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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Purchased from the income
of the bequest of
WILLIAM ROBERTSON COE
Honorary M.A. 1949, for
material in the field
of American Studies.

DISCIPLINE

Society of Friends,

INDIANA YEARLY MEETING.

Revised by the Yearly Meeting held at Richmond, in the
year 1878, and printed by direction of the same.

BICHMOND, IND.:
NICHOLSON & BRO..
1878.

INDEX.

Acknowledgments   54
Advices to Parents and Children  62
Advices, General  86
Advices to Ministers and Elders  98
Advices relative to Ministers  102
Advices relative to Marriage  108
Amusements  53
Appeals  89
Applications for Membership  75
Arbitrations  58
Baptism  ,  31
Births and Deaths  120
Books  65
Burial Grounds  120
Certificates of Removal  78
Certificate of Bemoval, Form of  122
Certificates from England  80
Charity  57
Children  62
Children, Bights of  76
Christian Simplicity  50
Civil Government  42
Clerks  69
Communications to Yearly Meeting  70
Conduct, Disorderly  52
Contributing to Support of Church  116
-Deaths and Births  120
Detraction  56

VI INDEX.

Declaration of Faith  18
Concerning God the Father  18
Jesus Christ  18,23,25,52
Holy Scriptures  21, 22, 5*
Family Worship.  21
Besurrection of Dead  23
Holy Spirit  29, 53
Baptism  _,  30
The Supper of our Lord  31
Public Worship  31
Prayer  34
Observance of First Day of the Week. 3T
Disorderly Conduct  52
Disownments  54
Discipline, Meetings for  67
Divorce  114
Drunkenness  53
Elders and Ministers  92
Elders and Ministers, Meetings of  96.
Elders and Ministers, Queries for  97"
Elders and Ministers, Advices to  98:
Elders  100'
Executors  48-
Family Worship  21, 8&-
First Day of the Week  37
Fortune Tellers  53
Funerals  119
Gambling  53
Government, Civil.  42
Holy Scriptures  21, 22, 53,' 65, 69
Introduction  1
Intemperance  41
Indiana Yearly Meeting  70
Interments  120
Joining another Eeligious Society  77
Jugglers  53

INDEX. VII.
Law  44
Letters from other Beligious Denominations  75
Liberty of Conscience  43
Marriage  108
Marriage, Advice relative to  108
Marriage, Bules of  110
Meeting Houses  118
Meetings for Worship  31, 54
Meetings for Discipline  67
Meetings, Bepresentative  71
Membership, Applications for . ._  75
Memorials  121
Ministers and Elders  92
Ministers and Elders, Meetings of  96
Ministers and Elders, Queries for  97
Ministers and Elders, Advices to  98
Ministers, Acknowledgment of  92
Ministers, Liberating  94
Ministers, Supply of  94
Ministers, Support of  95
Ministers advice relative to  102
Ministers, decease of  121
Mourning Habits  120
Moral Duties  39
Moderation  51
Monthly Meetings  67
Oaths  39
Opium  42
Overseers  81
Parents and Children  62
Pernicious Publications  65
Poor  81
Prayer  34
Preparative Meetings  67
Public Worship  31
Quarterly Meetings  67
Queries  84

VIII. INDEX.

Queries for Ministers and Elders  97
Becords  68
Becord of Births and Deaths . . .-  120
Eeligious Societies, Letters from.  75
Beligious Societies, Letters to  77
Beligious Society, Joining another  77
Bemovals  78
Eepresentative Meeting  71
Eepresentatives  70, 74
Besignations  78
Bights of Children  .•  76
Secret Societies  55
Simplicity  50
Slavery  41
Spiritual Gifts  105
Supper of our Lord  31
Support of Church  116
Temperance  41
Testimonials of Disownment  54
Theatrical Exhibitions  53
Tobacco  42
Tombstones  120
Trade  45
Treasury  115
Trustees  48
Unbecoming Behavior in Meeting  53
Unity   '.  56
War  39
Yearly Meeting  67, 70

Christian Discipline.

INTRODUCTION.
ON THE OKIGIN OF THE CHKISTIAN DISCIPLINE ESTAB
LISHED AMONG FEIENDS.
By the term discipline, is to be understood all
those arrangements and regulations which are in
stituted for the civil and religious benefit of a
Christian Church. The Meetings for Discipline
are, of course, for the purpose of carrying those
objects into effect ; their design was said by George
Fox to be — the promotion of charity and piety.
It can not be said that any system of discipline
formed a part of the original compact of the
Society. There was not indeed, to human appear
ance, anything systematic in its formation. It
was an association of persons who were earnestly
seeking after the saving knowledge of Divine
Truth. They were men of prayer, and diligent
searchers of the Holy Scriptures. Unable to find
true rest in the various opinions and systems which
in that day divided the Christian world, they be
lieved that they found the Truth in a more full
reception of Christ, not only as the living and ever-
present Head of the Church in its aggregate
capacity, but also as the light and life, the spiritual
1

2 INTRODUCTION.

ruler, teacher, and friend, of every individual
member. These views did not lead them to the abandon
ment of those doctrines which they had heretofore
held, in regard to the manhood of Christ, his pro
pitiatory sacrifice, mediation, and intercession.
They did lead them, however, to much inward re
tirement and waiting upon God, that they might
know his will, and become quick of understanding
in the fear of the Lord ; and they were very fre
quent in their meetings together for mutual edifica
tion and instruction, for the purpose of united
worship in spirit and in truth, and for the exercise
of their several gifts, as ability might be afforded
by Him who has promised to be with the two or
three disciples who are gathered together in his
name. From these meetings, in which the love of God
was often largely shed abroad in • the hearts of
those who attended them, even when held in
silence, most of those ministers went forth, who in
the earliest periods of the Society, proclaimed to
others the truth as they had found it, and called them
from dependence on man to that individual knowl
edge of Christ and of his teachings, which the '
Holy Scriptures so clearly and abundantly declare
to be the privilege of the Gospel times. As these
views struck at the very root of that great corrup
tion in the Christian Church, by which one man's
performances on behalf of others had been made
essential to public worship, and on which hung all
the load of ecclesiastical domination and the

INTRODUCTION.

trade in holy things; so it necessarily separated
those who had, as they believed, found the liberty
of the Gospel from those who still adhered to
that system which was upheld by the existing
churches of the land.
Being thus separated from others, and many
being every day added to the church, there arose,
of course, peculiar duties of the associated persons
toward each other. Christianity* has ever been a
powerful, active and beneficent principle. Those
who truly receive it no more " live unto themselves ; "
and this feature and fruit of genuine Christianity
was strikingly exhibited in the conduct of the early
Friends. No sooner were a few persons connected
together in the new bond of religious fellowship,
than they were engaged to admonish, encourage,
and, in spiritual as well as .temporal matters, to
watch over and help one another in love.
The members who lived near to each other, and
who met together for religious worship, immedi
ately formed, from the very law of their union, a
Christian family or little church. Each member
was at liberty to exercise the gift bestowed upon
him, in that beautiful harmony and subjection
which belong to the several parts of a living body,
from the analogy to which the apostle Paul draws
so striking a description of the true church : " Ye
are the body of Christ and members in particular."
Of this right exercise of spiritual gifts, and
thereby of an efficient discipline, many examples
are afforded in the history of the earliest period of
the Society : we shall select one which we believe

INTRODUCTION.

may be considered as fairly illustrating the prac
tice of early times. Stephen Crisp, in his memoirs,
speaking of his own state soon after his convince-
ment, which was in 1665, and within a few years of
the establishment of a meeting at Colchester, the
place of his residence, thus expresses himself : —
" The more I came to feel and perceive the love of
God and his goodness to me, the more was I hum
bled and bowed in my mind to serve Him, and to
serve the least of his people among whom I walked ;
and as the word of wisdom began to spring in me,
and the knowledge of God grew, so I became a
counselor of those that were tempted in like
manner as I had been : yet was kept so low, that I
waited to receive counsel daily from God, and from
those that were over me in the Lord, and were in
Christ before me, against whom I never rebelled
nor was stubborn ; but the more I was kept in sub
jection myself, the more I was enabled to help the
weak and feeble ones. And, as the Church of God
in those days increased, and my care daily in
creased, and the weight of things relating both to
the outward and inward condition of poor Friends
came upon me ; and being called of God and his
people to take the care of the poor, and to relieve
their necessities as I did see occasion, I did it
faithfully for divers years, with diligence and much
tenderness, exhorting and reproving any that were
slothful, and encouraging them that were diligent,
putting a difference according to the wisdom given
me of God, and still minding my own state and
condition, and seeking the honor that cometh from
God only."

INTRODUCTION.

Thus, then, we believe it may be safely asserted,
there never was a period in the Society when
those who agreed in religious principles were wholly
independent of each other, or in which that order
and subjection which may be said to constitute
discipline did not exist. But, as the number of
members increased, those mutual helps and guards
which had been, in great measure, spontaneously
afforded, were found to require some regular ar
rangement for the preservation of order in the
church. The history of these proceedings affords no small
evidence that the spirit of a sound mind influenced
the body in its earliest periods. Contending, as
they did, for so large a measure of individual
spiritual liberty, and placing the authority of man,
in religious matters, in a position so subordinate to
that of the one Great Head of the church, they
nevertheless recognized the importance and neces
sity of arrangements and of human instrumentality,
under the direction of the Spirit of Christ ; and they
were led to establish a system of order at once so
simple and efficient, that, notwithstanding the
varying circumstances of the Society, and the
power of every annual meeting to alter it, it has
been found, in its particulars, adapted to those
changes, and it remains to this day essentially the
same as it was within forty years of the rise of the
Society. Previously, however, to the establishment
of that regular system of discipline, and of that
mode of representation in the meetings for con
ducting it, which now exist, there had been many

6 INTRODUCTION.

General Meetings held in different parts of the
nation, for the purpose of providing for the various
exigencies of the Society. George Fox mentions,
in his Journal, that some meetings for discipline
were settled in the north of England, so early as
1653. The first General Meeting, of which we are
aware that any records are extant, was held at
Balby, near Doncaster, in Yorkshire, in the year
1656; and from this meeting a number of direc
tions and advices were issued, addressed " To the
Brethren in the North. " This document refers to
most of the points which now form the chief sub
jects of our discipline. It contains instructions as
to the Gospel order of proceeding with delinquents,
and advices to husbands and wives, parents and
children, masters and servants, as to the discharge
of their relative duties, and also in regard to strict
justice in trade, and a cheerful and faithful per
formance of civil offices in the commonwealth.
George Fox mentions attending a General Meeting
in Bedforshire, in 1658, which lasted three days;
at which he says " there were Friends present from
most parts of the nation, and many thousands of
persons were at it." He also mentions attending
a meeting at Skipton in 1660, "for the affairs of
the church, both in this nation, and beyond the
seas ; " and he says that he had recommended the
establishment of this meeting several years before,
when he was in the north ; " for many Friends
suffered in divers parts of the nation ; their goods
were taken from them contrary to law, and they
understood not how to help themselves, or where

INTRODUCTION.

to seek redress." " This meeting," he adds, "had
stood several years, and divers justices and cap
tains had come to break it up ; but when they
understood the business friends met about, and
saw Friends' books, and accounts of collections
for the use of the poor; how we took care one
county to help another, and to help our friends
beyond sea, and to provide for our poor, so that
none should be chargeable to their parishes, the
justices and officers confessed we did their work,
and would pass away peaceably and lovingly. "
Next to General Meetings we must notice the
establishment of Quarterly Meetings, which were
constituted of Friends deputed by the several
meetings within a county. These meetings, in
several of the counties at least, had existed prior
to the establishment of Monthly Meetings, and
they appear to have had much the same office in
the body as the Monthly Meetings now have
among us. George Fox, in an epistle of an early
date, writes thus respecting them : " In all the
meetings of the county, two or three may be
appointed from them to go to the Quarterly Meet
ings, to give notice if there be any that walk not
in the truth, or have been convinced ancl gone from
the truth, and so have dishonored God ; and like
wise to see if any that profess the truth follow
pleasures, drunkenness, gaming, or are not faithful
in their callings and dealings, nor honest, but run
into debt, and so bring a scandal upon the truth.
Friends may give notice to the Quarterly Meetings
(if there be any such), and some may be ordered to

8 INTRODUCTION.

go and exhort them, and bring in their answers to
the next Quarterly Meeting. And to admonish all
them that be careless and slothful to diligence in
the truth and service for God, and to bring forth
heavenly fruits to God, and' that they may mind
the good, works of God, and do them in believing
on his Son, and showing it forth in their conversa
tion, and to deny the devil and his bad works, and
not to do them ; and to seek them that be driven
away from the truth into the devil's wilderness by
his dark power ; seek them again by the truth, and
by the truth and power of God bring them to God
again." It appears to have been with our Society as it
had been with the primitive church, that the care
and provision for its poor members was among the
earliest occasions of disciplinary arrangements.
The occasion for this provision was much increased
by the cruel persecutions and robberies to which,
on their first rise, the Friends were almost every
where exposed. It was no rare occurrence, at that
period, for the father of a family to be thrown into
a dungeon, and for the house to be spoiled of the
very children's beds and all their provisions. Nor
was it uncommon to seek their entire proscription
and ruin, by refusing to deal with them. Well may
we say with reverent thankfulness, in reference to
those times, " If it had not been the Lord who was
on our side, when men rose up against us, then
they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath
was kindled against us."
The members of the persecuted Society were far-

INTRODUCTION. 9

from opulent ; but they proved themselves rich in
charity, as well as in faith and hope ; and the illus
tration of these virtues, by the sacrifices which
they- made for the relief of their more afflicted
associates, and their unbroken constancy in the
sufferings which they endured for the testimony of
a good conscience, were doubtless among the
practical arguments which at length extorted the
commendation even of their enemies.
A second, and perhaps contemporaneous, object
of the meetings, for the discipline of the Society,
was the obtaining of redress for those illegally
prosecuted or imprisoned. Though so patient in
suffering, they deemed it their duty to apprise
magistrates, judges, and the government, of illegal
proceedings, and to use every legal and Christian
effort to obtain redress. Several Friends in London
devoted a large portion of time to this object, and
regular statements of the most flagrant cases were
sent to them, and were frequently laid by them be
fore the king and government. Their constancy in
suffering was hardly exceeded by their unwearied
efforts to obtain relief for their suffering brethren,
and for the alteration of the persecuting laws ; and
through these means the cause of religious liberty
was essentially promoted.
A third object, which at a very early period of
the Society pressed upon its attention, was the
proper registration of births and deaths, and the
provision for due proceedings relative to marriage.
Their principles led them at once to reject all
priestly intervention on these occasions, and hence

10 INTRODUCTION.

the necessity for their having distinct arrange
ments in regard to them. In some of the meetings
of earliest establishment regular registers are pre
served from the year 1650 to the present time.
Great care was taken in regard to proceedings in
marriage ; investigation as to the clearness of the
parties from other marriage engagements, full pub
licity of their intentions, and the consent of
parents, appear to have been recommended in
early times as preliminaries to the ratification of
the agreement between the parties ; and this act
took place publicly in the religious meetings of the
Society. Marriage has always been regarded by
Friends as a religious, not a mere civil compact.
The right education of youth, the provision of
suitable situations for them as apprentices or other
wise, and the settlement of differences without
going to law one with another, were also among
the early objects of the Society's care.
The last object of the discipline in early times
which we shall enumerate, was the exercise of
spiritual care over the members. As the Society
advanced it was soon reminded of our Lord's
declaration: "It must needs be that offenses
come." Evidencing, as the Society did to a large
extent, the fruits of the Spirit, there were those
who fell away from their Christian profession, and
walked disorderly ; and sound as was the body of
Friends in Christian doctrine, there were members
who were betrayed into false doctrines and vain
imaginations; and pure, and spiritual, and con
sistent with true order and Christian subjection as

INTRODUCTION. 11

were the principles of religious liberty avocated by
the Society, there were those who appear to have
assumed them under the false expectation of an
entire independence.
To all these cases the discipline was applied in
very early times ; yet the spirit of tenderness,
which breathes through the writings of George
Fox in regard to the treatment of delinquents, and
which there is good reason to believe was practi
cally illustrated, to a large extent, in the conduct of
the Friends of those days, is worthy of especial
notice. From one of his epistles we make the fol
lowing extracts : " Now concerning Gospel order,
though the doctrine of Jesus Christ requireth his
people to admonish a brother or sister twice before
they tell the church, yet that limiteth none so as
that they shall use no longer forbearance. And it
is desired of all, before they publicly complain,
that they wait to feel if there is no more required
of them to their brother or sister, before they ex
pose him or her to the church. Let this be
weightily considered, and all such as behold their
brother or sister in a transgression, go not in a
rough, light, or upbraiding spirit, to reprove or
admonish him or her, but in the power of the
Lord and spirit of the Lamb, and in the wisdom
and love of the truth, which suffers thereby, to
admonish such an offender. So may the soul of
such a brother or sister be seasonably and effectu
ally reached unto and overcome, and they may
have cause to bless the name of the Lord on their
behalf, and so a blessing may be rewarded into the

12 INTRODUCTION.

bosom of that faithful and tender brother or sister
who so admonished them. And so keep the church
order of the Gospel, according as the Lord Jesus
Christ hath commanded ; that is, ' If thy brother
shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his
fault between thee and hioa alone ; if he shall hear
thee, thou hast gained thy brother : but if he will
not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more,
that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every
word may be established : and if he shall neglect to
hear them, tell it unto the church.' "
We now proceed to notice the more regular and
systematic establishment of Monthly and Quarterly
Meetings, and of the Yearly Meeting. Though
the history of those times bears ample testimony
to the useful part which was taken in this impor
tant work by many faithful Friends, yet it is clear
that George Fox was the chief instrument in the
arrangement and establishment of these meetings.
There was doubtless much reference to his indi
vidual judgment, but it is worthy of notice how
carefully he sought to keep the body from an im
proper dependence upon him. As in his preaching
he directed his hearers to Christ for themselves, as
alike their and his teacher, so in the discipline of
the Society he labored diligently that the body
might be strengthened to help itself.
Under the date of 1666, George Fox says, in his
Journal : " Whereas, Friends had had only Quar
terly Meetings, now truths were spread and Friends
were grown more numerous, I was moved to recom
mend the setting up of Monthly Meetings through-

INTRODUCTION. 18

out the nation. ' ' In 1667 he labored most diligently
in this service, under much bodily weakness from
his long confinements in cold and damp prisons.
In 1668, he thus writes : " The men's Monthly
Meetings were settled through the nation. The
Quarterly Meetings were generally settled before.
I wrote also into Ireland, Scotland, Holland, Bar
badoes, and several parts of America, advising
Friends to settle their men's Monthly Meetings in
those countries, for they had their Quarterly Meet
ings before." These Monthly Meetings, so insti
tuted, took a large share of that care which had
heretofore devolved on the Quarterly Meetings, and
were no doubt the means of bringing many more of
the members into a larger sphere of usefulness
and the exercise of their respective gifts in the
church, the free course for which he was so anxious
to promote. With reference to this subject, he ob
serves, in one of his epistles : " The least member
in the church is serviceable, and all the members
have need one of another."
The Quarterly Meetings from this time received
reports of the state of the Society from the Monthly
Meetings, and gave such advice and decisions as
they thought right ; but there was not, until some
years after this period, a general Yearly Meeting,
at which all the Quarterly Meetings were repre
sented. Of the establishment of that meeting we
come now to speak.
In the year 1672, a General Meeting of ministers
was held at Devonshire House, London : among
its proceedings we find the following minute, in

14 INTRODUCTION.

which we trace the origin of the Yearly Meeting,
constituted as it now is of representatives from
various parts of the kingdom. "It is concluded,
agreed, and assented unto, by Friends then present,
that, for the better ordering, managing, and regu
lating of the public affairs of Friends relating to
the truth and service thereof, there be a General
Meeting of Friends held at London once a year,
in the week called Whitsunweek, to consist of six
Friends for the city of London, three for the city
of Bristol, two for the town of Colchester, and one
or two from each of the counties of England and
Wales respectively."
This representative Yearly Meeting met at the
time proposed in 1673, and came to the conclu
sion, that the General Meeting, constituted as it
then was, " be discontinued till Friends, in God's
wisdom, shall see a further occasion; and it was
further agreed, that the General Meeting of Friends
who labor in the work of the ministry, do continue
as formerly appointed." This meeting of Friends
in the ministry appears to have been regularly
held annually from this time to the year 1677
inclusive. In 1675, a series of important advices and in
structions were agreed upon, and sent forth to the
several meetings : they are contained in an epistle,
and are thus introduced : " At a solemn General
Meeting of many faithful Friends and brethren
concerned in the public labor of the Gospel and
service of the Church of Christ, from the most
parts of the nation." This document is signed by

INTRODUCTION. 15

eighty-one Friends, most of whom are well known
as conspicuous in the early history of the Society ;
and the spirit of fervent piety and charity which it
breathes is well worthy of their character. In
1677, it was agreed again to convene the meeting
of representatives in the ensuing year, and then to
advise respecting its continuance. Accordingly, in
1678, the representative Yearly Meeting assembled
in London, and, after agreeing upon several
matters, the substance of which was conveyed to
the various meetings of Friends in the form of an
epistle with much Christian counsel, concluded to
meet again the next year after the same manner ;
and these meetings have continued to assemble
once a year in London, with unbroken regularity,
to the present time.
When the General Meeting of ministers trans
ferred much of its duties to the representative
Yearly Meeting, of which they formed a part, there
were some portions of the service of these meetings
which more particularly belonged to the ministers.
Although the power to approve and disapprove of
ministers rested with the members of the church to
which they respectively belonged, in the capacity
of a Monthly Meeting, yet it was deemed fitting
that the ministers should have an especial over
sight of each other, and that they should meet to
gether for mutual consultation and advice in regard
to those of their own station.
George Fox, in 1674, writes thus : " Let your
general assemblies of the ministers [in London, or
elsewhere] examine, as it was at the first, whether

16 INTRODUCTION.

all the ministers that go forth into the counties do
walk as becomes the Gospel ; for that you know was
one end of that meeting, to prevent and take away
scandal, and to examine whether all who preach
Christ Jesus, do keep in his government and in the
order of the Gospel, and to exhort them that do
not." Meetings for these purposes, in which
Friends in the station of elder are now united,
continue to be regularly held.
All the meetings which have been hitherto
described were conducted by men ; but it was one
of the earliest features of our religious economy to
elevate the character of the female sex, by recog
nizing them as helpers in spiritual, as well as in
temporal things ; holding, in the former, as well as
in the latter, a distinct place, and having duties
which more peculiarly devolved on them. For this
purpose meetings were established among them,
with a special regard to the care and edification of
their own sex. The views of George Fox in regard
to the establishment of these meetings are conveyed
in the following passages : " Faithful women,
called to a belief of the truth, and made partakers
of the same precious faith and heirs of the same
everlasting Gospel of life and salvation, as the men
are, might in like manner come into the profession
and practice of the Gospel order, and therein be
meet-helps to the men in the service of truth, and
the affairs ia the church, as they are outwardly in
civil and temporal things ; that so all the family
of God, women as well as men, might know,
possess and perform their offices and services in

INTRODUCTION. 17

the house of God : whereby the poor might be
better taken care of ; the younger sort instructed,
informed, and taught in the way of God ; the dis
orderly reproved and admonished in the fear of the
Lord : the clearness of persons proposing marriage
more closely and strictly inquired into in the wis
dom of God ; and all the members of the spiritual
body, the church, might watch over and be helpful
to each other in love."
Thus was a system of order and government, in
conformity with the spirit of Christianity, estab-
lised among us in early times ; and thus a field
was opened for the exercise of the various gifts, by
which the church, the body of Christ, is edified.

SECTION I.

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
CONCERNING GOD THE FATHER.
[Extract from George Fox's Epistle to the Governor of Bar
badoes, 1671.J
We do own and believe in God, the only wise,
omnipotent, and everlasting God, the Creator of
all things in heaven and earth, and the Preserver
of all that He hath made ; who is God over all,
blessed forever; to whom be all honor, glory, do
minion, praise and thanksgiving, both now and for
evermore ! JESUS CHRIST.
And we do own and believe in Jesus Christ, his
beloved and only begotten son, in whom he is well
pleased; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
and born of the virgin Mary; in whom we have
redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness
of sins ; who is the express image of the invisible
God, the first born of every creature, by whom
were all things created that are in heaven and in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be
thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers ;
all things were created by him. And we do own
and believe that he was made a sacrifice for sin,
who knew no sin, neither was guile found in his

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 19
mouth ; that he was crucified for us in the flesh,
without the gates of Jerusalem ; and that he was
buried,. and rose again the third day by the power
of his Father, for our justification; and we do
believe that he ascended up into heaven, and now
sitteth at the right hand of God. This Jesus, who
was the foundation of the holy- prophets and
apostles, is our foundation; and we do believe
there is no other foundation to be laid but that
which is laid, even Christ Jesus ; who, we believe,
tasted death for every man, and shed his blood for
all men, and is the propitiation for our sins, and
not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole
world: according as John the Baptist testified of
him, when he said, " Behold the Lamb of God, that
taketh away the sin of the world, " John, i. 29. We
believe that he alone is our Redeemer and Savior,
the captain of our salvation, who saves us from
sin, as well as from hell and the wrath to come,
and destroys the devil and his works ; who is
the Seed of the woman. that bruises the serpent's
Jiead, to-wit : Christ Jesus, the Alpha and Omega,
the First and the Last. He is (as the Scriptures
of truth say of him) our wisdom and righteousness,
justification, and redemption ; neither is there sal
vation in any other, for there is no other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must
be saved. Acts, iv. 12. It is He alone who is the
Shepherd and Bishop of our souls ; He it is who is
our prophet, whom Moses long since testified of,
saying, " A prophet shall the Lord your God raise
up unto you of your brethren, like unto me ; Him

20 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.

shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say
unto you : and it shall come to pass, that every
soul which will not hear that prophet shall be des
troyed from among the people." Acts. ii. 22, 23.
He it is that is now come "and hath given us an
understanding, that we may know him that is
true." And He rules in our hearts by His law of
love and life, and makes us free from the law of
sin and death. We have no life, but by Him ; for He
is the quickening Spirit, the second Adam, the Lord
from heaven, by whose blood we are cleansed, and
our consciences sprinkled from dead works, to
serve the living God. He is our Mediator, that
makes peace and reconciliation between God
offended and us offending ; He being the Oath of
God, the new covenant of light, life, grace and
peace ; the author and finisher of our faith. Now
this Lord Jesus Christ, the heavenly man, the
Emanuel, God with us, we all own and believe in;
Him whom the high-priest raged against and said
He had spoken blasphemy ; whom the priest and
elders of the Jews took counsel together against,
and put to death ; the same whom Judas betrayed
for thirty pieces of silver, which the priests gave
him as a reward for his treason; who also gave
large money to the soldiers to broach a horrible lie,
namely, " That His disciples came and stole Him
away by night whilst they slept." And after He
was risen from the dead, the history of the acts of
the apostles set forth how the chief priests and
elders persecuted the disciples of this Jesus, for
preaching Christ and his resurrection. This, we

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 21
say, is that Lord Jesus Christ, whom we own to be
our life and salvation. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.
And as concerning the Holy Scriptures, we do
believe that they were given forth by the Holy Spirit
of God, through the holy men of God, who, as the
scripture itself declares, 2 Pet., i. 21, spake as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost. We believe they
are to be read, believed and fulfilled (he that fulfills
them is Christ) ; and they are " profitable for doc
trine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works," 2 Tim.,
hi. 16, 17 ; and are able to make wise unto salva
tion, " through faith in Christ Jesus."
So that we call the Holy Scriptures, as Christ
and the apostles called them, and holy men of God
called them — the words of God.
FAMILY WORSHIP.
We do declare, that we do esteem it a duty in
cumbent on us, to pray with and for, to teach, in
struct, and admonish, those in and belonging to
our families. This being a command of the Lord ;
the disobedience whereunto will provoke the Lord's
displeasure ; as may be seen in Jer., x. 25, " Pour
out thy fury upon the heathen that know Thee not,
and upon the families that call not upon Thy
name." Now Negroes and Indians make up a very great
part of the families in this island, for whom an

22 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
account will be required by Him who comes to judge
both quick and dead, at the great day of judgment,
when every one shall be rewarded according to the
deeds done in the body, whether they be good or
whether they be evil ; at that day, I say, of the res
urrection both of the good and of the bad, of the
just and of the unjust, " when the Lord Jesus shall
be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels,
in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that
know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ ; who shall be punished with everlast
ing destruction from the presence of the Lord, and
from the glory of his power : when he shall come
to be glorified in his Saints, and to be admired in
all them that believe in that day." 2 Thess., i. 7-10.
See also, 2 Pet., iii. 3, etc.
HOLY SCRIPTURES.
It has been, and still is, the belief of the Society
of Friends that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and
New Testament were given by inspiration of God ;
that, therefore, the declarations contained in them
rest on the authority of God Himself, and that
there can be no appeal from these to any other
authority whatsoever ; that they are able to make
wise unto salvation, through faith which is in
Christ Jesus. " These are written that ye might
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God ;
and that believing ye might have life through
His name." The Scriptures are the only divinely
authorized record of the doctrines which we are
bound, as Christians, to accept, and of the moral

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 23
principles which are to regulate our actions. No
one can be required to believe as an article of faith
any doctrine which is not contained in them ; and
whatsoever any one says or does contrary to the
Scriptures, though under profession of the imme
diate guidance of the Holy Spirit, must be reckoned
and accounted a delusion of the Devil.
[Extracts from a Statement of Christian Doctrine, issued
on behalf of the Society, in the year 1693.]
JESUS CHRIST.
[We reverently confess and believe] that divine
honor and worship are due to the Son of God, and
that He is in true faith to be prayed unto, and the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ to be called upon, as
the primitive Christians did ; and that we cannot
acceptably offer up prayers or praises to God, nor
receive a gracious answer or blessing from Him,
but in and through His dear Son.
RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD.
Concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the
great day of judgment yet to come, beyond the
grave, or after death, and Christ's coming without
us, to judge the quick and the dead (as divers ques
tions are put in such terms) : what the Holy Scrip
tures plainly declare and testify in these matters,
we have been always ready to embrace.
1. For the doctrine of the resurrection; if, in
this life only, we have hope in Christ, we are of all
men most miserable, 1 Cor., xv. 19. We sincerely
believe not only a resurrection in Christ from the

24 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
fallen sinful state here, but a rising and ascending
into glory with him hereafter; that when he at
last appears, we may appear with him in glory.
Col., iii. 4; 1 John, iii. 2.
But that all the wicked who live in rebellion against
the light of grace, and die finally impenitent, shall
come forth to the resurrection of condemnation.
And that the soul or spirit of every man and woman
shall be reserved in its own distinct and proper be
ing, and every seed (yea every soul) shall have its
proper body, as God is pleased to give it, 1 Cor., xv.
A natural body is sown, a spiritual body is raised ;
that being first which is natural, and afterward that
which is spiritual. And though it is said this cor
ruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal
shall put on immortality ; the change shall be such
as flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of
God, neither doth corruption inherit incorruption, 1
Cor., xv. We shall be raised out of all corruption
and corruptibility, out of all mortality; and the
children of God and of the resurrection shall be equal
to the angels of God in heaven. And as the celes
tial bodies do far excel terrestrial, so we expect our
spiritual bodies in the resurrection shall far excel
what our bodies now are. Howbeit we esteem it
very unnecessary to dispute or question how the
dead are raised, or with what body they come : but
rather submit that to the wisdom and pleasure of
Almighty God.
2. For the doctrine of eternal judgment : God
hath committed all judgment unto his Son Jesus
Christ ; and he is judge both of quick and dead,

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 25
and of the states and ends of all mankind, John,
v. 22, 27 ; Acts, x. 42 ; 2 Timothy, iv. 1 ; 1 Peter,
iv. 5.
That there shall be hereafter a great harvest,
which is the end of the world, a great day of judg
ment, and the judgment of that great day, the
Holy Scripture is clear. Matt., xiii. 39, 40, 41 ; ch.
x. 15, and xi. 24; Jude, 6. "When the Son of
Man cometh in His glory, and all the holy angels
with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His
glory, and before Him shall be gathered all nations,"
etc. Matt., xxv. 31, 32, to the end, compared with
ch. xxii, 31 ; Mark, viii. 38 ; Luke, ix. 26, and 1 Cor.,
xv. 52; 2 Thes., i. 7, 8, to the end, and 1 Thes., iv.
16; Rev., xx. 12, 13, 14,15.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
[Extract from the Minutes of the Yearly Meeting, 1829.]
We believe that the promise made after the trans
gression of our first parents, in the consequence of
whose fall all the posterity of Adam are involved,
that the seed of the woman shall bruise the head
of the serpent ; and the declaration unto Abraham,
" In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be
blessed," had a direct reference to the coming in the
flesh of the Lord Jesus Christ. To Him, also, did
the prophet Isaiah bear testimony, when he de
clared, ' ' Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is
given : and the government shall be upon His
shoulder : and His name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father,

26 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
the Prince of Peace : of the increase of his govern
ment and peace there shall be no end." And again,
the same prophet spoke of Him when he said,
" Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows : yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten
of God and afflicted ; but He was wounded for our
transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities :
the chastisement of our peace was upon Him ; and
with His stripes we are healed." The same blessed
Redeemer is emphatically denominated by the
prophet Jeremiah, "The Lord our Righteousness."
At that period, and in that miraculous manner,
which God in His perfect wisdom saw fit, the prom
ised Messiah appeared personally upon earth, when
"He took not on Him the nature of angels; but
He took on Him the seed of Abraham." He "was
in all points tempted like as we are, yet without
sin." Having finished the work which was given
Him to do, He gave Himself for us an offering and
a sacrifice to God. He tasted death for every man.
"He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for
ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
"We have redemption through His blood, even the
forgiveness of sins." He passed into the heavens ;
and being the brightness of the glory of God, " and
the express image of His person, and upholding all
things by the word of His power, when He had by
Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand
of the Majesty on high ; " and ever liveth to make
intercession for us.
It is by the Lord Jesus. Christ that the world will
be judged in Righteousness. He is the mediator of

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 27
the new covenant; "the image of the invisible
God, the first born of every creature : for by Him
were all things created that are in heaven and that
are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be
thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers ;
all things were created by Him, and for Him ; and
He is before all things, and by Him all things con
sist." "In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the
G(odhead bodily," and to Him did the Evangelist
bear testimony when -he said, "In the beginning
was the W'ord, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. The same was in the beginning
with God. All things were made by Him, and
without Him was not anything made that was made.
In Him was life ; and the life was the light of men."
He "was the true light, which lighteth every man
that cometh into the world."
Our blessed Lord Himself spoke of His perpetual
dominion or power in His church, when he said,
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and
they follow me ; and I give unto them eternal life ;"
and, when describing the spiritual food which he be
stowed on the true believers, he declared, "I am
the bread of life ; he that cometh to me shall never
hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never
thirst." He spoke also of His saving grace, be
stowed on those who come in faith unto Him,
when He said, "Whosoever drinketh of the water
that I shall give him shall never thirst ; but the
water that I shall give him shall be in him a well
of water, springing up into everlasting life."
Our religious Society, from its earliest establish-

28 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
ment to the present day, has received these most
important doctrines of Holy Scripture in their plain
and obvious acceptation ; and it is the earnest de
sire of this meeting, that all who profess our name
may so live, and so walk before God, as that they
may know these sacred truths to be blessed to them
individually. We desire that, as the mere profes
sion of sound Christian doctrine will not avail to
the salvation of the soul, all may attain to a living
efficacious faith, which, through the power of the
Holy Ghost, bringeth forth fruit unto holiness ; the
end whereof is everlasting life through Jesus Christ
our Lord. "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and
power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
[Extract from the Epistle of the Yearly Meeting, 1830.]
We are again made sensible that we can not
meditate on a subject more fraught with instruc
tion and comfort, than the coming of the Son
of God in the flesh, and the many blessings
which through him have been conferred on the hu-
*nan race — the coming of Him who, being born of
a virgin, "was made in the likeness of men;"
"who, being in the form of God, thought it not
robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself of
no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant." He "was delivered for our offenses, and
was raised again for our justification." It is
through Him whom God hath set forth to be a
propitiation, through faith in His blood, that we
obtain pardon for sin.

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 29
He ascended on high, he led captivity captive, he
received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious also,
that the Lord God might dwell among them. He
" sitteth on the right hand of God, " making inter
cession for us. He " is made unto us of God, wis
dom and righteousness, and sanctification, and re
demption ; " and unto Him we must look as our
Mediator and Advocate with the Father. He em
phatically describes himself as the "good Shepherd."
He is our Lawgiver ; and solemn indeed is the
declaration, that we must all appear before his
judgment seat, to receive our reward, according to
the deeds done in the body, whether they be good
or bad.
We feel that it is not a light matter thus to advert
again to the various offices of the Son and sent of
the Father ; and we beseech all whom we are ad
dressing, to contemplate these solemn truths with
due reverence ; yet frequently to meditate thereon,
seeking for the assistance of the grace of God
to direct their understandings aright. As this
is done with humble and believing hearts, the
conviction will increase, and ultimately become
settled, that it is a great mercy to know individu
ally that we have not a High Priest who can not be
touched with a feeling of our infirmities, but who
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet with
out sin. THE HOLY SPIRIT.
We believe that the Holy Ghost is in the unity of
the Eternal Godhead, one with the Father and

30 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
'  r 
the Son ; that he is the promise of the Father,
whom Christ declared He would send in His name ;
that He is come and convicts the world of sin;
that He leads to repentance toward God, and as the
Gospel is known, to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Coming in the name and in the authority of the
risen and ascended Savior, the Holy Spirit is the
most precious pledge of His continued love and
care. He glorifies the Savior and takes of the
things of Christ and gives them as a realized pos
session to the believing soul. He dwells in the
hearts of believers according to the promise of the
Savior ; I will pray the Father, and He shall give
you another Comforter, that He may abide with
you forever. He opens to them the truths of the
Gospel as set forth in Holy Scriptures, and, as they
exercise faith, guides, sanctifies, comforts and
supports them. BAPTISM.
" One Lord, one faith, one baptism, John
answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize
you with water ; but one mightier than I cometh,
the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to
unloose. He shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost, and with fire. "
We believe the one baptism of the Gospel dis
pensation is that of Christ, who baptizes His peo
ple with the Holy Ghost. The ordinances insti
tuted by God under the law were typical. When
Christ, the great Antitype, came and fulfilled
the law, He took away the handwriting of ordi-

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 31
nances, " nailing it to His cross ; " and since He
opened the new and living way, wliich He hath
consecrated for us through the vail, that is to say,
His flesh, we have access by faith, and enter into
the holiest by the blood of Jesus, without the inter- >
> vention of priest or ordinance, or any mediation /
{ but that of Him, the one Mediator.
THE SUPPER OF THE LORD.
We believe that the true supper of the Lord is
the communion which His believing children are
enabled to hold with Him, through the realization
of the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in their
hearts, who hath cleansed them from all sin, through
the offering of His body, and the shedding of His
blood upon the cross. This communion is des
cribed by Him in the words : " Behold I stand at
the door and knock; if any man hear my voice
and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup
with him, and he with Me."
f We believe this experience to be essential to the
life of the Christian. It is only in the strength of
this communion that he can pursue his heaven
ward journey, or bring forth fruit unto holiness;
for, saith our blessed Lord, "Except ye eat the
» flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, ye
\ have no life in you." PUBLIC WORSHIP.
It is our fervent concern to press upon the con
sideration of our members the duty of public wor=
ship. It is not enough that, after the example of

32 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
our forefathers, we meet together in one place, re
jecting those 'forms and ceremonies which were in
vented by the wisdom of man, as well as that worship
which is performed only in his will. Attending with
commendable diligence all our religious meetings,
we should wait in humble reverence for spiritual
ability to worship acceptably the Lord of Heaven
and Earth. May we, therefore, prayerfully seek that
we may experience the influence of His spirit, to
enlighten and quicken the soul to a true sight of its
condition; that feeling the spirit of supplication,
we may approach the throne of grace ; and under
a renewed sense of the Father's mercy and good
ness, may be enabled to offer the tribute of worship,
and the sacrifice of praise. This is the important
purpose of our assembling together : and though at
times there may be among us but little vocal ser
vice or even none, let not this produce any abate
ment of diligence in the duty. The ministry of theT
word in the life and power of the Gospel, is a great /
favor to the church ; but the distinguishing excel
lence of the Christian dispensation, is the immedi<
ate communication with our Heavenly Father, t
through the inward revelation of the Spirit of
Christ. May, therefore, the deportment of our\i
members, while engaged in this most solemn duty,
be such as to demonstrate that they are earnest in
the great duty of waiting upon, and worshiping God,
in spirit ; that serious and tender-hearted inquirers
may be encouraged to come and partake, in our as
semblies, of that inward and spiritual refreshment
and consolation, which the Lord is graciously pleas-

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 33
ed to impart to the souls of such as are humble in
his sight, and approach his holy presence with
reverence and fear.
May the faith of our dear friends be increased in
the immediate teaching of the Comforter, remem
bering the Savior's declaration, " He shall take of
mine and shall show it unto you." But let not
any think that because their meetings have been ,
usually held in silence, therefore they are to go on
from meeting to meeting, never expecting anything
else. The true worshipper is he who is resigned to
every intimation of, the Divine will ; not prejudging
the counsels of his Lord, nor allowing any habits
or fears of his own to bring him under a bondage
wherein the word of the Lord can neither have
free course nor be glorified. A self-imposed silence
in man's will may be no less formal or hurtful
than words wanting fitness or power.
And finally, Friends, collectively and individ
ually, may all our meetings be held as in the im
mediate presence of the Head of the Church ; may
the aged among us be examples of every Christian
virtue, and evince by the calmness of their even
ing, that their day has been blest ; may the middle-
aged not faint in their stations ; but together with
their elder and younger brethren, firmly support,
yea, exalt the several testimonies which we are
called to maintain. And, may the beloved youth
early and cheerfully submit themselves to the
yoke of Christ, that each, standing in his allot
ment, the harmony of the building may be pre-
3

• 34 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
served, and we truly grow up into a holy temple
for the Lord.
It is further directed, that Friends keep their
children, and such (members) as are under their
care, to a constant, seasonable, and orderly attend
ance of all our religious meetings, instructing them
to wait upon the Lord, that they may, by the help
of the Holy Spirit, be engaged in heart and mind
to walk worthy of His grace, and become dedicated
witnesses for Him among men.
PRAYER.
Ask, and it shall be given unto you ; seek and ye
shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Matt., vii. 7.
We do esteem it a duty incumbent on us to pray
with and for, to teach, instruct, and admonish those
in and belonging to our families. G. Fox's Epis.,
1671. We continue to believe that our disuse of set forms
of prayer is founded on a correct view of the spirit
ual nature of the Gospel dispensation. At the same
time we are persuaded, that all who have a just
sense of the value of their immortal souls, and of
their own great need of help from above, must re
joice with thankfulness, in knowing and in feeling
that they may pray unto our Father who is in
Heaven. Oh ! then that every one may, with a
sincere and believing heart, and with reverential awe,
approach the throne of Grace, trusting in the media
tion of Him through whom we have access by one

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 85
Spirit unto the Father. Let none be discouraged
from the performance of this duty by a sense of
their transgressions ; but in humility and sincere
repentance, let them implore the forgiveness of God,
who, as they thus come before Him, will supply all
their need. And if there be any who, if they deal
bonestly with their own hearts, must acknowledge
that they do not pray, may these deeply reflect upon
the danger of their situation, and be alarmed at
the great loss which they sustain, and avail them
selves of the high privilege of drawing nigh unto
God, and partaking of the assurance that He will
draw nigh unto them. (1828, P. E.)
May we all draw nigh unto God in prayer — ask
the assistance of His grace to help in time of need —
and look unto Him as our merciful Father, who is
in Heaven ; assuredly believing that, as He is ap
proached in reverence and faith, He will graciously
answer our petitions, and supply all our need, in
and through Jesus Christ. As this sacred duty, so
forcibly enjoined in Holy Scripture, is correctly un
derstood and performed aright, parents will become
'so sensible of its great value to themselves, that
they will feel the importance of turning thereto the
attention of their beloved children; and as they
seek for wisdom and strength to act rightly herein,
they will be assisted by Him to whom they should
desire that they and their children may be wholly
dedicated. (1830, P. E.)
Under the solemn conviction that whatever be
our circumstances in life, or our position in the
church, prayer is, in the Divine appointment, es-

36 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
sential to our spiritual health, we would earnestly
press upon all to seek for opportunities in the course
of each day for private retirement and waiting upon
the Lord, and tenderly to cherish those precious,
but often gentle and easily resisted motions of the
Lord's Spirit, which would contrite and humble
our hearts, and draw them forth in fervent petitions
for that spiritual food which can alone supply our
daily, our continual need. May none among us be
living in a state of unconcern, insensible to the
righteous judgment of God upon all that is unholy ;
their sins, unrepented of and unforgiven, still rest
ing on their souls ; rather let them be encouraged
to come in deep humiliation to the mercy seat, there
to plead for pardon and plenteous redemption, in
the all-availing name of our crucified Redeemer.
How precious for us all is the assurance "that we
have a great High Priest that is passed into the
Heavens, Jesus, the Son of God," one who is
"touched with the feeling of our infirmities," and
in whose holy name we are invited to " come boldly
unto the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need." (1854,-
P. E.)
We have ever believed in prayer, both silent and
vocal. We should cultivate the habit of frequently
turning the mind to God in prayer and praise,
breathing our secret desires and aspirations unto
Him. This should be done not only when we are
apart from others, but also, in the midst of our or
dinary engagements.
Vocal prayer we believe to be a part of the public

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH. 37
worship of God, when it proceeds from a true
sense of God's love in the heart, and arises from
the Holy Spirit. Individuals who are not called to
the public ministry, if willing and faithful, will
frequently be led to vocal prayer in their family
circles, and may be at times in meetings for divine
worship. We would affectionately but earnestly
advise all our members when they feel a sense of
their unworthiness and need, to hesitate not to
give utterance to the desire of their hearts unto
God before their families ; or when filled with a
sense of his goodness and mercy, to return unto
him publicly the tribute of thanksgiving and praise.
A more frequent practice of this kind would refresh
and strengthen our spirits, and advance our
growth in holiness, and would tend to lead our
children and those around us, to follow us as we
follow Christ.
ON THE OBSERVANCE OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.
The observance of a day for worship and rest is
traced back to the time of the Creation, when it is
said, " And on the seventh day God ended His
work, which He had made ; and He rested on the
seventh day from all His works, which He had
made. And God blessed the seventh day and sanc
tified it." We feel ourselves religiously bound to
observe the Spirit of the Fourth Commandment,
and to regard one day in seven as a day of rest and
devotion ; and since in accordance with the prac
tice of the Apostles and early church, Christians,

38 DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
by common consent, have set apart for religious
services the day of the week upon which our Savior
rose from the dead, our members are advised to
lay aside all avocations of a temporal nature, and
devote the time to the important duties of the
day, and in accordance with its sacred associations.
This observance is of so much importance to the
preservation of piety and virtue, and the neglect
of it so evidently marked with irreligion, and fre
quently with immorality, that every reasonable
consideration recommends a faithful maintenance
of this duty, as affording an opportunity which
many could not otherwise obtain of receiving
religious instruction and improvement, and of
publicly worshipping our Heavenly Father. We,
therefore, earnestly advise all our members to avoid
unprofitably passing their time on this day of the
week, either in listless idleness, or in indulging
improperly in mere social pastime, but rather de
voting themselves to such reading, conversation
and meditation as will most advance their spiritual
welfare.

41

SECTION II.

MORAL DUTIES.

OATHS.
Believing, as we do, that the command of Christ,
" Swear not at all, " reiterated by the Apostle James,
is imperative, we are bound religiously to obey it.
And when any of our members, either in courts
or elsewhere, violate it, either by taking or admin
istering oaths, Monthly Meetings are desired to
extend brotherly labor toward them; and if they
can not be prevailed upon to give the necessary
satisfaction, to testify their disunity with them.
WAR.
War conflicts with, and is a violation of, the
teachings of the Gospel of Christ, which breathes
peace on earth and good will to men. It is entirely
incompatible with the commands of our Savior,
"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
that despitefully use you, and persecute you."
Obedience to the principles, precepts, and injunc
tions of our Holy Redeemer forbids all participa
tion in war ; and it is the duty of the Christian to
bear a faithful testimony against it. It is, there
fore, affectionately enjoined on the members of our

40 MORAL DUTIES.

Society, to demean themselves on all occasions in
a Christian and peaceable manner ; demonstrating
to the world that they are uniform in profession
and practice. Friends are earnestly advised not
to unite with any, directly or indirectly, in a way
calculated to promote the spirit of war, or which
may encourage or strengthen them therein ; to
avoid engaging in any business tending to promote
war, or to receive any profits derived from the sale
of military or naval supplies, underwriting on armed
vessels, or being concerned in any company where
such insurance is made, or in shipping, or ordering
goods shipped, in armed vessels.
But should members of our Society be so un
mindful of our Christian testimony against war as
to bear arms, either publicly or privately, or
actively comply with military requisitions ; should
they be concerned in warlike preparations, offen
sive or defensive, by sea or land; pay a fine,
penalty or tax in lieu of personal service; deal
in prize goods, directly or indirectly; or be con
cerned in promoting the publication of writings
which tend to excite the Spirit of War; they
should be tenderly treated with in order to convince
them of their error in departing from this dis
tinguishing principle of the Gospel dispensation.
If, notwithstanding this Christian care, they con
tinue to disregard our well known testimony against
all war, they should be disowned.

MORAL DUTIES. 41,

SLAVERY.
It has been, and continues to be, the earnest
aim of our Society to testify its opposition to the
practice of enslaving mankind, and Friends should •
avoid any act by which the right of slavery is in
any way acknowledged. INTEMPERANCE.
In consideration of the corrupting and ruinous .
effects caused by the importation, distillation, fer
mentation, and sale of alcoholic liquors, which
produce intemperance, and lead to the impoverish
ment of many, the injury of the constitution and
minds of many more, and the increase of vice and
dissoluteness in the land, it is earnestly desired
that none of our members contribute to this great
evil by being concerned in importing, distilling or
selling alcoholic or fermented liquors, or using them, '
(except for purposes strictly medicinal or mechan
ical,) or selling their grain or other produce for the ,
purpose of distillation or fermentation.
If any shall so far disregard the concern of the
Society and the labor of their friends as to continue
in any of these practices, or give way to habits of
intemperance from any cause whatever, and cannot
be brought to such a sense of their misconduct as
to desist from it, they should receive the care of
the overseers. As wine, cider, and all other fer
mented liquors possess intoxicating qualities, their
use has more or less tendency to the same evils as
the stronger liquors ; Friends should therefore avoid
and discourage their use, manufacture, or sale. \/

42 MORAL DUTIES.

We would affectionately advise and entreat all of
our members to be careful in the use of intoxicat
ing liquors, even for medicinal purposes, lest the
appetite grow upon them, and they be ruined there
by ; or, should they escape themselves, their exam
ple lead to the ruin of others ; and that those who
deal in these articles as druggists, for medicinal or
mechanical purposes, be careful not to sell to those
persons who will be likely to use them as beverages,
and thus become a source of stumbling to others.
Friends are advised to abstain from the cultivation,
sale, or use of tobacco. It is deleterious in its
effects, often laying the foundation for serious dis
eases. It is an expensive habit, generally offensive
to those not accustomed to it, and frequently leads
to other evil practices.
Monthly Meetings are directed to exercise a lov
ing care with respect to the future acknowledgment
of ministers, and the appointment to, other impor
tant stations, of any who are in the habitual use of
tobacco. Friends are also earnestly advised against the
unnecessary use of opium or any of its prepara
tions. CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
We have ever maintained that it is our duty to
obey all the enactments of civil government, except
those by which our allegiance to God is interfered
with. We owe much to its blessings ; through it,
we enjoy liberty and protection, in connection with
law and order; and while bound by our sense

MORAL DUTIES. 43

of religious conviction, not to comply with those
requisitions which violate our Christian principles,
we desire ever to be found of those who are quiet
in the land, a condition favorable, to true Christian
patriotism, and in which services highly valuable
and useful may be rendered to the community.
(1834.) Liberty of conscience being the common right
of all men, and particularly essential to the well-
being of religious societies, we hold it to be indis
pensably incumbent upon us to maintain it invio-
ably ; and therefore exhort all in profession with us
to decline accepting any office or station in civil
government, the duties of which are inconsistent
with our religious principles ; or in the exercise of
which they may be, or apprehend themselves to be,
under the necessity of exacting from others any
compliances against which they are conscientiously
scrupulous. If any person in membership with us, notwith
standing the preceding admonition, shall persist in
a conduct so repugnant to our principles, they
should be treated with as in other cases of offense ;
and if they can not be brought to see and acknowl
edge their error, the Monthly Meeting to which
they belong should proceed to testify against them.
Believing, therefore,, that we are called to show
forth to the world, in life and practice, that the
blessed reign of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace,
is begun, and we doubt not will proceed until it
attains its completion in the earth, when according
to the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah, "Nation

44 , MORAL DUTIES.

shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall
they learn war any more, " we can not consistently
join with such as form combinations of a hostile
nature against any; much less in opposition to
those placed in authority ; nor can we unite with
or encourage such as revile or asperse them, for it
is written, " Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler
of thy people." Acts, xxiii. 5.
LAW.
If any of our members be complained of for with
holding a just debt, they should be tenderly urged
to payment ; and if this be unavailing, they should
be treated with as in other, cases of disorderly con
duct; and if any appear unable to satisfy their
creditors, and manifest an honest intention, and
shall offer their all to their creditors, without pref
erence, let compassion and aid be extended to them
as brethren, and objects of Christian charity ; hav
ing done what they could, no more, for the present,
can be justly expected from them. Yet if persons
so failing in their circumstances should at any
time thereafter be favored with ability to pay off
their deficiencies, justice will require it of them,
notwithstanding a composition with, and legal dis
charge from, their creditors may have been obtain
ed. This is, however, not meant to furnish any
with a pretext for advancing such claims, while
persons so deficient are honestly laboring to retrieve
their circumstances, nor until it shall clearly ap
pear to their respective Monthly Meetings, or judi
cious committees thereof, that sufficient ability is

MORAL DUTIES. 45

arrived at ; when, if they be requested to comply,
and persist in refusing, the said meetings shall pro
ceed to disown them.
And it is further directed, that if any members
of our religious Society, disregarding the Gospel
order prescribed by our Discipline, shall arrest or
sue at law other members (not being under such a
necessity so to do as has been explained under arti
cle Arbitration), they, in so doing, do depart from
the peaceable principles of which we make profes
sion, and if, on being treated with by the Monthly
Meetings to which they belong, they cannot be pre
vailed with to withdraw the suit, and pay the costs
thereof, they should be disowned.
TRADE.
It being evident that where the manifestations
and restraints of the Spirit of Truth are duly prized
and regarded, He leads out of a bondage to the
spirit of this world, and preserves the minds of His
followers from many fettering and disqualifying en
tanglements ; and contrariwise, that an inordinate
love and pursuit of worldly riches often betrays
those who are captivated by them into many diffi
culties and dangers, to the great obstruction of the
work of truth in the heart ; we affectionately desire
that the counsel and gracious promise of our bless
ed Redeemer to His followers may be borne in re
membrance by us, "Seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and His righteousness, and all these things
shall be added unto you."
We are earnestly concerned that the service of

46 MORAL DUTIES.

our religious Society may not be obstructed, or its
reputation dishonored, by any imprudence of its
members in their worldly engagements, and recom
mend to all that they be careful not to venture upon
business they do not understand, nor launch into
trade beyond their ability, and at the risk of others ;
but that they bound their engagements by their
means, and when they enter into contracts or agree
ments, whether written or by words, that they en
deavor, on all occasions, strictly to fulfill them, that
no occasion of reproach may be given to truth and ,
the Society.
We particularly exhort that none engage in any
such concerns as depend upon the deceptive proba
bilities of hazardous enterprises ; but rather con
tent themselves with such a plain and moderate
way of living as is consistent with the self-denying
principle of which we make profession, whereby
many disappointments and grievous perplexities
may be avoided, and that tranquility of mind ob
tained which is inseparable from the right enjoy
ment even of temporal things. And it is advised
that when any among us err, or are in danger of
erring in these respects, they be faithfully and time
ly admonished.
It is further recommended, that Friends frequent
ly inspect the state of their affairs, and keep their
accounts so clear and accurate that they may, at
any time, easily know whether they live within the
bounds of their circumstances or not ; and, in cases
of death, that these may not be perplexing to sur
vivors. And whenever any find that they have no

MORAL DUTIES. 47

more property left than is sufficient to discharge
their just debts, and their circumstances are becom
ing worse, it is advised that they immediately con
sult with some judicious Friends, and, without loss
of time, make their circumstances known to their
creditors, carefully avoiding the payment of one in
preference to another, that so none may be injured,
nor any reproach incurred by mismanagement. If
any should proceed in trade at the hazard of the
means of others, without their knowledge and con
sent, such conduct is reprehensible ; and after hav
ing due care extended, if persisted in, a testimony
should be borne against it by disowning them.
And where overseers, or other concerned Friends,
have reason to fear that any person or family, by
living above their means, or from a want of punc
tuality in fulfilling their contracts, or any other
cause, are declining in their circumstances, and
likely to fail, it is recommended that such be sea
sonably treated with, and (if it appear requisite)
advised to call their creditors together without de
lay ; and if, notwithstanding thi3 advise, such per
sons still persist, and run into embarrassment, to
the loss of others, and to their own disreputation,
the Preparative or Monthly Meeting to which they
belong ought to be timely informed thereof, and
proceed to treat with them according to our rules.
It is directed, that where such failures occur, and
the cases are under the care of Monthly Meetings,
that the Friends appointed to visit the parties, in
quire of their assignees, or trustees, how their de
ficiencies have happened, and report accordingly.

48 ' MORAL DUTIES.

And neither Monthly nor other meetings should re
ceive subscriptions, donations, nor bequests, from
persons so circumstanced, until they have paid off
their deficiencies, or are voluntarily acquitted
thereof by their creditors : for it should be remem
bered, that though in such eases the defaulter may
have been legally discharged, the property he may
afterward acquire is not properly his own, till he
has paid off his former debts to the satisfaction of
his creditors. Wherefore, we further direct, that if
any such person or persons, on being reminded of
their duty in this respect, shall refuse to comply
therewith, inquiry be made into the reason, and if
it be not such as shall satisfy the Monthly Meetings
of which they are members, and they can not be
prevailed with ; the said meetings, after a proper
time of labor and forbearance, may issue a testi
mony of denial against them.
We also desire, that when Friends accept the
office of assignee, or trustee, they be active in col
lecting the effects of the estate, and punctual and
speedy in making distribution.
We further desire that executors and trustees
concerned in wills, and settlements, may take
especial care to discharge faithfully their respective
trusts, according to the intent of the donors and
testators, and that all charitable gifts, legacies,
bequests and settlements of estates, by will or deed,
intended and given for the use of the poor, the
aged, the impotent, or for the education or appren
ticeship of the children of poor Friends, may not
be appropriated or converted to any other uses than

MORAL DUTIES. 49

such as the donors or testators have directed. A
violation herein, being an obvious perversion of
justice, offenders in these respects should be dealt
with ; and unless they make due satisfaction to the
injured parties, and to the meeting to which they
belong, should be disowned.
We also caution all in membership with us, to be
careful how they enter into securities with others,
under the specious plea of rendering acts of kind
ness ; many, by so doing, having been suddenly
ruined, and their families reduced to deplorable
circumstances. "Be not thou," said the wise man,
"one of them that strike hands, or of them that are
sureties for debts :. if thou hast nothing to pay,
why should he take away thy bed from under thee ?"
It is our desire that Friends may wait for divine
counsel in all their engagements, and not suffer
their minds to be carried away by an inordinate
desire of worldly riches ; remembering the observa
tion of the apostle in his day, and so often sorrow
fully verified in ours : " they that will be rich, fall
into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men, in destruction
and perdition. For the love of money is the root
of all evil : which some having coveted after, have
erred from the faith, and pierced themselves
through with many sorrows." 1 Tim., vi. 9. Even
when riches to any extraordinary degree have been
amassed, by the successful industry of parents, how
often have they proved like wings to their children,
carrying them beyond the limitations of truth, into
liberties repugnant to our religious testimonies, and
4

50 MORAL DUTIES.

sometimes into enterprises, which have terminated
in irreparable damage to their temporal affairs, if
not an entire neglect of the great work of their
souls' salvation.
We do not condemn industry; we believe it to
be not only praiseworthy, but indispensable ; it is
the desire of great things, and the engrossment of
the time and attention, from which we desire that
our dear Friends may be preserved. We doubtless
owe duties to ourselves, and our families, but do we
not owe even ourselves to our all- wise, all protect
ing and provident Creator ?
It is our earnest concern that in all our dealings
and transactions among men, strict justice may be
observed, and that no motives of pecuniary interest
may induce any of our members to impose upon
each other, or upon any with whom they may have
commercial intercourse ; and it is directed that
Monthly Meetings be careful to extend suitable ad
monition against all deviations in these respects,
for the help and recovery of delinquents ; and as it
is obvious that there can be no just pretensions to
religious rectitude, without a conformity to moral
justice, Monthly Meetings are authorized to disown
those who will not be reclaimed by their brotherly
endeavors in these respects.

CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY.

In accordance with Gospel teaching, Friends
should bear a faithful testimony against all extrava
gance, as it is the result of, and fosters pride.
Sowing to the flesh is incompatible with the health

MORAL DUTIES. 51

of the Christian, or his growth in grace. Bondage
to the changing customs of the world in regard to
dress is none the less burtheusome because it is
self-imposed. Let comfort, convenience, and utility
be considered, rather than the useless and expensive
fashions of the time.
We earnestly advise all to consider the simplicity
that the Gospel enjoins, and to manifest in their
dress, furniture of their houses, manner of living,
and general deportment, that their affections are
not set on things of earth, but, that they are fol
lowing Him who is " Holy, harmless, undefiled, and
separate from sinners."
A due regard to Christian simplicity should in
fluence us in our intercourse with all men; we
should be examples of the believers in word, and in
conversation, " Let your speech be always with
grace." MODERATION.
The Christian, comprehending the relation exist
ing between the things of time and eternity, has
his mind directed toward an enduring inheritance,
and his affections placed on things above. His
treasure being in heaven, his heart is there also-
This leads to the exercise of due moderation in the
use of the things of this life. A defection from this
simplicity of heart and heavenly-mindedness begets
many imaginary wants ; to gratify these some have
been induced to enter into a larger extension of
trade than they had the ability to conduct, and
have frequently ended in failures and bankruptcies.

52 MORAL DUTIES.

Friends are earnestly desired to have a care over
their children, that they may not form habits of
extravagance, and of expending money in the un
due gratification of real wants ; or the gratification
of supposed ones. Such extravagances usually
increase with years, and frequently lead to dishon
esty. We would lovingly remind our members
that we are stewards of the Lord, entrusted with
His means, which it is our duty to use in modera
tion in our dress, furniture, houses, and the satis
fying of our wants and desires as servants that
must give an account of our stewardship.
Meekness, moderation, and mercy, being among
the distinguishing traits of the Christian character,
we desire to caution our members against the indul
gence of passion, or the exercise of cruelty even
toward the brute creation, which a beneficent
Providence has made subservient to our comfort
and convenience.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT.
Where any transgress the rules of our Discipline,
they should, without partiality, be admonished,
and sought in Christian love and charity, so that it
may be seen by all, that the restoring dispositions
of meekness and Christian affection abound, before
church censure takes place ; that a gospel spirit
is the spring and motive of all our performances,
as well in discipline as in worship.
If any of our members deny the Deity of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the immediate revel-

MORAL DUTIES. 58

ation of the Holy Spirit, or the authenticity of the
Holy Scriptures, as it will be thereby manifested
that they are not one in faith with us, the Monthly
Meetings where they belong, after earnest and
Christian labor, as in other cases of offense, for
their reclamation, without effect, shall issue a tes
timony of disownment against them.
Friends are not to attend theatrical exhibitions,
horse races, balls, dances, or other vain sports or
amusements. They are not to be concerned in
lotteries, or practice any kind of gambling, or par
ticipate in anything which, in its character or
associations, has an injurious or demoralizing
tendency.
' Nor apply to those called jugglers, or fortune
tellers, or to those who, by pretending to any art or
skill whatever, profess a knowledge of future events,
hidden transactions, or where anything lost or
stolen may be found. Nor are they to use or pre
tend to such art or skill.
Nor should they be guilty of lying, cursing,
swearing, drunkenness, or any other scandalous or
immoral practice. ,\
Should any indulge in any of these practices,
they should receive the tender care and admonition
of the overseers, and, if they cannot be reclaimed,
the meeting should proceed to disown them.
It is also directed that those who come late to
meetings, or, when there, fall asleep or are restless,
or leave the meeting unnecessarily, or otherwise
demean themselves unbecoming our holy profes
sion, on these solemn occasions, be tenderly treated

54 MORAL DUTIES.

with and seasonably admonished. Friends should
pay early attention, in the love of the Gospel, to
such as neglect their duty in attending our Meet
ings for Worship. A willful neglect in this impor
tant duty being a manifest evidence of ingratitude
to the divine author of all our mercies, and con
trary to the practice of the primitive believers in
Christ, it is our judgment that Monthly Meetings,
after having fully discharged their duty toward
such, and finding their endeavors to reclaim them
ineffectual, are at liberty to disown them.
TESTIMONIALS OF DISOWNMENTS AND ACKNOWLEDG
MENTS.
It is directedjhat offenders who incline to make (
acknowledgment of their offenses, shall prepare I
the same in writing, which ought to be offered to )
the committee appointed in their case. And if the
purport is judged to be suitable to the occasion, the
committee is to present it to the Monthly Meeting
for its action. The meeting is then to consider the
ease, and inform the party of the result.
In all cases when a Monthly Meeting apprehends
itself under a necessity to disown a member, such
member, if his or her situation will admit of it,
should be previously informed thereof ; and when
a testimony of disownment is issued against such
individual, a copy thereof should be retained on the
minutes of the Monthly Meeting, and one offered
to the party testified against, where it is practicable
to be done.

MORAL DUTIES. 55

In order that the men's and women's meetings
may act in unity and equality, as to receiving and
disowning members, it is directed that when either
meeting shall have come to a judgment to disown
a member, the other shall be consulted, and they
may appoint joint committees in the case, if it
should be thought best, before a testimony of dis-
ownment is issued. And when a testimonial is
adopted in one meeting, it should be sent to the
other for concurrence and signing.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
We would affectionately and earnestly advise all
our members against connecting themselves with
any secret societies, although they may appear to
be for the promotion of good objects, believing that
their tendency is evil, and that they are calculated
to lead from a dependence upon Christ and the
Christian religion, and frequently into practical
infidelity. If any of our members should so far depart from
our Christian views and principles as to take a
secret oath or participate in the vain and ostenta
tious shows and public processions accompanied
with music, badges, and other insignia of such
societies, which we believe to be unbecoming a
Christian, they are to be treated with, and if not
brought to a sense of their error, to be disowned.

56 MORAL DUTIES.

UNITY AND DETRACTION.
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for
brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalm,
cxxxiii. 1.
Where any hath received offense from another,
let him first speak privately to the party concerned,
and endeavor reconciliation between themselves ;
and not to whisper, or aggravate matters against
them, behind their backs, to the widening of the
breach. 1692.
Anonymous books, pamphlets, and papers, reflect
ing darkly on Friends, are testified against ; and it
is desired that no such book, pamphlet, or paper,
*be written, printed, published, or privately handed
about, by any under our profession. 1718.
If you hear a report of a Friend to his disadvan
tage, be careful not to report it again, but go to
the person of whom the report is, and inquire if it
be true or not ; and if it be true, then deal with
such person for it, according to the doctrine of
Christ ; but if it be false, then endeavor, as much
as in you lies, to stop such report. 1719.
It is our earnest desire that a spirit of love and
humility may more and more diffuse itself among
us, and influence the hearts of all, so that every
one may come to seek peace, and pursue it ; and
that none be apt to take offense, but each in his
own particular, be more" careful to rectify his own
failings and imperfections, than curious in observ
ing, censuring, and aggravating those of others.
This will lead to the exercise of mutual forbear
ance and forgiveness one of another ; by which the

MORAL DUTIES. 57

occasions of contention will be avoided, and the
churches preserved in a state of peace and tran
quility. 1736.
f " Charity, " saith the Apostle, " hopeth all things. "
It divulges not the faults of others, because, in its
unbounded hope, it desires their removal without
exposure. For the mind in which it dwells ascribes
its own preservation, and the cleansing of its
former sins, to the unbounded love of God in
Christ Jesus, and it prays that all may partake of
the same benefit. How opposite that disposition
which delights to report evil, and to accuse ! Shun
it, dear Friends, as the poison of asps. The sacred
writings emphatically denominate the grand adver
sary of mankind by the name of " accuser of the
brethren." "Follow," therefore, "peace with all
men, and holiness, without which no man shall see
the Lord; looking diligently lest any. man fail of
the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring
ing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled."
1804. In view then of the great excellence of Christian
charity, and that without this virtue we are but as
" sounding brass or a tinkling symbol," it is advised
that, where any shall manifest a want thereof, by
stirring up dissensions, or circulating slanderous
reports, or by the indulgence of implacable resent
ment, overseers, and others concerned for the sup
port of our Christian testimonies, timely and
tenderly apprise them of the danger to which they
expose themselves, and exhort them earnestly to
cultivate a feeling of love and forgiveness, becom-

58 MORAL DUTIES.

ing the character of those who have embraced the
covenant of mercy. And if any, after due labor
and care, can -not be brought to a sense of their
error, they should be proceeded with according to
our order in other cases of offense, and testified
against. Should any offenders in these respects, shelter
themselves under a pretense that they say no more
than they have heard from others, but refuse to
discover who those are, such should, in like
manner, be treated with as tale-bearers, and testi
fied against.
And if any of our members shall print or publish
any writing which shall have a tendency to excite
disunity and discord, such persons should be com
plained of to the Monthly Meeting to which they
belong, and if they can not be convinced of the
impropriety of their conduct, and condemn the
same, to the satisfaction of said meeting, they
should be disowned, as opposed to the peace and
good order of Society. ARBITRATIONS.
When differences arise between our members in
regard to their property, they are to proceed in the
following manner :
The party who thinks himself or herself ag
grieved, should, in the first place, calmly and
kindly, request the other to comply with the
demand, and, if this be disputed, the complainant,
or if residing at too great a distance, some Friend
whom he or she may authorize, should take with

MORAL DUTIES. 59

him one or two of the overseers, or other discreet
Friends, and in their presence repeat the demand.
If this step also fail of the desired effect, the par
ties should be advised to choose a suitable number
of Friends as arbitrators, and mutually engage by
bond, or other written instrument adapted to the
occasion, to abide by their determination.
Should this proposal be acceded to, and arbitra
tors accordingly chosen, they oifght, as speedily as
circumstances will admit, to appoint a time and
place, and attend to the business without unneces
sary delay ; giving the parties a fair and full hear
ing, in the presence of each other, but listening to
neither of them apart, nor suffering their own
sentiments to be known abroad, till they have fully
digested the subject, and come to a clear decision ;
which they should be careful to do within the time
agreed on.
But if either of the parties refuse to submit the
matter in dispute to arbitrators, or, when that is
done, neglect to give his or her attendance when
desired, without assigning a sufficient reason; or
not abide by their award when issued ; in either of
these cases, such person so offending, should be
complained of, or treated with ; and if the brotherly
endeavors and admonition of Society, fail to pro
duce a conformity to justice in the case, the
Monthly Meeting should proceed to disown the
offender, unless such person make it evident to the
satisfaction of the meeting, that the award or pro
ceedings have been erroneous or unjust. In which
case the matter in dispute may be referred to the

60 MORAL DUTIES.

same, or other arbitrators, as the meeting shall .
judge best; and their award shall be final. Or
should either party be dissatisfied with the award,
and the subject not be carried forward as a com
plaint, the party so dissatisfied may apply to the
Monthly Meeting of which the other party is a
member, for the privilege of another arbitration.
In which case a judicious committee should be ap
pointed to examine the grounds of the complaint ; and
should it be made appear that the award is erro
neous or unjust (but not otherwise), another trial
may be granted before the 6ame or other arbitra
tors, at the discretion of the meeting, for a final
decision. After which, if either of the parties at variance,
prove so regardless of peace and unity, as not to
acquiesce in such confirmed or corrected determina
tion, the Monthly Meeting to which he or she be
longs should proceed to issue a testimony against
the person so refusing.
Where arbitrators are at a loss for want of legal
knowledge, it will be proper for them, at the joint
expense of the parties, to take the opinion of
counsel learned in the law, in order to qualify
them for giving a proper judgment in the matter
referred to them. And that they may the better
answer the end of their appointment, and be help
ful in conciliating the minds of the parties, they
ought not to consider themselves as advocates for
those by whom they are chosen, but as men whose
duty it is to judge righteously, fearing the Lord.
They should shun all previous information respect-

MORAL DUTIES. 61

ing the case ; or, having heard anything in regard
to it, remain as much as possible unbiased thereby.
They should reject no evidence or witness proposed ;
nor receive any, but in the presence of both par
ties ; and, in their award, they need not assign any
reason for their determination.
And, whereas, there may be some circumstances
even in disputed matters, wherein the foregoing
equitable mode of proceeding can not be complied
with : such as, first, the party absconding, or leav
ing the country with design to defraud his or her
creditors; or, second, apparent danger of bank
ruptcy, or being overloaded with debts, and other
creditors generally coming on, which would occa
sion manifest damage to the claimant, by the time
it would take in pursuing the above method ; or,
third, where there may be danger of damage, as in
case of executors, administrators, or trustees ; it
may therefore be necessary, and it is directed, that
the Monthly Meetings where such cases happen,
and on due inquiry appear truly so, do hold ex
cused such as shall appear to them really necessi
tated to proceed at law.
As it may sometimes occur that a member, either
for want of a clear understanding of the business,
or through an improper influence, may present a
complaint against another member, wherein the
overseers, after fully hearing both parties, being
decidedly of opinion that the case does not re
quire a reference, they are to advise a speedy
settlement thereof; which being ineffectual, and
the complainant remaining dissatisfied therewith,

62 MORAL DUTIES.

he may have liberty to -inform the Preparative
Meeting, where the other party is a member (with
out mentioning any name), that having a matter in
dispute with one of their members, he is desirous
of their assistance in order to a settlement thereof.
The said meeting is then to appoint a committee,
who are to give such advice and assistance in the
case as they may apprehend necessary, but should
they concur with the overseers, that a reference
would not be proper, the complainant may have
the privilege of requesting the assistance of the
Monthly Meeting, in like manner, where the ques
tion is to be finally determined whether the dispute
ought to be submitted to referees, or the complaint
dismissed. It is the judgment of the Yearly Meeting that
Friends should not employ those members who oc
cupy the station of minister as arbitrators where
the matter in dispute is of a secular nature.
ADVICE TO PARENTS AND CHILDREN.
As next to our own souls, our children are the
very immediate objects of our care and concern,
we impress on all who are parents and governors of
families, the great and lasting importance to the
youth of a religious education. This would lead
them to be solicitous that their tender and suscep
tible minds may be impressed with virtuous princi
ples, and a just sense of the Divine Being, His wis
dom, goodness, power, and omnipresence. They
would be concerned to impress them with just sen-

MORAL DUTIES. 63

timents in relation to the vanity and fallacy of
transitory enjoyments, directing them to seek after
that solid peace and serenity of mind attendant
upon true religion, as the pearl of great price.
The importance of an early instruction in the law
of God is set forth with peculiar strength, clear
ness, and solemnity in Deut., vi. 4 to 9 : "Hear, 0
Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord, and thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all. thy might. And
these words which I command thee this day shall
be in thy heart, and thou shalt teach them dili
gently unto thy children, and shall talk of theni
when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou
walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and
when thou risest up."
It is requisite also that restraint be added to in
struction, it being much easier, as well as more
prudent, to exercise it upon the first appearance of
an inclination to dangerous or hurtful liberties,
than afterward; for where children, through the
prevalence of fond affection, have been accustomed
to improper indulgences, when they are grown to
such a degree of ripeness, that the exertion of au
thority has become absolutely necessary, the
strength of their passions so habituated, has often
proved unconquerable, or very difficult to overcome,
to the great hurt of the unhappy youth, and the
unspeakable grief of the imprudently indulgent
parents. We know that virtue does not descend by lineal
succession, nor piety by inheritance ; yet we trust

64 MORAL DUTIES.

that the Almighty graciously regards the sincere en
deavors of those parents whose early and unremit
ting care is over their offspring for good. Be ye,
therefore, examples to them in your meetings, your
families, and employments. Keep them, while
young, out of the vain fashions, the corrupt cus
toms, and unprofitable conversation of the world ;
laboring to convince their young and tender minds
of the propriety of restraint, when necessary ; ex
horting them to meekness, and commanding in wis
dom. And, as they advance in age, guard them
against the reading of plays, romances, and other
publications of a nature prejudicial to the promo
tion of Christianity; likewise against public pas
times and pernicious diversions ; all which have a
tendency to draw the incautious mind from a sense
of religious duty, to bring it into a state of aliena
tion from the divine life, and to deprive it of that
inexpressible comfort and delight attendant upon
the daily exercise of religion and virtue.
In much love to the rising generation, we exhort
them to avoid the many vanities and ensnaring cor
ruptions to which they are exposed. Bear in mind,
dear youth, that "the fear of the Lord is the begin
ning of wisdom." Take advice of godly parents,
guardians, and friends : ever remembering that
children ought to obey their parents in the Lord,
and that disobedience therein is a breach of the
moral law, and is always offensive in the divine
sight. It is considered incumbent on parents and heads
of families to prevent, as much as possible, all thoBe

MORAL DUTIES. 65

under their direction from perusing those pernicious
publications which are written for the purpose of
weakening the authority of the Christian religion,
or exciting doubts concerning the authenticity of
the Holy Scriptures, and those saving truths de
clared in them ; lest the immature and feeble minds
of such should be poisoned thereby, and a founda
tion laid for the greatest evils. It is also enjoined
on all the members of our religious Society, that
they discourage and suppress the reading of plays,
romances, and novels, which have a tendency to
awaken and invigorate those propensities "which
war agamst the soul," and which it is the duty and
interest of every Christian mind to keep in a state
of suppression. V
Friends are advised to procure for their f amiliee \
instructive and suitable books, so that they may be '
well provided for. j
We tenderly and earnestly encourage all- our
members to the individual, private devotional read
ing, and to the prayerful study of the Holy Scrip
tures. As such a practice becomes habitual, they
will more and more understand the experience of
the Psalmist, "How sweet are thy words unto my
taste, yea sweeter than honey unto my mouth."
No less do we earnestly advise and exhort all
parents and heads of families to instruct their chil
dren and others under their care in the doctrines
and precepts of the Christian religion as contained
therein. We are also concerned to recommend the study
of the Holy Scriptures in our schools ; believing that
5

66 MORAL DUTTES.

such a practice would have a tendency not only to
advance the literary improvement of our children,
, but would also contribute in no small degree to the
formation of sound principles, and to their preserv
ation in the ways of righteousness.

SECTION III.

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE,
AND RULES CONCERNING THEM.
The connection and subordination of our Meetings
for Discipline are thus : Preparative Meetings are
accountable to the Monthly ; Monthly to the Quar
terly ; and Quarterly to the Yearly Meeting ; so that
if the Yearly Meeting be at any time dissatisfied
with the proceedings of any subordinate meeting,
or a Quarterly Meeting with the proceedings of any
of its Monthly Meetings, or a Monthly Meeting with
the proceedings of any of its Preparative Meetings,
such meetings ought, with readiness and meekness,
to render accounts thereof when required ; and cor
rect or expunge any of their minutes according to
the- direction of the superior meeting.
No Quarterly Meeting should be set up or laid
down, without the consent of the Yearly Meeting ;
no Monthly Meeting without the consent of the
Quarterly Meeting; nor any Preparative or other
meeting for business, until application to the
Monthly Meeting be first made ; and when there
approved, the consent of the Quarterly Meeting be
also obtained. Also, no Meeting for Worship, in
tended to consist of Friends belonging to two or
more Monthly Meetings, shall be established until

68 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
the proposal be offered to, and approved by, those
Monthly Meetings, and the consent of their respect
ive Quarterly Meeting or Meetings be obtained;
when the meeting proposed is opened, it should be
attended by a few Friends deputed by each of the
said Monthly Meetings. And if at any time it be
thought expedient that a Preparative Meeting should
be held at the same place, the consent of the said
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings should be in like
manner applied for and obtained ; and the Prepara
tive Meeting should be annexed to any of those
Monthly Meetings, as may appear most likely to
conduce to the benefit and convenience of the in
dividuals who compose it, and the advantage of So
ciety. We believe it would be an acceptable and useful
service, if Friends were occasionally to attend the
smaller Meetings for Worship in the districts where
they reside, and the subject is recommended to 'the
attention of Monthly Meetings. Such intercourse
would enable Friends to enter more closely
into the peculiar circumstances of their brethren ;
and would, we believe, tend to strengthen the pre
cious bonds of Christian fellowship. (1826.)
It is directed that a book be provided by every
Monthly and Quarterly Meeting, and fair records
kept therein of their proceedings. Monthly Meet
ings particularly, are advised to attend to, and
finish all business with care and dispatch, that it
may at no time suffer by improper delay ; and if
any case under consideration prove too weighty or
difficult for them to determine, they should apply to

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 69
their respective Quarterly Meetings for assistance ;
or, if the circumstances be such as to require it, refer
it thereto by minute.
In all cases, where any Monthly or Quarterly
Meeting has occasion for, and requests copies of any
papers, minutes, or records of another Monthly or
Quarterly Meeting, the same should be accordingly
granted. Where any difference happens among Friends,
and the same be entered in any Monthly or Quar
terly Meeting book, if the parties, or either of tkem,
think that copies of such entries may be useful, or
necessary for them, and request the same, such
Monthly or Quarterly Meetings shall have a dis
cretionary power to give or refuse such copies, ac
cording to the circumstances and motives attending.
A committee should be annually appointed, in
each of our Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, to
nominate clerks.
The Preparative Meetings are to prepare business,
as occasion may require, to be laid before Monthly
Meetings. And when it is concluded to carry any
cases forward, they should be entered in writing,
and forwarded by the clerk, to the Monthly Meet
ing ; proper notes whereof should be carefully pre
served by clerks of Preparative Meetings.
Monthly Meetings are directed to ascertain wheth
er each family within their limits is provided with a
copy of the Holy Scriptures, and to see that those
who are destitute of them be supplied.

70 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.

INDIANA YEARLY MEETING.
Indiana Yearly Meeting is composed of Friends
in the eastern part of Indiana, and in the western
""part of Ohio, etc. It was set off from Ohio Yearly
Meeting, and the first Yearly Meeiing was held in
the Tenth month, 1821, at White Water, Wayne
County, Indiana, which is now in the limits of the
city of Richmond, in which city it has since been
held. The Yearly Meeting for Discipline is to open
at ten o'clock on Fourth day morning after the
¦fourth First day in the Ninth month.
The Representatives from the Quarterly Meetings,
both men and women, are annually to nominate a
Clerk, and an assistant or assistants, at the close of
the first sitting of the Meeting for Discipline, whose
names are to be reported at the opening of the next
sitting. Representatives having the care of the Reports
from the Quarterly Meetings, are to put them into
the hands of the Clerk of the meeting for the pre
ceding year, before the opening of the Meeting for
'Discipline, in order that time may be saved to the
meeting, by a previous entry of the names of Rep
resentatives. No Representative ought to withdraw
from the Yearly Meeting before it closes without
leave. All communications directed to the Yearly Meet
ing, except from such meetings as correspond regu
larly therewith, are to be previously perused by a
nomination of Friends for the purpose ; who are to
consider and report whether the same be proper to
be read in the Yearly Meeting.

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 71
The design of our Annual Meetings, in their first
constitution, being in order to a general oversight
and care of the churches, pertaining to our Christian
communion, it remains to be our fervent desire,
that good order, unity, and concord may be main
tained among us. We know that love and unity,
founded upon Christian principles, are promotive of
truth aud righteousness among ourselves, and we
believe also that when conspicuous in us, they have
their influence upon those around us. Under these
considerations, we fervently desire, and humbly
hope, that He who hatb/to the present day preserved
us a people highly favored, will be graciously pleased
still to animate us with a zealous concern, that love
and good will may predominate in us individually,
and that union, peace, and concord may prevail in
every department of the church.
REPRESENTATIVE MEETING.
In order that the Yearly Meeting, with its several
branches, might be properly represented, during the
recess thereof, a meeting has been instituted by the
name of the Representative Meeting, or meeting rep
resenting the Yearly Meeting in its recess, which is to
consist of twenty-six Friends, appointed by the
Yearly Meeting, and four Friends appointed by each
l of the Quarterly Meetings, (both Yearly and Quar-
I terly Meetings are advised to review their appoint-
iments, at least once in five years, and make such
changes as they may think necessary,) who are to
meet at the Yearly Meeting House, in Richmond,
•Jndiana, at three o'clock on Third-day preceding

;

72 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
the Yearly Meeting ; but the said meeting is privi
leged to sit on its own adjournments, or to call a
special meeting whenever four members shall judge
it necessary ; and is to be subject to the following
rules :
I. The said meeting shall keep fair minutes of all
its proceedings, and annually lay them before the
Yearly Meeting.
II. No less number than twelve of the members
attending shall constitute a meeting, capable of
transacting business.
III. On all occasions of uncommon importance,
when a call is made, previous notice thereof shall
be given or sent to all the members, if practicable.
rV. In case of the decease of any member, or
members, appointed either by the Yearly Meeting or
Quarterly Meetings, whose place is not promptly
supplied, the Representative Meeting should notify
said meeting, or meetings, thereof, in order that
the places may be supplied by new appointments.
V. The said meeting is not to. adopt any article of
faith or discipline, which has not been determined
by the Yearly Meeting.
The further services confided to the said Repre
sentative Meeting are :
1. In general to represent the Yearly Meeting, and
to appear on its behalf, in cases where the interest
or reputation of our rehgious Society may render it
needful. 2. To take the oversight and inspection of all
writings offered for inspection, proposed to be
printed, explanatory of our religious principles or

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 73
testimonies ; and to promote or suppress the same
at their discretion ; also to print and distribute any
writings already published by the Society, or which
may be offered for inspection as aforesaid, and ap
proved. And in all cases where expenses are in
curred, in the execution of the duties assigned them,
they are authorized to draw on the treasurer of the
Yearly Meeting for such sums as may be necessary.
3. To inspect and ascertain titles to lands, or
other estates belonging to any of our meetings ; also
to attend to the appropriation of charitable legacies
and donations ; or to give such advice respecting
the same as may appear necessary.
4. To receive from the several Quarterly Meetings
their annual accounts of sufferings, and also such
memorials concerning deceased Friends, as those
meetings may have concurred in : that when
examined and approved, they may be laid before the
Yearly Meeting.
5. To extend such advice and assistance to any
individuals under sufferings for our testimonies as
their cases may require ; and, if necessary, to apply
to the Government, or persons in authority, on their
behalf. 6. To correspond with such other Meetings for
Sufferings, or Representative Meetings, as are or
may be established by any other Yearly Meeting of
our religious Society, on the common concerns of
the Society.
A Monthly or Quarterly Meeting, or committee of
the Yearly Meeting, should not petition or memorial
ize congress, or a legislature, in the name of
the Society; but if any necessity require, in

74 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
any case of emergency, a meeting of the Representa
tive Meeting should be called, to which the subject
of petition should be presented, and in the recess of
the Yearly Meeting, full powers are conferred on the
Representative Meeting to act, as in their judgment
the case may require.
Approved ministers, and members of any other
Representative Meetings corresponding with this,
may also be permitted to attend its sittings, when
they are so inclined.
It being a business assigned to the Representative
Meeting to take the oversight of all writings pro
posed to be printed, explanatory of our religious
principles or testimonies, our members, who may
have it in prospect to publish any such writings, for
which the Society are to be responsible, are to lay
them before said meeting, for its advice and con
currence. REPRESENTATIVES.
It is directed, that a suitable number of Friends be
appointed in each Monthly Meeting, as representa
tives to attend the Quarterly Meetings, with such
reports in writing, signed by the clerk, as may be
given them in charge ; also, that at least four
Friends be appointed, for the like service, in each
Quarterly Meeting, to attend the Yearly Meeting.
And it is directed that all Friends who submit to
these important services, be punctual in their
attendance ; or if prevented by sickness, or any
other unavoidable occurrence, that they be careful
to send information thereof; also that those who

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 75
are under appointments to attend meetings as
representatives, do not withdraw therefrom before
the conclusion of such meetings, without obtaining
the consent thereof.
APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP.
Requests for membership may be presented to
the Monthly Meeting, either through the Overseers
and the Preparative Meeting, or directly to the
Monthly Meeting, which shall aet upon the appli
cation according to its judgment, and endeavor to
ascertain the motives of the applicant, ancl whether
profession of faith in Christ is made, and our views
of the Gospel accepted, and the present conduct of
the applicant shows the sincerity of his (or her)
profession. When applicants for membership bring
letters of recommendation from other religious
denominations, Monthly Meetings are at liberty to
exercise their judgment as to the manner of receiv
ing them into membership with us. When a
Monthly Meeting receives a person into' member
ship, a minute to that import is to be made and the
individual is to be informed of his reception.
And it is our desire, when a smaller or larger
number of individuals who may reside remote from
any Monthly Meeting, and who may be awakened
to a sense of their spiritual wants, and may incline
to embrace the doctrines of the Gospel as held by
us, that ministers, elders, overseers, and other
Friends should render them such advice and
encouragement, as in the wisdom of truth they

76 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
may be enabled to do, in order that such may be
well informed in Christian doctrine ; and if at any
time it should be desired by such ""individuals to be
admitted to full membership with us, the Friends
who have extended care as aforesaid, should inform
the Monthly Meeting most convenient, and such
meeting, after extending the proper care, may be at
liberty to receive them into membership collectively ;
or, should the Monthly Meeting desire assistance,
the case may be forwarded to the Quarterly Meet
ing for advice and assistance before final action.
And Friends are earnestly desired to be careful
that they discharge their whole duty toward those
who manifest an interest in their spiritual welfare,
by attending our religious meetings, or are inclined
to join us in religious fellowship ; to visit such in the
love of Christ for their encouragement in a Chris
tian course of life ,and to instruct them in a knowl
edge of the doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ.
RIGHTS OF CHILDREN.
On the subject of the right of children to mem
bership in the Society, such right is to be under
stood as extended to any child born of parents in
membership. Although we recognize the children of our mem
bers as objects of our care, and partakers of the
outward privileges of Christian fellowship, we would
earnestly remind all, that such recognition can not
constitute them members of the Church of Christ.
Nothing can effect this but the power of the Holy

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 77

Spirit, working repentance toward God and faith
toward our Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, let the
words of our Divine Master have their due place
with us all : " Ye must be born again."
JOINING ANOTHER RELIGIOUS SOCEETY.
If one of our members shall join another religious
society, the overseers, after extending Christian care
to such person, are directed, at a suitable time, to
report the fact to the Preparative Meeting of which
he or she is a member, by which it shall be for
warded to the Monthly Meeting, which shall appoint
a judicious committee to visit the individual and
learn the cause of such step, and if possible remove
the same-, and labor to restore them to fellowship
with our religious Society. Such committees are
earnestly advised in all their labors to seek to be
filled with the charity " which suffereth long and
is kind, vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, and
thinketh no evil," so as if possible to leave a kind
and tender impression upon the minds of those with
whom they labor, and to make them feel that the
door is fully open for their return to us.
If the labor prove unavailing, the fact should be
reported to the Monthly Meeting, which may con
sider the right of membership of such person relin
quished, and inform him or her thereof.
When a member of our religious Society, whose
life and Christian walk has been commendable, de
sires to attach himself or herself to some other
evangelical church, Monthly Meetings are at liberty

78 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
to give them a lette'r stating their standing amongst
us — after due care and inquiry. Whereupon the
right of membership of such person in our rehgious
Society shall cease. RESIGNATIONS.
When any member desires to resign his right of
membership, he is to present his resignation in wri
ting to the Monthly Meeting of which he is a mem
ber ; which meeting, after taking proper care in the
case, may accept the resignation.
REMOVALS.
All members removing beyond the limits of their
Monthly Meetings, whether for a permanent or only
a certain limited time, are to apply to their respect
ive meetings for certificates, directed to those within
the limits of which they propose to sojourn or settle.
Whereupon Monthly Meetings should, previously to
granting such certificates, appoint a committee of
men Friends, if the applicant be a male, or of
women, if a female ; but if the applicants be males
and females, then a joint committee, to make care
ful inquiry respecting their conduct and the proper
adjustment of their outward affairs, and if they find
nothing to hinder, to prepare a certificate, and re
port it to the next Monthly Meeting ; when, if no
obstruction appear, such certificate should be grant
ed and signed by the clerks of the men's and the
women's meetings.

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 79
But if any shall remove without so applying, the
Monthly Meeting of which they are members, after
making inquiry, as in cases of applicants, and find
ing no obstruction, should, without improper delay,
send certificates for them to the Monthly Meetings
within the limits of which they have removed. But
if their previous conduct require that they be treat
ed with, and the distance be such as to render it
inconvenient for the meeting they removed from,
the Monthly Meeting within the limits of which
they are, should be requested to treat with them,
and report the effect of their care ; after which, if
their labor prove satisfactory, certificates of removal
may be directed ; but if otherwise they should be
disowned. Where apprentices, or persons under age, are
under the necessity of going from one place to other,
their parents or guardians should apply for certifi
cates for them, recommending them to the care and
oversight of the Monthly Meeting to which they re
move. If any members of our religious Society come
within the compass of any Monthly Meeting, not
being recommended by certificates, and be of dis
orderly conduct, the overseers or other Friends,
should admonish them, or if the occasion require
it, report the case to the Preparative, and from
thence to the Monthly Meeting ; which should there
upon inform the Monthly Meeting of which they
are members, of the circumstances, and take the di
rection of said meeting for treating further with
them, agreeably to our rules in cases of that nature.

80 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
All certificates of removal, brought by any Friends
intending to become residents, shall be lodged in the
Monthly Meeting where the same are accepted;
and every meeting shall keep a record of all certifi
cates which it may give forth.
When certificates of removal from one Monthly
Meeting to another are accepted, the persons rec
ommended shall be considered members of the meet
ing to which they remove.
When certificates are adopted, signed," and record
ed, they should immediately be placed in the hands
of the proper correspondents, who should sign them,
pre-pay the postage, and forward them without de
lay, to the regular correspondent of the meeting to
which they are addressed ; and when certificates are
received, they are to be read in each meeting.
Monthly Meetings receiving certificates are to ac
knowledge the reception thereof to the Monthly
Meeting which issued them.
Monthly Meetings are directed to acknowledge
the reception of certificates of removal from Great
Britain or Ireland, by transmitting, seasonably, to
one of our proper Yearly Meeting correspondents
for that purpose, a suitable extract of their minute
of reception, properly signed by the clerk, and coun
tersigned by their correspondent.
We feel it our concern to caution Friends to be
very circumspect how they remove themselves and
families. It having been observed that the dissolv
ing of old, and forming of new connections, have in
some instances been attended with effects prejudicial
to a growth in truth, both in the heads and younger

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 81
branches of families, especially where the inclina
tion to such removals has originated in worldly mo
tives. (1789.) CARE OF THE POOR.
As mercy, compassion, and charity are eminently
required by the Gospel, it is directed that the cases
of our members who are in indigent circumstances
be duly inspected, in order that advice and relief
may be seasonably extended, and assistance af
forded them, in such business as they are capable
of. To defray the expenses which their support,
and the education of their children will necessarily
occasion, it is recommended to each Monthly and
Preparative Meeting of Friends, to be liberal in sub
scriptions for these purposes. And in the exercise
of this benevolent care, it is desired that we may
always guard against unnecessarily exposing the
names or situation of our fellow-members. Those
who need pecuniary aid, ought to accept the
dehberate advice of their Friends, and manifest a
becoming disposition to conform to their judgment.
OVERSEERS.
The office of overseer among us is of great im
portance, and, when rightly filled, of great value.
We feel much for our friends who are appointed to
this station. In the proper performance of their
service much humiliation may prevail : but while it
is well they should be sensible of their own infirmity,
6

82 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
this consideration ought not to be allowed to inter
fere with the right discharge of their duty. We en
courage them to cherish an interest in the spiritual
welfare of all their fellow-members, to exercise a
watchful care and affectionate oversight, and more
especially to manifest their sympathy with their
younger Friends, in the peculiar circumstances in
which some of them are placed. We invite them
to be diligent in warning and counseling the young,
in privacy, faithfulness, and love ; endeavoring to
attract them to the paths of virtue and self-denial,
and to faith in Christ, as their Shepherd, their Sa
vior, and their King. Nor would we limit the per
formance of these duties to those who occupy such
stations : we are all to watch over one another for
good, and to be mutually interested one for another,
being united together as lively stones in the spirit
ual building of which the Lord Jesus Christ is the
chief corner-stone. (1851.)
In every Monthly Meeting, a proper number of
faithful and judicious men and women Friends, be
longing to each of the particular or Preparative
Meetings, should be appointed overseers within the
same ; whose duty it is to exercise a vigilant and
tender care over their fellow-members , that if any
thing repugnant to the harmony and good order of
the Society appears among them, it may be timely
attended to. .' And to .prevent the introduction of
all unnecessary and premature complaints, to meet
ings of business, it is advised, that if any member
shall have cause of complaint against another, it be
mentioned to the overseers ; who are to'see that the

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 83
party complained of has been treated with, accord
ing to Gospel order, previously to the case being re- -
ported to the Pj^rjaratiye or Monthly Meeting. And
should complaints be made ' to the overseers, or I
other judicious Friends, against any of our mem
bers, by persons who have not a right of member
ship with us, the complaint ought not to be slighted
or rejected because the complainant is not a mem
ber, but such care should be extended in the case
as may evince that our object is the equal and im
partial administration of justice, without respect to
persons. And it is desired, that in dealing with any,
it be done in the spirit of meekness and love,
patiently endeavoring to instruct and advise them ;
and, if ineffectual, the Preparative Meeting should
be informed thereof ; that, if needful, the case may
be laid before the Monthly Meeting ; of which notice
should be given to the party, when it can be conve
niently done.
It is further recommended to our Monthly Meet
ings, that a committee be appointed at least once in
three years, or as much oftener as the occasion
may require, to consider the propriety of a change
of overseers. And we tenderly exhort all our mem
bers, who may be rightly called into this, or any
other service of the church, not hastily to excuse
themselves therefrom, but seriously to consider
the advice of the apostle: "Feed the flock of
God, which is among you; taking the oversight.
thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for
filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being
lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to

84 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
the flock : and when the chief shepherd shall ap
pear, ye shall receive a crown of glory, that fadeth
not away." 1 Pet., v. 2, 3, 4.
Overseers are to use proper discretion in refer
ence to bringing forward cases of complaint to the
Monthly Meeting. 1 If the offender manifest re
pentance and contrition, and shows a disposition
to make such amends as are in his power, to those
he has injured, the case should not be reported to the
Monthly Meeting ; unless it is one of scandalous or
immoral conduct. See 2 Tim., ii. 24-26;- 2 Cor.,
ii. 5-8. QUERIES AND ADVICES.
In order that the Yearly Meeting may be clearly
informed of the state of Society, the following que
ries are directed to the Subordinate Meetings ; and
in desiring answers to them, the design of the Year
ly Meeting is, not only to be informed of the due
observance of the several branches of our Christian
testimony, but also to impress on the minds of
our members, a profitable individual examination
of themselves; how far they act consistently with
their religious profession ; and also to excite elders,
overseers, and other concerned Friends, to dis
charge their duty faithfully, in administering coun
sel and admonition when necessary.
It is directed that the following four queries be
read, deliberately considered, and answered, in each
Preparative and Monthly Meeting, once in the
year, in order to convey an explicit account, in
writing, to the Quarterly Meetings, next preceding

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 85

the Yearly Meeting ; and from thence an account
is to be forwarded to the Yearly Meeting.
Nor is the reading and answering of them en
joined on any Preparative Meeting, where the
members of that and the Monthly Meetings are the
same. QUERIES.
1. Are your Meetings for Worship and Discip
line regularly held, and are they well and punctual
ly attended ?
2. Do Friends, in their intercourse amongst
men, give evidence that they are imbued with the
love of Christ ? Do they instruct their children in
the principles of the Christian religion, and bring
them up to habits of industry and simplicity ; and
are they encouraged to the reading and study of
the Holy Scriptures ?
3. Are Friends careful in regard to contracting
debts and other engagements, so that no discredit
or reproach may occur for want of promptness in
complying with the same ; and are Friends careful
of the reputation of others in every respect ?
4. When any of our members are overtaken in
a fault, are timely measures taken to restore them
in the spirit of meekness and love ?
The two following queries are to be read and se
riously considered, at least once in the year, by
Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative Meetings, in
such order and distribution throughout the year,
and otherwise in such manner as may seem to each
Meeting most suitable.

86 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
Meetings may at their discretion, have these que
ries, or any of them, read after their , Meetings for
Worship, whenever it may be thought profitable to
do so. No meeting is called upon to answer them :
1. Are your Meetings for Worship occasions of
religious solemnity and edification, in which,
through Christ, our ever-living High Priest and
Intercessor, the Father is worshipped in spirit and
in truth ?
2. Do you walk in love, as Christ also hath
loved you ? Do you cherish a forgiving spirit ?
GENERAL ADVICES.
It is further directed that in the Preparative and
Monthly Meetings, or in such other meetings as
the Monthly Meeting may direct, the following ad
vices may be read, with a suitable pause between
them, as a means of exciting those present to a
consideration, whether there is any occasion for
an extension of care in these respects, in relation
either to themselves or others :
ADVICES.
Parents and heads of families are earnestly ad
vised to maintain daily family worship. For this
purpose let them collect their families and read a
portion of the Holy Scriptures, with their minds
turned to their Divine Author with prayer that He
would apply them to the hearts and understand
ings of themselves and children. They should also
seek for divine ability to unite with their families
in vocal prayer and praise.

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 87
Take heed, dear friends, we entreat you, to the»
convictions of the Holy Spirit, who leads, through
unfeigned repentance, and living faith in the Son
of God, to reconciliation with our Heavenly Father ;
and to the blessed hope of eternal life, purchased
for us by the one offering of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
Be earnestly concerned in religious meetings rev
erently to present yourselves before the Lord, and
seek by the help of the Holy Spirit, to worship God
through Jesus Christ.
Prize the privilege of access by Him unto the
Father. Continue instant in prayer, and watch in the
same with thanksgiving.
Be in the frequent practice of waiting upon the
Lord in private retirement ; honestly examining
yourselves as to your growth in grace, and your
preparation for the life to come.
Be diligent in the private perusal of the Holy
Scriptures; and let the reading of them in your
families be devoutly conducted.
Be careful to make a profitable and religious use
of those portions of time on the first day of the
week which are not occupied by our meetings for
worship. Live in love as Christian brethren, ready to be
helpful to one another, and sympathizing with each
other in the trials and afflictions of life.
Watch over one another for good, manifesting an
earnest desire that each may possess a well ground
ed hope in Christ.

88 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
* Follow peace with all men, desiring the true hap
piness of all ; be kind and liberal to the poor, and
endeavor to promote the temporal, moral, and re
ligious well being of your fellow men.
With a tender conscience, in accordance with
. the precepts of the Gospel, take heed to the limita
tions of the Spirit of Truth in the pursuit of the
things of this life.
Maintain a strict integrity in your transactions
in trade, and in all your outward concerns.
Guard against the spirit of speculation, and the
snare of accumulating wealth. Remember that we
must account for the mode of acquiring, as well as
for the manner of using, and finally disposing of,
our possessions.
Observe simplicity and moderation in your de
portment and attire, in the furniture of your houses,
and in your style and manner of living.
Carefully maintain in your own conduct, and en
courage in your families, truthfulness and sincerity ;
and avoid worldliness in all its forms.
Guard watchfully against the introduction into
your households of publications of a hurtful ten
dency; and against such companionships, indul
gences and recreations, whether for yourselves or
for your children, as may in anywise interfere with
a growth in grace.
Avoid such sports and places of diversion as are
frivolous or demoralizing ; all kinds of gaming ; the
frequenting of public houses and places of idle re
sort, and the use of all intoxicating beverages, and
of tobacco and opium.

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 89
In contemplating the engagement of marriage?
look principally to that which will help you on your
heavenward journey. Pay filial regard to the judg
ment of your parents. Bear in mind the vast im
portance, in such a union, of an accordance in re
ligious principles and practice. Ask counsel of
God; desiring above all temporal considerations,
that your union may be owned and blessed of Him.
Watch with Christian tenderness over the open
ing minds of your children ; inure them to habits
of self-restraint and filial obedience ; carefully in
struct them in the knowledge of the Holy Scrip
tures; and seek for ability to imbue their hearts
with the love of their Heavenly Father, their Re
deemer and their Sanctifier.
Finally, dear friends, let your whole conduct and
conversation be such as becomes the Gospel. Ex
ercise yourselves to have always a conscience void
of offense toward God and man. Be steadfast and
faithful in your allegiance and service to your Lord ;
continue in His love ; endeavoring to keep the unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 1791. 1801.
1833. 1861. 1875. APPEALS.
If any be dissatisfied with, or think themselves
aggrieved by the judgment of a Monthly Meeting,
they may, after a copy of the testimony of disown-
ment is offered to them, notify the first or second
Monthly Meeting following (but no other), of their
intention of appealing to the ensuing Quarterly

90 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
Meeting, which notification the Monthly Meeting
should enter on its minutes, and appoint four or
more Friends, to attend the Quarterly Meeting,
with a copy of the proceedings relative to the case,
signed by the clerk, to show the reasons whereon
that judgment was founded. The Quarterly Meet
ing is then to refer the same to a committee of
Friends, noticing the propriety of any objection
made by the appellant against persons thus nomi
nated (omitting those of the Monthly Meeting from
which the appeal comes); and to confirm or reverse
the said judgment, as on impartial examination,
shall appear to be right.
When the Quarterly Meeting's committee report
their judgment, and the meeting is satisfied there
with, then a committee should be appointed to in
form- the appellant of the meeting's decision in the
case. The committee should give him the infor
mation as soon after the Quarter as is practicable,
and report to next meeting ; and if the appellant is
dissatisfied with the meeting's decision, he may
notify the first or second Quarterly Meeting after
he receives such information, of his further inten
tion of appealing to the Yearly Meeting, but not
afterward. The said Quarterly Meeting, after
recording' such notification, is in like manner to
appoint at least three Friends, to attend the Year
ly Meeting, with copies of the records of both
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in the case, signed
by their clerks ; here it is to be finally determined,
and a copy of the determination is to be sent to the
Quarterly Meeting from which the appeal came.

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 91
Notices of appeals are to be forwarded from sub
ordinate to superior meetings, in the regular reports
of such meetings.
All committees in cases of appeals should make
written report, and when the judgment is reversed,
to state therein the ground upon which their judg
ment is founded.
But when the proceedings of a subordinate meet
ing are nullified in consequence of irregular pro
ceedings, said meeting, or the overseers, should
resume the consideration of the offense, if it be
such as to require it, and proceed therein accord
ing to gospel order.

SECTION IV.

MINISTERS AND ELDERS,
AND THEIR MEETINGS.
We believe that gospel ministry is not of man,
but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Holding it
to be a doctrine truly Christian, that the Spirit o£
God is the foundation of all true knowledge in rela
tion to that duty which we owe to Him, and one to
another, we earnestly exhort, that those among us
who apprehend that they are called to the ministry
of the gospel may, in their public services especial
ly, attend closely to their several and peculiar gifts,
waiting for that divine ability by which they may
faithfully and availingly minister the Word.
THE MODE OF ACKNOWLEDGING MINISTERS.
When a Friend has frequently appeared in our
religious meetings as a minister, and the Prepara
tive Meeting of Ministers and Elders apprehends
that it is seasonable, the subject should claim the
attention of the Monthly Meeting. The proposition
should be forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting of
Ministers and Elders, by which, if united in, it
should be transmitted to the Monthly Meeting of
which the Friend is a member — and until the ap-

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 93

probation of the Monthly Meeting is obtained, no
such Friend is to be permitted to sit in the Meet
ings of Ministers and Elders, unless by consent of
that body, nor allowed to travel abroad as a minis
ter. The Monthly Meeting should transmit a copy
of its minute to the Preparative Meeting of Minis
ters and Elders ; and also forward an account
thereof to the Quarterly Meeting, by which it should
be sent to the Yearly Meeting.
If any acknowledged minister shall at any time
be thought, by negligence, unfaithfulness, or other
wise, to have lost his or her service in that station,
so as to become burdensome, and the subject of
uneasiness (yet not so as to be under the care of a
Meeting of Discipline on that account, or for' mis
conduct), it is advised that a timely and tender
care be extended to such person, according to Gos
pel order ; first by the individuals concerned, and
then by the Preparative Meeting of Ministers and
Elders to which he or she may belong ; should these
labors prove unavailing, report of the case should
be made by that meeting to the Quarterly Meeting
©f Ministers and Elders, where a few Friends should
be deputed to assist the said Preparative Meeting,
in a further extension of labor with the party ; if this
also prove unavailing, and on report thereof to the
said Quarterly Meeting, it appears that the said
Preparative Meeting has fully discharged its duty
to the individual, the case should then be trans
mitted to the Monthly Meeting for Discipline of
which the party is a member, and left under its
care ; and he or she ought from that time to refrain

94 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
from attending any such meetings, until they shall
be again recommended, as at first.
LIBERATING MINISTERS FOR RELIGIOUS SERVICE.
When Ministers of the Gospel, of either sex, feel
that they are called to travel in the service of the
gospel, they must lay the subject before the joint
Monthly Meeting of men and women Friends of
which they are members, and obtain a certificate
of the unity and concurrence of the Meeting, signed
by its clerks. And should they desire to visit all
the meetings of any Yearly Meeting, they must also
present their concern (with the certificate of the|
Monthly Meeting), to the joint Quarterly Meeting
of men and women Friends, and obtain the consent
of the Quarterly Meeting, which must be endorsed
on the Monthly Meeting's certificate. This certifi
cate is to be returned to these meetings when they
have completed the service for which they were
liberated. It is also directed that no Monthly or Quarterly
Meetings liberate a minister to make a general visit
to the meetings of more than two Ye*arly Meetings
at one time. SUPPLY OF MINISTRY.
The Yearly Meeting recognizes the blessing to
any meeting of a living mmistry, and would earn
estly recommend Monthly and Quarterly Meetings,
wherein several members exercise ministerial gifts,
to consider the needs of Meetings, or companies of

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 95
enquirers who are not so blessed, and take meas
ures to supply such meetings or companies, either
temporarily or permanently with ministers, as they
may think best ; taking care neither to require too
much sacrifice of individuals on the one hand, nor
to improperly burden the church on the other.
SUPPORT OF MINISTRY.
We would impress upon the mind of every be
liever the necessity of sharing the burden and sacri
fices attending the fulfilment of the command, "Go
ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every
creature," being convinced that spiritual poverty
will result from the withholding of means needed
for the promulgation of the Gospel.
When meetings liberate ministers of the Gospel
for any service, they should provide the requisite
pecuniary means for their traveling expenses, and,
when necessary, provide for the maintenance of
their families while engaged in this service. For this
purpose Quarterly andMonthly Meetings are directed
to form a special fund in each Quarterly and Monthly
Meeting to be known as " The Fund for the Spread
of the Gospel," and appoint committees to have
charge of said Fund, which shall report to their
respective meetings, once in the year, the condi
tion of the Fund and the probable amount needed
for the ensuing year.
These committees shall also have power, when
necessary, to aid such ministers as feel called to
devote their time to the work, and as may be lib-

96 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
erated by the Monthly Meetings for services in
their own limits.
MEETINGS OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
The ministers and elders of each Monthly Meeting
are required to meet once in three months, at such
time and place as the Monthly Meeting may direct,
and suck meeting may at any time be discontinued by
the Monthly Meeting in the capacity of a Preparative
Meeting of Ministers and Elders ; when the queries
addressed to such meetings are to be read and con
sidered, and answers to them in writing, signed by
the clerk, are to be forwarded to the ensuing Quar
terly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, to attend
which two or more Friends shall be appointed as
representatives ; here also, if, in the course of in
quiry, any deficiency has appeared, care should be
taken that it be remedied.
And in the Quarterly Meetings the same queries
are also to be read, together with the answers which
are brought from their Preparative Meetings. In
these meetings the state of the members is to
be considered, and where occasion requires it,
advice and counsel may be seasonably extended;
and once in the year, those. answers comprised in a
written report, and signed by the clerk, are to be
forwarded to the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and
Elders, by four or more Friends appointed as repre
sentatives. In this meeting the queries are also to
be read, with the answers from the several Quarters,
and the state of this part of Society being collected

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. ' 97
and considered, advices adapted thereto may, if
requisite, be issued to the Subordinate Meetings of
Ministers and Elders. Here all such ministers as
apprehend they are required to go in the service of
Christ beyond sea, or beyond the limits of the
United States of North America, except to the
Canadas, New Brunswick, or Nova Scotia, after
obtaining a certificate of the concurrence of the
Monthly Meeting, indorsed by the Quarterly Meet
ing, are to communicate their prospects of duty
relative thereto, and produce the said certificates ;
and if, upon consideration, the same are united
with by the said Meeting of Ministers and Elders,
a certificate thereof, signed by the clerk, should be
granted. None of the said Meetings of Ministers and
Elders are in any wise to interfere with the busi
ness of any Meeting for Discipline; nor is the
Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders to suffer
its adjournments to interfere with the sittings of
the Yearly Meeting for Discipline.
When a Monthly Meeting is divided, should there
not be a sufficient number of ministers and elders
to compose a Meeting within each of those Monthly
Meetings, the members of both shall continue to
compose one Preparative Meeting, until the number
shall be sufficient to compose two.
QUERIES FOR MEETINGS OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
The Yearly Meeting requires that the follow
ing three queries, formed for the use of the Meet-
7

98 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
ings of Ministers and Elders, be read and consid
ered three times in the year, by each Preparative
Meeting of Ministers and Elders, and that they be
answered in writing by the Preparatives to their
Quarterly Meetings next preceding the Yearly Meet
ing of Ministers and Elders ; and by the Quarterly
Meetings to the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and
Elders :
1. Are you engaged to watch unto prayer, that
you may yourselves be preserved in humble de
pendence on Christ, and in earnest religious exer
cise for the conversion of sinners, and for the edify
ing of the body in the faith and hope of the gospel ?
2. Do you hold scriptural views on Christian
doctrine, and are you concerned to occupy the
spiritual gifts entrusted to you faithfully, and to
the honor of God ?
8. Are you careful to rule your own houses well ;
and do you endeavor by example and precept to
train up your families to a religious life and con
versation consistent with our Christian profession ?
ADVICES TO MEMBERS OF MEETINGS FOR MINISTERS AND
ELDERS.
Be constant in your endeavors, through the pow
er of the Holy Spirit, to live under the government
of Christ.
Be frequent in reading and diligent in meditating
upon the Holy Scriptures, and be careful not to
misquote or misapply them. In preaching, writing,
or conversing about the things of God, keep to the
use of sound words, or scripture terms.

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 99
Be careful to adorn the doctrine of God our Sav
ior in all things ; keep yourselves unspotted from
the world, and be examples of meekness, temper
ance, patience, and charity.
Be watchful hot to become entangled with the
cares of this world ; and guard against the snare of
accumulating wealth ; manifesting Christian mod
eration and contentment in all things.
Cherish a deep religious interest on behalf of
those who speak in the ministry ; watching over the
young and inexperienced with tender Christian con
cern, encouraging all in the right way of the Lord.
In the exercise of the ministry wait for the re
newed putting forth of the Holy Spirit ; be careful
not to exceed the measure of your gift, but proceed
and conclude in the life and authority of the Gospel.
Preach, not yourselves, but Christ Jesus the
Lord ; reverently asking wisdom of God, that you
may be enabled rightly to divide the word of truth.
Let nothing be done or offered with a view to pop
ularity, but all in humility and in the fear of the
Lord. Bearing in mind that the treasure is in
earthen vessels, beware of laying stress on the au
thority of your ministry.
Be tender at all times of each other's reputation,
and watchful lest you hurt each other's service.
As servants of the same Lord, with diversities of
gifts, but the same spirit, maintain a lively exercise
harmoniously to labor for the spreading and ad
vancement of the truth.
Let ministers endeavor to express themselves
audibly and distinctly, and guard against all tones

100 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
and gestures inconsistent with Christian simplicity.
Let them beware of using unnecessary, preambles,
and of making additions toward the conclusion of a
meeting, when it was left well before.
When traveling in the service of Christ, be care
ful to move under His guidance. Let your visits
be neither short and hurried, nor burdensome, nor
unnecessarily expensive ; giving no offence in any
thing, that the ministry be not blamed.
Prayer, thanksgiving, and praise are an import
ant part of worship. May they be offered in spirit
and in truth, with a right understanding, seasoned
with grace. When engaged therein, avoid many
words and repetitions ; be cautious of too often re
peating the high and holy name of God ; neither
let prayer be in a formal and customary way, nor
without a reverent sense of Divine influence.
Finally, dear friends, take heed to yourselves,
and to all the flock amongst whom you have been
called to labor. Be faithful ; be patient ; be in earnest
to fulfill your appointed service, that when the Chief
Shepherd shall appear ye may receive the crown of
glory that fadeth not away.' 1775. 1792. 1833.
1861. 1876. ELDERS.
Monthly Meetings are advised to appoint some
serious, discreet and judicious Friends, of each
sex, who are not ministers, tenderly to encourage
and help young ministers, and advise others as
they in the wisdom of God see occasion. , (1727.)

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 101
Such as will fulfill the apostolic injunction, "Feed
the flock of God which is among you, taking the
• oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly ;
not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind ; neither
as being lords over God's heritage, but being ex
amples to the flock." 1 Peter, v. 2, 3.
Monthly Meetings are directed to appoint a com
mittee once in three years, whose duty it shall be
carefully to consider this subject, and propose to
the Monthly Meetings such individuals as they may
think suitable to be appointed to or retained in that
station. The Monthly Meeting shall, in joint ses
sion of men and women, consider their report and
act upon it, according to its judgment.
H any Monthly Meeting shall at any time desire
the assistance of the Quarterly Meeting in this
appointment, it may forward a request to that ef
fect, and the Quarterly Meeting shall then appoint
a Committee to assist said Monthly Meeting.
If any Preparative Meeting of Ministers and
Elders shall at any time deem it desirable, it may
suggest to the Monthly Meeting the name of a Friend
to be appointed to the station of an elder. The
Monthly Meeting shall act on such proposition as
' in its judgment may seem right.
Information of the appointment of elders is to
be conveyed to the Preparative Meeting of Ministers
and Elders, as from the period of their appoint
ment they become members of that meeting (1784,
1796) ; and by that meeting to the Quarterly Meet
ing of Ministers and Elders.
Monthly Meetings are at liberty at any time

102 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
after the exercise of due care and admonition, to
displace such elders as appear to be either incom
petent or unfaithful. (1772, 1776, 1801.)
In the appointment of elders, age or wealth is
not to be an inducement in the choice ; but let such
be appointed as fear God, love His truth in sinceri
ty, are sound in Christian faith and doctrine, and
are of clean hands (1761) ; and they should be dili
gent readers of the Holy Scriptures ; and not
only religiously concerned for the advancement of
the cause of Christ and the support of our Disci
pline, but should manifest the same by their works,
and be such as would faithfully discharge the trust
confided to them. (1861.)
We earnestly desire that ministers and elders
may be mutually useful to each other, and act as
nursing fathers and mothers in the church, that
they may be of those who love the Lord, and will
" Feed His lambs, " who are "vigilant, sober, of good
behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, " " One
that ruleth well his own house, having his children
in subjection with all gravity." 1 Tim., iii. 2, 4.
And especially that they advise, admonish, and en
courage those who are young in the ministry, in
tender and Christian spirit ; nourishing that which
is right, and discouraging every thing that is unbe
coming the ministry. (1736.)
ADVICE RELATIVE TO MINISTERS.
If any, in the course of their ministry, shall mis
apply or draw unsound inferences, or wrong con-

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 103
elusions from the text, or shall misbehave them
selves in point of conduct or conversation, let them
be admonished in love and tenderness, by the elders
or overseers where they live ; and if they prove re
fractory, and refuse to acknowledge their faults,
they must be further treated with, in the wisdom
of truth, as the case may require.
As the occasion of our religious meetings is sol
emn, a care should be maintained to guard against
anything that would tend to disorder or confusion
therein. When any think they have aught agamst
what is publicly delivered, they should Bpeak to the
party privately ; and if any shall oppose a Friend,
in his or her preaching or exhortation, or show any
remarkable dislike to such when engaged in prayer,
let them be speedily admonished in such manner
as may be requisite, unless the ministry of the per
son against whom the uneasiness is expressed has
been disapproved by the Monthly Meeting.
While we esteem the Gospel of Christ exceedingly
precious, and love, as the Holy Spirit gives us
ability, its true ministers and messengers, and
could desire to see it everywhere preached, believed,
and obeyed, we think great care is called for, that
none should go forth as such, before they are an
ointed, qualified, and rightly sent ; and those who do
go, should seek, with much prayer, that the door
of their lips may be suitably guarded, and their
conduct and conversation chastened in all their so
cial and more private intercourse ; and that their
public communications may carry with them an
evidence of authority which would be convincing to

104 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
the hearers, encouraging the true-hearted, and
arousing to the negligent and unbelieving ; and by
dwelling thus low and carefully, they might be pre
served from extending their discourses to an undue
length. We further advise all Monthly Meetings to
take proper care in giving certificates to those who
travel, to prevent the uneasiness which sometimes
falls on the church from a weak and unskillful min
istry ; and let the elders, when they see occasion,
advise ministers to be very prudent in their con
duct, not as busy-bodies, nor meddling with family
or personal affairs, in which they are not concerned
or required to be assisting ; and to be very tender
of one another's reputation, and that of Friends
among whom they travel, neither giving ear to, nor
spreading reports tending to raise in the minds of
others a lessening or disesteem of any of the broth
erhood ; and as soon as their service in the ministry
is over, to return to their habitations, and there
take a reasonable and prudent care of their own
business, household, and family. . (1731.)
We believe that in the dispensation of the various
gifts to members in the church, there are many be
loved Friends among us whose gifts have been
properly acknowledged, but whose active services
may seldom or never be extended beyond the bor
ders of our own religious Society, in their own and
other meetings not very distant. We would, there-
fare, affectionately admonish our dear Friends of
subordinate meetings to exercise a wise caution as
to liberating ministers for extensive journeys, and
more especially as to appointing religious meetings

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 105
for those who are not of our own profession. Small
services may be as properly required as large ones,
and where the gift is rightly attended to, a proper
discrimination will be made. While we deeply de
sire the spread of the Gospel of Life, let there be
an earnest care that the cause of Truth and our
profession do not suffer by efforts to extend services
beyond the gifts and callings. So, also, some may
not be required to extend very far in the great doc
trines of salvation who may be acceptably engaged
in exhortation. (1861.) SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
We desire that our views as to the spirituality of
divine worship, the authority and qualification for
the Ministry of the Gospel, and the mode of holding
our meetings for worship, may continue to be faith
fully maintained. Christ, who is head over all
things to the Church, and who hath promised to be
in the midst of those gathered in His name, does
also condescend to make use of his servants by im
parting to them spiritual gifts, to be exercised under
the renewed anointing of the Holy Ghost for the
conversion of sinners, and for the edification, ex
hortation, and comfort of the assembled worship
ers. While careful to uphold the Gospel standard in
the things of God, we desire to be preserved from
limiting in any degree, the fullness and freeness of
the operations of the Holy Spirit. Each living
member of the Church of Christ has a place of ser-

106 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
vice, and to such the manifestation of the spirit is
given to profit withal. We thankfully acknowledge
the goodness of the Lord in the diversities of gifts,
intellectual as well as spiritual, which, in his care
of the church, He is pleased to confer upon its sev
eral members. May we ever bear in mind that,
however great their diversities, it is by the one spirit
they are given ; however differing in the adminis
trations, it is the same Lord ; however diversified
the operations, it is the same God which worketh
all in all.
We desire to encourage our Friends, individually,
to faithfulness in occupying the talent received, " as
they that must give account ; " in dependence upon
His grace, and in loving service to Him who loved
them and gave Himself for them ; remembering the
apostolic injunction, " Ye are not your own, for, ye
are bought with a price ; therefore glorify God in
your body and in your spirit which are God's."
We believe that a freer exercise of the various gifts
graciously bestowed upon many of our members
might, under the divine blessing, tend to the in
struction, comfort, and edification of the body, and
to the spreading of the truth " as it is in Jesus."
(1861.) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom ; teaching and admonishing one another in
psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Col., iii. 16.
It is our earnest concern that all our members,
whether occupying the station of minister or elder
or not, should wait reverently on the Lord with will-

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 107
ing hearts, bearmg in mind the instructions of the
apostle, "having then gifts differing according to
the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let
us prophesy according to the proportion of faith ;
or ministry, let us wait on our ministering ; or he
that teacheth, on teaching ; or he that exhorteth,
on exhortation ; he that giveth, let him do it with
simplicity ; he that ruleth, with diligence ; he that
showeth mercy, with cheerfulness." Rom., xii. 6,
7,8.

SECTION V.

MARRIAGE.
ADVICE RELATIVE TO MARRIAGE.
Marriage being a divine ordinance, and a solemn
engagement for term of life, it is of great import
ance to our peace and well-being in the world, and
may prove of no small consequence respecting our
state in that which is to come ; yet it is often too
inconsiderately entered into, and upon motives
inconsistent with the evident intention of that un
erring wisdom by which it was primarily ordained ;
which was for the mutual assistance and comfort
of both sexes in spirituals and temporals, that their
endeavors might be united for the education of their
children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ;
and for the discharge of their duty in their various
allotments in the world.
Marriage implies union and concurrence, as well
in spiritual as temporal concerns. While the par
ties differ in religion, they stand disunited on the
main point ; even that which should increase and
confirm their mutual happiness, and render them
meet-helps and blessings to each other.
To prevent the falling into such engagements, it
is requisite to beware of the paths that lead to
them, the sordid interests and ensnaring friendships

MARRIAGE. 109

of the world, the contaminating pleasures and idle
pastimes of earthly minds, the various solici
tations and incentives of festivity and dissipation,
especially the too frequent and the familiar
converse with those from whom may arise
a danger of entanglement by their alluring the
passions, and drawing the affections after them.
For the want of due watchfulness and obedience
to the conviction of divine grace in their consciences,
many among us have wounded their own souls,
distressed their friends, injured their families, and
done great disservice to the church, by their unsuit
able connections ; which have proved an inlet to
much degeneracy, and mournfully affected the
minds of those who labor under a living concern
for the good of all, and the prosperity of truth
upon earth. (1777.)
We earnestly advise and exhort all young unmar
ried persons in membership with us, previously to
their making any procedure in order to marriage, to
seriously and humbly wait, up on the Lord for His
counsel and direction in this important concern;
and when favored with satisfactory clearness there
in, they should early acquaint their parents or
guardians with their intentions, and wait for their
consent; thus, preservation from the dangerous
bias of forward and uncertain affections would be
experienced, to the real benefit of the parties, and
the comfort of their friends. (1690.) And it is
earnestly recommended to Friends, that they ten
derly and carefully watch over the youth, and ex
tend seasonable caution and admonition relative to

110 MARRIAGE.

this interesting Bubject, as occasion may require.
It is further recommended that parents exercise a
religious care in watching over their children, and
endeavor to guard them against improper or un
equal connections in marriage ; that they be not
anxious to obtain for them large portions and
settlements, but that they be joined to persons of
religious inclinations, suitable dispositions, and
diligence in their business ; which are necessary to
a comfortable life in a married state. (1722.)
Marriage is not a mere civil contract, but a re
ligious act ; it is God's ordinance and not man's,
and, therefore, seeing that the legislature has fully
confirmed us in our privilege of solemnizing mar
riage according to our own long established religious
usages, we desire that none of our members may
be found departing therefrom. (1848.)
Monthly Meetings are advised to appoint a suit
able committee on the occasion of the marriage of
one of their members, to visit the newly married
individuals for their help and encouragement, be
lieving it to be an important period in life in which
such visits, if judiciously made, may be productive
of much good, and may tend to attach the parties
to our religious Society, strengthen their faith, and
encourage them in a religious life.
RULES IN RELATION TO MARRIAGE.
1. The parties intending marriage with each
other, are to inform the Monthly Meeting to which
the woman belongs that they intend marriage

MARRIAGE. Ill

with each other. The information should be in
writing, and signed by the parties, and presented to
the men's meeting, where, if no justifiable objection
be made, the case should be entered on the minutes
of the meeting.
2. The proposals are then to be sent to the
women's meeting, where, if no justifiable objection
be made, it should be entered on their minutes.
3. If there are any persons who object to the
parties proceeding in marriage, they should make
known such objection to the overseers of the meet
ing, where the marriage is to take place, previous
to the next Monthly Meeting ; wbo are to report the
same, if after examination the objection is con
sidered sufficient, to the Monthly Meeting, which
shall act thereon as may to it seem advisable.
4. If the parties have parents or guardians,
their consent should be expressed, or produced in
writing, to the meeting at which the proposal is
made, but the Monthly Meeting may, if need be,
allow this to be deferred until the next Monthly
Meeting. Consent of parents shall be required to
be made known and recorded by Monthly Meetings
in all cases, unless in the judgment of the meeting
there shall be sufficient and valid reasons for waiv
ing it. And in no case shall such consent be dis
pensed with, when the laws of the land require it.
5. If the man is not a member of the Monthly
Meeting where the woman belongs, but is a member
of our religious Society, he should, previous to the
foregoing procedure, make request of the Monthly
Meeting of men Friends to which he belongs for a

112 MARRIAGE.

certificate of his right of membership, and clear
ness from any other person in respect to marriage
engagements. In making such application, the
name of the woman and the Monthly Meeting to
which she belongs should be given. The meeting
should then appoint two Friends to make inquiry,
and if nothing is found to hinder, to prepare a cer
tificate addressed to the Monthly Meeting where the
woman belongs. The certificate, after being ap
proved, should be signed and sent to the meeting to
which it is addressed, or delivered to the party for
that purpose, as he may direct.
6. At the next meeting after the proposals of mar
riage have been received, and no objections to the
further proceedings of the parties appear, the meet
ing is to leave them at liberty to accomplish their
marriage according to our rules. A suitable Friend
should be appointed by the Monthly Meeting to read
the marriage certificate, and to see that it is
placed in the hands of the recorder.
7. Marriages are to be solemnized at the usual
mid-week meeting for worship of which the woman
is a member, unless the Monthly Meeting author
izes it otherwise. At a suitable time in the meet
ing, the parties are to stand up, and, taking each
ether by the hand, are to declare in an audible
solemn manner, to the following effect : the man
first, viz., "Friends, in the presence of the Lord,
and before this assembly, I take D. E.-to be my
wife ; promising, with divine assistance, to be unto
her a loving and. faithful husband, until death shall
separate us : " and then the woman in like manner :

MARRIAGE. 118

" Friends, in the presence of the Lord, and before
this assembly, I take A. B. to be my husband;
promising, with divine assistance, to be unto him a
loving and faithful wife, until death shall separate
us." The marriage certificate is then to be audibly
read, the express names and description of the par
ties being first inserted. They are then to sign the
same, the man first, then the woman, adopting the
name of her husband : then such others present as
are disposed to subscribe their names as witnesses.
The form of the certificate shall be as follows :
Whereas, A. B. of  , in the County of  , in the State
of  , son of C. and H. B. of  : and D. E., daughter of
F. and G. E. of  , having made known their intentions of
marriage with each other, before a Monthly Meeting of the
religious Society of Friends, held at  (where the parties
have parents or guardians, unless in the case of unreason
able objections, add); their proposals of marriage were
allowed by the meeting. These are to certify whom it may
concern, that for the full accomplishment of their inten
tions, this  day of  month, in the year of our Lord,
 , they the said A. B. and D. E., appeared in a public
meeting of the said people, held at  , aforesaid; and A.
B., taking D. E. by the hand, declared that he took her to
be his wife, promising, with divine assistance, to be unto
her a loving and faithful husband, until death should sep
arate them; and then D. E. did in like manner declare, that
she took him, A. B. to be her husband, promising, with
divine assistance, to be unto him a loving and faithful wife,
until death should separate them. And moreover, they, the
said A. B. and D. E. (she, according to the custom of mar-
8

114 MARRIAGE.

rlage, adopting the name of her husband), did, as a further
confirmation thereof, then and there, to these presents set
their hands. A. B.
And we, whose names are also hereunto subscribed,
being present at the solemnization of the said marriage,
have, as witnesses thereto, set our hands the day and the
year above written.
The following additional conclusions are adopted
by the Yearly Meeting, and directed to the observ
ance of subordinate meetings.
1. No Monthly Meeting is to receive proposals
of marriage sooner than one year after the decease
of a former husband or wife.
2. No proposals of marriage between any so near
as first cousins, or the children of half-brothers or
half-sisters, , shall be entertained by the Monthly
Meeting. 3. The Society of Friends having always believed
marriage to be a divine ordinance, and for term of
life, no unbecoming conduct by either party can
render it null and void. Hence no member of our
rehgious Society can, consistently with our profes
sion, avail him or herself of any legal privilege in
dissolving the marriage contract. But no part of
this article shall apply to those who have been
divorced because of fornication.
4. When any one, not a member of our religious
Society, shall desire to accomplish marriage agree
ably to our order, with one of our members,
Monthly Meetings are directed to take the same

TREASURY. 115

care as in cases where both are members, and to
see that the necessary legal formalities are com
plied with ; and in no cases are marriages to be
permitted in our meetings, under circumstances
that would violate the law of the land.

TREASURY.

A fund having by experience been found useful
for the needs of the Society, and particularly in
the application from time to time, by our Representa
tive Meeting, it is desired by the Yearly Meeting
that the same be occasionally renewed, by a collec
tion from each Quarterly Meeting ; and that it be
contmued in the hands of the Treasurer, appointed
by the meeting, and be subject to be drawn out by
its direction, or by the Representative Meeting, as
the exigencies of the Society may require.
The sums which may be thought necessary, are to
be raised by each Quarterly Meeting, in the propor
tions which may from time to time be directed
by the Yearly Meeting.
And it is further recommended that each Quarterly
and Monthly Meeting have a fund of their own, for
the purpose of defraying expenses, which may neces
sarily come under their care.
And as the spread of Christianity, and the pro
mulgation of the gospel of Christ, should be a gen
eral, as well as an individual concern among us,

116 SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH.
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings are desired to be
liberal in defraying the necessary expenses of those
whom they may liberate to travel in the work of the
ministry, bearing in mind that notwithstanding
Christ's church is of many members, yet it is one
body, and that we should bear one another's bur
dens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Women's meetings are also to have a fund of
their own for such services as may fall more prop
erly under their notice.

ON THE DUTY OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE
SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH.
The great mission of the Church of Christ is to
"go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every
creature." In order to fulfill this, all the members
should be thoroughly devoted to their Divine Mas
ter. " Ye are bought with a price ; therefore, glorify
God in your body and in your spirit, which are
God's." If thus consecrated to Him, all the out
ward substance, with which He has blessed us, will
be held in readiness for His service. The apostle
says : " If the Gentiles have been made partakers of
their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister
unto them in carnal things."
In order to carry on the work of the Church and
spread the Redeemer's kingdom, devoted, earnest
men and women are needed, who are willing to

SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH. 117
give of their time, talents, and services to His work.
Money is also needed. Many of those who are
called into His work must be supported, their out
ward needs supplied, and traveling and other neces
sary expenses borne while they are engaged in this
work. The press is called into requisition, and
thousands of Bibles, books, and tracts printed and
distributed throughout the land. The ordinary
machinery of the Church, simple as it is in our re
hgious Society, requires some money. Meeting
houses must be built and kept in order, the poor
helped, and necessary expenses paid. The temper
ance work requires some funds. The civilization
and Christianization of the Indians ; the spread of
the Gospel among the poor and neglected in the
South, in Mexico, India, and elsewhere, all call for
the use of funds- In no church organization is all
this done with less expense. No supernumerary
persons are employed; no paid agents to collect
funds ; but all the money contributed goes directly
to effect the great object. We know not how a
more simple, effective method of raising funds could
be adopted than that practiced in our religious
Society. We would enjoin upon all our subordinate
meetings to be exceedingly careful to lay no im
proper burdens upon any one, and not to ask for
contributions beyond the means of any member;
but when this care has been taken, we believe it to
be the imperative duty of every member to respond
to the calls of the Church. It will be impossible,
probably, to satisfy every member as to the details
of every branch of the great work being carried for-

118 MEETING HOUSES.

ward ; but a generous confidence in their brethren
and in the assembled church should be exercised,
and a willingness shown to surrender, to some
extent, our personal views and opinions. We believe
it to be the duty of subordinate meetings to labor
earnestly and lovingly with those who decline to
pay, and if their objections can be removed, to see
that it is done ; but if, after this kind of labor and
care, any who are able still refuse to pay, it is the
judgment of this Meeting that they are not suffi
ciently in unity with the body to fill any position of
responsibility in the Church, or to be active partici
pants in its business. (1875.)

MEETING HOUSES.
Quarterly and Monthly Meetings are directed to
make timely and careful inspection into the situa
tion of the titles of meeting houses, and burial
grounds ; and other estates which have been vested
in trustees, and by them held for the use and bene
fit of the Society at large, or of any of those meet
ings ; so that if it should appear needful, by the death
of any such trustees, or otherwise, due and season
able care may be taken to app*oint some others to
the trust; that future difficulties, and the risk of
being deprived of such estates may be avoided. And
it is furthe directed that Quarterly and Monthly
Meetings respectively, as the case may require, keep

FUNERALS. 119

exact records of all such trusts and conveyances, and
see that the same be duly recorded in the county
record, as required by law ; and also that a clear and
regular account be kept by each respective meeting,
of the place where, and the persons with whom, the
papers, minutes, and records belonging to our reli
gious Society, are from time to time deposited ; and
due care should be taken to lodge them with suita
ble Friends.

FUNERALS.

Two or more suitable Friends of each particular
meeting should be appointed by Monthly Meetings
to attend at the funerals of our members, for the as
sistance of those concerned, and to see that good
order is observed.
In view of the solemn occasion of the decease of
a Friend, it is advised that a season of worship
should be had at all funerals, and that good order
be maintained. The committee shall decide as to
the propriety of holding a religious meeting at the
meeting house, and, if. thought best to hold one,
the time at which it shall be held.

120 BIRTHS AND DEATHS.

BURIAL GROUNDS.
The same committee shall have the care of the
burial grounds, and see that they are properly in
closed and kept in decent order, and the graves filled
up and kept distinct ; and if application be made
for the interment of a person who was not a mem
ber therein, the consent of said committee should
be obtained, who should take care that such inter
ment comport with good order.
Friends are advised against imitating the vain
custom of wearing mourning habits ; and all ex
travagant expenses about the interment of the dead,
including ostentatious tombstones.

BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
As great inconvenience may arise from a want of
due attention to keeping a regular record of births
and deaths, it is enjoined upon each Monthly Meet
ing, to appoint a careful Friend, whose duty it shall
be, to keep, in a book provided at the expense of the
Monthly Meeting, for the purpose, a record of all
births and deaths of members, which occur within
their respective limits.
It is further enjoined that' committees be ap
pointed annually, to examine the records, and to
assist in bringing them up.

MEMORIALS. 121

MEMORIALS.
Monthly Meetings are advised to exercise due care
and deliberation before they conclude on issuing
testimonies or minutes concerning deceased Frienas,
whether ministers or others, whose lives have been
marked by devotedness to the cause of their Lord,
and to the service of the church. In drawing up
such documents, when it is judged proper to issue
them, Monthly Meetings are desired to pay due re
gard to conciseness, and especially to bear in mind
that the object is not eulogy, but to preserve a record
of the power of divine grace in the lives of the Lord's
faithful servants. Testimonies, when drawn up, are
to be presented by the Monthly Meeting to its Quar
terly Meeting, which meeting is recommended, in
each case, to revise the testimony so presented (by
the appointment of a committee or otherwise) ; and
it is left to the discretion of the Quarterly Meeting,
either to send forward the same or a new testimony
prepared by itself, to the Representative Meeting ; or,
if thought expedient, to withhold altogether any
such testimony. If approved by the Representa
tive Meeting, such testimony is to be laid before the
Yearly Meeting for its action before being printed.
It is also required that Quarterly and Monthly
Meetings furnish the Yearly Meeting, annually, with
an account of the decease of such of their ministers
as have occurred within the year.

122 CERTIFICATE OF REMOVAL.

CERTIFICATE OF REMOVAL.
[The folio-wing is recommended as a suitable Form of Certificate ol
Removal, to be varied according to circumstances.]
To M  Monthly Meeting of Friends :
Dear Fbiends: — A. B., and C., his wife, members of this
meeting, having removed with their minor children, D. E.
and F., and settled within the limits of your meeting, re
quest has been made for our certificate of their right of
membership. This is therefore to certify, that on due in
quiry respecting their conduct, and the proper adjustment
of their outward affairs, no obstruction appears to the issu
ing of a certificate in their behalf. We therefore recommend
them to your Christian care, and remain in love, your Friends.
Signed by direction and on behalf of S  Monthly
Meeting of Friends, held  month  , 18 — .
Y. Y., Correspondent. E T f ^er^*-

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