
 
 Q Q 
 
298 WILLS, EXECUTORS, &c. 
 
 Advice to tes- Friends are earnestly recommended to employ persons skilful in law, 
 
 tutors and ex- '' ... 
 
 ecutors. and of good repute, to make their wills ; as great inconvenience and 
 
 loss, and sometimes the ruin of families, have happened through the 
 unskilfulness of some who have taken upon them to make wills. And 
 all friends who may become executors or administrators, are advised to 
 make a full, clear, and proper inventory of the estate and effects of 
 the deceased as soon as possible after the interment, as many difficul- 
 ties and disputes have arisen for want of it, where it has been deferred ; 
 and seeing also that in the affirmation made at proving a will, there is 
 a promise to make such inventory. 1782. — 1801. 
 
299 
 
 YOUTH. 
 
 We earnestly beseech our friends, and especially the youth, to avoid all 1 
 
 such conversation as may tend to draw out their minds into the foolish isS and wkk. 
 and wicked pastimes with which this age aboundeth, particularly balls, ^ ^^^ ^™^^' 
 gaming-places, horse-races, and play-houses, those nurseries of debau- 
 chery and wickedness, the burden and grief of the sober part of other 
 societies, as well as of X)ur own ; things wholly unbecoming a people un- 
 der the Christian profession, contrary to the tenour of the doctrine of 
 the Gospel, and the examples of the best of men in the earliest ages of 
 the church. For, as " evil communications corrupt good manners," so 
 it is the duty of men professing religion, who live in this world in order 
 to obtain a better, not only to shake their hands from holding of bribes, 
 and stop their ears from hearing of blood, but also to shut their eyes 
 from seeing evil. ^ 1739. P. E. 
 
 And dearly beloved youth, in a humble sense of the continued 2 
 
 visitations of the Father's love, and an experience of their blessed seiSex*""' 
 effects, we intreat you by the mercies of God, receive its holy im- °'''***^"' 
 pressions, submit to its discipline. This will preserve you from the 
 deplorable effect of Satan's transformations, inspire you with holy 
 resolutions, and enable you to maintain them in all godly conversation, 
 and purity of life and faith ; adorning the doctrine of the Gospel by 
 a blameless demeanour. True peace will then flow as a river in your 
 own minds, and the fruits of the tree of righteousness be brought forth, 
 to your inexpressible consolation in Christ, and the revival of Sion ; so 
 that by and through you, she may yet appear beautiful to the sincere- 
 hearted. 1751. W. E. 
 
 ' Isa. xxxiii. 15. 
 
 Q Q 2 
 
hortation. 
 
 300 YOUTH. 
 
 3 O that our youth might be prevailed upon to humble themselves, 
 
 2i"nd ex*-""" endeavouring, through the divine assistance, to form their minds ac- 
 cording to the plain and simple truths of the Gospel contained in the 
 Holy Scriptures, w^hich we recommend as a proper means of preserving 
 them from the contagion of profane and irreligious books and vv^ritings, 
 tending to alienate and divert men from the love of virtue, and the 
 practice of true Christian morality. 
 
 Dearly beloved young friends, in much affection and tenderness we 
 exhort you, above all things, to give diligent heed and attention to the 
 voice of the Spirit of Christ speaking in the secret of your own con- 
 sciences, reproving for evil, and speaking peace when you do well. 
 For this, as it is closely and reverently regarded, will not only season 
 your miiids with a holy fear and dread of offending the great Majesty 
 of heaven and the whole earth, and thereby be a means of preserving 
 you from the vices, vanities, and allurements of this world ; but will 
 also influence you to seek after, and pray earnestly for, that wisdom 
 which is from above. Happy are the youth who thus give up their 
 names to serve the living God with full purpose of heart ! How inex- 
 pressible are the blessings which those who are thus early devoted to 
 serve the Lord, bring upon themselves ! And how do they cause the 
 hearts of their parents and friends to overflow with joy and thanks- 
 giving to the Author of all our mercies ; and the church of God to 
 magnify his name, for the continuance of his goodness to his people,- 
 from one generation to another ! Whilst the ungodly and disobedient, 
 and such as, contrary to the tender intreaties and admonitions of their 
 parents, the counsel of their friends, and the dictates of the Spirit of 
 Truth in their own hearts, give the reins to their unruly passions, 
 and indulge themselves in rioting, wantonness, and excess, often 
 wound their parents with grief and affliction, become themselves a 
 reproach to their Christian profession, and render their own lives short 
 and miserable, attended with such reflections as these : " How have 
 " I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not 
 " obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that 
 
YOUTH. 301 
 
 " instructed me !"i O that all such may return unto the Lord, whilst the General coun- 
 day of his gracious visitation is extended unto them, who delighteth not hortation. 
 in the death of a sinner, but wdlleth the salvation of all ! 1751. P. E.. 
 
 And, dear young friends, we fervently and affectionately intreat you, 4 
 
 keep your hearts with all diligence. Guard against every act of un- 
 faithfulness to the divine witness, and especially beware of closing in 
 with the first temptations thereunto. Keep within the bounds of known 
 duty, and the tender restrictions of truth. In this state of vigilance 
 and humble care ; preservation, peace, and safety will accompany your 
 steps. Your minds, being circumscribed within the bounds of truth and 
 righteousness, will be properly exercised in your respective duties, in 
 the sight of God and man, and employed usefully in your several voca- 
 tions, abhorring idleness, for of idleness springs folly; vice ensues; dis- 
 honour, wretchedness, and ruin are its fruits, which bring affliction on 
 families, and undeserved reproach on our holy profession. Keep close 
 therefore to the heavenly principle in yourselves. This will preserve your 
 feet from evil. Shun all those who would lead you into the broad way, as 
 your most dangerous enemies. Deviate not from the strait and narrow 
 path which leads to life, into the pernicious amusements, and ensnaring 
 vanities of a licentious age. Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, 
 in the much neglected cause of morality and religion. 1771. P. E. 
 
 We beseech you, dear young people, who are sensible of the visi- 5 
 
 tation from on high, and have tasted the power of Divine love, suffer 
 nothing to draw you from it. " See that ye refuse not Him that 
 " speaketh ; for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, 
 " much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that 
 " speaketh from Heaven."^ This inward speaker is the Spirit of your 
 Redeemer. Esteem his reproofs above the world's caresses, and prize 
 his cross before all its enjoyments ; for these will soon terminate in 
 disappointment and sorrow, but that will lead to enduring substance. 
 
 * Prov. V. 12, 13. * Heb. xii. 25. 
 
302 
 
 YOUTH. 
 
 The way to the crown is strait to flesh and blood, and there is no other 
 by which it can be obtained. Be neither afraid nor ashamed of it. 
 Enter it in the days of your youth, and whether you reach to old age 
 or not, as you steadily persevere therein, you will have cause to rejoice 
 in that peace which passeth the understanding of the carnal mind. 
 Great is the advantage you possess above those in more advanced 
 years, who have long suffered themselves to be ensnared into negli- 
 gence and delays, and who being again mercifully awakened to behold 
 their danger, deeply deplore the loss they have sustained, and the diffi- 
 culty they find in their return, from the many entanglements and incon- 
 veniences which their former remissness hath subjected them to. Improve 
 the precious opportunity put into your hands. " Seek ye the Lord while 
 " he may be found : call ye upon him while he is near."^ 1774. P. E. 
 
 6 
 
 Against vain 
 sports and 
 places of 
 amusement. 
 
 Frequent and earnest have been the advices of former yearly meet- 
 ings, that all under our name may avoid the attendance of vain sports 
 and places of amusement ; which divert the mind from serious re- 
 flection, and incline it to wantonness and vanity. Understanding that 
 diversions of this kind are spreading, and play-houses increasing in 
 various places, we are concerned to renew a caution on this subject; 
 being clearly convinced of the pernicious effects of these evil practices, 
 the inventions of degenerate men, tending to stifle the convictions of 
 the divine witness in the conscience, and set men at ease in a state of 
 alienation from God. 1785. P. E. 
 
 General coun- 
 sel and ex- 
 hortation. 
 
 And beloved youth, in an especial manner guard against the first 
 sacrifices of duty to inclination. If ye curb inordinate desires in their 
 infancy, your victory over future temptations will be the more easy ; 
 and, through faith in Him that hath loved us, and hath overcome, ye 
 will in time be more than conquerors ; but if ye shrink from the conflict, 
 or resign the victory to the tempter, ye will be despoiled of the armour 
 designed to preserve you in future assaults ; and, it may be, unable to 
 
 ' Is. Iv. 6. 
 
YOUTH. 30a 
 
 resist, in your further progress through life, temptations which in the fresh General coun- 
 morning of your day ye would have held in abhorrence. 1795. P. E. honation. 
 
 And, O that we could awaken some of you, dear youth, who have been g 
 
 educated in a liberty which we deplore on your account, because we be- 
 lieve that the Gospel of Christ doth not allow it — that we could awaken 
 you to serious reflection ! If your rest should, for a season, be disturbed 
 by the sense of sin, of the danger of continuing in it, and of the future 
 judgment which is its portion, you have no cause for utter dismay. Help 
 is laid on One that is mighty. The sense of our transgressions leads to 
 prayer for his secret, but almighty help ; and as you are careful to close 
 in with the inward intimations of his will, which are in fact the offers of 
 his mercy, he will give you in due season " the oil of joy for mourning," 
 and " the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."^ 1804. P. E. 
 
 To you, dear youth, who are rising up to manhood, we would ex- 9 
 
 tend a tender, yet an earnest invitation. We are interested in your hap- 
 piness, the church will have need of your help, and there is nothing 
 that we desire more for you, than to see you advancing, in ranks of 
 righteousness, to the Christian warfare. And your qualification will 
 lie in humility and meekness, seeing it is the meek whom the Lord 
 teacheth his way. ^ But, dear young men, in this very meeting we have 
 been made to lament, because so many of you evidently prefer the gra- 
 tifications of nature which is corrupt, and which tends to corruption, to 
 the cross of Christ which corrects its hurtful propensities, and to " the 
 " grace of God that bringeth salvation." Many of you have a degree 
 of love to our holy cause. Why then will you pursue a line of conduct 
 which tends to lay it waste ? Do not despise the counsel of experience. 
 Many have tried the path which some of you tread, and have found it 
 lead to distress ; and happy are those whose course is interrupted, and 
 who do not persist in their progress, before it lead to final distress. 
 
 But though we thus speak, there are also many of our beloved youth, 
 
 • Isa. Ixi. 3. * Ps. XXV. 9. 
 
304 . YOUTH. 
 
 General coun. who are rising to the state of maturity, of whom we are persuaded 
 
 S6i all CI GX" ^^ 
 
 hortation. "better things, and things that accompany salvation." Dear young 
 friends, of whatever rank, sex, or station, it is cordial to behold you, it 
 is cordial to salute you in the fellowship of the Gospel, and to bid you 
 God speed. Hold on your way, turn not aside to the right hand or to 
 the' left. You may have tribulation, but be of good cheer : your holy 
 Leader hath overcome the world. ^ Thus, when some of those who now 
 address you shall be beheld no more in this scene of conflict, but if 
 they continue faithful will partake of the joy of their Lord, and of your 
 Lord, you may stand in their places with holy firmness, be a blessing 
 to succeeding generations, and " show forth the praises of Him who hath 
 " called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. '"^ 1807. P. E. 
 
 10 And you, tender youth, yet in that most critical time of life, in which 
 men often receive the bias which forms them into servants of their God, 
 or warps them away from his fear, let us again press you to ponder the 
 path of your feet. The earlier you are devoted to his service, the better 
 servants you will be. And He is served in little things, and not in those 
 only which appear great, and highly beneficial to others. But what attain- 
 ment is greater than to be able in a pure heart to say, " Thy will be 
 done V and this, by the Spirit of Him who taught his immediate followers 
 after this manner to pray, may be attained even in childhood. It will be 
 a most precious morning sacrifice to the Lord, who hath given you life ; 
 who stands ready, as you faithfully serve him, to store it with blessings; 
 and who can finally crown it with a peaceful immortality. 1809. P. E. 
 
 11 And, dear youth in general, especially you who have left, or are 
 about to leave, the protection of a parent, and to enter into the busy 
 scenes of life : some of you, probably, in populous towns, far difierent from 
 the retirement of your paternal abodes, we beseech you to guard against 
 the new temptations which may now assail you. Oppose the first incite- 
 ment to any liberty inconsistent with your principles, and be willing to 
 
 ' John, xvi. 33. ' 1 Peter, ii. 9. 
 
YOUTH. 305 
 
 seek the society of experienced friends in the places where you may 
 be situated, and to receive their admonition with meekness and atten- 
 tion. Never forget that the season of early youth is a season of peculiar 
 danger; and if you grow up under this sense, you will from time to 
 time be led to cry for preservation to Him, who has said, (and his words 
 are Amen for ever,) " him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out"^ 
 1812. P. K 
 
 In considering this subject, [the reading of the Scriptures,] our 12 
 
 younger friends have been brought to our remembrance with warm and theSip-^ 
 tender solicitude. We hope that many of you, dear youth, are no JeH^ousre-" 
 strangers to this practice, and to some we trust it has already been *''"^™®"*' 
 blessed. Hesitate not, we beseech all of this class, to allot a portion 
 of each day to read and meditate upon the sacred volume in private : 
 steadily direct your minds to Him who alone can open and apply the 
 Scriptures to our spiritual benefit. In these seasons of retirement, 
 enter into a close examination of the state of your own hearts; 
 and, as you may be enabled, secretly pray to the Almighty for 
 preservation from the temptations with which you are encompassed. 
 Your advancement in a life of humility, dedication, and dependence 
 upon divine aid, is a subject of our most tender concern. That you 
 might adorn our holy profession, by walking watchfully before the 
 Lord, and upholding our various testimonies, was the care of some of 
 our dear friends, of whose decease we have been at this time informed. 
 They were concerned in early life to evince their love to the truth ; 
 they served the Lord in uprightness and fear in their generation, and, 
 in their closing moments, were permitted to feel a humble trust that, 
 through the mediation of our Redeemer, they should become heirs of a 
 kingdom that shall never have an end. Let their example encourage 
 you to offer all your natural powers, and every intellectual attainment, 
 to the service of the same Lord, and patiently to persevere in a course 
 of unremitting obedience to the Divine will. 1815. P, E. 
 
 ' John, vi. 37. 
 
 R R 
 
306 YOUTH. • 
 
 13 Dear young friends, our hearts are warmed with love to you. We 
 «)un?eh desire that it may be your frequent concern to seek for an establish- 
 ment on the only sure foundation, and to wait in humble watchfulness 
 for the teachings of the Heavenly Instructor. If conflicts of mind should 
 attend you, and prove painful and humiliating in their nature, this is no 
 cause for dismay. Those who steadily pursue the path of a true disciple, 
 will, through the goodness of the Lord, at times be permitted indubit- 
 ably to feel that they are the objects of his paternal regard. They will 
 from their own experience know an increase of true faith in the power 
 and perceptible support of the Holy Spirit. Ascribing this to the free 
 gift of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, they will become firmly persuaded 
 that the tendering power of Redeeming Love, though undervalued by 
 too many, is above all things precious. We are consoled in the belief, 
 that the feet of many of our beloved young friends have been turned 
 into this path. And it is our earnest desire, that neither the fear of 
 man, the offence of the cross, an aversion to the simplicity of the truth, 
 nor the activity of their own wills, may interrupt their progress ; but 
 that they may, through the unfoldings of divine counsel, come to know 
 an establishment in that faith which giveth the victory. 1817. P. E. 
 
 14 And, dear young friends, earnest have been our desires that you may 
 all not only be professors with us, but by obedience to the Spirit of 
 Christ, become real possessors of the truth as it is in Jesus. We are 
 persuaded, that in the eyes of many amongst you, the truth has indeed 
 appeared lovely : why then is there not a full surrender to its power and 
 to its convictions ? The Lord loveth an early sacrifice. His numberless 
 blessings call for your gratitude, and your allegiance. And mournful 
 indeed will be the reflection, should your days be lengthened to ad- 
 vanced age, that you have slighted the mercies of a gracious Creator, 
 that you have preferred the love of the world and its fading pleasures, 
 and that there can be no peaceful retrospect on devotedness to his cause. 
 
 To our young friends, who have taken some steps in the right way, 
 we would tenderly offer a few remarks. The youthful mind, in its love 
 for the cause of religion, is readily led into action. Here is a fresh 
 
YOUTH. 307 
 
 call for watchfulness. A benevolent desire to promote the Lord's Counsel as to 
 work in the earth, and to serve their fellow-men, may have imper- works ofpub- 
 ceptibly led some from a close and frequent examination of the state of lence. 
 their own hearts. In mixing in public companies, and in witnessing the 
 success of the efforts that are used to promote the common good, our 
 own minds may be gratified, but our quick perception of spiritual in- 
 struction may be weakened. Far be it from this meeting to discourage 
 its members from sharing in those excellent labours, in which we can, 
 consistently with our religious principles, unite. In the universal disper- 
 sion of the sacred volume, and in the moral and relig-ious instruction of 
 the poor of this and of other countries, we feel a very lively interest. 
 We rejoice in the progress of these good works ; but our earnest concern 
 for all is, that each may seek to know and to abide in his proper station : 
 that they whose field of usefulness is principally within the limits of our on usefulness 
 own society, may be faithful to their call, and diligent in their Master's society?^" 
 service. And may you, whose labours are more extended, be especially 
 careful, that your exertions for the good of others are adorned and en- 
 forced by humility, and by that consistency with our principles, which 
 can only be maintained by watchfulness and prayer : that it may be 
 manifest to all, that the love of Christ operating in the heart leads you 
 to seek, not the praise of men, but the glory of God. 1818. P. E. 
 
 We aifectionately recommend to young men in the country, who 15 
 
 may be unable to procure employment, as well as to their parents, Caution as to 
 
 '' ^ ^ *' r ' voung men 
 
 that they patiently wait for some proper opening, rather than venture jeaving their^ 
 on so dangerous a risk as that of coming to this great metropolis without p%ment; 
 any definite prospect of protection or employment. It is peculiarly desi- 
 rable also, that before young persons remove from their homes, they, or 
 their parents, should make a point of consulting experienced friends in 
 their own monthly meetings. These might correspond with other friends 
 in the places to which such removal is intended, and thus, hasty move- 
 ments, and the evils consequent upon them might be prevented. 
 
 We would affectionately advise the parents of our young men, not and advice as 
 to seek high things iox ihew children ; and young men themselves, to rest of occupation. 
 
 R R 2 
 
308 
 
 YOUTH. 
 
 contented with that station in life in which Divine Providence may have 
 placed them. There can be no real dignity in any station, without a re- 
 ligious life and conversation ; and those who are the faithful followers of 
 Christ, however low in their outward situation, will not fail to obtain the 
 respect, as well as the love, of those by whom they are surrounded. We 
 wish especially to advert to manual employment, as suited to afford to 
 many young persons a salutary and desirable occupation. Were there 
 more true humility amongst us, and more willingness contentedly to oc- 
 cupy our proper stations, we believe that the painful difficulties to which 
 we have now alluded, would be very much avoided. 1821. 
 
 16 
 
 Young per- 
 sons encou- 
 raged tender- 
 ly to counsel 
 their associ- 
 ates. 
 
 We recommend to such of our young friends as know and approve 
 what is excellent, and may have been strengthened in some small 
 degree to practise it, not to shrink from modestly yet faithfully coun- 
 selling their associates in early life, when they may be deviating 
 from the path of duty. A tender caution may be received with pecu- 
 liar advantage, when those to whom it is given know that their coun- 
 sellors are still alike subject to the same temptations to which they are 
 exposed ; and when, as may sometimes happen, the relative as well as 
 the social tie may call for the extension of a hand of help. ] 827. P. E. 
 
 17 
 
 Advice a- 
 gainst publi- 
 cations of an 
 infidel ten- 
 dency. 
 
 Dear young friends, we tenderly exhort you all to cherish the belief, to 
 seek to be established in the conviction, that your heavenly Father, as you 
 look in faith unto him, will assist you by his good Spirit to overcome 
 every thing that is wrong, and to live acceptably in his sight. Be very 
 careful then, we beseech you, not to read publications which openly, or in- 
 directly, inculcate a disbelief in the benefits procured to us by the suffer- 
 ings and death of Christ, in the divinity of Him our Lord and Saviour, or 
 in the perceptible guidance of his Spirit. On the contrary, in silent re- 
 tirement before the Lord, seek after the contriting influence of his love, 
 in sincere desire that in his own time, it may please him, that you also 
 may richly partake of that consolation and strength which are the portion 
 of his faithful, dependent children. And, as we can rejoice in the per- 
 suasion that many of you have yielded to the visitations of Divine love, 
 
YOUTH. 309 
 
 we wish to encourage these to hold on in the path of dedication, to con- 
 tinue to love the Lord, and to desire to know and to do his will. 
 
 May these, may all our dear friends, be impressed with the continued ne- General 
 cessity of watchfulness unto prayer, and of being clothed with humility, 
 as with a garment. The faithful disciple will guard against relying too 
 much on former experience : he will find that an increase of years pro- 
 duces an increasing conviction that we are entirely dependent upon God 
 for fresh supplies of strength ; but he will be animated to persevere, from 
 the consoling hope that if faith and patience continue, Christian virtues 
 will increase; humility, meekness, and liveliness of spirit will be prevalent 
 in advanced life; and a final admission will be granted into the everlasting 
 kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1820. P. E. 
 
 Finally, friends, collectedly and individually, farewell! May all 
 our meetings be held with weight, as in the immediate presence of 
 the heavenly President. May the aged among us be examples of 
 every Christian virtue ; and evince, by the calmness of their evening, 
 that their day has been blest. May the middle-aged not faint in their 
 allotted stations ; but, together with their elder and younger brethren, 
 firmly support, yea exalt, the several testimonies which we are called 
 to maintain. And O ! may the beloved youth, the tender objects of our 
 care, and of our hope, bend early and cheerfully under the forming 
 power of truth : that thus, each standing in his allotment, the har- 
 mony of the building may be preserved, and we may truly grow up 
 into a holy temple for the Lord. 1799. P. E. 
 
 THE END. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 *»* The figures in parenthesis { ), denote the paragraphs; the others, the pages ; the large Roman nume- 
 rals refer to Rules. 
 
 A. 
 
 Accommodation Bills, Warning against raising or circulating 276 (20 to 22) 
 
 Accounts, The keeping clear and correct, to be annually advised 138 (32). See Trade. 
 
 AcKwoRTH School, Time of General Meeting for, in London 125 (8) 
 
 Administration Bond, Caution as to the form of 297 (5) 
 
 Administrators. See Wills, Executors, and Administrators. 
 
 Admonition Private, The duty of 184 (5, 6); and See Oversight. 
 
 Advices, General Page 1, 2 
 
 To Ministers and Elders 1 68. 
 
 Affairs, Friends should frequently inspect the state of their. . . . 274 (15) ; 277 (25). See Trade. 
 
 Affirmation, Form of 180. See Oaths and Affirmations. 
 
 Anonymous Papers, Reflecting on Character, condemned 69 (7) 
 
 Apparel. See Plainness and Moderation. 
 
 Appeals Page 3 to 21 
 
 Advice for the prevention of, coming to the Yearly Meeting 3 (1) 
 
 To Quarterly Meetings, Rules for 3 to 8 (I. to III.) ; 13 (VIII.) 
 
 To the Yearly Meeting, Rules for 12? (2) ; 8 to 13 (IV. to VIII.) ; 15 (XVI.) 
 
 General Rules respecting 13 to 15 (IX. to XV. XVII.) 
 
 To and against the General Meeting of Scotland, Rules for 15 to 21 (4) 
 
 From Ireland, limited to matters of Faith and Principle 15 (3) 
 
 Apprentices. See Masters, Mistresses, Servants, and Apprentices. 
 
 Arbitration Page 22 to 27 
 
 Advice as to Settlement of Differences 22 (1 to 4) 
 
 Rules for conducting 9,3 (5) 
 
 General Regulations respecting 22 (4) ; 24, 25 (6 to 10) 
 
 Refusal of, subjects to Disownment 24 (6) 
 
 Also Refusal to perform an Award 24 (7) 
 
312 INDEX. 
 
 Arbitrators, When subject to Disownment for refusing to act 24 (8) 
 
 Ministers to be chosen, as little as may be 25 (9) 
 
 May be chosen not of the Society, under certain conditions 25 (10) 
 
 Armed Vessels, Advice respecting 292 (12) 
 
 All concerned in, to be dealt with 289, 290 (6 to 8) 
 
 Arms, Those who fabricate or sell, to be dealt with 292 (12) 
 
 Caution against providing, for protection 293 (17) 
 
 Assignees, Advised to activity and punctuality 277 (24) 
 
 Awards. See Arbitration. 
 
 B. 
 
 Baggage, Military, Friends should not assist in conveying 293 (16) 
 
 Bankruptcy. See Insolvency. 
 
 Behaviour, Circumspect, advised, 38 (9) ; at Inns, &c. 38 (8) 
 
 and See Masters, &c. Plainness, &c. Temperance; Youth. 
 Benevolence. See Liberality and Benevolence. 
 Bible. See Scriptures. 
 
 Bills, Advice against raising a fictitious credit by 276 (20 to 22) 
 
 Birth Notes and Births. See Registers. 
 
 Books Page 28 to 30 
 
 Unsound, Immoral, and Idle, advised against; and Youth, &c. to be guarded from, 2; 
 28,29(1 to 4); 189(2); 195 (17, 18); 197 (20); 203(28); 238(2); 300(3); 308(17); 
 against Selling, &c. 28 (2) 
 
 Of our approved Authors, recommended 29 (4) ; 30 (7) ; 187 (12) 
 
 To be furnished to families of Poor Friends 215 (4) 
 
 Regulations as to Printing and Distributing 29, 30 (5 to 8) ; 175 (1) ; 176 (5) 
 
 Manuscripts relating to our Principles to be submitted to the Morning Meeting 170 (3) 
 
 and see Scriptures ; Libraries. 
 Burial Grounds. See Trust Property, 
 Burial Notes. See Registers. 
 
 Burials, Not to take place before the issuing of a Burial Note 223 (2) 
 
 Of persons not Members to be conducted as those of friends, but no meeting for worship to be 
 
 appointed 226 (8) 
 
 and See Funerals ; Registers. 
 
 C. 
 
 Certificates, relating to Marriage See Marriage. 
 
 For Friends travelling as Ministers. .See Ministers. 
 
 Of Removal, Instructions for and forms of 229 to 231 (II. III.) ; 233 (VI II. IX.) 
 
INDEX. 313 
 
 Charities, for the use of the Poor 78 (1, 2) ; and see Trust Property. 
 
 Childuen, Right of, to Membership described 137 (27) 
 
 Not born in membership, should be cared for by Monthly Meetings .... 137, 138 (27 to 29) 
 See Parents and Education; Youth; Removals and Settlements. 
 
 Christ, Exhortations to rely on and follow, 36 (1) ; 37 (6) ; 40 (14); 49 (26) ; 50 (27) ; 54 (34); 
 213 (16); and See Light, &c. Doctrine. 
 
 Church Rates (so called) our testimony against. .. .255 (4) ; 259 (12); 264 (23). See Tithes. 
 
 Civil Government Page 31 to 35 
 
 Advice to circumspect, peaceable, and dutiful Conduct to those in Authority 31 to 33 (1 to 6) 
 
 To Fidehty in relation to the Revenue 33, 34 (7 to 10) 
 
 Against Activity in Elections 34, 35 (1 1, l2) 
 
 On the Punishment of Death and the situation of Prisoners for Crime 35 (13) 
 
 Collections, Not to be received from those who persist in paying Tithes 264 (21) 
 
 Or who have not paid their just Debts 276 (19) 
 
 For the National Stock 175 (1) 
 
 Company, unsuitable, Warnings against 38(10); 197 (20) ; 199 (24) ; 252(2); 299(1); 301 (4; 
 Dangers of our Young Men employed as Travellers 47 (23) 
 
 Conduct and Conversation Page 36 to 58 
 
 Exhortations to follow Christ, to humility, watchfulness, purity, prayer, and various Duties, and 
 against the vices and vanities of the World 36 to 58 (1 to 40) 
 
 Convinced Persons Page 59 to 61 
 
 Advice to Friends concerning 38 (9) ; 59 to 61 (1 to 4, 6) 
 
 To be early visited 59 (1) 
 
 Not to be hastily admitted to membership 59 (3) ; 60 (4) 
 
 Counsel to 60 (5, 6) 
 
 Case of persons under convincement who reside Abroad 109 (10) 
 
 Correspondents. See Meeting for Sufferings. 
 
 CovETOusNEss Page 62 to 65 
 
 Exhortations against 62 to 65 (1 to 9) ; 105 (4) ; and see Trade. 
 
 Customs, Duties and Excise. See Revenue, 
 
 D. 
 
 Days, On the Observance of 1 72 ( I ) ; 1 73 (4) 
 
 And Months, against giving Heathen names to 72 ( 1 , 2) 
 
 Dealing with Delinquents. General Instruction to Monthly and Quarterly meetings .... 112 (4) 
 
 Recommended to be timely, and in Christian love 139 (33) 
 
 If unavailing, to at length issue in Disownment , 139 (33) ; 265 (26) 
 
 Directions as to the Course of proceeding 139, 140 (34, 35) 146 (VII.) 
 
 If an offender cannot be found 140 (34) 
 
 Dealing 
 s s 
 
314 INDEX. 
 
 Dealing continued. 
 
 Testimony or Acknowledgment, to be recorded Ill (1) 
 
 Instructions as to sending Copies, and Notices of Disovynment 140 (34) 
 
 Directed in some particular cases, viz. 
 
 Refusing to end a Difference or refer it to Arbitration 24 (6) 
 
 Refusing to perform an Award 24 (■7) 
 
 Refusing to act as Arbitrator after accepting the office 24 (8) 
 
 Proceeding against a member at Law 25 (1 1) ; Exceptions 26, 27 (12 to 15) 
 
 Defamation 68, 69 (7, 8) 
 
 Unsoundness of Doctrine 141 (37) 
 
 Neglect of Meetings for worship 141 (38) 
 
 Defrauding the Revenue 34 (9) 
 
 Illegal dealings in the public Funds 142 (_39) 
 
 Engaging in Accommodation-bills 276 (20, 21) 
 
 Failure in the payment of just Debts 274 (14, 15) 
 
 Trafficking in Slaves 245 (3) 
 
 Marriage contrary to our rules 99 to 101 ; (14 to 22) 
 
 Encouragement of such marriage by Parents or Guardians 100 (18) 
 
 Receiving or paying Tithes, &c 254 (1 ) ; 263 (21); 265 (26) 
 
 Being concerned in Privateers or Armed Vessels 289, 290 (6 to 8) 
 
 In making or selling instruments of War 292 (12) 
 
 Debts, Those deficient in discharging, to be advised and dealt with 274 (14) ; and see Trade. 
 
 Declarations of Trust, Forms of 280 (2) 
 
 Delinquents. See Dealing. 
 
 Detraction and Defamation Page 66 to 69 
 
 Advice to avoid and check 66, 67 (1 to 6) 
 
 How to act on hearing a Report against a friend 66 (4) 
 
 Rules for proceeding in a charge of Defamation 68, 69 (7, 8) 
 
 No defamatory Anonymous Paper to be circulated 69 (7) 
 
 Not subject to be Arbitrated till Damage be proved 24 (VIII.) 
 
 Differences, Advice as to the prevention of 84(1,2); 88(11) 
 
 As to the early Settlement of 22 (1 to 4); 186 (10) 
 
 Friends encouraged to be Peace-makers 88 (10) 
 
 Refusal to end or refer, subjects a friend to Disownment 24 (6) 
 
 If between friends of two Monthly Meetings to be reported by both Meetings in answering 
 the Queries 216 (3) And see Arbitration. 
 
 Discipline, our Christian, Origin and establishment of Introduction xvi. to xxv. 
 
 Ground, objects, and benefit of 111(0; 118(21); 119(23); 120(24) 
 
 Meetings for, sufficient time to be given to, and needless distant adjournments avoided 118 (19) 
 
 Caution as to Conversation between the Meetings 119 (22) 
 
 Discipline 
 
INDEX. 315 
 
 Discipline continued. 
 
 Right Administration of, and Spirit in which it should be conducted 3(1); 111 to 121 (2 to 24) ; 
 
 Not with Contention 112 (2); 114 (9) ; 115 (12) 
 
 Not to be committed to such as connive at improprieties in their own families, &c. . . 117(18) 
 
 Those who have not paid their debts in full not to be too early active in 276 (19) 
 
 Care as to the Qualifications of those employed in 119 (22) ; 120 (24) 
 
 Properly qualified Young Persons to be encouraged to take part in 1 13 (8) 
 
 For Dealing with Delinquents, See Dealing. 
 
 The Disowned still to be objects of care 120 (23) ; 138 (29) 
 
 Readmission of Members 141 (36) ; 146 (VI.) 
 
 Delinquents not to be upbraided after restoration Ill (1) 
 
 DisowNMENT. See Dealing. 
 
 Diversion, Places of, to be avoided, and Warning against foolish and wicked Pastimes 44 (20) ; 
 252 (2); 299 (1); 302 (6) 
 Declension from Plainness in dress and address may open the way to attending .... 210 (10) 
 
 Doctrine, Christian, Views of our Society as to Preface vii. to xv. 39 (1 1) ; 239 (4) 
 
 Of Ministers, Advice respecting 158 (3) ; 163 (16) ; 168. 
 
 » Unsoundness of, how to be treated 141 (37) 
 
 Appeals respecting Faith and, 5 {5)-, 7 (11); 10 (6); 11, 12 (12, 13) ; 18 (5). See Appeals. 
 Donations. See Liberality and Benevolence ; Trust Property- 
 Dress. See Plainness and Moderation. 
 Drinking, All intemperance in, to be avoided 38 (8, 9) ; 252 (1 to S) 
 
 E. 
 
 Easter Dues, so called, objected to 259 (12) 
 
 Education. See Parents and Education ; School Masters and Mistresses. 
 
 Elders, Appointment of, and their Qualifications 135 (17 to 19) 
 
 Are Members of Morning Meeting 170(1); of Meeting for Sufferings 107(4); and of Yearly 
 
 Meeting 124 (5) 
 
 Removing out of their Quarterly Meeting do not retain their Station 136 (21) 
 
 Advice to, respecting their Conduct and Example 59(3); 160 (8); 161 (11); 183 (3); 238(3) 
 
 Oversight of the Flock .. 112(4); 183, 184 (2 to 5) ; 186 (11) ; and See Oversight. 
 
 Ministers and the Ministry 131(6); 135(17); 158(4); 159(5); 160(10) 
 
 Encouraged to Travel with Ministers, and as to their being then furnished with a 
 
 Minute 162 (14) 
 
 Committees of, to meet during the Yearly Meeting 166 (20) 
 
 May be advised or warned by Meetings of Ministers and Elders 166 (21) 
 
 Remissness in, to be enquired into by such Meetings 164 (19) 
 
 Displacement of 135 (20) ; 164 (19) 
 
 Elections 
 s s 2 
 
316 INDEX. 
 
 Elections, Advice on the subject of 34, 35 (1 1 , 12) 
 
 Friends not to be Agents or Managers in 34 (11) 
 
 Executors. See Wills, Executors, and Administrators. 
 
 Expenses, Domestic, Caution respecting, to those setting out in life 270 (8, 9) 
 
 F. 
 
 Failure in the payment of just Debts. See Insolvency. 
 
 Faith in Christ 39 (11) ; 239 (4) ; and see Doctrine. 
 
 Youth, &c. to be guarded from Books tending to lessen 28 (1). See Books. 
 
 Family Visits, by appointment of Monthly and Quarterly Meetings recommended 121, 122 (25 to 28) 
 
 Fashions, Vain and superfluous, to be avoided 206 (2, 3) ; 207 (4) 
 
 See Plainness and Moderation. 
 
 Fasts, National, our objections to the observance of 1 73 (4) 
 
 Fictitious Paper Credit, Warning against 276 (20 to 22) ; 63 (7) 
 
 First Days, On the right employment of 1. 48 (25) ; 56 (36) 
 
 Funerals, Extravagant Expense, and wearing or giving Mourning at, advised against . . 70 (3, 4) 
 
 Female Relations recommended to attend 70 (5) 
 
 Furniture, Moderation and simplicity in, recommended 206 (3); 212 (13, 14); 213 (16) 
 
 — To Young Friends setting out in life 212 ( 1 4) 
 
 G. 
 
 Gaming, Illegal dealings in the public Stocks, a species of 142 {Sd) 
 
 Warning to Youth to avoid Gaming Places 299 (1) 
 
 General Meetings, and others in place of Quarterly Meetings, are subject to the directions for 
 Quarterly Meetings 128 (3) 
 
 Government. See Civil Government. 
 
 Grave Stones and Mourning Habits Page 70, 71 
 
 Guardians, The appointment of faithful friends as, recommended 296 (2) 
 
 Advised to faithfulness and diligence 2. 
 
 and See Marriage ; Parents and Education. 
 
 Guernsey and Jersey, As to the expenses of Ministers visiting 177 (7) 
 
 As to expenses incurred in care of our Members in 177 (8) 
 
 , H. 
 
 Heathen, The state of, recommended to sympathy 82 (12) 
 
 Heathen 
 
INDEX. 317 
 
 Heathen Names of the Days and Months Page 72 to 77 
 
 Humility. See Conduct and Conversation ; Love and Unity ; Youth. 
 
 Hunting for Diversion, a vain Sport 43 (19) ; and see Vain Sports. 
 
 I. J. 
 
 Jersey. See Guernsey and Jersey. 
 
 Illuminations, Advice to be given to the Unfaithful respecting 172 (2) 
 
 Sufferings for not illuminating to be reported 1 74 (5) 
 
 Impropriate Tithes. See Tithes. 
 
 Infidelity, Books promoting, exhorted against. See Books. 
 
 Inns, Circumspect conduct at, recommended 38 (8) 
 
 Insolvency. Advice to friends in Difficulties 274 (15) ; 275 (18) 
 
 Those who fail in paying their just Debts, to be dealt with 274 (14) 
 
 The Visitors to enquire of Assignees, &c 274 (15) 
 
 Insolvents exhorted to pay in full, if everable 275 (16 to 18) 
 
 Contributions not to be received from, till their debts are paid 276 (19) 
 
 Not to be admitted too early to be active in the Discipline 276 (19) 
 
 For Removals and Settlements of Insolvents, See theRules 230, 231 (III.); 233 to ^35 (IX. to XI.) 
 
 Intemperance, in Eating and Drinking, to be abstained from 38 (8, 9) ; 252 (1, 2) 
 
 Investments of Property, Caution as to 273 (13) 
 
 Ireland, Appeals from, to be only on matters of Faith and Principle 15 (3) 
 
 Representatives from the Yearly Meeting of, constitute a part of The Yearly Meeting 124 (5) 
 The same as to Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders 165 (20) 
 
 Ministers visiting, should have Certificates from their Quarterly Meetings 132 (10) 
 
 Provision as to Guides and Expenses 133 (12) 
 
 Islands adjacent to Great Britain, regulation as to Expenses of Ministers visiting 176 (7) 
 
 Justice in Dealing 2. 269 (5); and See Trade. 
 
 L. 
 
 Language. See Plainness. 
 
 Law, not to be resorted to on occasions of difference between Friends 22 (2, 3) 
 
 A Member suing another is subject to Disownment 25 (11) 
 
 Exceptions to this 26, 27, (12, 14, 15) 
 
 Committees to be appointed by Quarterly Meetings, to give liberty, &c 26 (13, 14) 
 
 As to proceedings at, for redress in cases of suffering for our Tesinnonies 261 (14, 15) 
 
 Legacies and Settlements, Charitable 78 (1,2); and See Trust Property. 
 
 Letters of Marque, All concerned in to be dealt with 290 (7) 
 
 Liberality 
 
318 INDEX. 
 
 Liberality akd Benevolence Page 78 to 85 
 
 Liberality to the Poor recommended 78 to 80 ( 1 to 8) 
 
 And especially in times of Pressure 78 (3) ; 79 (6) ; 80 (8) 
 
 In connexion with Personal Moderation 78 (4) ; 79 (6, 7) 
 
 Charitable Settlements to be well secured 78 (2) 
 
 Christian Love the Origin of every good Work 89 (14) 
 
 Encouragement and Counsel as to engaging in Works of Benevolence 80 (9); 81 (10) ; 307 (14) 
 
 Caution on this head 57(37); 307(14) 
 
 Attention called to the extent of Poverty and Crime 81 (11) 
 
 To Criminals in Prison and the Punishment of Death 35 ( 13) 
 
 To the Christian Education of the Poor, and the diffusion of the Scriptures .... 82 (12) 
 
 To the benighted state of the Heathen 82 (12) 
 
 Libraries of approved Writings of Friends, the establishment and proper use of, recommended to 
 
 Monthly Meetings 30 {7, 8) 
 
 May be furnished at prime cost SO (8) 
 
 The revision of Catalogues of, to be yearly reported by Particular Meetings 30 (7) 
 
 Light of Christ, or Spirit of Truth, Exhortations to give heed to and follow the guidance of 
 39 (11, 12) ; 43 (20) ; 50 (28); 82 (12); 105 (5) ; 118(21); 241 (7) 
 
 Youth exhorted thereto 300 (3) ; 301 (4, 5); 306 (13) 
 
 Children to be directed to, 149(4); 190 (6); 196(18); 200(25); 202(28); 204(29,30); 
 208 (7) 
 
 Loans, For Warlike Purposes, Advice against ^ 292 (12) 
 
 Love and Unity Page 84 to 90 
 
 Enforced, also Christian Humility and Condescension 1. 2. 84 to 90 (1 to 14) 
 
 Friends encouraged to be Peace-makers 88 (10) 
 
 M. 
 
 Manuscripts, relating to our Principles, &c. recommended to be submitted to the Morning 
 
 Meeting 170 (3) 
 
 Marriage Page 91 to 103 
 
 General Advice regarding 102 (23) 
 
 Counsel to the Young and Unmarried 91 (1,4); 92(5,6) 
 
 To Parents and Guardians 91 (2, 3) ; 99 (14) ; 101 (20) 
 
 Sumptuous Marriage Entertainments advised against 92 (7} 
 
 Parents' and Guardians' Consent must be had due regard to 98 (11) 
 
 First Cousins are not to be passed for Marriage 97(10); 98 (12) ; 99 (13) 
 
 Early proceeding after Decease of Husband or Wife to be discountenanced 92 (6) 
 
 Parties not to have their proceeding objected to for long neglected offences 139 (33) 
 
 Case of breach of Agreement to Marry 98 (11) 
 
 Marriage 
 
INDEX. 319 
 
 Marriage continued. 
 
 Rules for Proceeding in 92 to 95 (8, I. to VI.) 
 
 Form of Certificate of consent from Parents or Guardians^ if absent 93 (HI.) 
 
 of Public Notice to be given 93 (IV.) 
 
 of Notification from the Man's to the Woman's Monthly Meeting of his declaration 
 
 of intention 94. 
 
 — ■ — of Certificate from his Monthly Meeting of his clearness 95. 
 
 Rules for Solemnization of 95 to 97 (VII. to X.) 
 
 Form of Marriage Certificate 96 (X.) 
 
 Two Registers to be signed on the day, &c. as directed 222 (1) ; 95 (VII.) 
 
 Notification of Marriage from the Woman's to the Man's Monthly Meeting 97 (9) 
 
 If the Woman is a Minister, that information is to be added by minute 229 (2) 
 
 Or if an Elder marrying within the Quarterly Meeting 230 (2) 
 
 Marriages Contrary to our Rules, all friends to use their endeavours to prevent 98 (12) ; 99 (16) 
 
 Elders and Overseers timely to advise against 101 (20) 
 
 Dealing directed for such Marriages 99 15) 
 
 To be, in the case of a Woman, on behalf of her previous Monthly Meeting. . 100 (19) 
 
 For Marriage with those not of our Society 99 (14) 
 
 by the Priest 99 ( 15) ; 100 (20) 
 
 Clandestine 100 (18); 101 (21) 
 
 . Prohibited by the law 101 (21 ) 
 
 Parents or Guardians encouraging such Marriages to be dealt with 100 (17) 
 
 When Meetings, after ascertaining Marriage, may proceed to Disown 101 (22) 
 
 Superficial Acknowledgments not to be accepted 101 (20) 
 
 Masters, Mistresses, Servants and Apprentices Page 104 to 106 
 
 Advice to Masters, &c. 2. 28(1); 41 (15); 104 to 106 (1 to 7) ; 189 (1); 199(24); 208 
 (7); 239 (4) 
 
 to Servants 104 (1, 2) 
 
 Friends advised to prefer employing Apprentices, Servants, &c. of our Society 2. 105 (6); 185 (7) 
 
 Friends' Children to bo placed as Apprentices with honest Friends 2. 190 (4) 
 
 Monthly Meetings to enquire periodically as to Apprentices 138 (30) 
 
 Meals, A Pause not to be omitted at 47 (24) 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings Page 107 to 110 
 
 Establishment of 107(1); Time of Meeting 107(2) 
 
 Is a standing Committee of the Yearly Meeting 107 (3) 
 
 How constituted 107 (4); Qualifications for Correspondents 108 (5) 
 
 Directions as to the choice of Correspondents 108 (6); 109 (7) 
 
 The course to be taken on their Removal, and on deficiency of Attendance 109 (8) 
 
 Correspondents are Members of the Yearly Meeting 124 (5) 
 
 Duties of this Meeting 107 (3) 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings 
 
320 INDEX. 
 
 Meeting for SuFfERiNcs continued. 
 
 Applications to Patliament affecting Friends, to be reported to it 109 (9) 
 
 And difficult cases of Suffering to be sent up 266(31); 267 (33) 
 
 To have sole direction of payments out of the National Stock 175 (2) 
 
 To appoint Trustees thereto 1 75 (4) See National Stock. 
 
 To assist Ministers liberated to travel in foreign parts, or from America, &c. and judge as to their 
 
 companions 110 (11) 
 
 To inspect, print, and distribute Friends' Books, &c 29(5); 30(6); 175 (1); 176(5) 
 
 To have disposal of communications from deceased Friends, not Ministers 134 (16) 
 
 To receive and judge of applications for Membership by persons who reside Abroad. . 109 (10) 
 Annually to give account to the Yearly Meeting, of changes in holding our Meetings. . 129 (7) 
 
 in the Fifth Month, to call over the names of the Trustees to the National Stock . . 1 75 (4) 
 
 Meeting Houses, Registry, Title Deeds, &c. of. See Trust Property. 
 
 In use, not to be lent : as to those disused, Monthly Meetings have a discretion .... 131 (5) 
 
 Meetings for Discipline Page 11 1 to 147 
 
 On the establishment and object of, and on the right conducting of our Discipline. See Dis- 
 cipline. 
 
 Yearly Meeting 123 to 126 ^ 
 
 Quarterly Meetings 127 to 129 i 
 
 142 > 
 
 See these Heads. 
 
 Monthly Meetings 130 to 
 
 Preparative Meetings 1 43 
 
 Women's Meetings 144 to 147 , 
 
 Meetings for Worship Page 148 to 157 
 
 Should be held in the name and power of the Lord HI (3) ; 148 (2) ; 
 
 And in dependence on Him alone 151 (10) 
 
 Counsel as to the due Attendance of 148 (1, 2); 149(3,5); 151(11); 152(13); 154(16); 
 155 (17, 18) 
 
 By Servants and Apprentices , 104(4); 106 (7) 
 
 Children not to be kept from, on week-days 149 (4) ; 198 (23) 
 
 Punctuality in attending, recommended 155(18); 106(7) 
 
 On Worship, and Exhortations to Reverence, Waiting, and Watchfulness in 1. 149 (5, 6) . 
 150(8); 152(12); 153(14, 15); 155(17) 
 
 Counsel to Ministers and Hearers 150 (7) ; 151 (10) ; 157 (19) 
 
 As to Deportment in 150 (8); 151 (9) 
 
 On Maintaining a right state of Mind before and after 119(22); 153(15); 155(18) 
 
 Not to be ended too soon or unbecomingly 152 (12) 
 
 Those who neglect, to be dealt with 141 (38) 
 
 Not to be Appointed at burials of persons not in membership 226 (8) 
 
 Small, to claim the attention of Monthly and Quarterly Meetings 1 18 (20) ; 130 (4) 
 
 The attending of such, recommended to Friends in the District 130 (4) 
 
 Not to be established or discontinued without approval of the Quarterly Meeting 130 (3) 
 
 Meetings of Ministers and Elders 
 
INDEX. 321 
 
 Meetings of Ministers and Elders, Constitution of 135 (17) ; 164 (20) ; 165. 
 
 General provisions common to all 166 (21) 
 
 Yearly, Regulations respecting, and Business of 1 65 (20) 
 
 Time of holding 125 (8) 
 
 A Minister about to travel abroad must have concurrence of, &c 167 (22 to 24) 
 
 To inform Meeting for Sufferings, of the liberation of such Minister, or of one from 
 America 110(11) 
 
 Monthly and Quarterly, Business of 1 64 (1 9, 20) 
 
 Advices to be read by them at least annually 1 68. 
 
 Queries to, and Instructions respecting the answers 520 (7) ; 1 65. 
 
 Monthly, to have the advice of Quarterly, as to the acknowledgment of a Minister . . 131 (7) 
 Morning. See Morning Meeting. 
 Members, Alphabetical lists of, to be kept and revised by Monthly Meetings . . 137 (26) ; 187 (12) 
 
 Membership, The right of Children to, defined 137 (27) 
 
 As to admission of Children not born in 137 (27, 28) 
 
 Applications for.. See Convinced Persons. 
 
 by Women. The Women's Meeting to unite in visit 146 (VI.) 
 
 by Persons abroad, to be received and judged of by the Meeting for Sufferings. . 109 (10) 
 
 Readmission to, regulation regarding 141 (36) 
 
 Militia, Advice against hiring Substitutes for Spl (10) 
 
 Against payment of rates for 291(11) 
 
 Ministers, On the Acknowledgment of ISl (6, 7) ; 132 (8) 
 
 Are Members of the Morning Meeting 170 (1); of the Meeting for Sufferings 107 (4); and 
 
 of the Yearly Meeting 124 (5) 
 Counsel to; as to their Ministry 150 (7) ; 151 (10) ; 158 (3) ; 159(6); 160(7,9); 161(12); 
 186 (11) 
 
 As to their Conduct and Example 59(3); 158(4); 160 C8) ; 161(11) 
 
 To be cautious of showing disunity in Public Meetings 158 (2) 
 
 To visit Meetings, especially those least frequented 158(1) 
 
 To have their affairs well arranged, on leaving home for service 162 (13) 
 
 Not to be encouraged by Monthly Meetings to Travel too soon 161 (10) 
 
 Those who travel to be such as are well approved at home <> <> 163 (16, 17) 
 
 Concerns of, to travel, course of proceeding with : a Testimonial of Concurrence requisite from 
 their Monthly Meeting 132 (9) 
 
 to Ireland, a Certificate also from their Quarterly Meeting, if it can be had with conve- 
 nience 132 (10) 
 
 to Scotland and its Isles, the same, if among those not of our Society ........ 133(11) 
 
 to Foreign parts. Regulations as to 167 (22); 110 (11) 
 
 Ministers 
 
 T T 
 
322 INDEX. 
 
 Ministers continued. 
 
 Concerns of, to travel, may be considered in a jont Quarterly Meeting of Men and 
 
 Women 129 (6) 
 
 Companions of, Regulations respecting 162 (14) ; 110(1 1) 
 
 Expences of, travelling to a distance 133 (12) 
 
 travelling to or from foreign parts 175 (1) 176 (5, 6) 
 
 on visiting Guernsey and other Islands, Scotland, and Wales 177 (7) 
 
 Certificates of, Monthly and Quarterly Meetings to see to, and extend care 163 (1 7) 
 
 To be troubled as little as may be to act as Arbitrators 25 (y) 
 
 Those not disowned as Ministers not to be publicly opposed 163(1 8) 
 
 Dissatisfaction with, course to be taken in case of 133(13); 162(15); 163(16,17) 
 
 Readmission to Membership does not reinstate as Ministers 134 (14) 
 
 Testimonies concerning deceased Ministers 1 34 (1 5) 
 
 Ministers and Elders, Advices to 1 68. 
 
 Ministers and Elders, and their Meetings Page 158 to 169 
 
 See Elders. Meetings of Ministers and Elders. Ministers. 
 
 Ministry of the Gospel, Testimony as to the true 256(8); 257(10); 258(12) 
 
 Moderation. See Plainness and Moderation. 
 
 Monthly Meetings Page ISO to 142 
 
 Not to be held less often than once a month, nor Men and Women to sit together, without ap- 
 proval of Yearly Meeting 129 (8) 
 Are subject to the judgment of their Quarterly Meeting, and not submitting nor appealing, may 
 
 be dissolved 127 (2) 
 
 Not to divide themselves without consent of their Quarterly Meeting 130 (1) 
 
 When too weak, advised to join some neighbouring Monthly Meeting 130 (2) 
 
 To have approval of Quarterly Meeting before establishing or discontinuing a Meeting for Wor- 
 ship or Preparative Meeting 1 30 (3) 
 
 To inform Quarterly Meeting when Preparative Meetings are omitted 143 (3) 
 
 To have care over small Meetings for Worship and Preparative Meetings . . 118 (20) ; 130 (4) 
 Instructions to, respecting Ministers, their Acknowledgment, Concerns, Companions, &c. See 
 Ministers. 
 On the Appointment, Displacement, &c. of Elders. See Elders. 
 On the Appointment, &c. of Overseers. See Overseers. 
 On the conducting of the Discipline and Dealing with Delinquents. See Discipline ; Dealing. 
 
 To stir up to faithfulness as to Tithes, &c 262 (18, 20) 
 
 To make proper Appointments to visit Families, and to admonish Parents, Schoolmasters, 
 
 &c. when needful 121, 122 (25 to 28) ; 191 (9) ; 193 (13) ; 239 (4) 
 
 Appeals against, &c. See Appeals. 
 To assist in Educating the Children of Friends in straitened circumstances. . 196 (19); 214 (2) 
 
 Monthly Meetings 
 
INDEX. 323 
 
 Monthly Meetings continued. 
 
 To provide poor Friends' Families with Bibles, &c. at discretion 215 (4) 
 
 As to Relief of poor Friends. See Relief. 
 
 Children not born Members to be cared for 137 (27, 28) ; 138 (29) 
 
 And their Parents 138 (29) 
 
 As to admission to Membership. See Membership. 
 
 As to Removals of Friends and their Settlements. See Removals and Settlements. 
 Directions to, relating to Marriage. See Marriage. 
 
 As to the giving out, recording, &c. of Birth and Burial Notes and Marriage Registers. See 
 Registers. 
 
 To keep an Alphabetical List of Members 137 (26) 
 
 Directions as to care of Trusts, Legacies, &c. See Trust Property. 
 
 To report their Trusts and changes in them to the Quarterly Meeting 285 (9) 
 
 Not to receive Collections or Bequests of Insolvents till their debts are paid .... 276 (19) 
 Not to lend Meeting-Houses in use, but may exercise discretion as to those disused 131 (5) 
 
 To promote the keeping-up and proper use of Libraries , 30 (7, 8) 
 
 Particular Meetings to report the revision of their Catalogues yearly 30 (7) 
 
 To keep and record Documents from the Yearly Meeting 127(1) 
 
 To answer the Queries as directed, to the Spring, Autumn, and Winter Quarterly 
 Meetings 217 (4) 
 Instructions as to the answers, in particular the 3rd and l4th.... 216(1 to 3) ; 13G {25) 
 
 Annually, (at least) to read the General Advices 1. 
 
 to appoint Committee to collect accounts of Sufferings, and advise on Tithes, &c. 138 (31) 
 
 Endorsement to the Account 267 (34) 
 
 to appoint Committee to advise to keep clear Accounts and inspect Affairs .... 138 (32) 
 
 (or oftener) to examine List of Members 137 (26); 187 (12) 
 
 (before Spring Quarterly Meeting) to examine Registers and Indexes 226 (11) 
 
 to examine their Accounts of Trust Funds 284 (8) 
 
 To enquire Quarterly as to Apprentices, and places wanted, and report to the Quarterly Meeting 
 138 (30) 
 Monthly Meetings of Women Friends. See Women's Meetings. 
 
 Morning Meeting of Ministers and Elders Page 1 70, 171 
 
 Constitution, Duties, and Powers of 170, 171 (1 to 3); 166 (21) 
 
 When liberating a Minister to or from Foreign Parts, is to inform the Meeting for 
 Sufferings 110 (11) 
 
 Is to adjourn to the second day preceding the Yearly Meeting 1 65 (20) 
 
 Mortuaries, described and objected to 259(12) 
 
 Mourning Habits, advised against 70 (3 to 5) 
 
 National Fasts, &c. 
 
 T T 2 
 
324 INDEX. 
 
 N. 
 
 National Fasts and Times of Public Rejoicing Page 172 to 174 
 
 On the Superstitious Observance of Days 172 (1) 
 
 Public Rejoicings 172 (2, 3) ; 294 (18) 
 
 National Fasts, &c 1 73 (4) 
 
 Sufferings on these occasions to be reported 1 74 (5) 
 
 National Stock Page 1 75 to 1 77 
 
 Origin and Design of 1 75 ( 1 ) 
 
 Control of, by the Meeting for Sufferings, mode of Collecting and Trustees .... 175 (2 to 4) 
 
 Objects of Appropriation of 176, 177, (5 to 8) ; 133(12); 30(8) 
 
 Accounts of, to be audited by a Committee of the Yearly Meeting 126 (12) 
 
 Novels, advice against the reading of 28 (2) ; and see Books. 
 
 O. 
 
 Oaths and Affirmation Page 178 to 1 82 
 
 Ground of our Testimony against Oaths 178(1) 
 
 Act of 3rd and 4th William IV. allowing Affirmation in all cases 1 79. 
 
 Advice from the Meeting for Sufferings on the subject I79. 181. 
 
 Overseers, Appointment of, and their Qualifications 136 (22 to 24) 
 
 Appointment of Women 146 (V.) 
 
 Should be at least two of each sex in each particular Meeting 136 (25) 
 
 Advice to, as to their example and duties 183 (3, 4) 184 (5, 6) ; 186 (11) 
 
 See Oversight. 
 
 Oversight Page 1 83 to 1 88 
 
 One of another, one great benefit of Religious Society 1 85 (9 ) 
 
 Advice to Elders, Overseers, and concerned Friends, on 183, 184, (1 to 6) ; 185 (9) ; 186 (11) ; 
 40 (14) 
 
 on the duty of Private Admonition 2. 184 (5, 6) 
 
 Kind Care recommended, over Young Persons especially ; (List of Members to be read over with 
 this view) 105 (6); 187 (12) 
 
 Danger of unemployed Young Men coming to London 184 (7) ; 307 (15) 
 
 Members of the Society to be preferred as Apprentices, Servants, &c 2. 185 (7) 
 
 towards friends in the sea-faring line 1 85 (8) 
 
 Attention directed towards the newly convinced 59 to 61 ( 1 to 3, 4, 6) 
 
 Friends in straitened circumstances to be assisted to educate their Children 196 (19) 
 
 Oversight 
 
INDEX. 325 
 
 Oversight continued. 
 
 Advice or Admonition enjoined in particular cases, viz. 
 
 When a Difference between Friends is heard of 22 (4) ; 186 (10) 
 
 Or an evil Report 66 (3, 4) ; 69 (8) 
 
 Delinquency as to Fictitious Bills 276 (21) 
 
 Deficiency of a Friend in Discharging his pecuniary Engagements 274 (14) 
 
 in the subjects specified in the Queries 216 (3) 
 
 Apprehension of Marriage of First Cousins, or out of the Society . . 98 (12) ; 101 (20) 
 
 Weakness and unfaithfulness regarding Tithes, &c 255 (5) 
 
 Being concerned in Warlike Preparations 290 (9) 
 
 Illegally evading the use of Receipt Stamps 34 ( 10) 
 
 As to attendance of Females at Funerals, and against wearing Mourning 70 (5) 
 
 P. 
 
 Parents and Education Page 1 89 to 205 
 
 Parents, &c. exhorted to be good Examples to their Children 192(10); 194(15); 196(18); 
 
 197 (21); 201 (25) ; 207 (4); 208 (7) 
 Advice as to the pious Training up and guarded Education of Children 2. 149 (4) ; 189 to 205, 
 (1 to 31); 208(7); 228(1); 41 (15); 278 (25); 238 (1) 
 
 to Mothers 191 (9); 201 (26) 
 
 Children not to be permitted to read unsound, licentious or idle Books 28, 29 (1 to 3) ; 189 
 (2); 195 (17, 18) ; 203 (28) ; 238 (2) 
 
 to be guarded from Public Pastimes and evil Associates 196 ( 18) ; 203 (28) 
 
 And see Plainness, Scriptures, School Masters and Mistresses. 
 
 Education to be provided for the Children of the Poor 190(3); 196 (19) ; 214 (1, 2) 
 
 And in order for Apprenticeship 190 (3) 
 
 Useful Employments recommended for Children of all degrees 190 (5) 
 
 Parents counselled as to the Marriage of their Children 91 (2, 3) ; 99 (14) ; 101 (20) 
 
 Those who encourage Marrying contrary to our Rules to be dealt with 100 ( 1 7) 
 
 Advised to appoint faithful Friends as Guardians 296 (2) 
 
 Peace, Our duty, as followers of Christ, to maintain 287 (2) 
 
 On the blessing of the return and continuance of 294 (18, 19) 
 
 Plainness and Moderation Page 206 to 213 
 
 Advices to Simplicity of Language and Behaviour, and Plainness of Dress 36(2); 38(7); 
 39 (12); 72 (1); 206 to 210; (1 to 10); 212 (15); 213(16) 
 
 Children to betrained up therein, 41 (15); 190 (2); 193 (13) ; 198 (22) ; 199 (25) ; 206(3) 
 207 (4); 208(7) 
 
 Plainness and Moderation 
 
326 INDEX. 
 
 Plainness and Moderation continued. 
 
 Advice against Immodesty, Pride, and Extravagance in Dress . . 206 (2, 3) ; 207 (6) ; 208 (8 
 
 Affectation of singularity not the ground of our Demeanour 42 (17 
 
 Plainness in Dress and Speech a defence against Temptations 198 (22) ; 210 (10 
 
 Against varying the Language according to the Company 209 (9 
 
 Advice to Moderation and Self-denial in manner of living . . 2. 78 (4) ; 211 (12) ; 212 (14 
 
 Against Luxury, Pride, and Ambition 79 (6) ; 210 (11 
 
 Against Expense and Fashion in Furniture 79 (7) ; 206 (3) ; 212 (13, 14 
 
 Play-Houses and Places of Diversion, to be wholly avoided .. 210(10); 299(1); 802(6 
 
 Plays, Romances, &c. Counsel against selling or reading 28 (2 
 
 Parents not to suffer such books in their houses 238 (2) ; 196 (18 
 
 Poor (Friends) Page 214, 215 
 
 Counsel to 45 (22 
 
 To be duly and cheerfully supported 214 (1, 3) ; 215 (5 
 
 Not to be refused Relief on account of neglected offences 139 (33 
 
 Females to be under the care of their own sex 145 (L 
 
 Educationof their Children to be attended to 214(1,2); 196(19 
 
 To fit them for being put Apprentices 190 (3, 4 
 
 Aid for Education or Apprenticeship, not " Relief" 237 (XVI. 
 
 Families of, to be provided with Bibles and Friends' Books 215 (4 
 
 Should try to maintain themselves, and lay by for age, &c 215 (5 
 
 And Children should support their Parents 215 (5 
 
 Poor, in general. See Liberality and Benevolence. 
 
 Poors' Rate, Caution as to a Mixed Rate 264 (23 
 
 Prayer, On Watchfulness unto 51 (29) ; 213 (16); 241 (7). See Retirement 
 
 The sacred duty of 53 (32) ; 55 (35) ; 58 (39 
 
 Recommended to Parents on behalf of their Children 191(8 
 
 Our disuse of set forms of 55 {35 
 
 Preparative Meetings Page 143 
 
 Not to be estabhshed or discontinued without approval of the Quarterly Meeting ... 130 (3 
 
 Establishment of, recommended, and their proper Business 143 (1 
 
 To read the General Advices at least yearly , . , l 
 
 Occasionally to read portions of the Book of Extracts 143 (4 
 
 Regulations for cases of Weakness of 143 (2 
 
 When omitted, the Quarterly Meeting is to be informed 143 (3 
 
 Trust Property of, to be under care of Monthly Meeting 285 (10 
 
 When small, should claim the attention of Monthly and Quarterly Meetings 118 (20 
 
 Pride, Advice against the growing sin of 62 (4, 3) ; 208 (8) ; 39 (12) ; 206 (2, 3) ; 210 (11 
 
 Principle of Truth. See Light of Christ, &c. 
 
 Prisoners 
 
INDEX. 327 
 
 Prisoners, for Crime, recommended to attention 35 (1 3) 
 
 (Friends), for our Testimonies, an account of to be sent up to the Yearly Meeting . . 266 (30) 
 
 Privateers 290 (7) See Armed Vessels 
 
 Propositions to the Yearly Meeting to be in Writing, &c 126 (14) 
 
 Public Houses, Unnecessary frequenting of, to be avoided 37 (3) ; 252 (2, 3) 
 
 Public Worship, Servants and Apprentices to be encouraged to attend 2. 106 (7) 
 
 And see Meetings for Worship. 
 
 Punctuality in fulfilling Engagements enforced 268 (1 to 3) 269 (5) 
 
 Those who fail in, to be advised ., 274 (14) 
 
 Uprightness and Circumspection of early Friends 269 (5) 
 
 See Trade. 
 Punishment of Death, Concern respecting the. 35 (13) 
 
 Q. 
 
 Quarterly Meetings Page 127 to 129 
 
 May dissolve Monthly Meetings not submitting to their judgment, nor appealing .... 127(2) 
 Division of Monthly Meeting must have consent of 130 (1) 
 
 Also establishment or discontinuance of a Meeting for Worship 130 (3) 
 
 Two cases of Change in holding a Monthly Meeting that must first be reported by, to the Yearly 
 
 Meeting 129 (8) 
 To assist Monthly Meetings, and appoint Committees for their help when weak 128 (4,5) 
 
 265(25) 
 
 To give especial attention to their state in Summer Quarterly Meeting 128 (4, 5) 
 
 Attention of, called to small Meetings for Worship 118 (20) ; 1 30 (4) 
 
 to the visiting of families 122 (28) 
 
 to helping for Education 214 (2); counselling Schoolmasters, &c. 193 (13); Parents 
 
 239 (4); on Tithes 262 (18, 20) ; 265 (25) ; as to Armed Vessels 289 (6); 290 (8) 
 
 To assist Monthly Meetings by Committees in choice of Elders 135 (1 9) 
 
 Women's Quarterly Meetings when applied to 147 (6) 
 
 To encourage Women's Meetings and their Establishment 144 (1 to 3) 
 
 Instructions as to Ministers, their concerns, and expenses. See Ministers. 
 
 To revise and record Testimonies concerning deceased Ministers 134 (15) 
 
 Appeals to and against. See Appeals. 
 
 To read the General Advices yearly 1. 
 
 To apply to the Yearly Meeting for help when needed 128 (5) 
 
 Representatives from, to the Yearly Meeting, their duties, &c. 124 (5, 6, 7, 9) 
 
 Queries to be answered by, in the Spring, to the Yearly Meeting 217 (4) 
 
 Quarterly Meetings 
 
328 INDEX. 
 
 Quarterly Meetings continued. 
 
 Indorsement on the Answers 124 (7) 
 
 Propositions from, to the Yearly Meeting, to be in Writing, &c 126 (14) 
 
 Instruction as to Accounts of Sufferings and Prisoners to be sent to Yearly Meeting 266 (29, 30); 
 267 (34, 35) 
 
 Choice of Correspondents, for the Meeting for Sufferings 107 (4) ; 109 (7) 
 
 To report Changes of Meetings to Meeting for Sufferings every Spring 129 (7) 
 
 To record, &c. documents from the Yearly Meeting, and take care that Monthly Meetings do the 
 
 same 127 (1) 
 
 To preserve Birth and Burial Notes, and Marriage Registers 227 (12) ; 222 (1) 
 
 To appoint standing Committees to give liberty to proceed at Law 26 (13, 14) 
 
 To appoint a Committee yearly to examine their Registers and the Indexes 227 (12, 13) 
 
 To record and examine yearly the Trusts of their Monthly Meetings 285 (9) 
 
 Instructions as to Trusts under the care of. See Trust Property. 
 Quarterly Meetings of Ministers and Elders. See Meetings of Ministers and Elders. 
 Quarterly Meetings of Women Friends. See Women's Meetings. 
 
 Queries Page 2 1 6 to 22 1 
 
 Self-examination recommended on answering 216 (1) 
 
 Directions as to the answers 117(17); 216(2,3), 136(25); 217(4) 
 
 Spring answers to receive further attention at Summer Quarterly Meetings . . 128 (4, 5) 
 
 For the Men's Meetings 217 (4) 
 
 For the Women's 2 1 9 (5) 
 
 To Quarterly Meetings only 220 (6) 
 
 For Meetings of Ministers and Elders 220 (7) 
 
 R. 
 
 Re-admission to Membership, Regulation regarding 141(36) See Membership. 
 
 Records. See Registers. Trust Property. 
 
 Registers Page 2^2 to 227 
 
 Of Marriage, Form of, and Instructions 222 (1) ; 226 (10) 
 
 Directions to Monthly Meetings respecting 95 (VII.) 222 (1) ; 226 (9) 
 
 Of Births and Burials, viz. 
 
 Forms of Birth and Burial Notes 223, 224. 
 
 For those not Members, and Regulations as to such cases 225 (8) 
 
 Directions to Monthly Meetings respecting Birth and Burial Notes. . . . 225, 226 (6, to 9) 
 
 Monthly Meetings to appoint one or more Friends to give them out 223 (2) 
 
 Instructions to those so appointed 223 (2, 3) ; 226 (8, 9, 10) 
 
 Monthly Meetings to appoint a Registrar 224 (4) 
 
 Registers 
 
INDEX. 329 
 
 Registers continued. 
 
 Instructions to him as to Registry, &c 224 to 227 (4 to 8. 13) 
 
 to Quarterly Meetings and their Registrar 222 (1) ; 225 (6) ; 227 (12, 13) 
 
 Examination of, and Indexes 226, 227 (11 to 13) 
 
 Rejoicings, Public. See National Fasts, &c. 
 
 Relief, Meaning of the term, in our Rules 236 (XIV. ) 
 
 Assistance for Education or Apprenticeship is not Relief 237 (XVI.) 
 
 A Monthly Meeting to relieve duly a resident poor Friend 235 (XII.) 
 
 If his Settlement is in another Monthly Meeting, to send to it early notice ibid. 
 
 Which Monthly Meeting may undertake his relief ibid. 
 
 Rules which fix Settlement 233 to 235 (VII. to XI.) 
 
 Claims for relief, not lost by Residence abroad 236 (XV.) 
 
 Nor on account of offences long neglected by Monthly Meetings 139 (33) 
 
 Removals and Settlements , Page 228 to 237 
 
 Caution as to change of Residence , 228 (1) 
 
 Rules respecting removals out of a Monthly Meeting, and forms of Certificate 229 to 231 
 (I. to III.) ; 233 (VIII. IX.) 
 
 Into a Monthly Meeting 229 (I.) ; 232 (IV. V. VI.) 
 
 from one London Monthly Meeting to another 236 (XIII.) 
 
 Rules which determine Settlement 233 to 236 (VII. to XI. XV.) 
 
 On the giving and refunding of Relief 235 (XII.) 139 (33) 
 
 Meaning of the term Relief 236 (XIV.) ; 237 (XVI.) 
 
 Restriction of Proposals for altering these Rules 237 (2) 
 
 Representatives to the Yearly Meeting. See Yearly Meeting. 
 
 To Monthly Meetings, to be appointed by preparative Meetings 143 (1) 
 
 To the Yearly Meeting of Women Friends, number of 145 (4) 
 
 To the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders 165 (20) 
 
 To Quarterly Meetings of Ministers and Elders 164 (20) 
 
 Retirement of Mind, in Private advised. . 1. 42 (18); 53(32); 200 {25); 242(9); 305(12); 
 308 (17) 
 
 Opportunities for, in Families 47(24); 48(25); 56(36); 105(5); 240(6); 241(8) 
 
 Returns, in Money, under distraints for Tithes, &c. advised against 264 (24) 
 
 Revenue, of the King, not to be defrauded in any way 33, 34 (7, 9) 
 
 Smuggled Goods particularly specified 33, 34 (7 to 10) 
 
 Monthly Meetings to deal with the guilty 34 (9) 
 
 Illegally evading Receipt Stamps to be advised against 34 (10) 
 
 Riches, Exhortation to those entrusted with 46(22); 191(8); and see Liberality, &c. 
 
 Cautions against Coveting. See Covetousness. Trade. 
 
 Romances, Counsel against the reading of 28(2); 196 (18) ; 238 (2) 
 
 Run Goods. See Revenue. 
 
 Schoolmasters, &c. 
 u u 
 
330 INDEX. 
 
 s. 
 
 Schoolmasters and Mistresses, Advice to 41 (15); 195(17); 202 (27,28); 204 (30); 205 (31) 
 
 Quarterly and Monthly Meetings recommended to extend care over 193 (13) 
 
 Faithful and well qualified friends to be encouraged as 189 (2) ; 190 (3); 193 (14) 
 
 Monthly Meetings to assist in training suitable young men as Schoolmasters 193 (14) 
 
 Schools, Description of, which are to be avoided 189 (2) ; also See Schoolmasters, &c. 
 
 Trusts relating to. See Trust Property. 
 Scotland, Concerns of Ministers to travel in, and their Expenses. See Ministers. 
 
 Rules for Appeals to and against the General Meeting of 15 to 21 (4) 
 
 Recommendations respecting Trusts extend to Meetings in. 285 (13) 
 
 Scriptures Page 238 to 243 
 
 Frequent and serious Reading of, recommended, and counsel thereon 29 (4) ; 242 (9) ; 243 (11) 
 
 Family reading of, enjoined ; 56 (36) ; 193 (13) ; 240 (5, 6) ; 241 (8) 
 
 And private in addition 2. 242 (10); 243 (11) 
 
 Address to Young Persons thereon 305 (12) 
 
 Servants, &c. to partake of Family Reading 105 (5) ; 241 (8) ; 193 (13) 
 
 Youth to be early instructed in the 2. 187 (12) ; 191 (9, 10); 194 (16) ; 195 (18) ; 200 (25) ; 
 
 205 (31); 238, 239 (1 to 4) 
 To be supplied to Families of poor Friends at the discretion of Monthly Meetings .... 215 (4) 
 
 Diffusion of, recommended 82 (12) 
 
 Counsel to those engaged therein 241 (7) 
 
 Sea Adventures, Caution respecting 269 (3) 
 
 Sea-faring Friends, to be under kind oversight and care 1 85 (8) 
 
 Securities, Caution against being joined with others in 277 (23) 
 
 Servants, Advice to 104 (1, 2) ; and See Masters, &c. 
 
 Settlement, Meaning of the term in our rules 233 (VII.) 
 
 Rules which fix 233 to 235 (VII. to XI.) 
 
 Ships carrying guns. See Armed Vessels. 
 
 Shooting for Diversion, a vain Sport 43 (19) 
 
 Sick, Duty of visiting the 37 (5^ 
 
 Sickness and Scarcity, charitable help to the Poor recommended in times of 78 (3) 
 
 Silence. See Retirement. 
 
 Simplicity. See Plainness and Moderation. 
 
 Slave Trade and Slavery ; Page 244 to 251 
 
 Declarations against, and exhortations to Friends to promote their abolition (1 to 24) 
 
 Any concerned in the Slave Trade to be dealt with 245 (3) 
 
 Smuggled Goods. See Revenue. 
 Speech, Plainness of. See Plainness, &c. 
 
 Spirituous Liquors, Friends warned against the too frequent use of ; 252 (2) 
 
 advised individually to advocate their Disuse 253 (4) 
 
 Stamp Duty on Receipts. 
 
INDEX. 331 
 
 Stamp Duty on Receipts. See Revenue. 
 
 Stocks, Public, Against illegal Dealings in 142 (39) 
 
 Substitutes for the Militia, Advice against Payments for Hiring 291 (10, 11) 
 
 Sufferings for our Testimonies, should be faithfully and patiently borne for conscience sake, 256 (6); 
 257 (9) ; 291 (10); 292 (11); 293(15) 
 
 Grievous sufferings of our early Friends 2^6(7); 263(21); 291(10) 
 
 Cautions against Collusion, Compromise, and Evasion 266 (7, 8); 261, 262 (16, 18 to 20) ; 264 
 (22); 292 (11) 
 
 Prosecutors to be reasoned with 266 (32) 
 
 As to legal proceedings for Redress 261 (14, 15) 
 
 Annual appointments by Monthly Meetings to collect accounts of, &c 138 (31 ) 
 
 Directions respecting reporting and recording 265 to 267 ; (27 to 3 1 , 33 to 35) 
 
 Of Friends for not Illuminating houses, &c. to be reported 174 (5) 
 
 Difficult cases of, to be sent to the Meeting for Sufferings 266 (31) ; 267 (33) 
 
 Swearing, Christian Testimony against 178 ( 1 ) 
 
 T. 
 
 Tale-bearing, Advice against 66 (1 to 4); and See Detraction and Defamation. 
 
 Taverns or Public Houses, Unnecessary frequenting of, to be avoided .... 37 (3) ; 252 (2, 3) 
 
 Temperance Page 252, 253 
 
 In Eating and Drinking enjoined 38 (8, 9) 
 
 Cautions against excess in Drinking, frequenting Public Houses, and Spirituous Liquors 
 252 (1 to 3) 
 
 Friends individually advised to promote the disuse of ardent Spirits 253 (4) 
 
 Testimonies concerning deceased Ministers, instructions to Monthly Meetings in drawing up 
 134 (15) 
 Concerning deceased Friends not Ministers, may be sent to the Meeting for Sufferings 134 (16) 
 OfDisownment. See Dealing. 
 Theatres. See Plav-Houses. 
 
 Tithes and Sufferings Page 254 to 267 
 
 Grounds of the Testimony of Friends against Tithes, and exhortations to its maintenance 254 to 
 261 (1 to 13) 
 
 Against Church Rates (so called) and Ecclesiastical demands 255 (4) ; 259 (12) 
 
 Against impropriate Tithes 263 (20, 21) 
 
 Executors of a Friend should not pay Tithes 262 (17) 
 
 Against collusion or compromise 256 (7, 8) ; 261, 262 (16, 18 to 20) 
 
 Caution respecting Seizures without warrant 264 (22) 
 
 respecting Mixed Rates 264 (23) 
 
 Tithes and Sufferings 
 u u 2 
 
332 INDEX. 
 
 Tithes and Sufferings continued. 
 
 Returns in Money advised against 264 (24) 
 
 Course of dealing with those who persist in receiving or paying Tithes 254 (1); 263 (21); 
 265 (26) 
 
 Injunction to Quarterly Meetings concerning this testimony 265 (25) 
 
 Tithes taken by force or in kind, a Suffering 265 (27, 28) 
 
 See Sufferings. 
 Title Deeds. See Trust Property. 
 
 Trade Page 268 to 278 
 
 Counsel to Integrity and Moderation in, and against Speculation and the love of Riches 2. 38(9); 
 64(8); 211 (11, 12); 268 to 274 (1 to IS) 
 
 To young Persons not hastily to engage in, &c. . . , 278 (25) 
 
 To Friends to keep clear accounts, and frequently to inspect their affairs 271 (10); 
 274 (15); 277 {25) 
 
 Against trading beyond Capital 269 (3, 5); 276 (22) ; 211 (11) 
 
 Or in any way connected with War - 292 (12, 13) 
 
 Against entering into joint securities 277 (23) 
 
 Against fictitious Paper Credit 63 (7) ; 276 (20, 22) 
 
 Those concerned in it to be dealt with 276 (21 ) 
 
 Advice to Friends in, under difficulties 272 (11) ; 274 (15) ; 275 (18) 
 
 Those deficient in punctuality to be counselled 274 (14) 
 
 For cases of Failure, See Insolvency. 
 
 Travellers in Business, exposed situation of 47 (23) 
 
 Trustees, Friends not unadvisedly to accept the office of 296 (3) 
 
 Advised to Faithfulness and Vigilance 296 (4) 
 
 And Assignees, advised to activity and punctuality 277 (24) 
 
 And Executors, not bound by rules for differences about property ; . . . 27 (15) 
 
 Trust Property of the Society Page 279 to 286 
 
 Conveyance of new, is void without a Deed enrolled within six months 279 (2) 
 
 Forms of conveyance of 280 to 283. 
 
 Legacies and Donations should be properly secured 284 (8) 
 
 Meeting Houses should be legally registered 279 (1) 
 
 Instructions respecting change of Trustees 283, 284 (3 to 5) 
 
 respecting Custody of Title Deeds, Records of Donations and Legacies, Accounts to be 
 
 kept of Trust Funds, &c. and other directions to Monthly Meetings 284, 285 (6 to 10) 
 These Rules to extend, where applicable, to Quarterly Meetings, Schools, &c. . , 285 (11, 12) 
 
 to Meetings in Scotland 285 (13) 
 
 Of a Meeting about to be dissolved, to be transferred by Minute 285 (14) 
 
 Tutors 195(17) See Schoolmasters, &c. 
 
 Vain Sports, 
 
INDEX. 333 
 
 V. 
 
 Vain Sports, to be avoided 43 (19) ; 44 (20) ; 210 (10;) 302 (6) 
 
 Visits, To families of Friends, by appointment. See Family Visits. 
 
 To the Sick recommended 37 (5) 
 
 To the abodes of Misery 79 (7) 
 
 W. 
 
 Wales, Expenses of Ministers Travelling in 177 (7) 
 
 War Page 287 to 295 
 
 Counsel to maintain the Christian Testimony of Friends against 287 to 289 (1 to 5) ; 293 (15) ; 
 294 (19) 
 
 Should not be made a subject of Conversation 291 (9) ; 292 (14) 
 
 Special cautions and directions respecting, 
 
 Being concerned in Armed Vessels, &c 289, 290 (6 to 8) ; 292 (12) 
 
 Hiring Substitutes for the Militia 291 (10) 
 
 Rates for Militia or Volunteers 291 (11) 
 
 Manufacture of Arms 292 (12) 
 
 Profit derived from War by loans or otherwise 292 (12, 13) 
 
 Conveying Soldiers, their baggage, &c 293 (16) 
 
 Providing Arms, &c. for protection 293 (17) 
 
 Gratitude for the blessing of Peace 294 (18, 1 9) 
 
 Watchfulness. See Conduct and Conversation. 
 
 Wills, Executors, and Administrators Page 296 to 298 
 
 Friends advised to make their Wills while in health 2. 296 (1) ; 297 (6) 
 
 With strict equity, and employing skilful persons 297 (6) 
 
 To appoint faithful Friends as Guardians 296 (2) 
 
 Caution as to undertaking Trusts 296 (3) 
 
 Executors and Trustees, Advice to 2. 296 (4) ; 298 (6) 
 
 Not bound by Rules for differences about Property 27 (15) 
 
 Executors of a Friend should not pay Tithes claimed of him 262 (17) 
 
 As to Form of Administration Bond 297 (5) 
 
 Women's Meetings Page 144 to 147 
 
 On the Establishment and object of Introd. xxiv. ; 144 (1 to 3) 
 
 Yearly Meeting, Constitution and powers of 145 (4) 
 
 Not at liberty to alter Rules or Queries ibid. 
 
 Women's Meetings 
 
334 INDEX. 
 
 Women's Meetings continued. 
 
 Quarterly, Representatives from, to their Yearly Meeting 145 (4) 
 
 Queries to be answered by 219 (5) ; 220 (6) 
 
 Appointment by, to assist Monthly Meetings in choice of Elders 135 (19) 
 
 To apply to the Men's Quarterly Meeting when needing assistance 147 (6) 
 
 Monthly, to assist in the Discipline on the following occasions, viz. 
 
 Relief of the Poor of their own sex 145 (I) 
 
 Proceedings relating to Marriage . . 144 (3) ; 145 (II) ; 93 (II. IV. V.) ; 94 (VI.) 
 Removals of Women out of, or into, a Monthly Meeting 145, 146 (III. IV.) ; 230 (III.) 
 
 Appointment of Elders 135 (19) 
 
 of Women Overseers 146 (V.) 
 
 Admission, Delinquency, or Reinstatement of Women 146 (VI. VII.) 
 
 To be informed of Disownments 140 (34) 
 
 To unite with Men's Monthly Meeting in acknowledgment of Ministers 132 (8) 
 
 And in judging of their concerns to travel 132 (9) 
 
 But not to sit with Men's, as a Meeting for Discipline, without approval of Yearly 
 
 Meeting 129 (8) 
 
 To answer Queries to their Spring, Autumn and Winter Quarterly Meetings 219 (5) 
 
 Instructions as to the Answers 216 (1 to 3) 
 
 Y. 
 
 Yearly Meeting Page 123 to 126 
 
 Establishment of, and Object, &c 123 (1 to 4) 
 
 Constitution of 124 (5) 
 
 On choice of Representatives to, and directions respecting them .... 124 [6, 7) ; 125 (9, 10) 
 
 Time of holding, and sundry Regulations 125, 126 (8 to 14) 
 
 Conduct of Appeals to. See Appeals. 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings, a standing Committee of • 107 (3) 
 
 Cash of (viz. National Stock,) held by Trustees 175 (4) 
 
 Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. See Meetings of Ministers and Elders. 
 
 Yearly Meeting op Women Friends. See Women's Meetings. 
 
 Youth Page 299 to 309 
 
 General Exhortations and Counsel to 299 to 309 (1 to 1 7) 
 
 on the private reading of the Scriptures, and on religious Retirement 305 (12) 
 
 Warned against reading publications of an Infidel tendency 308 (17) 
 
 against vanity and pride in Dress, (Young Men and Women) 207 (6) 
 
 to avoid foolish and wicked Pastimes and places of Amusement 299 (1); 302 (6) 
 
 to avoid unsuitable Company 38 (10) ; 301 (4) 
 
 Youth 
 
INDEX. 335 
 
 Youth continued. 
 
 Restraints in Speech and Dress a defence against unsuitable Associates 198 (22) 
 
 Caution to Young Men leaving the protection of Home, and as to the choice of Occupation 
 a04{ll); 307 (15), 
 
 Counsel to, on the subject of Marriage 91 (1, 4) ; 102 (23) 
 
 As to engaging in objects of public Benevolence 306 (14) 
 
 Expensive habits in, unfavourable to the exercise of charity 79 (7) 
 
 THE END. 
 
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