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 Ex Libris 
 C. K. OGDEN 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 EXTRACTS 
 
 FROM I^ 
 
 MINUTES AND ADVICES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 YEARLY MEETING 
 
 OF 
 
 FRIENDS 
 
 HELD IN LONDON, 
 
 FROM ITS FIRST INSTITUTION. 
 
 SECOND EDITION. 
 
 HonDon : 
 
 PRINTED AND SOLD BT W. PHILLIPS, 
 GEORGE YARD, LOMBARD STREET. 
 
 1802.
 
 ^8 A 4 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 TO THE FIRST EDITION. 
 
 The Yearly Meeting having been apprehenfive that, in fome 
 Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, due care hath not been taken 
 to preferve, and enter regularly In the books kept for that pur- 
 pofe, thofe minutes and advices which from its firft inflltution 
 have occafionally been communicated to them, for eftablifhing 
 and conducting the difcipline of the church, hath feen meet to 
 dire£t that thofe minutes and advices {hould be carefully ex- 
 tracted and properly arranged under fuitable heads, and be 
 comprifed in one volume, for the general fervice of the fociety. 
 This important work having been committed to the care of the 
 Meeting for Sufferings, it was with much labour and great at- 
 tention performed, and was laid before the yearly meeting in 
 
 1781 ; when a confiderable number of judicious friends then 
 
 a 2 
 
 lC6S4i9
 
 ( iv ) 
 
 prefent were appointed to come up to London in the Tenth 
 Month enfuing, to join the meeting for fufferings in examining 
 the fame: mod of whom, in conjundicn with that meeting, 
 met accordingly, and having given their attendance with unre- 
 mitting afTiduity, in much concord and to mutual fatisfa£tion, 
 were favoured after many fittings to go through the work, com- 
 paring 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 diredted to be printed : in order that, 
 
 Firft. Every quarterly and monthly meeting may be furnifhed 
 with a complete and correct coUedlion of the feveral minutes 
 and advices iffued by the yearly meeting for regulating the affairs 
 of the fociety : 
 
 Secondly. That thefe minutes and advices, being more gene- 
 rally made known, may be more uniformly obferved and put irr 
 pradice ; that order, unity, peace, and harmony may be pre- 
 ferved throughout the churches : 
 
 Thirdly. That, in an efpecial manner, the youth of the prefent 
 and fucceeding generations may be early and fully inftruded 
 in our religious principles, and in the nature and defign of our 
 Chriftian difcipline ; and, through divine affiftance, be enabled 
 to adorn our holy profeffion by a confiftent conduct and circum- 
 fped converfation, in all godlinefs and honefty ; thereby avoiding
 
 ( V ) 
 
 the reproach which many, through a defedion In principle, or a 
 degeneracy in pradice, have brought upon themfelves and the 
 body of which they profefs to be members : 
 
 Fourthly. That the unfaithful, the immoral, and the libertine 
 profeffors may be feafonably reminded of their danger and of 
 their duty ; as well as of the great labour which, in much gofpel 
 love, hath been from time to time beftowed for their help and 
 recovery ; and that fuch as continue to defpife and rejedt the 
 convidions of truth, and the counfel of their brethren, and re- 
 fufe to be reclaimed, may be made fenfible that they themfelves 
 are the fole caufe of their feparation from our religious fellow- 
 ihip and communion. For when any by their inconfiftent and 
 diforderly condud, or by imbibing and adopting principles and 
 pradices contrary to the dodrine which we have received, have 
 firft openly manifefted their difunity with the fociety, it is but 
 juft and requifite that, after endeavouring and waiting to reftore 
 them without effed, the body fhould teftlfy its difunity with 
 fuch erring and refradory members ; at the fame time earneftly 
 defiring that they may be convinced of the error of their ways, 
 and that through unfeigned repentance, and a confiftent, orderly 
 condud in future, they may be reunited to the body. This 
 being the utmoft extent of our difcipline refpeding offenders, it 
 is very evident, that from the right exercife thereof no degree
 
 ( vl ) 
 
 of perfecution or impofitlon can be juftly inferred -, for the im- 
 pofition refts entirely on the part of thofe who infift on being 
 retained as members, whilfl at open variance with the body either 
 in principle or pradice. 
 
 We are not, however, without a clear fenfe that this publi- 
 cation will prove infuflicient to produce the defired efFed, unlefs 
 we are very careful to move and a£t under the immediate in- 
 fluence of the Spirit of Chrift in the pure love of the gofpel ; 
 a clofe adherence to which would render a multiplicity of rules 
 unnecefTary. 
 
 And whilft we are earneftly recommending this work to the 
 notice and regard of friends, we cannot omit to prefs upon them 
 a diligent reading of the Holy Scriptures, as fuperior to all other 
 writings for inftrudion ; and it muft yield great fatisfadion to 
 obferve how confonant thefe advices are to the dodrine and 
 precepts of Chrift and his apoftles. 
 
 Although this colledion is printed folely for the ufe of our 
 own fociety, yet fhould it get abroad and meet the public eye, 
 it is not doubted but every ferious and candid reader will ob- 
 ferve, throughout the whole, the conftant and eai-neft endeavours 
 of the yearly meeting for the promotion of virtue and religion. 
 And notwithftanding it be too obvious to be denied, that there 
 are amongft us many forrowful inftances of a grievous departure
 
 ( vli ) 
 
 from the godly zeal, purity, probity, fimpliclty, and felf-dcnial, 
 fo confpicuous in our worthy predeceffbrs ; yet, by comparing 
 the later advices with thofe of a more ancient date, and obferving 
 the continued care and concern of the yearly meeting to guard 
 and teftify againft every appearance of evil, and every mark of 
 declenfion, it muft be allowed that, as a religious body, we are. 
 the fame people our forefathers were, in faith, in doctrine, in 
 worfhip, in miniftry, and in difcipline. 
 
 And although it be our lot to live in an age of great diflipation, 
 luxury, and profanenefs, when the genuine fruits of the fpirit of 
 Chriftianity are fo rarely fcen, that every thing facred and ferious 
 feems threatened to be overwhelmed by the torrent of vice and 
 irreligion ; yet we are bowed in thankfulnefs to the Author of 
 all good, in that we have abundant caufe to believe there are flill 
 many, of various ranks and ages, mercifully preferved both 
 among ourfelves, and in other Chrlftian communities, who, 
 through faithfulnefs to the meafure of grace which Is given to 
 every one to profit with, have been ftrengthened to retain their 
 integrity, and to hold faft the profeflion of their faith without 
 wavering. Many of them, doubtlefs, are at times fecretly 
 mourning over the great defolations which infidelity and immo- 
 rality have made in the Chrlftian world ; nevcrthelefs they are 
 comforted at feafons in the hope of better times, and helped to
 
 ( vlii ) 
 
 look forward v/ithan eye of faith, and with unfhaken confidence, 
 to the gradual increafe of that day, when darknefs fhall no 
 longer cover the earth, nor grofs darknefs the hearts of the 
 people ; when the fpirltual kingdom of Chrift fhall be exalted 
 over all, and that glorious ancient prophecy fulfilled, when he 
 fhall have the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermoft 
 parts of the earth for his pofleflion ; when nation fhall not lift up 
 fword againfi nation, neither fliall they learn war any more ; 
 and when the faving knowledge of the Lord fhall cover the 
 earth, as the waters cover the fea. 
 
 MeetjnC for Sufferings, 
 
 24th of the Firft Month, 1783.
 
 PREFACE 
 
 TO THE SECOND EDITION. 
 
 Since the printing of the * Extra£is from the Minutes and 
 
 * Advices of the Yearly Meeting of Friends held in London,' or 
 
 The Book ofExtra&s^ as it is ufually termed, about nineteen years 
 
 have elapfed. During this period fo many new regulations have 
 
 taken place, as to render that book an imperfeft colledion of 
 
 the rules of the fociety. This inconvenience has been in part 
 
 obviated by a fubfequent colledion, made by a committee of the 
 
 yearly meeting in conjundtion with the meeting for fufferings ; 
 
 which colledion was fubmitted to the yearly meeting in 1792, 
 
 and printed by its order, together with fome minutes of the 
 
 fame year, under the title of an Appendix. But the Book of 
 
 Extracts itfelf being out of print, and the Appendix becoming, 
 
 by means of fucceffive additions to the rules and advices, a 
 
 b
 
 ( X ) 
 
 deficient fupplement, the yearly meeting In 1800 recommended 
 the quarterly meetings to fend deputies to London in the 
 Eleventh Month enfuing, to join the meeting for fufferings in 
 revifing the whole, and preparing a new and complete edition. 
 
 The joint meeting accordingly entered on the bufmefs the 7th 
 of the Eleventh Month, 1 800, and purfued it diligently to the 29th 
 of that month, inclufive. In the courfe of its deliberations, it was 
 found expedient to omit feveral advices which ftand in the firft 
 edition j chiefly, becaufe there were others under the fame head 
 of equal or fuperior pertinency, or becaufe, in a few Inftances, 
 it feemed eligible to exchange them for others, iffued fmce the 
 printing of the Book of Extrads : and there has been a con- 
 fiderable abridgment of fome of thofe which remain. 
 
 In proceeding with the revifion of the rules, the expediency 
 alfo of fome alterations in than engaged the attention of the 
 meeting ; and, as friends from various quarters of the kingdom 
 were prefent, there was an opportunity for full and free con- 
 ference refpedtlng the general operation of exifling regulations, 
 and the probable effedt of new ones. The additional minutes 
 thus produced, were fubmitted to the laft yearly meeting ; and 
 will be recognifed in the following pages with the date fubjoined, 
 of 1 801. But this dat-e will alfo be obferved at the end of minutes 
 and advices, wherein no new matter has been infei'ted. In this
 
 ( xi ) 
 
 cafe it "will generally be found that the import of the original 
 minute or advice has been fomewhat confined, extended, or 
 otherwife altered by the change or omiffion of words. Where 
 omiffions are merely for the fake of concifenefs, and do not make 
 an alteration in the fenfe of the fentence, the date of i8oi is 
 not added. 
 
 The minutes and advices do not in all cafes ftand in the fame 
 order as before. In thofe heads where there is any deviation 
 from the order of dates, befides the general plan of letting the 
 advices ftand together before the rules, attention has been given 
 to the two following circumftances : firft, where the head feemed 
 naturally to admit of diftind fubdivifions,* to place together 
 what related to each ; and fecondly, to endeavour that the feries 
 of advice or of diredtion fhould proceed, under each head, in the 
 manner which feemed moft likely to bring the fubjedt into the 
 cleareft point of view. 
 
 There is yet another circumftance refpeding this edition, 
 which, it is hoped, will render the confulting of it more eafy, 
 and lead readily to every thing that it contains on any fubjed. 
 This is a fet of pretty copious marginal, and other references. 
 The minutes and advices under each head (where there are more 
 
 • Marriage, and Titmu, may be confultcd as inftanscs.
 
 ( xll ) 
 
 than one) are numbered with common Arabic figures in the 
 margin. When any number contains fuch various and diftindt 
 matter as to require further divifion, which is the cafe with fome 
 under the heads Arbitration, Marriage, Queries, Re-^ 
 
 MOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS, and WoMEN's MEETINGS, the 
 
 fmaller divifions (whether queries, advices, or rules) are marked 
 by Roman numerals. By this means, the references are made, not 
 to the page, but to the head and number where any fimilar matter 
 is to be found. The marginal references are a guide to fuch parts 
 as have more or lefs connexion with the minutes or advices 
 (and fometimes with the lines) againft which they refpedively 
 ftand ; thofe at the end of the head, to fuch as have relation to 
 the head confidered more at large. The index; alfo points to 
 head and number; and where minutes or advices have feveral 
 paragraphs not diftindt enough for fubdivifion by Roman nu- 
 merals, both the references and the index generally fhew which 
 of fuch paragraphs is intended. 
 
 There are fometimes references from one number to another 
 under the fame head ; but thefe are commonly from prior to fub- 
 fequent numbers, and not often to fuch as are of earlier date than 
 thofe to which they are affixed. This hint may tend to prevent 
 any from efcaping the reader's notice ; and it will alfo be well, 
 on turning to a part referred to, provided the reafon of the re-
 
 ( xiii ) 
 
 ference do not at once appear, to read the part throughout; 
 by which means the connexion, it is hoped, will not fail to be 
 found. 
 
 The variety and excellency of the matter contained in the 
 Book of Extrads, entitle the collection to attentive and repeated 
 perufal ; there is inftrudion for the inexperienced, and confirm- 
 ation for the more advanced Chriftian ; and while it teaches the 
 letter of our difcipline, it bears abundant teftimony to the fpirit 
 in which It fhould be conduded — the fpirit, temper, and habi- 
 tude of mind, which ought to be the continual clothing of fuch. 
 as undertake, in any way, to be the advocates of the Lord's 
 caufe. 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings, 
 
 5th of the Second Month, 1802.
 
 ( xlv ) 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 THE letters P. E. and W. E. added to the dates of fome 
 of the extradts, fignify that fuch are taken from the Printed 
 or Written Epiftles of the refpedlve years : and the reader is 
 defired to notice alfo the following abbreviations, befides thofe 
 which occur in the Table of Contents : 
 
 Adv. 
 
 Advice. 
 
 Art. 
 
 Article. 
 
 Jbid. 
 
 ibidem, in the fame place. 
 
 Id. 
 
 idem, the fame. 
 
 No. 
 
 Number. 
 
 P. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Par. 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 Pa/s. 
 
 pajim, fignifying that feveral places in a head referred to 
 
 
 are to be looked at, or the head generally. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Query. 
 
 R. 
 
 Rule. 
 
 Fid. or V. 
 
 vide, fee.
 
 ( XV ) 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Htait, 
 
 Page. 
 
 Affirmation ------------ i 
 
 Appeals ..------.-.-- 2 
 
 Arbitration ------------ 5 
 
 Books -------------- n 
 
 Civil Government ---------- ij 
 
 Conduct and Conversation ------ 20 
 
 Convinced Persons ---------- 26 
 
 Covetousness ----------- 28 
 
 Days and Times ---------- jo 
 
 Defamation and Detraction ------ 38 
 
 Discipline, and Meetings for Discipline - - 42 
 
 Family-Visits -------.._- ^2 
 
 Gaming ------------- ^4 
 
 Grave-Stones -------_-_- jj 
 
 Liberality to the Poor ------- 56 
 
 Love and Unity ---------- jp 
 
 Marriage ------------- 62 
 
 Masters, Mistresses, and Servants - - - - 73 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings ------- 75 
 
 Meetings for Worship -------- 80 
 
 Heads ^ as ahlrewatei 
 for the purpofe of 
 the references. 
 
 Arbitr. 
 
 Civ. Gov. 
 
 Cond. & Converf. 
 Conv. Perfons. 
 
 Defam. & Detr. 
 Difcipl. &c. 
 Family-Vif. 
 
 Lib. to the Poor. 
 
 Mafters, &c. 
 Meet, for SufT. 
 Meet, for Worfli.
 
 ( xvi ) 
 
 Heads. 
 
 Page. 
 
 'MlHTIA ------------- 87 
 
 Ministers and Elders, and their Meetings - 89 
 Moderation and Temperance ------ 105 
 
 Monthly Meetings --------- 108 
 
 Morning Meeting ----------115 
 
 Mourning Habits ---------- 116 
 
 National Stock ■---..-__- h^ 
 Oaths --------------120 
 
 Parents, Guardians, and Education- - - - 121 
 
 Plainness ------------- 130 
 
 Poor -------------- 136 
 
 Preparative Meetings ------.-138 
 
 Quarterly Meetings --------- 140 
 
 Queries .-------._--_ 142 
 
 Records ------------- 1^2 
 
 Removals and Settlements ------ 160 
 
 Schools ------------- 169 
 
 Scriptures ------------ 172 
 
 Slave-Trade and Slavery ---.---176 
 Sufferings ------------ 181 
 
 Tithes ------- - 184 
 
 Trade ------ 195 
 
 War ----201 
 
 Wills, Executors, and Administrators - - 205 
 Women's Meetings --------- 208 
 
 Yearly Meeting ----------212 
 
 Youth -------------- 217 
 
 Index ------------- 223 
 
 Headsy as ablrnnated 
 for the purpofe of 
 the references. 
 
 Min. & Eld. &c. 
 Mod. & Temp. 
 Monthly Meet. 
 Morn. Meet. 
 Mourn. Hab. 
 Nat. St; 
 
 Parents, &c. 
 
 Prep. Meet. 
 Quart. Meet. 
 
 Rem. & Sett. 
 
 Slave-Tr. &c. 
 
 Suff. 
 
 Wills, &c. 
 Worn. Meet. 
 Yearly Meet.
 
 [ • ] 
 
 AFFIRMATION. 
 
 WE cannot but with great humility acknowledge the goodnefs 
 of God, in difpofing the legiflature to grant us, the laft feflion of 
 parliament, fuch form of affirmation, as, by accounts received, 
 we find very fatisfadlory to all the brethren : for which we are 
 truly thankful to God, and thofe in authority. 1722. P. E. 
 
 FORM OF AFFIRMATION. 
 
 (8 Geo. I. — Cap. 6.) 
 
 /, A. B. do solemnly^ sincerely^ and truly ^ declare andajffirm, that, &c. 
 
 [Here is to follow, without any otl^cr addition, the fubjeft matter to be afErmed.3 
 
 Note — By an aft, 22 Geo. II. Cap. 46. our affirmation is to operate 
 in all cafes wherein an oath is required by any aft or afts of par- 
 liament now in force, or hereafter to be made, although no particular 
 or cxprefs mention be made for that purpofe in fuch aft or afts, with 
 the fame force as an oath ; except in criminal cafes, to ferve on 
 juries, or to bear any office or place of profit in the government. 
 
 A falfe and corrupt aSirraatioa is fubjeft to the fame penalties 
 as perjury.
 
 [ 2 ] 
 
 APPEALS. 
 
 1 IF any perfons fhall think themfelves injured or aggrieved 
 ■vNo.f. jjy. ^^g judgment of any monthly or other meeting, of which 
 
 they are or were members, fuch perfons may appeal to the 
 quarterly meeting, to which the faid monthly or other meeting 
 doth belong; provided notice be given of fuch intended appeal, 
 in three months after fuch judgment is given ; and the appeal 
 muft be lodged in fuch quarterly meeting, within fix months 
 after fuch notice. 
 
 If any perfons be dilTatisfied with the judgment of any quarterly 
 meeting, they may appeal from fuch judgment to the yearly 
 meeting ; the appellants giving notice to the faid quarterly 
 meeting, of their intention to appeal, wdthin fix months after 
 the judgment of fuch quarterly meeting is given; and fuch 
 appeal muft be brought to the next yearly meeting, if it may 
 ■o. Ko. 6. with convenience, or to the next following. 
 
 All perfons who may think themfelves aggrieved, not purfuing 
 the diredlions given with refpedl to the time of giving notice 
 and lodging their appeals, fliall be excluded from any right of 
 appealing afterwards. 1727. 
 
 2 This meeting agrees, that a committee be yearly nominated, 
 to judge of the fitnefs of receiving all appeals that fhall be 
 offered, to hear fuch as they fhall judge come duly before them, 
 and report their opinion thereof, for the approbation, rejedlion, 
 or amendment of this meeting. 1727.
 
 APPEALS. 3 
 
 This committee is to be chofen in the following manner, viz. 3 
 
 the reprefentatives of each of twelve quarterly meetings, as they '"' •^°' ^ ^ '°" 
 ftand alphabetically, are to nominate one of their number, to 
 ccnftitute, with the others chofen in like manner, a committee 
 of appeals : the next twelve quarterly meetings, as they ftand in 
 order, annually choofmg a like committee for the fame purpofc 
 1728. 
 
 ■ All appeals from any perfon or place fhall be delivered to the 4 
 
 clerk of the yearly meeting for the time being, before the rifmg 
 of the meeting at its third fitting ; at which time, the clerk for 
 the time being fhall read over the names of thofe friends who 
 are chofen on the committee of appeals, and if any appeals be 
 brought, fhall deliver them to the committee ; who, or any feven 
 of them, have power to proceed thereon, according to the fore- 
 going diredion. 1728. — 1801. «. iV,.». 
 
 No reprefentatlve of any quarterly meeting, from which, or 5 
 
 againft which, an appeal may come, fhall be nominated on this 
 committee ; but the reprefentatives of the quarterly meeting next 
 in rotation, fhall choofe one of their own number for this fervice: 
 and fuch quarterly meetings as are fet afide on this account, are 
 lirfl to be called upon to nominate a reprefentatlve to ferve on. 
 this committee, the year following. 1733. 
 
 If any appellant or appellants do not bring his, her, or their 6 
 
 appeal to the yearly meeting next enfuing, due notice once given, 
 then, if fuch appellants continue their appeal, notice fhall be 
 repeated in writing to the meeting againft which they may 
 appeal, at leaft three months preceding the yeaxly meeting. 1745. 
 
 A 2
 
 APPEALS. 
 
 7 No appeal fhall be received a fecond time, which hath beea 
 once determined by the yearly meeting. 1745. 
 
 8 The friends of Ireland, by a letter from their lafl. national 
 meeting, and alfo by their reprefentatives prefent, have earneftly 
 requefted to be excufed from attending appeals againft them to 
 this meeting, except in matters of faith and principle, vpherein 
 they defire not to be excufed ; but having urged many hardfliips 
 and inconveniences, which they apprehend muft attend their 
 following appeals in other cafes, this meeting, upon folid and 
 deliberate confideration of their requeft, in much brotherly con- 
 defcenfion agrees thereto, until fome manifeft inconvenience 
 fhall be found to arife from fuch exemption. 1 760. 
 
 9 It is the fenfe of this meeting, that the limitation of time 
 exprefled in the minute of 1727, concerning appeals, doth not 
 operate upon appeals from monthly meetings, as it doth upon 
 thofe from private perfons. 1766. 
 
 10 It is agreed, that the reprefentatives of the quarterly meetings, 
 
 who are to nominate the committee for appeals, fliall meet for 
 
 that purpofe at the clofe of the firfl fitting of this meeting, and 
 
 report to the next fitting the names of the friends chofen. 1787. 
 
 1 1 This meeting agrees not to receive in future any appeal in 
 print, or that hath been printed. 1 794. 
 
 1 2 Dear friends, in the fpirit of the gofpel, which is peace on 
 earth, and good-will to all men, labour to maintain the difci- 
 pline of the church, wherein you will be favoured with wifdom, 
 prudently to determine the affairs that may come before you, and 
 be inftrumental to prevent appeals from coming to this meeting, 
 which tend to prolong it, and give uneafinefs to friends. I736.\V.E. 
 
 JlndviJ. Qiiart. Meet. 2.
 
 [ 5 ] 
 
 ARBITRATION. 
 
 AGREED, that the choofing of arbitrators Is proper in cafci. i 
 
 of differences about a man's property. 1684. 
 
 Advlfed, that in all cafes of controverfy and dificrence, the 2 
 
 perfons concerned therein, either fpeedily compofe the difference 
 between themfelves, or make choice of fome faithful unconcerned 
 friends to determine the fame, and they to fland to their 
 determination ; or otherwife. If they cannot agree upon the 
 choice, to fubmit to the monthly meeting's choice of certain 
 perfons meet to Infpedt and determine the controverfy, and to 
 fland to their award and final determination thereof: and all 
 friends to take heed of being parties with one or another, for 
 the prolonging thereof. 1692. P. E. 
 
 Advlfed, that no friends fhall go from the order of truth, and 3 
 
 former advice, to fue one another at law; but that alj differences ^•-^'-^ 
 among friends be fpeedily ended by themfelves, or by reference, 
 and not prolonged or delayed. 1696. 
 
 And we do again remind you, that friends may be every 4 
 
 •where careful to get all differences about outward things fpeedily 
 compofed, either between themfelves, or by arbitrators, without 
 troubling monthly or quarterly meetings with fuch affairs; and 
 it would be well that friends were at all times ready to fubmit 
 their differences, even with perfons not of our perfuafion, to
 
 6 ARBITRATION. 
 
 Dent ; lO. arbitration, rather than to contend at law. " Hear the caufes 
 " between your brethren, and judge righteoufly between every 
 " man and his brother, and the ftranger that is with him." 1737. 
 W. E. 
 
 5 Whereas it fometimes happeneth, to the hurt of truth, and grief 
 
 "' ^.//".'' of many friends, that differences do arife amongft fome profefling 
 truth, about outward things; it is therefore by this meeting 
 thought convenient, and advifed, that when any friend or friends 
 Ihall hear of any fuch difference betwixt any friends in that 
 meeting to which they do belong, that they forthwith fpealc 
 to, and tenderly advife, the perfons between whom the differ- 
 ence is, to make a fpeedy end thereof; and if fuch 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 
 difference; and if they, or either of them refufe, then to let 
 them know, that it is the advice and counfel of friends, that they 
 v.N<,.g,Art.i. fhould each choofe an equal number of indifferent, impartial, 
 and judicious friends to hear, and fpeedily determine the fame, 
 v.^'u.?, ^^(j {}^at they do bind themfelves to Hand to their award and 
 
 Mt.ni. determination, or the award and determination of the major part 
 of them, that fhall be made and figned by the arbitrators, or the 
 award and arbitration made and figned by the umpire, if there be 
 one agreed unto. 
 
 AUb this meeting doth advife, that if any friend fhall refufe 
 fpeedily to end the difference, or refer it as before advifed, 
 complaint be made of that perfon unto the monthly meeting to 
 which he doth belong; and if, after admonition, he fhall refufe 
 fo to refer his cafe, that then the meeting do teftify againft fuch 
 perfon, and difown him to be of our fociety. 
 
 And if any friends that fhall be chofen to hear and determine 
 any fuch difference as aforefaid, after they have accepted thereof.
 
 ARBITRATION. 7 
 
 and the parties differing are become bound to (land to their 
 determination, fhail decline and refufe to ftand and adt as 
 arbitrators, that then the perfon or perfons fo refufing, be 
 required to give the reafons of their refufal unto the monthly- 
 meeting to which they belong; and if that meeting fhall not 
 efleem thofe reafons fufficient juftly to excufe them, then the 
 meeting to prefs them to ftand to what they have accepted ; 
 and if after fuch admonition, they fhall continue to refufe to 
 ftand as arbitrators, that then the meeting do teftify againft 
 them, or either of them, as fuch as are not fubjedt to the juft 
 rules of our fociety, neither ought to be admitted thereunto, 
 until he or they condemn and retra£t the fame. 
 
 And it is the advice of this meeting, that perfons differing 
 about outward things do, as little as may be, trouble miniftering 
 friends with being arbitrators in fuch cafes. 
 
 And that all perfons differing be exhorted by the monthly 
 meeting to which they belong, when their cafes are referred, and 
 judgment and award made, figned, and given thereupon, as 
 aforefaid, to ftand to and perform the faid award, which they 
 have bound themfelves to perform ; and if any one fhall refufe fo 
 to do, that then the monthly meeting to which fuch perfon doth 
 belong, upon notice thereof to them given, fhall admonifti him 
 thereunto ; and if, after admonition, he perfift to refufe, then the 
 meeting to teftify againft him. 
 
 To conclude, it is the fenfe and judgment of this meeting, v.No.jvfs. 
 that if any perfon profeffmg truth, fhall arreft, fue, or implead 
 at law, any other perfon profefHng truth, before he hath 
 proceeded in the methods herein before recommended, fuch 
 perfon doth therein depart from the principle of truth, and 
 the known way thereof, and adts contrary thereunto, and 
 ought to be dealt with by the meeting he belongs to for the
 
 ARBITRATION. 
 
 fame; and if he fliall not give fatlsfiftlon to the meeting for 
 fuch his diforderly proceeding, by condemning it, and himfelf 
 therein^ that then, he be difowned by the meeting. 1697. 
 
 And if the party fo fued or arrefted, taking with him, or, if 
 tinder confinement, fending, one or two friends to the perfon 
 who goes to law, fhall complain thereof, the faid perfon fhall be 
 required immediately to ftay proceedings ; and if he does not 
 comply with fuch requifitionz-the monthly meeting to which he 
 belongs fhall difown him, if the cafe require it. 1782. 
 
 Whereas fome perfons profeffing with us, have proved fo bafe 
 and unworthy, as, when they have run themfelves in debt, to 
 remove themfelves, or their effeds, to prevent juftice ; whereby 
 thofe creditors, who are friends, have been deprived of an 
 opportunity of the common method of friends, fpecified in the 
 minute of 1697, refpeding arbitrations ; it is hereby declared, 
 that the laft paragraph of the faid minute, which prohibits friends 
 to fue or arreft one another, is not intended to prevent fuch evil 
 perfons in thofe practices from being dealt with by a legal 
 procefs, as the nature of the cafe may require : of which 
 circumftance the monthly meetings are the proper judges ; fo it 
 is not doubted but they will do juftice to the parties concerned 
 therein. And this meeting doth requefl; every monthly meeting 
 to appoint and depute proper perfons out of their feveral 
 meetings, for fuch friends as have occafion to advife with, in 
 the intervals of monthly meetings, and, if they fee caufe, to give 
 liberty to recover as above. 1720. — 1801. 
 
 So much of the minute of 1697, as doth relate fimply to 
 entering into bonds, and fo far as arbitrations may be refufed on
 
 ARBITRATION. 
 
 account of difputes and queftlons in law, relating to executors or 
 truftees, where the property is not their own ; — in both thefe 
 cafes, that there be a particular and fpecial regard had to the 
 nature and circumftances of things : it not being either now, or 
 at the time of making the faid minute, the intent of this meeting 
 to lay any unwarrantable burthen upon any brother, or upon 
 the church. 1 720. 
 
 The following method is to be obferved in proceeding 
 
 in Arbitrations. 
 
 I. Each party having chofen one or two Indiiferent, impartial, 
 and judicious friends, thofe fo chofen are to agree upon a third, 
 or a fifth friend, unlefs the parties firft agree in the nomination, 
 whofe name fhall be inferted with the others in the bonds of 
 arbitration, or other written agreement. 
 
 II. The arbitrators fhould not confider themfelves as advocates 
 for the party by whom they were chofen, but men, whofc 
 incumbent duty it is to judge rigliteoufly, fearing the Lord. 
 They fliould fliun all previous information refpeding the cafe, 
 that they may not become biafled in their judgments, before they 
 hear both parties together. 
 
 III. The parties to enter into written engagements, or bonds 
 in the ufual 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. 
 
 IV. Every meeting of the arbitrators mufl: be made known to 
 the parties concerned, until they have been fully heard ; nor 
 flTiall there be any feparate, private meetings between fome of the 
 arbitrators, or with one party feparate from the other on the 
 
 B
 
 10 ARBITRATION. 
 
 bufinefs referred to them; and no reprefentation of the cafe of 
 one party, either by -writing or otherwife, 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. 
 
 V. The arbitrators are to hear both parties fully, in the 
 prefence of each other, whilft either hath any frefh matter to 
 offer, until a certain time to be limited by mutual agreement. 
 Let no evidence or witnefs be withheld or rejedled. 
 
 VI. If there fhould appear to the arbitrators, or to any of 
 them, to be any doubtful point of law, they are jointly to agree 
 upon a cafe, and confult counfel thereupon. The arbitrators are 
 not required to exprefs in the award their reafons for their 
 decifion. One writing of the award is to be delivered to each 
 party. 
 
 It Is recommended to arbitrators to propofe to the parties, that 
 thev fhould give an acknowledgment in writing before the award 
 be made, that they have been candidly and fully heard. 
 •.Defam. Mattcrs of defamatlou are not fubjefts to be arbitrated, until 
 
 &r)ctr. 5. . ..... 
 
 the defamation is proved, and that fome injury is fuftained by the 
 defamed in his trade or property; and in that cafe, the damage 
 fi^ould be fubmitted to arbitration. 1782.
 
 [ II ] 
 
 BOOKS. 
 
 FRIENDS are defired to be diligent in fpreading friends' books, 
 which are anfwers to advcriaries, and to get them expofed to fale, 
 where the adverfaries' books are fold ; and this to be done in due 
 time, and not delayed till the fervice may be partly over. 1 697. 
 
 This meeting, confidering that fome In the prefent age do 
 endeavour, as well by certain books, as a licentious converfation, 
 to leflen and decry the true faith in our Lord and Saviour Jefus 
 Chrift; even that precious faith once delivered to his faints, which 
 by the mercy of God is alfo beftowed upon us ; doth therefore 
 earneftly advife and exhort all parents, mafters and miftreffes of 
 families, and guardians of minors, that they prevent, as much as 
 in them lies, their children, fervants, and youth, under their 
 refpeflive care and tuition, from having or reading books or 
 papers that have any tendency to prejudice the profeflion of the 
 Chriftian religion, to create in them the leaft doubt or queftion 
 concerning the truth of the Holy Scriptures, or thofe neceflary 
 and faving truths declared in them ; left their infant and feeble 
 minds (hould be poifoned thereby, and a foundation laid for the 
 greateft evils. 1723. P. E. 
 
 This meeting being forrowfully affedted, under a confideratlon 
 of the hurtful tendency of reading plays, romances, novels, and 
 
 B 2
 
 12 BOOKS. 
 
 other pernicious books, it is earneftly recommended to every 
 member of our fociety, to difcourage and fupprefs the fame; and 
 particularly to acquaint all bookfellers, under our name, with 
 the painful anxiety occafioned to this meeting, by a report of 
 fome inftances of felling or lending fuch books, entreating they 
 would avoid a practice fo inconfiftent with the purity of the 
 Chriilian religion. And friends are defired to be careful of the 
 I choice of all books, in which their children read, feeing there 
 
 are many, under the fpecious titles of the promotion o^religioa 
 and morality, containing fentiments repugnant to the truth, as it 
 is in Chrifl Jefus. 1764. 
 
 ;a We earneftly recommend to all, the frequent perufal of" the 
 
 Holy Scriptures, according to repeated exhortations ; and we at ' 
 this time alfo recommend the writings of our faithful predecefTors, 
 and the accounts that are publifhed of their experiences, labours, 
 travels, and fufferings in the caufe of Chrift. Thofe hours of 
 leifure would be profitably employed in this manner, which are 
 often wafted in reading light and trivial publications, calculated 
 to gratify the vain imagination, and to feed that difpofition that 
 is always hankering after fome new thing. 1789. P. E. 
 
 ^ The ancient and approved pradice of our religious fociety, 
 
 refpedting the revifion of manufcripts by the Second-day's 
 morning meeting, and the minutes on that fubjed:, having been 
 confidered, it is the judgment of this meeting that the faid 
 pradice be invariably obferved : viz. That -no books concerning 
 the principles of friends be printed, without being carefully read, 
 and correded if neceffary, by the morning meeting in London. 
 1801.
 
 BOOKS. 
 
 13 
 
 That the meeting for fufFerlngs take the care of Infpe^ting, 6 
 
 ordering, regulating the prefs, and printing of books; and in '"^"/o'^' 
 
 whatever matter relating to the printing of books the country xj^t'"^ 
 
 friends finH themlelves aggrieved, that they write to the faid N"St-i. 
 meeting, who are to redrefs the fame ; and that no books be 
 reprinted without the faid meeting's diredion. 1679. — 1672. 
 
 It is agreed that authors may be at liberty to publifli or to 7 
 
 reprint their own works, provided they take the rifk upon them- 
 felves, where the fame have been revifed and approved by the 
 morning meeting ; notwithftanding any reftridtion contained in 
 the minutes of 1672 and 1679, on this head. 1801. *. av 6. 
 
 Upon confideration of friends' books, and the difpofing thereof 8 
 
 for the general fervice of truth, it is agreed and defired, that 
 every quarterly meeting in each county take care weightily to 
 confider and advife amongft themfelves, fuch method, place and 
 places, as are fit to fell and difpofe of friends' books, given forth 
 for the fervice of truth, and the numbers they would receive, and 
 give advice thereof to their refpedtive correfpondents for the 
 meeting for fufferings in London, to whofe care and ordering 
 thefe concerns are referred. 1682. P. E. 
 
 Recommended, that each monthly meeting take off two books 9 
 
 of a fort newly printed, if under the price of two {hillings and fix- 
 pence ; and one book to each meeting, if the value is more ; and 
 that one book of a fort be kept in each quarterly meeting. 1 695. 
 
 It is agreed that the meeting for fufferings do diftribute in fuch 10 
 mannerj and to fuch parts of the world, as they think proper, the
 
 H 
 
 BOOKS. 
 
 writings of fuch friends as have been publiflied by confent of the 
 morning meeting. 1732. 
 
 1 1 That a catalogue of friends' books belonging to each particular 
 
 meeting be made, and a regular account kept, where, or in whofe 
 hands, they are depofited, in order that upon the deceafe of any 
 friends in pofleflion of fuch books, or upon any other occafion, 
 the faid books may be preferved for the ufe of the fociety. 1759. 
 
 ^ndmi. Dcfam. & Detr. j, /«/?/«»-.— Parents, &c. 1. 13. 14. 15.— Poor 4.— Q:!erie$ 8, ^i?v. V.— 
 
 Scriptures 3. 6. \:t fafs.
 
 [ 15 ] 
 
 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 
 
 ADVISED to walk wifely and circumfpedly towards all men, 
 in the peaceable fpirit of Chrifl: Jefus, giving no offence or occafions 
 to thofe in outward government, nor way to any controverfies, 
 heats, and diftradions of this world, about the kingdoms of it ; 
 but to pray for the good of all, and fubmit all to that divine 
 power and wifdom, which rules over the kingdoms of men. 1 689. 
 
 It is advifed that friends be circumfpe£t, and not make it their 
 bufmefs to difcourfe of the outward powers, but to difcourage all 
 fuch things : and although we gave plain and Chriftian advice 
 and admonition laft year, for friends to beware of all airy dif- 
 courfes, dilputes, and controverfies, about the kingdoms of this 
 world; that all might walk circumfpedlly and wifely, in fubjedlion 
 to the divine and over-ruling power and wifdom of God ; yet 
 contrariwife, to our grief, we have heard too much complaint 
 and refledions, occafioned by fome who have not obfer\'ed a true 
 bridle to their tongues, but have been too bufy, loofc, and airy, 
 in difcourfes of this nature ; and therefore we do exhort and 
 admonifh all fuch in the fear of God, and as they have refped 
 unto his holy truth and innocent people, and their own fafety, to 
 be watchful, careful, and circumfped for the time to come : that 
 none may fufFer as bufy-bodies, or bring fuffering or reproach, 
 or caufe jealoufics to be raifcd upon or againft others that are
 
 i6 CIVILGOVERNMENT. 
 
 Innocent, and fingly defire the prefervation, fafety, and peace of 
 all friends, in truth and innocency towards all men. 1690. W. E. 
 
 3 This meeting was well fatisfied, and very glad, in the fenfe it 
 
 had of the innocency and peaceablenefs of the body of our friends 
 
 in general towards the civil government ; under which we live, 
 
 ,.. .v,!.4. and enioy our prefent liberty in the peaceable exercife of our 
 
 Cond.&Con- . . 
 
 Ters.4. tender confciences towards Almighty God; to whom we are 
 humbly thankful for the fame ; being obliged to demean our- 
 felves, not only as a grateful people, but, as a Chriftian fociety, 
 to live peaceably and inoffenfively under the prefent government, 
 as we have always done under the various revolutions of govern- 
 ment, ever fmce we were a people, according to our ancient 
 principle and pra£lice ; in which we hope we fhall ever perfevere, 
 according as we are enjoined by our peaceable Saviour Jefus 
 Chrift, and the advice of his faithful fervants and minifters among 
 us ; we being a people clear, in the fight of God, from all evil 
 defigns, plots, and confpiracies whatever, and hope we Ihall 
 continue a people always quiet in the land, having nothing but 
 love and good-will to all men. For which end we earneftly 
 defire, that a care may not be wanting among you, for the prefer- 
 vation of our whole fociety, in that innocent life and peaceable 
 converfation, which is agreeable to our Chriftian principle and 
 profcflion ; wherein we have from the beginning found our fafety 
 and peace with God, and him to be our defence ; being fully 
 perfuaded, that this our ancient Chriftian teftimony, publicly 
 owned among us, none can gainfay, nor any faithful friends can 
 ever dechne ; being affured that the Lord will, in his own due 
 time, remove all offences, and caufelefs jealoufies and reproaches, 
 tending to cloud our Innocency, and will fet his own power, and 
 the peaceable kingdom of his dear Son, over all. 1692. W. E.
 
 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. ly 
 
 In regard we have been favoured by government with the / 
 
 enjoyment of our religious liberties, in common with other pro- 
 teftant dilTenters ; and, in an efpecial manner, relieved by the 
 legiflature in I'everal cafes which peculiarly concern us as a people ; 
 we therefore think ourfelves obliged earneftly to advife friends, 
 that they be particularly careful to behave with all dutifulnefs 
 and gratitude ; and efpecially to difcountenance every indecent 
 mark of diifatisfaftion in word or writing, relating to the govern- 
 ment. 1730. P. E. 
 
 We obferve, with great fatisfadion, from the accounts received, ^ 
 
 that friends are generally careful not to defraud the king in any 
 branch of his revenues, nor to deal in goods clandeftinely im- 
 ported : we moft earneftly exhort the fame care may be con- v.No.bvii. 
 tinned with the utmoft diligence, and that friends keep clear of 
 purchafmg any fuch goods, either for fale or private ufe ; from 
 motives of gratitude to the government, and juftice to our fellow- 
 fubjedls. For though wt cannot for confcience fake actively 
 comply with fome things enjoined by human laws, yet the r. MJiitii*. 
 principles we profefs, as well as the Holy Scriptures, require that 
 we fhould " render to Caefar the things that are Csefar's," and 
 be pundlual in the payment of every tribute, which we can juftly 
 do, without adting in oppofition to that facred illumination be- 
 llowed upon us by the Father of Lights ; not only to teach, but 
 alfo to enable us to perform, every duty with uprightnefs and 
 integrity both to God, and to thofe who, in the courfe of his 
 Providence, are placed in authority. 1757. P. E. 
 
 •"" 1 - 
 In order to promote an increafing care in thefe refpe€ls, we 6 
 
 fentreat all duly to confider that by being acceflary, in any degree, 
 
 Tithes, fajf. 
 
 ^.N>.$. 
 
 C
 
 i8 C I V I L G O V E R N M E N T. 
 
 to the continuance of fuch unlawful practices, even by buying 
 for private ufe only, encouragement is given to perjury and 
 
 bloodfhed, the frequent attendants of fmuggling. 1786. W. E. 
 
 7 We think It Incumbent upon us to exhort friends in every 
 
 place, not only to demean themfelves as becomes good and faithful 
 fubjedts, in word and condud: ; but aUo to promote the like 
 fentiments of duty and affedlion among thofe over whom their 
 influence may extend ; and that they avoid being enfnared by 
 the animofities of contending parties, or any thing unbecoming 
 the ftability and uprightnefs of our profelTion, and incompatible 
 with the pure and peaceable fpirit of our holy head, the Lord 
 Jefus Chrift. 1769. P. E. 
 
 S The corrupt and Immoral pradtlces, which have frequently 
 
 attended public elections, are a fcandal to the Chriftian name, 
 and w^ould be very reproachful to any of our profeffion : where- 
 fore, if any amongft us fhould be prevailed upon to become 
 managers or agents in ele£lions, let fuch be vifited, and laboured 
 with, in order to convince them of the hurtful and reproachful 
 confequences that may enfue. 1774. W. E. 
 
 o The principle of truth calls us out of contention, It even feeks 
 
 not its own end by means produdive of animofity ; much lefs 
 therefore fhould Its profefTors indulge themfelves in ftrife, for 
 objeds of a perifhing nature: fuch are the defires of power and 
 advancement,, which are too often the incitements to contefted 
 eledlons ; and were even the purpofe purer, we know the means 
 are polluted. We know that drunkennefs, riot, and confufion, 
 are frequently attendant on thefe contefts ; and how can any in 
 profeffion with us, expofe their minds, which It Is their duty to 
 keep unfpotted of the world, to fuch contamination ! 1 790. W. E.
 
 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 19 
 
 We truft: we are called to fhew forth to the world in life and i o 
 
 praaice, that the bleflcd reign of the Meffiah, the Prince of Peace, *-^^"' 
 is begun ; and we doubt not but it will proceed, till it attain its 
 completion in the earth : when, according to the prophecies of 
 Ifaiah and Micah, " Nation fliall not lift up fword aeainft nation, iraiahi;.4. 
 " neither fhall they learn war any more. ' Influenced by thele 
 principles, we cannot confiftently jo'n with fuch as form combi- 
 nations of a hoftile nature againft any ; much lefs in oppofition 
 to thofe providentially placed, either in fovereign or fubordinate 
 authority ; nor can we unite with, or encourage, fuch as revile 
 and afperfe them: for it is written, " Thou flialt not fpeak evil Aa*xK:ii. 5- 
 " of the ruler of thy people." 1775- P. E. 
 
 As our teflimony hath ever been, and ftill is, againft defrauding 1 1 
 
 the king of any of his cuftoms, duties, or excife ; buying goods, f.c^erhii, 
 reafonably fufpedted to be run ; exporting wool, or any other goods 
 prohibited by law ; or doin^ any other thing whatfoever, to the 
 injury of the king's revenues, or of the common good, or to the 
 hurt of the fair trader; fo if any perfon or perfons under our name 
 and profeffion fhall be known to be guilty of thefe, or any fuch 
 crimes and offences, we do earneftly advife the refpeftive monthly 
 meetings to which fuch offenders belong, that they reprehend 
 and teftify againft fuch offenders, and their unwarrantable, clan- 
 deftine, and unlawful a£tions, and admonifh them to make 
 reftitut'ion for the wrong done to government, and the holy truth 
 profeffed by us. '719. P. E. 
 
 c 2
 
 I 20 J 
 
 CONDUCT and CONVERSATION. 
 
 J IT Is much upon us to put friends in remembrance to keep to 
 
 the ancient teftimony, truth begat in our hearts in the beginning, 
 againft the fpirit of this world ; for which many have fuffered 
 cruel mocklngs, beating, ftoning, 6cc. particularly as to the corrupt 
 fafhions, dealings, and language of the world, their over-reachings 
 and vain jeftings ; that the crofs of Chrift in all things may be 
 kept to, which preferves friends blamelefs, and honours the Lord's 
 name and truth in the earth. 1675. W. E. 
 
 2 Advifed to keep under the leadings and guidance of the Spirit 
 
 o.piainnefs, of truth iu their outward habits, and fafhions thereof; not fufferine 
 the fpirit of the world to get over them, in a luft to be like unto 
 it in things ufelefs and fuperfluous ; left it prevail upon them, 
 by giving a little way to it, till it leads them from the fimplicity 
 and plainnefs that becomes the gofpel ; and fo from one vain 
 liberty to another, till they come to lofe the blefled liberty that 
 is in Chrift, into which they were in a meafure redeemed ; and fall 
 back into the bondage of the world's fpirit, and grow up into the 
 liberty of the fleCh, with the lufts and concupifcence thereof; and 
 fo lofe both their name and place in the truth, as too many have 
 done. 1688. P. E. 
 
 3- Advifed, in God's holy fear to watch againft. and keep out, the
 
 CONDUCT and CONVERSATION. ai 
 
 fplrit and corrupt friendfhip of the world ; and that no fellowfhip 
 may be held or had with the unfruitful works of darknefs, nor 
 therein with the workers thereof: — and to avoid unnecefTary fre- •. Qiieri« 
 quenting of taverns, alehoufes, all loofenefs, excefs, and unpro- 3' !^ /'. ' 
 fitable and idle difcourfes, mif-fpending their precious time and ie'mp,"'i'!M 
 fubftance to the diflionour of truth, and fcandal of our holy 
 profeffion. 1691. W. E. 
 
 Advifcd, that all walk with much clrcumfpeclion, fear, and a 
 
 humility before the Lord, under a fenfe of our prefent outward 
 liberty, and the temporal mercies that have for fome years attended 
 the fame; that our love and fervice for the Lord, and his holy 
 truth and church, may have the preference of our worldly bufmefs 
 in our thoughts, left we Ihould incur his difpleafure, for an 
 ungrateful negleft of our duty and thankfulnefs to him j for it 
 has fometimes pleafed the Lord to deprive his people of the 
 favours they abufe; though he is a God flow to anger, and of 
 long-fuffering towards his children. 1707. P. E. 
 
 Advifed againft a declenfion crept In among us, by unbecoming r 
 
 geftures, in cringing and bowing the body by way of lalutation, 
 which ought not to be taught or countenanced. 17 iS. W. E. 
 
 It is earneftly recommended to all friends, reforting to any of 6 
 
 our annual or other meetings, to be very careful at their inns, or 
 other places where they may lodge or converfe, to be prudent in 
 all manner of behaviour, both in public and private; avoiding 
 all intemperance in eating and drinking, and likewife foolifh •..v. 3*7 
 jefting, or any undue liberty whatfoever; that our converfation, 
 feafoned with the fear of God, may appear corrcfpondent
 
 V. Ci:nv. Per 
 fons 2. ,v 
 
 CONDUCT and CONVERSATION. 
 
 to our profeffion, and anfwer the witnefs of God in others. 
 1731, W. E. — 1801. 
 
 Friends are alfo advlfed to be careful of their condufl: at all 
 times, and on all occafions, that no Humbling- block be laid in 
 the way of honeft inquirers, nor oifence given to tender young 
 
 Matth.v. 16. convinced friends. " Let your light fo fhine before men, 
 " that they may fee your good works, and glorify your Father 
 *' which is in heaven." Let us walk wifely towards thofe 
 
 ,Mod.&Temp. jj^^j 2iXC without, as wcU as thofe within ; let our moderation 
 
 Queries ' 
 
 Z'^Z'Ur' and prudence, as well as truth and juftice, appear to all men, and 
 MfrrlaY?' ^"^ ^^ thiugs, in trading and commerce, in fpeech and communi- 
 Trade,/^j. .^ation, in eating and drinking, in habit and furniture; and, 
 through all, in a meek, lowly, quiet fpirit; that as we profefs to 
 be a fpiritual-minded people, we may appear to be fuch as, 
 being bounded by the crofs of Chrift, (hew forth the power of 
 that divine principle we make profeffion of, by a converfatioii 
 every way agreeable thereunto. 1 73 1 • P. E. 
 
 -8 Seeing it Is evident that evil communications corrupt good 
 
 15. ' ' manners, we recommend with much affedion to our young 
 
 friends, that they be very careful to avoid all fuch company, as 
 
 by a light and vain converfation would tend to alienate their 
 
 minds from the love of virtue and fobriety. 1734. P. E. 
 
 9 It is with much grief and concern, that we obferve in fome a 
 
 declenlion from the way of righteoufnefs and truth, as well 
 V. riainncfs 9. as from the plainnefs of habit, and fimpliclty of fpeech and 
 behaviour, which were fo confplcuous in our early friends, and 
 many of their offspring. This declenfion, we apprehend, arifes 
 from a difregard to the divine light and truth they have often
 
 CONDUCT and CONVERSATION. 
 
 23 
 
 been recommended to, as the regulator of their words and 
 adions. By a careful, confcientious 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 folid deportment, and religious regard to their words ,. Trade j. 
 and adions ; a godly fear refting upon their minds, that the 
 precious truth and principle which they profefTed, and felt the 
 bleffed effedls of, might not fufter reproach from their mifcoadud. 
 The like holy concern now would tend to regulate our youth. 
 This would inRrud them to avoid all pride and affedation, and 
 endue them with humility, modefty, and virtue, which recom- 
 mend to the favour of God, and a good efteem among men. 
 A religious regard to the principle of light and truth, God's 
 witnefs in the mind and heart of man, ever produces the mofl 
 beneficial effeds, as well to fociety in general, as to every one 
 in particular. This would introduce univerfal love, peace,, and 
 concord, among mankind. This would fweeten the bitter fpirit, 
 mollify and affuage the fierce and violent difpofitions of men^ 
 mutually endear relations and friends, and bring all into the unity 
 and fellowfhip of the Holy Spirit ; the fruits whereof, the apoffle 
 declareth, are joy, peace, long-fuffering, brotherly kindnefs, and 
 charity. We do therefore mofl earneflly recommend a ftrid 
 attention to this holy and divine principle, to friends every where, 
 and in a particular manner to the youth of the prefent generation, 
 ^736. P. E. 
 
 We befeech you, in your ordinary converfation among men, 10 
 let your words be few and favoury, and obferve the precept of ■"■ ^'o- '■*• 
 the apoftle, ** Let no corrupt communication proceed out of Eph.ir.19. 
 "your mouth:" fo may your good example, and the gravity and 
 circumfpedion of your condud gnd behaviour, minifler matter
 
 24 CONDUCT and CONVERSATION. 
 
 of juft rebuke to thofe who know not a bridle to their tongue, 
 prov. K. 19. and who feem not fufficiently aware, that " in the multitude of 
 " words there wanteth not fin." 1755. P. E. 
 
 11 Our concern Is to revive a truth which Is worthy of general 
 remembrance, that no affedlation of fmgularity was the caufe of 
 a demeanour both civil and religious in our forefathers, (or in the 
 faithful of this day,) different in many refpe£ts from the condudt 
 of thofe among whom we dwell ; but they, beholding the vanity, 
 unprofitablenefs, and infmcerity of the falutations, cuftoms, and 
 fafhions of the world, and regarding the examples of our bleffed 
 Saviour and his followers, with the frequent teftimonies recorded 
 in holy writ to the neceffity of a felf-denying life and conver- 
 fation, together with the law and the teftimony revealed in their 
 
 Rora-xii. s. hearts, retained In view the injundtion of the apoftle. Not to 
 be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the 
 renewing of the mind, that we " may prove what is that good, 
 " and acceptable, and perfect will of God." May an uprightnefs 
 of heart, as In the fight of God, ever attend this fimpliclty of 
 appearance, that none, by a condudl inconfiftent therewith, may 
 furnifh occafion for the teftimony to be evil fpoken of, or defpifed. 
 1761. P. E. 
 
 1 2 Frequent waiting in ftlllnefs on the Lord for the renewal of 
 ftrength, keeps the mind at home in its proper place and duty, 
 and out of all unprofitable alFocIatlon and converfe, whether 
 amongft thofe of our own, or other profeffions. Much hurt may 
 accrue to the religious mind by long and frequent converfation 
 on temporal matters, efpeclally by interefting ourfelves too much 
 in them ; for there is a leaven therein, which, being fufFered to 
 prevail, indifpofes and benumbs the foul, and prevents its frequent
 
 CONDUCT and CONVERSATION. 25 
 
 afcendings in living alpirations towards the Fountain of eternal 
 life. 1770. P. E. 
 
 We clearly rank the pradice of hunting and fhooting for 13 
 diverfion, with vain fports ; and we believe the awakened mind ^, Queries » 
 may fee, that even the leifure of thofe whom Providence hath ^ ^^' 
 permitted to have a competence of worldly goods, is but ill filled 
 up with thefe amufements. Therefore, being not only account- 
 able for our fubftance, but alfo for our time, let our leifure be 
 employed in ferving our neighbour, and not in diftreffing the 
 creatures of God for our amufement. 1795. W. E. 
 
 Andvid. Civ. Gov. pafi. — Conv. Perfons 5. — Matters, &c. /j/J.— Meet, for Worfli. 13. 
 
 Parents &c. 6. 10. 14- ts" /a//.— Queries a, ^JV: 3,^///. tS" /a/*.--Rem. & Sett. i. 3.9^- 
 Trade, /a//.— War a.— Youth, ^-j/}.
 
 [ 26 ] 
 
 CONVINCED PERSONS. 
 
 1 WE efteem it very neceflary, that young convinced and well 
 inclined perfons and friends, be early vifited in the love of God, 
 by faithful friends ; for their encouragement, help, and furthe- 
 
 . ranee in the truth. lyio. P. E. 
 
 2 For the fake of tender and young convinced friends, an eameft 
 V. No. 3. concern is on the minds of many, that no occafion of ftumbling 
 
 or offence be laid in their v^ay ; but that all fuch as have made 
 longer profeffion of the way of truth, may be careful to walk in 
 all holinefs and uprightnefs of converfation, and in an humble 
 waiting upon the Lord ; that their example may tend to the en- 
 couragement and ftrengthening of thofe who have been more 
 lately vifited, to a fteady and conftant perfeverance in the path 
 into which the Lord hath direded their feet. 1737- P- E. 
 
 2 As we have received comfortable accounts, from divers parts, 
 
 of a convincement amongft the people, fo as to join with us in 
 profeffion ; we earneftly entreat that a holy care may reft upon 
 
 ^^"l^'[^^''' all profeflbrs of truth, to walk circumfpedly as good examples ; 
 
 Worih. 8. jj^^j.^ jjj ^ particular manner, the minifters and elders may carefully 
 watch that their coududt may be to the edification and ftrength 
 of the honeft, though fometimes weak, inquirers.
 
 CONVINCED PERSONS. 27 
 
 And that friends be careful to lay hands fuddenly on no man, v.Nc.s. 
 but diftinguifli between a true Chriftian tendernefs to help the 
 weak, and a hafty reception of thofe under convincement, into 
 membcrfhip with us ; which has often hurt the particulars, by 
 fettling them in a falfe reft, and been veiy Injurious to the repu- 
 tation of the fociety. 1733- W. E. 
 
 We have received accounts, this year as well as In preceding ^ 
 
 years, that divers perfons have joined our fociety by convince- 
 ment. — For you of this defcriptlon, we feel a tender care, that, 
 after admittance Into mcmberlhip, you may not meafure your- 
 felves by others ; nor take up a reft fhort of the true reft. Seek 
 rather an Increafe In the heavenly principle which comes by 
 Jefus Chrift, the true and holy pattern for his flock. Thus 
 only, will your union with us contribute to your advantage ; and 
 thus only, will the increafe of numbers produce an increafe of the 
 joy. 1799. P. E. 
 
 Advifed, that monthly meetings lay hands on no man fuddenly, 5 
 
 nor fpeedily admit any, who may come to friends' meetings as 
 convinced perfons, into memberfliip, efpecially fuch as difcover 
 an earneftnefs for a fpeedy admiflion Into communion with us, 
 without a feafonable time to confider their condud. Let the 
 innocency of their lives and converfatlon hrft be manlfefted, and 
 a deputation of judicious friends be made, to Inquire Into the t,wom.Mfet. 
 fincerity of their convincement of the truth of our religious 
 principles, and let this appear to the fatisfa£lIon of the monthly 
 meeting, previoufly to their admlffion. 1764. 
 
 AnJvii. Meet, for Suff. i J.— Monthly Meet. II. 
 D2 
 
 6, Art. ;■/.
 
 [ 28 ] 
 
 COVETOUSNESS. 
 
 LET none ftrive nor covet to be rich in this world, in thefe 
 changeable thin>;,s that will pafs away i but let your faith ftand 
 in the Lord God who changes not, that created all, and gives 
 the increafe of all. 1676. 
 
 #. Cond. & 
 Converf. t. 
 Queries 
 
 1. Arbitr, 5. 
 
 We do, in the name of the Lord Jefus Chrift, warn and charge 
 all that profefs the truth amongft us, to take heed and beware of 
 covetoufnefs, over-reaching, opprefling, and defrauding of any, 
 from whence ftrife, contention, and law-fuits do often arife ; and 
 if any difference about thefe things do happen among you, to 
 flop and fupprefs it. 1697. P. E. 
 
 V. Cond. ic 
 Converf. J. 
 
 And let all be exhorted to abide under the daily crofs, whereby 
 the earthly mind may be crucified, which hath its delights and 
 eafe in vanity, pride, and covetoufnefs ; that friends, being pre- 
 fcrved out of thofe things wherein the enemy hath had, and has, 
 his kingdom, and too plainly lays his fnares to hinder their holy 
 progrcfs, may every where be more and more a retired, ferious, 
 plain, and felf-denying people ; growing in the grace and know- 
 ledge of God, and our Lord Jefus Chrift, and exalting his fpiritual 
 kingdom in their fouls. 1699. P* ^* 
 
 As our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift exhorted and warned to
 
 COVETOUSNESS. 29 
 
 beware and take heed of covetoufnefs, which is idolatry, we are 
 concerned, that all among us, may take heed of pride, covetouf- 
 nefs, and haftening to be rich in the world, which are pernicious '■'S^'"/"*' 
 and growing evils : let them be watched againft, refifted, and 
 fupprefled in the fear and dread of Almighty God, and have no 
 place or countenance in his camp. 1720. P. E. 
 
 We befeech you to fland upon your guard againll the allure- 5 
 
 ments and temptations of this evil world ; and beware of an ''■^°''" "'"' 
 ambitious and covetous fpirit, by which many are infnared in too 
 eager a purfuit of earthly enjoyments; the danger of which is 
 thus defcribed by the apoftle Paul : *' They that will be rich, fall , tuu. vi.9,10. 
 '* into temptation, and a fnare, and into many foolifh and hurtful 
 " lufts, which drown men in deftrudtion and perdition: for the 
 *' love of money is the root of all evil ; which while fome coveted 
 " after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themfelves 
 ** through with many forrows." Beware therefore, dearly 
 beloved, left: you alfo, being led afide by the love of this world, 
 and the deceitfulnefs of riches, fall from your own ft:edfaft;nefs. 
 1740. P. E. 
 
 The great deception of mankind is, that they look for happl- S 
 
 nefs where it is not ; are infnared by the love of the world, and 
 the deceitfulnefs of riches, which, "while fome coveted after, iXim.vi.io. 
 *' they have erred from the faith ;" have abufed what they fhould 
 have made good ufe of, and hurt themfelves with the means 
 given for the help of others: the love of money fhutting up their 
 hearts from the exercife of charity, in proportion to the fubftance 
 beftowed on them. 1746. P. E. 
 
 /tiiJviJ. Lib. to the Poor j. — Mafters, Jic. 4. — Slave Tr. &c. 10, 1jJ> par. — ^Tradc 7.
 
 [ 30 ] 
 
 DAYS and TIMES. 
 
 1 AD VI S E D, that friends keep to their wonted example and teftl- 
 mony, againft the fuperftitious obfervation of days. 1691. P. E. 
 
 2 That all friends keep to the fimpllclty of truth, and our ancient 
 ■0. No. 3. teftimony, in calling the months and days by fcripture names, and 
 
 Records 3. 1 1 i x n t-. 
 
 not by heathen. 1697. r. E. 
 
 To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in 
 Great Britain, Ireland, and America. 
 
 Dear Friends, 
 
 Purfuant to the dlredions of the laft yearly meeting, 
 In relation to an adl made, the laft feffion of parliament, for regu- 
 lating the commencement of the year, and correfting the calendar 
 now In ufe, this meeting hath thought convenient to communicate 
 unto you the following advices ; 
 
 By the faid a£t It Is ordered and enabled, that the ' fuppu- 
 ' tatlon, according to which the year of our Lord beginneth on 
 
 * the twenty-fifth day of March, fliall not be made ufe of from 
 
 * and after the laft day of December, 1751 ; and that the firft 
 ' day of January next following the faid laft day of December, 
 
 * fliall be reckoned, taken, deemed, and accounted to be the 
 ' firft day of the year of our Lord 1 752,' and fo on, from time
 
 DAYS and TIMES. 
 
 3» 
 
 to time, that * the firft day of January in every year, which 
 
 * fliall happen in time to come, Ihall be reckoned, taken, deemed, 
 
 * and accounted to be the hrft day of the year; aind that each 
 
 * new year fhall accordingly commence, and begin to be 
 
 * reckoned, from the firft day of every fuch month of January.' 
 Firjl. That in all the records and writings of friends, from 
 
 and after the laft day of the Tenth Month, called December, next, 
 the computation of time eftabliflied by the faid a£t, fhould be ob- 
 ferved ; and that accordingly the firft day of the Eleventh Month, 
 commonly called January, next, fhall be reckoned and deemed, 
 by friends, the firft day of the Firft Month of the year 1752, and 
 
 Firft 
 
 Second 
 
 Third 
 
 Fourth 
 
 Fifth 
 
 Sixth 
 
 Seventh 
 
 Eighth 
 
 Ninth 
 
 Tenth 
 
 Eleventh 
 
 Twelfth 
 
 Secondly. And whereas for the more regular computation of 
 time, the fame ad of parliament doth diredl, that the natural 
 day next immediately following the * fecond day of September ' 
 in the year 1752, 'fhall 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 fhould be found in the obfervance of this direction, and 
 omit the faid eleven nominal days accordingly. 
 
 The 
 
 Eleventh 
 
 
 January 
 
 Twelfth 
 
 
 February 
 
 Firft 
 
 
 March 
 
 Second 
 
 
 April 
 
 Third 
 
 
 May 
 
 Fourth 
 
 Month 
 
 June 
 
 Fifth 
 
 called 
 
 July 
 
 Sixth 
 
 
 Auguft 
 
 Seventh 
 
 
 September 
 
 Eighth 
 
 
 Oftober 
 
 Ninth 
 
 
 November 
 
 Tenth 
 
 
 December 
 
 fliall be reck 
 oned and 
 ftyled the 
 
 Month of 
 the next, 
 and every 
 fucceeding 
 Year.
 
 32 D A Y S and T I M E S. 
 
 And we think it may be ufeful and expedient, on the prefent 
 occafion, to revive in your remembrance fome of the motives 
 which induced our ancient friends to forbear the vulgar appellations 
 of the months and days, and to obferve in their converfations and 
 writings fuch names as were agreeable to fcripture, and the prac- 
 tice of good men therein recorded. 
 
 The children of Ifrael, the people whom God chofe out of all 
 the families of the earth to place his name among, and to make 
 himfelf knov/n unto, were-ftridtly commanded, not only to abftain 
 from the idolatrous pradtices of the nations, in the midfl of whom 
 they dwelt, but were enjoined to be circumfped: in all things 
 Exod. xxiii. 13. that the Lord commanded j and even, to make no mention 
 of the name of other gods, neither to let it be heard out of 
 their mouth. This injundtion was not relative to any legal 
 or typical rites, external ceremonies, or Inftitutions of the law 
 peculiar to the Jewiih nation, but was a perpetual command and 
 Handing ordinance, refpedling the honour of the One Almighty 
 Being, the fame yefterday, to-day, and forever; and as fuch ought 
 to be regarded by us, and by all the generations of thofe who 
 with the heart believe, as well as with the tongue confefs, " that 
 Dcut. iv. 35. " the Lord he is God," and that "there is none elfe befides him ;" 
 ifaiah xiii. 8. who hath declared, " I am the Lord; that is my name; and 
 " my glory will I not give to another, neither my praife to 
 " graven images." 
 
 Convinced of this great and everlafting truth, both by the teftl- 
 mony of the Holy Scripture, and the manifeftation of that divine 
 principle, which leads thofe who are faithful to its teachings, 
 from all that would difhonour the name of God, either in word 
 or deed, our ancient friends were confcientioufly concerned to 
 refrain from the ufe of thofe names of months and days, which 
 had been afcribed by way of honour to the Idols of the heathen*
 
 D A Y S and T I M E S. 33 
 
 and in conformity to their falfe worfliips: this concern refted 
 upon them, from a firm perfuafion, that the glorious gofpel 
 day and time was come, wherein the Lord was fulfilling his 
 covenant with Ifi-ael, viz. "I will take away the names of HofoU. 1;. 
 " * Baalim out of Ij'is mouth, and they fliall no more be rcmem- 
 " bered by their name." 
 
 And that you may the more clearly dlfcern the importance of 
 that Chriftian teftimony borne by our predeceflbrs in this cafe, 
 we recommend what follows to your ferious confideration: viz. 
 
 A brief account of the origin of the names of fonie months of 
 the year, and of all the days of the week, now cuftomarily 
 and commonly ufed. 
 
 I. January was fo called from Janus, an ancient king of Italy, 
 whom heathenifli fuperftition had deified, to whom a temple was 
 built, and this month dedicated. 
 
 II. February was fo called from Februa, a word denoting 
 purgation by facrifices ; it being ufual in this month for the priefts 
 of the heathen god Pan to offer facrifices, and perform certain 
 rites j conducing, as was fuppofed, to the cleanfmg or purgation 
 of the people. 
 
 III. March was fo 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 fuppofed to derive its name from the 
 Greek appellation of Venusj an imaginary goddefs worfliipped by 
 the Romans. 
 
 'This wcrd Baalim, being the plural number of Baal, (ignifying Lord, has relation to the nunct of 
 divers idols of the heathen worlhippcd in feveral places, 
 
 E
 
 34 
 
 DAYS and TIMES. 
 
 V. May IS faid to have been fo called from Mala the mother 
 of Mercury, another of their pretended ethnic deities, to whom in 
 this month they paid their devotions. 
 
 VI. June is faid to take its name from Juno, one of the fup- 
 pofed goddeiTes of the heathen. 
 
 VII. July, fo called from Julius Csefar, one of the Roman 
 emperors, Vfho gave his own name to this month, which before 
 was called Qulntilis, or the Fifth. 
 
 VIII. Auguft, fo named in honour of Auguftus Csefar, another 
 of the Roman emperors. This month was before called Sextilis, 
 or the Sixth*. 
 
 The other four months, namely, September, Odober, Novem- 
 ber, and December, ftill 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 
 ufe of them hitherto, as well as from the pradice of the Jews 
 before the Babylonifti captivity f, it feemeth highly probable, that 
 the method of diflinguifhlng the months by their numerical order 
 only, was the moft ancient, as it is the moft plain, fimple, and 
 rational. 
 
 As the idolatrous Romans thus gave names to feveral of the 
 months in honour of their pretended deities : fo the like idolatry 
 prevailing among our Saxon anceftors, induced them to call the 
 days of the week by the name of the idol, which on that day they 
 peculiarly worlhipped. Hence 
 
 The Firft day of the week was by them called Sunday, from, 
 their cuftomary adoration of the Sun upon that day. 
 
 The Second day of the week they called Monday, from tKeir 
 ufual cuftom of worfliipplng the Moon on that day. 
 
 ^Macrob. Saturn. lib. i. cap. it. 
 ^ FU- the Scriptures to tbe Time «f Ezra.
 
 D A Y S and T I M E S. J5 
 
 Tfie Tliird day of the week they named Tuefday, In honour 
 cf one of their idols called Tuifco. 
 
 The Fourth day of the week was called Wednefday, from the 
 appellation of Woden, another of their idols. 
 
 The Fifth day of the week was called Thurfday, 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 goddefs by them worfhipped. 
 
 The Seventh day they ftyled Saturday, as is fuppofed from 
 Saturn, or Seater, by them then worfhipped*. 
 
 In the ages of popilh fuperftition, not only the ufe of fuch 
 heathenifh names and cuftoms were indulged, but alfo other 
 unfound and unfcriptural pradices in religion were invented and 
 introduced. For when the profeflion of the Chriftian religion 
 became national, multitudes of the heathen priefts, whofe Intereft 
 lay in the performance of rites, ceremonies, and facrifices, 
 embraced prevailing Chriftianity with felfifh views ; and laboured 
 early, with too much fuccefs, to find employment for themfelves, 
 by impofmg on the people a new fet of ceremonies and facrifices, 
 bearing fome refemblance to thofe, which in their former ftatc 
 of heathenifm they had been accuftomed to. From this corrupt 
 fource fprang the popifh facrifice of the mafs, the celebration of 
 which, at particular times, and on particular occafions, gave rife 
 to the vulgar names of Michaelmas, Martinmas, Chriftmas, and 
 the like. 
 
 Seeing therefore that thefe appellations and names of days, 
 months, and times, are of an idolatrous or fuperftitious original, 
 contrary to the divine command, the pradtice of good and holy 
 
 • Kid, Verftegan, and Shcringham. 
 £ 2
 
 3^. 
 
 BAYS and TIMES. 
 
 men in former ages, and repugnant to the Chriftlan teftimony 
 borne by our faithful friends and predecefTors in the truth, for 
 the fake of which they patiently endured many revilings; let 
 neither the reproach of Angularity, nor the fpecious realbnings 
 of fuch as would evade the crofs of Chrift, turn you afide from 
 the fimplicity of the gofpel ; nor difcourage you from keeping to 
 the language of truth, in denominating the months and days 
 according to the plain and fcriptural way of expreffion: thereby 
 following the example of our worthy elders, and coming up in a 
 noble and honourable teftimony againft thefe, and all other 
 remains of idolatry and fuperftition. 
 
 From the Meeting for Sufferings in London, 
 the fixth day of the Seventh Month, 175 1. 
 
 There being fome difagreement In the condu£l of friends, 
 
 refpedling the obfervance of days appointed by the government 
 
 for fifts, and the illumination of the windows of their houfes, 
 
 upon what are called rejoicing nights; which not only affords 
 
 occafion of triumph to the enemies of truth, but likewife increafes 
 
 the weight of the fufferings of fuch friends as are confcientioully 
 
 concerned to maintain inviolably our ancient and Chriftian 
 
 teftimony in thefe refpedts ; it is defired and advifed by this 
 
 meeting, that wherever a defedion of this kind appears, fome 
 
 friends treat with the unfaithful herein, in a fpirit of love and 
 
 tendernefs, in order that fuch may be awakened to a ferious 
 
 confideration of their duty, and encouraged to a faithful difcharge 
 
 thereof. 1759. — 1801. 
 
 As the merciful vifitations of the God of all grace are ftill
 
 DAYS and T I M E S. 
 
 n 
 
 renewed, through Jefus Chrlfl: our Lord, by him to reconcile 
 
 all things unto himfelf, let us receive with meeknefs the ingrafted 
 
 word, which is able to fave our fouls ; that we may experience 
 
 an advancement in the w^ork of redemption from the lufts of this 
 
 world, and our minds be ellablifhed in peace. And as we are 
 
 preferved in a conftant fenfe of his juflice, wifdom, and mercy, 
 
 we fhall fear always, and therein fall acceptably to the Lord ; and 
 
 being enabled to wafh our hands in innocency, may compafs the 
 
 altar of God ; and, under thefe neceflary qualifications, pour forth 
 
 our fouls before him, for the enlargement of his kingdom on 
 
 earth, and the increafe of that righteoufnefs which exalts a 
 
 nation. An humble and grateful fenfe of the mercies of our 
 
 heavenly Father, every way extended, will alfo remain with us, 
 
 and fill our hearts with thankfgiving and praife to himfelf; a tribute 
 
 ever due to him from all his people, and to be acknowledged 
 
 with the deepeft folemnity; not with thofe tumultuous demon- 
 
 ftrations of joy. Which are often attended with rioting and 
 
 drunkennefs ; and inftead of being acceptable to a holy, pure 
 
 God, rather tend to increafe the weight of national tranfgreffions. 
 
 Let us therefore be found worfliippers within the temple, and 
 
 be cautious how any of us give occafion of additional fuffering to ^. Tithes i. 
 
 the truly confcientious amongft us, by any compliance with fuch 
 
 obfervations, as our worthy anceftors were rightly concerned to 
 
 bear teftimony againft. 1759. P. E. 
 
 Aadtid. PLunncft,/^.— Qticrics j, ^ JV. 3, ^III- S> ^ y- — Suff. 7. 
 
 War 4.
 
 I 3S ] 
 
 DEFAMATION and DETRACTION. 
 
 1 ADVISED to watch againft all tale-bearing and defaming of 
 friends or others, or evil-fpeaking tending thereunto ; and to fhut 
 out all occafions of offences, contentions, and divifions, and put a 
 fpeedy flop thereto, paffing righteous judgment upon all who 
 appear inftruihents of divifions and offences, contrary to that 
 peaceable truth and gofpel we profefs to be guided by. Be kind, 
 
 T.Love&uuity, and tender-hearted, one to another, earneftly labouring for uni- 
 verfal love, union, and peace, in our religious fociety. 
 
 But when any hath received offence from another, let him firfl 
 fpeak privately to the party offending, and endeavour reconcilia- 
 tion between themfelves: — and not to whifper, or aggravate 
 matters againft one another, behind the back, to the making of 
 parties, and the breach wider. 1692. P. E. — 1689. P. E. 
 
 2 Let thofe juft and ancient commands of God be obferved, 
 Levit. six. 16, *' Thou {halt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy 
 Ciod. xxui. I. " people j" and, "Thou fhalt not raife a falfe report." In the 
 
 fear of the Lord ftand againft all whifperers, backbiters, tale- 
 bearers, defamers, and flanderers; and againft all whifperings, 
 backbitings, tale-bearing, reproaching, and flandering, and put 
 a fpeedy ftop thereto, as much as in you lies : for fuch works 
 of darknefs and envy tend to divifion and difcord, and the 
 righteous law of God goes againft both the authors, fomenters, 
 receivers, and encouragers thereof. 1695. P. E.
 
 DEFAMATION and DETRACTION. $f 
 
 If you hear a report of a friend (to his difadvantage) be careful 3 
 
 not to report it again, bur. go to the perfon of whom the report ""'^"yjj/^ 
 is, and inquire if it be true, or not ; and if it be true, then deal 
 with fuch perfon for it, according to the dodrine of Chrift, in 
 Matth. xviii. 16, 17: but if falfe, then endeavour, as much as 
 in you Hes, to flop fuch report ; for, as Solomon fays, " A good p„v. xxi;. i. 
 " name Is rather to be chofen than great riches." 171 9. P. E. 
 
 The prefervation of love is a duty in every ftate of religious 4 
 
 attainment ; and did we faithfully obferve the great Mafter's pre- 
 cept of doing to others as we would they fhould do to us, its 
 praftice would be eafy. Detradllon and enmity would then be 
 deftroyed in the feed, and that excellent Chriftian charity, recom- 
 mended by the Apoftle, prevail over all. 1789. P. E. 
 
 It is the advice of this meeting, that any perfon charged with 5 
 
 defamation or fcandal, ought to be proceeded againft in the manner, 
 and by the fcveral fteps following: 
 
 Firft, the perfon defamed, or fuppofed to be defamed, in his 
 own perfon, or any other to whom the knowledge of the cafe 
 fliall come, to go to the accufed and tell him his fault, or fuppofed 
 fault, between them alone ; and, by the beft method he is capable 
 of, to labour to convince him of it, In order to his acknowledgment 
 of the truth, and repentance, if he appears to be guilty. But if 
 tlie accufed fliall appear, either through ignorance not to appre- 
 hend the validity of the proof, or through wilfulnefs not to yield 
 to it, or being convinced, fliall refufe to make fuch fatisfadion as 
 the nature of the cafe requues (that being the confequence of 
 true repentance) ; in fuch cafe the accufer to take with him one or 
 two more of the monthly meeting the accufed belongs to, if It 
 may be conveniently done j and if the accufed thinks fit, he may
 
 4® D E F A M A T I O N and D E T R A C T I O N. 
 
 bring with him one or tvv'o friends alfo of the fame monthly- 
 meeting, if it may be conveniently done ; and they together, in 
 the wifdom of God, to endeavour to obtain the true knowledge 
 of the cafe, by hearing witnefles, if there be occafion. And if 
 they all judge him guilty, and he doth not make fatisfadion ; or 
 if they do not all agree that he is innocent ; in either of thefe 
 cafes happening, the perfon charging is at liberty to bring the 
 matter before the church, who are the only judges now remaining, 
 both of the nature of the fad, and the validity of the proof of it; 
 and they, in the wifdom of God, which we hope will not be 
 wanting to his church, as they humbly wait on him for it, to 
 deal with the accufed perfon for the good ends before mentioned, 
 and as they fee caufe upon a mature and deliberate confideration, 
 to juftify or condemn him. And if the church fhall fee meet 
 to commit the confideration of a cafe of this nature, for better 
 difpatch, to certain perfons of their own body, we recommend it as 
 our tender advice, in cafe the accufed fhall object againft one or' 
 more of the friends fo chofen, that the church have a due regard 
 to fuch objedion ; and fet afide the perfon or perfons fo objedted 
 againfV, and fubftitute another, or others, in his or their room ; 
 provided fuch objedlion doth not extend to the major part of the 
 fi lends fo chofen: and in general we defire all tendernefs and 
 regard maybe had to a perfon under fuch circumftances; and 
 that friends, in a fpirit of love and condefcenfion, fhould be ready 
 to make him as eafy as they can, provided they keep up the 
 authority of their meetings. 
 
 Namelefs books, pamphlets, and papers, refledting darkly on 
 friends, are teftihed againft ; and it is defired that no fuch book, 
 pamphlet, or paper be written, printed, publilhed, or privately 
 handed about, by any under our profeflion, for the time to come. 
 1718.
 
 DEFAMATION and DETRACTION. 41 
 
 Whereas it may happen, that fome friends may fuffer much in 6 
 
 their reputation and character by a detracting fpirit, which too 
 much prevails among fome bearing our name; who fhelter them- 
 felves under a pretence that they fay no more than they have 
 heard from others, but will not difcover who they are j where- 
 fore, to prevent this evil of reporting and tale-bearing, it is 
 agreed, that fuch reporters or tale-bearers fhall either difcover 
 their authors, or be dealt with, and teftified againft, as the authors 
 thereof. 1 744. 
 
 Aid vid- Arbitr. 9, la/I far.— Mia. & Eld. &c. 4, la/ far. 9.— (^leriet i, ^ UI. 3, ^ //".
 
 [ 4? ] 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 AND 
 
 MEETINGS for DISCIPLINE. 
 
 v.Wom. Meet. 
 
 . iMonthlf 
 Meet. 8. 
 
 I T is our judgment and teflimony, in the word of God's 
 wifdom, that the rife and pradice, fetting up and eftablifhment of 
 men's and women's meetings, in the church of Chrift in this our 
 generation, is according to the mind and counfel of God, and 
 done in the ordering and leading of his eternal Spirit; and 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 blefled work; and particularly that friends and 
 brethren in their refpedive counties encourage their faithful and 
 grave women in the fettlement of the faid meetings. 
 
 Advifed, that the church's teftimonies and judgments againft 
 diforderly and fcandalous walkers, as alfo the repentance and 
 condenmation of the parties reftored, be recorded in the refpedive 
 monthly meetings, for the clearing of truth, friends, and our 
 holy profeflion: to be produced and publifhed by friends for that 
 end and puipofe, fo far only as in God's heavenly wifdom they 
 ftiall fee needful. • 
 
 And it is alfo our advice in the love of God, that after any
 
 M E E T I N G S for D I S C I P L I N E. 43 
 
 friend's repentance and reftoration, he abiding faithful in the 
 truth that condemns the evil, none among you fo remember his 
 tranfgreflion, as to caft 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 peace- 2 
 
 able wifdom and fpirit of our Lord Jefus Chrift; not driving, 
 but bearing one with and for another; that the power of Chrift 
 may reft upon you, and rule in all your affemblies. 1696. P. E. 
 
 Keep all your meetings, as well thofe for good order, charity, 3 
 
 and Chriftian difcipline, as thofe fet apart entirely for the worfhip 
 of God, in his love, and in the name, power, and peaceable fpirit 
 of his dear Son Jefus Chrift, which is the alone true authority 
 of all our meetings; for without him we can do nothing; and in 
 his blefled power, ftand faft in righteous judgment over all unruly 
 and diforderly fpirits, that would break in upon the good order 
 and difcipline fettled among us; as well as over all thofe that feek 
 to lay wafte the teftimony of truth, and caufe the offence of the 
 crofs to ceafe. 1700. P. E. 
 
 Our monthly aiid quarterly meetings being fet up by the 4 
 
 power and in the wifdom of God, which is the authority of thofe 
 meetings, all friends are tenderly defired and advifed, carefully to 
 keep to, and in, that authority; and therein manage all the bufi- 
 nefs and affairs of the faid meetings, in difcharge of their duty 
 to God and his church; and not expedl or depend upon this 
 meeting for particular diredtion from time to time, how they 
 Ihall proceed in the management of the concerns of thofe meet- 
 ings, relating to truth's teftimony and fervice; but wait for, and 
 
 depend upon, the power and wifdom of God for couufcl and 
 
 F 2
 
 44 D I S C I P L I N E, and 
 
 diredllon in fuch matters and cafes as may come before them; 
 which will be to the great eafe of this meeting, and difpatch of 
 the proper concerns thereof. 
 
 And let the man's part, and natural wifdom and attainments, be 
 fubjeft to the power and fpirit of God, which will truly edify the 
 body in love, righteoufnefs, and peace. 
 •.itfi.nts^M. It is recommended unto faithful friends, to watch over the 
 flock of Chrift in their refpedlive places; that they faithfully and 
 diligently walk up to the teftimony of the bleffed truth, to which 
 the Lord hath gathered us in this latter age of the world ; that fo 
 where any are found fhort, weak, or faulty, they may be ad- 
 monifhed and fought in the fpirit of love, which is the fpirit of 
 the gofpel; and divine charity, wherein mercy is not only mixed 
 with judgment, but may appear overall our works; that fo it 
 may be feen by all, that church-love abounds before church- 
 cenfure comes, and that a gofpel-fpirit is the fpring and motive 
 to all our performances, as well in difcipline as worlhip. 1 703. 
 P.E. 
 
 5 So will all be done in a holy awe, reverence, and humility, 
 and none will intrude themfelves into things too high for them, 
 nor exalt themfelves above their proper growths and ftations in 
 the church, whether they be elder or younger; but felf, (that 
 great mountain which Hands fo much in oppofition to the crofs 
 of Chrift, and his love and peace in the church,) will be abafed, 
 and the Lord alone exalted among his people. 1706. P. E. 
 
 6 Recommended, that friends concerned in meetings for bufi- 
 nefs, do labour to know their own fpirits fubjeded 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
 
 M E E T I N G S for D I S C I P L I N E. 45 
 
 therein they may all labour to find a nearncfs to each other in 
 I'pirit : this being the true way to a thorough reconciliation, 
 wherever there is, or hath been, any difference of apprehenfion. 
 Hereby friends will be preferved in that fweetnefs of fpirit, that 
 is, and will be, the bond of true peace throughout the churches of 
 Chrift. 1 7 17. P. E. 
 
 Advifed, that nothing be done through ftrife and contention, or 7 
 
 •V, A». 13 
 
 vain glory, murmuring or difputing ; but in the fpirit of meek- 
 nefs, love, and humility carry yourfelves towards one another : 
 and ye younger brethren, endeavour to know your places, as 
 living members of one body, and preferve a due regard to youir 
 elders in Chrift Jefus. 1718. P. E. 
 
 Advifed to a cementing in a very clofe and brotlierTy fellow- 8 
 
 fhip one with another in the divine Spirit ; and therein to watch 
 againft all occaiion of difcord, or breach of unity, in any quarterly, 
 monthly, or particular meeting; to the end Sion may continue a 
 quiet habitation, the glory and prefence of God reft and remain 
 on her, and the fpirit and do*Strine of the gofpel be lived in 
 and maintained. And we alfo recommend, that fuch friends as 
 are concerned in the affairs of the church, in quarterly or monthly 
 meetings, be careful to a£t therein in the wifdom of Godj 
 whereby they will be exemplary to the young : and as fuch 
 young perfons are found to be qualified with a real fenfe of truth 
 upon their fpirits, and fubjedtion thereunto, and thereby made 
 capable to come up to a fervice in their refpedlive meetings, 
 friends are defired to encourage and bring them forward therein; 
 whereby they may be helpful to the ancients, and brought up in 
 a life of righteoufnefs, to walk and adl to the praife of God's 
 holy name ; and, ftanding in their lot, may fupply the place of
 
 4^ 
 
 DISCIPLINE, and 
 
 lO 
 
 II. Ye;irly 
 Meet. 3. 
 
 •u. Queries 
 2, ^/. 
 
 .1. ii^^- 
 s. Si II- 
 
 the elders ia fuch meetings, through the fame fpirlt, when they' 
 are gone. 1722. P. E. 
 
 Advlfed, that friends, In meetings of bufmefs, watch over their 
 ownfpirits; that no indecent warmth get in, whereby the under- 
 ftanding may be hurried, and hindered from a regular judgment 
 on the affairs before the meeting. 1724. P, E. 
 
 As the promotion of piety and charity is the end and intent of 
 our meetings for the difcipUne of the church, a weighty concern 
 refts upon us, that friends be careful diligently to attend thofc 
 meetings ; and, when there, to adt in the wifdom given them of 
 God, with a real and living fenfe of truth upon their fpirits ; 
 that fo the affairs of the church may be carried on in brotherly 
 love ; and in that fweet, calm, and Chriftian difpofition of mind, 
 which tends to the mutual comfort and edification one of ano- 
 ther, and of the church in general. ^JZ2>' P* E. 
 
 II 
 
 /. Ko. 4. '''/ 
 
 par. 
 No. 14. 
 Queries 8, 
 AJ-J. VIII. 
 
 We earneftly exhort all friends and brethren, that, under a 
 living concern of fpirit for the honour of God and welfare of his 
 people, they diligently watch over one another for good: and' 
 where any weaknefs or unfaithful nefs, touching any branch of 
 our Chriftian teftimony, appears in any making profeflion with 
 us, let fuch be timely and tenderly advifed, and in the wifdom of 
 truth ftirred up to their duty. 1734. P- E. 
 
 12 It is earneftly recommended, as a means very conducive to 
 
 the prefervation of friends a people of one heart and one way, 
 for the good of themfelves and their children after them, that the 
 difcipline of the church, in the feveral meetings inftituted for 
 that purpofe, be kept up and managed in a fpirit of love and
 
 M E E T I N G S for D I S C I P L I N E. 47 
 
 wifdom. Let all things in thofc meetings be done with chanty ; 
 let the love of God, in an efpecial manner, rule in your hearts ; 
 and therein, though fometimes different fentiments may arife, 
 yet will every member have the fame thing in view, viz. the 
 glory of God, and the good of his church and people ; and in 
 this fmglenefs of heart, will beft promote the great end and 
 fervices of thofe meetings. We advife therefore, upon this 
 occafion, that nothing be done through ftrife and contention, or 
 from any private views, or by the influence of numbers ; but in 
 lowlinefs of mind, let each efteem another better than himfelf. 
 1735. P. E. 
 
 We tenderly exhort, that In all your meetings for the difcipline 13 
 
 of the church, you wait in humility to have your own fpirits 
 brought into a holy fubjedtion to the Spirit of Chrift ; that 
 thereby you may be duly qualified for the work and fcrvice con- 
 ducive to the building up of his church ; in which work all who 
 are engaged, fliould be men of upright hearts, and clean hands, ^ j^^_ j^ 
 lightly prepared for the fervice they undertake. 174B. P. E. ^Z",''^ 
 
 The want of a due concern to deal with fuch as walk incon- 14 
 fiftently with our holy profeflion, and are unfaithful in refpedl to '"■ ^-^f' '■'■fl 
 our Chrirtian teftimony, being but too obvious, an early and 
 •diligent care over fuch is earneftly recommended ; and we do 
 defire, that all who have at heart the honour of God, and pro- 
 fperity of truth, would be ftirred up to difcharge this ncceffary 
 part of Chriftian duty in their refpeflive ftations. Timely 
 caution may often prevent unhappy effefts ; and a brotherly care 
 over luch as aie in danger of receiving hurt, may be rewarded 
 with the fecret fatisfadion of being made inftrumental in their 
 prefervation., 
 
 A'o II.
 
 4? D I S C I P L I N E, and 
 
 Greatly would the Chriftian difcipHne eftabllfticd amongft us 
 (if thus exerted In divine wifdom and zeal) contribute to prevent 
 the growing evils, and hurtful liberties of various kinds, which 
 appear in too many places, to the diflionour of God, the grief of 
 good men, and the reproach of our holy profeffion. 
 
 But if individuals negled; their duty, grow cool in their love 
 to God, and lofe that hunger after divine virtue and inward 
 fupport, to live to his praife and their own comfort, which is the 
 certain effed: of his vifitation, wherever it is embraced ; how can 
 a proper concern for the good of others, and for the profperity 
 of truth, have due place in their minds ; or be properly exerted 
 by thofe who are not enough engaged to feel after the Increafe 
 of its bleffed effeds for themfelves ? 
 
 As this neglect of fteadily applying and waiting for heavenly 
 virtue and ability to difcharge the duties required of us, is the 
 fource of lofs and decay to particulars, with refpe£t to a growth 
 in religion ; fo the fame unhappy effedis are communicated to 
 the body, and, where this is the cafe, evidently difcover themfelves 
 in a difregard to difcipline, and the want of a proper concern for 
 the good order of the church. 
 
 Let all therefore be excited to labour, in a fpirit of fervent 
 iiharity, with fuch as may be in danger of falling into things inju- 
 rious to their peace, and tending to the diihonour of our Chriftian 
 profeflion ; Q) that in thus exercifing a tender care and watch- 
 fulnefs over one another, for mutual edification, we may approve 
 ourfelves faithful, juft, and true, in the fight of God ; and examples 
 of temperance, patience, purity, and holinefs before men ; to the 
 praife of the Moft High, the comfort of his people, and our own 
 eternal happinefs. 1750. W. E. 
 
 15 We entreat the elders amongft you to abide in that power that
 
 M E E T I N G S for D I S C I P L I N E. 40 
 
 gives dominion over all corrupt fpirits ; and in meeknefs and con- 
 defcenfion to feek to recover that which is ftrayed ; that when 
 the great Shepherd ftiall appear, you may receive your reward. 
 1751. W. E. 
 
 In order to unite us the more nearly one to another, as members 1 6 
 of the fame body, and to ftrengthen our hands to promote the 
 general caufe of truth, it is recommended to friends to ftand open 
 to the leadings of the love of God through Jefus Chrift our Lord j 
 and when they feel drawings in their minds to fit with any of 
 their neighbouring monthly or quarterly meetings, that they 
 attend thereto ; and that fuch monthly and quarterly meetings 
 as are fo vifited, receive fuch as they know to be well approved 
 at home, in the love of God, and not look upon them as in- 
 truders : fo fhall mutual help be given and received amongft us, 
 and we truly be a people led by one and the fame fpirit. 1759. 
 
 Let a neceflary inquiry be raifed in the minds of all members 17 
 of the church, who have had any part of the Lord's work upon 
 them, how they have acquitted themfelves therein, and difcharged 
 themfelves in the fight of God ; forafmuch as a day comes on 
 apace, in which an account of our ftewardfhip will be required 
 at our hands. The difcipline of the fociety, in fome places at % 
 low ebb, would again be revived and firengthened, if this awful 
 fenfe of rendering an account of our truft, and the importance of 
 being clear from the blood of all men, were enough imprefled 
 upon all minds. And, dear friends, as it is the Lord's work, let 
 it be done as in his fieht. Let all our anfwers to this meeting's, * ^"'"^■ 
 and other queries, be plain and explicit. Let a due fenfe of the *'• ^9- 
 ftate of the church prevail on your minds, rather than an un- 
 
 G
 
 so 
 
 DISCIPLINE, and 
 
 wlllingnefs to appear deficient among your brethren. May a 
 fuitable engagement of mind prevail on all the adtive members 
 of the church, to acquit themfelves with faithfulnefs, that they 
 may at laft receive the crown of righteoufnefs, which will never 
 fade away. 1760. W. E. 
 
 18 
 
 *. Min.&Eld. 
 &c. 
 
 ai.22. 23. 
 Monthly 
 Meet. 
 3, %Jfar. 
 
 This meeting recommends, that in the appointment of elders, 
 age or wealth may not be inducements to your choice ; but that 
 fuch as fear God, and love his truth in fmcerity, may be nomi- 
 nated for that fervice ; who, being of clean hands, may comfort 
 the feeble-minded, and reprove the unruly with proper weight. 
 1761, 
 
 19 
 
 . Parents, &c. 
 IS- 
 
 X Tim. iii.j. 
 
 A concern hath been fpread amongft us, that the management 
 of our Chriftian difcipline be not committed to hands unclean ; 
 particularly that fuch Ihould not be aftive therein, who allow, 
 or connive at, undue liberties in their own children or families. 
 " If a man," faid the apoftle, " know not how to rule his own 
 " houfe, how fhall he take care of the church of God ?" And 
 we particularly defire that thofe, who from their experience and 
 ftations, ought to lead fuch to greater circumfpedion, do not 
 encourage their remilTnefs, by putting them improperly forward 
 into fervice. 1795. W. E. 
 
 20 
 
 1/, Meet, for 
 Worlh. 7. 
 Scriptures 
 3.6. 
 
 If there be any fuch grofs errors, falfe dodrines, or mlftakes, 
 held by any profeffing truth, as are either againft the validity of 
 Chrift's fufferings, blood, refurredlion, afcenfion, or glory in the 
 heavens, according as they are fet forth in the fcriptures ; or 
 any ways tending to the denial of the heavenly man Chrift; fuch 
 perfons ought to be diligently inftrudled and admonifhed by
 
 MEETINGS for DISCIPLINE. 51 
 
 faithful friends, and not to be expofed by any to public reproach ; 
 and where the error proceeds from ignorance and darknefs of 
 their underRanding, they ought the more meekly and gently to 
 he informed : but if any {hall wilfully perfifl: in error in point of 
 faith, after being duly informed, then fuch to be further dealt 
 with according to gofpel order ; that the truth, church, or body 
 of Chrift, may not fuffer by any particular pretended member 
 that is fo corrupt. 1 694. W. E. 
 
 We earneftly recommend to meetings, to allow fufficient time 2 1 
 for tranfa£ting the important bufmefs which may come before 
 them, and to avoid unneceffary adjournments to diftant times and 
 places ; but when the bufmefs cannot be properly accomplilhed 
 at one fitting, that the adjournments may be held on the fame 
 or next fucceeding day. 1787. — 1801. 
 
 jinJ vid. Appeals 1 2. — Deram. & Detr. 3. — Marriage 11, 27 Es" Tidfar. — Meet, for Suff. Jj. 
 
 Mm. & Eld. &c. 27, zd far. ig— Monthly Meet. />a/}.—Qiieric» 2. ^. Jr7. X/A'. 3, ^IX. 
 8, Adi,. IK— Tkh^i 18, 4^/>ar.— Trade 10.— Wora. Meet. 4.5. 6.
 
 [ 5* ] 
 
 FAMILY-VISITS. 
 
 FORASMUCH as a godly care is growing among friends In 
 many places, that all things which are unfavoury and hurtful 
 may be removed; fo that all who profefs the precious truth -with 
 us, may come up together in the good order of the gofpel ; for 
 the furthering thereof, and encouraging thereto, it is recom- 
 mended that weighty and fenfible friends, of unblamable con- 
 verfation, be chofen in the wifdom of God to vifit the families 
 of friends In his love ; and they are defired to advife and admo- 
 nifh, in the peaceable fpirit of truth, as occafion may offer. 
 1708. P.E. 
 
 This meeting being under a weighty concern and exercife, on 
 obferving that the many wholefome advices, recommended from 
 year to year, are in too many places either neglected, or not 
 enough pradlifed ; particularly thofe againft tithes, church-rates fo 
 called, and priefts' maintenance; alfo about keeping up to juftice in 
 dealing, plainnefs of habit and fpeech, and feveral other branches 
 of our Chriftian teftimony ; we therefore again recommend to 
 friends In their feveral monthly meetings, to take efpecial care to 
 appoint proper, prudent, and judicious friends, to vifit their 
 brethren in their families, purfuant to former advices ; and that 
 fuch friends labour faithfully in a fpirit of love, and in the meek- 
 nefs of wifdom, to convince the judgments of their refpedtive
 
 FAMILY-VISITS. 53 
 
 members, of the neceflity of their coming up with their brethren 
 in pradice, agreeable to our Chriftian principle ; that fo the 
 feveral branches of the teftimony, which truth hath given our 
 ancients and us to bear, may be maintained inviolate. 1733. 
 
 J) 
 
 And we befeech you, brethren, let the tender advice of fuch as 
 fhall undertake fo brotherly an office, meet with a kind and open 
 reception, that in the mutual giving and receiving of wholefome 
 counfel and advice, you may co-operate to the help and furthe- 
 rance of each other's faith, and the reviving of our ancient 
 Chriftian teftimony. 1752. P. E. 
 
 A weighty concern being livingly imprefled on our minds In 4 
 
 this meeting, that good fervice may arife from vlfiting the families 
 of our brethren, by rightly concerned friends, we are engaged 
 to recommend to the feniible 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 wray, they 
 may promote this ufeful fervice in their refpedive meetings, by 
 appointing fuitable friends, of either or both fexes, who are de- 
 fired to proceed therein in the love of the gofpel, and under the 
 tendering influence thereof; which we have good caufe to hope 
 may thus be attended with beneficial efFedls to the vifited ; and 
 with folid fatisfadion, and additional experience in the work of 
 truth, to thofe who may be engaged therein. 1773. 
 
 Let the Chriftian duty of vlfiting the fick be timely remem- 5 
 
 bered and pradtifed ; it having often left comfort, eafe, and 
 fweetnefs upon the fpirits of many, to their very end. — Alio to ». Monthly 
 be careful in due time to take the weighty teftimonies of dying 
 friends. 17 10. P. £► 
 
 jtuJvid, Parcsts, &c. 7, lajlfar.
 
 [ 54 ] 
 
 GAMING. 
 
 THIS meeting has been deeply afFeded with the reproach 
 brought on truth and friends, by the mifcondudt of fome under 
 our name, who, through an evil covetoufnefs, have engaged ia 
 illegal dealings in the public ftocks, or government fecurities ; 
 which is a fpecies of gaming, and altogether inconfiftent with 
 our religious principles. In order therefore to prevent, as much 
 as may be, fuch difgraceful pradices, we do advife, that where 
 any member of our fociety is found to be guilty thereof, either 
 as principal, agent, or broker, monthly meetings do not fail 
 tenderly to advife and deal with fuch ; and if they cannot bring 
 him to a fenfe of his mifcondudl, and induce him to relinquifli 
 the practice, to teftify againft and difown him. 1788. 
 
 Andiiid. Queries i, ^ FI. 3, ^ F. 8, Ad-^. FJI.—Yovth i.
 
 [ 5S ] 
 
 GRAVE-STONES. 
 
 THIS meeting being informed, that friends in fome places 
 have gone into the vain cuftom of creding monuments over the 
 dead bodies of friends, by ftones, infcriptions, &c. it is therefore 
 the advice of this meeting, that all fuch monuments fhould be 
 removed, as much as may be with difcretion and conveniency; 
 and that none be any where made or fet up, near, or over, the 
 dead bodies of friends or others, in friends' burying-places for 
 time to come. 17'7.« 
 
 This meeting being informed, that fince the advice formerly 
 iflued, in order to excite friends to a proper regard to our tefti- 
 mony againft grave-ftones, divers have accordingly been removed; 
 and being dcfirous that the revival of this concern may be effec- 
 tual, we earneftly recommend the removal of them may become 
 general. 1766.
 
 r 56 ] 
 
 LIBERALITY to the POOR. 
 
 1-, IT is defired that fuch among friends as are endowed with 
 
 plenty of outward fubftance, be timely and tenderly advifed to 
 do good therewith, ia their day and generation, efpecially with 
 regard to the poor ; that the tokens of your charity may be good 
 precedents to generations to come. 1696. P. E. 
 
 2 That the rich remember the poor, and do good in their life- 
 „ Wills &c. *^"™^ 5 ^"^> ^f they make any fettlement for the ufe of the poor, 
 
 *'^' take advice and counfel, that friends may not be deprived of 
 
 their charity; but that it may be firm, and according to law. 
 1696. 
 
 3 We find ourfelves at this time engaged to requeft that friends 
 in any part of this kingdom, or other places, where provifions 
 and the neceffaries of life are dear and fcarce, or ficknefs doth 
 remarkably afflid, would, in proportion to fuch fcarcity and 
 afflidion, exert their charitable affiftance to the poor ; which is 
 our Chriftian duty, as ftewards of the many mercies wherewith 
 the Lord has intruded us. 1729. P. E. 
 
 4 " Let your moderation be known unto all men." Warn tliofe 
 
 .Phu.iv. 5. tj^at are rich in this world, that they apply not the bleflings of 
 
 God to the indulging of their appetites in pleafure and vanity ;
 
 LIBERALITY to tlie POOR. • ^j 
 
 but that they be ready to do good, and to communicate, to 
 the relief of thofe who are in nccefTity. The principal if not 
 only fatIsfa£tion, a man of a truly Chriflian difpofition can have 
 in the affluence and increafe of the things of this world, muft 
 arlfe from the greater opportunities put into his hands of doing 
 good therewith. But, alas! it is a mod melancholy refie^lion to 
 obferve, that the very fuperflulties of the apparel of one perfon 
 might fometimes be fufficient to clothe the nakedncfs of feveral 
 fellow-creatures. 1741. P. E. 
 
 And as it has pleafed the Lord to favour many amongfl; us r 
 
 with the outward bleffings of this life, in fo plentiful a manner 
 that we are placed in a capacity of doing much good, and of 
 exercifmg offices of Chriftian love and charity, to the comfort 
 and affiftance of the poor and needy ; we earneftly recommend 
 to the praftice of thofe whom God hath fo favoured, the excel- 
 lent advice given by the apoflle : " Charge them that are rich in i Tim. tl 
 " this world, that they be not high-minded, nor truft in un- 
 *' certain 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 diftribute, willing to communicate ; 
 *• laying up in ftore for themfelves a good foundation againft 
 " the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.'* 
 1750. P. E. 
 
 We fear that fome of our youth are training in habits of expenfe C 
 
 in attire, furniture, and attendance, which are not only incon- 
 fiftent with the fimpllcity of the gofpel, but a conftant call for 
 much of that property, which would be better employed in 
 feeding the hungry ; and of that time, which might be occupied 
 
 H
 
 5g LIBERALITY to the POOR. 
 
 in vlfiting and cheering the habitations of human mifery. * The 
 * trimming of the vain world,' faid our worthy elder William 
 Penn, ' would clothe the naked one.' It is not however with 
 fuch only that we plead, on behalf of the indigent. We wifli 
 thofe who are generally confiftent in appearance and manners 
 with our felf-denying profefFion, to be clear that a due pro- 
 portion of their time and fubftance is fpent in the relief of 
 diftrefs. 1798. P. E. 
 
 dndviJ, Covetoufnefs 6, — Marriage 7,— Poor I. 3.
 
 [ 59 ] 
 
 LOVE and UNITY. 
 
 ADVISED, that friends be tender to the principle of God in 
 all, and fhun the occafion of vain difputes and janglings, both 
 among themfelves and others: for this many times is like a 
 bluftering wind, that hurts and bruifes the tender buds of plants. 
 1676. 
 
 Seeing our comfort as a people depends upon our care to main- 
 tain peace and fellowflilp amongft brethren, in all our fervices, 
 we earneftly recommend an humble and condefcending frame 
 of fpirit unto all ; that with godly fear, wifdom, and meeknefs, 
 we may be fo ordered in all our refpeftive fervices, that every 
 high and rough thing may be laid low, that all occafions of 
 ftriving may be prevented, and the peace of the church of Chrift 
 preferved and increafed amongft us. 
 
 And to this purpofe it is tenderly advifed, that we diligently 
 and carefully obferve the comely and blefled gofpel order, fo long 
 known and in practice amongft us, in the fpirit of meeknefs and 
 of a found mind ; which is the way to crufli all differences ia 
 their infancy, and fupprefs the rife, as well as ftop the progrefs, 
 of every thing that is unfeemly, and inconfiftent with the tefti- 
 mony of the precious truth. 1699. P. E. 
 
 It is our earneft defire, that, above all, friends hold ferment 
 
 H 2
 
 Co L O V E and U N I T Y. 
 
 charity in the body, that will keep the members together In a 
 bleffed concord and communion ; which is efteemed by the apoflle 
 1 Cor. x!i. xiii. the more excellent way, excelling other gifts, which pafs away : 
 but charity (that is the love of God, from which our Chriftian 
 and brotherly afFedion fprings) fl:iall endure for ever. This en- 
 vieth not, vaunteth not, boafteth not itfelf, and feeketh not its 
 own ; but is patient, beareth all things, fuffereth all things, and 
 watcheth not with an evil eye, no, nor thinketh ill, but is kind. 
 In which bleffed love, dear friends, which was the charader of 
 the primitive Chriftians, hold your fellowfhip one with another* 
 1705. P. E. 
 
 4 Among the gofpel precepts, we find not any thing more 
 
 ftrongly and frequently recommended by our Lord Jefus Chrifl: 
 and his apoftles to the primitive believers, than that they fhould 
 love one another ; and as we are fenfible, that nothing will more 
 contribute to the peace and profpericy of the church, than a due 
 regard to this advice, fo we earneftly defire 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 Chrift. 1 730. P. E. 
 
 * Advifed, that a fplrit of love and humility may more and more 
 
 diffufe itfelf among us, and influence the hearts of all, fo that 
 every one may come to feek peace, and purfue it ; and that none 
 be apt to take offence ; but each, in his own particular, be more 
 Careful to redify his own failings and imperfedions, than curious 
 in obferving, cenfuring, and aggravating thofe of others. This 
 will lead to the exercifc of mutual forbearance and forglvenefs 
 one of another ; by which the occafions of contention will be
 
 LOVE and UNITY. 6l 
 
 avoided, and the church preferved In a ftate of peace and tran- 
 quillity. 1736. P. E. 
 
 By accounts received it appears, that in general love and 6 
 
 concord are maintained, and that friends in divers places are 
 under an earnefl: concern for the promotion of peace, and for 
 fupprefTing and guarding againfl every occafiou of ftrife and 
 difcord, tending to divide and fcatter the flock of Chrift. For 
 flrengthening this concern, and promoting this Chriftian difpo- 
 fition of love wherefoever it appears, we remind you of the 
 benefits thereof, exprelTed in Plalm cxxxiii. *' Behold, how good 
 " and how pleafant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! 
 " As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that defcended upon 
 " the mountains of Zion ; for there the Lord commanded the 
 *' blefling, even life for evermore." Be ye alfo mindful of the 
 faying of our bleffed Lord himfelf: " By this fhall all men know johnxiii. sj. 
 
 that ye are my difciples, if ye have love one to another." 
 1752. P. E. 
 
 dtniviJ. Cond ScConvcrf-p. — Dcfam. & Dctr. 1.4. — Difcipl. J:c. /n/; — Qucric* 1, i^: ■^■'• 
 3. ^ II- 5j SL^y- 8) ^Ii>- rill.—Wfit 8— Ytarly Mcci. 5. 
 
 U
 
 [ 6i ] 
 
 MARRIAGE. 
 
 1 ADVISED, that parents and guardians of children. In the 
 fear of God, take fpecial care to prevent thofe under their charge 
 from being engaged or entangled with any upon the account of 
 marriage, before all things relating to their outward eftates be 
 firmly agreed on both parts ; that fo no breach may be made 
 upon the account of outward things, to the hurt or prejudice of 
 young people. 
 
 And we do alfo, in the name of the Lord, advife and exhort 
 
 all young and unmarried people among friends, that they do not 
 
 make any procedure one with another upon the account of 
 
 -p. ivi.4. marriage, without firft acquainting their parents or guardians 
 
 R.'iii.r. therewith, and duly waitinc; upon them for their confent and 
 
 No. >),!af par. . ■' , . 
 
 agreement therein. And we alfo advife, that, in the firft place, 
 t.No.s- all perfons concerned ferioufly wait upon the Lord for counfel 
 
 and clearnefs in this weighty concern, before they make any 
 procedure with any in order to marriage ; that the Lord may 
 be in their eye, fo as they may not be led by any forward or un- 
 certain affeclions in this great concern ; to their own hurt, grief 
 of their friends, and difhonour of truth. 1690. P. E. — 1801. 
 
 2 And it Is further advifed, that after parents and guardians have 
 fuffered their children to engage one another in afFe£lion, they 
 do not break off upon any worldly account ; but that they wait 
 upon and feek the Lord for their children in propofals of mar-
 
 MARRIAGE. 63 
 
 rlage, before they give any encouragement thereunto. 1707. 
 P. E. 
 
 Parents who have children to difpofe of in marriage, arc 
 tenderly advifed not to make it their firft or chief care to obtain 
 for them large portions or fettlements of marriage ; but rather be 
 careful that their children be joined in marriage with perfons of 
 religious inclinations, fuitable difpofitions, temper, fobiiety of 
 manners, and diligence in bufmefs (which are things eflentially 
 neceflary to a comfortable life in a married ftate) ; and carefully 
 to guard againft all mixed marriages, and unequal yoking of their 
 children therein. 1722. P. E. 
 
 *. A'». II, rj, 
 ts-ifi. 
 
 As parents have a natural right to approve of, and confent to, 
 the marriage of their children, fo this meeting doth earneftly 
 defire that friends' children would confult and advife with their 
 parents and guardians,, in tliat great and weighty point fo efFential 
 to their happinefs and comfort, before they let out their minds, 
 or entangle their affections : the too frequent examples that have 
 happened to the contrary, have caufed lamentation in honeft pa- 
 rents, and great afRidion to themfelves. 1723. P. E. 
 
 And we do exhort friends, that in the great concern of marriage, 
 whereon much of the comfort and happinefs of life depends, they 
 be mindful to proceed in the fear of the Lord, and have an eye to 
 him for counfel and inftrudlion in their choice j the negleft o£ 
 which has been the ruin of many. 1 734. P. E. 
 
 Advifed againft too early and unfavoury proceedings in marri- 
 age after the death of hufband or wife, contrary to the practice
 
 64 MARRIAGE. 
 
 of faithful friends in truth, and tending to the diflionour and 
 reproach thereof. 1691. P. E, 
 
 7 Friends are advifed againft running into exceflive, fumptuous, 
 
 and coftly entertainments at marriage dinners ; a great part of 
 the coft of which would be better employed in relieving the 
 neceffities of the poor. 17 18. V/. E. 
 
 8 Rules for proceeding in relation to Marriage. 
 
 I. The parties intending to join in marriage, are firft to declare 
 their intention at the monthly meeting whereof they are members, 
 in terms of the following import: viz. the man, that he intendi 
 to take D. E. to be his wife., if the Lord permit : the woman, 
 that Jhe intends to take A. B. to be her hujband, if the Lord 
 permit. 
 
 II. Thefe declarations are to be made, firfl before the women's 
 meeting, where fuch are held, and then before the men's meeting. 
 
 III. If parents or guardians be prefent, they are to declare their 
 confent ; if abfent, a certificate or certificates are to be produced, 
 fignifying, that it is with their confent the parties proceed to 
 accompUfh their intended marriage: which certificates are to be 
 figned by the parents or guardians, and attefted by two witnefles. 
 
 IV. If there appear no fufficient obje£tion, the faid meetings 
 are to appoint two men and two women friends, to inquire into 
 the clearnefs of the parties from other marriage engagements ; 
 which friends fo appointed are, befides other inquiry, to alk par- 
 ticularly the parties themfelves ; and, if there be ifiue by a former 
 marriage or marriages, to fee that the children's rights be legally 
 fecuredj likewife to take care that public notice of the faid
 
 MARRIAGE. 6^ 
 
 intended marriage be given at the clofe of a Firft-day meeting to 
 which the parties refpedlively belong, before the next monthly 
 meeting, in the following manner : Friends^ there is an intentio?i 
 of marriage between A. B. of C and D. E. of F. If any per/on 
 have any thing to objeB^ let timely notice he given. And the friends 
 appointed are to make report at a fubfequent monthly meeting ; 
 when, if no objection arife, liberty is to be granted to the parties 
 to folemnize the marriage. 
 
 V. If the parties be of different monthly meetingr.the man is firftr 
 to declare his intention to the men's monthly meeting to which 
 he belongs, and there to produce certificates of his parents' or guar- 
 dians' confent, if they be not prefent j likevvife of the woman's 
 confent to his proceedings therein ; alfo of that of her parents 
 or guardians ; each figned by the refpedive party or parties, and at- 
 tefted by two witneffes: and if, after due inquiry by appointment, 
 nothing appears to prevent his having a certilicate of his clcarnefs, 
 he is to be recommended to the meeting to which the woman be- 
 longs; where they are to proceed as above dircded. Neverthelefs it 
 is agreed, that the man, after having, with the neceffary certi- 
 ficates of the confent of the parties concerned, laid his intention 
 of marriage before his own men's monthly meeting, and ob- 
 tained a notification of having io done, figned by the clerk, 
 may, without waiting for the certificate of his clcai-nefs, proceed 
 with the woman to the monthly meeting to which flie belongs, 
 where they are to propofe their intention to the women's and 
 men's meetings. His certificate muft however be produced to 
 the monthly meeting to which the woman belongs, before liberty 
 for folemnizing the marriage be granted; and in fuch certificate », Rem.&sctt. 
 it fhall not be needful to mention more than membcrfhip, and '' 
 clearnefs from all others. Monthly meetings are to take care 
 
 I
 
 66 MARRIAGE. 
 
 that publication be made in the meeting to which the man be- 
 longs, before a certificate be iffued. 
 
 VI. Monthly meetings are defired to make a fuitable appoint- 
 ment of friends, to take the needful care that good order be 
 
 «. Records 2. obferved on the day of marriage, and that the regifters of the 
 marriage be duly {'gned and witnefled; who are to make a report 
 to the next monthly meeting. 
 
 VII. Marriages are to be folemnized at the ufual week-day 
 meeting, or at a meeting appointed at fome feafonable hour in 
 
 * the forenoon on fome other convenient week-day (previous 
 
 notice in the latter cafe having been given) ; and at the meeting- 
 houfe to which the woman belongs, unlefs previous leave be ob- 
 tained of the woman's monthly meeting to folemnize the marriage 
 in fome other meeting-houfe, with the confent of the friends of 
 fuch other meeting. 
 
 VIII. Towards the conclufion of the faid meeting, after being^ 
 held a feafonable time, the parties are to ftand up, and, taking 
 each other by the hand, to declare in an audible and folemn man- 
 ner, to the following efFe£t : the man firft, viz. Friends^ 1 take thh 
 my friend D. E. to be my ivife, proinifmg^ through divine aj[ijla7icey 
 to he unto her a loving and faithful hujband^ until it fiall pleafe 
 the Lord by death to fcparate us ; and then the woman in like 
 manner, Friends, I take this my friend A. B. to he my hufbafid, 
 promifing, through divine ajjijlance, to he unto him a loving and 
 faithful wife, until it fhall pleafe the Lord by death to feparate us. 
 
 IX. A certificate (with a five Ihilling ftamp affixed) in the 
 following form of words, is then to be audibly read by fome 
 proper perfon, the exprefs names and defcription of the parties 
 being firft inferted: they are then to fign the fame; the man firft; 
 the woman with her maiden or widow name ; the relations next ; 
 and fuch others prefent at the folemnity as think proper, 1 754* 
 — 1790. — 1801.
 
 MARRIAGE. 67 
 
 The Form of the Certtficate. 
 
 A. B. of yfon ofD. B. of In 
 
 the of , yeoman, and E. bis wife, 
 
 and D. E. daughter ofM. E. of in the of 
 
 , draper, and M. his wife, having declared their 
 intention of taking each other in marriage before the mofithly meeting 
 of Friends, commonly called iluakers, of in the of 
 
 , the proceedings of the f aid A. B. and D. E. after due 
 inquiry and deliberate conftderation thereof were allowed by the f aid 
 meeting, they appearing clear of all others, and having confent of 
 parents [or guardians, as the cafe may be]. Noiv thefe are to 
 certify, that for the accomplifhing of their faid marriage, this 
 
 day of the month in the year one thoufand eight ,. Record. 3. 
 
 hundred and , they the faid A. B. and D. E. appeared at 
 
 a public affembly of the aforefaid people^ in their meeting-houfc in 
 [or at, as the cafe may be] ; and he the faid 
 
 A. B. taking the faid D. E. by the hand, declared as followeth : 
 
 And the faid D. E. did then and there, in the faid affembly, declare 
 as followeth: 
 
 And the faid K. B. andD. E. as a further confrmation thereof, 
 and in tefintony thereunto, did then and there to tbcfc prefcnts fct 
 their bands, 
 
 -Ti . IJ . /"jr Form •, 
 
 Afarriut't 
 
 . XL. ni/l-rj, vU. 
 
 We, leing prefini at the alovefaid marriage. Records x. 
 
 have alfo fiibfcribcd our names as iv'ttnejjes 
 ihertuntOf the day and year above lurMen. 
 
 t 
 
 I 2
 
 ^S MARRIAGE. 
 
 9- It is our living fenfe and jiulgment, that not only thofe marriages 
 
 of near kindred, exprefsly forbidden under the law, ought not to 
 be pradifed under the gofpel ; but that we in our day ought not 
 ,. Vo. 10. to take lirft coufms in marriage, being brought to that fpiritual dif- 
 penfation which gives dominion over the afFe6tions, and leads to 
 thofe marriages which are more natural, and of better report. 
 And though fome through weaknefs have been drawn into fuch 
 marriages (which being done muft not be broken), yet let not 
 their pradlice be a precedent or example to any others amongft us 
 for the time to come. 
 
 That fuch friends as have with ferious advice, due deliberation, 
 free and mutual confent, abfolutely agreed, efpoufed, or contraded 
 upon the account of marriage, fhall not be allowed, or owned 
 amongft us, in any unfaithfulnefs or injuftice one to another, to 
 break or violate any fuch contrad or engagement : which is to 
 the reproach of truth, or injury one of another. And wh-ere any 
 fuch injury^ breach, or violation of fuch folemn contract is known 
 or complained of, or enmity or ftrife occafioned thereby, we ad- 
 vife and counfel that a few faithful friends, both men and women, 
 in their refpedive meetings to which the parties belong, be 
 appointed to inquire into the caufe thereof, and bring judgment 
 over them that have offended in this cafe, until they come to 
 unfeigned repentance. 
 
 And, further, we advife and exhort that no engagements made 
 without honeft endeavours to obtain, or due regard firft had to, . 
 the counfel and confent of parents, relations, and friends, be 
 countenanced \ that fo all fooliih and unbridled affedions, and all 
 infnaring and fellifh ends, be not fo much as found among us on 
 any hand, 1675. 
 
 10 This meeting, on receiving a minute relating to marriage of
 
 MARRIAGE. 69 
 
 perfons near of kin, having taken into confideration the yearly- 
 meeting minute of 1675, made againft fuch marriages, and par- 
 ticularly of firft coufms, do declare it to be our fenfe and judgment, 
 that no monthly meeting fliould pafs firft coufins in order for 
 marriage ; and this meeting earneftly defires all friends, whenever 
 they know or hear of any firft coufins defigning or intending 
 to marry, that they immediately advife them againft it. 1747* 
 — 1801. 
 
 In order to put a flop to an undue liberty in contrading li 
 
 marriages with fuch as are not of our fociety, it is advifed, that 
 all parents and guardians of children do take efpecial care, as 
 much as in them lies, to prevent their children from running 
 into fuch maiTiages ; and that the friends of each particular 
 meeting, as alfo of the monthly meeting to which fuch perfons 
 belong, do, in the wifdom and power of truth, ufe their endeavours 
 to put a ftop to the faid evil, by admonifhing fuch as may attempt ^ Queries 
 
 . . - a <?>. XIII. 
 
 to marry as aforefaid, to defift from accompliftiing the fame ; but ai^^//. ' 
 if they refufe to take counfel, or privately go on to marry as 
 aforefaid, that then fuch perfons be dealt with according to the 
 good order of truth, and judgment fixed upon all who take fuch 
 undue liberty. 1719. P. E. 
 
 This meeting, having deliberately confidered the great exercifc 12 
 
 brought upon our fociety by divers in profeflion with us, who, 
 contrary to our known principles, and the wholefome difcipline 
 eftahlillied among us, are joined in marriage by the prieft with 
 perfons either of our own or other perfuafions, doth earneftly 
 advife, that all friends ufe their utmoft endeavours to prevent
 
 70 MARRIAGE. 
 
 fuch marriages, whenfoever the parties' inclinations may come to 
 their knowledge. 
 
 And it is the fenfe and judgment of this meeting, that where 
 any marry by the prieft, or in any other manner contrary to 
 the eftablifhed rules of the fociety, they fhall be dealt with in a 
 fpirit of Chriftian love and tenderneis, agreeably to our known 
 difcipline ; and that after the commiffion of fuch offence, their 
 T. Monthly colledtion fhall not be received, nor fhall they be relieved in the 
 
 Meet. 
 
 6, iaji{,ar. manner of poor friends, nor be admitted to fit in meetings of 
 difcipline, until they be reftored into unity with the monthly 
 meeting to which they belong. 
 
 And we carneftly advife, that you watch diligently over 
 one another for good, and that you deal in due time with fuch 
 offenders, endeavouring to reclaim and reftore them by bro- 
 therly admonition and counfel ; but where, after patient waiting, 
 you find that your continued labour of love hath not its defired 
 effedt, that you negled; not to teftify againft and difown fuch 
 "perfons ; that the end and defign of friends in fettling a whole- 
 fome difcipline among us may be anfwered. 1744. — 1783. But 
 as exprefs diredions cannot be given for each particular cafe that 
 may arife, it feems to us that the feveral monthly meetings are at 
 liberty to judge how often fuch offenders are to be vifited and 
 dealt with, and in what manner they are to be proceeded againft. 
 Likewife monthly meetings are to judge of the fincerity of fuch 
 ""'hA'pl^' acknowledgments as may be offered to them, and to accept or 
 rejedl, as in true wifdom may feem meet. 1768. 
 
 13 This meeting being forrowfuUy afFeded under the confideration 
 
 of divers in our fociety entering into marriage with fuch as are 
 not of the fame faith ; or being married, in a manner contrary to
 
 jM A R R I A G E. 71 
 
 our eftabliftied rules, with fuch as are in profeflion with us ; to 
 prevent which, many minutes dlreiSling dealing with fuch offen- 
 ders have from time to time been made ; but the faid minutes 
 not appearing to extend to parents and guardians, that may be 
 confenting to or encouraging fuch marriages ; it is therefore the 
 diredion of this meeting, when that appears to be the cafe, that 
 fuch parents or guardians, fo offending, be dealt with in a fpirit 
 of Chriftian love and meeknefs ; and unlefs fatisfadion be given 
 to the monthly meeting in which fuch circumftances may fall 
 out, that a teftimony go forth for the clearing of truth againft 
 fuch offenders. 1752- 
 
 We alfo recommend the good order of friends relating to 14. 
 
 marriage, that it be carefully preferved and duly maintained in 
 the firft and earlieft proceedings leading thereunto, as well as the 
 orderly folemnization thereof; and if any perfons, contrary to the 
 repeated advice and eftablifhed order of friends, fliall, under any 
 pretence whatfoever, prefume to take one another in any meeting 
 for worfhip, without the confent of the monthly meeting to 
 which they belong, fuch proceeding being of a clandeft;ine nature, 
 tending to make void the juft care of friends in that cafe, which 
 is of good efteem among the people, we advife that the monthly 
 meeting do not fail to teftify againft the praftice, as well as againft 
 the perfons concerned therein. 1730. P. E. 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment, that when a woman marries ij 
 
 a member of another monthly meeting, in a manner contrary to 
 our rules, fhe fhould be dealt with by, or on behalf of, the 
 monthly meeting to which fhe belonged before marriage. 1796.
 
 72 
 
 MARRIAGE. 
 
 16 This meeting having folidly confidered the great inconfiftencyi 
 
 and pernicious effects, of marriages by the prleft with perfons not 
 of our fociety, as being a violation of our teflimony againft a 
 hireling miniftry, which we, as a people, have always believed it 
 our duty to teftify againft ;. feeing alfo that diforder in families 
 is thereby occafioned, generally rendering a married ftate (which 
 under the divine bleffing, and within the limits of truth, is helpful 
 towards a religious growth) a ftate of confufion and perplexity, 
 and laying wafte that united religious care, which ought to ac- 
 company the minds of parents for the education of their offspring 
 in the principles of true religion ; — under the forrowful confider- 
 ation of thefe and other unhappy effeds of fuch undue proceedings, 
 and the great difficulty of reclaiming fuch offendei"s, when thus 
 united to perfons of different religious principles ; we earneftly 
 advife all parents, and others who have youth committed to their 
 care, to be very watchful againft their forming fuch connexions; 
 and when they, or overfeers and elders, perceive any in danger 
 thereof, that they timely advife and deal with them, to prevent 
 their being thus entangled. 
 
 And as we have great caufe to believe, that remiffnefs in dealing, 
 and weaknefs in fome monthly meetings in accepting fuperficial 
 and infmcere acknowledgments, have had a great tendency to 
 promote fuch marriages, we earneftly advife, that monthly meet- 
 ings be very careful not to accept acknowledgments without full 
 fatisfa£tion of the fmcere repentance of fuch tranfgreffors, mani- 
 fefted by a condudl circumfpedl and confiftent with our religious 
 profeffion. 1783. 
 
 And '/id. Monthly Meet. 6, /a/7 /ia,-.—Querici I, ^. Jf/-'. —Records 1. — Rem. & Sett. I. 7, 
 JR. X— Worn. Mctt. 3. 6, An. II.
 
 [ 73 ] 
 
 MASTERS, MISTRESSES, 
 
 AND 
 
 SERVANTS. 
 
 ADVISED, that fervants profefTing the truth behave them- i 
 
 felves in due fubjedlion, humility, and plainnefs, as becomes their 
 profeflion and places; and likewife, that mailers and miftrefle* 
 behave themfelves toward their fervants, according to the apoftle'a 
 direction. Eph. vi.5, 6, 9. Col. iv. i. i Tim. vi. 1,2. Titusii. 
 9, 10. I Pet. ii. 18, 19, 20. 1703. P. E. 
 
 . A religious care is recommended tow^ard our fervants, that all z 
 
 appearance of pride, idlenefs, and vain converfation in them may 
 be difcouraged ; and that they may be exhorted to attend Firft-day 
 and vveek-day meetings, and haveafenfe of God's love upon their 
 fpirits, and therein partake of the fweetnefs of truth; and, in the 
 difcharge of their duty to God, and to their mafters and miftreflcs, 
 know peace in themfelves. 1718. W. E. 
 
 We earneftly entreat, that it may be the conftant care of all 3 
 
 mafters and miftrefles properly to teach, reftrain, and example * j'^^'y^- 
 thofe whom Providence hath placed under them, for their help, S)^-^^'- 
 
 K
 
 74 MASTERS, MISTRESSES, and SERVANTS. 
 
 diredtion, and prefervation, and for whom an account muft be 
 rendered ; bringing them up in the fear of the Lord, and in that 
 fobriety, moderation, and plainnefs of fpeech, apparel, and deport- 
 ment, which become a people profciling to be followers of our 
 Lord Jefus Chrift, the perfedl pattern of humility and felf-denial, 
 yhii ii. 7. who " made himfelf of no reputation," but *' took upon him the 
 1 Tim. vL " form of a fervant j " yet is ftyled in the Holy Scriptures, " The 
 " blefled and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of 
 " lords ; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light." 
 1 760. P. E. 
 
 4 The fituation of the offspring, and of the fervants, of thofe who 
 
 negledt the due attendance of our religious meetings, is greatly to 
 be lamented j as is that even of fome who, though frequently 
 feen at them, do not, by their condudl:, feem to believe that it 
 is required of them to allow their dependents alfo to attend j but 
 are leaving thefe ftill to purfue the world for them at home. For 
 jobsui. 44. if any have, in a greater or a lefs degree, made gold their hope, 
 or have *' faid to the fine gold. Thou art my confidence," it 
 will be found that, in proportion, they will be flack in bringing 
 their families to our aecuftomed opportunities for public worfhip. 
 \-](j']. P. E. 
 
 And mi. Books 1. — Parents, Ac. I. 10. H. — Plainnefs 6. 8. — Queries 8, Adv. III. IV. 
 —Rem. & Sclt. 7, R. IV to ^/Y/.— Scriptures, f.ifi.
 
 [ 75 ] 
 
 MEETING for SUFFERINGS. 
 
 AGREED, that certain friends of this city be nominated to keep I 
 
 a conftant meeting about fufFerings four times in a year, with the «. av «. 
 day and time of each meeting here fixed and fettled. That at 
 leaft one friend of each county be appointed by the quarterly 
 meeting thereof, to be in readinefs to repair to any of the faid 
 meetings at this city, at fuch times as their urgent occafions oi* 
 fufFerings fhall require. 1 675. 
 ' N. B. It appears by the records of the meeting for fufFerings, 
 
 that the late mode of meeting every week, was praftifed in 
 
 the year 1676. 
 
 It Is agreed to be fufficient, that the meeting for fufFerings be 2 • 
 
 held in courfe on the firfl Sixth-day in each month; fubjednever- 
 thelefs, on any emergency, to the call of any five of the meqpibers 
 thereof. 1794. — 1798. 
 
 Agreed, that the meeting for fiifFerlngs do confift of correfpon- ^ 
 
 dents appointed by the feveral quarterly meetings, and by foreign v.Ko^<>,i,t, 
 parts correfponding with this meeting, alfo of approved men 
 minifters ; that no quarterly meeting fhall appoint more than 
 four correfpondents in London, and that no friend fliall be ap- 
 pointed for more than four places. 1702. — 1717' — ^770* — 
 1801. 
 
 K 1
 
 76 MEETING for SUFFERINGS. 
 
 4 This meeting having confidered the nature and importance of 
 
 the affairs tranfa£ted by the meeting for fufferings, and the con- 
 tinued neceffity there is that they fhould be managed by grave 
 and weighty friends, fuch as are themfelves men of clean hands, 
 and adorning the do£trine they profefs, in their lives and con- 
 verfation ; it is the earneft defue of this meeting, that friends be 
 particularly careful in their choice of fuch as are to a£t as 
 correfpondents, either in the city or the counties ; informing 
 themfelves, as much as may be, of the qualifications of thofe 
 who are intended for fuch fervices ; and that fuch only may 
 te nominated as are faithful in the feveral branches of our 
 Chriftian teftimony againfl; tithes, bearing arms, and oaths, and 
 are alfo exemplary in their conduit and converfation amongft 
 men, and coming up in that plainnefs of fpeech, behaviour, and 
 apparel, which highly becomes thofe in an efpecial manner, who 
 are concerned in managing the affairs of the church. 1747. 
 
 r It is agreed that the minute of 1747,* relating to the choice of 
 
 » ivi. 4- correfpondents, be read previoufly to the calling over of the 
 
 correfpondent-book. 1759. 
 
 6 The elders and overfeers of the feveral monthly meetings In 
 
 London, are directed to take particular notice of thofe friends in 
 their refpedlive quarters, whofe condudl and converfation appear 
 to be agreeable to the defcription given in the minute of the 
 » A». 4. yearly meeting in 1747,* refpeding the choice of correfpondents. 
 
 And thofe elders and overfeers are to meet together annually, 
 about three months before the yearly meeting, and make a lifl of 
 fuch friends' names, as fhall be by them approved for this fervice ; 
 and leave the faid lifl with the clerk of the meeting for fufferings, 
 for the information of friends in the country.
 
 MEETING for SUFFERINGS. 
 
 Neverthelefs, It Is not hereby Intended to reftrain them from 
 choofmg any member of that meeting, whofe qualifications are 
 known to be conformable to the minute above-mentioned, pro- 
 vided he is not already a correfpondent for more than three 
 places. 1772. 
 
 Agreed, that the quarterly meetings be dire£led exprefsly to 7 
 
 give inftrudlions to their deputies who attend this meeting, what v. Yearly 
 correfpondents they fhall nominate in the city, in the room of 
 any friends deceafed or removed; or elle exprefsly leave them to 
 their liberty of choice. 1725. 
 
 In the epiftles to foreign parts, friends are to be acquainted of 8 
 
 fuch friends as are named in London, for them to correfpond 
 with upon the affairs of truth, and to inform them how they 
 may direct to them, if the friends there approve of them ; other- 
 wife, that they advife this meeting whom they would have for 
 their correfpondents, and that they let friends in London know 
 to whom and where they fhall dired. j 709. 
 
 The meeting for fufferings, on the removal of any of its 9 
 
 members, by death or otherwife, from the office of correfpondent, 
 is to give notice to the quarterly meeting by which fuch corref- 
 pondent was appointed, in order that the quarterly meeting may 
 be prepared to propofe a fuccellbr at the enfuing yearly meeting ; 
 and the feveral quarterly meetings are to give fimilar information 
 to the meeting for fufferings : and it is agreed, that fuch members 
 of the meeting for fufferings, in London, as do not attend it fix 
 times in the year, be difcharged by this meeting, unlcfs fufficierU 
 rcafon be rendered for their abfence. 1725. — 1737' — iSoi.. 
 
 77
 
 yS MEETING for SUFFERINGS. 
 
 10 Agreed, that each quarterly meethig take care to advife the 
 correfpondents for the counties, and any others concerned, to 
 ■write only to the correfpondents in London, about their fufFerings; 
 and not to other perfons, left the fuffering cafe be delayed. 
 1693. 
 
 11 This meeting defires that friends in the feveral counties will be 
 diligent in acquainting the meeting for fufFerings with any appli- 
 cations that are likely to be made to parliament, in cafes that may 
 affeft friends ; fuch as enclofmg lands, building or repairing 
 fleeple-houfes, or other local occafions, which may be known in 
 the country much fooner, than to the meeting for fufFerings : 
 
 yj for want of which intelligence, opportunities may be loft for 
 
 foliclting relief, that by timely application might have been 
 obtained. 1 765. . 
 
 1 2 On confidering the cafe of perfons refiding in foreign partSj 
 who may appear to be under convincement, and may apply to 
 
 ». Conv. Per- ,,. ,^... iii • r 
 
 fom, fafs. be received mto memberfhip, it is agreed, that the meeting for 
 fufFerings may receive and judge of i'uch applications, and admit 
 ■^ fuch perfons into memberfhip ; after which, the faid meeting 
 
 may be at liberty, if occafion fhould arife, to empower any 
 monthly meeting to perform any ad: of difcipline that may 
 become necelFary towards fuch perfons : and it is further agreed-, 
 that the meeting for fufFerings report all fuch admifFions to the 
 fucceeding yearly meeting. I793« 
 
 IX Divers inconveniences and difappointments having occurred 
 
 for want of a corredt lift of meetings for worfhip and difcipline, 
 and the times and places of holding them, the feveral quarterly 
 meetings are direded to procure from their monthly, preparative,
 
 MEETING for "SUFFERINGS. 
 
 and particular meetings, a clear and diftindt account of the rule, 
 the times, and places of holding all the meetings for worfhip and 
 difcipline, and meetings of minifters and elders, within the fame, 
 and tranfmit fuch account, figned by the clerk of each quarterly- 
 meeting, yearly from the autumn quarterly meeting, to one of 
 their correfpondents in London ; and this meeting further diredls 
 that the meeting for fuiferings Ihall annually print the fame in 
 fuch manner as it fhall think moft likely to anfwer the end 
 defigned. 1800. 
 
 Aid vid. Books 6. 8. 10/— Morn. Meet. I.— Nat. St. 1. ». 4 — Suff. 4. 6.— Yearly Meet. 61 9. 
 
 79
 
 [ So 3 
 
 MEETINGS for WO R S H I P* 
 
 AS k hath been our care and pradlice from the beginning, that 
 an open teftimony for the Lord fhould be borne, and a public 
 ftandard for truth and righteoufnefs upheld, in the power and 
 fpirit of God, by our open and known meetings, againft the 
 fpirit of perfecution, that in all ages hath fought to lay wafte 
 God's heritage ; and as only through faithfulnefs, conflancy, and 
 patience, vidlory hath been and is obtained ; fo it is our advice 
 and judgment, that all friends, gathered in the name of Jefus, 
 keep vrp thefe public teftimonies in their refpecStive places ; and 
 not decline, forfake, or remove their public alTemblies, becaufe 
 of times of fufferings ; as worldly, fearful, and politic profeffors 
 have done, becaufe of informers, and the like perfecutors : for 
 fuch praftices are not confident with the nobility of the truth, 
 and therefore not to be owned in the church of Chrift. 1675. 
 W. E. 
 
 By how much the more it is a day of trial, and an hour of 
 temptation, forfake ye not the affembling of yourfelves together j 
 but by fo much the more be zealous, and diligent in keeping all 
 your meetings in the Lord's everlafting power, by which they 
 were fet up : and as you are found diligent and ftedfaft in the 
 work of the Lord, the God of peace will fuddenly tread down 
 Satan under your feet, and plentifully reward your patience and
 
 MEETINGS for WORSHIP. 81 
 
 perfeverance with the durable blefTings, peace, and joy of that 
 kingdom which was before the world began, and that never 
 fhall have an end. 1678. W. E. 
 
 Let every one be watchful againfl: an earthly fplrit, for that 3 
 
 will choke the good feed, and bring forth a flighting or neglect- 
 ing of your teftimony in your Firft-day, and week-day meetings, 
 and bring a decay of your ftrength and zeal for God, and his 
 truth, and bring a weaknefs upon you, by reafon whereof you 
 will not be able to ftand in an hour of temptation. 1689. P. E. 
 
 Advifed, that friends keep their children to a conftant, feafonable, 4 
 
 and orderly frequenting, as well of week-day, as of Firft-day 
 meetings; inftruding them to have their minds ftayed in the 
 divine gift, to wait upon the Lord therein to receive a portion of 
 his fpiritual favour ; that they, from the tendering virtue of the 
 Holy Spirit, may be engaged in heart and mind to walk worthy 
 of fo great grace; and, in a holy zeal to honour God, fubmit to 
 bear the crofs, endure the fhame, and become witnefl'es for him 
 amongft the fons of men. 1723. P. E. 
 
 Advifed, that friends, though meetings are fometimes held in 5 
 
 filence, would not negledt their attendance; for the hungry foul 
 will labour for bread, and the thirfty, for the water of life, and 
 the diligent hand will make rich in that treafure which is of an 
 enduring fubftance. j 724. P. E. 
 
 In your religious meetings for the worfliip of God, be diligent 6 
 
 to wait on him, whereby you may renew your ftrength, and 
 witnefs him your fufficient help; for furcly many of us have 
 caufe thankfully to remember his early vlfitations in the aflemblies
 
 S2 
 
 MEETINGS for WORSHIP. 
 
 of his people; where he broke in upon our hearts with his power 
 and love, and did, in the needful time, adminifter help, comfort, 
 and counfel ; whereby, in the renewings thereof, we have been 
 upheld in a faithful teftimony, and in the difcharge of our duty 
 to him. 1725. P. E. 
 
 7 
 
 V. Difclpl. &c. 
 
 10. 
 
 Srrlpturcs 
 3-6. 
 Books 2. 
 
 w. Youth 2- 
 
 And wc earneftly exhort, that ye hold fall the profeflion 
 of faith in our Lord Jefus Chrift, without wavering; both in 
 refpe(fl to his outward coming in the flefh, his fufferings, death, 
 re furred: ion, afcenfion, mediation, and interceffion at the right 
 hand of the Father; and to the inward manifeftation of his grace 
 and Holy Spirit in our hearts, powerfully working in the foul of 
 man, to the fubduing of every evil affedlion and luft, and to the 
 purifying of our confciences from dead works, to ferve the living 
 God; that through the virtue and efficacy of this moft holy 
 faith, ye may become ftrong in the Lord, and in the power of 
 his might ; which will enable you to worfhip God in fpirit with 
 acceptance, and preferve you, in a lively frame of mind, from a 
 drowfy and lukewarm fpirit, which in all our religious affemblies 
 ought to be guarded againft with the utmoft care and circum- 
 fpedion. In this lively faith, and pure life of Chrift, you will 
 have vidory over the world, over your defires after the grandeur 
 and perifhing things thereof, and over all corrupt cuftoms and 
 fafhions, which are contrary to the purity of the gofpel, and to 
 our ancient Chriftian teftimony. i736. P. E. 
 
 8 Take care, we befeech you, in this day of eafe and liberty, left: 
 
 a fpirit of lukewarmnefs and indifference prevail over you, to the 
 flopping up of the ftreams of the water of life, and rendering you 
 like the baiTcn heath in the defert, which knoweth not when 
 good comes. We entreat you to be efpecially watchful in this
 
 M E E T I N G S for W O R S H I p. 83 
 
 behalf, that an Indolent and flugglfh dlfporulon appear not among 
 you, to the ftumbling of fuch ferious inquirers as may attend our .,. AVg. 
 meetings, in expectation of that life and power, to which the fouTj. 
 obfervation of your indifference and unconcernednefs may give 
 them too juft caule to fufped that ye yourfelves are ftrangcrs. 
 1741. P. E. 
 
 In all your meetings for the worfhip of Almighty God, let 9 
 
 your deportment be fuch as may demonftrate, that you are in «• ^''- ^3- 
 earneft in the great duty of waiting upon and worfhipping God 
 in fpiritj that ferious and tender-hearted inquirers may be en- 
 couraged to come and partake, in your affemblies, of that inward 
 and fpiritual confolation and refrefhment, which the Lord is 
 gracioufly pleafed to impart to the fouls of fuch as are humbled 
 in his fight, and approach his holy prefence with reverence and 
 fear. 1744. P. £• 
 
 Let not the fmalnefs of your numbers difcourage you from 10 
 
 conftantly attending thofe meetings, inafmuch as the words of 
 Chrift remain unchangeably true and ftedfaft, " Where two or Matth. xviiL 
 " three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midft 
 " of them." But it hath been juftly obferved, that .where remiff- 
 nefs and negledl of attending meetings for worfhip have prevailed, 
 it hath been too often an inlet to further declenfion, and fuch 
 other undue liberties, as truth anjd its guidance do by no means 
 admit of. 1754. P. E. 
 
 We therefore tenderly exhort fuch as, through fear of negledling 1 1 
 
 their temporal concerns, or other confiderations, are kept from a 
 due attendance of thefe meetings, fcrioufly to conlider that gra- 
 
 L 2
 
 84 
 
 MEETINGS for WORSHIP. 
 
 Matth.vi. 33. clous promlfe left upon record : " Seek ye firfl: the kingdom of 
 " God, and his righteoufnefs, and all thefe things fhall be added 
 " unto you." Some of us have to teftify, that our outward affairs 
 have not fuffered, by giving up our time, the few hours fet apart 
 for religious worfhip ; but, on the contrary, our minds have been 
 thereby greatly ftrengthened to come up with propriety in the 
 duties we owe to God, to our families, and to all mankind. 
 1758. P. E. 
 
 1 2 When gathered in your religious aflemblies, be truly concerned 
 
 to retire to the divine and heavenly gift ; which will minifter to 
 every ftate and condition, though you may have no outward 
 teaching ; and will dire£t you to wait without being reftlefs or 
 uneafy, till it be a proper time to break up your meetings with 
 that decency and folemnity, which (hould attend our minds in 
 fuch fervice : for want of which, fome forward fpirits, who have 
 been deftitute of the right and true feeling, in which fuch fervice 
 fhould be performed, have broken up meetings in an unbecoming 
 manner, to the forrow and pain of mind of fuch as have been 
 truly concerned for the good and profperity of Sion. 1755* 
 
 13 
 
 Pf, cxxvii. 
 
 Kom. vL II. 
 
 Although w^e are well aware, that, " Except the Lord build 
 " the houfe, they labour in vain that build it ; except the Lord 
 " keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain;" and though 
 we have repeatedly recommended a diligent attendance of meet- 
 ings for worfhip on other days, as well as on the Firft-day of the 
 week J yet as fpiritual welfare depends on an experience of the 
 faving virtue of truth, which alone makes " alive unto God," 
 we renew our earneft exhortation that ye forfake not the affem- 
 bling of yourfelves together. O that the weightinefs of our 
 fpirits, and the gravity of our deportment, in religious meetings,
 
 MEETINGS for WORSHIP. gj 
 
 might be fuch as to excite an awful fenfation in obfervers; and 
 that, at their conclufion, we might avoid trivial or unnecefTary 
 converfation : our condu(3:, as well as countenances, befpeaking 
 that we had been with Jefus ! 1792. P. E. 
 
 They who are obedient to this unlverfal injundtion of our 14 
 
 Saviour, "Watch," are prepared for the due fulfilling of every Martxiu.j?. 
 duty; and eminently fo, for that moft effential one of worfhip. 
 How many feel themfelves languid, when aflembled for this 
 folemn purpofe, for want of a previous preparation of heart ! 
 The mind, crowded with thoughts on outward things, in ap- 
 proaching the place for public worfhip, and refuming them with 
 avidity on its return, is not likely to fill up the interval to profit; 
 and to fuch, their meeting together may prove a form as empty, 
 as any of thofe out of which, we believe, truth called our fore- 
 fathers, and ftill calls us. 1 800. P. E. 
 
 Perfons profefling with us, who abfent themfelves from our 15 
 religious meetings, and difregard the repeated advice and endea- 
 vours of friends to ftir them up to this necefl'ary duty, are to be 
 dealt with by the monthly meeting to which they belong, even 
 to difowning, if the cafe require it. 1770. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, that it is inconfiftent with 16 
 
 our difcipline to have meetings appointed or held, when perfons 
 difowned are interred in friends' burying-grounds, at the defire of 
 their relations. 1770. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, that our meeting-houfes 17 
 
 Ihould not be lent to the minifters of other focieties, who do not 
 profefs to depend on divine diredion in every ftep taken in
 
 B6 MEETINGS for WORSHIP. 
 
 worflilp and miniftry ; and for the ufe of modes and forms, from 
 which we are religioufly reftralned. On this account, it is the 
 further judgment of this meeting, that the meeting-houfes of other 
 focieties fhould be very cautioufly appUed foi", or accepted ; and 
 it is recommended on fuch occafions, if unavoidable, that friends 
 endeavour, in meeknefs and wifdom, to inform fuch as are free to 
 offer their meeting-houfes, of the reafons by which we are re- 
 ftrained from reciprocally granting our own. 1799. 
 
 And.vld. Cond. & Converf. 6.— Difcipl. &c. 3.— Mafters, &c. 2. 4.— Meet for Suff. 13. — 
 Min. &.Eld. J;c. I. s. 6. li. 17. 27, 5/i/Bc.— Nat. St. 7. — Parents, &c. 10 —Queries i, ^Z^ 
 i> ^I- J. €; ■'^- ^> ■^''■"' ■^^' 9' •^'''''' ^^- -a^//.— Records u
 
 [ ^7 ] 
 
 MILITIA. 
 
 WE are forrowfully affeded to find by the anfwers to the 
 queries, that feme friends in a few counties have failed in the 
 maintenance of our Chriftian teftimony againfl wars and fighting, 
 by joining with others to hire fubftitutes, and by the payment of 
 money to exempt themfelves from perfonal fervice, In the militia : 
 a pradtice inconfiftent with that teftimony to the reign of the 
 Prince of Peace, our ancients received, and were concerned to 
 maintain through cruel fuiFerings, and which the faithful in this 
 day dare not fhrink from : which defedion from our Chriftian 
 teftimony and general pradice, having been matter of forrow to 
 this meeting, we are concerned ftrongly to advife againft, and 
 that friends every where ftand faithful and fingle In their depen- 
 dence on the Lord for prefervation, who alone is for ever able to 
 keep In perfedl fafety. And If fuffering be the lot which doth 
 refult from fuch obedience to the divine requiring, fuch will, as 
 they abide In the fimplicity and innocence of truth, reap the 
 fruits of peace In their own bofom. Let therefore the care of 
 friends, in their feveral monthly meetings, be exerted to prevent 
 any contributions for hiring fubftitutes, or other methods of 
 exempting themfelves from the militia inconfiftent with our well 
 known teftimony. 1760. W. E. 
 
 It is our fenfe and judgment that we cannot, confiftently with 
 our well known principles, adively pay the rate or affelTmeut,
 
 88 MILITIA. 
 
 which by virtue of any militia a£l, may be impofed in lieu of 
 
 perfonal fervice ; or any rates or afleffments made for advancing 
 
 the hire or enlifting-money of volunteers ; or the money to be 
 
 raifed and given to militia men. And as overfeers are fome- 
 
 times directed by militia adts, to make the faid rates and affefT- 
 
 ments, and to collect and levy the fame, fuch friends as fhall 
 
 be in that office are advifed, with meeknefs and prudence, to 
 
 inform the deputy lieutenants and adting juftices within their 
 
 diftridls, that they cannot be adlive in or concerning fuch rates. 
 
 And friends are defired to be careful to guard againft paying 
 
 the faid rates mixed with fome other rate. And as friends cannot 
 
 confiftently execute what the law requires of a conftable, in this 
 
 as well as fome other refpeds, who for the refufal thereof is 
 
 fubjeded to penalties and imprifonment ; we recommend it to 
 
 friends to ufe all proper means with their neighbours, ftewards 
 
 of courts, and juftices of the peace, to be excufed from that office. 
 
 And we think it expedient that friends fhould be tenderly 
 
 advifed to avoid giving occafion of reproach, by any unjuftifi- 
 
 able endeavours to evade the law ; and that, in all cafes wherein 
 
 they allege a confcientious fcruple for not adively paying what 
 
 ,. Tithes 8. iTiay be demanded of them, they manifeft, by a patient and 
 
 Chriftian condudl under fuch fuflPerings as may attend in con- 
 
 fequence thereof, that their fcruples are real and fmcere. 1762, 
 
 —1801. 
 
 For afts of parliament on the fubjeft of the militia, vid. * A Col- 
 
 * leftion of Afts of Parliament, and Claufes of Afts of Parliament, 
 
 * relative to thofe Proteflant Diflenters who call themfelves Friends, 
 
 * but who are generally known by the name of (^alters ; from the 
 •- * Year 1688.' W. Phillips. 1801. 
 
 AbJ viJ. Ciueries a, ^ f^IIJ^—SaS. /a/l.— Tithes si.— War I.
 
 [ 89 ] 
 
 MINISTERS and ELDERS, 
 
 AND THEIR 
 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 THIS meeting defires, that you whom the Lord hath gifted i 
 
 with a public teftimony for his name and truth, will, in this day 
 of liberty, be diligent to vifit the heritage of God in their 
 meetings, and efpecially thofe leaft frequented. 1695. P. E. 
 
 Advifed, to have a godly care of judging or contradidling one 2 
 
 another in public meetings -, or (hewing any marks or figns of "• ^''^ ^^'■ 
 divifion therein, amongft minifters or others ; it being of a very 
 pernicious confequence to bring blame or contempt upon the 
 miniftry, and a great hurt to our youth and others. 1716. P. E. 
 
 Advifed, that minifters, in all their preaching, writing, and 3 
 
 converfing about the things of God, do keep to the form of "• ^"^"^^ 
 found words, or fcripture terms ; and that none pretend to be 
 wife above what is written, and in fuch pretended wifdom go 
 about to explain the things of God, in the words which man's 
 wifdom teaches. 1728. P. E. 
 
 M
 
 90 M I N I S T E R S and E L D E R S, 
 
 A The Spirit of God being the foundation of all true knowledge 
 
 and experience, both in minifters and hearers, we earneftly ex- 
 hort that all would diligently wait upon and mind it : minifters 
 in their public fervices, efpecially, ought always to attend clofely 
 to their feveral and peculiar gifts, and minifter the word faithfully 
 as it is manifefted and revealed to them, obferving a decent and 
 modeft behaviour in the exercife of their miniftry ; and not en- 
 tangling themfelves v/ith the affairs of this life, that they may the 
 better anfwer the holy warfare in which they are engaged. And 
 let the hearers be v/atchful over their own fpirits, and not for- 
 wardly judge or cenfure the teftimonies which may be delivered 
 amongft them ; for if they be not very careful and diligent in 
 attending upon the Lord in meetings, they are liable to miftake 
 in the judgment they may pafs on the miniftry. 
 
 Now this being a matter of great moment, for the prefervatioa 
 of love and concord in the churches ; and knowing the danger 
 and ill confequences which attend a hafty and cenforious judg- 
 ing of the miniftry ; we think it neceflary to caution friends, not 
 to let their own fpirits fway them, but let the Spirit of God rule 
 and reign in their hearts ; for this will preferve all in fweetnefs 
 and tendernefs one towards another : the due obfervance of which 
 will be a great help to minifters in the difcharge of their duty, 
 and the fervice to which they are called. 
 ,.N,.ii. And we earneftly requeft, that the elders in monthly and 
 
 quarterly meetings would be ready to help and inform the weak, 
 when fuitable opportunities prefent ; that, both minifters and 
 hearers purfuing one and the fame end, namely, the glory of 
 God, and the good and welfare one of another, the church may 
 be edified, increafe, and flourifti, to the confolation of the faithful. 
 On the other hand, we advife minifters to have it very much 
 at heart, to maintain a perfed harmony and good underftanding
 
 and their MEETINGS. 91 
 
 ■wUh the monthly meetings to which they belong ; and that, 
 as the faid meetings may fometimes find themfelves concerned to 
 advife them, refpeding their condud in meetings, or otherwife, 
 they fliew themlelves ready to hear and receive advice, as well as 
 to teach and inftrudl. 
 
 We further advife all monthly meetings, to take great care in ^. av 14, 
 giving certificates to thofe who travel ; to prevent the uncafinefs Qucri« 
 which fometimes falls on the church, from a weak and unfkilful ^ 
 
 miniftry : and let the elders, when they fee occafion, advife mini- 
 flers to be very prudent in their condud, not as bufy-bodies, nor 
 meddling with family or perfonal affairs, in which they are not 
 concerned, or required to be affifling; and to be very tender 
 of one another's reputation, and of that of friends among whom 
 they travel ; neither giving ear to, nor fpreading, reports tending v.n<,.^ 
 to raife in the minds of others, a leffening or difefteem of any of 
 the brotherhood ; and, as foon as their fervice in the miniftry 
 is over, to return to their habitations, and there take a rea- 
 fonable and prudent care of their own bufinefs, houlehold, and 
 family. 1731. W. E. 
 
 As the Lord in his mercy is breathing afrefli on feveral of our ^ 
 
 youth, of both fexes, and fitting them for his fervice, we re- 
 commend it to the elders in every meeting, that they tenderly ,. Xi,. it. 
 watch over all young minifters, and advife and help them, as 
 they in the wifdom of truth may be opened thereunto ; nou- 
 rifhing that which is right, and comes forth in the favour of life, 
 and difcouraging every thing that is unbecoming the miniftry. 
 1736. VV. E. 
 
 We further entreat you, that in all your religious meetings 6 
 
 appointed for the worlhip of Almighty God, you wait in humble 
 
 M 2
 
 92 MINISTERS and ELDERS, 
 
 reverence for the influence of the word of life. Be cautious not 
 to move, in adls of devotion, in your own will ; fet not forward 
 felf to work, but patiently attend and wait for the gift and en- 
 livening power of the divine Spirit ; without which your perfor- 
 mances will be unacceptable, and like thofe of old, of which it was 
 ifHiah i. ij. faid, " Who hath required this at your hand ? " 1 742. P. E. 
 
 -J We defire that all fuch friends as travel in the work of the 
 
 miniftry with the unity and approbation of their refpedlive 
 meetings, would be flridly careful not to countenance or join 
 with any impofers, but rather advife againfl their diforderly prac- 
 tices, and endeavour to perfuade them to return to their habita- 
 tions and callings. 
 
 And we do in much love caution thofe friends who are rightly 
 concerned in the work of the rainiftry, to watch over their own 
 fpirits, and not to be over hafty or cenforious in paffing judg- 
 ment refpeding the ftate of thofe who hear them ; but to manifeft 
 that, in the exercife of their miniftry, they are led by the love of 
 God, and that their principal aim is, that they may be inftru- 
 mental to adminifter fpiritual confolation and flrength to the 
 churches where they come. 
 
 Further, we earneftly exhort, that none would offer to impofe 
 themfelves as preachers, in any meetings of friends, who are not 
 themfelves faithful againfl the payment of tithes, and in ob- 
 ferving the other branches of our Chriftian teftimony. 1745. 
 W. E. 
 
 8 As to the elders among you, and thofe whom God, having en- 
 
 dued with knowledge, and experience of the cleanfing operations 
 of his Spirit, hath concerned to minifter unto others, let them 
 adorn the dodrine of the gofpel, by fhewing, out of a good con-
 
 and their MEETINGS. 
 
 verfation, their works with meeknefs of wifdom. Such as thefe 
 being clothed with humiUty, and exemplary to the flock, are 
 worthy of double honour, and to be highly efteemed in the 
 church of Chrift. 1751. P. E. 
 
 We tenderly, and with earneftnefs, advife all friends who travel 9 
 
 In the work of the miniftry, as well as others, that they not only •"• ^°- '^' '"/ 
 {hut their ears againft all private informations of perfons and ^^'^m. & 
 things, tending to the defamation of particular perfons or 
 families, and to ftir up difputes and contentions in meetings for 
 difclpline ; but alfo rebuke and reprove the perfon or perfons^ 
 who fhall attempt to prejudice their minds with any private in- 
 formations of that nature ; which are often falfe, and attended 
 with baneful confequences to the reputation of the perfons or 
 families who are fo unkindly and unjuftly dealt by ; and may 
 tend to lead fuch minifters or others as {hall give ear to the 
 fame, in a wrong Hne of judgment. 1752. W. E. 
 
 You that are elders and overfeers in the church, and concerned 10 
 
 in the maintenance of good order, and prefervation of difclpline, 
 keep your own hands clean, and garments unfpotted ; that you 
 may rebuke with authority, and, being clothed with the meeknefs 
 and gentlenefs of the Lamb, may Itedfaftly perfevere in the fup- 
 port of that teftimony committed to you : that when the Great 
 Shepherd {hall appear, you may come before him with reverent 
 affurance, and receive the reward of " Well done, good and 
 " faithful fervant; enter into the joy of thy Lord." 1753. W. E. 
 
 As the Lord is gracloufly pleafed effedlually to touch the hearts 1 1 
 
 of many of the youth, and prepare them for the reception of his 
 
 n
 
 $4 M I N I S T E R S and E L D E R S, 
 
 heavenly gifts, whereby many are called to the work of the 
 miniftry ; and well knowing it is a due attention to the gift, 
 and waiting for the heavenly power and life, to difcharge them- 
 felves therein, which has ever proved a bl effing to the particular,, 
 and the churches in general j we earneftly recommend, that the 
 ». No. St. elders, and fenfible, folid friends do watch over fuch in a holy 
 
 i.. No. 15. concern for their, and the church's good ; that the weak and 
 
 tender may be encouraged in a faithful difcharge of their duty; 
 and where a forward fpirit appears, that would lead into many 
 words out of the power and life, fuch may be properly admo- 
 nifhed in the meeknefs of wifdom, that each may fpeak the lan- 
 guage of truth, by the ability which the Lord only gives ; and 
 that the monthly meetings do not encourage any to travel and 
 appoint meetings too foon, for many have been hurt thereby* 
 ijSZ' W. E. 
 
 12 Being favoured in the feveral fittings of this meeting with our 
 
 Heavenly Father's tender regard renewed to us, whereby our fouls 
 have been deeply humbled before him j and looking into the ftate 
 of this part of the fociety which ftands in a more confpicuous- 
 point of view than the more private members ; the neceffity of 
 their being enfamples to the flock appears exceedingly great : par- 
 •. A'o. is- ticularly in a diligent attendance of all our meetings for folemn 
 iT^ 77. worfliip, and the difcipline of the church ; and being therein very 
 deep and weighty in fpirit, labouring with an ardour of foul 
 fuited to the occafion, for the arifmg of the ancient fpring of life. 
 This, of a truth, is the crown of our affemblies, and the ground 
 of our joy and rejoicing in him, and one in another: it being 
 this alone which preferves living, frefli, and a(flive members in 
 the church of Chrift, who are enabled to communicate a degree
 
 and their MEETINGS. 
 
 95 
 
 of warmth to the rifing youth, and thofe of Icfs experience in 
 this moft neceflary exercife ; not only in word and dodlrine, but 
 alio in a filent, humble waiting on God, for the renewings of 
 help day by day. We fhall thereby not only witnefs an increafe 
 of flrength and vigour in ourfelves, but be greatly helpful to 
 others, by exciting them to the fame fervent labour after that 
 bread which nourifheth the immortal foul, and puts us in a capa- 
 city of ferving the Lord acceptably, in newnefs of life. i770» 
 
 We are fully perfuaded, that the miniftry of the gofpel is 
 not received of man, but by the revelation of Jefus Chrift, ac- 
 cording to that apoftolical diredtion : " As every man hath re- 
 *' ceived the gift, even fo minifter the fame one to another, a& 
 " good flewards of the manifold grace of God : if any man 
 *' fpeak, let him fpeak as the oracles of God; if any man minifter, 
 *' let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God ii^ 
 *' all things may be glorified." And as this miniftry is divine, 
 the motives and inducements thereunto are perfectly difinterefted, 
 and no way mercenary and lucrative, but concurrent with the 
 precept Chrift gave to his apoftles and immediate followers : 
 *' Freely ye have received, freely give." 1771. P. E. 
 
 13 
 
 V, Tithes 
 
 35-6-7- 
 lPet.iv. 10,11. 
 
 Mauh. I. S. 
 
 Recommended to the feveral monthly and quarterly meetings, 
 that they take care to advife, that thofe friends who go forth with 
 a public teftimony may be fuch as are well approved at home, 
 by their own refpedlive monthly or quarterly meetings, and are 
 found in dodrine, of good converfation, and in unity with their 
 own meetings. 
 
 And if any faithful friends, or meetings, be burthened with 
 the contrary, let them tenderly clear their confciences privately 
 to the parties concerned, according to gofpel order ; and if they 
 
 14 
 
 «. A'o. 17, /.j4
 
 96 MINISTERS and ELDERS, 
 
 do not receive admonition, the meeting to which they belong 
 fhould be acquainted therewith. 1699. 
 
 I r Friends are earneftly defired and advifed to ufe prudence and 
 
 caution, fo as not to be impofed upon by cheats, or impoftors, 
 pretending to the miniftry or otherwife ; and where there is a 
 doubt or queftion concerning the miniftry of any perfons, in that 
 cafe let fuch be called upon to fhew what certificate they have. 
 And in general, it is recommended to the monthly and quarterly 
 meetings, to fee that friends, who travel in the work of the 
 miniftry, do go in the unity of the meetings to which they be- 
 
 ■». No. 4, laji long, and with certificates therefrom ; and further, that it may 
 
 ^"' become the tender care of the faid meetings, to watch over fuch 
 
 as may be young in the miniftry, to fee that they walk humbly 
 
 o. No. II. and wifely : that as on one hand, nothing truly tending to the 
 glory of God, and the edification of his church and people, may 
 be difcouraged ; fo on the other, where any thing appears which 
 may make advice neceflary, that the elders of the church, both 
 minifters and others, do, in the wifdom of God, give their advice 
 thereupon, with due regard to the ftate of weaknefs and child- 
 hood that fuch may be in. 1720. P. E. 
 
 16 We recommend the apoftoHc advice, " Lay hands fuddenly 
 
 Tim. V. 22. *< on no manj" for we have caufe to believe that injudicious 
 
 encouragement hath tended to promote an unfound miniftry in 
 
 fome places. It is therefore recommended, that the approved 
 
 v.No.ii. minifters and elders, in the feveral monthly meetings, would 
 
 tenderly advife thofe who come forth in public teftimony, to wait 
 
 patiently under a deep confideration of their ftate of infancy and 
 
 *. No. *4. childhood : and when their fruits afford fufEcient evidence of 
 
 their qualifications for fo important a fervice, that fuch young
 
 and their MEETINGS. 97 
 
 mlnlfters be reported to their monthly or quarterly meetings; 
 which, upon folid and deliberate confideration, may, as in the 
 wifdom of truth fhall feem meet, recommend them to the meet- 
 ings of minlfters and elders, in order to their becoming members 
 of thofe meetings. 1773- ^* ^* 
 
 This meeting, taking under Its ferlous confideration the ly 
 
 beauty and credit of keeping • decency and good order in our '•'• •^'•- *• 
 meetings for worfhip, advifes friends every where to avoid 
 public oppofition to a miniftcr not difowned as fuch, by the v. avi?, 
 monthly or quarterly meeting to which he or fhe fhall belong, by 
 keeping on their hats in time of prayer, or any other tokens of 
 difunion. 
 
 But if any perfon appearing as a minifter, fhall give caufe of ■"■^'■u^ 
 uneafmefs or difTatisfadion to friends, in dodtrine, behaviour, or 
 converfation, the perfon fo offending is to be dealt with privately 
 in a gofpel fpirit and manner. If this fhall not take eifedt, then let 
 complaint be made of fuch perfon to the monthly meeting which 
 he or fhe may belong to ; that proceeding thereon be had accor- 
 dingly, and the affair fettled with all pofTible expedition. 1723. 
 
 Where friends in any county are really difTatisfied, or burthened, 1 8 
 
 with any that take upon them to preach among them, let them *\^^Y^*' 
 firft be duly admonifhed in their own county, with the affiflance 
 of the faithful, approved miniflers and elders of the fame meeting 
 and county, or adjacent county or counties, if need be ; and if 
 afterwards they will perfift to impofe upon and burthen friends, 
 then to be publicly teflified againft where they fo impofe. 
 
 If any fuch, after due admonition, will travel abroad to mi- 
 nifter, out of unity with friends of their own county, the friends 
 
 N
 
 9S M I N I S T E R S and E L D E R S, 
 
 of thofe other counties where they travel, fhould have due notice 
 of them from, friends who have had them under admonition. 
 1698. 
 
 19 If any one who has been a public minifter, fhall be guilty of 
 fuch pradices as may juftly deferve public cenfure, and fhall be 
 publicly cenfured and difowned, and afterwards, upon tokens 
 of repentance, be again admitted into memberfhip ; fuch re- 
 admiflion is not to be interpreted to give him or her the liberty 
 of appearing as a public minifter, until the monthly meeting, he 
 or fhe belongs to, Ihall judge the fcandal given by fuch perfon is 
 fo far removed, that fuch public appearance may not admi- 
 nifler occafion of reproach, either from friends or others : and in 
 cafe any fhould fliew themfelves too forward in fo appearing, 
 
 . the meeting to which they belong are defired to give them fuch 
 advice, as they fliall fee fuitable to their circumftance. 1737. 
 W. E. 
 
 20 It being weightily under the confideration of this meeting, 
 ^' ^''p^r','"'^ the neceffity for miniftering friends, who find themfelves under 
 
 an engagement of mind to vifit the meetings of friends in foreign 
 parts, to have the full concurrence and unity of their brethren ; 
 it is the fenfe and judgment of this meeting, that for the future, 
 friends under fuch concern be advifed not only to propofe their 
 concern to the monthly meeting to which they belong, but alfo 
 to their quarterly meeting, and meeting of minifters and elders 
 in London; in order to be favoured with the concurrent tefti- 
 monies of the faid meetings, to ftrengthen them in fo great and 
 weighty engagements. 
 
 It is alfo recommended, that minifters under a concern to vifit
 
 and their MEETINGS. 99 
 
 the meetings of friends in the nation of Ireland, fliould have the 
 concurrence of, and certificates from, not only the monthly, but 
 alfo the quarterly meeting to which they belong, when it can be 
 had with conveniency. 1763. 
 
 Monthly meetings are defired to appoint fome ferious, difcreet, 2 r 
 
 and judicious friends, wdio are not miniflers, tenderly to encou- " oiafpi ^&rf' 
 rage and help young miniftcrs, and advife others, as they in the Meet. 3' V/ 
 wiidom of God fee occafion ; and where there are meetings of -j.j^o.a.s, 
 miniftering friends, the friends fo appointed are to be admitted 
 as members of fuch meetings of minifters, and to adl therein for 
 the good purpofes aforefaid. 1727. 
 
 It Is agreed, In order to prevent an Improper choice of elders, 22 
 
 that monthly meetings, when a nomination becomes neceffary, 
 fhould refer the matter to the folid confideration of a committee 1,. ivi.23. 
 of judicious friends ; who are to propofe to the monthly meeting 
 fuch perfons as they think fuitable, agreeably to the minute of 
 1 76 1.* And as it appears that the advice given by this meeting »Dirc!pi. &c. 
 in I773,t ^^^s not always been duly attended to, there being | Ar'.i6. 
 great reafon to fear that in fome places Improper perfons have 
 been haftily recommended, and that fome meetings have ne- 
 glcQed to recommend thofe who are deferving of fuch notice ; 
 we therefore earneftly defire that monthly meetings will duly 
 obferve the faid advice. 1784. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, with regard to the difmlfling 23 
 
 of fuch elders as appear to be either incompetent to their ftation, 
 or unf\ithful in it, that the yearly meeting minute of 1772,* on •«. iVo. %s. 
 that fubjed, is well adapted to this purpofe, if duly put in pradlice 
 
 N 2
 
 100 MINISTERS and ELDERS, 
 
 by the monthly meetings for difcipllne, or, in default of their 
 care, by the quarterly meetings. With refped: to the appoint- 
 ment of elders, it is the folid judgment of this meeting, that in 
 order further to prevent an improper choice of elders, the 
 ■V. No.il. monthly meeting, in addition to its committee for that purpofe, 
 fhall apply to its quarterly meeting for a committee, to aflift in 
 judging of the gifts and qualifications of fuch as may be propofed 
 for this important ftation. 1796. 
 
 24 Doubts having arifen, whether a friend appointed to the ftation 
 of elder in any monthly meeting, retain that ftation, if removed 
 into another monthly meeting ; it is the judgment of this meeting, 
 that fuch ftation is not loft, provided fuch removal be vrithin the 
 fame quarterly meeting ; but in cafe the removal of an elder be 
 out of the limits of the quarterly meeting to which he or flie 
 belongs, fuch elder fliall not be continued in that ftation, unlefs 
 
 w.iVi.22W23. a reappointment be made, purfuant to the rules for the choice of 
 elders. 1801. 
 
 25 Divers of the anfwers received from the quaiterly meetings of 
 '• ^'- ?-5- minifters and elders have deeply affedled our minds, in confide- 
 
 ration of the lofs fuftained by the deficiency of many of the ap- 
 pointed elders, in not duly attending meetings for worftiip and 
 difcipline, and being alfo remifs in fome other refpe^ts ; it is 
 therefore become our care and concern, to recommend to the 
 feveral quarterly and monthly meetings, to make due inquiry 
 whether fuch non-attendance proceeds from bodily infirmity 
 or other unavoidable neceflity, or from manifeft negledt ; in order 
 that fuitable endeavours may be ufed to remove the caufes of 
 complaint. And it is the fenfe of this meeting, where fuch
 
 and their MEETINGS. lOl 
 
 deficiencies appear to be the confequence of lukewarmnefs, and 
 an over attachment to the world and its concerns, and fuch elders 
 difregard the admonition of friends, that they be defired to with- 
 draw from that important ftation : 1772. — or be difplaced by a 
 minute of the monthly meeting. 1801. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, that when friends ap- 26 
 
 pointed to the ftation of elder, believe themfelves called to the 
 miniftry, and fhall have appeared frequently in that capacity in 
 our public religious meetings, fuch friends fliould withdraw from 
 the meetings of minlfters and elders. 1801. 
 
 It is agreed, that, as far as can fuitably be done, there be held in 27 
 
 each monthly meeting, a meeting of minillers and elders once in 
 three months, fome time previous to thofe monthly meetings 
 which immediately precede the quarterly meeting; in which 
 meetings of minlfters and elders, after fome time fpent in folid 
 retirement, the queries are to be read and confidered ; and anf- '».^'<>.^9. 
 wered In writing, according to the direftions of this meeting in 
 that behalf. Opportunity alfo may here be given for tender 
 advice and affiftance, as the nature of any cafe may require : and 
 reprefentatives, taken from the members in either ftation, are 
 to be appointed to attend the quarterly meeting of minlfters and 
 elders, conftltuted of fuch reprefentatives, and of the other ap- 
 proved minlfters and elders of the quarterly meeting. A Uft of 
 the names of all the minlfters and elders in the feveral monthly 
 meetings, is to be taken to the quarterly meeting of minlfters 
 and elders, to be kept there on record. 
 
 At the quarterly meeting of minlfters and elders, the queries 
 are alfo to be read, and the anfwers thereto from the meetings of
 
 102 M I N I S T E R S and E L D E R S, 
 
 minifters and elders in the feveral monthly meetings : to which 
 latter meetings of minifters and elders fuch advice is to be ex- 
 tended as circumftances may require. At the quarterly meeting 
 of minifters and elders next preceding the yearly meeting, a 
 general anfwer is to be drawn up to the queries, to be fent 
 by reprefentatives, appointed from among the minifters and 
 .,• " elders indifcriminately, to the yearly meeting of minifters and 
 
 elders. The names of the reprefentatives are to be reported to 
 the quarterly meeting for difcipline ; and the faid reprefentatives 
 are to be furnifhed with a copy of the aforementioned anfv/er to 
 the queries, to be in readinefs in cafe it fhould be called for by 
 the faid quarterly meeting for difcipline : to which alfo (at every 
 quarter) an account is to be given, that the quarterly meeting 
 of minifters and elders has been duly held. 
 
 It is the fenfe and judgment of this meeting, that it is of 
 advantage to the fociety to hold a yearly meeting of minifters 
 and elders, in London, preceding the yearly meeting, to be con- 
 tinued by adjournments, fo as that fuch adjournments do not 
 interfere with the fittings of this meeting, and that fuch meeting 
 do not in any wife take upon it, or interfere with, any part of 
 the difcipline of the church, belonging either to this meeting, or 
 any fubordinate meeting. 
 
 That the morning meeting of minifters and elders in London, 
 ». Yearly Meet, do adjoum itfelf to Ten, in the forenoon, on the Second-day pre- 
 ceding the fitting of this meeting ; and that the feveral quarterly 
 meetings of minifters and elders in Great Britain, do appoint at 
 leaft two of their members as reprefentatives ; and that the yearly 
 meeting of minifters and elders of Ireland do alfo appoint fome 
 of its members, as may be convenient : in order to form, together 
 with fuch approved minifters and appointed elders, as may be in 
 London, the faid yearly meeting of minifters and elders.
 
 and their MEETINGS. 103 
 
 The fald yearly meeting of miniRers and elders Is to receive 
 and read the aniwers to the queries from the quarterly meetings 
 of like kind, by which an opportunity will be given of imparting 
 fuch advice as fliall be neceffary : and the faid meeting is alfo to 
 nominate a fuitable number of difcreet and experienced elders, 
 chofen from the number prefent, to attend the feveral fittings of 
 the meetings for worfliip, during the time of holding this meeting; 
 whofe proper bufinefs it is to communicate fuch advices, as they, 
 in the wifdom of truth, may find needful, and to make a general 
 report to fome adjournment of the faid meeting. And this meet- 
 ing recommends, that after the faid meeting of mlnlfters and 
 elders hath informed Itfelf, by means of the anfvvers received, 
 of the ftate of the mlnlfters and elders In the feveral quarterly 
 meetings, It lay annually before this meeting a fummary, yet 
 clear, account thereof. 
 
 It is defired, that the names of the reprefentatlves to the yearly ». Yearly Meet. 
 meeting of mini^lers and elders, be given, previoufly to the 
 fitting 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 aforefaid, that the fame be deli- 
 vered In at the table in writing. 1753. — 1754« — 1757' — ^7iS« 
 — 1780. — r784. — 1786. — 1790. — 1797. — iS.oi. 
 
 The morning meeting of mlnlfters in London, and every 28 
 other meeting of mlnlfters, have a right, as they fee meet in the 
 wifdom of truth, to advife, exhort, and rebuke any of their 
 members, or any one who may travel in the work of the mlnlftry, 
 as occafion may require, v/ithout being accountable for the fame 
 to any monthly or quarterly meeting. 
 
 But if any member of the faid meetings, or any other minlfter.
 
 104 -MINISTERS and ELDERS, &c. 
 
 fhould at any time be overtaken with a fault, and the fame be 
 under the cognizance of the nnorning or any other meeting of 
 minifters, and the monthly meeting to which fuch perfon belongs 
 fhall alfo deal with him or her for the fame ; then, on notice 
 from fuch monthly meeting, that they have taken the cafe under 
 their care, all proceedings of the morning or 6ther meeting of 
 minifters againft fuch miniftcr or elder fhall be finally flopped. 
 
 Neither the morning meeting, nor any other meeting of 
 minlfter?, have power to difown any minifter, or other perfon, in 
 any capacity whatfoever ; this folely belonging to the monthly, 
 quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly meetings. 1735. 
 
 20 The feveral meetings of minifters and elders, are defired to be 
 
 «, Qaeries j. clear and explicit in their anfwers to the queries peculiar to 
 meetings of minifters and elders ; to keep as much as poffible 
 to the words of the queries, carefully avoiding all ambiguous 
 expreffions ; and, where any remiffnefs is remarked in the anf- 
 wers, to diftinguifh whether it is in the minifters or elders; 
 and alfo what care is taken to advife when any remiffnefs appears. 
 1769. 
 
 30 This meeting agrees, that certificates from the yearly meeting 
 
 of minifters and elders be figned by the clerk only. 1792. 
 
 Ani 'jid. Arbitr. j, i^th far.—Conv. Perfons v — Difcipl. &c. 15 — Meet, for Suff. 3. 13.— Monthly 
 Meet. 4, 13. — Morn. Meet, j. 3. — Mourn. Hab..^. — Queries 5. 7.9. — Rem. 5t Sett. I.7,i?. JfJ'^. — 
 
 Scriptures 3 — Yearly Meet. 6.
 
 [ i°5 ] 
 
 MODERATION and TEMPERANCE. 
 
 AS temperance and moderation proceed from true religion, I 
 
 and are of great benefit and advantage, we befeech all to be 
 careful of their conduct and behaviour, abftaining from every 
 •' appearance of evil;" and as an excefs in drinking has been iThcir. v. aj. 
 too prevalent among many of the inhabitants of thefe nations, 
 we recommend to all friends a watchful care over themfelves, 
 attended with a religious and prudent zeal againft a pradice fo 
 dilhonourable and pernicious. IJJI. P. E. 
 
 We caution you againft reforting to places of diverfions, unne- 2 
 
 ceffarily frequenting taverns and alehoufes, and mixing your- 
 felves in fuch company and converfation, as have a manifeft 
 tendency to corrupt your hearts, and draw them afide from that 
 fteady and religious concern, and reverent awe, which dwell on 
 the minds of true Chriftians. We efpecially warn you to beware 
 of the too frequent ufe of fpirituous liquors, and intemperance 
 of every kind ; but let your behaviour and condudl in all re- 
 fpedts be fuch, that your moderation may be known to all 
 men. 1754. P. E. 
 
 We find it neceflary to remind you, that our worthy anceftors, 3 
 
 having their eye direded towards an enduring inheritance, and
 
 io6 MODERATION and TEMPERANCE. 
 
 their affedlons eftabliflied upon things above, fought not after 
 greatnefs in this world; but pafTed the time of their fojourning 
 here in fear, and in great fimplicity of heart, as well as of out- 
 ward demeanour; endeavouring thereby to reach the divine 
 witnefs in every mind, and promote the love of truth and righte- 
 oufnefs amongfl mankind. 
 
 In minds thus bent upon feeking a more glorious inheritance 
 than temporals can afford, the love of this world had little influ- 
 ence. They were fhining examples of temperance, juftice, and 
 truth. A defedion from this fimplicity of heart and heavenly- 
 mindednefs, into the love and purfuit of this fading world, hath 
 obvioufly prevailed with too many amongfl us, and produced 
 the fruits of pride and ambition. 
 ». Trade, /-/r. Thcfe havc brought in many wants, from which the fimplicity 
 and integrity of our anceftors preferved them. To fatisfy thefe 
 wants, divers have been excited to enter into a larger extenfion 
 of trade and commerce, than they had ftock and ability to con- 
 duit. Vain ambition, and evil emulation, have led into higher 
 living, and greater expenfes, than their income would admit. 
 Reduced by thefe means in their circumftances, yet unwilling 
 to lefTen their appearance in the world, they have made ufe of 
 indiredl methods to procure a temporary fupport, which have 
 ended in failures and bankruptcies. 
 
 This lamentable defedion in fome under our name, hath oc- 
 cafioned great repi'oach, and grievous fuffering in the property 
 of many, almoft to the ruin of particulars, who placed more 
 confidence in them on account of the felf-denying profeflion 
 they made to the world. 1767. P. E. 
 
 4 As to the frequenting of public-houfes, we defire that all
 
 MODERATION and TEMPERANCE. 107 
 
 under our nanie may be cautious of remaining In them, after 
 the purpofe of bufmefs, or of refrefhment, Is accomplifhed : but 
 to make them a refort for any other purpofe — may it never 
 need to be named among a people who profefs the pradlce of 
 Chriftian fobriety ! 1797. P. E. 
 
 And viJ. Cond. & Convcrf. 3. 6. 7. — Lib. to the Poor 4. — Marriage 7. — Mafters, &c. 3. Moum. 
 
 Hab. 2.— PlainDcfs,/a/j^Queries a, ^ VI. 3, ^ F. 8, Adv. J. II. 9, Adv. XI. 
 
 O 2
 
 far. 
 
 [ io8 •] 
 
 MONTHLY MEETINGS. 
 
 AGREED, that no monthly meeting fhall be allowed to 
 divide itfelf into two feparate monthly meetings, without the 
 confent or concurrence of the quarterly meeting. 1715. 
 
 And to the end that effedual care be taken. In all cafes wherein 
 
 V. No. 3, ^i the teftimony of truth is concerned, we advife you to appoint 
 
 fome faithful friends of your refpective meetings to fee how well 
 
 >fuch things are obferved ; and tenderly to admonifli thofe, in 
 
 brotherly love, that fhall decline the fame. 1698. P. E. 
 
 « Wherefoever it appears that any monthly meetings, through 
 
 the fmalnefs of the number of friends attending them, are not 
 fufficiently qualified for carrying on the difcipline of the church, 
 we wi(h that fuch fmall meetings might join fome other neigh- 
 bouring monthly meetings ; that by fuch union they might be 
 affifled and ftrengthened. 
 hh. 4 y 5. And we defire, purfuant to former advices, that meetings would 
 
 « 
 
 Queries a. 
 
 ^xiv.' appoint fuitable friends as overfeers of the flock; who are en- 
 
 j, €. IX- 
 
 treated to enter into and difcharge this labour with a ready mind. 
 And, dear friends, we earneftly recommend, that in all your 
 , Difcipi. &c meetings, in the choice of elders, or overfeers over the flock, you 
 Min. &Eid. be efpecially careful to choofe fuch as are themfelves of upright 
 and unblamable converfation ; that the advice which they fhall 
 
 iic. 10.
 
 MONTHLY MEETINGS. 109 
 
 occafionally adminifter to other friends may be the better re- 
 ceived, and carry with it the greater weight and force on the 
 minds of thofe whom they fliall be concerned to admonifli. 
 
 In all your meetings for the difciphne of the church, let all ,. oifcipi. ie. 
 be done in a meek, calm, and peaceable fpirit, in which the 
 force and power of love may efFedlually operate upon thofe who 
 ihall perceive that your care and regard for their good and pre- 
 fervation in the truth, is founded upon fo excellent a principle. 
 May this peaceable wifdom and fpirit of Chrift ever prefide in all 
 your affemblies, that therein all your affairs may be condudled 
 to his glory; who is worthy for ever and ever. Amen, 1752. 
 W. E. 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment that the offices of elder and 4 
 
 overfeer are diftind;, and do not coincide in one perfon, unlefs 
 appointed to each ; and that overfeers, under that appointment 
 only, are not entitled to fit in meetings of minifters and elders. 
 1789. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, that when an appoint- 5 
 
 ment of overfeers is neceflary, the matter be referred to a com- "' Y,Trt!r.'^ 
 mittee of judicious friends ; who are to report to the monthly 
 meeting, for its approbation, the names of fuch friends as are 
 thought fuitable for that fervice. 1 789. — 1801. 
 
 In the love of Chrift, we earneftly exhort you to watch dill- 6 
 
 gently over the flock of God, and deal in due time, and In a v. Onenes t, 
 fpirit of Chriftian love and tendernefs, with all fuch as walk "^ 
 diforderly amongft you, in order to reclaim and reftore them 
 by brotherly counfel and admonition ; and when, after patient
 
 110 MONTHLY MEETINGS. 
 
 waiting, you find that your Chriftian labour of love hath not its 
 defired efFedl, negled not to tellify againfl and difown fuch per- 
 fons, and thereby prevent the reproach and difhonour which 
 may be brought upon our holy profeffion through their means : 
 that the end and defign of our wholefome difcipline may be 
 anfwered. 
 
 The want of due care in this refped, hath, as we apprehend, 
 brought great difficulties on fome meetings ; for we think it 
 both unfeafonable and difhonourable, when perfons apply to 
 monthly meetings on account of marriage, or for relief in cafe of 
 neceffity, or any fimilar occafion, then to objedt to them fuch 
 offences as the meeting, through negled; of its own duty, 
 hath fuffered long to pafs by, unreproved and unnoticed. 1743. 
 W. E. 
 
 7 If an offender cannot be found, the meeting to which he 
 belongs, fhall iffue a teftimony againft him ; if the nature of the 
 cafe require it. 1782. — 1801. 
 
 8 This meeting, taking into confideration the pradice of reading 
 ''^'arf^L*''^' teftimonies of difownment at the clofe of meetings for worfhip, 
 
 is of the fenfe and judgment, that it is expedient wholly to dif- 
 continue the faid pradice in future. Information of difownments 
 is neverthelefs to be fent to the women's monthly meeting ; and 
 alfo to the preparative meeting (if there be one) to which the 
 difowned perfon belonged : and in all cafes a copy is to be de- 
 livered to the perfon difowned, if accefs can be had to him. 
 1801. 
 
 9 Forafmuch as fome perfons, who, by their ill condud, have
 
 M O N T II L Y M E E T I N G S. mi 
 
 juftly deferved and come under the cenfure of the meetings to 
 which they belong, have thought to get from under the weight of 
 that judgment, by figning a paper of condemnation, and thereby 
 have fuppofed themfelves difcharged ; it is therefore recom- 
 mended to friends' confideration, that they be careful not to admit 
 fuch perfons too early into fellowfhip, or give them caufe to think 
 they are accepted, before the meeting or meetings are fatisfied 
 of their repentance and amendment; notwithllanding fuch paper 
 be given. 1708. P. E. 
 
 When a perfon is difowned by a monthly or other meeting of 10 
 which he was a member, and afterwards removes into, and re- 
 fides within, the compafs of another meeting, he having come 
 to repentance, and being defirous to be reftored into unity, the 
 neceffary acknowledgment fliould be made to the monthly or 
 other meeting by which he was difowned ; which acknowledg- 
 ment being received and accepted, he fhall be deemed a member 
 of the faid meeting. ly^j. 
 
 Children born after the denial of their parents, and who duly 1 1 
 attend our meetings for worfhip, being alfo of an orderly con- '''tTtan*' 
 verfation, fhould be tenderly regarded ; and when the meeting 
 wherein they refide, apprehends they have attained fufficient 
 judgment to choofe for themfelves, they fhould be vifited, and 
 if they cxprefs a defire to be efteemed members of our fociety, f°' "^j'" 
 the fame ought to be admitted, at the difcretion of the monthly ^"J'^^ ^^"^ 
 meeting. 1767. 
 
 "When a perfon commits an offence, as foon as it comes to the 12 
 knowledge of the meeting wherein he refides, he not being a
 
 112 MONTHLY MEETINGS. 
 
 member thereof, that meeting (hall acquaint the meeting of which 
 he is a member, therewith. 
 
 The meeting of which he is a member fhall then proceed to 
 rifit and deal with him, unlefs by reafon of diftance it be not 
 convenient ; in which cafe, it fhall apply to the monthly 
 meeting in which the offender relides, to aft for it and vifit 
 him, and report its proceedings to the meeting of which he is 
 a member ; which meeting fliall receive his acknowledgment, 
 or difown him, as in its judgment the cafe fhall require, re- 
 porting either conclufion to the other meeting. 
 
 If a teftimony of denial be iffued, a copy thereof fhall be fent 
 to the meeting in the compafs of which the offender refides, 
 wN, ». which fhall acquaint him therewith, and acknowledge the 
 
 receipt thereof to the meeting that fent it. 
 
 If the offender remove after dealing be commenced, the meetr- 
 ing that had him under its care, fhall continue the fame, if he 
 be equally within its reach, or otherwife write to the meeting 
 into the compafs of which he is removed ; which meeting fhall 
 proceed therein, and report to the meeting of which he is a 
 member, which fhall receive his acknowledgment, or proceed to 
 deny him, as aforefaid. 
 
 In cafe offenders fhall remove to places not within the ac- 
 knowledged limits of any monthly meeting, it is agreed that they 
 Ihall be under the care of the meeting to which they are the 
 neareft fituated. 
 
 Should the perfon difowned, coming to a jufl fenfe of his mif^ 
 conduct, be defuous of readmlffion into the foclety, he fhall 
 apply in perfon, or by letter, to the monthly meeting which dif- 
 owned him J which fhall vifit him, if convenient, or otherwife 
 apply to that wherein he refides, to do it, and make report.
 
 i'3 
 
 MONTHLY MEETINGS. 
 
 The meeting which difowncd him fhall then proceed to accept 
 or rcje£t his acknowledgment, as it fhall fee meet : and if re- 
 admitted, he fhall be entitled to memberfhip where he formerly- 
 belonged. 1782. — 1801. 
 
 When monthly meetings judge it proper to draw up tefti- 13 
 
 monies refpeding the religious lives and fervices of deceafed 
 minifters, they are defired to exercife due care therein ; but to 
 Include, as far as may be expedient, the remarkable dying-fayings ^. Family- v;ii 
 of fuch friends, and to mention the age, place of abode, time of ^' 
 deceafe, and place of burial, alfo how long they had been 
 minifters : and it is defired that thefe teftimonies or accounts 
 may be drawn up with fufficient regard to concifenefs, and be 
 revifed and recorded by the quarterly meetings, previoufly to 
 their being fent to this meeting. 
 
 Where no particular account concerning a deceafed minifter 
 is judged neceflary, information is neverthelefs to be tranfmitted 
 to this meeting, of the name, age, place of abode, time of de- 
 ceafe, and place of burial of fuch friend, and it is alfo to be 
 noted, how long he or fhe had been a minifter. 1710. — 1713. 
 — 1740. — 1743. — 1791. — 1801.. 
 
 On confidering a minute of laft yearly meeting on the fubjedt 14- 
 
 of admitting teftimonies concerning deceafed friends, other than 
 minifters, it is concluded beft to make no alteration of the 
 former pradice of this meeting : neverthelefs any friend who 
 may have in pofteflion any inftrudlive communications from *. Fam;iy-vif. 
 friends near the clofe of life, is at liberty to fend up the fame 
 
 , P
 
 114. MONTHLY MEETINGS. 
 
 to the clerk of the morning meeting in London, to be laid 
 before that meeting for its difpofal. 1795. 
 
 ArJv'd. Appeals I. 9. — Arbitr. I. 4. 5. 6. 7.— Books 9. II. — Civ. Gov. II. — Conv. Perfonj 
 5. — Defam. & Dctr. 5, 6. — Difcipl. &c. 16. \!i fafs. — Family-Vif. 2. 4. — Gaming. — Marriage 
 8. 9, 10. II. IS. 13. 14. 15. 16. — Meet, for Suif. 12. 13. — .Meet. forWorfh. 15. — Militia i. 
 . — Vin. 5c Eld. &c. A, nth is" st/j far. II. 14. 15. 16. 17. 1 8. 19. 20 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 27, if par. 
 A- — Morn. Meet. 2. 3. — Nat. St. 3. — Parents, &c. 7, laj! par. — Poor 2. 3. 4. — Prep. Meet. 
 I. — Quart. Meet, I. 2. — Qticries, /^yj. — Records, ^a/>. — Rem. & Sett. /j/j. — Schools, /xt/J. — 
 Scriptures 6. — Slave-Tr. &c. 3. — Suff. I. 3. 7. — Tithes I. 10. 12. 13. 14, \Jl far. 18. 19, ijl far. 
 ao. 21. 22. — Trade 9, lajl far. 10. II. 12. — War a. 4. 5. 6. 7. — ^VVills, (Sec. I.— VVoOi. Meet. a. 3. 6.
 
 [ n5 ] 
 
 MORNING MEETING. 
 
 WHEN the morning meeting of minifters and elders fee 
 caufe to difpole of books in truth's fervice, reprint books, or 
 print new publications, they are to acquaint the meeting for 
 fufferings therewith, for their approbation, both as to the number 
 to be difperfed or printed, and the charge. 1706. 
 
 2 
 
 Agreed, that no perfon's name be entered in the morning 
 meeting's book, as a minifter, till he or Ihe produce a certificate "• '^^"j^^'"' 
 from the monthly or quarterly meeting to which he or fhe fhall 
 belong. 1723. 
 
 Such difcreet and judicious friends, as are deputed elders by 3 
 
 the refpedlive monthly meetings of London, are to be members 
 of the morning meeting, tenderly to encourage and help young 
 minifters, and advife others, as they fhall fee meet, in the 
 •wifdom of God, for the good purpofes mentioned in the minute 
 of the yearly meeting, 1727.* And it is efpecially recom- 'Min. &ew. 
 mended to the feveral monthly meetings in London, to con- 
 fider what friends of either fex amongft them are fit to be added 
 to thofe already appointed, and to recommend them to the morn- 
 ing meeting. 1735.— 1773. 
 
 AkJ vU. Books 5. 7. 10. — Min. & Eld. &c. a;, ^lb tJ" Clhfar. »8.— Monthly Meet. 14. 
 
 P 2 
 
 &c. ai.
 
 [ ii6 ] 
 
 :M O U R N I N G HABITS. 
 
 ACCORDING to the primitive Cmplicity of friends, it is 
 the advice of this meeting, that no friends imitate the world in 
 any diftindion of hahit, or otherwife, as marks or tokens of 
 mourning for the dead. 1717- 
 
 Advifed againft imitating the vain cuftom of wearing or giving 
 mourning, and all extravagant espenfes about the interment of 
 the dead. 1724- P. E. 
 
 Having obferved that, in imitation of a cuflom prevailing of 
 late in this nation, divers under our religious profeffion have 
 difcouraged the female fex from attending the burial of their 
 relations, bj not inviting them thereto with the men ; which is 
 neither agreeable to the pracHce of our worthy predeceflbrs, nor 
 a decent token of relpeci, which, if health permits, it becomes 
 both fexes to £hew for their deceafed relations and friends, on 
 thefe folemn occafions ; we are therefore concerned to recom- 
 mend that friends in general, and minifters, elders, and overfeers 
 in particular, would tenderly advife againft any conformity 
 amongft us, with the modem general cuftom of the world in 
 this refpeci ; as well as in that of putting on black, or any 
 other garments approaching to that colour, by way of diftiniSon 
 on fuch occafions j which we as a people are well known to 
 have always had a teftimony againft. 17S2.
 
 [ "7 ] 
 
 NATIONAL STOCK. 
 
 AGREED, that a colledion be occafionally made in the i 
 
 feveral counties and places for defraying the expenies of the 
 fociety, as printing and diftributing books for the fervice of truth, c. Book, 
 the paflage of miniftering friends who are called into the fen-ice 
 of the Lord beyond fea, the falary of a clerk, and houfe-rent for 
 keeping records, with other incidental charges ; fo be fent up to 
 the correfpondents of the feveral counties and places, and paid •5'^'" 
 to the cafliiers. 1672. — 1676. ■P.A-..4. 
 
 Diiburfements out of the national ftock to be fuch only, as 2 
 
 {hall be agreed and directed by the meeting for fufferings in 
 London. 1679. 
 
 It being reprefented to this meeting, that friends in fome 3 
 
 places have fent, as their contributions to the general ftock, a 
 certain ftated fum taken from their meeting's ftock ; this meeting 
 recommends to fuch places in future, to raife their contributions 
 towards the general ftock, by a feparate, free, and liberal collec- 
 tion for the purpofe, in a proportion adequate to the occafion, 
 and to the circumftances of their refpedive meetings. 1771- 
 
 It is agreed, that in future the cafti of this meeting be kept at 4 
 
 the bankers' in the names of fix friends, under the denomination
 
 ii8 NATIONAL STOCK. 
 
 of truftees, to be appointed by the meeting for fufferings, and re- 
 newed from time to time, whenever by death, a defire to be ex- 
 cufed, or any other reafonable caufe, the truft fhall be reduced 
 to three ; for which purpofe, the names of the truftees fhall be 
 called over in the meeting for fufferings previous to the yearly 
 meeting ; and that the drafts be in future figned in the meeting 
 by three of the members prefent, and afterwards counterfigned 
 by one or more of the truftees. 1793. 
 
 ^ It is agreed, that the expenfes attendant on the vifits of mini- 
 
 ■». N: 7. ftering friends to the ifland of Guernfey, be defrayed out of the 
 
 national ftock ; alfo that the fame fund be employed for defraying 
 the expenfe of miniftering friends from other countries, who 
 may be returning from vifits to any parts of Great Britain, al- 
 though fuch vifits may not have been general ; and alfo to de- 
 fray the charges of minifters, who may be called to travel in any 
 foreign country, in which there are not any friends, or none 
 fuitable to bear fuch charges ; alfo that all fuch expenfes ihall be 
 examined and allowed, where it may be, by the quarterly meet- 
 ing in which the fame fhall have been incurred. 1793. 
 
 6 This meeting agrees, that the expenfes of friends travelling la 
 
 •. Nc. 7. the work of the miniftry in the Ifle of Wight, and other illands 
 
 adjacent to Great Britain, and in fuch parts of Wales as are 
 not within the acknowledged limits of the monthly meetings, 
 may in future be defrayed out of the national ftock ; together 
 with the expenfes of fuch guides as may be neceffary to the ac- 
 complifhment of the fervice ; the faid expenfes being previoufly 
 allowed by the quarterly meeting, or the half-year's meeting. 
 And it is further agreed, that the half-year's meeting of Wales
 
 N ATI O N AL STO CK. 119 
 
 may be at liberty, when It thinks proper, to apply for relmburfc- 
 ment out of the national ftock, of fimilar expenfes arifing within 
 the limits of its feveral monthly meetings. 1799. 
 
 It is agreed, that the expenfes of miniftering friends travelling n 
 
 in any of the iflands adjacent to Great Britain, and alfo of their 
 neceflary guides, from the refidence of friends to, and alfo at, 
 the ports whence they may embark, and at the ports where they 
 may difembark, and from thence to the refidence of any neigh- 
 bouring friends, be paid out of the national flock ; except the 
 expenfe occafioned by the holding of any public meetings, not 
 held in the iflands. 1800. 
 
 And vid. Yearly Meet. 14.
 
 [ 120 ] 
 
 OATHS. 
 
 ADVISED, that our Chriftian teflimony be faithfully main- 
 talned againft the burthen and impofition of oaths, according to 
 the exprefs prohibition of Chrift, and alfo of the apoftle James : 
 
 Matth.v.33to viz. " Ye havc heard that it hath been faid by them of old time, 
 37- u 'Yhon fhalt not forfwear thyfelf, but fhalt perform unto the 
 
 *• Lord thine oaths ; but I fay unto you. Swear not at all ; 
 *' neither by heaven, for it is God's throne ; nor by the earth, 
 " for it is his footftool ; neither by Jerufalem, for it is the city 
 *' of the great King ; neither fhalt thou fwear by thy head, be- 
 ** caufe thou canft not make one hair white or black : but let 
 " your communication be, Yea, yea ; Nay, nay ; for whatfoever 
 " is more than thefe, cometh of evil." 
 
 James V. II. *' But above all things, my brethren, fwear not; neither by 
 
 *' heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath ; but 
 " let your yea be yea ; and your nay, nay ; left ye fall into con-^ 
 " demnation." 1693. P. E. 
 
 Andviii. Affirmation, — Meet, for Suff. 4.
 
 [ »2I ] 
 
 PARENTS, GUARDIANS, 
 
 AND 
 
 EDUCATION. 
 
 WE do entreat and defire all you that are parents and governors 
 of families, that ye diligently lay to heart your work, and calling 
 in your generation, for the Lord, and the charge committed to 
 you ; not only in being good examples to the younger fort, but alfo 
 to ufe your power in your own families in educating your children 
 and fervants in modefty, fobriety, and in the fear of God, curbing 
 the extravagant humour in the young ones when it doth appear ;• 
 and not to indulge or allow of it : for you are fet in your 
 families as judges for God, and it is you that muft give an ac- 
 count of the power committed to you. And when you fee a 
 libertine and wanton fpirit appear in your children and fervants, 
 that lufteth after the vain cuftoms and fafliions of the world, 
 either in habit or outward adorning, and craves your alliftance 
 and allowance ; without which it cannot get forward while they 
 are under your government ; O then look to yourfelves, and 
 difcharge your truft for God, and for the good of their fouls, 
 exhorting in meeknefs, and commanding in wifdom ; that fo you 
 may minifter and reach to the witnefs, and help them over their
 
 122 
 
 PARENTS, GUARDIANS, 
 
 temptations in the authority of God's power ; and when they 
 feel themfelves helped and delivered, their fouls will blefs God 
 for you, and you will reap the comfort of your labour. 1688. 
 P. E. 
 
 . Schools 
 4. 3-4- 
 
 It is our Chriftian and earneft advice and counfel to all friends 
 concerned, to provide fchool-mafters and miflrefles who are 
 faithful friends, to teach and inftru£l their children ; and not to 
 fend them to fchools whei'e they are taught the corrupt ways, 
 manners, falhions, and language of the world; and of the heathen 
 in their authors ; tending greatly to corrupt and alienate the 
 minds of children into an averfenefs or oppofition againft the 
 truth, and the fimplicity of it. But take care that you train 
 up your children in the good nurture, admonition, and fear of 
 the Lord, in that plainnefs and language which become truth. 
 1690. P. E. 
 
 -J. Queries 8, 
 Mv. IJI. 
 
 It being under confideratlon how friends' children might be 
 difpofed of, that are trained up in the way of truth, and fit to be 
 put forth apprentices ; it is the advice and counfel of friends, 
 that fpecial care be taken to put them apprentices to honed 
 friends, that they may be preferved in the way of truth. 1697. 
 
 '. Poor 3. 
 Trade 13. 
 Rem. & 
 Sett. 9. 
 Marriage 
 l,lj}far. 
 a. 3.4- 
 
 And that friends of all degrees take due care to breed up their 
 children in fome ufeful and neceflary employments, that they 
 may not fpend their precious time in Idlenefsj which is of evil 
 example, and tends much to their hurt. 1703. P. E. 
 
 As touching the education of friends' children, for which this 
 meeting hath often found a concern, we think it our duty to
 
 and E D U C A T I O N. raj 
 
 recommend unto you, that no opportunity be omitted, nor any 
 endeavours wanting, to inftruft them in the principle of truth 
 which we profefs : and there being times and feafons, wherein 
 their fpirits are, more than at others, difpofed to have fuch 
 things imprefled upon them, fo we defire that all parents, and 
 others concerned in the overfight of youth, may wait in the 
 fear of God to know themfelves divinely qualified for that fervice ; 
 that in his wifdom they may make ufe of every fuch opportunity 
 which the Lord fhall put into their hands. 1717. P. E. 
 
 We tenderly recommend to all parents, and fuch as may have 6 
 
 care of children, that they do, as far as in them lies, infped care- 
 fully, and narrowly inquire into, the manner of their conver- 
 fation ; that where counfel or reproof may be wanting, it may 
 in the fpirit of love and in found judgment be given. 1724. 
 P. E. 
 
 Advifed, that mothers of children (as well as fathers), as they 7 
 
 have frequently the beft opportunities, would take particular care 
 to inftrudt them in the knowledge of religion, and the Holy ^'^ 
 
 Scriptures ; becaufe it has been found by experience, that good 
 impreffions, early made on the tender minds of children, have 
 proved lafting means of preferving them in a religious life and 
 converfation. 
 
 When parents or guardians are deficient In fuch their care, 
 we recommend to monthly meetings, that they ftir them up 
 thereto, either by vifiting them in their families, or in fuch v. Fimiiy-vif. 
 manner as in the wifdom of God they may fee meet ; that fo 
 the dodrines of the gofpel, and a converfation agreeable thereto, 
 may be maintained unto all generations. 1731. P. E. 
 
 0,2
 
 124 PA R ENTS, G UARDI ANS, 
 
 8 It has been the concern of this meeting, from the relation given 
 of ti-uth's fpreading in foreign countries, that friends who are of 
 abilities, and have the profperity of truth at heart, would in the 
 education of their children take care, as fuitable opportunities and 
 occafions may offer, to let them be inftrudted in fome modern 
 tongues, as French, High and Low Dutch, Danifh,&c. that fo when 
 they are grown up, they may reap the benefit thereof; and, as it 
 fhall pleafe the Lord to difpofe and incline them, may be of fervice 
 to the church. 1737. W. E. 
 
 9 We do with earneftnefs recommend to all fuch parents as have 
 experienced the gracious dealings of the Lord with their own 
 fouls, to take all proper opportunities of inftilling into the minds 
 of their children juft fentiments refpe£ting the vanity and empti- 
 nefs of fading and tranfitory enjoyments ; and to diredl them to 
 feek after that folid peace and ferenity of mind, which attends 
 the fmcere practice of true religion and virtue, and which only 
 can afford any durable and folid fatisfa«3:ion. 1745. ?• E. 
 
 I o We advife and exhort, that all mafters of families, parents, 
 
 guardians, and tutors of children, would frequently put in pradtice 
 the calling together of their children and houfehold, to wait upotx 
 the Lord in their families ; that, receiving wifdom and counfel 
 from him, they may be enabled feafonably to exhort and encou- 
 rage them to walk in the way of the Lord, to exercife themfelvea 
 in reading the Holy Scriptures, and in obferving the duties and 
 precepts of holy living therein recommended ; and would admo* 
 nifh them to keep to that plainnefs and fimplicity in apparel, fpeech, 
 and behaviour, into v/hich the Spirit of truth led our forefathers, 
 and which becomes the humble, felf-denying followers of Holy 
 Jefus ; alfo, that they would ufe their endeavours to reilrain the
 
 and EDUCATION. 125 
 
 TOiith committed to their charge, from frequenting play-houfes ,. q^„;» 
 
 i? /'/. 
 
 and other places of diverfion, by fhewing them the evil tendency .V, «; r.' 
 thereof, and the danger of their minds being thereby drawn afide 
 from a folid and ferious attention to the great duty of life, the 
 pradlice of true religion and virtue. 1748. P. E. 
 
 It has been the frequent concern of this meeting, by former it 
 
 advices, to prefs all parents, guardians, and heads of families, to 
 a ftridt watch over the condudl and behaviour of their children, 
 fervants, and the youth under their care ; and, in order that they 
 themfelves may be properly qualified to difcharge fo great and 
 neccffary a duty, we earneftly recommend, that in whatfoever 
 relation they ftand to the rifing generation, they be very circum- 
 fpe£t and exemplary in every particular of their own condud:, 
 and be fully given up in faithful obedience to the manifertations 
 of light and grace received : whereby they will be enabled to 
 advife and reprove with proper authority, and to reftrain thofe 
 under them from all fuperfluous and hurtful things, which it 
 may be in their power to prevent. 1758. P. E. 
 
 As the right education of children, and the nurture of youth, 12 
 is of very great confequence to them, and to the fucceeding 
 generation, we preflingly exhort all parents and heads of fi\milies, 
 to procure fuch ufeful learning for their children, as their 
 abilities will admit ; and to encourage them, as well by example 
 as precept, to the frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures ; and 
 that they begin, as early as poffible, to inftill into their tender 
 minds the principles of truth and virtue ; and inftrudl them in 
 the nature and neceflity of being born from above, without which, 
 our Lord declared, no man fhall fee the kingdom of God : and, johDni,i. 
 in order hereunto, that they labour to bring them acquainted
 
 126 PARENTS, GUARDIANS, 
 
 with the holy feed, which is fown by the divine hand In every 
 heart for that gracious end : that they may, through the Lord's 
 bleffing upon fuch pious and paternal endeavours, be induced to 
 place their affe£lions upon it ; and, cleaving thereto in faithful 
 obedience, come to experience it to be unto them, Chrift within, 
 
 Col. i. 27. " the hope of glory." 
 
 The importance of an early inftrudion in the law of God, 
 is fet forth with peculiar ftrength, clearnefs, and folemnity, in 
 Deut. vi. 4, &c. " Hear, O Ifrael, the Lord our God is one Lord: 
 ** and thou fhalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, 
 *' and with all thy foul, and with all thy might : and thefe words 
 *' which I command thee this day, Ihall be in thine heart ; and 
 ** thou ihalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and 
 ** fhalt talk of them when thou fitteft in thine houfe, and when 
 *' thou walkefl by the way, and when thou lied down, and when 
 " thou rifeft up." It is requifite alfo that reftraint be added to 
 inftru£tion, it being much eafier, as well as more prudent, to ex- 
 ercife it upon the firft: appearances of an inclination to dangerous 
 
 w. No. ij. or hurtful liberties, than afterwards ; for where children, through 
 
 the prevalence of fond afFe£tion, have been accuftomed to impro- 
 per indulgences, when they are grown to fuch a dangerous degree 
 of ripenefs, that the exertion of authority hath become abfolutely 
 necefTary, the ftrength of their paffions fo habituated hath often 
 proved unconquerable, or very difficult to overcome ; to the great 
 hurt of the unhappy youth, and the unfpeakable grief of the im- 
 prudently indulgent parents. 1760. P. E. 
 
 I ■» We entreat all parents ferioufly to lay to heart the great and 
 
 lafting importance of a religious education to their offspring; 
 and to be more folicitous that their tender minds may be im- 
 preffed with virtuous principles, and early directed into the path
 
 12J 
 
 and EDUCATION. 
 
 of purity, by which they may obtain the pearl of great price, 
 than to provide for them fuperfluous and uncertain riches, fre- 
 quently the forrowful means of their declenfion and ruin. And 
 let your good precepts be enforced by a prudent reflraint and 
 authority, difcouraging in them every appearance of evil. And 
 to all mailers and tutors of children, we aftedionately addrefs 
 ourfelves; that in a particular manner it may be your care to 
 caution, and as much as in you lies to guard, the youth com- 
 mitted to your charge, againft the dangers and allurements of 
 evil communications, and the reading of profane and immoral 
 writings (thofe powerful engines of Satan), whether they be fuch 
 as direftly tend to defile the affedtions, or, with a more fpecious 
 appearance, to fubvert the doftrines of Chriftianity, by a pre- 
 fumptuous abufe of human reafon, and by vain and fubtle dif- 
 putations, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Chrifl, 
 1766. P. E. 
 
 As next to our own fouls, our offspring are the mofl imme- 14 
 diate objeds of our care and concern, it is earneftly recommended 
 to all parents and guardians of children, that the moft early 
 opportunities may be taken, in their tender years, to imprefs upon 
 them a fenfe of the Divine Being, his wifdom, power, and omni- 
 prefence, fo 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, inftrudl- 
 ing them in the great love of God to mankind through Jefus v. Scripture* 
 Chrift, the work of falvation by him, and fandification through 
 his blefled Spirit. For though virtue defcendeth not by lineal 
 fuccelTion, nor piety by inheritance; yet we truft the Almighty 
 doth gracioufly regard the fmcere endeavours of thofe parents, 
 ■whofe early and conflant care is over their offspring for good j 
 
 3-6.
 
 128 PARENTS, GUARDIANS, 
 
 who labour to inftruft them in the fear of the Lord, and in an 
 humble waiting for, and feeling after, thofe fecret and tender 
 -vifitations of divine love, which are afforded for the help and 
 direction of all. Be ye therefore excited to a faithful difcharge 
 of your duty. Be examples to them, in your meetings, your 
 families, and your employments, of a diligent, humble watch- 
 fulnefs, and fteady regard to that holy principle in yourfelves, 
 which you recommend to their obfervance. Be careful not to 
 indulge them in any thing of an evil tendency. Keep them, 
 while young, out of the vain falhions, the corrupt cuftoms, and 
 unprofitable converfation of the world ; training them up in that 
 commendable fimplicity, and plainnefs of fpeech, habit, and 
 manners, pradlifed by our Lord, and his faithful followers j and 
 as they ripen in age, guard them againfl: the reading of plays, 
 romances, and other licentious publications, of a nature prejudi- 
 cial to the promotion of true Chriftianity ; likewife againft the 
 «. Queries pubUc paftimcs, aud pernicious diverfions of the age : all which 
 3.$!>. are the inventions of degenerate and corrupt fpirits, and ftrongly 
 tend to draw the incautious mind from a fenfe of religious duty, 
 to bring it into a ftate of alienation from the life of God, and to 
 deprive it of that inexpreffible comfort and delight, which attends 
 the daily exercife of religion and virtue. 1767. P- E. 
 
 I - And ye parents, be ye folicitous to difcharge your important 
 
 and awful duty, with fcrupulous attention. It is often too late 
 to warn the youthful mind of danger, when your own negli- 
 gence, or indulgence, hath fuffered your oiTspring to deviate 
 from that path of fimplicity, in which you have thought your- 
 felves bound to walk, and in which you have found peace. If 
 you fail to fupprefs the early beginnings of undue liberty, how 
 can you expe<^ a bleliing on your endeavours, when further devi-
 
 and EDUCATION. 129 
 
 ations at length aroufe your attention ? and how, having failed «. Difcipu &c. 
 to rule your own houfes well, can you expeft duly to " take care 
 ** of the church of God;" by performing that too much ne- ' "" "'•^• 
 gledted duty of private admonition therein ? There vi^ere of old 
 thofe who brought childrea to Chrift, in the days of his flcfh ; 
 and now the religious parent can breathe no warmer afpiration 
 for them, than when he fpiritually commends his tender offspring 
 to the protection of his Lord. But fee, friends, that you en- 
 courage no propenfities in them which prevent a union with 
 him. Reftrain them, we befeech you, from aflbciating with „. cond. i 
 thofe whofe influence and example lead away from his law ; °"'"'' ' 
 and be efpecially careful that you introduce not among them, 
 publications, which arc either wholly, or in part, repugnant to 
 the faith, as it is in Jefus. Let it be your own daily care to 
 endeavour after clofer communion with him, and to walk in 
 meek fubmiffion to his commands : fo may you gain, over the 
 minds of the youth providentially placed under your care, that 
 afcendency which arifes from the united effefts of found judg- 
 ment, trueft love, and a good example. 1800. P. E. 
 
 And vlt. Books «. 3. — Lib. to the Poor 6. — Marriage,/a/}.— Matters, &c. 4. —Meet. forWorfli. 4. 
 
 — Plainncft j. 3, 6. 8, id far. — Poor i. 3. — Queries z, ^ IF. X. 3, ^ ///. VIII. 5, ^/7. V. 
 
 8, Ad'j. r.— Schools I. 5.— Scriptures, ^j/}.— Wills, &c. I.
 
 [ »30 ] 
 
 PLAINNESS. 
 
 ADVISED, that friends take care to keep to truth and 
 plainnefs, in language, habit, deportment, and behaviour ; that 
 the fimplicity of truth in thefe things may not wear out or be 
 loft in our days, nor in our pofterity's. 
 
 To avoid pride and immodefty in apparel, and all vain and 
 fuperfluous fafhions of the vsrorld. 169 1. P. E. 
 
 This meeting, under a deep fenfe that pride, and the vain 
 cuftoms and fafhions of the world, prevail over fome of our pro- 
 V. Queries fcffion, particularly in the excefs of apparel and furniture, doth 
 earneftly recommend, that all who make profeffion of the truth, 
 take care to be exemplary in what they wear, and v/hat they 
 ufe, fo as to avoid the vain cuftoms of the world, and all extra- 
 vagancy in colour and fafhion j and keep themfelves, in refpe£l 
 thereof, fpotlefs and blamelefs, adorning their profeffion in all 
 modefty and fobriety : and that all parents be watchful over 
 their children, and careful not to fuffer them to get up into pride 
 and excefs, but keep them to that decent plainnefs which be- 
 comes the people of God ; that the fm of the children may not 
 lie upon their parents; nor they be expofed to ruin by their 
 parents' negledt. 1703. P. E. 
 
 Let all be examples to their children, in wifdom, moderation. 
 
 8, Adv. I.
 
 PLAINNESS. 
 
 13' 
 
 and plalnncfs in language and habit ; and not be exemplary only, 
 
 but alfo reftrain them from any thing that might be to their „. parent., ace. 
 
 hurt, either inwardly or outwardly ; neither providing for them 
 
 coftly and gaudy attire, unbecoming godlinefs, nor letting them 
 
 have money to gratify themfelves therein. 1 709. P. E. 
 
 Advifed, that none defpife "the day of fmall things," or turn 4 
 
 afide from the plainnefs, fimplicity, and life of the truth, into 
 the words, ways, cuftoms, and fafhions of the world, which are 
 vain, and will perilh with the ufmg ; God having redeemed his 
 people out of the fame, through his righteous judgments in their 
 inward parts : knowing, that whatfoever 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 Jefus. 1712. P. E. 
 
 Advifed, that all friends, both male and female, be careful that 5 
 
 their adorning be that " of a meek and quiet fpirit, which is in i Pet. iu.4. 
 *' the fight of God of great price ;" even as the holy men and 
 women of old, profefling godlinefs with good works, 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, inftead of obferving that gofpcl exhortation to be fober- TiwiU.6. 
 minded, have given way to lightnefs and vanity ; the pernicious 
 effedts whereof have led them into pride, and fuch extravagancies 
 as thofe who are not of our profeflion obfcrve, as marks of de- 
 clenfion from our primitive plainnefs. And O that our young 
 women, likewife, would ceafe from all unfeemly and immodefl: 
 appearance in their apparel ! Certainly both males and females 
 who take fuch undue meafures, fly from the crofs of Chrift; and 
 if they do not repent and return, they will thereby fiiffer great 
 lofs. 1715. W. E. 
 
 R 2
 
 132 PLAINNESS. 
 
 6 Forafmuch as a true Chrlftlan pradice, and every branch of 
 
 it, is the fruit and effed of the inward fandlification of the heart, 
 by the Spirit of Chrift, for which we are frequently to wait on 
 him in all humility and lowlinefs of mind ; we tenderly advife, 
 that every thing tending to obftruft, or divert the minds of 
 children, or thofe of more advanced years, from this good exer- 
 cife, may be carefully avoided and taken out of the way. And 
 it being evident, that the glory and vanity of the world, and the 
 •». A'.. 9. pleafures and diverfions of it, are of this nature and tendency j 
 
 we therefore advife that all parents and mafters, in the firft place, 
 be good examples to their children and families, in an humble, 
 circumfpect walking, and with all plainnefs of habit and fpeech ; 
 and alfo, that they be very careful not to indulge their children 
 in the ufe and pra£tice of things contrary thereunto. 
 
 For we are fenfible that, by fuch habits, of how little moment 
 foever fome may think them, the tender minds of children, while 
 very young, being lifted up, and drawn afide from the fimplicity 
 of truth, a foundation is early laid for thofe undue liberties, fo 
 juftly complained of; for a love and delight in fuch things, 
 imprudently indulged at firft, grows up with them, and becomes 
 ftrengthened more and more into confirmed habits ; and thus 
 fome have become enemies to the ci-ofs of Chrift, and forfaken 
 and oppofed the way of truth ; which poffibly might have been 
 prevented by parents doing their duty, in being good examples, 
 and not cherifhing the feeds of vanity and folly in their children, 
 but, on the contrary, prudently difcouraging every appearance of 
 evil in them : which neceflary duty we earneftly recommend to 
 their ferious confideration and pradice. 1735' P. E. 
 
 y It is alfo our concern to exhort all friends, both men and 
 
 women, to watch againft the growing fin of pride, and to beware
 
 PLAINNESS. 133 
 
 of adorning themfelves in a manner difagrecable to the pla'mnefe 
 and fimplicity of the truth, we make profefTion of. O that 
 they would duly confider that fevere reproof which the Lord, by 
 the mouth of his prophet, pronounced againft the haughty 
 daughters of Sion ! Ifaiah iii. — ^'* I will," faith the apoftle Paul, iTim.ii.9,10. 
 *' that women adorn themfelves in modeft apparel, with fhame- 
 *' facednefs and fobriety ; not with broidered hair, or gold, 
 *' or pearls, or coftly array ; but, which becometh women 
 " profeffmg godlinefs, with good works : " plainly fhewing, 
 that fuch adornings are contrary to the profefTion of godli- 
 nefs. The apoftle Peter alfo is very full in his exhortations 
 on this fubjedt : " Whofe adorning," faith he, " let it not be i Pet. iu. 
 " 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 
 " ornament of a meek and quiet fpirit, which is in the fight of 
 " God of great price ; for after this manner, in the old time, the 
 " holy women alfo who trufted in God, adorned themfelves:" 
 plainly intimating, that thofe who of old were ho!y, and did 
 truft in God, placed not their delight in fuch ornaments. O that 
 ye would weigh and confider thefe things ! " Let your mode- Pi'ii- jv. 5. 
 *' ration be known unto all men," and, "Grieve not the Holy v 1,15,16. 
 " Spirit of God;" but, be ye followers of him, as dear children ; 
 walking " circumfpedly, not as fools, but as wife, redeeming 
 " the time, becaufe the days are evil." 1739. P. E. 
 
 The example of our bleifed Saviour and his followers, and of 8 
 
 virtuous and holy men in all ages, ought to make a due impreffion 
 on every confiderate mind ; and efpecially on fuch as have had 
 the advantage of an education in a plainnefs agreeable to fuch 
 example.
 
 134 
 
 PLAINNESS. 
 
 Let not any fuch as degenerate in thefe refpedls excufe their 
 own vveaknefs, under a pretence of the milcondu£t of feme, who 
 have appeared outv/ardly plain; an objecSlion of very little weight: 
 for did they rightly confider, they would clearly fee, that the 
 very reafon why deceivers fometimes put on plain apparel, is, 
 becaufe true men have been accuftomed to wear it. We alfo 
 tenderly advife, that friends take heed, efpecially thofe who 
 fhould be exemplary to others under their care, that they exer- 
 cife plainnefs of fpeech without refpe£t of perfons, in all their 
 converfe among men ; and not balk their teftimony by a cow- 
 ardly compliance, varying their language according to their 
 company : a pradlice of very ill example to our obferving youth, 
 and rendering thofe who ufe it contemptible, and looked upon 
 as a kind of hypocrites, even by thofe with whom they fo comply. 
 1743. W. E. 
 
 ■». Parents, &c. 
 10. 14. 
 Mod. & 
 Temp. 2. 
 Queries 
 2, ^ VI. 
 
 3. ^ y- 
 
 Youtli I. 4. 
 
 It is matter of exceeding grief and concern to many of the 
 faithful among us, to obferve, how far that exemplary plainnefs 
 of habit, fpeech, and deportment, which diftinguifhed our fore- 
 fathers, and for which they patiently underwent reproach and 
 coniradidlion, is now departed from, by too many under our 
 name. A declenfion from the fimplicity of truth herein hath 
 been, and we fear is, attended with pernicious confequences, in 
 opening the way of fome, the more eafily and unobferved, to 
 attend the places of public refort, for the exercife of fports, plays, 
 and other hurtful and deftrudive diverfions of the agej from 
 which truth taught our faithful elders, and ftill teaches us, wholly 
 to refrain : and indeed the Chriftian gravity of their lives and 
 actions always carried with it a fevere reproof, and manifeft 
 oppofition, to the wantonnefs and levity of fuch dangerous and 
 fmful paflimes. Wherefore, we befeech you, be not deceived.
 
 PLAINNESS. 
 
 U5 
 
 nor led afide by falfe notions of imaginary pleafures, to par- 
 take of "the unfruitful works of darknefs," but watch and Eph. ». n. 
 
 I ThcfT V 
 
 befober; and, as becometh children of the light and of the 5,6,2i. 
 day, " Abftain from all appearance of evil." 1753- P» E. 
 
 jtnd vU. Good. & Converr. l. 2. 5. 7. 9. II — Covetoufncfs 3. — Days & Times 4- 3. — Familjr 
 Vif. 2. — Lib. to the Poor 4. 6. — Matters, &c. 3. — Meet, for Suff. 4. — Mourn. Hab. fafi.— 
 Parenti, &c. i. j. xo. 14— Queries l, ^ IV. 3, ^ ///. j,;^ r.— Schools 3. 4.
 
 [ 136 ] 
 
 POOR. 
 
 Afts XX. 35. 
 Prov. xix< 17. 
 
 WITH refped; to the poor amongft us, it ought to be con- 
 fidered, that the poor, both parents and children, are of our family, 
 and ought not to be turned off to any others for their fupport 
 or education ; and although fome may think the poor a bur- 
 then, yet be it remembered, when our poor are well provided 
 for, and walk orderly, they are an ornament to our fociety ; and 
 the rich fhould confider, it is more blefled to give than to receive, 
 and that he who giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord, who 
 will repay. 1718. P. E. 
 
 a As mercy, compaflion, and charity are eminently required In 
 
 this new-covenant difpenfation which we are under; fo, refpefting 
 the poor and indigent among us (and to fee there be no beggar 
 in our Ifrael), it is the advice of this meeting that all poor friends 
 be taken due care of, and none of them fent to the parifh to be 
 relieved -, and that nothing be wanting for their neceflary fupply : 
 according to our ancient practice and teftimony. 1720. P. E. 
 
 3 Advifed, that where friends want ability in the world, their 
 
 •. Schools 1. 5. monthly and quarterly meetings affifl them, that the children of 
 
 y, Parents, the poor may have due help of education, inftrudlion, and ne- 
 
 Trade 13. ceffary learning ; and that the children both of the rich and the 
 
 ^v.'m.' poor may early be provided with ufeful employments, that they
 
 POOR. 
 
 may not grow up in idlenefs, loofenefs, and vice ; but that, being 
 feafoned with the truth, taught our holy felf-denying way, and 
 fandtified of God, they may become a reputation to our holy 
 profefTion, the comfort of their honed parents, and inftrumental 
 to the glory of God, and to the good of the fucceeding generations. 
 1709. P. E. 
 
 The families of poor friends to be provided with bibles, and 
 friends' books, particularly fuch as are adapted to the inftrudion 
 and edification of their children, at the difcretion and expenfe 
 of monthly meetings. 1754. — 1801. 
 
 AndviJ. Lib. to the Poor, fafs. — Marriage 14, 14 par. — Monthly Meet. 6, lajt far— 
 ijuerics a, ^X. i,^ r///.-Rtni. & Sett. 4. 7, R. I. II. lU.—Tii^n II.— Wai8,&c.4.— 
 
 Worn. Meet. (1, Art. I. 
 
 '37
 
 [ 'SS 
 
 PREPARATIVE MEETINGS. 
 
 1 IT is the judgment of this meeting, that the holding of 
 
 preparative meetings, under fuitable regulations, may be of real 
 advantage, where monthly meetings conlift of two or more par- 
 ticular meetings ; and that the proper bufmefs of fuch meet- 
 ings is 
 ■V. Records z. To inquire after births, hurials, and removals, In order 
 
 to carry accounts thereof to the monthly meeting : 
 
 To read and confider the queries, as fettled by the yearly- 
 i. Qneries z. meeting, and conclude on anfwers to them, except to the eleventh, 
 twelfth, fourteenth, and fifteenth, and the latter part of the thir- 
 teenth ; in writing if convenient : 
 
 To appoint reprefentatives to the monthly meeting. 
 If overfeers or other concerned friends incline to confult the 
 preparative meeting, before they report cafes of delinquency to the 
 monthly meeting, they may do fo ; but the preparative meeting 
 iliould not make a record thereof. 1 794. 
 
 2 This meeting is of the judgment, that men and women fhould 
 
 not be at liberty to fit together, in tranfading the bufinefs of 
 preparative meetings ; except at the difcretion of the quarterly 
 meeting, under confideration of the fmalnefs of the number and 
 
 1
 
 PREPARATIVE MEETINGS. 
 
 man'ifefl; wcaknefs. The queries then to be confidered, to be the 
 queries of the men's preparative meeting, and no anfwers to be 
 fent from thence to the women's monthly meeting. 1799. 
 
 And viJ. Meet, for Suff. 13. — Monthly Meet. 8. — Queries 8. 
 
 '39 
 
 s 2
 
 [ I40 ] 
 
 QUARTERLY MEETINGS. 
 
 ALL minutes and written epiftles from the yearly meeting 
 are to be entered by the quarterly meetings in fair books, 
 and the printed epiftles properly kept, that all friends of their 
 counties may have recourfe to them, as occafion (hall require : 
 and quarterly meetings are defired to take care, that the fame 
 attention be had in their feveral monthly meetings. 1727. — 
 1801. 
 
 When a quarterly meeting hath come to a judgment re- 
 fpedting any difference, relative to any monthly meeting belong- 
 ing to it, and notified the fame in writing to fuch monthly 
 meeting, the faid monthly meeting ought to fubmit to the judg- 
 ment of the quarterly meeting ; but if fuch monthly meeting 
 fhall not be fatisfied therewith, then the monthly meeting may 
 appeal to the yearly meeting againft the judgment and determi- 
 nation of the quarterly meeting. 
 
 And if a monthly meeting fhall refufe to take the advice, 
 and fubmit to the judgment, of the quarterly meeting, and not- 
 withftanding will not appeal againfl the determination of the 
 faid meeting to the yearly meeting, in fuch cafe the quarterly 
 meeting fhall be at liberty, either to diffolve fuch monthly 
 meeting, or bring the affair before the next or fucceeding yearly 
 meeting.
 
 QJJARTERLY MEETINGS. 141 
 
 And in cafe a quarterly meeting fliali diflblve a monthly meet- 
 ing, the difldved monthly meeting, or any part thereof in the 
 name of the faid meeting, fliall be at liberty to appeal to the next 
 or fucceeding yearly meeting againft fuch diflbkition ; but if the 
 didblved monthly meeting, or a part thereof in its behalf, (hall not 
 appeal to the yearly meeting, the quarterly meeting {hall join the 
 members of the faid late monthly meeting to fuch other monthly 
 meetings as it may think mofi: convenient; and until fuch jundlion, 
 fhall take care that no inconvenience doth enfue to the members 
 of fuch diffolved meeting, refpedling any branch of our difcipline. 
 
 And if any of the monthly meetings, to which the quarterly 
 meeting fhall join the whole or a part of the late monthly meet- 
 ing, do think themfelves aggrieved, they fhall be at liberty to 
 appeal againft the quarterly meeting to the yearly meeting ; 
 and until fuch appeal is heard and determined, the friends added 
 by the quarterly meeting to them, fhall be deemed their members. 
 
 1743- 
 
 It is agreed that where half-yearly meetings are eftablifhcd in 3 
 
 the place of quarterly meetings, diredions refpeding the latter 
 are applicable to the former, fo far as circumftances will admit. 
 1801. 
 
 And viJ. Appeals, fa/j. — Arbilr. 4. — Books 8. 9 Cond. &. Convcrf. 6.— Difclpl. &<:■ 16. 
 
 15" /a/,.— Family-Vif. 4.— Meet, for Sufi. I. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10. ij.— Alin. & Eld. &.c. 14. 
 T5. 16. 17, jjl far. 20. aj. 24. 1$. 17, 2J pur. 28. — Monthly Meet. I. I3. — Morn. 
 
 >*cct. a Nat. St. I. 3. 5. 6. 7.— Poor 3, — Prep. Meet. s. — Queries a. 4. 6. 7. 8. — 
 
 Records 2. 4. 5. — Rem, & Sett. 8.— Schools a. 3. — Scriptures 6 Suff. I. 3. 7. — Tithes 10. 
 
 »2. 14, ifi par, zou— Trade 9, id far. — War 4. 6. — Worn. Mocr. ». 3.— Yearly Meet. 6. 7. 8. 16.
 
 [ 142" " 
 
 queries: 
 
 IT is agreed, that the queries fhall be anfwered at the times and 
 ill the manner diredied ; and that no others be ufed without 
 the leave of this meeting. 1791.* — 1796. — 1799. — 1801. 
 
 2 Men's Queries. • 
 
 It is agreed, that the following be the queries for the men's 
 meetings; and that the firft, fecond, third, fourth, feventh, eighth, 
 ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth be anfwered in writing to the 
 
 «. Yearly Meet, fpriug quarterly meetings,and from thence to this meeting; that the 
 firft, third, fifth, fixth, tenth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth 
 be anfwered in writing to the quarterly meetings in autumn ; and 
 that the firft, third, tenth, and fourteenth be anfwered in writing 
 to the quarterly meetings in winter. And the feveral quarterly 
 meetings are defired, without omitting the neceflary care at the 
 time the anfwers are brought in, to employ alfo the fummer 
 quarterly meeting in further attention, if neceflary, to the ftate 
 of their feveral monthly meetings, as laid open in the faid 
 anfwers. 
 
 It is advifed, when deficiency is acknowledged, that it be men- 
 tioned in the anfw^er to the query to which fuch deficiency re- 
 
 *• i>ifc;pi- &c. lates, whether due admonition and care have been extended. 
 
 * A general rcvifign of the queries took place in 1791. A few alterations have Cnce been 
 made, and one query added.
 
 (QUERIES. ' 143 
 
 I. Are meetings for worfiilp and difcipline kept up, and do ■:. M.otfor 
 
 . . Wnrlh. /•.//. 
 
 friends attend them duly, and at the time appointed ; and do they vKayV Ac. 
 avoid all unbecoming behaviour therein ? 
 
 II. Is there among you any growth in the truth ; and hath 
 any convincement appeared fince laft year ? 
 
 HI. Are friends preferved in love towards each other; if 1.. Love&unity, 
 
 differences arife, is due care taken fpeedily to end them ; and Arbitr.2.4-5- 
 
 / • _ Dctam.& 
 
 are friends careful to avoid and difcourage tale-bearing and i^fr.^o/.. 
 
 detradion ? ^''•"- 'f"^^^- 
 
 IV. Do friends endeavour by example and precept to train up '^. Parents, j.c. 
 
 their children, fervants, and thofe under their care, in a religious Maiiers,&c. 
 
 2. 3. 
 
 life and converfation, confiftent with our Chriftian profeflion, sci.ooisj. 
 
 ^ Scriptures, 
 
 in the frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures, and in plaiunefs f^'f': 
 
 of fpeech, behaviour, and apparel ? f"-^'- 
 
 V. Are friends juft in their dealings, and pundual in fulfilling f. Trade, /a//, 
 their engagements ; and are they annually advifed carefully to v. Trade iz. 
 infpe(St the (late of their affairs once in the year ? 
 
 VI. Are friends careful to avoid all vain fports and places of ■"■ Cond. & 
 
 / * Cop.vcrf. 
 
 diverGon, gammg, all unneceffary frequenting of taverns and .v6. 7. if. 
 
 other public-houfes, excefs in drinking, and other intempe- '?• '4- 
 
 ranee? Pbin- 
 
 nefsp. — Ko.i, AJv. VII. — Gaming. — Mod. & Tcmp./a/J. 
 
 VII. Do friends bear a faithful and Chriftian teftimony againft v. Tithes,^/,, 
 receiving and paying tithes, pricfts' demands, and thofe called 
 church-rates ? 
 
 VIII. Are friends faithful In our teftimony againft bearing ,.. Miiitb ,. ». 
 arms, and bemg in any manner concerned ni the militia, m pri- 
 vateers, letters of marque, or armed veffels, or dealing in prize- 
 goods .'' 
 
 IX. Are friends clear of defrauding the king of his cuftoms, v. civ. oov. 
 
 ^ l- J.O. II. • 
 
 duties, and excife, and of ufing or dealing in goods fufpeded 
 to be run ?
 
 144 
 
 Q^ U E R I E S. 
 
 •ff. Poor, p^/r. 
 Schools I. 5. 
 
 •». Suff. % 
 hft far. 
 
 V. Marriage 
 II. i2. 16. 
 
 ». Monthly 
 Meet. I. 3, 
 id far. J. 
 
 V. Rem. & Sett. 
 
 ff'- 
 -V. Monthly 
 Meet. 6. 
 
 *o. Tithes 9, 
 Ijl par. 
 10. 13.14, 
 Ijipar. 19, 
 \ji par. a I. 
 Suff. 3. 7. 
 Records 
 a. 4- 5- 6. 
 Wills, &c. 4. 
 
 Andvii. iVo. 4. 
 
 X. Are the neceffities of the poor among you properly In- 
 fpedled and relieved ; and is good care taken of the education of 
 their offspring ? 
 
 XI. Have any meetings been fettled, difcontinued, or united 
 fince laft year ? 
 
 XII. Are there any friends prifoners for our teftimonies ; and 
 if any one hath died a prifoner, or been difcharged, fmce laft year, 
 when and how ? 
 
 XIII. Is early care taken to admonifh fuch as appear inclinable 
 to marry in a manner contrary to the rules of our fociety ; and 
 to deal with fuch as perfift in refufmg to take counfel ? 
 
 XIV. Have you two or more faithful friends, appointed by 
 the monthly meeting, as overfeers in each particular meeting ; 
 are the rules refpe£ling removals duly obferved ; and is due 
 care taken, when any thing appears amifs, that the rules of our 
 difcipline be timely and impartially put in practice ? 
 
 XV. Do you keep a record of the profecutions and fufferlngs 
 of your members ; is due care taken to regifter all marriages, 
 births, and burials ; are the titles of your meeting-houfes, buriiil- 
 grounds, &c. duly preferved and recorded ; and are all legacies 
 and donations properly fecured and recorded, and duly applied ? 
 
 Women's Queries. 
 
 , Worn. Mfet, 
 
 It is agreed, that the following be the queries for the women*s 
 meetings ; and that thefe queries be anfwered in writing to the 
 women's quarterly meetings in the fpring, and from thence to 
 their yearly meeting ; alfo that the firft, fecond, eighth, and ninth 
 be anfwered in writing to the quarterly meetings in autumn and 
 winter. And the feveral quarterly meetings are defired, without 
 omitting the neceflary care at the time the anfwers are brought
 
 (QUERIES. 145 
 
 in, to employ alfo the fummer quarterly meeting In further at- 
 tention, if neceflary, to the flate of their feveral monthly meet- 
 ings, as laid open in the faid anfwers. 
 
 It is advifed, v/hen deficiency is acknowledged, that it be 
 mentioned in the anfwer to the query to which fuch deficiency 
 
 relates, whether due admonition and care have been extended. v. DifcJpi. «.c. 
 
 17. 
 
 I. Do friends attend meetings for worfhip and difcipline duly, ,. Men. for 
 
 and at the time appointed j and do they avoid all unbecoming nifcipi.&c!' 
 behaviour therein ? 
 
 II. Are friends preferved in love towards each other ; and are v. lovc & 
 they careful to avoid and difcourage tale-bearing and detra<£tion ? Dcfam.&' 
 
 DctT.fu/j.—y<,. S,Mv.r/7/. 
 
 III. Do friends endeavour by example and precept to train t. . Parcms,&c. 
 up their children, fervants, and thofe under their care, in a reli- MaUcrs.&c. 
 gious life and converfation, confiftent with our Chriftlan pro- schools 3. 
 
 . _ . - . Scripture*, 
 
 fefTion, in the frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures, and in ff: 
 plainnefs of fpeech, behaviour, and apparel ? /«/'• 
 
 IV. Do friends bear a faithful and Chriftlan teftimony againft ». TUhet.fj/i. 
 receiving and paying tithes, priefts' demands, and thofe called 
 church-rates ? 
 
 V. Are friends careful to avoid all vain fports and places of 1-. Parents, ace. 
 diverfion, gaming, excels in drinking, and other Intemperance? vouthi.4. 
 
 Plulnncls 9. — No. 8, AJv. yjl. — Cond. & Convcrr. 6. 7. — MoJ. & Temp. I. j. 
 
 VI. Are friends juft In their dealings, and pundual in ful- •». Tr»<ic, /«/'• 
 fiUlag their engagements ? 
 
 VII. Is early care taken to admonlfh fuch as appear inclinable ^Marriage 
 to marry in a manner contrary to the rules of our fociety ; and 
 
 to report fuch as perfift in rcfufmg to take counfcl to the men's •-., wom.Mert. 
 meeting in due time r 
 
 VIII. Are the neceflities of the poor amono; you properly v. Poor, f>a/s. 
 
 ^ '=' ^ . Schools 1.,. 
 
 infpeded and relieved ; and is good care taken of the education wom.Meet. 
 of their offspring ? 
 
 T
 
 ,46 (QUERIES. 
 
 IX. Have you two or more faithful friends, appointed by the 
 "^.wom.Meet. monthly meeting, as overfeers in each particular meeting ; and is 
 ^.wom.Meet. the part of the difcipline committed to your care, timely and im- 
 
 6 
 
 partially exercifed ? 
 
 4 Query to Quarterly Meetings only. 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment, that further attention on the 
 part of quarterly meetings to infpeft and to affift their refpe£tive 
 monthly meetings, when deficiencies are known to exift, would 
 be highly conducive to the revival of our Chriftian difcipline ; 
 and therefore direds the feveral quarterly meetings of men and 
 women friends, that the following query be read every quarter, 
 and an anfwer fent from the fpring quarterly meeting to the 
 yearly meeting : 
 
 Are you careful to give to your monthly meetings fuch affiflance, 
 as your place in the body and their ftate require ? 
 
 ^ Queries for Meetings of Minifters and Elders. 
 
 It is agreed, that the following be the queries for th€ meetings 
 . Min.&Eid. of minifters and elders ; and that thefe be anfwered in writing to 
 Yearly ' the quarterly meetings of minifters and elders in the fpring and in 
 autumn, and from the former to the yearly meeting of minifters 
 and elders ; alfo that the fecond and fourth be anfwered in 
 like manner to the other two quarterly meetings, and that the 
 reft be then read.
 
 Q^ U E R I E S. 147 
 
 I. Do any friends travel, from or among you, in the work of *. Min.k em. 
 the miniftry, without certificates from the monthly meetings to /.-.r. t'^.^o. 
 which they belong, or againft their advice ? 
 
 II. Are minifters and elders diligent in attending their meet- «.Min. &Eid. 
 ings for worfliip and difcipllne ; and in bringing their families 
 
 with them ? 
 
 III. Do any overcharge themfelves with bufinefs, to the hin- t>. Mm.&Ew 
 derance of their fervice ? /'j--. 25. 
 
 IV. Are they preferved in love and unity one with another, 
 harmonioufly labouring for the advancement of truth, and the 
 fpreading thereof ? 
 
 V. Are they careful to rule their own houfes well, and to 
 bring up their families in plainnefs of fpeech, behaviour, and 
 apparel, and in other refpedls confiftently with our Chriftian 
 profefFion ; alfo to be good examples therein themfelves ? 
 
 VI. Is care taken tenderly to admonifh fuch as appear incon- ». Min. &i:m. 
 fiflent, in miniftry or conduct ? i6*r.-5. h. 
 
 VII. Are the advices of the yearly meeting to minifters and 
 elders,* read at leaft once every year, in your monthly and •av 9. 
 quarterly meetings ? 
 
 It Is dcfired that, In thofe queries which confift of feveral 6 
 
 particulars, the anfwers, if there be any deficiency, may '"■ ^jif ■?'• *«>:- 
 fhew in what particular it confifts : alfo that the words of the 
 
 queries be kept to ; except with regard to the eleventh and -.•. av i. 
 twelfth, which may be anfwered in the moft concife manner. 
 1798. W. E. — 1792. 
 
 T 2
 
 l,hjl fa. 
 
 Q^ U E R I E S. 
 
 This meeting feels a lively concern to remind the feveral 
 quarterly and monthly meetings, that the intention of diredling 
 fundry queries to be anfwered, relative to the conduct of indi- 
 viduals in the feveral branches of our Chriftian teftimony, is not 
 only to be informed of the flate thereof; but alfo to imprefs on 
 their minds a profitable examination of themfelves, — how far they 
 aft confiftently with their religious profeffion ; and alfo to iHr up 
 elders, overfeers, and other concerned friends, to difcharge their 
 duty faithfully in adminiftering early cbunfel and admonition: 
 when neceflaiy, and, where private labour may prove ineffedual, 
 Prep. Meet, to rcport iu duc time to the monthly meeting, according as the 
 nature of the cafe may require. We alfo recommend, that the 
 anfwers be drawn up iri the refpedtive meetings, under a weighty 
 confideration of the flate thereof. 1 787. 
 
 8 General Advices. 
 
 It is agreed, that the following advices be read at leaft once in 
 a year, in the men's and women's quarterly and monthly meett- 
 ings, and in preparative meetings. 
 
 Friends are advifed 
 V. piauinefsa. I. To obfcrvc due moderation in the furniture of their houfes; 
 
 Lib. to the , • i r n • • ^ • c i- • 
 
 Poor 6. and to avoid luperfiuity in their manner 01 living : 
 
 Cond. and Converf. 7. — Trade 3. 
 
 ♦.Trade 13. !!• To attend to the limitations of truth in their trade, and 
 
 other outward concerns: 
 
 •.Parents.&c. III. To be carcful to place out children, of all degrees, a- 
 mongft thofe friends whofe care and example will be moft likely to 
 conduce to their fafety ; to prefer fuch fervants and apprentices 
 as are members of our fociety ; and not to demand exorbitant ap- 
 prentice-fees : left, they fruftrate the care of friends in thefe refpeds :
 
 Q^ U E R I E S. 
 
 M9 
 
 IV. To endeavour to make way for their fcrvants to attend 
 meetings, and to encourage them therein : 
 
 V. To guard carefully againft the introduction of pernicious 
 books into their families: 
 
 VI. To make their wills, and fettle their outward affairs, in 
 time of health : 
 
 VII. To refrain from being concerned in lotteries; which 
 this meeting confiders as a fpecies of gaming. 
 
 VIII. Finally, it is recommended that all friends watch over 
 one another for good ; that when occafions of uneafinefs firft 
 appear in any, they may be treated with in privacy and tender- 
 nefs, before the matter be communicated to another. Thus the 
 hands of thofe concerned in the further exercife of the difcipline, 
 will not be weakened by a confcioufnefs of their having them- 
 felves departed from the true order of the gofpel. And friends 
 every where are advifed to endeavour to maintain " the unity of 
 " the Spirit in the bond of peace." 1791. — 1801^ 
 
 V. Ma{)crs,&c> 
 
 V. Books 1. 1. 
 Parents, &c. 
 13 14 15- 
 Script, i. 5.- 
 
 'j. Wills, &c. 
 I. 2. 6. 
 
 v. JVo. 2, 
 ^ VI. 
 
 3. ^ y. 
 
 'J. Difcipl. &c. 
 4, UJl far. 
 II. 14. 
 
 V, Defam. & 
 Dctr. I. 
 
 Eph. iv. 3. 
 
 Advices to Miniflers and Elders. 
 
 I. Let all be cautious of ufing unneceflary preambles, and of 
 laying too great ftrefs on their teftimony, by too pofitivcly af- 
 ferting a divine motion ; the baptizing power of truth accom- 
 panying the words, being the true evidence. 
 
 II. Let all be careful not to mifquote or mlfapply the Holy 
 Scriptures ; and be frequent in reading them. 
 
 III. Let minifters be careful how they enter upon difputed 
 points in their teftimony ; or make fuch objedtions as they do 
 not clearly anfwer ; or give repeated expediations of coming to 
 a conclufion. 
 
 9 
 
 <p. rii. 
 
 Min.& El J 
 &C.3-
 
 ij:o Q^ U E R I E S. 
 
 IV. Let all be cautious of hurting meetings by unneceflary 
 additions towards the conclufion, when the meeting was left well 
 before. 
 
 V. Let all avoid unbecoming tones, founds, geftures, and all 
 affedation ; which are not agreeable to Chriftian gravity. 
 
 VL Men and women are cautioned againft travelling as com- 
 panions in the work of the miniflry : to avoid all occafions of 
 offence. 
 
 VIL Let miniftering friends be careful not to hurt each other's 
 fervice in meetings; but let every one have a tender regard for 
 others. Let nothing be offered with a view to popularity ; but, 
 in humility, and the fear of the Lord. 
 
 VIIL Let none run, in their own wills, to difturb or interrupt 
 any people in their worfliip ; or prefume to prophefy, in their 
 own fpirits, againft any nation, town, city, people, or perfon. 
 
 IX. Let minifters, when they travel in the fervice of truth, 
 be careful not to make their vifits burthenfome, or the gofpel 
 chargeable. 
 
 X. Let all beware of too much familiarity : which, biaffmg the 
 judgment, and producing an undue attachment, tends to hurt. 
 
 «. Min.&Eid. XL Let minifters and elders be careful to keep their whole 
 conv.'pcr- convei'fatiou unfpotted, being examples of meeknefs, temperance, 
 far. patience, and charity. 
 
 XII. And laftly, as prayer and thankfgiving are an efpeclal 
 part of worfhip, they muft be performed in fpirit and in truth, 
 with a right underftanding feafoned with grace. Therefore let 
 minifters be careful how and what they offer in prayer, avoiding 
 many words and repetitions; and let all be cautious of too often 
 xepeating the high and holy name of God, or his attributes, by
 
 Q^ U E R I E S. 151 
 
 a long conclufion: neither let prayer be in a formal and cufto- ,.«;„.& em 
 mary way, to conclude a meeting ; nor without an awful fenfc ' ' 
 
 of divine influence. I775. — 1792. 
 
 AaJvlJ. Prep. Meet. I. * — Worn, Meet. 4. y.
 
 [ 15^ ] 
 
 . Marriage 
 
 RECORDS. 
 
 ADVISED, that all and every of your meetlng-houfes, and 
 manfion-houfes, where meetings are or may be held, be entered 
 upon record, as the law diredls (w^. i W. 6c M. Cap. i8. fed. 
 19.) : having feen both the fervice and fafety thereof, and the 
 hurt and danger that may come by the omiflion. 1691. P. E. 
 
 The method to be obferved in recording Marriages, 
 Births, and Burials. 
 
 Marriages. 
 
 ti' 
 
 That in every monthly meeting, one or two proper perfon or 
 perfons be appointed to regifter marriages. 
 
 That two regifters of all marriages, agreeable to the following 
 form, be figned at a convenient time on the day of marriage, 
 i.R.yi- i^y jj^g parties themfelves and by three witnelTes (the latter 
 to add their places of abode and occupation) ; and be carefully 
 delivered to the next monthly meeting ; one of them to be pre- 
 ferved in a proper book to be kept for that purpofe, and the 
 other to be carried to the quarterly meeting, to be fixed into a 
 proper book and indexed.
 
 RECORDS. 153 
 
 Form of Marnage-Regijlers. 
 
 On the day of the months one thonfand 
 
 eight hundred and , A. B. of* 
 
 ^ fon o/'D. B. of 
 In the of , yeoman, and 
 
 E. his wfe^ and D. E. daughter of M.E. of 
 
 in the of , draper, and M. his 
 
 wifey took each other in marriage^ in a public ajfembly of the 
 people called ^akers^ in [or at'\ ; 
 
 in the prefcnce ofuSy 
 
 C. F. of , farmer 
 
 G. H. of , grocer 
 
 J. L. of , mafon 
 
 This marriage was folem- 
 nized between usy r.r Form 
 
 AT? c/Milrriagt' 
 
 • ■"• Ccrtifc^le, 
 
 viJ. Mar- 
 riage 8- 
 
 D. E. 
 
 Births and Burials. 
 
 That in every particular or monthly meeting, one or two 
 proper perfon or perfons be appointed to give out birth-notes and 
 burial-notes ; alfo to keep an account to whom fuch notes are 
 delivered, and make report to the next monthly meeting. 
 
 The following are forms of the faid notes. 
 Form of Birth-Notes, 
 
 [Two of which are to be properly filled up, inferting the father's occupation 
 or other ufual addition, and figned.] 
 
 On the day of the months one thonfand ,. ;v-,. 
 
 eight hundred and , was [or were^ born at [or ///] 
 
 • Here, as aUb in the maniage-certificatc. the occupation or other ufual addition, anfrell a* thf 
 reCdcncc, ot ihe man, Ihould be fct furih. 1 
 
 u
 
 154 RECORDS. 
 
 in the parijli of in the of 
 
 , unto A.'B. of , draper, 
 
 and C. his wife^ , -who ivas [or were^ 
 
 named I 
 
 We, who were prefent at the f aid birth ^ havefuhfcribed our names 
 as witnejfes thereof. 
 
 v.iafifar.oj If the child have not a right to memberfhip by birth, it muft 
 
 be fo noted in the birth-notes and regifter. 
 
 For 711 of the Burial-Note. 
 
 [To be properly filled up, inferting the condition of the deceafed ; as, the man's 
 occupation or ufual addition : a!fo. ii'ifi of- — widoiv "J— Jon of— daughter of- — 
 as circuraftances may require. J 
 
 2o C. D. Grave-maker. 
 
 The day of the vionth, 1 8 
 
 Make a grave on or before next day, in friends' burial- ' 
 
 ground, at or near , and therein lay the body of A. B. 
 
 of in the of , draper, 
 
 aged about , ivho died the day 
 
 V. J<!o. 3. of the month, one thoufand eight hundred and 
 
 [To be here Cgned by the friend appointed to give out burial-notes.] 
 
 The body above-mentioned was buried the day of 
 
 the month, i8 
 
 Witnefs C. D. Grave-maker. 
 
 7hit note to be delivered by the grave-maier, as foon as may he, to the pcrfon •who J'gied 
 it, or to the proper meeting, for the purpofe of making the regijier. 
 
 * Here to be infertcd, afon — a daughter — t-wofcni. Sic. as the cafe may be. 
 } U more than one cliild at a birth, the naiue of the eldeil Ibould be placed firft.
 
 RECORDS. 
 
 1J5 
 
 When perfons, not members of the fcciety, are permitted v. Meet for 
 to be buried in friends' burial-grounds, it is to be noted in the 
 burial-notes and regifter. 
 
 It is agreed, that the record of births and burials be made 
 agreeably to the following plans ; and they are to be recorded by 
 the friend appointed as regifter, from the birth-notes and burial- 
 notes, after they have pafled the monthly meeting. 
 
 No miftake that happens to be made in a record or regifter is 
 to be erafed, but to be corredled by drawing a line through the 
 fame, fo as to leave it legible ; and what fliould have been written 
 is to be inferted near it, and authenticated by the regifter's figning 
 the initials of his name thereto. 
 
 Forms of the Monthly Meeting Regijiers oJBirtJis 
 
 and Burials. 
 
 Births. 
 
 mm Born 
 
 Wbtn Born. 
 
 Namt. ■ 
 
 Sony or 
 T)au^hUr. 
 
 1 Namei of Parents. 
 
 Rtfdinct. 
 
 Defrljition of tl; 
 Father. 
 
 
 
 \ 
 
 1 
 
 
 Burials. 
 
 tVLcn DitJ. 1 N^rm, Agl. RtfiJcnce. Defcriftiaii. IVhen Buried. Wbere ByritJ. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lines are to be printed to feparate each entry in the regifters, 
 and fo as to allow fuflicient fpace for making the entries in two 
 lines, where neceflary. 
 
 Birth-notes and burial-notes are to be taken to the monthly 
 meeting, there read (and the birth-notes compared*), and then •«. mxipar. 
 delivered to the regifter j who, after making, regifters therefrom, 
 
 u 2
 
 156 
 
 RECORDS. 
 
 ». Prep. Meet. 
 I. 
 
 V. P. 154- 
 
 1). Monthly 
 Meet. II. 
 
 is to forward them to the quarterly meeting, at lead once withia 
 the year, where they are to be fixed into a proper book and 
 indexed. 
 
 The dupHcate birth-note is to be carefully returned from the 
 monthly meeting to the parents, after being examined. 
 
 Burials are to be regiftered in the monthly meeting in which the 
 burial-ground is fituated ; and if the deceafed were not a member 
 of fuch monthly meeting, the burial-note is to be afterwards for- 
 warded to the monthly meeting to which fuch deceafed perfon 
 did belong ; to be there alfo regiftered, and fent from that meet- 
 ing only to the quarterly meeting. But feeing every monthly 
 meeting in the quarterly meeting of London and Middlefex hath 
 not a burial-ground of its own, it fhall fuffice that burials in that 
 quarterly meeting be regiftered in the monthly meeting to which 
 the deceafed did belong, and the burial-notes taken thence to the 
 quarterly meeting. 
 
 Particular meetings are at liberty to keep regifters of births 
 and burials, provided care be taken to fend the birth-notes and 
 burial-notes to the monthly meetings to which the particular 
 meetings belong. 
 
 Children born of parents who have been difowned, ought to 
 be regiftered, upon application made for that purpofe ; and in 
 making fuch regifters it fhould be noted, that thofe children 
 were born of parents out of unity with us : and it fhall in na 
 wife be efteemed a title to raemberfhip. 1767. — 1774« — *794» 
 — i8or. 
 
 3 In future the addition of the common names of the months is 
 
 ,.Days&;Time» jq \^ omitted in all our marriage-certificates, birth-notes, and 
 burial-notes. 1 794.
 
 RECORDS. 157 
 
 Qiiarterly and monthly meetings are advifed to be particularly 4 
 
 careful, that all prefent and future title-deeds and writings re- *• ^'- '■ 
 lating to any meeting-houfes, burial-grounds, and premifes, 
 which have been or may be purchafed or given for the ufe of 
 any part of the fociety, be depofited in a place of fecurity, under 
 the care of one or more friends appointed by the quarterly or 
 monthly meeting to which fuch premifes belong. 
 
 It will be an additional fecurity to keep attefted copies of all 
 writings relating to eftates, as fuch attefted copies may be valid 
 in cafe of the deftrudion of the originals. 
 
 That all donations and legacies for the ufe of the fociety be "■ Tr»de n. 
 carefully entered in a proper book by that meeting of record, 
 for the benefit of whofe members they are principally defigned : 
 in order whereunto, attefted copies of the wills, claufcs of the 
 wills, or deeds of gift, fhould be procured, together with the 
 particulars whereof fuch legacies or donations may confift. 
 
 That whenever the number of truftees for any landed or 
 perfonal property as aforefaid, remaining members of our fociety, 
 be reduced, by death or otherwife, to two at leaft, care be taken 
 by the monthly or quarterly meetings that additional or other 
 truftees be fpeedily appointed (material injury having been ex- 
 perienced by delay in this refpedt) ; and that the truft-premifes 
 be legally vefted, by proper deeds, in fuch truftees, and the 
 trufts thereof declared. Attefted copies are to be kept by quar- 
 terly meetings of all deeds of truft which are depofited in the 
 monthly meetings. 
 
 That the monthly meetings do enter in a proper book a correal 
 account of the nature of the trufts, with the names of the truftees, 
 of fuch real and perfonal property as they may be entitled to, or 
 intrufted with, as aforefaid, together with a fchedule of the 
 writings relating thereto, and furnifh the quarterly meeting with
 
 IS^ RECORDS. 
 
 a copy thereof; and that the quarterly meeting Hiall thereupon 
 enter fuch account and fchedule in a proper book, with an index : 
 which fo far as relates to the trufts of fuch property, fliall be 
 annually examined by, or on the behalf of, the quarterly meeting. 
 That the fame method be purfued in copying and depofiting 
 the deeds and writings relating to donations and legacies, as be- 
 fore direded refpeding title-deeds ; and that all title-deeds and 
 writings be preferved free from damp, and depofited as fecurely 
 as may be from danger bynre. 1794- 
 
 n 
 
 5 This meeting agrees that fo much of the diredions of 1794,* 
 As, 4. refpe£ting the i-ecording of title-deeds and deeds of truft, as en- 
 joins the procuring of attefted copies, may in future be difpenfed 
 with : but the feveral quarterly and monthly meetings are defired 
 to. pay ftricl attention to the remaining directions. 1798. 
 
 6 This meeting having had the advice of counfel refpeding the 
 moll eligible mode for friends poifefled of property in truft for 
 their particular meetings, &c. to declare the trufts thereof, is of 
 the opinion, that in the deeds or declarations of truft to be exe- 
 cuted by truftees agreeably to the diredlion of this meeting, 
 fuch truftees ftiould feverally covenant, declare, and agree, to and 
 with three or more other friends (by name) and to and with all 
 and every other the then prefent and future members of the 
 meeting for the time being, their refpedlive heirs, executors, ad- 
 miniftrators, and afligns, and every of them, that the premifes 
 conveyed to them, were fo conveyed upon truft for fuch ufes, &c. 
 as the faid meeting fhould by minute on its books diredl or 
 appoint ; and that, on being required by the meeting by minute, 
 they will convey and aflign the truft-property to fuch perfons, 
 and upon fuch trufts, as they ihall by minute be direded.
 
 RECORDS. 155 
 
 It is clear that fuch deeds mufl have the proper llamps, to 
 render them in any degree efleitual. 1800. 
 
 AndviJ. Difcipl. &c. I, id jiar. — Queries 2, ^ XV,
 
 [ i6o ] 
 
 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 1 ALL friends, either fingle, or with families, removing from 
 one monthly meeting to another, in Great- Britain, Ireland, and 
 the colonies in America, are to have certificates, or other ufual 
 recommendation, from the monthly meeting to which they be- 
 
 •y. N: 3. long, of their fober and orderly converfation ; and if fmgle 
 
 perfons, to fignify alfo their clearnefs refpecSing marriage en- 
 
 V. No. 1, gagements ; and if minifters, to mention their unity with their 
 
 mmiltry. 1094. 
 
 2 It is defired, in order to afcertain the fettlement of perfons re- 
 moving from one monthly meeting to another, that the monthly 
 meeting to which a certificate is fent, acknowledge the receipt 
 thereof to the monthly meeting granting it ; and in order that 
 the fame may be regularly done, the following fhort form is 
 recommended: 1801. 
 
 3o Monthly Meeting. 
 
 We hereby acknowledge the receipt of your certificate^ dated 
 , on behalf of ; which has been 
 
 this day delivered to us. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of Monthly Meet- 
 
 ings held at , the day of months 1 8 
 
 A. B. Clerk,
 
 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. i6i 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, that it will not be 3 , 
 
 expedient or fafe to omit, in certilicates, all notice of the 
 conduct of friends who remove ; neverthelefs, as it alfo Teems 
 improper to confine monthly meetings, in every cafe, to the ufe 
 of the precife terms, Joher and orderly, this meeting directs, *. Ko. i. 
 that they fhall be at liberty to ufc fuch other terms in defcribing 
 the condud: and converfation of their members, as circum- 
 ftances may require, and truth didlate : avoiding in all cafes fuch 
 expofure of pall errors, as is inconfiftent with true gofpel order. 
 1790. 
 
 This meeting Is of the judgment, that It Is Improper to omit, 4 
 in certificates of removal, all notice of the circumftances re- 
 fpedting property of friends who remove ; but monthly meetings 
 are at liberty to ufe fuch terms as may beft anfwer the purpofe, 
 without being confined to any precife mode of expreffion. 1 796. 
 And where perfons to be recommended will not be entitled to ■v.Noi.r.i, 
 relief (if neceifaryj from the meeting into which they re- 
 move, fome information of it is to be given by the meeting re- 
 commending ; either by a defcriptlon of the cafe, or by fimply 
 referring to the fecond or third paragraph (as may be requlfite) 
 of the firft rule for removals and fettlements. 1801.. 
 
 It is agreed, that a certificate of removal, figned by the clerk 
 as fuch, and by three other friends of the monthly meeting from 
 which the party removes, fliall be deemed duly authenticated ; 
 and when it refpedls a female, that the fignature of the clerk of ^.wom.Meet. 
 the women's meeting, in and on behalf of the fame, be added ; 
 but that certificates on behalf of peribns removing to foreign 
 parts be figned by the meeting at large. 1791. ~ *"• ^°- 
 
 X 
 
 %d to" id far. 
 
 6, Art. in. 
 
 ».M!n. *EI<i.
 
 i62 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 6 We recommend to all monthly meetings, that on receiving 
 
 "" e^Art.iP' certificates, a few friends be appointed to vifit the perfons re- 
 moved. This will furnifh occafion for encouraging the appear- 
 ances of good, exhorting againft thofe of a contrary tendency, 
 and may be the introdudlion of an acquaintance fruitful of future 
 advantage. 1790. W. E. 
 
 7 Rules for Removals and Settlements of Friends. 
 
 I. That if any friend fhall remove from the limits or compafs 
 of one monthly meeting into another, he fhall apply to the 
 meeting to which he belongs for a certificate, or other ufual re- 
 commendation, to the meeting into which he is removed, or 
 purpofes to remove ; which being obtained, and delivered to 
 s. II. that meeting, he fhall thenceforward be deemed a member of the 
 
 meeting he fo removes into. Regard fhall, however, be had to 
 the following limitations, in cafes to which they are applicable. 
 
 Such as fhall have been relieved by, or on behalf of, a monthly 
 meeting, within three years preceding the delivery of certificates, 
 or other ufual recommendations, for them to another monthly 
 meeting, fhall become members of the latter in all refpedls, except 
 as to maintenance. 
 
 A friend infolvent at the time of the delivery of a certificate, 
 or other ufual recommendation, for him from one monthly meet- 
 ing to another, fhall become a member of the latter in all re- 
 fpedts, except as to maintenance ; which fhall likewife be the cafe 
 with regard to the wife of any fuch perfon, during the hufband's 
 life : and the children of a friend infolvent, fuch children being 
 under eighteen years of age, and not having gained a fettlement 
 in their own right, fhall be alfo alike circumftanced. The wife.
 
 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. 163 
 
 as well as children, of an infolvent perfon not in memberfhip 
 (fuch wife and children being, as in the former cafe, members of 
 the fociety) fhall be in the fame fituation with regard to fettle- 
 ment on removal and recommendation, as if fuch perfon were 
 or had been a member. 
 
 In the cafes to which the two preceding paragraphs relate, the 
 monthly meeting to which the individual or individuals may 
 belong with refpedt to maintenance, fhall, on notice of relief 
 extended, repay the charge that has been incurred, to the 
 monthly meeting which has defrayed it, and fhall alfo have the 
 option in future of taking the neceffary care of fuch individual 
 or individuals. 
 
 n. But if any friend * for whom a certificate, or other ufual 
 recommendation, has been delivered as firft above-mentioned, -u. s. i, ij pan. 
 fhall become infolvent, or fall into neceffitous circumftances 
 and fliall afk and receive any relief from the monthly meeting, 
 within three years after the delivery of fuch certificate, or other 
 ufual recommendation, fuch friend fliall continue to belong (as 
 far as relates to maintenance only) to the monthly meeting from 
 which he was recommended ; yet that wherein he refides fhall 
 give him the neceffary relief, and give notice to the monthly 
 meeting which, recommended him ; on which notice, fuch latter 
 meeting fhall repay the charge which has been incurred in his 
 relief, and fhall alfo have the option in future of taking the ne- 
 ceffary care of him. Provided alfo, that no retrofpeiH: on account 
 of infolvency, or of neceffitous circumftances, fhall be had to a 
 monthly meeting which fhall have granted any certificate of re- 
 moval according to the dire£lions of this meeting, after the term, 
 of five years from the delivery of fuch certificate. 
 
 * It is to be cbfcrvcd, both here and in Rule 1. that fervants (boing finglc pcrfons or widowers) 
 and apprentices 3it: fpaiatly provided for by lublcijucnt rules. 
 
 X 2
 
 l64 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 III. If any friend fhail fall into want, the monthly meeting 
 within the compafs of which he then refides, fhall take the ne- 
 cefiary care to relieve him : and, in order to prevent any incon- 
 veniences that may arife from want of knowing with certainty 
 to what meeting a poor friend properly belongs, at the time he 
 falls into want ; whereby it may be rendered difficult for the 
 monthly meeting which fhall relieve fuch neceffitous perfon, to 
 obtain repayment of the charge it may be at on fuch account ; 
 it is agreed, that where any poor friend fhall become charge- 
 able to any meeting where he may refide, and who at the fame 
 time is not a proper member thereof, fuch meeting may apply to 
 any meeting where fuch friend has been a member, and that 
 meeting upon notice to it given of fuch neceffitous friend, 
 fhall take the needful care of him, and repay the charge, the 
 meeting within the compafs of which he refides, has been or 
 fhall be at. But if that meeting fhall apprehend fuch neceffitous 
 perfon doth not belong to it, but has gained a fettlement 
 elfewhere, it may fix him on any other meeting where he 
 has gained a fettlement ; and in that cafe, fuch meeting fhall 
 repay it the charges the latter has been at. 
 
 IV. A fmgle perfon in the ftation of a fervant, fhall gain a 
 fettlement on removal, having ferved fix months, after the de- 
 livery of his certificate, in one family, wherein he is lodged and 
 boarded, or has board-wages. 
 
 V. If fuch fervant remove from the monthly meeting to which 
 he fhall have been recommended, before the expiration of the faid 
 fix months, fuch monthly meeting fhall indorfe the certificate, 
 or grant a new one, to the monthly meeting into which he fo 
 removes ; in default of which for the fpace of fix months after 
 removal, fuch fervant fhall be deemed a member of the monthly 
 meeting fo negleding ; but the granting of fuch indorfement or
 
 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. 16; 
 
 certificate, merely, fliall not entitle a fervant to memberfliip in a 
 meeting fo granting. 
 
 VL When a fervant is employed by one mafter In the com- 
 pafs of more than one monthly meeting, the certificate fliall be 
 delivered, and the fettlemcnt gained, in that meeting to which the 
 mafter belongs : and in cafe the mafter be not a member of our 
 fociety, the fervant fliall gain a fettlement in that meeting, 
 ■within the compafs of which he ferves the laft forty days, pro- 
 vided he ferve fix months or more as aforefald. 
 
 VII. A fervant being a widower, fliall gain a fettlement under 
 the like limitation as a lingle perfon j and the children (if any) 
 fliall remain members of the monthly meeting to which the 
 parent did belong, until they gain fettlement elfewhere in their 
 own right. 
 
 VI IL A certificate for an apprentice fliall be delivered to the 
 monthly meeting in the compafs wh'ereof the mafter fliall dwell ; 
 but fuch apprentice fliall not thereby gain a fettlement imtil he 
 fliall have ferved forty days after the delivery of fuch certificate. 
 If the apprentice be turned over to a mafter in the compafs 
 of another monthly meeting, his certificate fliall be indorfed, or a 
 new one granted, as in the cafe of fervants before mentioned, 
 and fubjedt to the like conditions in cafe of default, or of com- 
 pliance ; but fuch apprentice fliall not gain fettlement in fuch 
 monthly meeting, until he has ferved forty days after the de- 
 livery of fuch indorfement or certificate. 
 
 IX. The wife and children to be deemed members of the 
 monthly meeting of which the hufband or father is a member, *. r rir. 
 not only during his life, but likcwife after his deceafe,- until they 
 gain another fettlement elfewhere. 
 
 X. Where either the father or mother of children is a member, 
 there the children have a right to memberfliip, provided the pa- 
 
 Marriage 15,
 
 i66 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 rents were married in a manner agreeable to the rules of this 
 
 • ^.165. meeting (except in the cafes provided for in Rule VII.*); but 
 
 children who are the offspring of marriages contrary to the rules, 
 
 born previoufly to the reinftatement or admiifion of both parents, 
 
 are not to be coniidered to have a right to memberfhip : yet it is 
 
 the judgment of this meeting that monthly meetings ought to 
 
 extend a tender care towards fuch children, and admit them into 
 
 i,r <imihtr mcmbcrfhip, at the difcretion of the faid meetings, either in their 
 
 Momuiy infancy or more advanced years, according to circumftances. 
 
 XI. Whereas it may be proper to define by what means divers 
 perfons, who, on recommendation by certificate, do not gain the 
 right of maintenance in the meeting into which they remove, 
 may com.e into the pofleffion of that privilege ; it is agreed that 
 it ihall be gained 
 
 By infolvent perfons, when they fhall have fully dif- 
 <s. Trade 5. charged their debts, and fliall not be chargeable to any meeting: 
 
 By the widows of infolvent perfons, at the deceafe of 
 the hufbands, the faid widows not being chargeable in like 
 manner : 
 
 By the children of infolvent perfons (fuch children not 
 having previoufly gained fettlement in their own right), when 
 they fhall attain the age of eighteen years, not being in like 
 manner chargeable. 
 
 And it is further agreed, that when the hufband and father 
 regains the privilege, it fhall attach of courfe to the wife and to 
 the minor children. 
 
 XII. Upon any friend removing and negleding to apply for 
 a certificate, the monthly meeting from which he removed is 
 defired to recommend him without fuch application ; and if that 
 fhould alio be omitted for the fpace of three months, the monthly 
 meeting into which fuch friend is removed, is at liberty to apply
 
 REMOVALS aud SETTLEMENTS. 167 
 
 for a recommendation ; and every monthly meeting fo applied 
 to, is defired to comply with fuch application. 
 
 XIIL Whereas difputes may arife about fcttleraents, where 
 the man brinfrs a certificate or recommendation from his own ,,. Mimasc 
 monthly meeting to another, on account of marriage, it is hereby 
 agreed, that fuch certificate or recommendation fliall not be con- 
 ftrued to make a fettlement, unlcfs his removal be expreffed 
 therein. 
 
 XIV. When a woman who is an acknowledged miniftcr t.avi. 
 obtains a new fettlement in confequence of marriage, information 
 
 of her being in that ftation is to be conveyed to the monthly 
 meeting into which fhe removes. 
 
 XV. It is agreed, that every provifion applicable to both fexes, 
 made in the rules for removals and fettlements, extends equally 
 to both ; although, for brevity's fake, not particularly expreflcd. 
 1737. — 1 761. — 1769. — 1782. — 1786. — 1789. — 1801. 
 
 No propofition for altering the rules for removals and fettle- 8 
 
 ments of friends, fhall be received by this meeting, unlefs fuch 
 propofition be figned in and by order of a quarterly meeting, 
 or fome other meeting which doth diredly correfpond with this 
 meeting. 1740. — 1801. 
 
 We feel it our concern to caution friends to be very circum- 9 
 
 fpe£l, how they remove themfelves and families, from the places 
 of their refidence ; it having been obferved that the diflblving 
 of old, and the forming of new connexions, have in many In- 
 ftances been attended with effeds prejudicial to a growth in the 
 truth, and the fervice thereof, both in the heads and younger 
 branches of families ; efpecially where the inclination to fuch 
 removals hath originated in worldly motives. And as the
 
 i68 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. 
 
 growth and eftablifhment of children in a religious converfation, 
 being the mofl interefting, ought to be the principal engagement 
 •.Parcms,&c. of the minds of parents, we defire that in putting them forward 
 in a way of life, the probable effe£t it may have on their minds 
 be the chief objed in view. We recommend friends, both young 
 and old, in thefe cafes to give clofe attention to the pointings of 
 divine wifdom, and alfo timely to confult experienced friends, 
 previoully to their fixing a refolution of changing their fituation. 
 1784. P. E. 
 
 Andvid. Min.&Eld. &c.24,-Prcr. Meet. I — Queries i,^ JT/^'.
 
 [ i69 ] 
 
 SCHOOLS. 
 
 ADVISED, that fchool-mafters and mlftrefTes who are i 
 
 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 par- 
 take of fuch education as may tend to their benefit and advantage, 
 in order to apprenticelhip. 1695. P. E. 
 
 Quarterly and monthly meetings are defired to take care, that 2 
 
 in all places where fchools are fet up for the teaching of friends* 
 children, the mailers be diligent to improve and forward their 
 fcholars in learning, and to keep them out of every thing that 
 would corrupt good manners. i697. P. E. 
 
 We defire that your feveral monthly and quarterly meetings, 3 
 
 where any fchool-mafters or mlftrefTes of our profeffion may 
 refide, may not be wanting to admonifh them, as much as in 
 them lies, to bring up the children of friends, committed to their „. Qiier;« 
 care, in plainnefs of fpeech, behaviour, and apparel, agreeable to 3,' «:///. 
 our profeffion : and that fuch of them as have boarders in their 
 families, would frequently call them together, and accuftom them ,^. scriptures 
 to a folemn reading of the Holy Scriptures, and prefs and excite ^" 
 
 them to the obfervation of the Chriftian precepts therein con- 
 tained : and that they themfelves walk before the fcholars as cn- 
 
 Y
 
 lyo SCHOOLS. 
 
 famples of that plalnnefs and fimpllcity which they recommend. 
 1745. P. E. 
 
 4 As the want of proper perfons amongfl; friends qualified for 
 fchool-mafters hath been the occafion of great damage to the 
 foclety in many places, as thereby well-dlfpofed friends are de- 
 prived of opportunities for the education of their children in a 
 manner confiftent with a religious concern for their welfare, and 
 have been neceflitated to fend them to thofe of other perfuafionsj 
 
 V. Parents, &c. whcreby the tender minds of fuch children have been in great 
 danger of being leavened into the language, cuftoms, and habits 
 of the world, from whence it is difficult afterwards to reclaim 
 them ; we defire friends would attend to this important point, 
 and in their monthly meetings affift young men of low circum- 
 ftances, whofe genius and condud may be fuitable for that office, 
 with the means requifite to obtain the proper qualifications ; and 
 when fo qualified, affiard them the neceffary encouragement for 
 their fupport. 1751. W. E. 
 
 5 It is the renewed concern of this meeting, to recommend a 
 care for the offspring of parents whofe income or earnings 
 are fo fmall, as to render them incapable of giving their children 
 a fuitable and guarded education, and that efpecially from home ; 
 by which they may be prevented from mixing with others not of 
 our religious perfuafion, which fo often leads into hurtful habits, 
 from which they are not afterwards eafily reclaimed : and as fome 
 of our members may incautioufly permit their offspring to fuffer 
 this great lofs, rather than apply for affiftance from their monthly 
 
 ' meetings, it is recommended to friends in every monthly meet- 
 
 ing to feek out fuch of their members as may be thus ftraitened.
 
 SCHOOLS. 171 
 
 and admlnlfter to their help ; and it is defired that fuch will re- 
 ceive the falutary aid with a willing mind, and thankfulnefs t« 
 the Great Author of all good. 1777. 
 
 ifWwV. Parents, ice. 5. 6. 8. 10. II. 12. 13.— Poor 3— Queriet 2, ^ X. 3, ^. riJI. 
 
 Y 2
 
 [ ^72 ] 
 
 SCRIPTURES. 
 
 1 RECOMMENDED, as an incumbent duty on friends, to 
 caufe their children to be frequent in reading the Holy Scriptures, 
 and to obferve to them the examples of fuch children, as in 
 fcripture are recorded to have early learned the fear of the Lord, 
 and hearkened to his counfel : inflrudling them in the fear and 
 dread of the Lord, planting upon their fpirits impreffions of re- 
 verence towards God, from whom they have their daily fupport ; 
 fhewing them they ought not to offend him, but love, ferve, and 
 honour him, in whofe hand all bleflings are. 1709. P. E. 
 
 2 It is alfo ferioufly advifed, that no friends fuffer romances, 
 "• ^'^ 5- play-books, or other vain and idle pamphlets, in their houfes or 
 
 families, which tend to corrupt the minds of youth ; but that 
 they excite them to the reading of the Holy Scriptures, and re- 
 ligious books. Let the Holy Scriptures be early taught our 
 youth, diligently fearched, and ferioufly read by friends, with 
 due regard to the Holy Spirit from whence they came, and by 
 which they are truly opened : for they contain excellent dodrine, 
 rules, and precepts, divine and moral. 1 720. P. E. 
 
 ^ And, dear friends, inafmuch as the Holy Scriptures are the 
 
 •». No. 6. external means of conveying and preferving to us, an account of 
 
 the things moft furely to be believed concerning the coming of
 
 SCRIPTURES. 173 
 
 our Lord Jefus Chrift in the flefli, and the fulfilling of the pro- 
 phecies relating thereto ; wc therefore recommend to all friends, 
 efpecially elders in the church, and mafters of families, that they 
 would, both by example and advice, imprefs on the minds of the 
 younger a reverent efleem of thofe facred writings, and advife 
 them to a frequent reading and meditating therein ; — and that 
 you would, at proper times and fcafons, when you find your 
 minds rightly difpofed thereunto, give the youth to underftand, • 
 that the fame good experience of the work of fandification, 
 through the operations of the Spirit of God, which the Holy 
 Scriptures plentifully bear teftimony to, is to be vvitnefled by 
 believers in all generations, as well as by thofe in the firfl. ages 
 of Chriftianity ; in which cafe, fome account of your own ex- 
 perience may be helpful to them. And this we recommend as 
 the moft effedtual means of begetting and eftablifhing in their 
 minds a firm belief of the Chriftian dodrine in general, as well 
 as the neceflity of the aid and help of the operations of the 
 Holy Spirit of God in the hearts of men in particular, contained 
 in that moft excellent book the Bible ; and of preferving them 
 from being defiled with the many pernicious notions and prin- 
 ciples, contrary to fuch found dodrine, which are at this time 
 induftrioufly difperfed in the nation, to the reproach of the 
 Chriftian profeflion in general. 1728. P. E. 
 
 And, dear friends, as much as in you lies, encourage a frequent 4 
 
 and diligent reading of the Holy Scriptures in your families. 
 In them are contained the promifes of eternal life and falvation. 
 For as a fteady truft and belief in the promife of God, and a fre- 
 quent meditation in the law of the Lord, was the prefervation of 
 a remnant in old time, fo it is even to this day ; and as a diftruft
 
 174 SCRIPTURES. ' • 
 
 and difbelief of the promlfes of God, and a negled: of his holy- 
 law, was the occafion of the complaints made againft the Jews, 
 the pofterlty of Abraham, even fo we have reafon to fear, that 
 the apparent declenfion in our time from true piety and godly 
 zeal, in many places, is too much owing to a difregard of the 
 dodlrines of the Holy Scriptures, and the promifes of the Holy 
 Spirit in them recorded. 
 
 Wherefore it greatly behoves every one, who would be united 
 to Chrift, and a member of his church, to believe in the promifes 
 of God and Chrift, and wait to know the fulfilling of them 
 in his own heart. It was by this the primitive believers became 
 AflsJv. of " one heart, and of one foul." It was by one Spirit, namely, 
 
 iCor. xii. 13. the Spirit promifed by Chrift, that they were "all baptized 
 " into one body." 
 
 Having therefore, dearly beloved, fuch great and precious pro- 
 mifes, and being encompafled with fo great a cloud of witnefTes, 
 let us run with cheerfulnefs in the ways of the Lord, and walk 
 Heb.xii. 2, in the footfteps of the flocks of the companions ; " Looking unto 
 *' Jefus, the author and finifher of our faith, who, for the joy 
 " that was fet before him, endured the crofs, defpifing the fhame, 
 " and is fet down at the right hand of the throne of God." 
 1740. P. E. 
 
 5 There having been, for many years paft, a great circulation of 
 
 TiBookss. 3.4. vain, idle, and irreligious books and pamphlets, tending to lead 
 II. 14. 15- the mind away from fober and ferious duty, to infedl the inex- 
 Adv.r. perienced and unwary with infidelity and corruption, and to alie- 
 nate their attention from the Spirit of God, under whofe influence 
 and holy keeping alone is fafety ; we earneftly requeft, that 
 parents, and all others who have youth under their tuition, will
 
 SCRIPTURES. 
 
 »75 
 
 keep a conftant eye over them, and as much as poflible guard 
 them againft, and prevent them from, wafting their precious time 
 upon fuch unprofitable and pernicious reading ; that they ac- 
 cuftom them to the frequent and diligent reading of the facred 
 writings, which through divine goodnefs are afforded to us, for 
 our " inftrudtion in righteoufnefs," and, " that we, through pa- 
 " tience, and comfort of the fcriptures, might have hope." 
 1769. P. E. 
 
 i Tim. iii. i(> 
 Rom. XV. 4 
 
 And, dear friends, we tenderly and earneftly advife and ex- 
 hort all parents, and mafters of families, that they exert them- 
 felves in the wifdom of God, and in the ftrength of his love, 
 to inftru£t their children and families in the dodlrines and pre- 
 cepts of the Chriftian religion contained in the Holy Scriptures ; 
 and that they excite them to the diligent reading of thofe facred 
 writings, which plainly fet forth the miraculous conception, birth, 
 holy life, wonderful works, bleffed example, meritorious death, 
 and glorious refurredion, afcenfion, and mediation of our Lord 
 and Saviour Jefus Chrift ; and to educate their children in the 
 belief of thofe important truths, as well as in the belief of the 
 inward manifeftation 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 everlafling happinefs, which is infinitely 
 preferable to all other confiderations. We therefore exhort, in 
 the moft earneft manner, that all be very careful in this refped ; 
 a negledl herein being, in our judgment, very blame-worthy. 
 And further, where any deficiency of this fort appears, we re- 
 commend to monthly and quarterly meetings, that they ilir up 
 thofe whom it may concern to their duty therein. 1732. P. E. 
 
 6 
 
 V. Oircipl. A:c. 
 io. 
 
 Meet, for 
 Worih. 7 
 
 V. Parents &c. 
 T,UJlfar. 
 
 Anivid. Books 2. 4. — Min. & Eld. tec. ■;.— Parents, &c. 7. 10. 1«. 14.— Poor 4.— Queries 
 J, ^ IV. 3, ^ /// <>, AJv. //.—Schools 3.
 
 [ »76 ] 
 
 I 
 
 SLAVE-TRADE and SLAVERY. 
 
 I T Is the fenfe of this meeting, that the importing of negroes 
 ■»■ AV 3- from their native country and relations by friends, is not a com- 
 
 mendable nor allowed pradlice, and is therefore cenfured by this 
 meeting. 1727. 
 
 2 We fervently warn all in profeflion with us, that they be 
 
 careful to avoid being any way concerned in reaping the unrigh- 
 teous profits arifmg from the iniquitous pradlice of dealing in 
 negro, or other flaves ; whereby, in the original purchafe, one 
 man felleth another, as he doth the beaft that perifheth, without 
 any better pretenfion to a property in him, than that of fuperior 
 force ; in dired: violation of the gofpel rule, which teacheth all to 
 do as they would be done by, and to do good to all j being the 
 reverfe of that covetous difpofition, which furniflieth encourage- 
 ment to thofe poor ignorant people to perpetuate their favage 
 wars, in order to fupply the demands of this mod unnatural 
 traffic, whereby great numbers of mankind, free by nature, 
 are fubjedted to inextricable bondage ; and which hath often been 
 obferved to fill their pofleffors with haughtinefs, tyranny, luxury, 
 and barbarity, corrupting the minds and debafing the morals of 
 their children, to the unfpeakable prejudice of religion and 
 virtue, and the exclufion of that holy fpirit of univerfal love, 
 meeknefs, and charity, which is the unchangeable nature, and the 
 glory, of true Chriftianity.
 
 SLAVE-TRADE and SLAVERY. 
 
 We therefore can do no lefs, than, with the grcatefl earnefl- 
 nefs, imprefs it upon friends every where, that they endeavour 
 to keep their hands clear of this unrighteous gain of oppreflion. 
 175S. P. E. 
 
 This meeting having reafon to apprehend, that divers under 
 our name are concerned in the unchriftian traffic in negroes, 
 doth recommend it earneftly to the care of friends every where, to 
 difcourage, as much as in them lies, a pradlice fo repugnant to 
 our Chriftian profeffion ; and to deal with all fuch as ihall per- 
 fevere in a condudt fo reproachful to Chrillianily, and to difown 
 them, if they defift not therefrom. 1761. 
 
 We renew our exhortation, that friends every where be efpe- 
 cially careful to keep their hands clear of giving encouragement 
 in any fhape to the flave-trade, it being evidently deftrudlive of 
 the natural rights of mankind ; who are all ranfomed by one 
 Saviour, and vifited by one divine light, in order to falvation : 
 a traffic calculated to enrich and aggrandize fome upon the 
 mifery of others, in its nature abhorrent to every juft and tender 
 fentiment, and contrary to the whole tenour of the gofpel. 1 763. 
 P. E. 
 
 It appears that the pradllce of holding negroes in oppreffive 
 and unnatural bondage, hath been fo fuccefsfully difcouraged by 
 friends in fome of the colonies, as to be confiderably leffiened. 
 We cannot but approve of thefe falutary endeavours, and earneftly 
 entreat they may be continued, that, through the favour of Divine 
 Providence, a traffic fo unmerciful, and unjuft in its nature to a 
 part of our own fpecies made equally with ourfclves for immor- 
 
 z 
 
 ^11
 
 178 SLAVE-TRADE and SLAVERY. 
 
 tallty, may come to be confidered by all in its proper light, and 
 be utterly aboliflied, as a reproach to the Chriftian profeffion. 
 1772. P. E. 
 
 6 The Chriftian religion being defigned to regulate and refine 
 
 the natural afFedions of man, and to exalt benevolence into that 
 charity which promotes peace on earth, and good-will towards 
 all ranks and clafles of mankind the world over ; under the in- 
 fluence thereof, our minds have been renewedly affedled in 
 fympathy with the poor enflaved Africans; whom avarice 
 hath taught fome men, laying claim to the charader of Chrif- 
 tians, to confider as the refufe of the human race, and not en- 
 titled to the common privileges of mankind. The contempt in 
 which they are held, and the remotenefs of their fufferings from 
 the notice of difmterefted obfervers, have occafioned few advo- 
 cates to plead their caufe. The confideration of their cafe 
 being brought weightily before the laft yearly meeting, friends 
 w^ere engaged to recommend endeavours for putting a ftop to 
 a traffic fo difgraceful to humanity, and fo repugnant to the 
 precepts of the gofpel. 1784. P. E. 
 
 >j As the flave-trade, whereby fuch multitudes of the human 
 
 race are violently fubjedted to a ftate fo abjed and deplorable, 
 is extenfively carried on by perfons refident in thefe kingdoms, 
 we earneftly exhort all in profeffion with us, not to defile them- 
 felves by having any concern whatever in this unrighteous traffic ; 
 from which, if perfifted in, very diftreffing confequences to this 
 nation and its dependencies, may be juftly apprehended. 1785. 
 P. E.
 
 SLAVE-TRADE and S L A V E R V. 179 
 
 We defire that friends may continue united in a fervent 8 
 
 concern, that the reproach of a traffic fo iniquitous [as the flavc- 
 trade] may be done away from the Chriftian name, and the 
 day fpoken of by the Lord's prophet be happily haftcned : 
 " For from the rifing of the fun, even unto the going dov^'n ot Mai. i. it. 
 " the fame, my name fliall be great among the Gentiles, and in 
 " ever)' place incenfe fhall be offered unto my name, and a pure 
 " offering." j 790. P. E. 
 
 As a Chriflian fociety we have found it our duty to promote 9 
 
 the abolition of the flave-trade : it ftill remains our fleady con- 
 cern to difcourage fo iniquitous a traffic ; and, at the prefent 
 jundure, we think it particularly incumbent on every individual 
 deeply to ponder his own particular (hare in the teftimony, which 
 we have fo long believed it to be our duty to bear, and to be 
 careful not to flifle the fmallefl: convidtion of duty ; more efpeci- 
 ally that the profpedl of gain may not lead any to counte- 
 nance a trade, of which the immediate and unavoidable confe- 
 quence is the miferies of men. — The flow progrefs in this 
 country of the caufe of thefe our fellow-men we lament, but 
 do not defpair of its fuccefs : and we defire friends may never 
 fuffer the caufe to cool on their minds, through the delay which 
 the oppofition of interefled men hath occafioned, in this work of 
 juflice and mercy ; but rather be animated to confider, that the 
 longer the oppofition remains, the more neceffity there is, on 
 the fide of righteoufnefs and benevolence, for fteadinefs, perfeve- 
 rance, and continued breathing of fpirit to the God and Father 
 of all, who formed of one blood all the families of the earth. 
 1 791. P. E. — 1793. P. E. 
 
 z 2
 
 i8o SLAVE-TRADE and SLAVERY, 
 
 10 A feeling hath been witnefled amongft us at this time, which 
 
 dlreds the mind in pity towards the deplorable ftate of thofe men, 
 who promote, procure, and execute the tearing away of the 
 Africans from their parent-foil : and feeing we believe that a juft 
 and dreadful retribution awaits the unrepenting and obdurate 
 opprelTor, at that awful tribunal where fophiflry will not pre- 
 vail to exculpate, let us, amidft our fympathy for the fufferers, 
 give place in our minds to a true concern for the traders in 
 negroes — men equally interefted with us in the rewards of futu- 
 rity ; and let us feek for, and cherifh that difpofition of mind, 
 which can pray for thefe enemies of humanity, and fervently 
 breathe for their reftoration to foundnefs of judgment, and purity 
 of principle. 
 
 It hath been often obferved that the defire of acquiring wealth 
 is an incitement to every evil ; and having, in this inftance, a 
 proof to what great lengths it will carry thofe who give it place 
 in their hearts, let us guard againfl the beginnings of fo great 
 temptation. 1795. P. E.
 
 r '81 ] 
 
 SUFFERINGS. 
 
 AS this meeting doth not enjoin or advife any friends, in 
 fufferings for our Chriftian teftimonies, to take a courfe at law 
 for remedy, neither can we impofe upon them, not to ufe law in 
 any cafe ; but a freedom is left to the fufferers, to ufe fuch 
 means as confift with the unity of friends, and their own peace 
 and fatisfadtion in the truth, and bearing a faithful teftimony in 
 righteoufnefs. Advifed, that friends do not judge or reflect one 
 upon another in thofe cafes, a freedom being left upon urgent 
 occafions, to take fuch a courfe for relief and eafe to the op- 
 preffed, as may not be prejudicial to the teftimony of truth. 
 But any friend apprehending a neceflity to endeavour for relief 
 by the law of the land, to flop the deftroyers, is advifed to confult 
 about his cafe vs'ith his monthly or quarterly meeting, or at leafl 
 with fome judicious friends, before he makes any procedure 
 at law : and friends who fuffer, are advifed 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 caufe. 1675. 
 
 That friends be careful of entangling themfelvcs in law, be- 
 caufe of fome fmall irregularity in the proceeding ; but if the 
 lav/ be materially tranfgrefled, and the feverity of it exceeded by 
 the perfecutor, that friends ufe their freedom, upon fcrious and 
 good advice among themfelves, fo as the teftimony of truth may 
 be kept clear over all. 1676. P. E.
 
 i82 SUFFERINGS. 
 
 3 It Is defired that when fuffenngs are fent up in order for 
 
 redrefs of any particular cafe, the fame be written down, as 
 to the lofs fuftained, goods diftrained, fevere and illegal treat- 
 ment or ufage by juftices or other perfons, plainly, pertinently, 
 and diftindtly, as to matter of fiid only, without any refledions 
 upon the magiftrates and perfons by whom friends have fuffered, 
 or againft whom any complaint is made ; and that fufferings 
 fent up to be recorded here, be firfh read in the quarterly 
 meeting, and therein figned. 
 V. queries That an account be yearly fent up of all fuch friends as are in 
 
 *''^' ■ prifon, or prifoners, that it may be known who are detained in 
 prifon, and who are dlfcharged fince the preceding yearly meet- 
 ing, and when difcharged ; alfo to fignify the time of their com- 
 mitment, by whom profecuted, and for what caufe : and that 
 diftin£l accounts be brought up of all fuch friends as have died 
 in prifon, as prifoners for their teftimony to the truth, fmce the 
 foregoing yearly meeting, with their names, ages, dwelling- 
 places, education, time of convincement, and the places of their 
 travel and fervice, time of fufferings, and death. 1681. 
 
 £, Upon confideration of fufferings in general, it is advifed, that 
 
 "• ^°-^^- j.^^ in cafes of difficulty, and where friends who are fufferers ftand 
 in need of advice in any particular cafe, they fend up their re- 
 fpedive cafes to the meeting for fufferings in London. 1682. 
 P. E. 
 
 Where any friend or friends fhall be profecuted for any branch 
 of their teftimony for the truth, that fuch labour, In a fenle of 
 the weight of their teftimony, with the profecutor, before or at 
 the beginning of the profecution ; that fo, if poffible, the witnefa 
 of God in him may be reached, and he may be convinced that 
 
 Suff. 10.
 
 SUFFERINGS. 183 
 
 the refufal to comply proceeds not from obRInacy or felf-intereil, 
 but from a godly care to prefcrve a conlcience void of offence. 
 1703. P. E. 
 
 This meeting defircs, that an account of all proceedings In 6 
 
 fuch fuifering cafes as come under the care of the meeting for *. a' 4 
 fufferings, and the ilTue thereof, may be duly brought or fent to 
 that meeting in writing, fpecifying the places or the counties 
 where fuch fufferers dwell, with the feveral proceedings in the 
 faid cafes; in order to be duly recorded. 1746. 
 
 This meeting having weightily confidered the propriety of 7 
 receiving and recording the fufferings of friends, for not illumi- "-umei'' 
 nating their houfes, and not fhutting up their fhops, on public 
 occafions, is of the judgment that friends fliould fend up an 
 account of fuch fufferings, from time to time, to this meeting. 
 1789. 
 
 AnJvU. Militia I. 1, Zrf/ur.— Queries 2, ®. XF. — Tithes?. 9, ijlfar. 10 13. 14, Xjl fur ly. 
 
 19. II. \:f fafs. 
 
 4-5.
 
 [ i84 ] 
 
 TITHES. 
 
 1 ADVISED, that our ancient tellimony againft tithes, which 
 we have borne from the beginning, and for which many have 
 deeply fufFered, fome not only the fpoiling of their goods, but 
 imprifonment even unto death, be carefully and punftually up- 
 held and countenanced, in the power of God ; and that all thofe 
 who oppofe, flight, or negledl that teftimony, be looked upon as 
 
 r,. Ko. 18, unfaithful to the ancient teftimony of truth, and dealt with ac- 
 cording to gofpel order eftabliflied among us. 1075. 
 
 2 That all friends be faithful in their teftimony againft tithes of 
 all forts ; knowing that, fmce they were ended by Chrift, they 
 were impofed and originally fprang from that antichriftian root, 
 popifti ufurpation in church and ftate : and that friends would 
 tenderly confider, that where any decline their teftimony, or are 
 
 V. Days & negligent in this weighty cafe, they do thereby increafe the 
 5, hffar. weight and burthen of fufferings upon them that are faithful, 
 and ftrengthen the hands of their adverfaries. 1690. P. E. 
 
 3 Our teftimony againft tithes and forced maintenance in this 
 gofpel day, being received from Chrift our head and high prieft, 
 is not of our own making or impofmg, nor from the tradition of 
 men ; but what we have from him, by whofe divine power we 
 were raifed up to be a people, and by which we have been pre-
 
 TITHES. 185 
 
 ferved to this day j knowing that his miniftry and gofpel are I'.Nc.s.o.iyj. 
 free, according to his own exprefs command, " Freely ye have MiMh.x. g, 
 "received, freely give." £701, P. E. 
 
 We think it neceflary to put you in mind, that the zeal of our 4 
 
 friends who have abode faithful in their teftimony againft 
 paying tithes, fteeple-houfe rates, and priefts' maintenance, has 
 greatly tended to the opening of the eyes of many, not only in 
 this, but alfo in other countries. 
 
 We received laft year an account from New-England, where 
 our friends formerly underwent grievous fufferings, that a law 
 is made, exempting them from paying either to the mainte- 
 nance of the eftablilhed minifters, or to the repairing of their 
 worfliip-houfes ; and it is our belief, that if all friends here had 
 been faithful in their teftimony againft tithes, the time of our 
 deliverance from that oppreffion, under which this nation yet 
 groans, would have been nearer at hand. 1733. P. E. 
 
 We earneftly entreat the faithful among you to take all fuitable 5 
 
 opportunities of endeavouring to demonftrate, to fuch as are 
 weak and unfaithful, the importance of our teftimony againft 
 receiving or paying tithes ; the natural tendency whereof is to 
 obtain that liberty, which the pureft ages of Chriftianity enjoyed ; 
 that is, a liberty for any perfon, moved by the Holy Spirit 
 of God, to preach the doftrine of the glorious gofpel of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift freely ; and of which they were 
 not deprived, till great corruptions of dodlrine and pradicc 
 were found amongft the profeflbrs of Chriftianity, and the 
 civil powers were prevailed upon to meddle with the confci- 
 
 A a
 
 x86 TITHES. 
 
 cnces of the people, which of right are to be fubjed to God 
 only. 
 
 We cannot therefore but blefs the Lord, from an experimental 
 wltnefTing of the comfort and fpiritual advantage which arife 
 from fuch a liberty, that he was pleafed to raife up our worthy 
 ancients, and to give them a teftimony againft that antichriftian 
 yoke ; making them willing, in this and other nations, to fuffer 
 for that teftimony, thereby fhewing to the world what the love 
 of Chrift is able to do : for we believe nothing fhort of that love 
 could have enabled them to fuffer the Ipoil of their goods, and 
 the long imprifonment of their bodies, even unto death, as fome 
 of them did, for their confcientious refufal to pay tithes, i j;^^. 
 P. E. 
 
 6 As the gofpel of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift was at firft 
 
 freely promulgated by himfelf, and his immediate followers, the 
 nature of it being unalterable, it behoveth that the minifters 
 thereof, in all fucceeding times, be like-minded ; not ading 
 
 s Pet T. ». " ^y conftraint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a 
 •* ready mind." When we call to mind the grievous fuffer- 
 ings which our ancients underwent, in this and other nations, 
 for their teftimony againft a man-made miniftry and hireling 
 preachers ; and their great concern to revive and publifli the 
 dodtrine of the gofpel, as it was declared by Chrift himfelf 
 when on eaith, and revealed to one of his fervants who was 
 
 Rev. xxii. 17. banifhed for the teftimony of Jefus, " Whofoever will, let 
 "him take the water of life freely;" our hearts are grieved 
 when we find any of their off'spring, or any under our name, 
 declining their teftimony againft the antichriftian yoke of tithes. 
 We therefore tenderly exhort all who profefs the truth, to watch-
 
 TITHES. 1S7 
 
 fulnefs and zeal, that this branch of our Chriftian teftimotiy be 
 not laid wafte by connivance, or private agreement with priefts 
 or inxpropriatorsj but that all abide patiently under that teftimony 
 which the Lord hath called us to bear; not doubting but that the 
 gradual progrefs of real Chriftianity will at length operate to the 
 removal of a yoke fo direiSlly contrary to the liberty wherewith 
 Chrift hath made us free. " Stand faft," fays the apoftle, " in the c-*'- !■■■ « 
 " liberty wherewith Chrift hath made us free ; and be not en- 
 " tangled again with the yoke of bondage." 1738. P. E. 
 
 Let us ever keep in remembrance, that it is under the imme- 7 
 
 diate teaching and influence of the Holy Spirit, that all accepta- "' &'" ,j. 
 ble worfhip is performed, and all true gofpel miniftry fupplied ; 
 that this pure and powerful influence, in veflels fandified and 
 prepared by the divine hand, is the eflTential qualification to that 
 work ; that as the gift is divine, the fervice is freely and faith- 
 fully to be difcharged, without any view to reward from man : 
 and therefore, fhould we voluntarily, either by open or collufive 
 means, contribute to the maintenance of fuch as preach for hire, 
 we fhould be guilty of inconfiftency in pradice, by fupporting, 
 as minifters of Chrift, thofe whom we do not believe to be fent 
 by him, and upholding them in a condudt contrary to his 
 command, which is, "Freely ye have received, freely give." Mauh. x. s. 
 And this pradical oppofition to his gofpel law, we cannot 
 but look upon as denying him before men, and therefore in us 
 antichriftian. 1758. P. E. 
 
 It feems Incumbent upon us to repeat our exhortation to faith- 8 
 
 fulnefs, in fupporting our teftimony againft the antichriftian 
 yoke of tithes ; and we entreat that all who fuffer, either upon 
 
 A a 2
 
 i88 TITHES. 
 
 that account, or for any other demands inconfiftent with the 
 ■:;. No. 19, principles of truth, may demonftrate, by their whole condudt and 
 Militia i, converfation, that they really fuffer for confcience fake ; and keep 
 clofe to the guidance of that good Spirit, which will preferve in 
 meeknefs and quiet refignation, under every trial. For if refent- 
 ment fhould arlfe againll thofe whom you may look upon as the 
 inftruments of your fufferings, it will deprive you of the reward 
 of faithful nefs, give juft occafion of offence, and bring diflio- 
 nour to the caufe of truth. Cavilling, or cafting refledions upon 
 any, becaufe of our fiijfi^erings, doth not become the fervants of 
 Chrift, whofe holy example and footfteps we ought in all things 
 faithfully to follow. 1759. P. E. 
 
 Q Agreed, that tithes taken away by force be recorded as a 
 
 fuffering for truth. 
 
 It is alio advifed, that all friends have a care that they neither 
 openly nor fecretly confent to the taking away of their tithes, 
 nor to the payment of them by any one whatfoever on their be- 
 half; but keep faithful to their teftimony^ 1676. P. E. 
 
 I o And becaufe fome have not kept an account of the tithes in 
 
 kind that have been taken from them, as if that were no fuffer- 
 ing, becaufe the priefts' and impropriatoi's' pretended due; we 
 find ourfelves engaged in fpirit, to delire you to reckon that 
 '^ nI^'^ko' °^ tithe, amongft the other fufferings that you fend up, and 
 
 /^'.lofi/ ^° ^^^^ ^^^ (&T[\t care of recording all taken away upon thc\t 
 
 %'.^. account, in your book of fufferings. i678» 
 
 Suti'. i,firjlpar. 7.— Queries 2, i^. XV. 
 
 II It is the fenfe of this meeting, that executors who have a tefti- 
 mony for truth, have a teftimony againll the paying of the
 
 TITHES. 189 
 
 tithes pretended to be due from the teftator being a. friend, and 
 ought to bear his teftimony againft payment thereof. 1682. 
 
 With refpeft to a propofal about taking a farm, and agreeing 1 2 
 to pay fo much the more to be exempt from tithes ; it is 
 left to the feveral monthly and quarterly meetings to advife 
 friends to be careful that nothing be done that tends to weaken 
 our teftimony againft tithes by any, and that fuch be admonifhed 
 as they fee caufe. 1696. 
 
 Advifed, that our ancient Chriftian teftimony againft tithes be i 3 
 not avoided or fhunned by any indiredl ways or courfes, with 
 landlords, or otherwife : and that friends be careful to keep a 
 true record of the value of what is taken from them on that v. jv. to 
 account, in the field or otherwife, whether it exceed the demand 
 or not, with the refpedive date of each fuffering, and the time 
 when any fuit is commenced. 1698. P. E. 
 
 This meeting taking notice that In many places advantages are 14 
 taken of friends, by making ftoppages upon them in the way of 
 trade, or by debtors, or otherwife ; or by kindred or neighbours 
 laying down the money for tithes, or church-rates fo called ; it is 
 recommended, as the fenfe and advice of this meeting, to the 
 feveral quarterly and monthly meetings, to ftir up friends in their 
 refpe£tive meetings to zeal and faithfulnefs in this refpedt ; that 
 they may not connive at fuch payments, ftoppages, or difcounl- 
 ings on fuch accounts ; but deal plainly and earneftly with their 
 relations or neighbours who fhall fo pay, or others who fhall fo 
 ftop or difcount ; and not difcharge the debt from their books, 
 but keep the debt ftill ia demand j and be as careful as they cau
 
 190 TITHES. 
 
 for the future, to keep fuch perfons, as much as in them lies, out 
 of a capacity of flopping upon them : that they may thereby 
 difcourage all fuch ways of proceeding, which tend to weaken 
 or leffen their teftimony. And fuch ftoppages are not to be 
 
 ^. A',. 10. brought in as fufferings, inafmuch as the debt is not thereby dif- 
 
 charged ; for if it were, the ftoppage would be allowed, and the 
 teftimony fuffered to fall. 
 
 This meeting declares it is its fenfe and judgment, that no 
 
 r. A'.. i8, friend in truth can either pay or receive impropriate tithes, being 
 
 jji tar. 
 
 inconfiftent with our Chriftian teftimony. 1703. 
 
 15 Whereas it appears, that the method of taking the priefts' 
 demands without warrant or due form of law, prevails more in 
 fome places than heretofore, friends are therefore entreated to be 
 as much upon their guard as poffible, againft the introduction of 
 any practices that may tend to encourage unfaithfulnefs or collu- 
 fion : a difpofition altogether unbecoming the nobility of truth, 
 and inconfiftent with the uprightnefs it requires. 1750. W. E. 
 
 16 As It appears by fome accounts, that in fome places the officers, 
 in making their rates, viz. the poor's rate which is by adt of parlia- 
 ment, and the church-rate or fefs fo called which is moftly by ec- 
 clefiaftical law, mix them together, and fometimes [demands] for 
 the prieft ; it is therefore recommended, that friends be careful to 
 examine into the faid rates, or the parifh-books, that they may 
 not be impofed on, it being contrary to law ; and fuch rates may 
 be refufed, and if warrants are granted upon fuch rates, they 
 being altogether illegal may be fet afide. 1756. 
 
 1 7 From the accounts brought to this meeting, it appears that in
 
 TITHES. 191 
 
 divers places it has been the pradlice to receive the overplus In 
 money, of the diflraints made from friends on account of tithes, 
 church-rates fo called, and other ecclefiaftical demands : it is the 
 advice of this meeting, that friends fliould decline, as much as 
 may be, to receive fuch overplus when offered, in a different 
 fpecles from that vs'hich was diftrained. 1757- 
 
 Notwithftanding the judgment and advice frequently given by i3 
 this meeting agalnfl the payment of tithes, and more particularly 
 in the year 1703, againft the payment or the receiving of tithes ; 
 fome perfons who go under our name, do yet continue not only 
 to pay them, but fome few alfo having eflates in impropriate 
 tithes (which are the fame in nature, ground, and root, with the 
 tithes paid to the priefls) do not forbear as yet to receive them ; 
 to the great dilhonour of our holy profefTion, though others 
 have confclentioully given up and releafed them : this meeting 
 thereupon doth now again fignify, that for any amongft us to 
 pay or receive tithes (which were a part of the ceremonial law 
 belonging to the Levitical priefthood, abrogated and taken away 
 by the coming of our Lord Jefus Chrift, and his death on the 
 crofs) doth diredlly oppofe and tend to overthrow the ancient 
 Qiriftian teftimony of truth againft tithes, which hath been borne 
 by friends from the beginning of our day, not only by word and 
 dodrine, but by deep fufferlngs, and fealed even with the blood 
 of fome of our dear and faithful brethren, who have cheerfully 
 laid down their lives by long and hard imprifonments, in con- 
 firmation of that their confcientious teftimony. 
 
 In the fenfe hereof, this meeting doth earneftly recommend to 
 the feveral monthly meetings of friends, If they fhould find any 
 under our name that do either pay or receive tithes, that they
 
 1:92 TITHE S. 
 
 ufe their befl: and utmoft endeavours, in the fpirit and order of 
 the gofpel, and in the exercife of great tendernefs and brotherly 
 kindnefs, to inform, admonifh, and convince all fuch, without 
 refpeft of perfons; in order to bring them to the acknowledg- 
 ment and obedience of the truth in that particular j and if, after 
 fuch tender and gentle dealing with them, any fuch fhall con- 
 tinue in their unfaithfulnefs, that then the monthly meeting 
 unto which fuch perlons fhall belong, having exercifed Chriftian 
 patience and forbearance towards fuch, and finding itfelf clear in 
 the fight of God, do declare that fuch, for their unfaithfulnefs and 
 oppofition to this our Chriftian teftimony, are unworthy to be 
 admitted to the meetings for bufmefs amongft friends, or to be 
 received to join in the colledtions made by friends for the fervice 
 of the church ; and if after that, fuch perfons fhall perfift in fuch 
 their unfaithfulnefs and oppofition, that then the monthly meet- 
 V. No. 2j. ing proceed further, to give judgment for the clearing of truth 
 and friends, as in the holy counfel and wifdom of God they fhall 
 be direded and guided therein. 1 706. 
 
 19 It is recommended, that friends be appointed in the feveral parts 
 
 V. No. 21. j^£- jj^g nation, to call upon their members to bring in an account 
 
 of their fufferings for their teftimony againft the payment of 
 tithes, &c. and to inquire whether fuch as bring in no accounts 
 do ftand clear in their teftimony : and if they find any deficient, 
 and they perfift in the fame, that fuch friends be dealt with purfu- 
 ant to the diredtions and former advices of this meeting. 
 
 And as we have been convinced of the inconfiftency of tithes 
 with the nature of the gofpel difpenfation, it is our neceffary duty 
 to ad agreeably to fuch convidions ; and if fufferings for our 
 teftimony fhall be the confequence of our obedience thereto, it 
 will become us, after the example of the primitive Chriftians,
 
 TITHES. 
 
 »93 
 
 cheerfully to fubmit, and to take joyfully the fpoillng of our 
 goods ; that fo we may preferve a confcience void of offence to- 
 wards God, and at the fame time, by our Chriftian meeknefs and r av g. 
 Innocent deportment, give reafonablc evidence of our fmcerity 
 to men. 1737. 
 
 We earncftly exhort and befeech quarterly meetings, carefully 20 
 to infpeft and confider the ftate of their monthly meetings ; and "' Q^^"" *• 
 when weaknefs and remiflhefs are manifeftly apparent therein, 
 that they appoint committees, as occafions may require, to aflift 
 them in extending fuch admonition and help as may be found 
 neceflary ; in order that this important branch of our teftimony, 
 againft the receiving and paying of tithes, as well as every other 
 branch thereof, may be more generally, becomingly, and con- 
 fidently fupported ; and that friends may be clear, in the dif- 
 charge of their duty to God and to each other, in the great day 
 of account. 1 772. 
 
 This meeting recommends to general pradlce what hath been 2 1 
 found of great ufe in many places, viz. an annual appointment in 
 each monthly meeting of a fuitable number of friends, to apply 
 for an account of fufferings once a year to each of their members -^. Qucric; 
 liable to priefts' demands, tithes, or thofe called church-rates, 
 alfo demands on account of the militia, and things of that nature; 
 and, where weaknefs or unfaithfulnefs appears in any, to admi- 
 nifter fuch advice and admonition as may be neceflary for their 
 help : and the monthly meetings are requefted to take due care, 
 that thofe appointed for this fcrvice be faithful and judicious 
 friends. 1780. 
 
 Bb 
 
 2, «. xy.
 
 194- 
 
 TITHES. 
 
 22 This meeting having weightily confidered the deficiencies, 
 
 which from year to year have been complained of, in the fupport 
 of our Chriftian teftimony againft tithes, is apprehenfive that they 
 may be occafioned in degree by fome milconftrudlion of the 
 * Ko.iz. yearly meeting minute of 1706,* as though it did not enjoin 
 monthly meetings to proceed to the difownment of fuch of their 
 members as perfift in rejedling the admonition of their brethren : 
 wherefore this meeting thinks it expedient to declare, tlut no 
 fuch exemption from the invariable iffue of our dealings with 
 irreclaimable delinquents, is confidered by this meeting to be 
 allowed by the faid minute. 1796. 
 
 AndviJ. Family-Vif. a— Meet. forSuff.4.— Min. & Eld. &c. 7, /^//■cr.— Queries z, ^ riT, 
 
 3, ^ ly-
 
 [ m J 
 
 TRADE. 
 
 ADVISED, that none launch Into trading and worldly bufi- i 
 
 nefs beyond what they can manage honourably and with repu- 
 tation ; fo that they may keep their words with all men, that 
 their yea may prove yea indeed, and their nay, nay : and that 
 they ufe few words in their dealings, left they bring dilhonour 
 to the truth. 1688. P. E. — 1675. 
 
 It is advifed and earneftly defired, that the payment of juft 2 
 
 debts be not delayed by any profeffing truth beyond the time "''' ■^''" '" 
 promifed and agreed upon ; nor occafion given of complaint to 
 thofe they deal with, by their backwardnefs of payment where 
 no time is limited ; nor any to overcharge themfelves with too 
 much trading and commerce, beyond their capacities to difcharge 
 with a good confcience towards all men ; and that all friends 
 concerned be very careful not to contract extravagant debts, 
 endangering the wronging of others and their families ; which 
 fome have done, to the grieving the hearts of the upright ; nor 
 to break their promlfes, contracts, or agreements, in their buying 
 or felling, or in any other lawful affairs, to the injuring them- 
 felves or others, occafioning ftrife and contention, and reproach 
 to truth and friends. And it is advifed, that all friends that are 
 entering into trade, or that are in trade, and have not ftocj: 
 fufficient of their own to anfwer the trade they aim. at, be very 
 
 B b 2
 
 ig6 TRADE. 
 
 cautious of running themfelves Into debt, without advlfing with 
 fome of their ancient and experienced friends among whom they 
 live; and more eipecially fuch trading as hath Its dependence 
 upon fea- adventures, 1692. P. E. 
 
 ■J It is earneflly defired that friends be very careful to avoid all 
 
 purfult after the things of this world, by fuch ways and means as 
 depend too much on hazardous enterprlfes ; but rather labour to 
 content themfelves with fuch a plain way and manner of living, 
 as is moft agreeable to the felf-denying principle of truth which 
 we profefs ; and which is moft conducive to that tranquillity of 
 mind that Is requifite to a religious condud through this trouble- 
 fome world. 1724. P. E. — 1801. 
 
 A If through adverfe accidents any fhould fall In paying shelr 
 
 v.Kt.s- juft debts, and fhould after a compofitlon with their creditors be 
 
 fo far bleffed and profpered In their affairs, as to be capable of 
 
 paying their deficiencies. It Is the earneft defire and advice of this 
 
 meeting, that they do not omit the fame. 1727. P. E. 
 
 J And It Is the fenfe and judgment of this meeting, if any 
 
 fall Ihort of paying their juil debts, and a compofitlon Is made 
 with their creditors to accept of a part inftead of the whole, that, 
 notwithftanding the parties may look upon themfelves legally 
 difcharged of any obligation to pay the remainder, yet the prin- 
 t. Nc.ii. ciple we profefs, enjoins full fatisfadllon to be made. If ever the 
 debtors are of ability. And In order that fuch may the better re- 
 trieve their circumftances, we exhort them to fubmit to a manner 
 of living In every refpedt the moft conducive to this purpofe. 
 1759. P. E.
 
 TRADE. 197 
 
 We warn all againfl: a pernicious pradlice, too much prevall'mg 6 
 
 amongft the trading part of mankind, which hath often ilTucd in 
 the ruin of thofe concerned therein, viz. that of raifmg and cir- 
 culating a fidlitious kind of paper-credit, with indoriemcnts 
 and acceptances, to give it an appearance of value without an 
 intrinfic reality : a pradice highly unbecoming that uprightnefs 
 which ought to appear in every member of our religious fociety, 
 and of which therefore we think it our incumbent duty to de- 
 clare our difapprobation, and difunity therewith, as abfolutely in- 
 confiftent with the truth we make profefFion of. We are alfo 
 engaged to caution every individual againft imprudently entering 
 into joint fecuritLes with others j. for by thefe praftlces many 
 innocent wives and children have been inevitably and unex- 
 pedtedly involved in ruinous aiid. deplorable circumftances. We 
 therefore earneftly defire friends to keep ftridlly on their guard, 
 that none, through any fpecious pretences of rendering adts of 
 friendiliip to others with fafety to themfelves, may rifk their 
 own peace and reputation, and the fecurity of their families : 
 in order hereunto, we recommend this falutary advice of the wife 
 man to their efpecial notice and regard : " Be not thou one of Prov. 
 " them that ftrike hands, or of them that are fureties for debts. 
 " If thou haft nothing to pay, why fhould he take away thy bed 
 " from under thee ? " lyyi- P. E. 
 
 46, J 7. 
 
 V. Covctouf- 
 nehjfafi. 
 
 Dear friends, the continuance of covetoufnefs and of earthly- 7 
 
 mindednefs in many, calls upon us to endeavour to awaken fuch 
 as are infeded with it, to a fenfe of what they are purfuing, and 
 at what price. The Great Mafter hath fliewn the unprofitable- 
 nefs of the whole world, compared with one immortal foul ; and 
 yet many are purfuing a delufive portion of it, at the expenfe of
 
 198 TRADE. 
 
 tlielr fouls' iaterefts. But were all thus awakened, what place 
 would be found for extenfive fchemes in trade, and fi£litious 
 credit to fupport them ? To mix with the fpirit of the world in 
 the purfuit of gain, would then be a fubjed: of dread ; and con- 
 tentment under the allotment of Providence, a fure means of 
 prefervation. 1788. P. E. 
 
 8 Circumfcribed even as we are more than many, it is not 
 
 unufual, in our purfuit of the things of this life, for our gain 
 and our convenience to clafh Vvith our teftimony.' O then may 
 we be willing to paufe, and give time for thofe paflions to fubfide, 
 which would hurry us to the accomplifhment of the defired pur- 
 pofe, ere the flill voice of wifdom be diftlndly heard, to guide 
 us in the way in which we fhould go ! 1795. P- E. 
 
 g We find it our duty to remind our refpedlive members, of the 
 
 '""'Tern' % remarkable uprightnefs and honefty of our friends in the begin- 
 ning, in their commerce and converfe. How exadl were they 
 in performing their words and promifes, without ev'afive excufes 
 and infincere dealings ! how careful not to involve themfelves 
 in bufmefs which they imderftood not, nor had flock of their 
 own to manage ! how circumfped: not to contract greater debts 
 than they were able to pay in due time ! which brought great 
 credit and reputation to our religious fociety. But with forrow 
 we obferve, that, contrary to their example, and the repeated ad- 
 vices formerly given by this meeting againft an inordinate pur- 
 fuit after riches, too many have launched into trades and bufmefs 
 above their flocks and capacities ; by which unjuftifiable pro- 
 ceedings, and high living, they have involved themfelves and 
 families in trouble and ruin, and brought confiderable lofs upon 
 others : to the great reproach of our holy profeffion.
 
 TRADE. J99 
 
 We therefore recommend to friends in their rcfpedive cjuar- 
 terly and monthly meetings, to have a watchful eye ovier all their 
 members ; and where they obferve any deficient in difcharging 
 their contradts and juft debts in due time, fo as to give reafonable 
 fufpicion of weaknefs or negligence, that friends do earneftly ad- 
 Tife them to a fuitable care and neceflary infpedlion into their 
 circumftances, in order that they may be helped ; and if any pro- 
 ceed contrary to luch advice, and by their failure bring open 
 fcandal and reproach on the fociety, that then friends juftifiably 
 may and ought to teftify againft fuch offenders. 1732. P. E. 
 
 It is the fenfe and judgment of this meeting, that no perfons 10 
 who fhall fail in paying their jufl debts, ought to be admitted to 
 adt in meetings for difcipline, until they have made fatisfadtion 
 to the monthly meeting they belong to, and done what is in 
 their power to take off the reproach. 1737. W. E. 
 
 It is earneftly recommended, that friends frequently infpedt the 1 1 
 ftate of their affairs, and when any find themfelves unable, or 
 have not more than fufficient, to pay their juft debts, that they 
 immediately difclofe their circumftances to fome judicious friends, 
 or principal creditors, and take their advice how to adt, and be 
 particularly careful not to pay one creditor in preference to ano- 
 ther. It is alfo recommended to all perfons concerned in trade, 
 to keep their accounts in fuch a clear and accurate manner, that in 
 cafe of failure, their creditors may fee how the deficiency has hap- 
 pened : and thofe friends, who may be appointed by monthly meet- 
 ings to vifit thofe who have failed, fhould always inquire of their 
 aflignees or truftees how they have aded in the above refpeds, 
 and report to the meeting. And it is advifed, that when friends
 
 200 TRADE. 
 
 accept the office of truftee or aflignee, they be adive In colleduig 
 the efFedts of the eftate, and pundual in making a fpeedy diftrl- 
 bution. And it is the judgment of this meeting, that monthly 
 or other meetings ought not to receive colledlions or bequefts 
 for the ufe of the poor, or other fervices of the fociety, of perfons 
 who have fallen fhort in the payment of their juft debts, though 
 *. Ko.iifs- legally difcharged by their creditors ; for until fuch perfons have 
 paid the deficiency, their polfefTions cannot in equity be con- 
 fidered as their own. 1782, 
 
 12 This meeting obferving from feme of the anfwers to the 
 queries, that the advice diredted to be annually given to friends, 
 as to a careful infpedtlon Into the ftate of their affairs once In the 
 year, hath been no otherwife Imparted in fome places than by 
 
 •» Queries the publlc reading of the query, diredls that monthly meetings 
 "^ do annually make appointments of fuitable friends to communi- 
 
 cate fuch advice to the members individually. I793« 
 
 13 We do not condemn Induflry; which we believe to be not 
 *. Parents, Only pralfe-worthy, but indifpenfable . It is the defire of great 
 
 M°d"& things, and the engroffment of the time and attention, from 
 Temp. 3, which we defire that all our dear friends may be redeemed. 
 We doubtlefs owe duties to ourfelves and to our families ; but 
 we owe them alfo to fociety ; and do we not owe even our own 
 felves to our all-wife, all-protedting, and provident Creator ? 
 1797. P. E. 
 
 .Aaivid. Cond. & Converf. I. 4. 7.— Family-Vif. 2.— Queries 2, ^ F. VIII. 3, ^ fl.S, ^ //A 
 ?, Adv. //.—Rem. & Sett. 9.— Slavc-Tr. &c. I. t. 3. 4- 7- 9-— War 3. 6. 7.
 
 [ 201 ] 
 
 WAR. 
 
 IT hath been a weighty concern on this meeting, that our 
 ancient and honourable teftimony againft being concerned in 
 bearing arms, or fighting, may be maintained; it being a dodrir^ 
 and teftimony agreeable to the nature and defign of the Chriftian 
 religion, and to the univerfal love and grace of God. This tefti- 
 mony, we defire may be ftritStly and carefully maintained, by a 
 godly care and concern in all to ftand clear therein ; fo fhall we 
 ftrengthen and comfort one another. 1 730. P. E. 
 
 We think It neceflary earneftly to recommend to monthly 
 meetings, to keep a watchful eye over their members, in this 
 important branch of our Chriftian teftimony j and where any 
 inclination toward fuch pradtices appears, that timely admoni- 
 tion and fuitable counfel be given, in the fpirit of love and meek- 
 nefs. And as we are called out of wars and fightings, fo let 
 them be as feldom as poflible the fubjedls of our converfation ; 
 but let a holy care reft upon us, to abide in that power which 
 gives dominion over the hopes and fears that arife from the 
 concerns of an unftable world, and tend, as they are admitted 
 into the mind, to leflen the truft on that Rock which is im- 
 movable. 1757. ^' ^* 
 
 We defire afrefh to prefs upon all our members, the neceffity 
 
 c c
 
 202 WAR. 
 
 of a peaceful and Innocent demeanour amongft men ; and efpe- 
 i.Ne. 6 £3* 7. cially, let all be careful not to feek or accept profit by any concern 
 in the preparations fo extenfively making for war : for how re- 
 proachfully inconfiftent would it be, to refufe an adlive compli- 
 ance with warlike meafures ; and, at the fame time, not to 
 hcfitate to enrich ourfelves by the commerce and other circura- 
 ftances dependent on war ! 1 79B. P. E. 
 
 4 A complaint being made about fome fhip-mafters, who pro- 
 
 *"■ ^'- ^- fefs the truth and are efteemed Quakers, carrying guns in their 
 
 fhips, fuppofing thereby to defend and fecurc themfelves and 
 their fhips, contrary to our principle and pradice, and to the 
 endangering of their own and others' lives thereby ; alfo giving 
 occafion of more fevere hardships and fufFerings to be Inflitted on 
 fuch friends as are prefTed into fhips of war, who, for confci- 
 ence fake, cannot fight or deflroy men's lives j it Is therefore re- 
 commended to the monthly and quarterly meetings whereunto 
 fuch fhip-mafters belong, to deal with them in God's wifdom, and 
 tender love, to ftir them up and awaken their confciences ; that 
 they may ferioufly confider how they injure their own fouls in 
 fo doing, and what occafion they give to make the truth and 
 friends to fufFer by their declenfion, and adling contrary there- 
 unto through difobediencg and unbelief, placing their fecurity 
 in that which is altogether infecure and dangerous : which we 
 are really forry for, and fmcerely defire their recovery, and fafety 
 from deflrudlion, that their faith and confidence may be in the 
 arm and power of God. 1693. P. E. 
 
 ^ It having been reprefented to this meeting, that fome profefTmg 
 
 to be of our fociety have of late flighted and neglected our ancient
 
 WAR. 203 
 
 and Chrlftlan teftlmony to fuch a degree, as to be concerned in 
 privateering, or as owners of fhips going with letters of marque ; 
 which is a flagrant and lamentable departure from our peaceable 
 principle (which hath always been to confide in the protedion 
 and providence of Almighty God, and not in weapons of war), 
 and a pra<3:ice that may be attended with injuftice, barbarity, and 
 bloodflied : 
 
 This meeting having taken this forrowful and affliding cafe, 
 and breach of our ancient teftimony, into our ferious confidera- 
 tion, have thought it our incumbent duty to bear our teftimony 
 againfl: fuch practices ; and it is the unanimous fenfe of this 
 meeting, that all monthly meetings ought fpeedily to deal with 
 all perfons found in the pradice of fuch things, in the fpirit 
 of truth and love, in order to bring them to a fenfe of their 
 error, and to reclaim them from it ; which if they cannot do, 
 then to teftify againft them, and let them know we have no unity 
 or fellowfliip with them. 1744. W. E. 
 
 It is recommended to the feveral quarterly and monthly 6 
 
 meetings, that all concerned in armed veflels be dealt with accord- 
 ing to the minute of 1744;* and it is recommended to friends *m.s. 
 every where, to take into their ferious confideration the incon- 
 fiftency of any under our profeflion fuffering their temporal in- 
 tereft to induce them in any manner to contribute to the purpofes . 
 of war. 1781. 
 
 If any be concerned in fabricating or felling inftruments of 
 war, let them be treated with in love ; and if by this unre- 
 claimed, let them be further dealt with as thofe whom we cannot 
 own. And we entreat that when warlike preparations arc 
 
 c c 2
 
 204 W A R. 
 
 . making, friends be watchful left any be drawn Into loans, arming 
 or letting out their fhips or veffels, or otherwife promoting the 
 deftrudlion of the human fpecies. 1790. W. E. 
 
 8 We feel noi inclined, though war yet continues to defolate the 
 
 earth, to repeat our advices on that head, or to refume the 
 fubjedt further than to remark how thankful we ought to be. 
 In that we are ftill permitted to meet together, as we have done at 
 this time, in brotherly fellowfhip and mutual condefcenfion ; 
 whilft the world around us is toffed with the tempeft of difcord. 
 O friends, may we confider it as an incitement to fuffer every 
 thing which tends to contention, to be eradicated from our hearts; 
 and, under the influence of the heavenly Hufbandman, to culti- 
 vate, with unwearied affiduity and patience, all thofe difpofitions 
 
 ,.. cond. & which make for peace ; things whereby we may edify one ano- 
 ther ; yea, things by which we may evince to our fellow-men at 
 
 V. Civ. Gov. large, that we are really redeemed from the fpirit of contefts, 
 and truly the difciples of a merciful Redeemer, whofe holy, 
 pure, and undefiled religion is a fyllem of univerfal love ! 1 797. 
 P. E. 
 
 Atiimit Civ. Gov. lo. — Meet, for Siiff. 4. — Mifitia l. ».— Queries *, ^. VIII. 
 
 1.7.
 
 [ 205 ] 
 
 WILLS, EXECUTORS, 
 
 AND 
 
 ADMINISTRATORS. 
 
 KNOWING how quickly many are removed by death, It i 
 
 is weightily recommended that care be taken in each monthly ^'- ^' '• 
 meeting, that friends who have eftates to difpofe of, by will or 
 otherwife, be advifed to make their wills in time of health, and 
 ftrength of judgment, and to difpofe of their fubftance as in 
 juftice and wifdom may be to their fatisfadion ; to prevent the 
 inconveniences, lofs, and trouble that may fall upon their relations 
 and friends, through their dying inteftate. Making fuch wills 
 in due time can fhorten no man's days, but the omiffion or' 
 delay thereof has proved very injurious to many. 1691. P. E. 
 — 1695. P. E. — 1703. P. E. 
 
 Recommended, that friends who have young children, do in 2 
 
 their wills appoint faithful friends to be guardians to them, till 
 they come to the age of twenty-one years. 1706. 
 
 Advifed, that friends take care that none do unadvifedly bring 3 
 
 themfelves, or others,, into fufFerings, by undertaking trufts or 
 executorfhips, when they cannot legally and conliUcntly ■ dif- 
 charge the txuft. 1713-
 
 2o6 W I L L S, E X E C U T O R S, 
 
 4 Executors and truftees, concerned in wills and fettlements, are 
 advifed to take efpecial care that they faithfully difcharge their 
 refpedive trufts according to the intent of the donors and tefta- 
 tors ; and that all charitable gifts, legacies, bequefts, and fettle- 
 ments of eftates, by will or deed, intended and given for the ufe 
 of the poor, the aged, the impotent, or putting poor friends' 
 children to education or apprenticefhips, may not be appropri- 
 ated or converted to any other ufes than fuch as the donors and 
 teftators have diredled and enjoined by legal fettlement, will, or 
 teftament. 17 15. 
 
 5 As In cafes of adminiftration to the eftate or effefts of de- 
 ceafed perfons, a bond is required in the ecclefiaftical courts, 
 where the fame is granted ; which bond contains feveral titles 
 and defignations of the archbifhops or bifhops, which it is incon- 
 Cftent with our religious principles to acknowledge, fuch as 'The 
 
 • moft' or 'right reverend father in God' — 'by divine providence, 
 
 * lord', &c. and as fome friends have fcrupled to fign fuch bonds 
 on that account, and have been permitted to ftrike out the ex- 
 ceptionable parts ; it is therefore recommended to friends in fuch 
 cafes, to offer a bond in the underwritten form ; or at leafl to 
 endeavour to obtain confent to ftrike out fuch parts as are incon- 
 fiftent with our principles. 1773. 
 
 Form of a Bond. 
 
 Know all men by thefe frefents^ that we are 
 
 become bound unto , archbi/Jjop [or bifhops as the 
 
 cafe may be] of , /// thefum of pounds 
 
 of good and lawful money of Great-Britain^ to be paid to the f aid 
 archbi/Jjop [or bifjop^ or his certain attorney^ executors^ adminiftra- 
 tors^ or offigns : for which paymejit, well and truly to be made, we
 
 and ADMINISTRATORS. zc; 
 
 bind our/elves, and each of us, for the whclc^ our heirs ^ executors^ 
 and adm'tniftrators ^firmly by thefe prefents. Sealed with ourfcals^ 
 dated the day of the month ^ called , 
 
 in the year of our Lord, one thoufand hundred and 
 
 fHe*e to follow the condition erf the Bond.J 
 
 Acivifed, that friends in making their wills have a ftrid re- 6 
 
 gard to juftice and equity, and be not actuated by caprice and 
 prejudice, to the injury of thofe who may have a reafonable ex- 
 pe£tation from their kindred and near connexion ; nor carry 
 atiy refentment, though occafion may have been given or taken, 
 to the grave, remembering we all ftand in need of mercy and 
 forgivenefs : alfo that none poftpone making their wills to a 
 flck-bed, an improper feafon to. fettle our outward affairs, in the 
 painful ftruggles of nature, even if we fhould be favoured with. 
 a clear underftanding ; which ought not to be diverted from a 
 folemn confideration of the approaching awful period of life. 
 
 Friends are earneftly recommended to employ perfons Ikilful *. i.ih. to the 
 in law, and of good repute, to make their wills ; as great incon- 
 venience and lofs, and fometimes the ruin of families, have 
 happened through the unfkilfulnefs of fome who have taken, 
 upon them to make wills. And all friends who may become 
 executors or adminiftrators, are advifed to make a full, clear, 
 and proper inventory of the eftate and efle«fls of the deceafed as 
 foon as poffible after the interment, as many difficulties and dif- 
 putes have arifen for want of it, where it has been deferred ; and 
 feeing in the affirmation made at proving a will, there is a pro- 
 mife to make fuch inventory. 1782. — 1801. 
 
 AnJvii. Arbitr. 8 Qjerict 8, Ailv. W.— Tithes II, 
 
 Poor 2.
 
 [ 2o8 ] 
 
 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 
 
 ADVISED to encourage faithful women's meetings, and the 
 fettling of them where they are wanting, and may with conveni- 
 ence be fettled ; knowing their fervice, and what need there is alfo 
 of their godly care in the church of Chrift, in divers weighty 
 refpedts proper to them. 1691. P. E. 
 
 Our women's meetings being fet up and approved in the love 
 of God, and by his wifdom and power; and being of manifefl 
 fervice, and helpful in the church ; it is the earneft defire and 
 advice of this meeting, that they may be upheld and encoui'aged, 
 where they are fettled, 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 they may be fet up and 
 encouraged in proper and convenient places, where they may 
 be moft ferviceable and helpful. 1707. P. E. 
 
 Advifed, that friends in all places encourage the fervice of the 
 meetings of faithful women, and that quarterly meetings would 
 help and aifift fuch women friends in fetting up monthly meet- 
 ings ; wherein they may wait for divine wifdom to give proper 
 advice to thofe of their own fex ; and that proceedings in relation 
 Av 6. to marriage be laid before fuch meetings, and the clearnefs of 
 
 the perfons concerned be inquired into by them : which method, 
 
 ylrt. II.
 
 \V O M E N • S M E E T I N G S. C209 
 
 we apprehend, will render our grave and folid women help- 
 meets to the brotherhood in the difcipline, and conduce to the 
 edification of the church. 1745. 
 
 This meeting agrees, that the meeting of women friends held 4 
 
 annually in this city, be at liberty to correfpond, in writing, with ■'■*"■ -^ 
 the quarterly meetings of women friends ; to receive accounts 
 from them, and to ifTue fuch advice as in the wifdom of truth 
 from time to time may appear ncceflary, and conducive to their 
 mutual edification ; and that the faid meeting be denominated 
 The Yearly Meeting of Women Friends held in London. Yet 
 fuch meeting is not to be fo far confidered a meeting of difci- 
 pline, as to make rules, or alter the prefent queries, without the 
 concurrence of this meeting. 1 784. 
 
 This meeting taking into confideration the fervice of the 5 
 
 women's yearly meeting, and obferving that the minute of 1784, 
 by which it was eftablifhed, doth not fufficiently fet forth the pro- 
 per conflitution of fuch a meeting, agrees that the feveral quar- 
 terly 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 ; neverthelefs fo that the number from any wo- 
 men's quarterly meeting, do not exceed that of the reprefenta- 
 tives allowed to be appointed by the men's quarterly meeting , Yearly 
 for the fame diftridt ; which meeting of women fo appointed 
 fhall be denominated The Yearly Meeting of Women Friends 
 held in London. And this meeting is further of the-judgmeut, 
 that the feveral women's quarterly meetings fliould annually fend 
 to their yearly meeting, aufwers in writing to the queries » Queries > 
 |)roper to tjie women friends. But the faid yearly meetipg ,,i^ 
 
 D d
 
 2IO 
 
 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 
 
 not at liberty to make or alter any rules of difclpline, or queries. 
 1790. 
 
 ». Queries 1, 
 P. KJIJ. 
 
 V. Marriage S. 
 
 6 On confidering the nature and extent of the difcipline com- 
 
 mitted to women friends, it is our judgment, that its nature is, 
 as expreffed by the minutes of the yearly meeting, to come up 
 to the help of their brethren in the difcipline of the church. 
 
 As to its extent, it is within their allotment 
 
 I. To infpe£t and relieve the wants of the poor of their own 
 fex ; and to apply to the men's meetings for the means, and for 
 their concurrence, as cafes ihall require : 
 
 II. To take cognizance of propofals for marriage, conformably 
 to the rules on that fubjedt. 
 
 III. They are to join in certificates of removal for women 
 *Rem.&sett. frlcuds, according to the minute of 1791.* In order whereto, 
 
 in cafes of the removal of women friends, the women's monthly 
 meeting, on notice from the men's meeting, is to appoint one or 
 two of its members to make the neceflary inquiry, and to report 
 the refult thereof to the friend or friends appointed to inquire by 
 the men's meeting. 
 
 IV. They are alfo, on receiving from the men's meeting certi- 
 ficates for women friends, to make appointments to vifit the per- 
 fons removed into the compafs of the monthly meeting, accord- 
 ing to the recommendation of 1790.'!' 
 
 V. They are to have overfeers, agreeably to their ninth 
 query.:}: In order to which, when it is neceflary that women 
 overfeers be appointed, the women's monthly meeting is to ap- 
 point a committee, which is to join a committee to be appointed 
 by the men's monthly meeting. The joint committee is to 
 nominate the overfeers, and the names of the women then nomi- 
 
 f Rem.&Sett, 
 6. 
 
 j Queries 3,
 
 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 211 
 
 nated are to be reported to the women's monthly meeting, and, 
 after being approved by the faid meeting, fent to the men's 
 meeting for confirmation, 
 
 VI. The women's monthly meeting, at the defire of the men's 
 monthly meeting, Ihould make appointments to join the men in 
 vifiting fuch women as apply for admiffion, or reinftatement, v. conv ?cr- 
 into memberfliip ; and the report of the committee is to be made 
 
 to the men's monthly meeting, which is to inform the women's 
 meeting of the conclufion. 
 
 VII. In cafes of delinquency of women friends, when the 
 women's monthly meeting, after due exercife of private labour, 
 believes it neceflary to record any of its members as delinquents, 
 it is to inform the men's meeting thereof. The women then, if 
 the men do not take up the matter exclufively, are to pro- 
 ceed to deal with the delinquent, and report the refult of their 
 labours to the men's meeting ; but if the men's meeting Ihould 
 fee it expedient to join them in the dealing, the report of the 
 joint committee is to be made to the men's meeting, which, in 
 either cafe, is to inform the women's meeting of its determina- 
 tion. No proceedings of the women only, are to be a fufficient 
 ground for a teftimony of difownment. 1792. — 1801. 
 
 AndviJ. Difcipl. &c. I, i/?/ar. fs* /«/■.— MontWr Meet. 8.— Prep. Nfcct, i —Queries y. a- 6. 7 8. 
 
 0^2
 
 [ 2X2 ] 
 
 YEARLY MEETING, 
 
 1 FOR better managing, ordering, and regulating the public 
 affairs of friends, relating to truth, and the fervice thereof, it is 
 agreed that a general meeting be held in London annually. 
 1672. 
 
 2 This meeting taking into confideration the expediency of a 
 more convenient arrangement of the feveral fittings of the yearly 
 meeting, and other meetings conneded therewith, agrees on the 
 following plan : 
 
 •.Min.&Eid. The yearly meeting of minifters and elders to begin 
 
 J,'^al'. on the day after the third Firft-day in the Fifth Month, at Ten 
 o'clock in the forenoon, and to proceed the remainder of that 
 day, and Third-day morning, with its bufinefs. 
 
 The adjourned general meeting for Ackworth fchool, 
 to be held on Third-day afternoon at Four. 
 
 The yearly meeting at large to fit down on Fourth-day 
 morning at Ten. Meetings for worfhip to be held on Sixth-day 
 morning at Ten. 1798. 
 
 3 The good and bleffed intent and end of this and all our affem- 
 •■ ^'- ^- blies, is, with the Lord's affiftance, for his honour : in the pro- 
 moting and maintaining of our Chriftian fociety and religion, 
 In life and practice, in all the parts and branches thereof. 1695. 
 P. E.
 
 YEARLY MEETING. 313 
 
 It is the fervent defire of this meeting, that the bufinefs and 4 
 
 concerns thereof be folidly, in the fear of God, managed and 
 carried on, without contention or ftriving, and with as few 
 words, and in as pertinent expreflions to the matter in hand, as 
 may be, for expediting the affairs thereof without lofs of time, 
 or any ways difordering the meeting ; but one at a time fpeaking, 
 and {landing up, that all things may be done decently, and in 
 good order. 17 10. 
 
 The intent and defign of our annual affcmblies, In their firft 5 
 
 conftitution, was for a great and weighty overfight and Chriftian 
 care of the affairs of the churches pertaining to our holy pro- 
 feffion and Chriftian communion ; that good order, true love, ^ l^^^ ^ 
 unity, and concord may be faithfully followed and maintained umt>-, /<?/;. 
 among all of us, as a peculiar people, called and chofen out of 
 the world, and the errors and corruptions thereof; knowing alfo, 
 that fmcere love and union in general will be a great caufe of 
 truth's profperity among ourfelves, and of the prevalency thereof 
 . over the world, and the fpirit of it ; all which ferioufly colT- 
 fidered, we fmcerely defire and humbly hope, that God will be 
 gracioufly pleafed more and more to put into the hearts of friends 
 and brethren, to be zealoufly concerned that univerfal love, true 
 union, peace, and concord be followed and maintained in all 
 the churches of Chrift ; and, on the contrary, all enmity, divi- 
 fions, difcord, and ftrife, watched againft and fhut out, that the 
 power and peace of our God may prevail and rule in all hearts. 
 1718. P. E. 
 
 That this meeting confift of reprefentatives from every quar- 6 
 
 terly meeting in Great-Britain, and from the national meeting 
 in Ireland j each quarterly meeting to depute four j but the
 
 214 YEARLY MEETING. 
 
 county of York, in confideration of its extent, is allowed to fend 
 eight, and London twelve j likewife of fuch miniftering friends 
 as may be in town, and of the correfpondents, or members of 
 " sug.'i.^'^ the meeting for fufferings. 1728. — 1730. — 1782. — 1801. 
 
 7 That the quarterly meetings be careful annually to depute fuch 
 friends to attend the fervice of the yearly meeting, as are men 
 fearing God, of good converfation, weighty fpirits, prudent and 
 fincere, well acquainted with the affairs of truth, and diligent at- 
 tenders of meetings for difcipline at home ; whofe pradtice and 
 converfation is anfwerable to the teftimony they profefs to 
 bear; — men known to be faithful and confcientious. 17 14* 
 P. E.— 1733. P. E.— 1743. W. E. 
 
 8 This meeting direfts, that the names of th"e reprefentatives to 
 "Min'&Eid. '^^^is meeting, and alfo to the yearly meeting of minifters and 
 
 t)'fl'r'. elders, be entered under the anfwers to the refpeftive queries, 
 
 previoufly to the fignatures of the clerks of the feveral quarterly- 
 meetings. 1790. 
 
 9 It is defired, that the reprefentatives do deliver in their names 
 in writing, and for what places, to the clerk of the meeting for 
 fufferings in London, previoufly to the fitting of this meeting, 
 that they may be entered in the yearly meeting book ; in order 
 to fave time, and that the names may be entered more corredly. 
 
 ^753- 
 
 10 Advifed, that no reprefentatives withdraw, or go out of town, 
 
 before the meeting end, without leave firfl requefted and granted j 
 that the fervice of the meeting may not be negledted. 1709.
 
 YEARLY MEETING. 215 
 
 Agreed, that a clerk be chofen annually, in the following 1 1 
 manner, viz. — that the feveral quarterly and other meetings be "-^^ " 
 divided into the five following diflrlds : 
 
 North — Chelhirc and StafFordfhire, Cumberland and 
 Northumberland, Durham, Lancafhire, Weftmoreland, York- 
 fliire, Scotland : 
 
 South — Berkfhire and Oxfordfhire, Hampfhire, Kent, 
 London and Middlefex, Surry, Suffex : 
 
 Eaft — Cambridgefhire and Huntingdonfhire, Eflex, Lin- 
 colnfhire, Norfolk and Norwich, Suffolk : 
 
 Weft — Briftol and Somerfetfhire, Cornwall, Devonfhire, 
 Dorfetfhire, Gloucefterfhire and Wiltfhire, Herefordihire and 
 Worcefterfhire, Wales : 
 
 Midland — Bedfordlhire and Hertfordfhire, Bucklngham- 
 fhire, Derbyfhire and Nottinghamfhire, Northamptonfhire, War- 
 wickfhire, Leicefterfhire, and Rutland : 
 
 And that the clerk be annually chofen by the reprefentatives 
 out of one of the faid diftrids, in the courfe and order as now 
 ftated. 1733. — 1 801. 
 
 It is agreed, that the reprefentatives of the quarterly meetings 1 2 
 of the diftrift which is to choofe the clerk, meet for that purpofe 
 at the clofe of the firft fitting of the meeting, and that they report 
 the friend chofen to the next fitting, previoufly to any other 
 bufinefs ; alfo that the former clerk do not confider himfelf dif- 
 charged until another be chofen. 1787. 
 
 Agreed, that two or three friends be appointed to revlfe the 1 3 
 minutes of each day's tranfadlions, and to corredl any flight in- 
 accuracies that may be obferved ; and if any alterations or cor- 
 redions in things of moment appear neceflary, to propofe the
 
 2i6 YEARLY jMEETING. 
 
 fame to the meeting at its next fitting, prevloufly to any other 
 bufmefs ; in order that the minutes may be entered with due 
 accuracy, and in a manner clearly to be comprehended. 1762. 
 
 14 Agreed, that the nomination of the committee for auditing 
 
 the accounts, be made by fourteen quarterly meetings as they 
 ftand in rotation, each naming one of its reprefentatives for 
 that fervice (by which means all the quarterly meetings may 
 have an opportunity of being informed how the money col- 
 ■D. Nat. st./<7/;. ledled for the general fervice of the fociety is expended) ; with 
 fuch other friends as this meeting fliall appoint for that fervice. 
 1752. 
 
 1$ Ordered, that all letters diredled to the yearly meeting, except 
 
 from fuch meetings as regularly correfpond therewith, be firft 
 perufed by two or three friends to be appointed, who are to 
 confider and report whether the fame be proper to be read in 
 this meeting or not. 1736. 
 
 16 This meeting defires, that all propofitions from any quarterly 
 
 or yearly meeting to this meeting, be delivered In writing, and 
 figned by order of fuch meeting. I735« 
 
 Jnd W. Apftih, /«/;.— Cond. 5< Converf. 6.— Meet, for Suff. fv/s.—Mitt. it. Eld. &c. 27, 3W 
 & Stb j'ar. 18, lajl far. — Worn. Meet. 4 5.
 
 [ 217 ] 
 
 V. A'o 4. 
 
 YOUTH. 
 
 WE earneftly befeech our friends, and efpeclally the youth, 
 to avoid all fuch converfation as may tend to draw out their 
 minds into the foolifh and wicked paftimes with which this age 
 aboundeth, particularly balls, gaming-places, horfe-races, and 
 play-houfes, thofe nurferics of debauchery and wickednefs, the Qu'criT!*'' 
 burthen and grief of the fober part of other focieties, as well as I'.^.r' 
 of our own ; things wholly unbecoming a people under the 
 Chriftian profeflion, contrary to the tenour of the dodrine of 
 the gofpel, and the examples of the beft men in the earlieft ages 
 of the church. For, as " Evil communications corrupt good icor. iv. jj. 
 *' manners," fo it is the duty of men profefling religion, who 
 live in this world in order to obtain a better, not only to 
 fhake their hands from holding of bribes, and ftop their ears ifaiah uxiii, 
 from hearing of blood, but alfo, to Ihut their eyes from feeing 
 evil. 1739- P. E. 
 
 And dearly beloved youth, in an humble fcnfe of the continued 2 
 
 vifitations of the Father's love, and an experience of their blefled 
 cffeds, we entreat you by the mercies of God, receive its holy 
 impreflions, fubmit to its difcipline. This will preferve you from 
 the deplorable effedt of Satan's transformations, infpire you with 
 holy refolutions, and enable you to maintain them in all godly 
 converfation, and purity of life and faith : adorning the dodlrine 
 
 E e
 
 2i8 YOUTH. 
 
 of the gofpel by a blamelefs demeanour. True peace will then 
 flow as a river in your own minds, and the fruits of the tree of 
 righteoufnefs be brought forth, to your inexprefTible confolation 
 in Chrift, and the revival of Sion ; fo that by and through you, 
 fhe may yet appear beautiful to the fmcere-hearted. 1751. 
 W. E. 
 
 3 Dearly beloved young friends, in much affedion and tender- 
 
 nefs we exhort you, above all things, to give diligent heed 
 and attention to the voice of the Spirit of Chrift fpeaking in the 
 fecret of your own confciences, reproving for evil, and fpeaking 
 peace when you do well. For this, as it is clofely and reverently 
 regarded, will not only feafon your minds with a holy fear 
 and dread of offending the Great Majefty of heaven and the 
 whole earth, and thereby be a means of preferving you from the 
 vices, vanities, and allurements of this world ; but will alfo in- 
 jameiui. i;. fluence you to feek after, and pray earneftly for, that wifdom 
 which is from above. Happy are the youth who thus give 
 up their names to ferve the living God with full purpofe of heart ! 
 How inexpreflible are the bleflings, which thofe who are thus 
 early devoted to ferve the Lord, bring upon themfelves ! And 
 how do they caufe the hearts of their parents and friends to over- 
 flow with joy and thankfgiving to the Author of all our mercies; 
 and the church of God to magnify his name, for the continuance 
 of his goodnefs to his people, from one generation to another ! 
 Whilft the ungodly and difobedient, and fuch as, contrary to the 
 tender entreaties and admonitions of their parents, the counfel of 
 their friends, and the didates of the Spirit of truth in their own 
 hearts, give the reins to their unruly paflTions, and indulge them- 
 felves in rioting, wantonnefs, and excefs, too often wound their 
 parents with grief and afflidion, become themfelves a reproach to
 
 YOUTH. ai9 
 
 their Chrlftian profefTion, and render their own lives fhoit and 
 miferable, attended with fuch refledions as thefe: " How have I Prov. t.u.xj. 
 " hated inftrudion, and my heart defpifed reproof, and have not 
 " obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor incUned mine ear to 
 '* them that inftruded me !" O that all fuch may return unto 
 the Lord, whilft the day of his gracious vifitation is extended 
 unto them, who delighteth not in the death of a fmner, but 
 willeth the falvation of all ! 1751. P. E. 
 
 Frequent and earneft have been the advices of former yearly 4 
 
 meetings, that all under our name may avoid the attendance of *• ^'- »• 
 vain fports and places of amufement; which divert the mind 
 from ferious refledlion, and incline it to wantonnefs and vanity. 
 Underftanding that diverfions of this kind are fpreading, and 
 play-houfes increafmg in various places, we are concerned to 
 renew a caution on this fubjeft ; being clearly convinced of the 
 pernicious efFeds of thefe evil pra£tices, the inventions of dege- 
 nerate men, tending to ftifle the convidions of the divine witnefs 
 in the confcience, and fet men at eafe in a ftate of alienation 
 from God. 1785. P. E. 
 
 And beloved youth, in an efpeclal manner guard againft the $ 
 
 firft facrifices of duty to inclination. If ye curb inordinate 
 defires in their infancy, your vidory over future temptations 
 will be the more eafy ; and, through faith in him that hath loved 
 us, and hath overcome, ye will in time be more than conquerors : . 
 but if ye fhrink from the conflict, or refign the vidory to the 
 tempter, ye will be defpoiled of the armour defigned to preferve 
 you in future aflaults ; and, it may be, unable to refift, in your 
 further progrefs through life, temptations which in the frefh 
 
 E e 2
 
 220 YOUTH. 
 
 morning of your day ye would have held in abhorrence. 
 1795. P. E. 
 
 AnJ wK Cond. & Converf. 8. 9. — Difcipl. &c. 8. — Lib. to the Poor 6. — Marriage I. 4.— 
 
 Parents, &c./i<i/i. — Plainncfs 5. ^ fafs. 
 
 FINALLY, friends, collededly and Individually, farewell! 
 May all our meetings be held with weight, as In the Immediate 
 prefence of the heavenly Prefident. May the aged among us 
 be examples of every Chriftlan virtue ; and evince, by the calm- 
 nefs of their evening, that their day has been bleft. May the 
 middle-aged not faint la their allotted ftatlons ; but, together 
 with their elder and younger brethren, firmly fupport, yea exalt, 
 the feveral teftlmonies 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 tinder the forming power 
 of truth : that thus, each ftanding In his allotment, the harmony 
 of the building may be preferved, and we may truly grow up 
 into a holy temple for the Lord. 1799. P. E. 
 
 F I N I S;
 
 INDEX.
 
 [ 2*3 ] 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 •^* The Heads or Titles in the Book arc diftinguiflaed in the Index, as they occur 
 in alphabetical order, by being printed in larger capitals ; and it is to be ob- 
 ferved that from thefe Heads fewer references arc here given, on account of 
 thofe already inferted in the body of the volume. 
 
 Account or List of Meetings, to be annually 
 
 printed, Meet, for Suff". 13. 
 Acknowledgments of Offences. Vid. Monthly 
 
 Meet. 9, 10. 12.— Marriage 12, hjl par. 16, Iqft 
 
 par. To be recorded, Dlfcipl. Iffc. i, 2d par. 
 jind vid. Repentance. 
 Administrators, advifed not to omit making an 
 
 inventory of the effe&s of the deceafed, IVilk, 
 
 isfc. 6, lajl par. Form of bond recommended to 
 
 be offered by adminiftrators, id. j. 
 Advice to friends to infpeft the ftate of their affairs 
 
 annually. Vid, Queries 2, ^ V. — Trade 1 2. 
 Advices to be read in quarterly, monthly, and 
 
 preparative meetings, Queries 8. 
 to minifters and elders, S^ueriet 9. jind 
 
 vid. id. 5. ^ VII. 
 AFFIRMATION, P. i. 
 Alehouses, not to be frequented unneceffarily, 
 
 Cord, y Converf. ^.— Mod. l^ Temp. 2. 
 ^nd vid. Public-Houses. 
 Ambition. Evil confequences of pride and am- 
 
 bitioB, Mod. y Temp. 3. Caution againft an ajn- 
 
 bitious and covetous fpirit, Covtloufneft j. 
 
 Apparel. Vid. Cond. isf Converf. 2. 7. 9.— 
 Fami/y-Vif. 2.— Lit. to tie Poor 4. 6.—MaJlerj, 
 (Sfc. 3. — Meet, for Suf. 4.— Mourn. Hat. paft.— 
 Parents,^c. 1. 10. 1 4. — Plainnefi,paf].—^eriet 
 2, ^ JV. 3. ^ III. s, ^ V.Schooh 3. 
 
 APPEALS, P. 2 to 4. 
 
 Apprentices. Vid. Rem. tf Sett."], R. VIII.— 
 Parents, l^c. 3. — ^jerlej 8, Mv. Ill.—alfo, 
 Masters, Mistresses, and Servants. 
 
 ARBITRATION, P. 5 to 10. 
 
 Friends refufing to fubmit differences among 
 themfelves to arbitration, to be tcdified againft, 
 Arbitr. 5, zd par. but vid. id. 7. 8. Method of 
 proceeding to be obfervcd in arbitrations, id. 9. 
 Friends advifed to refer their differences with 
 perfons not of the fociety, to arbitration, rather 
 than to contend at law, id. 4. 
 
 Arbitrators, how to proceed, Arbitr. 9. Confe- 
 quence of refufal to ftand as arbitrators, after the 
 office has been accepted, id. 5, yl par. 
 
 Armed Vessels. Vid. ^eriet 2, J^; VIII.'^' 
 War 4. 6. 7. 
 
 Arms. Vid, Militia. War. alfoy Meet, for 
 SuJ- 4 — S>«eries 2, ^ VIII.
 
 [ 224 ] 
 
 Assignees, exhorted to be diligent and puniSual, 
 
 Trade 1 1 . 
 Awards, confequence of refufal to comply with, 
 
 Arb'iir. 5, ^th par, 
 
 B 
 
 Bankruptcies. Fid. Failures- 
 Behaviour. Fid. Cond. i2 Converf. J. 6. 9. 10. 1 1. 
 —Maprs, I5c. l.— Meet, for Suff. ^—Mod. £«f 
 Temp. !• 2. — Parents, \£c. 10. il. 14. — Plain- 
 nefs I. g.— Series z, ^ IV. 3, ^ ///. 5, ^ 
 V. — Schools 3. 
 
 Bible. The families of poor friends to be pro- 
 vided with bibles. Poor 4. 
 j^nd vid. Scriptures. 
 
 Bills. Advice againft raifing a fidlitious paper- 
 credit. Trade 6. 
 
 Births, and Birth-Notes. Fid, Prep. Meet. l.-^ 
 ^leries 2, ^ XV.— Records 2. 3. 
 
 Bonds. Vid.Jrbitr. ^, ijlpar. %. c). Art. 1,111.-- 
 alfo, Administrators. 
 
 BOOKS, P. 111014. 
 
 Regulations refpedling the printing and diftri- 
 buting of friends' books, Books 5 to 10. — Morn. 
 Meet. I. — Nat. St. I. The reading of friends' 
 writings recommended. Books 4. Advices on 
 the fubjedl of improper books, id. 2. ^.—Parents, 
 Uc. 2. 13. 14. I J. — ^leries 8, Adv. V. — Scrip- 
 tures 2. 5. Anonymous books reflefting darkly 
 on friends, teftified againil, Defam. & Detr. 
 ^,lajipar. Caution againft felling unprofitable 
 books, Books 3. 
 
 AndviJ. Poor. Scriptures. 
 
 Burial -Grounds. Fid. Grave-Stones I. 2.— 
 ^eries, 2, ^. XV. — Records j[. — alfo, Decla- 
 RAT16NS OF Trust. 
 
 Burials and Burial-Notes. Vid. Prep. Meet. 
 I. — juries 2, ^. XV.— Records 2. Z.—alfo, 
 Funerals. Disowned Persons. 
 
 C 
 
 Certificates of removal. Vid. Rem, 5i? Sett. pafs. 
 —Worn. Meet. 6, Art, HI. IV. 
 
 Certificates for friends travelling as minifters. 
 
 Vid.Min. ^ EU.l^ic. 4, lafi par. 15. 20. 30.— 
 
 Series 1,^1. 
 — of the confent of parents, &c, to 
 
 marriages. Vid. Marriage 8, R. III. V. 
 
 ■ granted in the cafe of parties who 
 
 intend to majry belonging to different monthly 
 meetings, Vid. Marriage 8, R. V.~—Rcm. Is' Sett. 
 7, R. XIIL 
 
 -r- of Marriages. Vid. Marriage 8, R, 
 
 IX. — Records 3. — alfo, Registers. 
 
 Charities. Fid. Lib. to the Poor 2. — Wills, i^c. 
 4. — alfo, Donations. Legacies. 
 
 Children. Children of difowned perfons, to be 
 regiftered on application. Records z, lafl par. to 
 be admitted into memberfhip at the difcretion of 
 monthly meetings, Monthly Meet. 1 1. Provifion 
 refpedling children, of whom either the father or 
 mother is a member, Rem. £5" Sett. 7, R. X. 
 Special regulation with regard to the offspring of 
 marriages contrary to the rules of the fociety, ibid. 
 And vid. Books 2. 3. — Marriage 8, R. IF.— 
 Meet, for IVor/lj. ^.—Parents, (^c. pafs. — Plain- 
 fiefs 2. 3. 6. — Poor 1. 3. 4. — ^eries 2, ^ 
 IV. X.' 3,^ III. VIII. y, ^ V. 8, Adv. 
 III.— Records 2.— Rem. ^ Sett. 7, R. I. FII. 
 IX. XI. 9. — Schools, pafs.— Scriptures, pafs.— 
 
 Wills, i^C. 2. 
 
 Christ. Books tending to leffen the true faith in 
 Chrift, exhorted againft. Books 2. ^.—Parents, 
 ^c. 13. 15. Perfons holding falfe doflrines con- 
 cerning Chrift, how to be treated, Difcipl. l^c, 
 20. 
 
 And vid.Meet.for Worjh. 7. — Scriptures 3.6. 
 
 Church-Rate (fo called). Fid. Family-Vif. z.— 
 Series 2, ^ VII. 3, ^ IV.— Tithes 4. 14, 1/2 
 par. 16. 17. 21. 
 
 CIVIL GOVERNMENT, P. 15 to 19. 
 
 Advices to friends refpedling their condudl to- 
 wards thofe in authority, Civ.Gov. i. 2. 3. 4. 
 7.10. refpedling public eledlions, j</. 8. 9. againft 
 defrauding the king in any branch of his reve-
 
 C "5 ] 
 
 nues, id. 5. 6. RuU in fuch cafe, id. 11. vind 
 vid. ^ueritt Z, ^ IX. 
 
 Clerk of the yearly meeting, how chofen, t^arly 
 Meet. II. It. 
 
 Collections. Colleftiotis not to be received in 
 certain cafes, Marriage iz, zd par. — Tithes 18, 
 lajlpar. — Trade 11. 
 
 And vid. National Stock. 
 
 Company, onprofitabie, to be avoided, Cond. Js" 
 Converf. 8. 12. — Mod. ^ Temp. 2. — Parents, 
 lie. \ I.— Youth I. 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION, P. 20 
 to 25. 
 
 Constable. Vid. Militia a, \Jlpar. 
 
 CONVINCED PERSONS, P. z6, 27. 
 
 To be vifited, Conv. Perjons 1 . 5 . — Worn, Meet. 
 6, Art. VI. Not to be too haftily accepted, 
 Conv. Perfons ■^flaji par. j. Friends cautioned 
 againfl: being ftumbling-blocks to fuch, or to 
 ferious inquirers, id. 2.— Cond. ts" Converf. 7. — 
 Meet, for Worjh. 8. Provifion relating to fo- 
 reigners under convincement, i>fcf/._/br5K^ 12. 
 
 Correspondents, appointment of, by quarterly 
 meetings, &c. Meit.for Suff. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. g. 
 And vid. Yearly Meet. 6. 
 
 COVETOUSNESS, P. 28, 29. 
 
 Customs, Duties, and Excise. Friends cau- 
 tioned againfl defrauding the king therein, Civ. 
 Gov. 5.6. Delinquents how to be treated, iW. 11. 
 And vid. ^eries 2, ^ IX, 
 
 D 
 
 DAYS AND TIMES, P. 30 to 37. 
 
 Advice againft the fuperftitious obfcrvation 
 of. Days tjf Times I . againft giving improper 
 names to, id. 2. 3. againft obferving days ap- 
 pointed for fads, Sec. id. 4. j. 
 Dealing with Offenders, general advices re- 
 Ipefting, Defam, & Detr. 3, — ^leries 8, Adv. 
 VIII.— Monthly Meet. 6. 9. Mode of dealing 
 with offenders who remove, id. 12, Dealing by 
 women friends, IVom. Meet. 6, Art, VII. And 
 
 •vid. Discipline, and Meetikss for Disci- 
 PLisE. Testimonies, 
 
 Declarations of Trust. Vid, Records 4. 5. 
 How to be drawn, when the property belongs 
 to meetings, id. 6, 
 
 DEFAMATION and DETRACTION, P. 38 
 to 41. 
 
 Mode of proceeding againft perfons charged 
 with, Defam. (jS Detr. ^, fd par. Anonymous 
 defamatory books, &c. icfkified againft, ij, 5, Iqfi 
 par. Defamation not fubje^ to b^ arbitrated, until 
 fome damage be proved, Arbitr.g, lajlpar. 
 
 Delinquents, or Offenders. Vid. Dsalins 
 WITH Offenders, 
 
 Denied Persons. Vid. Disowned Persons. 
 
 Differences, Vid. Covetoufnefs t. — Love i^ 
 Unity z. — ^eriet 2, ^ III, — jlfo, Appeals. 
 Arbitration. 
 
 DISCIPLINE, and meetings for DISCI- 
 PLINE, P. 42 to 51. 
 
 Difcipline to be conduced in nieeknefs, with- 
 out ftrife and contention, Difcipl. i^c. 7. 1 2. The 
 fervice tlierein of young pcrfons properly quali- 
 fied, to be encouraged, id, 8. The due conduc- 
 ing of it urged from the confidcration of having, 
 as ftewards, an account to render, id. 17, The 
 management thereof not to be committed to fuch 
 as allow undue liberties in tlieir children or fa- 
 milies, id. 19. 
 
 Disowned Persons, how to apply for reinftate- 
 mcnt, after removal. Monthly Meet. 10. 12, lajl 
 par. And vid. Worn, Meet. 6, Art. VI. No meet- 
 ings to be appointed or held at the funerals of 
 difowned perfons. Meet, for Wirjh. 16. 
 
 Children of. Vid. Children, 
 
 Disunity, Teftimonies of. /'/(/.Testimonies. 
 
 Diversions, and Places of Diversion. Vid. 
 Cond. y Convirf. Ij.—Msd. 'd Temp. 2.— Pa. 
 rents, i^c. 10. l^.—Plainneft 6, jj par. 9.— 
 ^leries 2, ^ VI. 3, ^ V.— Youth 1.4. 
 
 Doctrine. Vid. Mm. tf Eld. U.: 3. 14, ij far. 
 I1,lajl par.— Scriptures 3. 4, 1/? par. 6. Perfons 
 
 Ff
 
 [ 226 J 
 
 holding certain falfe doflrines, how to be treated, 
 
 Dijcipl. i^c. 20. 
 And vid. Faith. 
 Donations. Fid. Lit. to the Poor 2. — i^h/erh-s 2, 
 
 ^ XF.~Records 4. s-—fFi!/s. l^c. 4. 
 Dress. ViJ. Apparel. 
 Drinking, exccfs in, advifed again ft, Cond. Ss" Con- 
 
 ■verf. 6. 7. — Mod. iS> Temp. i. 2. And vid. 
 
 Slueries z, Sl^VI . I, ^ V. 
 Dying-Savings. Vid, Family-Fif. 5. — Monthly 
 
 Meet. 13, ijlpar, 14. 
 
 Education. Vid. Parents, Guardians, and 
 Education. 
 
 Elders. Appointment of elders, Mln. y Eld. 
 i^c. 21. 22. 23. — Monthly Meet. 3, zdpar. Age 
 or wealth not to be an inducement to the choice, 
 Difcipl £5f<:. 18. Difmifllil of elders, Min. ^ 
 Eld. Uc, 23. 25. Elders removing, id. 24. El- 
 ders appearing as minifters, id. 26. Elders in 
 London, Morn. Meet. 3. — Meet, for Suf. 6. 
 
 And -vid. Conv. Pcrfons 3, \Jl par. — Difcipl. 
 l^c. I ^.—Marriage 16, iflpar.—Min.l^Eld. 
 l£c. 4, id l^ ^th par. 5. 8. 10. ll. 12. 16. 28. — 
 Monthly Meet. 4. — Mourn. Hah, 3. — S>ueries 5. 
 7. 9. — Scriptures 3. — alfo. Meetings of Mi- 
 nisters andElders. 
 
 Elections, friends not to be agents or managers 
 in. Civ. Gcv. 8. Advice on the fubjecl of con- 
 tefted eleiflions, id. 9. 
 
 Epistles. Written cpiltles, and minutes, from the 
 yearly meeting, to be entered in fair books by the 
 quarterly and monthly meetings, and the printed 
 cpiftles properly kept, ^art. Meet. i. 
 And vid. Meet, for Sujf. 8, 
 
 Executors, advifed not to omit making an inven- 
 tory of the efFefls of ceftators, Wills, tfc. 6, Inflpar. 
 Not to be urged to refer matters, when the pro- 
 perty is not their own, to arbitration, Arhitr. S. 
 Teflimony againft paying tithes on account of 
 tcftators, they being friends, Tithes \ i . 
 Attd. vid. Wills, i^c. 3.4. 
 
 Failures. Such as fail in paying their juft debts, 
 to be dealt with. Trade g, lafl par. 11. not to 
 3(51 in meetings for difcipline until fatisfaflion be 
 made to the monthly meeting, id. 10. Colleaions 
 &c. not to be received of pcrfons who have failed, 
 though legally difcharged by their creditors, until 
 payment of the deficiency, id. ii. Such payment 
 earneftly recommended, when praaicable, id. 4,5. 
 And vid. Mod. i:! Temp, i.—alfo^ Insolvent 
 Persons. 
 
 Faith. Friends of Ireland excufedfrom attending 
 appeals to the yearly meeting, except in matters 
 of faith and principle. Appeals 8. Books tend- 
 ing to decry and leffen the true faith, advifed 
 againft, Booh 2. 3.— Parents, i^c. 13. 15. Ex- 
 hortation to hold fart the profclTion of faith in 
 Chrill, Meet, for Worfo. 7. 
 
 And vid. Scriptures 3. 4. 5. 6. Difcipl. 
 
 <^c. 20. 
 
 FAMILY-VISITS, P. 52, 53. 
 
 Fashions. Vid. Cond. i^ Converf. 1. 2. 11. 
 
 Parents, bfc. 1.2. 14. — Plainnefs, pafs. 
 Fasts. Vid. Days Is! Times 4. 5. 
 Funerals. Vid. Mourn. Hah. 2. 3. — alfo, BuRl- 
 
 ALs, &c. Disowned Persons. 
 Furniture. Vid. Cond. Js" Converf. 7. — Lib. to 
 
 thf Poor 6, — Plainnefs 2.— Queries 8, Adv. I. 
 
 GAMING, P. 54. 
 
 Government. Vid. Civil Government. 
 
 GRAVE-STONES, P. ^^. 
 
 Guardians. Such as confent to or encourage mar- 
 riages contrary to the rules of the fociety, to be 
 dealt with, Marriage 13. The appointment of 
 guardians recommended. Wills, i^c. 2. 
 
 And vid. Parents, Guardians, and Edu- 
 cation. 
 
 H 
 
 Half-Yearly Meetings. Vid. ^art.Meet, 3. 
 —Min. (J Eld. ^c. 28, lajlpar.
 
 [ 227 
 
 Hunting and fliooting, for diverfion. ViJ, Coiid, 
 iSf Convcrf, 13. 
 
 I J 
 
 Illuminations. VhL Doyt f Times 4. 5. — 
 
 Suf 7. 
 Impostors pretending to the niinlftiy, to be dif- 
 
 couragcd, M'w. \£ Eld. l^c. 15. 
 Infidelity, books promoting, exhorted againft. 
 
 Booh z.— Parents, isfc. 13. 15. — Scriptures 5. 
 Insolvent Persons. Fid. Rem. ^ Seti. 4. 7, 
 
 ^. /. //. XI. — al/o, Failures. 
 Intemperance, udvifcd againll, Cond, 13 Converf. 
 
 6. — Mod. y Temp, 2. ylnd vid. ^lerles 2, i^; 
 
 FI. 3. ^ V. 
 
 Ireland, friends of, excufed from attending appeals 
 to the yearly meeting, except in matters of faith 
 and principle. Appeals 8. Minifters who vifit 
 Ireland, of what meetings to have the confent, 
 Min. y Eld, i^c. 20, laji par. Reprcfcntatives 
 from thence conftitute a part of the yearly meet- 
 ing, Yearly Meet. 6. The fame with regard to 
 the yearly meeting of minifters and elders, Min. 
 i^ Eld. ifc. 27, ^h par. 
 
 Justice in dealing. Vid. Cond, 13 Converf. 1. 7. 
 — Coi'etoufnefs z.—Family-Vif. 2,— Queries 2, ^. 
 y. 3, ^ Fl.—alfj, Trade. 
 
 L 
 
 Language, or Speech. Fid, Cond. i3 Converf. 
 
 1. "].<),— Days y Times 2, 3. — Family-Fif. 2. — 
 Majlers, i3c. 3. — M. el. for Sujf. 4..— Parents, (Sc. 
 
 2. 10. 14. — PLiinnefs, pafs. — ^leries 2, J^ IF. 
 
 3. ^.///. S, $. F.— Schools 3.4. 
 Languages, modern. /^jV/. Parents, I3c. 8. 
 Lav/. Iriends not to fuc one another at law, 
 
 Ariilr. 3. 5, lajl par. 6. but vid. id. 7. 8. advifcd 
 to refer their differences witli perfons not of the 
 focicly, to arbitration, rather than to contend at 
 law, id. 4, 
 
 ^nd vid, id. 9, Art. FL—Suff. 1.2. 
 Learning. Fid. Parents, I3c. 8. 12, \/l par. — 
 
 Poor y^Sckoois 2. 
 Legacies. Fid, Lib. to the Poor t.—^eri/s z, 
 
 ^ XF.-~ Records 4. 5. — Tnir/j- 11. — mils, 
 
 Wf.4. 
 Letters of Marqui;, Fid. juries l, ^ Fill. 
 
 —War 5. 
 LIBERALITY to the POOR, P. 36 to 58. 
 
 And vid. Poor. 
 Loans to government. Fid. War 7. 
 I^OTTERiES, Fid. Queries S, Adv. FU. 
 LOVE AND UNITV, P. 59 to 61. 
 
 M 
 
 MARRIAGE, P. 62 to 72. 
 
 Divers advices relating to, Marriage i to 6. 
 Marriage contrafls not to be broken, id, 2. 
 9, 2d par. Rules for proceeding in relation 
 to marriage, id. 8. Method of regiftcring mar- 
 riages. Records 2. The proceedings of fuch as 
 make application on account of marriage, not 
 to be objedled to becaufe of offences unnoticed by 
 monthly meetings. Monthly Meet. 6, laJl par. 
 Rules againft marrying with perfons near of kin. 
 Marriage t), \J1 par. 10. refj)CL'ling fuch as marry 
 in a manner contrary to the eltabliflied niles ct 
 the fociety, id. \\, 12. 15. ^ vid. id. 16. 
 Perfons taking each other in marriage in a meet- 
 ing for worfliip, without confent of their monthly 
 meeting, to be difowned, id. 14. Parents or 
 guardians confenting to or encouraging marriages 
 contrary to the rules of the fociety, to be dealt 
 with, id. 1 3 . Coftly entertainments at marriages 
 advifed againft, id. 7. 
 MASTERS, MISTRESSES, and SER- 
 VANTS, P. 73, 74. 
 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS, P. 75 to 79. 
 How conftituted, Meet, for Siif. 3. To be 
 confulted by friends under fufferings, Suff. 4.— 
 Meet, for Siijf. 10. To be informed of intended 
 applications to parliament likely to afTciJt friends, 
 id. II. To take care refpeifling the printing and 
 diilributing of friends' books. Books 6. S. 10. — 
 
 F f 2
 
 t 228 ] 
 
 Morn. Meet. I. To print lift of" meetings annually, 
 Meet, fur SuJ". 13. To have the management of 
 the national ftock, and appoint truftees, Nat., St. 
 2. 4. To receive and judge of applications from 
 perfons refiding in foreign parts, who may appear 
 to be under convincement, Mttt. for Stiff". 1 2. 
 Its members are members of the yearly meeting, 
 Tearly Meet. 6. 
 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP, P. 80 to 86. 
 Not to be ended too foon, or unbecomingly, 
 Meet, for Worjli. 12. Conduft after, id.. 13. 14. 
 Attendance of thofe on week-days, id. 3. 4. 1 3. — 
 Mnflers, isfc. 2. Members of the fociety who 
 abfent themfelves from the religious meetings of 
 friends, to be dealt with. Meet, for Worjh. 15, 
 Meetings not to be appointed or held, when 
 perfons difowned are interred in friends' burial- 
 grounds, id. 16. 
 Meetings of Ministers and Elders. Their 
 appointment and bufinefs, Mm. & Eld. isc 27. 
 Have no power to difown any minider, or other 
 perfon, id. 28) lajl par. 
 
 Andwd.id. 16. 20, \Jl par. 21. 26. 28, \fl 
 y zd par, 29. 30. — Monthly Meet. 4. — ^eries 
 5. 9- — Tearly Meet. 2. 8. — alfo. Morning 
 Meeting. 
 Meeting-Houses. Meeting-houfes not to be lent. 
 Meet, for Worjh. 17. 
 
 And ind. ^eries 2, ^ XF. — Records I. 4. 
 — a/fo. Declarations of Trust. 
 MILITIA, P. 87,88. 
 
 And vid. War. 
 Ministers. Young minifters, ivhen approved, to 
 be reported to their monthly or quarterly meet- 
 ings, Min. tsf Eld. l^c. 16. Minifters to be trou- 
 bled as little as may be with being arbitrators, 
 ylriitr. j, ^fh par. To avoid entangling them- 
 felves with the affairs of this life, Min. & Eld. ijc, 
 4, ijl par. To be cautious of giving ear to or 
 fpreading reports to the difadvantage of any, id. 
 4, lajl par. And vid. id. 9. Minifters who travel, 
 to be fuch as are well approved by their own 
 monthly or cjuarterly meetings, id. 14, ijl par. 
 
 Certificates to be called for, id. i j. Impofers not 
 to be joined with, id. 7, \ ft par. Minifters under 
 a concern to vifit Ireland, of what meetings to 
 have tlie confent, :■/. 20, lajl par. Thofe who are 
 concerned to vifit foreign parts, where to propofe 
 their concern, id. 20, \jl par. Their paflage to 
 be paid far out of the national ftock, Nat. St. i. 
 Some other expenfes attending vifits of minifter- 
 ing friends, to be defrayed out of that ftock, id. 
 5. 6. 7. AH public oppofition to minifters who 
 are not difowned as fuch, to be avoided, Min, 
 y Eld. iffc. 1 7, iflpar. 2. None to irapofe them- 
 felves as preachers, who are not faithful in ob- 
 ferving the feveral branches of friends' teftimony, 
 id. 7, lajl par. Mode of dealing with fuch as 
 give caufe of diflatisfaftion, id. 14, lajl par. 17, 
 laft par. 18. ReadmifTion of fuch as may havt 
 been difowned, id. 19. Men friends who are 
 minifters, are members of the yearly meeting, and 
 of the meeting for fufFerings, Tearly Meet. 6.— 
 Meet, for Suff. 3. Teftimonies, &c. concerning 
 deceafed minifters, Monthly Meet. 13. 
 
 And -vid, Conv, Perfons 3, jjl pur. — Min. ds" 
 Eld. ^c. 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7, zd par. 8. II. 12. 26. 
 2i.—Morn. Meet. 2. — Mourn, Hab. 3. — ^eries 
 5. 9 — Rem. y Sett. i.'],R. XIV.— alfo. Meet- 
 ings OF Ministers and Elders. 
 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, and their 
 
 MEETINGS, P. 89 to 104. 
 Minutes of the yearly meeting, how to be revifed, 
 Teaply Mat. 13. 
 And. iiid. Epistles. 
 MODERATION and TEMPERANCE, P. 
 
 105 to 107. 
 MONTHLY MEETINGS, P. 108 to 114. 
 
 No monthly meeting allowed to divide itfelf 
 into two feparate monthly meetings, without the 
 confent of the quarterly meeting, Monthly Meet. 1 . 
 Small monthly meetings recommended to join 
 fome neighbouring ones, id, 3, ift par. Rules 
 and advices relative to dealing with and difowning 
 delinquents, id. 6. 7. 8. 9. t2. — Worn. Meet. 6, 
 Art. VII. Recommendation of young minifters
 
 [ 229 ] 
 
 to the meetings of miniHers and elders, Min. ^ 
 EU. i^c. 16. 2 2, toward.! the end. Monthly 
 meetings how to a.&. in the appointment of elders, 
 id. 22. 23. To appoint overfeers, Muntkly M:el. 
 3. 3, zd par, ^.-'IVom.Meet. 6, /Irt. V. To ap- 
 point friends to vifit families, Fam'ily-Vif. 2. 4. 
 Are not to confider as intruders, friends who are 
 drawn to fit with them, Difsipl. i^c. 1 6. Their 
 judgment may be appealed againft, A 'peals I. 
 A raondily meeting rcfufing to comply with the 
 judgment of its quarterly meeting, mu(l appeal to 
 the yearly meeting, or may be diflbJved by the 
 quarterly meeting, ^arl. Meet. 2. Monthly 
 meetings to encourage tlie fetting up of fchools. 
 Schools 4. To depute proper perfons to be con- 
 fulted by creditors in certain cafes, A.bhr. 7. 
 
 MoNTHLV Meetings of Women Friends. 
 Fid. Women's Meetings. 
 
 Months. Fii. D lys is" Times t. y— Records 3. 
 
 MORNING MEETING, P. 115. 
 
 Mothers, exhorted to inftruft their children in 
 the knowledge of religion, and the fcriptures, 
 Par,nts, t^c. 7, \Jl par. 
 
 MOURNING HABITS, P. n6. 
 
 N 
 
 NATIONAL STOCK, P. 117 to 119. 
 
 Its purpofes, Nat. St. i. 5. 6. 7. How to be 
 raifed, iW. 3. Management of, /<i. 2. 4. Account 
 of, how to be audited. Yearly Meet. 14. 
 
 Negroes. Vid. Slave-Trade and Slavery. 
 
 OATHS, P. 120. 
 
 Offenders. Vid. Dealing with Offenders. 
 
 Overseers. Appointment of ovcrftcrs. Monthly 
 
 Meet. 2. 3, 2d par. 5. — IVum. Meet. 6, Art. V. 
 And -vid. M-irriage 16, \Jl par. — Met. for 
 
 Stiff". 6.— Min. i^ Eld. l^c. 10. — Monthly Meet, 
 
 4.— Mourn. Hab, 3. — Prep. Meet. 1, lajl par.^ 
 
 Sll'cries 2, ^ XIF. 3, ^ IX, 7. 
 Overseers of the Poor, in parifhcs, Vid. 
 
 Militia 2, \Jl par. 
 
 Pamphlets and Papers. No anonymous defa- 
 matory ones to be publiflied, or handed about, 
 Defetm. U Delr. 5, laj par. 
 And vid. Books. 
 
 PARENTS, GUARDIANS, and EDUCA- 
 TION, P. 121 to 129. 
 
 General advices on the fubjc<S of education, 
 Parents, i^c. I. 5. 6. ^c. Advice about pro- 
 viding fuitable fchool-mafters and miftreffes, id. 2, 
 Advices relative to putting cliildren apprentices, 
 and bringing them up in ufeful and necelTary em- 
 ployments, id. 3. 4. — Poor 3. And vid. Slueriei 
 8, Aiv. III. — Rem. (3* Sett. 9. Parents and 
 guardians to be ftirred up to their duty by month- 
 ly meetings, Parents, t^c. 7, lajl par. — Scriptures 
 6, Such as confent to or encourage marriages 
 contrary to the rules of the fociety, to be dealt 
 with, M.trriage 13. Education of poor friends' 
 children, Poor i. 3. — ^teries 2, ^ X. 3, P. 
 Fill.— Schools I. J. 
 
 Parliament. Vid. M.'ct, for Suff". Ii. — alfo. 
 Elections. 
 
 PLAINNESS, P. 130 to 1 3 J. 
 
 Plav-Houses. Vid, Diversions, &c. 
 
 Plavs, Romances, &c. cautions againft. Booh 
 3. — Parents, i^c. 14. — Scriptures 2, 
 
 POOR, P. 136, 137. 
 
 Poor friends to be maintained by the fociety, 
 Poor 1. 2. — JFom. Meet, 6, Art. I. Not to be 
 refufcd relief on account of offences unnoticed 
 by montllly meetings, Monthly Meet, 6, laJl par. 
 To be provided with bibles and friends' books, 
 Poor i^. Education of their children, id. i. 3. 
 —^leries 2, <?. A". 3, ^ VIII.— Schools 1.5. 
 A'ld vid. Liberality to the Poor. 
 
 Poor's Rate. Caution againft allowing it to 
 be mixed with the church-rate fo called, Tithes 
 16. 
 
 PREPARATIVE MEETINGS, P. 138, 139. 
 
 Pride, exhorted againft, Cond. i^ Convcrf. 9.— 
 Covetoufnrfs 3. 4. — Ldi. to the Poor 5. — Mificrs, 
 tff. 2 Mod, U Temp. l.—Plninnefs 1. 2. 5. J.
 
 [ 
 
 23C 
 
 Priests' Demands, f^id, Fanuly-Vif. z. — Slijcrics 
 
 2, ^ VII. 3, ^ ir.— Tithes 21. l^J)afs. 
 Principle of Light and Truth, the good 
 
 cfFcils produced by a regard to, Coii^, (^ Converf. 
 
 g. — Conv. Pirfons 4. 
 Prisoners, rid. i^uenes 2, ^ XII. — Sujf. 3, 
 
 lajl par. 
 Privateers. Vid. ^er'ies 2, SK Fill. — War 5. 
 Prize-Goods. Vid. ^nies 2, ^ VIII. 
 Propositions to the yearly meeting. Vid, Yearly 
 
 Mrt. 16.— Rem. l^ Sett. 8. 
 Public-Houses. Vid. Mod. t5f Temp. 4. — ^eries 
 
 2, ^Vl.—alfo, Alehouses. Taverns. 
 
 QUARTERLY MEETINGS, P. 140, 141. 
 
 To infpeft the (late of their monthly meetings, 
 
 and when weakncfs and remiffhefs appear, to .ip- 
 
 point committees to aflift them, Tithes 20. And vid. 
 
 ^eries 4. Not to confider as intruders, friends 
 
 'who are drawn to vifit them, Difdpl. i^c. 16. 
 To appoint reprefentatives to the yearly meet- 
 ing. Yearly M.-ct. 6. 7. To appoint correfpon- 
 dents, Meet, for Siif. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. To fee 
 that the correfpondents only be written to about 
 fufFerings, id, 10. The judgment of quarterly 
 meetings may be appealed againft, Appeals i, 2</ 
 par. — ^arl. Meet. 2. 
 
 Quarterly Meetings of Women Friends. 
 Vid. Women's Meetings. 
 
 ■ of Ministers and 
 
 Elders. Vid. Meetings of Ministers 
 AND Elders. 
 
 QUERIES, P. 142 to 151. 
 
 R 
 
 Recommendations. Vid. Certificates. 
 
 RECORDS, P. ij2 to 159. 
 
 Registers of Marriages. Vid. Marriage 8, 7?. VI. 
 
 — Records 2. 
 
 of Birtlis and Burials. Vid. Records 2. 
 
 Reinstatement of difowned perfons. Vid. 
 
 Disowned Persons. 
 
 REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS, P. 
 160 to 168. 
 
 Repentance of diforderly walkers, to be re- 
 corded, Difcipl, 'd'c. I, 2d par. None after re- 
 pentance to be reprcached with their tranfgref- 
 fion, id. I, 3d par. 
 
 And vid. Acknowledgments. 
 
 Representatives to the yearly meeting. Vid. 
 Yearly Meet. 6 to 10. 
 
 . to the yearly meeting of wo- 
 men friends. Vid. Worn. Meet. 5. 
 
 to the yearly meeting of mi- 
 
 nifters and elders. FiJ. Min. iif Eld. iSc 27, 
 2d, 4lh, y 6th par. — Yearly Meet. 8. 
 
 Revenues. Vid. Customs, &c. 
 
 Riches. iVid. Covetou/nefs 1.4. 5. 6.— Lib. to the 
 Poor, pajs.— Marriage 3.— Parents, t^c. 13. — 
 Poor I. 3. — ^leries 8, Adv. II.— Trade 7. 13. 
 
 Run-Goods. Vid. Customs, &c. 
 
 Salutations. Unbecoming gcltures by w.ay of 
 fulutation, to be avoided, Cond. i^ Converf, ^. 
 And vid. id. 11.-— alfo. Behaviour. 
 
 School-Masters, Tutors, t^c. Vid. Parents, 
 i3c. 2. — Schools I. 2. 4. Advices to. Parents, 
 l^c. 5. 6. 10. I I. l^.— Schools 3. — Scriptures 5. 
 And vid. ^leries 2, ^. IV. 3, ^. ///. 
 
 SCHOOLS, p. 169 to 171. 
 
 SCRIPTURES, P. 172 to 175. 
 
 To be frequently read, and early and diligently 
 taught to children, Scriptures i. 2. 4. 5. — Parents, 
 iSc. 10. 12. 14. — ^leries 2, ^IV. 3,^111. 
 —Schools 3. The external means of conveying an 
 account of the coming of Chrilt, Scriptures 3, 6. 
 Minifters .advifed to keep to fcripture terms, Min. 
 y Eld. tfc. 3. And vid. ^teries 9, Adv. II, 
 Books tending to create doubts concerning the 
 truth of the fcripturcs, exhorted againft, Books 2. 
 •Mothers of cliildren advifcd to inlhui^l them in 
 tlie fcripturcs. Parents, yc. 7, \Jl par. Bibles 
 to be provided for poor friends' families by 
 monthly meetings, Poor 4.
 
 [ 231 ] 
 
 Secuhitiej. Caution about entering Into joint 
 fccuritics witli otlicrs, Trade 6. 
 
 Servants, rid. Rem. ty Sett. 7,R.IV to VIL— 
 alfo, Masters, Mistresses, and Servants. 
 
 Ships. Vtd. Armed Vessels. Lettep.,s of 
 Marque. Privateers. 
 
 Shooting and hunting, for divcrfion. Vtd. Cond. 
 Js" Conveif. 13. 
 
 StcK, The (ick to be vifited, Family-Vif. $. 
 Charitable alTiHancc to the poor in times of ficlinefs 
 recommended, lAb.tothe Poor ■^, 
 
 Simplicity. Fid. Mod. i^ Temp. j. — Parenls,&c. 
 15. — alfo, Plainness. 
 
 SLAVE-TRADE and SLAVERY, P. 17610 
 180. 
 
 If any member of the fociety be concerned- in 
 the (lavc-trade, fuch perfon to be dealt with, and 
 not dcfifting therefrom, to be difowned, Slave-Tr. 
 Isfc. 3. Exhortations againlt giving any en- 
 couragement to this traffic, id, 4. 9. 
 
 Speech. Vtd. Language. 
 
 Spirituous Liquors. The too frequent ufc of 
 them advifed againd, Mod. iif Temp. 2. 
 
 Stocks, Public, illegal dealings in. Vid. Gaming. 
 
 SUFFERINGS, P. 181 to 183. 
 
 Conduifl under fufferings. Militia 2, id par. 
 — Stiff". I. 2. J. — Tithes 8.. ig,lajpar. An an- 
 nual appointment to be made,, to collcft accounts 
 of fufferings, and to inquire whether fuch as 
 bring none in, ftand clear in their tcftimony, 
 Tithes 19, ijl par. 21. Recording fufferings, 
 ^/fw 2, ^ XF. — Stiff. 3. 6. 7. — Tithes 9, 
 \Jl par. 10. I J. 14, \Jl par. Friends advifed to 
 guard againft paying certain mixed rates, Militia 
 2, \Jl par. — Tithes l6. to decline receiving the 
 overplus of diftraints in a different fpecies, id, 1 7. 
 And vid. Meeting for Sufferings. 
 Tithes. 
 Swearing. Fid. Oaths, 
 
 Tale-bearing. Vtd. Defam. Isf Dctr, 1^2.61 — 
 Series 2, ^ III. 3, ^ TL 
 
 Taverns, not to be frequented unnecefTarily, Cond. 
 y Converf. 3. — Mod. 1$ Temp. 2. — ^ries 2, 
 ^FL 
 
 ylnJ vid. Public-Houses. 
 
 Temperance. Fid. Moderation an.d Tempe- 
 rance. 
 
 Testimonies of denial or difunity. Such telli- 
 monies may be iffued, though the offenders 
 cannot be found, Monthly Meet. 7. but in all 
 cafes where accefs can be had to the party, a 
 copy of the teftimony is to be delivered to fuch 
 perfon, id. 8. Teftimonies of denial not to be 
 read at the clofe of meetings for worfhip. Hid. 
 Are to be recorded, Difeipl. Isle. 1, 2d par. 
 
 And vid. Monthly Meet. 12, ^d par. ^ Worn. 
 Meet. 6, Art. FII. 
 
 concerning deceafed minifters. Fid. 
 
 Monthly Meet. 13. 
 
 TITHES, P. 1 84 to 194. 
 
 General exhortations to faithfulnefs. Tithes 2 
 to 7. Againft paying or receiving impropriate 
 tithes, id. 1 4, laflpar. 1 8. Advices againft con- 
 nivance or coILufion, id. 6, towards the end. 9, 
 /aflpar. 13. 14, iJl par. 15. The ancient tefti- 
 mony of friends againft tithes, to be punaually 
 upheld, and the unfaithful dealt with, iJ. I. 
 The unfaithful, after due admonition, not to be 
 admitted into meetings for bufinefs, or to coUedl, 
 and fuch as perfift, to be further dealt with, id. 
 18, lajl par. 22. None to impofc themfelves as 
 preachers, who are not faithful againft the pay- 
 ment of tithes, Min. & Eld. isfc. 7, laJl par. 
 And vid. Sufferings. 
 
 Title-Deeds. Vid. Queries 2, ^ XF.— Records 
 4. y. — alfo, Declarations of Trust. 
 
 TRADE, F: 19J to 200. 
 
 General advices to thofe concerned in. Trade 
 1.2. 3. Advice againft railing a Giflitious 
 paper-credit, id. 6. Such as fail in paying 
 their juft debts, to be dealt with, and how, id. 9, 
 lajl par. II. ylnd vid. id. 10. /^. S- Modera- 
 tion in uadc, &c. recominendcd, ConJ. isf Con-
 
 [ 232 ] 
 
 •oerj. 7 Covetoufnefs I. 4. 5. — ilfof/. y Temp. 
 
 3. — ^erks 8, Mv. II. — Trade 7. 13. 
 
 ^ndvld. Slave-Tr. i^c. 1. 2. 3. 4. 7. g.—War 
 3. 6. 7. 
 Trustees, not to be urged to refer matters, 
 when the property is not their own, to arbitra- 
 tion, Arbitr. 8. Exhorted to a faithful dlfcharge 
 of their trufts. Trade 11— IVilh, i^c. 4. 
 
 WILLS, EXECUTORS, and ADML 
 NISTRATORS, P. 205 to 207. 
 
 Recommendation to make wills in time of 
 health, ^eries 8, Adv. VI.— Wills, ^c. 1.6, 
 \Jl par. to employ Ikiiful perfons in drawing the 
 fame, id. 6, lajl par. and to appoint guardians to 
 children, id. z. Advices to executors, &c. id, 
 4. 5. 6, lajl par. 
 
 And vid. mils, i^c. 3.—al/o, DfiCLARATJONs WOMEN'S MEETINGS, P. 208 to zi i. 
 
 OF Trust. 
 
 W 
 
 WAR, P. zoi to 204, 
 
 Exhortation to maintain the teftimony againft 
 bearing arms or fighting, ftridly and carefully, 
 ITar I. not to feek or accept profit by any 
 concern in warlike preparations, id. 3. Any 
 
 YEARLY MEETING, P. 212 to 216. 
 
 Its inftitution, Yeariy Meet. I. members, id. 
 6. Time of holding it, »af. 2. Manner of con- 
 duding the bufmefs in feveral particulars, id, 1 1. 
 12. 13. 14. — Appeals 2, 3. J. 10. 4. — Meet, for 
 Suf. 5. 9. And vid. Epistles. 
 
 members of the fociety who may be concerned Yearly Meeting of Women Friends. Vid. 
 in privateers, letters of marque, or armed veffels, tVoni. Meet. 4. 5. 
 
 or in fabricating or felling inftruments of war, or Ministers and Elders. 
 
 to be dealt with, id. 5. 6. 7. Vid. Meetings of Ministers and Elders. 
 
 And vid. Militia. YOUTH, P. 217 to 220. 
 
 CORRIGENDA. 
 
 P. 18. /. ?. For enfnared rtad infnared. 
 42. margin. After Mod. & Temp, injcrt faft. 
 96. margin. For Tim. v. zi. rcaii I Tim. V. J2. 
 
 6. /. 8. Omit that. 
 
 3J. /. 13. For were read was. 
 
 JO. /. 7. For inducements rtad an inducsmenc. 
 
 /. 14. For fuch read thofe. 
 
 PItlKTED BV W. PHILUrs, 
 CKORCE YARD, LOMBARD STREET, LONDON,
 
 EXTRACTS 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 MINUTES AND ABVICJES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 YEARLY MEETING 
 
 OF 
 
 FMIEMBS 
 
 HELD IN LONDON, 
 
 FnOM ITS FIRST INSTITUTION. 
 SVPPLEMF,NT TO THE SECOND EDITION, PRINTED IN IHO^. 
 
 JLottDOlt: 
 
 rniNTED AND SOLD BY WILLIAM PHILLIPS, 
 GEORGE YARJ), LOMBARD STREET. 
 
 1822.
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 Some alterations having taken place in our Rules, more 
 forticularly in those which relate to Appeals, and to Removals and 
 Settlements, it was concluded by the Yearly Meeting of 1821, that 
 a Suppletnent to the present volume of " Extracts from the Minutes 
 and Advices of the Yearly Meeting," should be prepared. A 
 selection consisting of rtdes and advices was accordingly suhmitted 
 to an adjournment of this Meeting held in the Fif'ih month last, and 
 attended by a deputation from most of the Quarterly Meetings. After 
 being there revised, it was laid before the Yearly Meeting of the 
 present year, which directed the following compilation to be printed. 
 
 The valuable counsel contained in this Supplement is recom- 
 mended to the close attention of friends, as manifesting the continued 
 earnest solicitude of the Yearly Meeting for the welfare of its 
 members, and as tending to enforce the importance of practical 
 Christian morality, and of a life redeemed from the spirit and maxims 
 of this world. 
 
 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS, 
 
 London^ \H of Eleventh month, 1822.
 
 References from Rules in the " Extracts," ^c. to others in this 
 Supplement, by which the former are superseded, altered, or 
 rendered more explicit. 
 
 " Extracts.,^'' &;c. Supplement. 
 
 From To 
 
 Appeals, Nos.l — 7,9, \0,\\ , {superseded) 2 — 4 Appeals, No. 13 p. 237^248 
 
 Books, iV^o. 6 p. 13 Books, iVo. 12 249 
 
 No.U 14 JVo. 13 — 
 
 Marriage, A^o. 11, k, No. \%{1ndpur.) 69, 70 Marriage, iVo. 18 — 
 
 ALeeting for Sufferings, No. 9 77 Meeting for SuFFERiNGS,iVo.l4. 264 
 
 Ministers & Elders, &c.JVo.4(/a4<j3tfy.) 91 Monthly Meetings, iVo. 16. . 271 
 
 iVo. 16 96,97 iVo. 13.. — 
 
 No. 23 99, 100 Ministers & Elders, &c. iVo.32. 268 
 
 iVo.24.... 100 Removals, &c. iVo. 10. ilufe II. 279 
 
 QuEUiEs, A'o.2 142 Queries, A^o. 11 277 
 
 No. S 144 ditto.. — 
 
 No. 4 146 Women's Meetings, A^o. 7 299 
 
 , . . . i f Remo 
 
 \ 160-167 ^j^j^^^ 
 
 Sufferings, No.2{\st paragraph) 1 82 Yearly Meeting, No. 18 300 
 
 Trade, A«. 6 197 Trade, A'o. 18 294 
 
 No. 9 {last par.) 199 Ao. 17 — 
 
 Women's Meetings, No. 6, Jrl. Ill 210 Women's Meetings, No. 8 299 
 
 ditto, Art. \n 211 Ao. 9.... — 
 
 Yearly Mr.CTiNG, Ao. 8 214 Yearly Meeting, Ao. 18 300 
 
 A'o. 1 1 (s.ij erf.) &: 12. 2 1 5 A^o. 17 — 
 
 Removals and Settlements, i C Removals, &c. No. 10 278—286 
 
 Ao. 1—7, (superseded) ] 160-167 ^^oxthly Meetings, Ao. 19.. 272
 
 [ 231 ] 
 
 APPEALS. 
 
 f Continued from pugc 4.) 
 
 RULES I'OR APPEALS; superseding all preceding regulations S(c. under 13 
 this head, except No. 8 and 12, (page 4 J 
 
 I. IF any person shall, after a final decision in his case by any 
 monthly meeting, think himself (a) injured or aggrieved by its pro- 
 ceedings in such case, he may appeal to the quarterly meeting 
 
 of which the said monthly meeting forms a part. Notice of such s«Ruieviii. 
 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 king- 
 dom, 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. 
 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 'o/Wm*//™.. 
 intention, he shall be at liberty to bring the appeal to the second It'XJ^^Zl 
 quarterly meeting, provided that previously thereto he renew his '^„",°"' i„ 
 notice to the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting receiving Ru''='x. 
 notice of a[)peal as first mentioned, shall appoint respondents to act 
 
 («) [or herself, her, ts'e.]; pertoiu of both scxct having equal right of appeal t 
 
 G G
 
 238 APPEALS, [Supple- 
 
 on its behalf, and shall inform the appellant that an appointment 
 has been made. 
 
 III. The following regulations are to be observed in the con- 
 ducting 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 indorsement 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. 
 
 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. 
 No member of a monthly meeting appealed against, nor any 
 appellant, or assistant of an appellant, 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 
 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 objeci 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 prin- 
 ciple of the importance of promoting the speedy settlement of
 
 MENT.] APPEALS. 239 
 
 differences, the time shall be as early a one as ciui with con- 
 venience be chosen. 
 
 5. The committee, not less than ten of whom are to be a R'tfcij-;- no^- 
 quorum, shall, when met, proceed upon the business referred ruIc xi. 
 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, without proceeding further, 
 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 committee. 
 
 6. In all appeals heard by a committee of a quaitarly 
 meeting, the appellant shall, after the appeal has been read, 
 
 be heard in support thereof, and afterwards the respondents s« Rule x. 
 
 in reply, in the presence of each other, until both parties have 
 
 been fully and fairly heard ; after which the parties shall St.- Rule xii. 
 
 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 recom- 
 mended 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 deHver in the report; which 
 js to be at an adjournment of the quarterly meeting, or at the 
 upxt quarterly meeting in course. 
 
 gg2
 
 S40 APPEALS. [StjppLE- 
 
 9. The report of the committee shall be read in the quarter- 
 ly 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 meet- 
 ing itself, according to the liberty hereafter given (Sect. 11), 
 the judgment expressed in any such report, shall be recorded 
 as the decision of the quarterly meeting in the case. 
 
 10. If, ill the case of an appeal not relating to faith and 
 doctrine, brought by an individual in consequence of his dis- 
 ownment, 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 doctritie, 
 comes to be heard in the quarterly meeting itself, the follow- 
 ing regulations are to be observed : — 
 
 First — The appeal shall be read in the presence of both 
 
 s« Rule X. 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 con- 
 cerned 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 cither party, sliall have
 
 Mr.NT.] APPEALS. 341 
 
 the liberty of requesting that it may be done through the 
 clerk. 
 
 Third — The parties immediately concerned in the ap- 
 peal shall witlidraw, previously to the meeting's delibera- 
 tion on the case; and after they have so withdrawn^, or 
 dtu'ing their absence in consequence of any prior with- 
 drawing, 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, shall be suffered 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. 
 
 13. In all caseSj 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 
 appointment, 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. 
 
 *^j* In consequence of the local situation of friends in Scotland, it is agreed, 
 for the present, that any appeal against the two-months meeting of Edin- 
 burgh, or the monthly meeting of Aberdeen, is to be brought imme- 
 diately to tlie Yearly Meeting, ^vitllout being previoasly heard hy the 
 General Meeting held in Scotland.
 
 9A2 APPEALS. [SuppLE- 
 
 IV. If any person shall think himself injured or aggrieved by 
 the judgment of any quarterly meeting given against him, he may 
 appeal from such judgment to the yearly meeting; in which case, 
 
 i-« Rule VIII. notice in M'riting 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 re- 
 spondents to act on its behalf, and shall inform the appellant that 
 an appointment has been made. 
 
 VI. If any person having given notice of his intention ofappeal- 
 * Of ■which lime, jng^ is preveutcd * from bringing his appeal to the yearly meeting 
 
 i, tl\i'^i>en°to immediately succeeding such notice, he may continue his appeal 
 
 %7edTfa°mt. to thc Dcxt followlug ycarly meeting, on renewing his notice in 
 
 .y« Rule IX. ^vriting 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 con- 
 ducting 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 indorsement 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
 
 MENT.] APPEALS. 243 
 
 belongs a subordinate meeting appealing ; the representatives 
 of which excepted meeting or meetings shall \vith(h'aw pre- 
 viously to the nomination. But in case the number of meet- 
 ings so represented shall at any time be less than twenty-eight, 
 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. 
 
 Note.— If tbere be two appeals, the committee thas 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 repre- 
 sentative from the meeting, or each of tKe meetings, before excepted : and 
 so on for any number of appeals. 
 
 4. After the nomination has taken place, the appellant and 
 respondents in each case of appeal shall be called in, the names 
 of the proposed committee shall be read iu 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 whicli 
 they shall withdraw. If any of the committee be so objected 
 to, they shall beset 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 agreeably 
 to the provisions of the last preceding Section. And any or 
 all of those nominated in the stead of others first selected aiid 
 set aside as above-mentioned, shall themselves be liable to be 
 objected to by either party ; in which case a further nomina- 
 tion to supply tlieir 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 
 reported to the yearly meeting at its second or third sitting, 
 when all appeals shall be delivered to the committee or com-
 
 244 APPEALS. [Supple- 
 
 mittees, in order to be immediately proceeded on ; not less 
 Siificcting non- than twcnty-onc of the number appointed for a particular 
 
 attendance^ see i i • j. ^ ' a aU 
 
 Rule XI. appeal beuig at any tmie 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 whe- 
 ther 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 meet- 
 ing, the appellant shall, after the appeal has been read, be 
 
 5«RuieX, heard in support thereof, and afterwards the respondents in 
 
 reply, in the presence of each other, until both parties have 
 
 5« Rule XII, been fully and fairly heard ; after which the parties shall with- 
 
 draw 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 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 party originally 
 appealing. 
 
 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
 
 MENT.] APPEALS. 245 
 
 the subject of the next succeeding section (Sect. ]\.), and 
 with the exception also of such appeals relating* to faith and 
 doctiine, as may come to be opened in the yearly meeting 
 itself, according to the liberty hereafter given (Sect. \2.), the 
 judgment expressed in any such report, shall be recorded as 
 the decision of the yearly meeting in the case. 
 
 11. If, in the case of an appeal not relating to faith and 
 doctrine, in which the disowiunent of an individual is in- 
 volved, the report of the connnittee, confirmatory of the 
 disownment, be signed by less than eighteen of its number, 
 the individual is to be reinstated in membership. 
 
 12. 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 parly against whom it is given, and 
 such party may require the case to be heard by the meeting 
 itself. 
 
 13. Whenever an ai)pcal 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 i'«RuieX. 
 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 arc to 
 be i)ermitted to speak on the case, but those who, as or 
 for the appellant, and as respondents, or as original 
 appellant*, are innnediately concerned in the appeal; •i«RuieXVi. 
 except that any friend, (not being a member of a 
 quarterly meeting concerned in the appeal, or of a 
 connnittee that may have heard it, and reported a judg- 
 ment on the merits thereof,) who may apprehend it 
 proper Ibr a queslioji to be put to cither party, shall 
 
 a II
 
 246 APPEALS. [SupFLE- 
 
 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 deli- 
 beration 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, shall be 
 suffered 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. 
 
 H. In all cases, a copy of the minute of the yearly meet- 
 ing, recording its decision in the case, shall be sent to each 
 party. 
 
 VIII. The notice to be given to any monthly or quarterly meet- 
 ing 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 be held 
 
 at the day of month, 18 
 
 I hereby give notice, that I intend to appeal to the Quarterly 
 Meeting of [or to the Yearly Meeting] to be 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. 
 
 IX. In all cases of appeal, whether to a quarterly or to the 
 » s« Rule II. yearly meeting, in which notice and renewed notice* shall be given 
 
 '""'^'- by the appellant, such appellant shall, three weeks at least pre- 
 viously to the time of holding the meeting specified in the first
 
 MENT.] APPEALS. 247 
 
 notice^ apprize the clerk of the monthly or quarterly ineetiiinj 
 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 
 recommended that the committee or meeting before which the 
 appeal is brouglit, do, through the medium of the clerk, stop 
 such proceeding, and require that the subject of the appeal be 
 kept to. And no member 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. 
 
 XI. If any member of a committee on an appeal be prevented 
 from attending during any part of the time in which the case is 
 proceeded in by the appellant and respondents, he cannot after- 
 wards 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. 
 
 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 
 of 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 sliall, as to any further 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, 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 
 
 H h2
 
 948 APPEALS. [SijppLE- 
 
 moiithly or quarterly meeting- appealed against, or the respondents 
 appointed on its behalf, shall print, or cause, 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 lieard in defence of the judgment appealed against; 
 the effect of which (provided the appellant has proceeded regu- 
 larly) shall be a reversal of such judgment. 
 
 XIV. The foregoing rules and regulations shall apply to any 
 meeting, 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 appellant 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 slionld be against such respon- 
 dents, 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 seclion of the preceding seventh rule, of requiring that the 
 matter be opened in the meeting itself; in which ca-se, 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. 
 
 1806.-1813.— 1S15.— 1821.— 182'^
 
 MENT.] [ 249 ] 
 
 BOOK S. 
 
 [Cvntiniied from ;)"»<? 1-4.^ 
 
 This meeting agrees, that any friend may, on application, be 12 
 supplied, at prime cost, with friends' books for gratuitous distribu- 
 tion, from the stock of this meeting, in such quantity, and inider 
 such reguhitions, as the meeting for siifl'erings may from time to 
 time direct ; and that friends be at hberty to reprint and distribute 
 works which have been aj)proved by the morning meeting, 
 provided they give notice of their intention to the meeting for 
 sufierings ; l)ut that this notice sliall not be required in the case 
 of small tracts : nevertheless it is not intended hereby to sanction 
 any infringement on the copyright of individuals. 1813. 
 
 As it is of great importance that meml)ers of our Society, 13 
 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 their catalogues once in the year, SteNcM./i.u. 
 and produce them 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, and ready access to the 
 books to all who may wi.sh to peruse them. 1S21.
 
 [ 250 ] [SuppLE- 
 
 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 
 
 (Continued from page 1 9.^ 
 
 1;^ The awful 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 liord and Lawgiver have a complete ascen- 
 dency, they will lead to the abolition of this practice. The 
 situation of those who have forfeited their liberty by the commis- 
 sion 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 pru- 
 dence and discretion, and with that respect to the laws of our 
 country, and to those who administer them, which we have ever 
 believed it our duty to enjoin. 1818. P. E. 
 
 13 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 unworthy 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.
 
 MENT.] [ 251 ] 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 (Continued from page 23.J 
 
 Our solicitude lias at this time been awakened for our young 14 
 men employed as travellers in business. The exposure of these 
 io the teaiiptations to which they are often unavoidably subjected, 
 has tended to draw aside some from that simplicity, that purity of 
 heart and thought, that strict morality, which our Christian prin- 
 ciples require. We would submit to the serious consideratioi! of 
 their parents and employers, the extreme danger of sending- t'orth 
 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 la 
 
 retirement frequently occur, in which the mind may be turned in 
 secret aspiration to the Author of all our blessings ; and which have 
 often proved times of more than transient benefit. It is our 
 present conceni, that no exception to this 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 Pwim iv. 17. 
 at noon, will I pray." 1817. P. E.
 
 252 CONDUCT and CONVERSATION. [Supple- 
 
 16 In turning our attention to the state of the Society as it has 
 been now 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 suflficienlly soHcitous 
 to improve that portion of this day which is not allotted to the 
 great duty of meeting with their friends for the purpo.se 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 records of 
 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 
 Heaveidy Shepherd, his preserving help and guidance will not 
 be withheld. 1817. P. E. 
 
 17 Pkecious and very desirable is a humble^ contrite, teachable 
 state of mind, in which the earnest prayer is raised, that we may 
 live in tlie 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 
 
 ita. xxxii. 2. 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 make haste to be rich. How safe^ how 
 necessary it is, for (he humble Christian to set out well ; to watch
 
 MENT.] CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION 'iaS 
 
 against the first templ.ition to covet great things ! Sweet is Ihe 
 condition of the grateful mind : sweet is a state of contentment 
 and of daily dependence on the Lord. 1819. P. E. 
 
 Our Christian principles teach us to live in the world aright, IS 
 
 but not to live 2into the world. If we indeed seek to be redeemed 
 from its spirit; if it be our daily concern that our garments may be 
 kept unspotted by its defilements ; that we may be clothed with 
 the meekness and gentleness of Christ ; we shall be enabled to 
 discharge our civil and religious duties with holy propriety, and 
 to adorn the Go.spel 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 w ill 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 Prov. iii.c. 
 all his ways^ He may direct his paths. 1820. P. E, 
 
 I I
 
 C 254 ] [SuppLE^ 
 
 CONVINCED PERSONS. 
 
 (Continued from page 17.) 
 
 6 We find, at this as at otlier 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 
 
 ProT. xxiii. 23. 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 sometimes :rieved that 
 persons finding their way, and probably through seL denial, into 
 
 Matth. V. 13. our Socicty, do not always retain their ground. The salt doth not 
 always retain its savour. In tenderness therefore we entreat 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 
 great circumspection as well as kindness. Beware of hurting 
 them by any ill example. They may be offended, and if they are 
 
 ch. xviii. c. sincere, they are in the number of those whom we are cautioned 
 not to offend. On the other hand they are tender and inex- 
 perienced, 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 judgment and sound practice 
 require depth and solidity. Let us then keep in view, and 
 earnestly desire to be endued with that discernment which is tlie 
 means, under direction of the holy Head, of edifying the body of 
 Christ. 1807. P. E.
 
 ment] convinced persons. 
 
 We tenderly desire (hat friends in our meetings for discipline, 
 will be careful not to be hasty in bringing into active service, 
 those who have recently come in amongst us by convincement : 
 such have often enough to do to seek, through holy help, to 
 maintain their own standing ; and if we commit to them an 
 improper portion of the concerns of the discipline, we may, un- 
 intentionally, yet really, contribute to weaken them in the root ; 
 and thereby lessen their capacity to bear those acceptable fruits, 
 which can be brought forth only in the due season. 1815. 
 
 I I 2
 
 [ 256 ] [ScppLE- 
 
 DISCIPLINE, 
 
 AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 
 
 (Continued from page 510 
 
 22 This meeting is impressed with a sense of the important 
 duties which devolve upon quarterly and monthly meetings^ and 
 
 s« Monthly undcv this impression feels that small meetings for worship. 
 Meet. 18. m^j small preparative meetings, ought peculiarly to claim their 
 attention. We desire that quarterly or monthly meethigs may, 
 from time to time, consider whether these meetings are held in 
 such a manner, under such regulations, and at such times, as are 
 best adapted to answer the end designed ; and whether there may 
 not be a propriety ui appointing suitable committees occasionally 
 to visit them. I8I3.— 1821.— 1822. 
 
 23 We desire to remind our dear friends, of the continued 
 necessity of holding their monthly and quarterly meetings in a 
 weighty frame of spirit, labouring after that sensibility of mind, 
 in which there is a capacity given to distinguish, when the meet- 
 ing may be favoured with a degree of the enlivening influence of 
 the Spirit of Truth. This influence being perceived, and dwelt 
 under, a watchful care over the natural activity of our own spirits 
 would follow ; and a desire prevail that no movement might take 
 place, that would wound the pure life, and dissipate or disturb 
 the solemnity. These meetings would thus be opportunities of 
 feeling and of profit ; seasons wherein the flock would be no jrished ; 
 and strength afforded to maintain the love, the peace, and the 
 order of the Gospel. 1817.
 
 MENT.] DISCIPLINE, &c. 257 
 
 This meeting lias been afresh impressed with the benefits 'M 
 resulting' from our Christian discipline, that salutary provision for 
 the exercise of gospel love and care, and for the piu'pose 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 aflectionately 
 recommend, that where any are deficient, they should, in tender- 
 ness 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 affairs, would do w(;ll to consider on the 
 recurrence of these occasions, whether it would not be for their 
 good thus to be separated from the cares of this life ; and to 
 breathe, in tender aspirations, for strength to rise above them ; 
 and these would, we believe, often be permitted to feel, that 
 such acts of dedication are followed by a peaceful reward. 
 1819.— 1820. 
 
 This iiieeting, notwithstanding the advice which has been 25 
 
 issued 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 appoint- 
 ments in such meetings, 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
 
 m DISCIPLINE, &c. [SuppLE- 
 
 exliort friends to consider whether it may not be injurious to 
 leave the meeting-house, or to enter into conversation, when about 
 to attend a meetin;^ 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 dis- 
 cipline, 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 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 manifest to others, that they have no desire 
 that their sentiments may be adopted, rather than the solid 
 judgment of the meeting. 1821. 
 
 26 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 i-espect, 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 with- 
 held ; 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 fellow- 
 ship, and is useful both to those who give, and to those who 
 receive it. 1821.
 
 MRNT.] ^. [ 259 ] 
 
 LOVE AND UNITY. 
 
 (Continued from page 610 
 
 O THE precious care that attends the mind in which Christian 7 
 
 charity is become habitual ! Charity, saith the apostle, " hopeth 
 all things." It divulges not the faults of others, because, in its icor.iiii. 7. 
 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, rcv. xii. lo. 
 " Follow," therefore, "peace with all men, and holiness, with- Heb.xii.u, is. 
 out which no man shall see the Lord : looking diligently, lest any 
 man fail of the grace of God ; lest any root of bitterness spring- 
 ing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." 1804. P. E. 
 
 Friends, seek peace and pursue it. Ye are called to love. H 
 
 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 approach his presence ; and
 
 260 LOVE AND UNITY. [Supple- 
 
 a state which naturally conducts frail man to love and compassion, 
 for the companions of his frailty and poverty, yet his fellow- 
 partakers of the oflered riches of the gospel. 1805. P. E. 
 
 9 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 
 1 JbIui iv. time. Friends, remember, that to be " made perfect in love," is 
 a high state of Christian excellence, and not attainable but by the 
 sacrifice of selfish passions. No degree of resentment can consist 
 with this state. Some persons are apt to profess that they can 
 forgive those whom they suppose to have injured them, when such 
 are brought to know, and acknowledge 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 
 jciim XV. 12. that. " This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I 
 have loved you." And how did the Lord love the world ? Let 
 Rom. V. 8. 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 
 
 i.uke xsiii. 34. his vcry pcrsecutors, he said, " Father, forgive them, for they 
 know 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 
 
 Mark xi 25,26. the Saviour of men: '^' And when ye stand praying, forgive, if 
 " ye have ai'.ght against any." He doth not allow time for seeing 
 the injuring person become submissive; but, — Standing, forgive : 
 iov" 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 ! It is the indispensable re- 
 quisite in that spiritual worship, to which we as a people more 
 peculiarly bear testimony : yea, is it not the very balm of life, and 
 passport to heaven ? 1806. P. E. 
 
 ]Q Our concern for the preservation of brotherly love remains 
 
 strong and unabated. When assembled in this meeting we have 
 
 rii it'^hmi\ JjUfi ^^.u.t,iiiaL I'^'-'i 
 
 J^--
 
 ment] love and unity. 2^} 
 
 special cause to know the invigorating, uniting effects of it. 
 Therefore, were 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 unfit to approach with accept- 
 ance that pure and holy Being, of whom the beloved disciple 
 thus emphatically testifies, " God is love." Do we not peculiarly i Joimiv. «. 
 lament the wide spread of distress, which the spirit of contenlioii 
 is, even now, occasioning to suffering humanity .' This, llioiigli 
 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 1 1 
 
 qualification of a true disciple, we are desirous of pressing it on 
 every individual, to examine impartially how far he feels it to 
 flourish in his own mind, and to influence all his actions, thus 
 inducing others to follow him, as he is endeavouring to follow 
 Christ. And we believe that nothing will be so favourable to 
 the preservation of this holy disposition as humility of heart, a 
 temper in which we constantly see ourselves unworthy of the least 
 of the Lord's mercies, and dependent only on his compassion tor 
 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 oft' mutability ; 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 promi)t in undertaking, and prndent in
 
 262 I-OVE AND UNITY. [Supple- 
 
 executing-, the blessed oiKee of peace-maker. And we believe 
 the patient endeavours of faithful friends will be generally 
 crowned with success, iu proportion as their own minds are 
 seeking to Jesus, for assistance in performing an office on which 
 he lias 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 iu peace one with another, 
 Eph.iv. 3-'. and to forgive one another, even as God for Christ's sake has 
 forgiven them. 181:2, P. E.
 
 MENT.] [ 263 ] 
 
 MARRIAGE. 
 
 (Continued from page 71.) 
 
 This meeting- is of the judg-ment, that as coinphaiice with the '7 
 
 laws of the hind in cases wherein conscience is not violated, is an 
 acknowledged principle of Friends, tlie Society cannot, consistently 
 with tliis principle, allow, in our meetings, the passing of mar- /Ud,iiNa.9v 
 riages which are not authorized by the law on this subject, and '^' 
 which are included in the degrees of consanguinity or alllnity 
 ])rohibited thereby. And this meeting is further of the judgment, 
 that, according to our rules, clandestine proceedings caiuiot be A„Avu./t.7i. 
 regarded by us, as constituting a proper, sufficient, and valid 
 niarriasre. 1811. 
 
 o^ 
 
 This meeting is of the judgment, with respect to cases in |^ 
 
 which monthly meetings have been diligent in their care, over 
 such as have appeared inclinable to marry in a manner contrary s^gueriessf 
 to the rules of our Society, and in which they believe no fin- yxiii. 
 ther extension of labour is required on their part, that they shall 
 be at liberty to proceed to disownment ; 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. 
 
 K 2
 
 [ 264 ] [SUPFLE- 
 
 MASTERS, 
 MISTRESSES, and SERVANTS. 
 
 (Continued from page 74.^ 
 
 5 We request those who have the privilege of abiUty to employ 
 
 servants, to sympathize with them in their labours, to delight to 
 render them happy, and even to seek for that 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 attempted. The 
 principal one certainly is, the keeping of the mind attentive to the 
 discoveries of Truth ; and as, we doubt not, a perusal of the 
 s«.<;criptures8. Scripturcs is the frequent employ of many families, we desire that 
 the servants may be made partakers of the benefits resulting from 
 the practice, and from occasional opportunities of retirement in 
 spirit. 1805. P. E. 
 
 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 
 
 (Continued from page 79.) 
 
 14 This meeting agrees, that the meeting for sufferings shall 
 
 not be oblio-ed to brinff forward the names of such of its members 
 
 .s«iv». 9./.77. as have not attended that meeting six times in the year; provided 
 
 a sufficient reason, in its judgment, shall have been given for such 
 
 'deficiency in attendance. ISIO. ^,^,1 i^jili ^^^^ ^.-m
 
 MENT.] [ 265 ] 
 
 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 CContinued from page 860 
 
 That the assembling of ourselves for the purpose of cxpres- IS 
 
 suig' our sense of dependence on our great Creator is a duty^ most 
 if not all of us 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 suspended ; 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 hiimblc and dependent servants ? Now, if ^ve 
 feel not this hunger and thirst, is there not reason for us io lie
 
 366 MEETINGS for WORSHIP. [Supple- 
 
 alarmed ; and may we not justly fear, that we are spiritually sick ? 
 And truly, notwithstanding the excuses of such as yet acknowledge 
 public worsiiip to be essential, and the 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 them- 
 selves 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. 
 
 19 Great are the benefits which result from a right performance 
 
 of public worship. The tendency of our practice is to direct the 
 mind unto God ; and if it be pursued with sincerity and earnest- 
 ness, our hopes 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 
 Phii.iii. .1. we can " worship Gotl in 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 strenoth to abstract their attention from wanderino- thonahts 
 and earthly cares. Hence it arises, that they do not so fully 
 ])artakeof that evidence of Divine supeiinteiiding regard, of those 
 consolations, which the Lord in mercy grants to such as hunger 
 and thirst after righteousness. This unwatchfulness, we appre- 
 hend to be a principal cause that so many are found to neglect our 
 first-day afternoon meotings. And we entreat those who are thus 
 deficient, to consider whether they are not preferring ease, and an 
 indulgence in the pleasures of life, to the obligations of religious 
 duty, and the possession of spiritual riches. 
 
 We believe that all who are faithful in the Christian practice to 
 which we have just alluded, will, on reflection, discover that their
 
 ment] meetings for WORSHIP. 267 
 
 cure is not lo I)c confined only to themselves. AVe therefore 
 exhort friends, whether in towns or in the country, whether engaged 
 in trade or in agriculture, to be watchful over their children and 
 dependents, and in love to use their intluence to prevent them from 
 associating with improper company, on the day set apart for public s» Cjnd. and 
 worship. Where a consistency of conduct in this respect is observed, °°^'<^"- ''■ 
 it is instructive to others ; and its effects are, we doubt not, bene- 
 ficially felt, on resuming the necessary cares of life. l8iS. P. E. 
 
 This meeting has been again impressed with concern, on <;){) 
 
 receiving numerous reports of neglect in the attendance of week- 
 day meeiings ; and we feel desirous that it may be the care cf 
 all to endeavour so to arrange their outward affairs, that both 
 they and their families may be set at liberty, as much as may be, 
 to meet with their friends on these occasions. AVe desire also to 
 press it, not oidy upon overseers, but upon other concerned friends 
 who may be diligent themselves, tenderly to admonish those who 
 are the more immediate causes of this con)plaint ; and to remind 
 them of the loss which they sustain, in not embracing these 
 opportunities of turning their minds from the cares and entangle- 
 ments of this life, to seek after the enduring riches of eternity, 
 1819. 
 
 A PUNCTCAL attendance at the hour appointed for public worship -;i 
 
 is also a matter of no small importance. If we hurry away from our 
 outward occupations to the meeting-house, thinking that, by the 
 delay of 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. 18'il. 
 
 JitJ ite Discipline &c. ii. 25. Monthly Meetings IS-
 
 [ 268 ] [SuppLE- 
 
 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, 
 
 AND THEIR 
 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 (Continued from page 104.^ 
 
 31 This meeting is of the judgment, that ministering friends 
 who have a concern to travel in Scotland, or on the islands adjacent 
 to that nation, with a view of holding meetings among those of 
 other religious 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 ; appre- 
 hending that it 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. 
 
 32 This meeting agrees, that quarterly meetings are at liberty 
 Sc:No.-j(i.ji.^9. to appoint women friends to unite in their committees to assist 
 
 monthly meetings in the choice of elders. 1812. 
 
 And lec Monthly Meetings, 13. IG. Removals and Settlements, 10, Hals II.
 
 MENT.] [ 269 ] 
 
 MODERATION and TEMPERANCE. 
 
 (Continued from page 107. J 
 
 Now, dear friends, we would mention one subject which at 
 (his time has been under our notice ; a caution to all, to use 
 moderation in their manner of living ; and in this way to seek 
 relief from the increasing expense of the times in which \ve live, 
 rather than by engaging in more extensive, and often hazardous 
 schemes in trade. By these latter means the mind becomes en- 
 cumbered, 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, hovv distant from the state which 
 endeavours to stand resigned to give up all, if required, is that 
 state which indulges itself in ease to (he 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. 
 
 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; parti- 
 cularly 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 persoiuU pride, as does 
 vaiu attire; yet it bespeaks a mind engaged with (rifles, and a
 
 270 MODERATION and TEMPERANCE. [Supple- 
 
 fondness for show which is inconsistent with the Christian character; 
 and it disquaUfies for duly advising such as may rush into further 
 degrees of extravagance. 1809. P. E. 
 
 7 Moderation in personal and domestic expense, every way 
 
 Matth. xi. 29. bccomes the followers of a Saviour, who was " lowly in heart." 
 We are therefore 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 extra- 
 vagance in others, and prompt them to use exertions for support- 
 ing 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. 
 
 At"! s" Conduct and Conversation, also Trade.
 
 MENT.] [ 271 ] 
 
 MONTHLY MEETINGS. 
 
 (Continued from page 1140 
 
 This meeting- recommends, when a proposition for acknowledg- 15 
 
 ing a minister is about to be made to a monthly meeting, as 
 pointed out bv the rule of 1773*, that the same be brought for- * Min. & ew- 
 ward in the men's monthly meetmg', previously 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 con- 
 sideration and conclusion of the case. 1810. — 1822. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting, when either men or women 16 
 
 friends have a concern to travel in the work of the ministry, and 
 have occasion to apply to their monthly meeting for a written testi- 
 monial of its concurrence, that they communicate their views to 
 men and women friends collectively assembled, on notice beinggiven 
 at the close of the preceding 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, a certificate, or other written testimonial of concur- 
 rence, is to be prepared, 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 consideration, whenever they may 
 apprehend such delay or reference desirable ; and any committee 
 
 L L 2
 
 212 MONTHLY MEETINGS. [Supple- 
 
 so appointed, is to make report at another joint conference, pre- 
 viously to the ordering or granting of a certificate. 181 1. — 1816. 
 
 1822. 
 
 17 This meeting apprehends that considerable advantage would 
 arise from each monthly meeting keeping an alphabetical 
 list of its members, and examining such list at least once in the 
 year ; and recommends the different quarterly meetings to take 
 measures for the adoption of this practice. 1812. 
 
 18 It is the judgment of this meeting, when any monthly meeting 
 thinks it right to establish any new meeting for worship or dis- 
 cipline, or to discontinue, either wholly, or in part, any such 
 meeting already settled, that the same be reported to the quarterly 
 meeting for its approbation, before it be carried into effect. 
 1822. 
 
 J9 On the subject of the right of children to membership in the 
 
 Society, this meeting considers it proper to define, that such right 
 is to be understood as extending to any child born of parents in 
 membership, 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 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 acknow- 
 ledgment, by reinstatement, or by admission, members in unity, 
 arc not to be considered as having a right to membership : yet 
 For anoihe, Cus^, it is the judgmcut of this meeting, that the monthly meetings in 
 :A». 11,//. ^j,j^.jj they reside, ought to extend a tender care towards such 
 children, and that it should be in the discretion of such meetings 
 to admit them into membership, (either in their infancy or more 
 advanced years,) according to circumstances. 1820. 
 
 sec J 
 HI.
 
 WENT.] [ 273 ] 
 
 NATIONAL STOCK. 
 
 (Continued from page 119.) 
 
 This meeting agrees that any expenses incurred by the 8 
 
 quarterly meeting of Dorsetshire and Hampshire, in its care of 
 the Society on the islands of Guernsey and Jersey, may be applied 
 for by that quarterly meeting, and paid at the discretion of the 
 meeting for sufferings. 1817. 
 
 PARENTS, GUARDIANS, 
 
 AND 
 
 EDUCATION. 
 
 (Continued from page \i9.) 
 
 It is much in the power of those who have the care of ](3 
 young children, to prepare their minds for the salutary restraints 
 of the cross of Christ ; and those who thus co-operate with his 
 Holy Spirit, whicli early visits the tender and flexible mind, may 
 expect (and what better can they seek?) his all-sufficient blessing 
 upon themselves and their offspring. Therefore, ye fathers, and
 
 2?i PARENTS, GUARDIANS, [Supple- 
 
 ye mothers, let us entreat you to consider the earliest subjeclioa 
 of the will as the first step in education. It will generally insure 
 to you that desirable ascendency over the minds of your children, 
 which will prevent the need of future severity ; it will enable you 
 to govern them by love ; and thus you will be rendering your 
 own way more easy, at the same time that you are serving 
 the Lord. And friends, we beseech you, as their understandings 
 ripen, to take due opportunities of opening to them the benefits 
 of the restraints which your duty leads you to impose. Among- 
 some of the most irksome to the lively dispositions of youth, are 
 often those which relate to speech and dress. But as w^e 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 sucli as, not being thus subject to holy restraint, are 
 imsuitable examples for our youth to observe and to follow. And 
 when by the gentle intimations of Truth in their ripening under- 
 standings, 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. 1S08. 
 P. E. 
 
 ]7 And now, dear friends, who fill the important station of 
 
 parents, permit us to 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 
 i-iih. »i. 4. 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, as far as is 
 in your power, the fear and love of God, and a strict regard to 
 truth and integrity. Neglect no endeavours to preserve them in 
 innocence, and let them be early habituated to simplicity of dress 
 and manner, and to restraints front indulgences inconsistent with 
 our Christian profession. As their infant minds expand, may it be
 
 MENT.] AND EDUCATION. ^^75 
 
 your care frequently to direct their attention to the gentle inti- 
 mations ot" the Spirit of Christ, which are often to be distinctly 
 perceived in childhood. One great instrument in forming the 
 mind to piety and virtue, is a well-grounded knowledge of the 
 Holy Scriptures, — a knowledge of the wonderful deahngs of 
 Almighty God with his chosen people in ancient times, of those 
 predictions which point out the coming of the Messiah, and ot 
 their accomplishment in that most glorious display of Divine 
 love, the sending of his beloved Son, a Sacrifice for our sins, 
 and a Light to enlighten the world. 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, 
 discouragements 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 incite- 
 ments to persevere in the way of well-doing. 1818. P. E. 
 
 The important duty which devolves on parents to train up their 18 
 
 children " in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," has been Epi.. tj. ■«. 
 afresh brought into view. In the earliest periods of life, much 
 of this care rests with mothers, and we desire that in all cases 
 their pious endeavours may be strengthened by the co-operation 
 of the fathers. The youthful mind is very soon susceptible of 
 serious impressions ; and we believe that if parents are careful 
 to watch the most favourable opportunities, 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. But, in order that such attempts may have their due
 
 276 PARENTS, GUARDIANS, &c. [Supple- 
 
 effect, precept must be accompanied by example. 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. 
 
 J 9 Much of the undue liberty indulged in by the youth, is often 
 
 occasioned by the early indulgence granted to them by (he parent : 
 wherefore this meeting tenderly, affectionately, yet earnestly, 
 entreats 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 necessary 
 restraints of the cross, it may be considered, in part, as preparing 
 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 ov 
 less, making way for the enemy and destroyer. 1822, 
 
 And see Youth,
 
 MENT.] [ 277 ] 
 
 QUERIES. 
 
 (Continued from page 151. J 
 
 This meeting being informed that, in some places, there is a |() 
 
 tliversity of sentiment, whether any reference should be had to 
 women friends, in the answers to the men's queries, thinks it ri"-ht 
 to express its judgment, that the answers from the men's meeting 
 are intended to refer to the state and conduct of the whole body. 
 1819. 
 
 This meeting directs that the fifth of the men's queries be 1 1 
 
 answered to the quarterly meetings in the spring, and thence to 
 the yearly meeting ; and that the former part of it, namely, that 
 which relates to justice in dealing, and punctuality in fulfilling 
 engagements, be likewise answered to the quarterly meetings in 
 autumn. It is also agreed, that the last two clauses of the fifth 
 of the women's queries be not answered to their yearly meeting ; 
 but an answer to the whole of it is still to be returned from their 
 monthly to their quarterly meetings. 1813.— 1815.— 1817.— 1822. 
 
 %• The following statement, showing which of the Queries arc to be at difTerent times answered 
 
 from monthly to quarterly meetings, may be convenient for immediate reference :— 
 Men's Qderies. Sprwc, — The \st, ^nJ, 3rd, ilh, at/i, Ith, Sl/i, 9M, 10/A, I IM, anJ I2M. 
 
 /luTUMN. — Tic ]st, 3rJ,/<irr/lart cf the 5th, 6ti, lOlh, ISM, 14M, and ISM. 
 ITmTBA.— The \il, aid, loth, and UtA. 
 Women's Ditto. Sprixc. — yill: [ii// Ihctuo last clama of the Zlh not to h aniivered to their i/early meeting.] 
 AvTVMK AND JVi«Tr.K.—The \st, '2nd, Sth, and 9th. 
 For the special query to quarterly meetings, see No. 4, (/». 146) ; and for the attention to be 
 given to the subject of the queries in the Summer quarterly meetings, see f. 142, (5* 144. The 
 manner of answering the queries in preparative meetings is specified under that head, u />. 138. 
 
 M M
 
 t ^^^ ] R^lAVOT/^.^fl [SUPPLE- 
 
 REMOVALS AND settlements:^'"'^ ^''' 
 
 ..,...„ . ^(.indoact 01 l09Cp.9TI dtw 
 (Continued from page 168.J . . ., . -ri. 
 
 10 RULES liESPECTiNG REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS (a). 
 
 I. All friends removing from one monthly meeting to another^ 
 are to have certificates from the monthly meeting of which they 
 are members^ 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 with- 
 out any unnecessary delay, in order that the individuals may 
 come under the early notice and oversight of the meeting within 
 whose district 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 appli- 
 cation. 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 sufficient reasons for not doing so. 
 
 faj These regulations, and one under Monthly Mietings, No. 19,/. 272, supersede the whole of 
 A'o. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, tS" 7, under this head, (fta^e 160 — 167,) and also a subsequent rule made in 1812. 
 With respect to the commencement of the present rules, it was agreed that they should take pUc« 
 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 might be applicable; which eleventh rule, it was added, should be considered as wholly 
 * Nt-I Kutc'Sil. superseding from the above-mentioned period, the eleventh* of the old rules. 
 
 (//. I€S.) It may be here observed, that no particular provisions being now made relative to servants and 
 
 apprentices, they are of course subject to the same regulations at other membert of ihe Society,
 
 MENT.] REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 279 
 
 II. Before issuing a certificate of removal, monflily meetings are, 
 except in the case of a young- person under, or about, the age of 
 sixteen years, to make a suitable api)ointnu-nt of friends, for .^.avom.Mw 
 the purpose of inquiry respecting the conduct of the person remov- 
 ing. Such inquiry is also to extend to the situation of the party 
 with respect to pecuniary circumstances, so that care may be 
 ell'ectually taken not to proceed to a recommendation, if the 
 individual removing has disreputably omitted to discharg-e, or to 
 make proper arrangements relative to, his just debts; and, in 
 preparing the certilicate, care is likewise to be had correctly to 
 comply with the provisions, which hereafter occiu* in these Rules, j,, r„Ic vim. 
 with rc"ard to notice of relief received, or of recorded insolvency. ^ 
 Inquiry is further to be made concerning single persons, as to 
 clearness from engagements relative to marriage: in order that 
 the party may be reconunended either as clear in this respect; or, 
 as under such an eny-a^ement. 
 
 If a friend on whose behalf a certificate is issued, is an acknow- 
 ledged minister, information thereof is to be included in the certi- 
 ficate ; and in the case of a woman friend in the station of a 
 minister removed by marriage, information of her being iu that 
 station, is to be couuuunicated by mimite. 
 
 The same course is to be pm-sued iu the case of an elder, if the 
 removal be into another monthly meeting within the limits of the 
 same quarterly meeting. 
 
 III. After inquiry made agreeably to the last preceding rule, 
 aM<l report thereon, the monthly meeting shall, unless any thing 
 appear in the conduct (including that which relates to pecuniary 
 ciigagements) of the party removing, to require its notice of him 
 as a delinquent, proceed to issue a certificate of removal on his 
 behalf Such certificates («) are to be in one or other of the 
 tullowing forms ;— 
 
 (aj Althougli the manner in which certificate! are to be exprcrfcd, Is thu» pointed out, the U9« 
 of ['finted furms is not to be introduced. 
 
 M M 2
 
 -J80 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. [SupptE^ 
 
 To Monthly Meeting of Friends. 
 
 Dear Friends, 
 
 A. B., a member of this Meeting, having removed into the 
 compass of yours, and, upon inquiry made relative to his conduct 
 and respecting debts, nothing appearing to prevent the issuing of a 
 certificate on his behalf («) we accordingly recommend him to 
 your Christian care, (6) and remain with love 
 
 Your Friends, 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of Monthly " 
 
 Meeting, held at the 
 
 of mo. 18 
 
 (c) Here add, if the occasion requires it : — under the 8(h [or 9//t 
 as the case may be] Rule for Removals and Settlements. 
 
 (6) Or, where needful ; — and, informing ]/ou also that he appears 
 to be clear of any marriage engagement , remain with love. 
 
 Or, — and, informing you also that he appears to be under an 
 engagement in relation to marriage, remain with love. 
 (c) Add — if the certificate respects a female ; — 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of the Women's Monthly Meeting. 
 
 L. M., Clerk. 
 
 A wife is to be included in the same certificate as the husband. 
 Children under the age of sixteen years^ or about that age^ (at tlie 
 discretion of monthly meetings,) are^ on removal with parents^ 4,o be 
 also recommended without separate certificates. 
 
 In the case of a wife, and of children as thus pointed out, the 
 certificate is to assume this form : — 
 
 A. B. and C. his wife, members of this Meeting, having 
 removed into the compass of yours, and upon inquiry made relative 
 to their conduct and respecting debts, nothing appearing to prevent 
 the issuing of a certificate on their behalf, (d), ice accordingly 
 recommend them to your Christian care, with their children, D., E., 
 F., &c. and remain, &c. 
 
 (rf) Add, if the occasion requires it : — under the Sth [or 9/A as 
 the case may be] Rule for Removals and Settlements.
 
 went] removals asp SETTIJEMENTS. 2S1 
 
 For a youn^ p"ers5ft uftder the a<j^c of sixteen years, or about 
 ^hat age, (at the discretion of monthly niectingsj uho in conse- 
 quence of separately removing-, or from any other cause, is the sole 
 subject of a certilicate, the following form may sutRce : — 
 
 A. B , a member of this Meeting, having removed into the 
 compass of yours, and nothing appearing to prevent the issuing of 
 a certificate on his behalf, (a) we accordingly recommend him to 
 your Christian care, and remain, &c. 
 
 (a) Add, if the occasion requires it : — under the 8ih [or 9lh, as 
 the case may be] Rule/or Removals and Settlements, 
 
 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 certificate, except in the case 
 of persons removing to foreign parts. On such occasions, the 
 signing is to be by the meeting more at large. 
 
 IV. On receiving certificates, monthly meetings are to appoint a 
 
 few friends to visit tlie persons recommended. This, it should be 4'.<-Wom. Meet. 
 borne in mind, will furnish occasion for encouraging the appear- ^i'lo.''' ''" 
 ances of good, as well as of advising against those of a contrary 
 tendency ; and may be the introduction to an acquaintance fruit- 
 ful of future advantage: an advantage 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 judicious friends. 
 
 V. On accepting a certificate, either upon receiving the report 
 of such a visit or pieviously, an acknowledgment is to be trans- 
 mitted 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 y our 
 certificate on behalf of , dated the of 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of Monthly Meeting, 
 
 held at the of mo. 18 
 
 A. B., Clerk.
 
 S82 REMOVALS AND SETTI^BMENTS. [Supple- 
 
 VI. If a monthly meeting to which ei 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. Bnt 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 ac- 
 cepted, 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 montlily meeting to be inferred. 
 
 VII. Upon the acceptance of a certificate, either by acknow- 
 ledgment or uiference 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 Settlemeint ; or, (in other words,) that point out the monthly 
 meeting which is liable to the charge of aftbrding the necessary 
 assistance. 
 
 The settlement of a person admitted into the Society, is in the 
 monthly meeting admitting, until another settlement be 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 hiive 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 
 cither parent, any fresh settlement acquired in consecjiience of such 
 reconunendation by such parents or parent, is also acquired by the 
 children ; but except in this case, and in that of the separate recom- 
 mendation of such children, placed out from home, as are re- 
 connnendable without reference to either the Eighth or Ninth of 
 these Rules, no fiesh settlement cau be gained by young persons 
 under the age of sixteen years. ."iv/oKot '> 
 
 'Vlll. If within one year previously to the issuing of a certificate.
 
 ■ »«. 
 
 ment] REMOTALS kjiD'^ETTLEMENT^Sf %s:i 
 
 the party has received relief, the circumstance is to be noticed in 
 that document, either expressly, or by refeivncc to this rule. In 
 the case of so having- received relief, as also in the case of reverfiiij^ 
 for relief under the last provision but one in R ule X, a friend does 
 not gain a new settlement, except as hereafter provided (Rule XI.) 
 If in the intervening time he is recommended from one monthly 
 meeting" to another^ notice either expressly, or by reference as 
 above-mentionedj 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 sub- 
 sequently made full payment to his creditors, such circumstance is .y« Trade. 
 to be noticed in the certilicate either expressly, or by reference to 
 the present Rule. Under such form of recommendation, or where 
 .•»uch ought to have been the form, a friend does not gain a settle- 
 ment in the accepting monthly meeting, except as hereafter pro- 
 vided (Rule XI). And this regulation with respect to recom- 
 mendation, and the eftect 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 con- 
 tinue in membership or not, such children being respectively 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, them- 
 selves entitled to membership,) shall be in the same situation with 
 regard to recommendation 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 
 recommending monthly meeting usually consequent on insolvency, 
 may happen to be omitted, it is deemed expedient to provide, as is 
 hereby done, that in the foUowhig cases which admit of being 
 easily ascertained, namely, bankruptcy, or assignment of effects to.
 
 -^84 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. [Supple- 
 
 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 recorde4.ii':)iig ync ^ ^rji 
 
 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 
 complete, 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 : — 
 
 o 
 
 1 . Ceasing to be a member of the accepting monthly meeting, 
 
 within two years from the time of acceptance : 
 
 2. Receiving relief within the Hke period : 
 
 3. Being, in the regular course of the exercise of the discipline, 
 
 recorded, within four years immediately subsequent to 
 the acceptance, as insolvent, either by the accepting or 
 any other monthly meeting of which the party may be at 
 the time a member. 
 
 XL It being proper, in reference to the situation of persons who 
 are placed, by these rules, under certain restrictions as to the 
 acquisition of settlement, to provide for the removal of such restric- 
 tions, — 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: — 
 
 L 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 received relief:
 
 MBNTi]^] REMOVALS A?n> SETTLEMENTS. '^87) 
 
 i/jfriap'^y- 'a']iei«^6W-^hm1<t|rmgi\^^-]^eMd' (V(iitt ixny monthly 
 ■w^fLi lo meeting-, wlio shall hu\'e been for three years without the 
 
 repetition of any such assistancertJ'^l^-JJ Jjyiubi^noj yd aaluj 
 4. By the widow of a person having within one year before 
 
 bis decease received relief from any monthly meeting, who 
 
 shall have been for two years after the decease of the 
 
 husband without receiving relief herself: 
 
 '»! 5. By any child of any person so recorded, or of any persoQ 
 
 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 ; without respect to the length of time during 
 
 which such wife and children may have been members of 
 
 the monthly meeting. 
 
 XII. In order to prevent any delay of relief, it shall be incum- 
 bent 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 meetins: in which the settlement of the 
 friend is, any expense which the former may have incurred on his 
 account, shall on application be reimbursed by the latter. 
 
 Whenever a case of relief is taken up by one meeting on behalf 
 of another, notice should 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 meeting, and consequently in all other respects under its 
 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 
 
 N N
 
 '^86 REMOVALS and SETTLEMENTS. [Suppi^e- 
 
 manner, without unnecessarily making any other monthly meeting 
 of which the party may have been intermediately a member, the 
 channel of communication. 
 
 XIII. 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 coutivin 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 sufficient, 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 
 
 • Tie dat: of Other mcetlug, (or from funds under the direction of any such 
 l^'Le c^'i meeting,) to families or individuals as proper subjects of relief from 
 fnvaiurations ^ mojitlilv meeting, 
 
 £""t;. 1820.— * 1 82: 
 
 merely verbal- 
 
 US 
 
 11 We have been brought into a feeling of sympathy with such of 
 
 our members as are engaged in the sea-faring line, and recommend 
 that friends in the several meetings to which persons of this de- 
 scription 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.
 
 MENT*3v] ''T^2h::id'i raw i-^ 
 
 (lJJO'4ii( v''l" 111.1. ■('"■.r(i/-i f. -nti;- (. 
 
 
 ..J 10 ono ^..1 ;,,S.C 11 1 P T U R E S. 
 
 (Continued from page 1750 
 
 '•' (lohfiiiieirn'i - 
 
 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 (hat 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 concerned 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 
 blcssin-. 1807. P. E. 
 
 'o- 
 
 It has afforded us much satisfaction to believe, that the Christian H 
 
 practice of daily reading in families a portion of Holy Scripture, with 
 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 invaluable treasure of the sacred records, frequently to recur to 
 them ["or instruction and consolation. We are desirous that this 
 wholesome domestic regulation may be adopted every where. 
 Heads of families, who have themselves experienced the benefit of 
 religious instruction, will do well to consider whether, in this re- 
 spect, they have not a duty to discharge to their servants and others s«Mastcr»!3'<.5 
 
 nn2
 
 288 SCRIPTURES. [Supple- 
 
 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. i815. P. E. 
 
 9 Amongst the numerous benevolent undertakings which now in- 
 
 terest the minds of our countrymen, we contemplate, with much 
 satisfaction, the general circulation of the Holy Scriptures. Our 
 sense of that inestimable treasure has been frequently acknow- 
 ledged ; and we feel ourselves engaged to call the attention of such 
 
 5,. Youth*, 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 
 
 John vi. 35. of Life," and the "Light of men;" that " Light which lighteth 
 every man that Cometh into the world." 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 attri- 
 buting 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. 
 
 Aiid Si! Cond. arid Coiivers. 16. Parents y 17.
 
 MENT.] - E 289 ] 
 
 SLAVE-TRADE and SLAVERY 
 
 (Continued from page 180. J 
 
 The dismal subject of the Slavc-Trade, the source of accuinu- 1 1 
 
 latiug misery to Africa, of accumulating- guilt to Britain, and of 
 continued reproach to the holy religion which, in common with 
 our countrymen, we profess, has claimed our sympathy in this 
 meeting : and we desire our friends may be individually prompt 
 to entertain for these our fellow-men the sensations of pity, which 
 on various occasions may arise. Where, friends, shall we find a 
 juster cause of regret, than to see a nation professing Christianity, 
 pouring forth from her harbours numerous equipments, not 
 designed to improve and exalt, but to degrade, enslave, and 
 consign to misery, those very nations, to which, in recompense 
 for ages of injury and insult, she owes the benefits of brotherly 
 kindncsSj and Christian example ! 1805. P. E. 
 
 Now, beloved brethren, a subject, a deeply interesting subject, 1- 
 
 hath intervened among our deliberations on the state of our 
 Society ; and its 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 (o the 
 sufferings of the Africans, and spoke of the coutiimance 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 
 restriction of the trade has taken place ; that the annual enslaviii"^ 
 of thousands is prevented ; and that the prospect again open.s, 
 with increased brightness, of a termination to the wrongs of 
 Africa! 1806. P. E.
 
 390 SLAVE-TRADE and SLAVERY. [Supple- 
 
 13 We are inclined to express our thankfulness for an event which 
 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 righteous- 
 ness, which ever dignified the councils of any govenncnt ; 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. 
 
 14 Although the infamous traffic with Africa in slaves has been 
 abolished by law, we desire friends not to forget that Slavery still 
 exists within the British empire^ and to suffer their sympathy still 
 to flow towards its oppressed victims. 1812. P. E. 
 
 15 We hope that friends will continue to feel a deep interest in 
 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 emancipa- 
 tion. 1816. P. E. 
 
 16 This meeting has been deeply affected on hearing that the 
 Slave-Trade, 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 commiseration. 1820. 
 P. E.
 
 r 1 1 iKji 
 
 MEW,]- . VTTnVAJ [ ,R9lHC]|/i5IT rf\ t 
 
 ii'jfH// jnsvj 111 '/lu'J>{jiB<{t I'l 
 
 -v/ollai TOO to ifii alil»;' ■ 
 
 ;uo jt08B9i t< ; 9jlt ' I ■ iro 
 
 ',.W .JahriD yd eoraoo ji 
 
 ootrf TITHES. 
 
 ' • ' : fContinued/rom page 194.J- 
 
 
 We retain an unabated concern that friends may be stren^ilj- os 
 ened to support, on principle^ our testimony against a ministry 
 not depending on the fresh opening of the Spirit of Christ in the 
 heart, and supported by pecuniary means. We believe also, that 
 this testiniony to the purity of genuine and free Gospel ministry, 
 strongly evinces th^t the fovmatioa of our Society was not an 
 effort of human wisdom : neither is there any thing more calcu- 
 lated to sap our foundation, and render us a degenerate church, 
 than a general departure trom this principle. 1809. P. E.
 
 I 293 ] [SuppLE- 
 
 .:<> 
 
 TRADE. 
 
 K 
 
 (Continued from page 200. J 
 
 _. J adJ 
 
 14 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 rehgious and civil, ■ 
 is not duly regarded. The love of money is said in Scripture to 
 
 iTim. vi. 10. 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 imitating 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 
 industry, and not to habits of depending too much on the services- 
 of domestics. 1805. P. E. :>j 
 
 ;o 
 
 15 We are engaged tenderly to caution friends against an eager 
 pursuit after the things of this life. We believe that many whov* 
 begin the world w ith moderate views, meeting at first with success' 
 in trade, go on extending their commercial concerns, until they ' 
 become involved therein to a degree prohibited by the precepts 
 of Christ, and incompatible with their own safety. Thus situated,'-* 
 some may be tempted to adopt a line of conduct, dishonourable
 
 me^t] trade. 293 
 
 in iisclf and injurious to others. That contentment which charar- 
 terizes the pious Christian, is a trrasine 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 brin.sf 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. Wc believe that, were parents to instil into 
 the minds of their children principles of moderation and economy, 
 suited to their future expectations, it wotild, under the Divine 
 blessing, not only conduce to their preservation, but promote their 
 safety and comfort in lite. We are far from wishini; to discourage 
 honest industry; and further still from countenancing in any 
 degree a spirit of avarice. We are not insensible, that the 
 situation of many of our members is such as renders necessary 
 to them a diligent attention to the concerns of this life. Christian 
 simplicity and self-denial we would, however, earnestly recom- 
 mend : these attained, the object wliicli, in this respect, we have 
 at heart for all our dear friends, will be accomplished. 1815. P. E. 
 
 OiiR smypafhy is much excited for tliose, who, after fair pros- 16 
 
 pects, 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 light- 
 ened by beholding in their oflspring a disposition to industry and 
 economy, and a willingness that their expectations should not 
 exceed those limits which become a Christian character : this we 
 believe would ultimately tend to their greatest good. JJefore we 
 quit this subject, we would remind our friends of the former advice iv-.v. 4 tys. 
 of this meeting, that where any have injured others in their ^' '^*" 
 property, the greatest frugality shcidd be observed by themselves 
 and their families ; and although they may have a legal discharge 
 from their creditors, both equity and our Christian |)rofession 
 demand, that none when they have it in their power should rest 
 
 o o
 
 294 '^^ft^U. [Suppi,^; 
 
 satrsned, until a just restitution be- -made to those who have 
 suffered by therti. ISl^T.'^^'P^^l^* iy:na,nj .aoe^tit.iuUuifi. ai gay/eg 
 
 ■ vfo:- .■ . ' ''' 
 
 17 ..'This meeting thinks it right to express its judgment, that. the 
 
 * /. 199. last paragraph of the minute No. 9,* binder the head tradEj was 
 
 not intended to prevent monthly meetings from exercising the 
 discipline in cases where no advice may have been given prior to 
 insolvency. Nevertheless, it is not the intention of this meeting 
 fto weaken the recommendation respecting advice contained in the 
 aforesaid minute. 1816. b .oof Y,i>ni bnA' 
 
 18 Ox considering the subject of fictitious paper credit, as set forth 
 + /i. 197. in the minute No. 6,f under the head trade, we are of the judg- 
 ment^ that the said minute, conjoined with the first paragraph of 
 
 t/i. 109. JVb. 6, 1 under the head monthly meetings, constitutes a full 
 
 authority to deal with any who may be found delinquents in these 
 respects; aud we are concerned to stimulate overseers, friends 
 generally, and monthly meetings, to a vigilant and early attention 
 to the subject. 1817. 
 
 19 We have been painfully affected, and yet under a feeling of 
 
 tenderness for many, in receiving continued accounts of defici- 
 II Q""'" 2. encies in regard to the fifth Query. || We are aware that such 
 .02,v-uys.i- ^'^^ been, and still is, the depressed and fluctuating state of trade, 
 that it has subjected many to great difficulties, and rendered them 
 objects of much sympathy ; and yet we believe that, if friends 
 are careful to attend to the limitations of Truth in their trade, 
 they will generally be preserved from great trouble. It is the 
 duty of all, frequently to inspect into 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.
 
 Aiid We would affectiouatejy encourage friends, wlio find them- 
 selves in embarrassed, or even in doubtful cu'Cumstiances, not to 
 hesitate, not to be ashamed, to disclose their affairs to men of 
 nlpright character, in whom they can confide. Such a timely 
 'procedure would, we believe, often save the icputation of in- 
 dividuals, call forth the respect and compassion of their creditors, 
 ■and prevent the keen suiFerings of tender wives and innocent 
 children, and such reproach as, iu some instances, has been 
 brought upon our high profession. " -im 
 
 And may you, dear friends, who are favoured with outward 
 prosperity, so live, that when riches increase, you set not yoin* 
 hearts upon them. He very careful how you venture to increase 
 your ways of accumulating- wealth ; but walk as ensamplcs to 
 those around you, evincing that you are redeemed from the inordi- 
 ^uate pursuit of lawful things. You will then be more prepared to 
 enter with kindness into the situation of others, when they may 
 consult you ; you will be more qualified, and we hope that you, 
 as well as other friends of experience and sound judgment, will be 
 ready, to step forward, if occasion should occur, and in a brotherly 
 way advise your brethren, to take such measures as may prevent 
 those sufferinsrs to which we have alluded. 
 ■* As one means of aflbrding an opportunity for handmg a word ' ' 
 d0f counsel, if it should be deemed necessary, we recommend that 
 I'-Jiare should be taken to nominate judicious friends, in the respec- 
 f'tive monthly meetings, when appointments are made to advise .s«jv..i-.v.soo. 
 ^'iheir members to a careful inspection into the state of their affairs 
 ^^nce in the year. 1819. 
 
 o o 2
 
 ■ui% 
 
 [, S96 ] [Supple-. 
 
 ion j09?[?^t dh-a 
 
 opnabi.bqob luox ^^"^^'^I 3Z:uz^n mtiuij .nuu^i^v-ucolo oiqo1 s 
 -OR hnfi ^b10'ff ni ,?■■:'•''•'•...' sIchoDR'i ^^^ • •-^'^trme bn.e eisaO no 
 
 .bn9tnoDbnB,snnT< *^^ A It. iJi»nd09i lo JnJqg erit 
 
 (Continued from page 204 J 
 
 H 9rfi ot no ... ,. wBib <> .aW?'^ •!f;^'^ ..bsnibnr'siB aW 
 
 uijiighiD fifi* Ti^dlo on ai II liiw * -nomitaai rjtto lo loot 
 
 bnc ,889i!J9t -jouboiri^'"' :r.f!j bnft >voi 
 
 9 a-dPuR general scruple to bear arms is well known ; and truly-^e 
 
 ave satisfied that our testimony in this respect is a testimony 
 i«a, Ji*. 2«. for Messiah, of whose reign it is the glory, that " the Avolf and 
 the lamb shall feed together." 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 becoraeth 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 prosperity at his disposal, than 
 by contributing, all that in us lies, to increase the number of 
 meek, humble, ,and self-denving ChrLstiauSw. j 1804:,, .P. E..,-.-.u. .v 
 .,j (,r.; i .. ••■ " ..-vv, -,. -n-^n ■I""!?-" 'r'?'^') sbnsi-i^ 
 
 10 , j pN the calamitous subject of war, we do not feel much now to 
 say. Friends, you are not ignorant of what adorns our profession.
 
 with respect to this subject. Only this mouUI wc say. Make it not 
 a topic of conversation. Guard a<;ainst placing- your dependence 
 on fleets and armies ; be peaceable yourselves, in words and ac- 
 tions; and pray to the Father of the universe that He would breath(; 
 the spirit of reconciliation into the liearts of his erring, and contend- 
 ing creatures. 1805. P. E. 
 
 We are inclined, dear friends, to draw your attention to the 1 1 
 
 root of our testimony against war. It is no other than Christian 
 love, and that righteousness which produces peace, quietness, and 
 perpetual assurance, as its natural fruit. This draws the mind away 
 from those passions and desires, in which are laid the foundations 
 of contest. Let us then frequently 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 
 re.spect ; showing by their conduct that they truly follow a Master 
 who was holy, harmless, undetiled, and separate from sinners. 
 1809. P. E. Jflrft bnr. 
 • ■> f.r\r,q smoa ni Jon ytsfT; 
 
 It is the jn'dgrnent of this meeting, that it is inconsistent with VZ 
 
 our well known testimony against war, for friends to be in any 
 manner aiding and assisting in the conveyance of soldiers, their 
 baggage, arras, ammunition, or military stores. 1810. 
 ' i':i)'-.j-itC iU'i '.■■■■'!•'■ ■• • ''^ ■ •■■,.: '■ " ' ' '■' 
 
 It apjiearing to ^hiis the^etirig^tRM Sbm^e' of 'oiir' members have l.i 
 caused their property to be protected by armed men, a tender 
 concern has been felt, that friends may, on all occasions, endeavour 
 to have their confidence placed 6n Divine protection, and tluis 
 be enabled to support our Christian testimony against such modes 
 of defence. This meeting further feels itself engaged to caution 
 friends every where against keeping 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, ouv
 
 298 ^WAR. [SupptE- 
 
 Society may not, by thus becoming- liable to contribute to the 
 destruction of their fellow-creatures, violate our peaceable prin- 
 ciples ; in the belief of tJje reetitude,-and^veiv safety of which, we 
 feel our minds confirmed. 1812. ''" *' 
 
 1-i TuE continuance of the blessing of peace to this nation has 
 
 warmed our hearts with gratitude. Our refusal to bear arms is not 
 only a testimony against the violence and cruelty of war, but against 
 2 ciiron. xxxii, a confichcuce in what is emphatically termed in Scripture, the "arm 
 of flesh :" it is a testimony to the meekness and gentleness of 
 Christ, and a resigiiation to suffer, in reliance on the power, the 
 g'oodness, the protection, and the providence of the Almighty. Let 
 us, even now, seek to have our trust so firmly tixed on this unfailing 
 'source of help, that if our faith should be again put to the test, we 
 may have ground to look with humble confidence to Him in whom 
 we "have believed. 1819. P. E 
 
 ?. 
 
 io iadiza bna 
 
 -•8 
 
 .iOt>Ui
 
 •jiii OT i>i. 
 -flhq okij .. 
 
 ( Continued from page 211.) 
 
 'WH »H_'» #*»II 
 
 ton 81 etmB iBsdol !> ^ 
 
 ' iB^oB Jud ,nBw 'io Y J 8 flno 
 
 If a quarterly meeting of women fiiejids should apprehend 7 
 itself so unable to give to its monthly meetings such assistance as 
 the j)lace of the one, and the state of theotlier require, as to think it 
 riffht to express such inability in its answer to the query* on (hat * gueriei 4. 
 subject. It is desued previously to lay the case before its mens 
 quarterly meeting for advice and assistance. And the quarterly 
 meetings of men friends arc desired to attend to such applications 
 as may be made, and give to their women's meetings all the 
 assistance they may be enabled to render them. 1803. 
 
 This meeting on considering the third of the rcgidations of 1792 H 
 and 1801, f under the head women's meetings, describing the nature +iV..c,/frf.iii. 
 and extent of the discipline committed to women friends, concludes 
 that when it may aj)j)ear proper to issue a certificate of removal 
 on behalf of a woman friend, the men's meeting on receiving 
 such information shall make a record of (he same, and then 
 request the women's nieeting to appoint two of its members 
 to make the needful inquiry. If no obsiriiclion arise, the friends 
 so appointed are to prepare a certificate agreeably to the second 
 and third rules| for Removals and Settlements; which after being t />■ "s-fsi. 
 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 
 manner, and is then to be returned to the women's meeting to 
 receive the signature of its clerk. 1822. 
 
 It is agreed that the following addition be made to the seventh 9 
 
 of the regulations of 1792 and IS01,|| relative to women's meetings; "'J",*!',^"-^"
 
 300 YEARLY MEETING, [Supple- 
 
 namelyj — Unless, after mature deliberation, and from any peculiar 
 circumstances which may attach to the case, the men's meeting, 
 feeling satisfied that the ends of our discipline have been fully 
 answered by the labour of the women friends, shall be convinced 
 that it is not its place to make any appointment on the case of 
 delinquency. 1822, 
 
 YEARLY MEETING. 
 
 (Continued from page 216.^ 
 
 17 It is agreed that the representatives shall meet at the close of 
 
 the first sitting of the meeting in each year, and shall, when so met, 
 nominate a clerk for the current year, from amongst themselves; 
 except that they shall be at liberty to nominate the former clerk, 
 although he may not be under the appointment of representative. 
 And it is further agreed, that the representatives shall also nominate, 
 from among the members of this meeting, two friends to be assist- 
 ants to the clerk. 1807.— 1822. 
 
 13 This meeting recommends that in future the names of the 
 
 representatives to the yearly meeting, besides being subjoined 
 .Sc-r N:. » t;- 'J. to the answers to the queries, previously to the signatiu'e of the 
 clerk, be indor.-ed thereon, with the addition of a reference to 
 any minute or testimony which may be sent from the quarterly 
 meeting. And monthly and quarterly meetings are desired, in 
 indorsing the accounts of sutierings, to arrange the amount 
 under the following, with any incidental, heads : Tithes in kind — 
 Tithes, priests' demands, and those called church-rates, by war- 
 rant — Mililarij demands hy warrant. 1806. — 1816. 
 
 /. 2:4.
 
 MENT.] [301 ] 
 
 ;■ :>In J — .rhmun 
 
 Y O U T II. 
 
 (Continued from page 2200 
 
 And you, tender youth, yet in that most critical time of life, in 
 A\hich 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 attainment is greater than to be 
 able in a pure heart to say, " Thy will be done" ? and this, by the 
 Spiritof Him who taught his immediate follower:- 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 immor- 
 tality. 1801). P. E. 
 
 And, dear youth in general, especially you wlio have left, or 
 are about to leave, the protection of a parent, and to enter into 
 the busy scenes of life ; some of yon, probably, in populou.s 
 towns, far different from the retirement of your paternal al)odes, 
 we beseech you to guard against the new temptations which may 
 now assail you. Oppose the first incitement to any liberty in- 
 consistent with your principles, and be willing to seek the society 
 of experienced friends in the places where yon may be situated, 
 
 r p
 
 302 YOUTH. [StpptE- 
 
 and to receive their admonition with meekness and , attention. 
 Never forg'ct 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, wlio has said, (and 
 John vi. 37. hjs words are Amen for ever.) " Him that conieth to me 1 will in 
 no Wise cast out." 181^. P. E. 
 
 8 Dear young friends, our hearts are warmed with love to j/o?^. 
 We desire that it may be your frequent concern to seek for an 
 establishment 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 humili- 
 ating' in their nature, this is no cause for dismay. Those who 
 steadily pursue the path of a true disciple, will, through the good- 
 ness of the Lord, at times be permitted indubitably to feel that 
 they are the objects of his paternal regard. Thus they will have 
 cause to acknowledge the great benefit of patient religious 
 exercise. They will from their own experience know an increase 
 of (rue 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 Redeem in^g Love, though undervalued by too niany, is above 
 all things precious. We are consoled in the belief, that the feet 
 of jnany of our beloved young friends have been turned into 
 this path. And it is our earnest desire, that neither the fear pf 
 man, the offence of the cross, an aversion to the simplicity of the 
 Truth, nor the activity of their owu wills, may interrupt their 
 progress ; but that they may, through the unfoldings of Divine 
 
 I johuv. 4. counsel, come to know an establishment in that faith which giveth 
 the victory. 1817. P. E. 
 
 9 The youthful mind, in ila love for the cause of religion, is 
 readily led into tvctiou.!. Here is a fresh call for watchfulness. 
 A benevolent desire to promote the Lord's work in tlie earth, 
 and to serve their fejlow-men, may have imperceptibly led some 
 from a close and frequent examination of the state of their own
 
 JA^m.f' Y O U T H. 303 
 
 hearts." 'In mixinj^ in public companies, and in witnessing the 
 success) of the efforts that are used to promote the common good, 
 our own minds may be ofralitied, but our quick perception of 
 spiritual instruction may be weakened. Far be it from tliis niect- 
 iuj^ to discourage its members from sharing- in those excellent 
 labours, in which we can, consistently with our religious principles, 
 unite. In the universal dispersion of the sacred volume, and in 
 the moral and religious instruction of the poor of this and of 
 other countries, we feci a very lively interest. We rejoice in the 
 progress of tiiese good works ; but our earnest concern for all is, 
 tJiat 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 own Society, may be faithful to their call, and diligent in 
 their Master's service. And may you, whose laboiu's are more 
 extended, he especially careful, that your exertions for the good 
 of others are adorned and enforced by humility, and by that 
 consistency with our principles, which can only be maintained I)y 
 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. 
 
 This meetins: having- taken into consideration the loss which '0 
 
 youth sustain for want of suitable places being timely known, 
 wherein they may be placed out as apprentices, agrees that each 
 monthly meetitig be desired to inquire, (at least at the monthly 
 meeting which occurs before every quarterly meeting,) whether any 
 masters want apprentices, or any boys want places; and if tlie in- 
 quiry should not supply the respective wants, to transmit an account 
 of tliosc which are imsupplied to the quarterly meeting. 1S06. 
 
 It appears from information received by this meeting, that i I 
 
 young men, members of our Society, who have removed to 
 London from various parts of the country, are frequently, from 
 the want of proper superintendence and suitable employment, 
 placed in circumstances of great ditliculty and danger. This 
 >iU io t^]ir p p 2
 
 .'i04 Y O U T H.V [S 
 
 UPPLE- 
 
 mccting- has been painfully affected on lliis subject.; and, whilst 
 we feel a tender sympathy with, such individuals, we believe it 
 right earnestly to impress pn-the attention of 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 
 j)rotection or employment. It is but too evident, that such a 
 proceeding may lead even to their ruin; and we affectionately 
 recommend to young men in the country, who may be unable to 
 procure employment, as well as to their parents, that they patiently 
 wait for some proper opening, rather than venture on so dange- 
 rous a risk. We believe that much may be effected by the kind 
 endeavours of friends, in procuring for our young men situations 
 in the country ; and if these endeavours were diligently used 
 immediately on the return of lads from school, it would often be 
 the means of preventing future difficulties. 
 
 It is peculiarly desirable 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 movements, and the evils 
 consequent upon them, might be prevented. We would also advert 
 to the great importance of forwarding certificates on behalf of such 
 young persons, as early as possible after their removal; and of 
 placing them, even before the sending of their certificates, under 
 the kind notice of friends. 
 
 In reference to this subject, which has thus engaged our atten- 
 .s^,- Queries 8. tioH, wc are again coucemed earnestly to advise friends, in their 
 y;. Hs. choice of servants, apprentices, and assistants, to prefer the 
 
 members of our Society. Such a preference seems to form an 
 essential part of the care which we owe to our own religious body, 
 and has probably never been more needful than at the present 
 time. 
 
 We would affectionately advise the parents of our young men, 
 not to seek high things for their children ; and young men them- 
 selves, to rest contented v/ith that station in life in which Divine
 
 WENT.] YOUTH. 3U5 
 
 Providence may liave placed Ihem. Great is the safety of true 
 contentment. There can be no real dignity in any station, with- 
 out a religious 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 aftbrd to many young persons 
 a salutary and desirable occupation. Were there more true 
 humility amongst us, and more willingness contentedly to occupy 
 our proper stations, we believe that the painful dillicullics to 
 which we have now alluded, would be very much avoided. 1891. 
 
 Dear young friends, your advancement in the way of piety 12 
 
 and virtue continues to be a subject of our earnest solicitude. 
 We tenderly e.xhort 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 indirectly, inculcate a disbelief in 
 the benefits procured to us by the sufl'erings 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 retirement 
 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 faithfiU, dependent children. And, as we 
 can rejoice in the persuasion that many of you have yielded to 
 the visitations of Divine Love, we wish to encourage these to 
 hold on in the path of dedication, to continue 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 necessity 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
 
 306 YOUTH. [SuppLE- 
 
 will find that an increase of years produces an increasing con- 
 viction that we are entirely dependent upon God for fresh supplies 
 of strength ; but he will be animated to persevere, from the con- 
 soling 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.
 
 MENT.] 
 
 I 307 1 
 ITT U O . 
 
 INDEX TO THE SUPPLEMENT. 
 
 •»* The IJeads are dUlinguished by being printed in small Capiluls. 
 
 Accounts : the keeping of clear accounts 
 
 recommended, /j«;-t' 294. 
 Acknowledgment of certificates, p. 281, 
 
 282. 
 Admonition, general advice respecting, 
 
 p. 258. 
 Appeals, Rules for, p. 237 — 248. 
 Apprentices, p. 303, 304. Jnd sec Mas- 
 
 TERS, &c. 
 
 Arms, p. 297 {No. 13.) 
 
 Bible. See ScuirTur.ES. 
 Books, p. 249, Jnd see p. 305. 
 
 Capital punishments, adverted to, p. 250. 
 Catalogues of books, to be revised, &c. 
 
 ;). 249. 
 Certificates of removal, forms of, p. 280, 
 
 281. Jnd see p. 279, also i09. Early 
 
 forwarding of, p. 278. 304. 
 Certificates for ministering friends, p. 271, 
 
 and see p. 268. 
 Children. See Pauents, &c. and Youth ; 
 
 also Removals and Settlements. Right 
 
 of children to membership, p. 272. 
 Civil commotions, conduct in times of, 
 
 ;). 253. 
 Civil Goveujjment, p. 250. 
 Conduct and CoNVEnsATioN,;j. 251 — 253. 
 Convinced Persons, p. 254, 255. 
 Criminals in prison, recommended to notice, 
 
 p. 250. 
 
 Detraction, p. 259. 
 Difforences, settling of, p. 261, 262. 
 Discipline and Meetings Foa Discipline, 
 /;. 256—258. 
 
 Economy, p. 292, 293. 
 
 Education, the important dudes relative to, 
 
 p. 273—276. 
 Elders, p. 268. 279. 
 
 Failures, p. 293, 294. Jnd see Removals 
 
 AND Settlements. 
 Faith. Attacks upon the Christian faith 
 
 adverted to, p. 253. 305. 
 Fictitious paper credit, p. 204. 
 First day of the week, p. 252. 267. 
 Forgiveness of injuries, p. 260. 
 Furniture, ;). 269, 270. 
 
 Guernsey and Jersey, p. 273. 
 
 Humility, p. 252. 259. 
 
 Insolvency. Sec Failures. 
 
 Lists of Members, p. 272. 
 Love and Unity, ;>. 259 — 262. 
 
 Maruiage, p. 263. 
 
 Masteks, Mistresses, and Servants, 
 
 p. 264. And seep. 287. 304. 
 Meah, pause before, p. 251.
 
 308 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings, p. 264. 
 
 Meetings for Discipline. See Discipline, 
 &c. See also p. 272 {No. 18.) 
 
 Meetings for Worship, p, 265 — 267. 
 See also p. 256 {No. 22.), p. 258, and 
 p.i7% {No. 18.) 
 
 Members, lists of, p. 272. 
 
 Membership of children, p. 272. 
 
 Military baggage, &c. p. 297. 
 
 Ministers and Elders, and their Meet- 
 ings, p. 268. Acknowledging ministers, 
 |). 271. Certificates for ministers, 271. 
 Ministers removing, p. 279. 
 
 Moderation & Temperance, jj. 269, 270. 
 
 Monthly Meetings, p. 271, 272. 
 
 Mothers. See Parents, &c. andparticu- 
 larli/, p. 274, 275. 
 
 National Stock, p. 273. 
 
 Parents, Guardi 
 
 p. 273 — 276. See also 
 PI 
 
 Removals and Settlements, p. 278 — 286. 
 Representatives to the Yearly Meeting, 
 
 names how to be given in, p. 300. 
 Retirement of mind, opportunities for, &c. 
 
 p. 251. 252. 264. 287. 
 
 Scotland, p. 241. 268. 
 
 Scriptures, p. 287, 288. See also p. 251 
 
 252. 264. 275, 
 Sea-faring persons, p. 286. 
 Servants, p. 264. 287. 304. 
 Situations for young men,&c./7. 303 — 305. 
 Slave-Trade and Slateuy, p. 289, 290. 
 Sufferings, accounts of, p. 300. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Tithes, jj. 291. 
 
 Trade, p. 292—295. See also 
 
 305. 
 Travellers in business, p, 251. 
 
 269. 
 
 ;oN, 
 
 r, War, p. 296—298, 
 5. Women's Meetings, p. 299, 300. See 
 
 inness, p. 269, 270. 274. also p. 277, 
 
 I eparative Meetings, p. 256. See also p. Worship, public, duty of, ;j. 265. Nature 
 272 {No. 18.) of, p. 266. Punctuality in attendance, 
 
 p. 267. 
 
 ABENTS, «jrUJlUUiANS, AND EdUCATI 
 
 ;>. 273— 276. See also p. ^S8. 
 Plainness, p. 269, 270. 274. 
 Preparative Meetings, p. 256. 
 
 Queries,/). 277. And seep. 299 {No. 7.) 
 Receipt stamps, p. 250. 
 
 p. 267. 
 
 Yearly Meeting, p. 300. 
 YouTiij J}. 301—306. 
 
 LONDON; 
 Printed by William Phillips, George Yard, Lombard Street.
 
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