To all our Friends and Brethren, at the several Monthly and particular Meetings; in and throughout the County of York  
GREETING,  
WE your Friends and Brethren, who are Assembled together in the fear of God, to consider of the affairs of the truth in ●●lation to our Christian Society in the County afforesaid, hav● under our tender and Christian Consideration the great Lo●● Mercy and Favour of our God, in making known unto (with many more) the way of Life and Salvation, in and the Blessed Appearance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who by the discoveries of his Light, Grace and Holy Spirit, hath not only given us to see vanities and wickedness of this present World, but also through Faith in him, a●● by the Glorious power and virtue of his spirit and goodness; he hath in a g●●●● measure gathered a Remnant out of those vanities, defilements and pollutions wherein the World lies, to walk with him in that Divine light and Heav●●ly way which has always been the Path of the Just, and wherein the Faith to God do find great peace, comfort and satisfaction in him, having been ●●●cretly touched and inwardly wrought upon by his power and spirit, not only the mortifying of Sin and evil, but also to the Quickening and raising up of souls of many unto newness of Life, and so are thereby brought into a capa●●● of worshipping and serving God; not in the oldness of the Letter, but in the ●●●ness of that Spirit and Life, wherein acceptance with the Father is known, whereby we are brought into a spiritual fellowship and Communion with in the Son of his Love, and are made living members, of that Spiritual bo●● whereof Christ our Lord is the head, who is to have the Rule and prehemin●● in the Church that so every member therein may be acted and governed, by power and spirit, to the praise and glory of God and mutual comfort o● another.  
Yet in as much as we have all one common Enemy, to watch against wh● his temptations does endeavour to ensnare the weak and (if possible) by his ●●tillty and allurements to overcome many (whom the Lord by his grace and 〈◊〉 has been at work withal) and draw them back again, into those vanities defilements which they have formerly been subject to, and which the Lord his spirit doth testify against; therefore it is very necessary for every one 〈◊〉 ●ath known and experienced the goodness of the Lord in order to call and ga●●er them out of the ways of the World, and his heavenly hand to be stretched 〈◊〉 for their help and deliverance, that they be very careful and watchful in ●●eir ways, that the enemy prevail not again upon any of them to darken ●●eir minds, and bring them back into folly and vanity, and make them sub●●ct to that power and spirit of darkness, whereby their minds may become alienated from God; and their understandings vailed, so that its possible, they ●ay return again, into the practice of those things which they have formerly ●een addicted to, and which once they have been sensible the Lord by his Spirit ●ath testified against, and reproved them for, as also its possible that such may 〈◊〉 too prone, to admit of, or otherwise Indulge, such things not only in themselves, but also amongst their Children and Families, which in the time of their ●st Convincement, they durst not allow of, nor are they to be allowed of in our ●hristian society.  
Therefore, we being thus sensible of the great love and kindness of our God, ●●wards his people on the one hand, and of the wiles of the Enemy, of the other ●●nd, and being Jealous that but too many (especially in a time of outward ease ●●d Liberty) who have proffest the truth of our God, and have outwardly walk●●● in society with us, both have been and still may be, not so Cautious, diligent ●●d circumspect as they ought to be, upon divers accounts: And also having ●●der our Consideration the many Living, sound, wholesome and Christian testimonies, Cautions, Admonitions and directions which have formerly been ●●●m time to time, and upon several occasions given forth by our ancient Friends ●●d Brethren, who have Laboured amongst Us, in the word and Doctrine; As ●o the Counsel and advice of our Friends and Brethren Recommended unto 〈◊〉 at sundry times, and in divers Letters and Epistles from the Yearly Meeting at ●●●don, desiring Friends care in the matters and things hereafter mentioned; As revival of the former testimonies, cautious advice and directions as aforesaid, ●●d in order to stir up Friends in their several and respective monthly and particular meetings, unto a holy care and diligence in these respects: We have ●●nd it to be our place and duty at this time in the love of God, and under the ●●●y exercise, of his divine Grace and Goodness, wherein the Lord is pleased to ●●cerne us, with many more of his Children and People, to recommend the ●●●●owing particulars unto all our Friends and Brethren, at their several Month●● and particular meetings in the County aforesaid, and by way of caution and brotherly advice; in the same Love, we do tenderly lay these things before you, Questioning your Concurrence therewith, in this our holy and Christian concern for the Glory of God and comfort of his People.  
First, It is desired that all such as proffess the truth of Our God, and themselves to be members of that body, whereof Christ our Lord is head; Be very Careful, and diligent in their several places, at seasonable and convenient time to meet and Assemble together in the Name and fear of God, to wait upon an● worship him in Spirit and truth, according to Divine Institution, and that non● grow careless or negligent therein, so as to forbear to meet together as aforesaid unless they have some urgent occasion to hinder them; and that Friends in thei● coming together have regard to meet in due time, and as near all together a● well can be, and when so met; that every one Wait, to be gathered in mind an● Spirit near unto the Lord, that so, they may be exercised in that which Heavenly and pure, to the praise and Glory of God and mutual comfort on● of another, and in their several exercises, that they be very careful to keep o●● of all formed and Affected notes, and sounds, that do not purely spring and arise from that life and birth which has acceptance with the Father, and where any such persons as profess the truth are found, to be either negligent in meeting together, or in coming in due time, or otherwise do give any just occasion 〈◊〉 any in the matters aforesaid, that such be carefully spoken to, and dealt wi●● by way of Caution, Advice and Admonition, and other such Christian, a●● regular proceed as in the wisdom of God may be seen convenient.  
Secondly, That all such Friends as have any public Testimony, or Servi●● in the Meetings or Assemblies of Friends; Be very careful and watchful th●● their Ministry and service stand in that Divine wisdom, Spirit and Power, which truly reaches, and Informs the minds and understandings of people in heavenly and Spiritual things, as also in that which edifies, builds up, and confirms the heritage of the Lord in that which is Pure and Holy, that so such as spe●●●● may speak as the oracles of God: And those that minister may do it as of the ability that God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, and as it is both a High and holy calling, so to Minister from God to 〈◊〉 people, it is absolutely necessary, and we do advise, that all such as be exerci●●● or concerned therein, be very cautious in their Words, and Testimonies, a●● that they speak the things which becomes sound Doctrine; in gravity and sincerity, recomending their Testimonies to every man's Conscience in the sight 〈◊〉 God, as also, that they be watchful and careful in their ways and practi●●● that their Lives and Conversations may answer their Testimonies; And such as becomes the Gospel, and in all things showing themselves patterns of g●●● works, in Doctrine, Incorruptness, Gravity, Sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot 〈◊〉 condemned: That those who are of the contrary part may be ashamed, hav● no evil thing justly to say of them, and that none be found to concern themselves in public Testimonies amongst Friends, acting in their own will or w●●dom, and not in a Holy Subjection to the power and wisdom of God, nor p●●ceeding in a forward unqualified manner, speaking words without true knowledge, or not becoming sound Doctrine, nor meddling with things they understand not, to the grief and trouble of Friends; but that all such as are, or may ●e concerned in the Work and service of the Gospel, may in all things endeavour 〈◊〉 show themselves approved unto God and his People, in that which is pure and Holy, to the praise and Glory of him that has called them unto that excellent work, and also to the help, comfort, and edification of his People.  
Thirdly. That all such as profess the truth be careful to keep to the ●●ain and single Language unto all people, And that parents do not by any ●eans, Indulge their Children in speaking to either of them in the plural ●●mber, not in any other matter contrary to truth's Testimony; nor allow ●●em the Liberty of those sports and plays which viciate their minds, and corrupt their manners, but train them up in the fear of God, Restraining ●●em from evil folly and vanity, and as much as in them Lies cause them whilst in their minorities to read the holy Scriptures of truth, And such books, are profitable: And to frequent the Assemblies of God's People; and bring ●●em up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord; That so they may grow as a Generation to serve the Lord in their day: And that none go into, ●r be found, in the Vain and Gaudy Habits, Dresses, Attires, nor Foolish, matick Modes, and Fashions of the World; either in Apparel, Furniture, or ●ther superfluities whatsoever, nor Join with any in observing and keeping the Feasts, feast-days, banquets or vain customs of the World, but that all ●●ep both in Habit and Practise every way, unto that Decency, plainness, ver●● and moderation which becomes the Truth, and as People professing the ●●spell of our blessed Lord: And where any fault, defect, or misdimenour 〈◊〉 appear, and is manifest amongst such as profess the truth, in these respects, ●any other: It is desired that such Persons be duly Cautioned, Warned, Admonished, and dealt with by honest Friends, in such manner as in the wisdom 〈◊〉 God, and according to Truth's order may be seen convenient.  
Fourthly, That all such as proffesse the truth, be careful in their deal ●●d concerns amongst men; that they be not forward or Lavish in praising 〈◊〉 commending their wares and merchandizes beyond the real and true de●●●; That they be cautious in their words, and expressions upon every ac●●●nt; And that they be punctual in performing their promises, And that 〈◊〉 yea, be yea, and nay nay in all their Conversations: That they endea●●●● both in their discourses and conversations to dwell inoffensively under the government; and as much as in them lies labour to live peaceably with all men. And if any differrances happen to fall out one amongst another that care be ●●●en to lay the matter before friends in due time, in order to be heard and ●●●●rmind by them, And that none do forwardly engage themselves in suits, or controversies at Law with any others, But upon Just and Righteous grounds, 〈◊〉 with good advice and deliberation, And none Launch forth or go into greater matters, bargains deal and concerns in the world than they are able to manage well; and honourably go through with good credit and reputation; Nor contract such debts, As they are not capable to make good and punctual payment of in due time, But that in all things friends may so endeavour to keep, in such a holy; Just, Righteous, And self denying way and method, in all their deal and concerns whatsoever, as may tend to truth's praise and their comfort, And wherein any thing of the contrary i● found, in any of these cases or any other where truth's reputation is or may be concerned, It is desired that friends have a watchful and careful eye, in due time towards such, to advise caution admonish reprove and deal with then in a regular and Christian way, That so (if possible) a stop may be put to all such proceed as may in the least be hurtful or of an ill report, And if any have, already gone too far in contracting further or greater debts, the● they are capable of discharging: That such be advised by no means, to absent themselves, nor flee from Justice, But yield up what estate they have to th● creditors towards payment of their just debts, as also offer up their bodies to the Creditors, unless they will be pleased to give them leave to be at liberty to labour for more, towards their relief, and further Satisfaction or payment of their debts, And if any person that proffesses the truth do refuse or neglect to take the advice and counsel of friends herein (or in any other matter 〈◊〉 this or the like nature or tendency) that such may be dealt with in due time ●ven as the nature of the fact may require, in order to clear the truth of suc● aspersions, as may arise through such persons acting contrary to Justice, reaso● and equity, and the advise of friends in those cases.  
Fiftly. That all such as profess the truth be very cautious in their proceed relating to Marriage that their eye be not so much to the world and worldly ends, as unto the Lord, and the concurrence of his grace and goodness, 〈◊〉 all those concerns, that they be not hasty or forward in making such proposals to any but with good advice, caution, and deliberation; and when (〈◊〉 after) such proposals be made and are not Embraced that there be a waiting 〈◊〉 patience for some reasonabletime to see what may be effected or done therein before there be attempts made, of such proposals to another, That so not may be found in such Levity and unconstancy, as is manifest in the world, 〈◊〉 running hastily from one person to another: And that before any such proposals be made, That the parents, or such as have those persons in tuition or Guardianship (if any such be) be first spoken to, And their consent obtained therein (if possible) and also that widowers and widows be not to forward in making or accepting proposals, of Marriage again after the decease of former wives or husbands, but that there be some Considerable forbearance in those cases: And that care be taken before any such widower widows be permitted to marry again, or consent be given thereto, That ●uch provision and settlements in temporal things be made and done for the ●ormer Issue, Child or Children of such deceased husband or wife, as shall be, ●een and appear to be fair, just, honest, and reasonable: For the preserving of love peace and unity in families, and amongst relations; as also for preserving ●he Rights of Infants, and those in minority, from being wasted and spent contrary to reason and equity: And that due examination be made, touching ●he clearness of all parties concerned before consent be given, according to ●ormer advice, and when any marriages are accomplished or soleminized ●mongst friends, that they be performed in the fear of God, and in a grave, ●ober, devout, and solemn manner; before several witnesles, And Attested Certified, and Recorded, according to former advice. And that friends be careful at such times to keep out of the forms, modes, and customs of the world 〈◊〉 feasting and other superfluities, as also in riding or going in great com●anies together in a vain splendour, or wanton manner, and that care be taken ●mongst such as proffess the truth, (as much as possible may be;) that none that ●ake proffession of truth, do concern themselves, in matters of marriage any ●ay, or in making proposals relateing thereunto, with such as are not friends, ●or reputed to be of our society, nor walk in fellowship with us in the grace ●nd spirit of Christ, and that none marry or go about to endeavour the ●●me without the consent, or contrary to the order and practice of friends.  
And where any are found, to err or go aside in these respects, contrary 〈◊〉 the advice and counsel of friends, and to that Righteousness self-denial ●●rity plainness, and decency which becomes true Christanity and a people ●●offessing Godliness and virtue, or that do concern themselves, in matters 〈◊〉 marriage with such as are not friends nor owned to be of our society or do ●arry without consent and contrary to the order and practice of friends, that 〈◊〉 all these cases or any of them, let such be spoken to, advised admonished and ●●alt with by friends at their particular monthly meetings, even as the nature 〈◊〉 the fact may require, and as in the wisdom of God and according to ●●●ths order may be seen convenient.  
Sixthly, That all such as profess the truth be careful to keep up their testimonies against that great oppression of Tithes, and other Impositions which the ●●rd by his Spirit doth testify against; and are contrary to the Glorious liberty, ●●d freedom of the gospel dispensation; and that true records be kept of the ●●fering of friends in those cases (and all other) upon truth's account, in every monthly meeting and an account thereof fairly transcribed be brought up ●●ce every year (at least) to the quarterly meetings to be recorded there, and ●●t care be taken in every particular meeting to nominate one or two faithless friends to attend each monthly meeting, as also that each monthly meeting do take care to nominate and appoint one or two such faithful honest weighty and disreet Friends to attend the quarterly meetings as are in good unity with friends whose service may be to God and his people, and are capable to represent that monthly meeting they do appear for, in giving Judgement of things relateing to truth and in doing and mannageing bussiness relateing to our Christian Society at the quarterly meeting.  
And, Lastly, as we desire that these particulars may be taken notice of an● observed amongst friends in their several places and stations. So to th● Intent that some care may be taken And Method used therein every wa● as the nature of the thing may require. It is agreed that a record hereof b● kept in the Quarterly meeting books, And Coppies of same be sent to ever● monthly meeting in this County, and we do advise and desire that it ma● be recorded there, and enquiry made at the monthly meetings as occasion 〈◊〉 touching friends care about the things herein contained, And that Copy hereof be sent to be read in every particular meeting, And that every monthly meeting take care to nominate and appoint two or more honest sober weighty and discreet friends in every particular meeting to take care in the matter  (some for one thing and some for another) as friend's fin● a freedom and willingness in their minds to undertake the same, and 〈◊〉 friends in the wisdom of God at the several monthly meetings shall see convenient, That so in the spirit of love and meekness friends may advise, Caution Admonish, reprove, and deal with such persons as proffess the truth, and 〈◊〉 not answer the principle, and testimony thereof in their lives and conversations, nor walk according the advice, and Counsel of friends in the●● respects, in a sober, holy, plain, and Godly manner as becomes a people reform●● in principle and practice; from the errors vanities and superfluities, of th● present world: And that friends at their several monthly meetings, do spe●● or write to such friends, as shall be so appointed, desiring their care in t●● premises, Recording their names in the monthly meeting books, who th●● are in every particular meeting that are appointed and willing to take ca●● in such things, and that if upon their advice, caution, reproof or admoniti●● such person or persons shall happen to refuse, or neglect to take notice ther● so as to demean themselves, as becomes the truth, and the professors ther● That in those cases the persons so appointed do take care as afforesaid ●●lay the matter before friends at the monthly meeting they belong to, th●● so the persons may be dealt with according to truth's order, as the nature● fact may require, And as in the wisdom of God may be seen convenient That so in all things relateing to our holy fellowship and Christian soci●●● friends in their several places, may keep in that Righteous pure holy decent a●● sanctified state and order, in principle doctrine devotion and conversation every way as becomes the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, And a people professing the same, That God over all who is rich in his mercies favours and blessings to us every way, may have the glory and praise who is worthy for ever and ever. Amen.  
Given forth at Our Quarterly Meeting held at York, the Twentieth day of the First Month, 1690. Signed by the Order, and on the behalf of the Meeting by Thomas, Hammond.