/^JOHNMr (g OLIN \^ LIBRARY^ Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029462862 Cornell Unlveralty Library BX7607.N5 A4 1830 olln 3 1924 029 462 862 DISCIPLINE OF THE YEARLY niEETINO OF FRIENDIS, HELD IN NEW-YORK, FOR THE STATE OF NEW-ITORX, AND PARTS ADJACENT, REVISED, IN THE SIXTH MONTH, 1810. NEW-YORK: 1830. K*-t" ■ PRINTED BY JOHN P. StBELL, Corner of Peck-slip and Pearl-street. CONTENTS. Advices 5 Acknowledgments and testimonies of denial - - - 40 Appeals 42 Apprentices 100 Births and deaths 86 Books 96 Burials 87 Certificates 88 Civil government - 102 Differences and arbitrations 90 Days and times 69 Defamation and detraction 55 Distilled spirituous liquors 61 Diversions 54 Gaming - 84 Hireling ministry 56 Meetings for worship 9 Meetings for discipline 11 Women's meetings for discipline 16 Meetings of ministers and elders . - - . - 20 Meeting for sufferings - - - - - - 29 Marriages 57 Memorials 106 Oaths 47 Offenders, treating with 37 Overseers -- 31 Parents and children -- 78 Plainness - 64 Poor 81 Queries 33 Requests to be received into membership - - - 84 Removals 88 Scandal, public 44 Schools 98 Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments ... 95 Slavery 49 Sufferings 103 Taverns 53 Titles of lands, &c. 107 Trade 73 War 45 Wills and donations 104 In order to avoid frequent repetitions, the masculine gender is generally made use of, which is meant to apply to either sex, as the case may require. INTRODUCTION. It appears by the Scriptures of truth, that in the morning of the gospel dispensation, the apostles and believers in Qhrist found it expedient to meet to- gether for the purpose of divine worship, and for the promotion of the cause of righteousness ; mani- festing a godly care for the preservation one of an- other, that all might walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing, answerable to that precept of our Lord, " One is your master, even Christ ; and all ye are Brethren." But in succeeding times, the usefulness of these meetings was much lessened by certain men, with selfish and sinister views, assuming authority, and exercising lordship over the flock. It, however, pleased the Almighty, after a long night of apostacy, to bring many out of that darkness which had over- spread the professors of the Christian religion, and in process of. time to gather us to be a people, dis- tinguished by peculiar principles and testimonies, which we believe to be consonant with the true meaning of the Scriptures, and the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Agreeably to the practice of the primitive Chris- tians, we believe it to be our duty not only to meet together for the worship of God, but also for the exercise of a christian care over each other, for the 6 INTRODUCTION. preservation of all in unity of faith and practice. For this important end, and as an exterior hedge of preservation against the temptatioiis and dangers to which we are exposed, the following Rules of Dis- cipline are adopted for the government of Friends, overseers, and meetings, with a view that in the ex- ercise thereof, the unfaithful, the immoral, and the libertine professors may be seasonably reminded of their danger and of their duty ; as well as of the lar- bour which in gospel love hath been from time ix> time bestowed for their help and recovery ; and that such as continue to reject the convictions of truth, and the counsel of their brethren, and refuse to be reclaim- ed, may be made sensible that they themselves are the sole cause of their separation from our reli- gious fellowship and communion. For when any, by their inconsistent or disorderly conduct, or by imbibing and adopting principles and practices con- trary to the doctrines which we hold, have first openly manifested their disunity with the society, it is just and requisite, that after endeavouring to re- store them without effect, the body should testify its disunity with such erring and refractory mem- bers ; at the same time earnestly desiring, that they may be convinced of the error of their ways, and that through unfeigned repentance, and a consist- ent orderly conduct in future, they may be reunited. This being the utmost extent of our discipline res- pecting offenders, it is very evident that from the right exercise thereof, no degree of persecution or imposition can be justly inferred ; for the imposition would rest entirely on the part of those who might INTRODUCTION. 7 insist on being retained as members, whilst at open variance with the Body, either ia principle or practice. In the admifldstration of the Discipline, it is our duty to treat with offenders, in tenderness and love, agreeably to apostolic advice, " Brethren, if a man " be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, re- " store such an one in the Spirit of meekness ; con- " sidering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." And according to gospel order, " if thy brollier shall tres- " pass against thee, go and tell him his fault between "thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou "hast gained thy brother; but if he will not hear " thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in "the mouth of two or three witnesses every word " may be established ; and if he shall neglect td hear " them, tell it unto the Church ; but if he neglect to " hear the Church, let him be unto tl*ee as a heathen " man and a publican." For the more regular and effectual support of the order of the Society, besides the usual meet- ings for the purpose of divine worship, others for the exercise of our Discipline are instituted, subor- dinate to each other, as, First — Preparative Meet- ings, which commonly consist of the members of a meeting for worship ; Secondly, Monthly Meetings, which generally consist of several Preparative Meet- ings ; Thirdly, Q,uarterly Meetings, consisting of sev- eral Monthly Meetings ; and Fourthly, The Yearly Meeting, consisting of all the Quarterly Meetings. These Meetings have distinct allotments of ser- vice; and experience has abundantly shown, that when they are attended in humility and the fear of 8 INTRODUCTION. the Lord, with a single eye to his honour, and the benefit and edification one of another, they do not require man to preside in them; being favoured with spiritual aid and direction from the Holy Head, by which Friends are preserved in harmony and christian condescension. It is, therefore, the indis- pensable duty of Friends, in their meetings for the exercise of the Discipline, humbly to wait for divine influence, which will endue with patience, and qualify them in their several stations and move- ments, to build up one another in " that faith which " works by love to the purifying the heart." "Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, "whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things "are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever "things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good " report ; if there be any virtue, and if there be any " praise, think on these things." MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. Friends are affectionately and pressingly advised duly to attend all our public meetings held for the solemn purpose of divine worship ; and carefully to avoid permitting any slight pretence or worldly busi- ness to occasion their absence from them ; or induce them to leave their children, or those placed under their care, engaged in their temporal concerns ; bear- ing in remembrance, that the solemn inquiry will be made, What hast thou done with those lambs commit- ted to thy care 1 Happy will it be for those who feel the supporting evidence, that they have endeavoured, in preference to all other concerns, to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. When assembled, Friends should be diligent in waiting upon the Lord with fervent desires to be favoured with the enjoyment of his life-giving pres- ence, and to be preserved from wandering thoughts, and from a lukewarm and drowsy state. Thus, ten- der-hearted inquirers would be encouraged to come and partake in our solemn assemblies, of that in- ward and spiritual refreshment, which is at times graciously imparted to the souls of the humbly de- voted ; who are taught by experience, that faithful- ness in devoting time to the attendance of religious Meetings, qualifies to fulfil, with more propriety, the duties they owe to God, to their families, and to mankind. 10 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. Those who frequently neglect, or do not season- ably attend our religious meetings, or go out and in, unnecessarily, or otherwise disturb them, should be cautioned and admonished : and parents and heads of families are exhorted to have a religious care, in these respects, over their children, and those who are under their tuition. When any so manifest their want of love to God^ and the unity of the brethren, as to continue to neg- lect the attendance of our religious meetings, and disregard the repeated advice of Friends, with re- spect to this incumbent duty, they are to be treated with by the monthly meeting to which they be- long, and disowned if their cases should appeat to require it. MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. Meetings for Discipline having by long experi- ence been found of manifest benefit to those who are concerned to -attend them, as well as to the Society at large, Friends are entreated to be diligent in this important duty, and to encourage the attendance of the youth who are of suitable age. Meetings for Discipline are subordinate and ac- countable in the following manner; preparative meetings to the monthly meeting ; monthly meetings to the quarterly meeting ; and quarterly meetings to the yearly meeting. No quarterly meeting is to be set up or discon- tinued but by the yearly meeting ; no monthly meet- ing, but by the quarterly meeting; no preparative meeting, or a meeting for worship, but by the monthly meeting, with the approbation of the quarterly meet- ing : and if at any time the yearly meeting be dis- satisfied with the proceedings of any of the said meetings, or a quarterly meeting with the proceed- ings of any of its monthly meetings, or a monthly meeting with the proceedings of any of its prepara- tive meetings; they are to render a full and clear account when required. Each established meeting for worship should be a preparative meeting, except in cases where a qu'ar- terly meeting shall judge it inexpedient. 12 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE, Business from persons not of our society should be brought to the preparative meeting by the overseers. As the use and design of preparative meetings are, in general to prepare business for monthly meet- ings, Friends. should be careful not to occasion un- necessary delay; and preparative meetings are not to receive or disown members, nor decide in any case which ought to cla,im the attention of monthly meetings : and each preparative meeting should keep a record of its proceedings. After the case of an offender is brought to a meet- ing, he is not to attend any of our meetings for Dis- cipline. Each monthly meeting should appoint a treasurer, who is to keep a regular account of all monies re- ceived and paid on behalf of the meeting. Monthly meetings should carefully endeavour to conclude such business as may come before them, without unnecessary delay; but should a monthly meeting find a subject too weighty or difficult to de- cide upon, it may be removed to the quarterly meet- ing, and in like manner, after due care, the quar- terly meeting may remove it to the yearly meeting; except in a case where the privileges of an individ- ual member are concerned so as to affect his right of appeal ; in such an instance, provided a monthly meeting cannot decide, it may inform the quarterly meeting that a subject is before it in which it de- sires assistance; and the quarterly meeting should appoint a committee to sit with and assist the monthly meeting, and report their attendance : the merits of the case not to be adverted to, either in their report, or in the application of the monthly meeting. MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 13 Records should be made in every monthly and quarterly meeting, of such matters as come before, and are determined by them; and they should, in all cases, contain a clear and explicit narrative. Minutes and reports which are sent from one meet- ing to another should be signed by the Clerk. Business from preparative to monthly meetings, and from monthly to quarterly meetings, should, in general, be read at the opening of the respective meetings to which it is forwarded; together with the minutes of the preceding monthly or quarterly meeting. If any quarterly meeting request the records or minutes of another quarterly meeting, or any monthly meeting, those of another monthly meeting, it is di- rected that copies of such records or minutes be ac- cordingly communicated to the meeting requesting them. It is advised, that, in general, two representatives be appointed by each preparative meeting, to attend the monthly meeting, unless the monthly meeting be composed of only one preparative meeting : each i^ionthly meeting is to appoint two or more repre- sentatives to attend the quarterly meeting ; and at least four representatives should be appointed by each quarterly meeting, to attend the yearly meeting. Representatives are to present to the meetings they are appointed to attend, such business as shall be given them in charge, which shall be in writing. It is earnestly desired, that representatives weightily consider the importance of their appointment, and endeavour to keep under a lively sense of the inter- 3 14 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. esting concerns which may have exercised superior meetings, that they may be enabled to communicate them in a suitable manner to the meetings by which they were appointed. Committees should enter seasonably on the busi- ness of their appointment, and agree on a report, to be made verbally by one of their number, or in writing, if the case require it; and when they re- port the business unaccomplished, they should offer reasons therefor, that the meeting may be satisfied there has been no unprofitable delay. When Friends appointed to services are prevented from attending to them, (and it is expected that nothing but sickness, or other extraordinary cause, will prevent them,) they should render an account thereof to the meeting appointing them ; and, if they are representatives, they are also to render an ac- count to the meeting which they were appointed to attend. And it is advised that Friends do not, unne- cessarily, withdraw from their meetings, until the business be finished. Those who give way to sleeping in meetings, should not be employed in the service of the Society. Lest the progress of truth in our religious Society be obstructed by injudicious appointments to ser- vices in the Church, Friends are advised to be weighty in their nominations ; that spiritually mind- ed persons, concerned to walk consistently with their profession, may be separated to the service of the Society; for the right maintenance of our christian discipline, in its various branches, very much depends on a solemn attention to the point- ings of divine wisdom therein. MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 15 In order that our christian discipline may be sup- ported agreeably to the design of its institution, it is important that quarterly meetings should wait for the influence of the Spirit of Truth that they may be qualified to administer such advice and assist- ance to monthly meetings, as circumstances shall require : and monthly meetings should also be im- pressed with the necessity of a close attention to the tenor and spirit of the discipline; as much de- pends on their care and concern for the support and maintenance of the wholesome regulations recom- mended for general use and practice. It is earnestly desired, that religiously concerned and active members in the Society consider the need there is of faithfulness on their part in discharging with diligence and circumspection, the trust commit- ted to thein ; as the welfare of our religious Society, and the support of the various testimonies borne by it to the world, materially depend upon their devot- edness to the Lord's work and service. WOMEN'S MEETINGS FOR DISCI. PlilNE. As women's meetings for discipline have been of manifest advantage to their own sex in. particular, as well as to our Society in general, it is earnestly desired, that they may wait for the influence of the Spirit of Truth in their meetings, which will qualify them for a faithful discharge of duty, in that part of the discipline of the Church which properly apper- tains to them. Women's Preparative and Monthly Meetings. Monthly meetings are to appoint a suitable num- ber of overseers out of each preparative meeting, whose duties, as well as the order of proceeding in preparative meetings, are, in general, similar to those of the men's. They are also to appoint represent- atives to the quarterly meetings, and to prepare and transmit to quarterly meetings, summaries of the answers to the queries received from the pre- parative meetings ; with such other business as may be necessary. women's meetings for discipline. 17 Women's monthly meetings are not to receive nor disown members without the concurrence of men's monthly meetings. When a monthly meeting of women friends has proceeded as far as appears ne- cessary in treating with a disorderly member, or in visiting a person requesting to be received into mem- bership; the case, with the sense of the meeting upon it, should be communicated in an explicit man- ner to the men's meeting, which should enter it on its minutes ; and if the men's meeting should unite with the women's, the latter should be informed thereof; but should the men's meeting apprehend further care in the case to be necessary, a joint committee should be appointed, and the report of the committee pre- sented to the men's meeting ; whose result, with the report, is to be laid before the women's meetiag for its approbation. Women's monthly meetings are to inform request- ers and offenders of conclusions in their respective cases. They are to make quarterly collections for the relief of the poor of their sex ; and should their own funds be inadequate to afford competent relief, they are to apply to the men's meeting, or to its overseers of the poor, for assistance. When a certificate of removal shall be necessary for a woman Friend, the women's monthly meeting is to appoint a committee to make the necessary inquiry, and prepare art essay; which, if approved by the women's meeting, is to be laid before the men's meeting, for concurrence; but when a certifi- cate of removal to include both sexes is to be pre- pared, a joint committee should bfe appointed to 18 women's meetings for discipline. make the inquiry, and prepare an essay; and the certificates should be signed by the clerk of each meeting. AH certificates received for women Friends are to be laid before the men's meeting, previous to acceptance. Women's Quarterly Meetings Are to receive the written accounts sent from their monthly meetings, and to transmit to the wo- men's yearly meeting, summaries of the answers to the queries, with such other subjects as may appear to them necessary ; and they are to appoint a suit- able number of representatives to attend the yearly meeting. Women's quarterly meetings may communicate to their respective monthly meetings such advices as they apprehend necessary, with any epistles or writings, received from their yearly meeting; and they are to attend to such other concerns as may properly claim their notice and care. The Yearly Meeting of Women Friends May correspond with any other yearly meeting of its own sex, and issue such counsel and admoni- tion to its quarterly and monthly meetings as it may women's meetings for discipline. 19 judge necessary. The meeting is to have a fund of its own for such services as may properly come under its notice. The representatives attending the yearly meeting are to exercise a religious care in the nomination of a clerk. Women's meetings for discipline are to keep re- cords of their proceedings. MEETINGS OP MINISTERS AND ELDERS. When the preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders, constituted as hereafter directed, is united in proposing to the monthly meeting for discipline the consideration of acknowledging a Friend a Minister, it is to inform the quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders. If the quarterly meeting concur with the proposal, it is to return information to the pre- parative meeting, which is then to propose the con- sideration of the subject to the monthly meeting for discipline. Should the monthly meeting, after due and weighty deliberation, and the necessary atten- tion of a committee, unite in approving the ministry of the Friend proposed, and in recommending him to the meeting of Ministers and Elders, having previous to a result in the case, laid it before the women's meeting for its approbation, it is to inform the preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders. The Friend is then to be a member of the meeting of Ministers and Elders, and information is to be for- warded to the quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders. When the person proposed to be recommended, is a female, the proposal, after being considered by the preparative and quarterly meetings of Ministers and Elders, should be forwarded to the women's monthly meeting, which shall lay the subject before the men's MEETINGS OP MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 2J meeting, and the latter shall appoint a committee, to join with an appointment of the women's meeting in the case, and their joint report shall he presented first to the women's meeting, which is to inform the men's meeting of its judgment, and should the men's meeting concur in the recommendation, the Friend shall be a member of the meeting of Ministers and Elders; and the information thereof is to be for- warded by the men's monthly meeting to the prepa- rative meeting of Ministers and Elders. " The Monthly Meetings shall once in three years, and oftener if circumstances require, appoint a joint committee of Men and Women Friends to consider of and report the names of two or more Friends of each sex, to fill the station of Elders. " The names of the men are to be reported to the men's meeting, and those of the women to the wo- men's meeting; where they shall be deliberately, and weightily considered ; if approved in their own res- pective meetings, the names shall then be recipro- cally submitted, the men to the women's meeting and the women to the men's, for concurrence, (the ulti- mate judgment to be in the men's meeting ;) and if approved they are to be considered members of the meeting for Ministers and Elders, until the expiration of the triennial term, unless sooner released; and informatioTi thereof shall be communicated to the Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders. " At each trienni^il appointment, those then in the station of Elders, are not, on that account, to be con- sidered by the committee as ineligible. And the above proceedffiitgs of Monthly Meetings are to be 4 22 MEETINGS OF considered a release to those who now fill that sta- tion, unless re-appointed." When Elders remove from one monthly meeting to another, they are not to be recommended as Elders to the monthly meeting to which they remove. No Friend shall travel abroad as a Minister, or appoint meetings, unless previously recommended by the monthly meeting ; but it is not hereby intended to debar a Friend, not recommended; from accompa- nying, in a short jpurney, a recommended Minister travelling in the ministry; or, in a more extensive one, if he obtain the concurrence of the monthly meeting ; and, in a minute given him, nothing should be mentioned relative to his ministry. When a Minister has a religious concern to travel in the ministry within the limits of the quarterly meeting to which he belongs, the approbation of the monthly meeting should be obtained, except in ap- pointing a few meetings near home, when the appro- bation of the Ministers and Elders, collectively, will be sufficient: if his concern be to travel in other parts of the yearly meeting, a certificate or minute will be requisite, unless, in making a visit in a neighbouring quarterly meeting, the monthly meeting should judge a minute unnecessary. Should a minister have a concern to make an ex- tensive visit, amongst those not of our society, or a general visit in another yearly meeting, the concur- rence of the quarterly meeting is to be obtained, and endorsed on the monthly meeting's certificate, signed by the clerk ; unless from some peculiar circumstan- ces the monthly meeting should conclude that too MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 23 great inconvenience would result from his waiting for the quarterly meeting; the certificate of the monthly meeting is to be signed by the clerk, or by the meeting more at large, as the case may require. When a Minister has a concern to make a religious visit to Europe, or to other foreign parts, as the clearest evidence should be obtained in the under- taking, the concern, together with the certificates of the monthly and quarterly meetings, is to be laid before the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders for its approbation, and, if that be obtained, a certifi- cate thereof, signed by the clerk, should be given. As the performance of religious visits to families is a service which, under right direction, has proved useful and instructive ; for the encouragement of Min- isters, it is advised, that those who have a concern to make a general visit of this kind, even in the monthly meeting to which they belong, should have the con- currence of the meeting ; and if the concern extend to the families in another monthly meeting, a minute of concurrence ought to be obtained. When a Minister has a concern to make an exten- sive visit in the ministry, it is advised, that he lay the subject before the women's meeting for its concur- rence ; and their meeting is also to sign the minute or certificate furnished him. When a female Minister has a concern to travel in the ministry, she is to propose it for the considera- tion of the women's monthly meeting, and if their meeting unite with her, she is to lay it before the men's meeting for its concurrence; and when ap- proved, a minute or certificate expressive thereof is 24 MEETINGS OF to be prepared, and signed by the clerk of each meeting, or by the meetings more generally, as the case may require. Should a Minister, when remote from home, on ap- pointments of the yearly meeting, or meeting for suf- ferings, have a concern to appoint a few meetings, he is at liberty to proceed therein, after obtaining the approbation of the committee in company, to- gether with such other Friends as can be conven- iently consulted. In order to guard against impositions. Friends are advised when strangers come amongst them in the capacity of Ministers, to see that they are furnished with minutes or certificates. Monthly meetings should take care that Friendi^ to whom certificates or minutes to travel have been granted, return them seasonably. As the occasion of our religious meetings is solemn, a care should be maintained to guard against every thing tending to disorder or interruption ; none are to oppose, in a religious meeting, a Friend when publicly speaking, whether he be a recommended Minister or not, whilst in unity as a member ; nor in time of prayer keep on the hat, nor show any re- markable dislike ; but should any Friend have objec- tions to what is delivered, he is to speak to the indi- vidual privately; previous to which, it is advised, that the dissatisfaction be communicated to one or more of the Elders for advice and assistance. When meetings are disturbed by improper commu- nications, it should be the care of the Ministers and Elders to take suitable opportunities with the person MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 25 who has given cause for concern, and to extend advice arid counsel as may appear necessary ; and if he continue to disturb our meetings for worship, he should be further admonished; and provided the desired effect should not be produced, the case should be laid before the preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders, that farther care may be extended ; but should the Friend still persist therein, this meeting ought to lay it ];jefore the monthly meeting for disci- pline, which should proceed to treat with, and disown him, if it appear to be necessary. As much depends on the conduct and example of Ministers and Elders, meetings have been established amongst them for the purpose of examining whether they are all preserved in an exemplary walking, an- swerable to their station ; where advice and caution may be administered for the help and strength one of another, as may appear necessary : and with this view the following queries are recommended to be read and answered in them 1 Query I. Are Ministers and Elders diligent in at- tending meetings for worship and discipline, and careful in bringing their families with them. II. Are they careful to labour honestly to maintain our christian discipline in every part, and not to screen their own families from the operation of it 1 III. Are Ministers careful to minister in the ability which Truth gives ; to avoid tones, unbecoming ges- tures, and enlarging their testimonies so as to be burdensome ? IV. Are the Elders careful to encourage those who are young in the ministry in the right line ; and 26 MEETINGS OF do they discourage forward persons, whose commu- nications do not proceed from right authority *? V. Are Ministers and Elders preserved in love and unity one with another, and with the meetings to which they belong 1 VI. Are they good examples in uprightness and moderation ; and careful to train up their families in plainness of dress and simplicity of manners, becom- ing our religious profession 1 Ministers and Elders are exhorted to dwell in that life which gives ability to labour successfxilly in the Church of Christ. The meetings of Ministers and Elders are consti- tuted and held in the following manner, namely : The Ministers and Elders of each monthly meet- ing are to meet once in three months, and compose a preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders ; unless the quarterly meeting for discipline, from some pecu- liar circumstances, should judge it most adviseable that it be constituted of the Ministers and Elders of more than one monthly meeting; and after some time spent in solid retirement, they are to read the aforesaid Queries, and prepare answers suitable to their state. Each preparative meeting is to appoint a suitable number of representatives to attend the quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders, and to lay before it the answers to the queries, and such other business as the preparative meeting may direct. The quarterly meeting is composed of all the prepa- rative meetings of Ministers and Elders within the limits of the quarterly meeting for discipline; and the queries, with the answers from the preparative MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 27 meetings, are to be read in that meeting, and the substance of them entered on its minutes; a sum- mary of the answers received at the quarterly meet- ing preceding the yearly meeting is to be sent by the representatives to the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders; by which an opportunity will be fur- nished for the extension of such advice and care as may appear necessary. The meetings,of Ministers and Elders are not to interfere with any part of the exercise of the disci- pline of the Church, appertaining to meetings for discipline. Preparative meetings of Ministers and Elders are desired to have a watchful care over the members of their meetings; and should any of them, by negli- gence, unfaithfulness, or otherwise, lose their useful- ness, so as to render it adviseable that they should be released from their stations, the said meetings, if their brotherly care toward them do not produce the desired eiFect, are to put the cases in a way to come before the monthly meeting, in order that they may be released from being members of the meeting of Ministers and Elders, should the monthly meeting deem it necessary. As the Author of all Good continues from time to time to open amongst us the spring of living ministry, it is fervently desired, that Ministers and Elders may so dwell under the Divine influence as to be enabled to discern when ofTerings proceed from the right source, and when they do not, and thus experience a qualification to be nursing fathers and mothers to those who are young in the ministry ; with gentleness 28 MEETINGS OP MINISTERS AND ELDERS. and wisdom advising and encouraging them to abide in simple and patient submission to the will of God, and to keep to the openings of Divine love in them- selves in order that they may witness a gradual growth in their gifts. Ministers and Elders are tenderly advised to watch over the flock in their respective places and stations, evincing by their pious example, in conduct and con- versation, that they are faithfully devoted to support the testimonies of the blessed TrutL MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. In order that the yearly meeting, with its several branches, might be properly represented in its inter- vals, a meeting was established in the year 1759, by the name of the Meeting for Sufferings, to meet at such time and place as the yearly meeting may direct. The following directions are to be observed by the Meeting for Sufferings : 1st. It shall keep minutes of its proceedings, and lay them annually before the yearly meeting. 2d. Twelve members shall constitute a meeting capable of transacting business. 3d. Four members may call a special meeting when they shall judge it necessary. 4th. Provided a vacancy occasioned by the decease or removal of a member, the Meeting for Sufferings is to notify the yearly meeting of such death or re- moval, in order that the vacancy may be filled up by a new appointment. The services confided to the Meeting for Suffer- ings, are, 1st. In general, to represent the yearly meeting, and to act on its behalf in cases where the interest or reputation of our religious society may render it necessary. 2d. To have the oversight and inspection of all manuscripts proposed to be printed, relating to our 30 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. religious principles or testimonies, and to promote or discourage the publication of them at their discre- tion; to reprint and distribute any writings already published, which they may judge would be useful; and when expenses are incurred in the execution of these duties, they are to draw on the treasurer of the yearly meeting for the amount. 3d. To inspect and ascertain titles to land, or other estates, belonging to any of our meetings ; and to attend to the appropriation of charitable legacies and donations. 4th. To receive from the quarterly meetings, such memorials concerning deceased Friends as shall be forwarded; that, after the necessary inspection and correction, they may be laid before the yearly meet- ing ; unless, in some cases, the Meeting for Sufferings should, on solid consideration, judge it inexpedient. 5th. To extend such advice and assistance to per- sons under suflFerings for our testimonies, as their cases may require ; and to apply to the government, or persons in authority, on these and other occasions as they may judge necessary. 6th. To correspond as occasion may require, with other Meetings for SuflFerings. All approved Ministers, and the members of any other Meeting for SuflFerings, are at liberty to attend the sittings of this meeting. OVERSEERS. Although it is the duty of every faithful member of our society to advise and admonish those who are guilty of unbecoming or disorderly conduct ; yet that it may not be overlooked or neglected, it should be more particularly the business of overseers ; who, it is desired, may treat with them, in the spirit of meek- ness and restoring love, patiently endeavouring to instruct and advise them; but should their labour prove ineffectual, the preparative meeting should, in due season, be informed of the cases, that, if neces- sary, they may be laid before the monthly meeting. Two or more faithful and judicious Friends should be appointed by the monthly meeting to be overseers in each preparative meeting ; who ought to exercise a tender and vigilant care over their fellow members, that if any thing contrary to the harmony and good order of our religious society appear, it may be sea- sonably attended to. Although it is considered necessary that overseers should be invested with some discretionary power, yet, as the reputation of the society may sometimes suffer by their retaining cases too long, and as offend- ers may not be benefited by the indulgence, overseers are advised to a due and careful consideration of the important trust committed to them, and of the re- 32 OVERSEERS. sponsibility of their station, that cases may not be unseasonably kept from the meeting. Monthly meetings are earnestly desired to give weighty attention to the pointings of Wisdom in their choice for this important service in the church ; that those may be appointed, whose concern for the support of our christian testimony, in its various branches, may tend to the preservation of good order. As great care and deliberation are necessary in appointing overseers, it is advised, as a safe and pru- dent step, that monthly meetings appoint a commit- tee ,to take the subject into consideration ; and, at the succeeding meeting, to propose such Friends as they may agree upon to fill the station in each pre- parative meeting, and the names should be sepa- rately proposed and considered. The nine following Queries are to be distinctly read and deliberately considered in each preparative, and moi^thly mating, preceding each quarterly meet- ing, in order that Friends may be led to an individual examination whether their practice is consistent with their profession; and that Ministers, Elders, Over- seers, and other religiously concerned Friends, may be excited to discharge their duty faithfully, in ad- ministering counsel and admonition, tending to the promotion of vigilance and care in the exercise of our Christian discipline. In order to convey to each quarterly meeting a general account of the state of our society, full and explicit answers are to be given by each preparative meeting preceding the monthly meeting, which pre- cedes the quarterly meeting, to the first, second, third, fourth, and ninth queries, three times in the year ; and these answers are to be digested in the monthly meeting, and sent to the quarterly meeting ; where they are in like manner to be read and con- sidered : and once in the year, namely, in the prepa- rative and monthly meetings before the quarterly meeting, which precedes the yearly meeting, the first nine queries are in like manner to be read and con- sidered ; and each of them is to be particularly and distinctly answered, and the answers to be forwarded 34 aUERIES. as before directed ; in order to convey to the yearly meeting a clear account of the state of society. The tenth query is to be read and answered in the monthly and quarterly meetings preceding the yearly meeting. First Query. Are Friends careful to attend all our meetings for religious worship and discipline ; is the hour observed ; and are they clear of sleeping and of all other unbecoming behaviour in them 1 Second Q,uery. Are love and unity maintained as becomes brethren; if differences arise, is due care taken speedily to end them; and do Friends avoid and discourage tale-bearing and detraction 1 Third Q^uery. Are Friends careful to keep them- selves, their own, and other Friends children under their care, in plainness of speech, behaviour and ap- parel ; and do they endeavour, by example and pre- cept to train thein up in a religious life and conver- sation, consistent with our christian profession 7 Are the Scriptures of Truth frequently read in their families, and do they extend a due care in these respects, towards others imder their tuition 1 Fourth Q,uery. Do Friends avoid the unnecessary use of spirituous liquors, frequenting taverns, and attending places of diversion 1 Fifth Q,uery. Are the circumstances of the poor, and of those who appear likely to require assistance, duly inspected; is relief seasonably afforded them, and are they advised and assisted in such employ- ments as they are capable of; and are their children, and all others under our care, instructed in school- learning to fit them for business ? auERiEs. 35 Sixth Q,tiery. Do any keep company with persons not of our society on account of marriage; do pa- rents connive at their children's keeping company with such; and do any attend the marriages of those who go out from us, or marriages accomplished by a priest 1 Seventh Q,uery. Are Friends clear of bearing arms, of complying with military requisitions, and of paying any fine or tax in lieu thereof? Eighth Query. Are there any deficient in perform- ing their promises, or paying their just debts ; do any extend their business beyond their ability to manage as becomes our religious profession ; and are those who give occasion for fear on those accounts, timely laboured with for their preservation and recovery ? Ninth Query. Is care taken seasonably to deal with offenders in the spirit of meekness, and agree- ably to our discipline 1 Tenth Query. Are the answers to the queries, for- warded by subordinate to superior meetings, the sub- stance of, and founded on, the answers from the pre- parative meetings 1 The following advices are to be read and carefully attended to in the preparative, monthly, and quar- terly meetings, after the queries are answered ? Friends are earnestly desired to guard against the corrupt conversation of the world ; to avoid reading pernicious books, and to prevent the introduction of them into their families ; to observe due moderation 36 auERiES. at marriages, in the furniture of their houses, in their manner of living, and on all other occasions ; to in- spect frequently the state of their temporal affairs ; and to be always provided with wills agreeably to the tenor of the discipline on that subject. Due care should be taken that all our members are clear of being concerned in lotteries ; that no children are placed out contrary to discipline ; that the necessary care is extended respecting certificates of removal ; and that none of our members are con- cerned in illegal trade, or in dealing in prize goods ; and Friends are pressingly advised not to violate our testimony against war in any respect: it is also affectionately desired, that when any Friends are brought into suffering on this account, they may manifest a disposition comporting with our christian profession. The following recommendation is to be read once a year, in the preparative, monthly, and quarterly meetings, preceding the yearly meeting. Friends should avoid all contention and personal reflections in our meetings for discipline; and be careful to keep out of heats and doubtful disputa- tions ; that they may be conducted in the peaceable spirit and wisdom of Jesus, with decency, forbear- ance, and love to each other. TREATING WITH OFFENDERS. It is advised that offenders be treated with in a christian spirit, and in the persuasive language of love and tenderness ; that the evil of their conduct may be laid before them, in order to bring them to a sense of it in themselves, and to promote their restoration. Although those who transgress should manifest a spirit of opposition, yet we ought patiently and meekly to instruct and advise them, that we may not only have the reward of peace in ourselves, but that it may so affect the spirits of those spoken to, as to make them sensible that we have performed a christian duty, and an office of brotherly love towards them. If any reject this tender labour, the over- seers are to acquaint the preparative meeting thereof, in order, if necessary, that the case may be for- warded to the monthly meeting; that further care may be taken, according to our established rules; and notice should be given to the party, when it can reasonably be done, previous to its being laid before the preparative meeting. In all cases, when it appears to a monthly meeting, that the necessary labour has been bestowed on an offending member, and it apprehends it right that he should be disowned, the monthly meeting is to 6 38 TREATING WITH OFFENDERS. appoint a committee to have a suitable interview with him, to inform him of the judgiaent-0£-the meetingf^nd fumlfeh him with a copy of the i coii^pid^ against him, if required,,and acquaint | him with his privilege of appealing. Hmlege of appealing. On this interesting occasion, it is particularly ne- cessary that the committee should take a solid oppor- tunity with the individual, and endeavour to leave him in a tender disposition of mind. For the maintenance of our testimony against war, as well as against matters which are publicly known to be scandalous or inconsistent, monthly meetings are to be at liberty to disown members who have been guilty of such misconduct, and afterwards ab- scond or depart from amongst us, and thus deprive Friends of an opportunity of discharging the care they might otherwise extend. When a person commits an offence within the verge of a monthly meeting where he resides, but of which he is not a member by the rules of settlement, the overseers of that meeting are to treat with him, provided they are satisfied that he is a member of our society, and if the case be of such a nature that it ought to be laid before a meeting for discipline, they are to inform the overseers of the meeting of which he is a member; unless the distance be so great that there is danger of reproach being brought upon our religious profession by the delay, when they are to lay the case before the meeting where he TREATING WITH OFFENDERS. 39 resides, and this meeting is tp proceed to treat with, and, if the nature of the case require it, disown him, and on his making satisfaction receive him again; which, however, shall not entitle him to memhership in the monthly meeting treating with him, but in the meeting of which he was a member before he was disowned ; and the monthly meeting which disovpned him shall immediately give notice of ^re denial or acceptance to the monthly meeting where he previ- ously belonged. ' ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND TESTI- MONIES OF DENIAL. Arsons under dealing, making acknowledgment of tn^ offences, should prepare them in wrhmg, unless in some cases, the monthly meetingymould consider iWanecessary. An acknowledgmejire should be shown Wwthe committee appointed br the case, and by them Banded to the monthly meeting. Per- sons having beeflydisowned, and wi||ffing to become members, stand om^he ground of requesters, and written acknowledgments fromyrach to be no longer required. It is advise(^^latJm acknowledgment be read early in the meeting jS^d the person offering it is to be present duringi(!ne\eading of it, when he reasonably can; andydfter tinwi being given for a solid pause, before iJns or any otH»^ business is pro- ceeded in, he shoj^ retire. ^^ A preparati\^meeting, overseers, oincommittee of a monthly mating, are not to judge of akacknowl- edgement>o as to prevent its going to th^monthly meetinfflf^they may, however, remark to a^jerson offeru^ an acknowledgement, any manifest obsKfic- tim^and then leave him at liberty to proceed as ft^ limy think best. TESTIMONIES OF DENIAL. 41 All testimonies of denial should be entered on the minutes of the monthly meeting. Testimonies of denial, or acknowledgments, are not to be publicly read, unless monthly meetings should apprehend that our religious profession would suffer reproach by the omission. APPEALS. If any person be dissatisfied with the judgment of a monthly meeting, he may, after a copy of the tes- timony of denial is offered to him, notify the first or second meeting, but no other, of his intention to ap- peal to the next ensuing quarterly meeting ; which notification the monthly meeting should enter on its minutes, and appoint four or more Friends to attend the quarterly meeting with copies of the minutes relative to the case, and give such explanations as may be necessary. The quarterly meeting is to refer the subject to a committee, (omitting the members of the monthly meeting appealed from,) who are carefully and delib- erately to consider the case, and report their judg- ment respecting it ; and the quarterly meeting shall confirm or reverse the judgment of the monthly meeting, as, on impartial deliberation, shall appear to be right, and inform the appellant of the result. Should the appellant be dissatisfied with the judg- ment of the quarterly meeting, and notify the next quarterly meeting, or the one succeeding it, but not afterwards, of his intention to apply to the yearly meeting for a further hearing, the quarterly meeting should record the notification, and appoint four or APPEALS. 43 more Friends to attend the yearly meeting, with copies of the monthly and quarterly meetings' min- utes in the case; and the decision of the yearly meeting shall be final. When the appellant is a female, the women's meet- ing is also to appoint a committee to accompany the minutes in the case, from the monthly to the quar- terly meeting, and from the quarterly to the yearly meeting; and the women's quarterly and yearly meetings should appoint committees to unite with the committees of the men's meetings in examination of the subject ; and the report of the joint commit- tee is to be made to the men's meeting, which is to decide on the appeal, and inform the women's meet- ing of its decision ; and a committee of both the men and women's meetings should be appointed to inform the appellant of the result. Appellants have a right to be present during the appointment of the committee in their cases; and objections which they may then make to persons nominated on the committee are to be attended to. PUBLIC SCANDAL. If any member of our society should be guilty of gross or notorious crimes, or such other disorderly and indecent practices as occasion public scandal, he should be speedily laboured with by the monthly meeting, and if he cannot be brought to a proper sense of his misconduct, he should be disowned. WAR. Consonant with the precepts and doctrines of the gospel, which breathes peace on earth and good will towards men, we have found it to be our indis- pensable duty to bear a faithful testimony against war: it is, therefore, aflFectionately enjoined on the members of our 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 pro- mote war, underwriting on armed vessels, or being concerned in any company where such insurance is made, or shipping, or ordering goods shipped, in armed vessels. But should members of our Society be so unmind- ful of our christian testimony against war, as to bear arms, or actively comply with military requi- sitions, 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 concerned in pro- 7 46 WAR. moting the publication of writings which tend to excite the spirit of war ; advice should be speedily given them ; and, after being tenderly treated with, in order to bring them to a sense of their error, in departing from this distinguishing testimony of the society, unless they give satisfaction to the monthly meeting, they are to be disowned. OATHS. Our testimony against oaths is founded upon the following express and positive command of Christ : " Ye have heard that it has been said by them of " old time, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt " perform unto the Lord thine oaths : but I say unto "you, swear not at all; neither by Heaven, for it "is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his " footstool ; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city " of the great King ; neither shalt thou swear by " thy head, because thou canst not make one hair " white or black : but le;t your communication bie " yea, yea, nay, nay ; for whatsoever is more than " these Cometh of evil."— Matth. v. 33 to 37. This testimony, we also find, was clearly held up and emphatically enjoined by the apostle James upon his christian brethren : " But above all things, " my brethren, swear not ; neither by heaven, neither " by the earth, neither by any other oath ; but let "your yea be yea, and your nay, nay, lest ye fall " into condemnation." — James v. 12. Believing that no argument can invalidate pro- hibitions, thus clear and positive, we are bound reli- giously to regard them. 48 OATHS. But should any member of our society so far dis- regard our testimony herein, as in any case to take or administer an oath, he should be laboured with, and, unless he give satisfaction, disowned. SLAVERY. As it has beqp, and continues to be, the concern of our society to testify its disunity with the practice of enslaving mankind, if any of our members should be concerned in buying or selling, or should give away or transfer any negro, or other slave, in such manner as to cause his service to be extended be- yond the time limited by law or custom for white persons ; and those who accept of such gift or assign- ment, or hold any descendants of slaves transferred in the manner before-mentioned, or hire any from those who hold them in bondage, or take them by indenture, or otherwise, unless their freedom be iirst secured, they ought to be speedily laboured with, in a christian spirit ; and if they cannot be brought to such a sense of their injustice, as to do whatever the monthly meeting should judge reasonable and neces- sary, to restore those injured persons to their natural and just right of liberty, they should be disowned. Friends are desired to avoid any act by which the right of slavery is acknowledged ; but it is not here- by intended to debar them from the exercise of be- nevolence toward those who are held in slavery. Friends who have youth of African descent under their tuition, are exhorted to treat them in a christian 50 SLAVERY. manner, it being their religious duty to give them, useful and necessary learning, to fit them for business, and to instruct them in morality and the principles of religion. The state of those v^hp h?ive been held as slaves by Friends, or by their predecessors, calls for serious inquiry and close examination, how^ far they are clear of withholding from them, or their children, that as- sistance which rpay be found to be their just right ; «ud the descendants of those Friends who have held them in bondage, are affectionately entreated to at- tend to the openings of duty on this subject. Evea if no such obligations to this people existed amongst • us, it is worthy of serious consideration whether there is any object of benificence more deserving atten- tion, than that of training up the youth of this inju- red part of the human family, in such virtuous piTP- ciples and habits, as may render thein useflll and respectable members of the community. DISTILLED SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS. In consideration of the corrapting and rainons ef- fects occasioned by the importation, distillation, and sale of ardent spirits, which produce intemperance, and lead to the imporerishment of many, the injury* of the constitutions and minds of many more, and the increase of vice and dissoluteness in the land, it is earnestly desired, that none of our members may contribute to this great evil, by being concerned in importing, distilling, or vending ardent spirits, or selling their grain, or other produce, for the purpose of distillation : but, if any shall so far disregard tlje concern of the society, and the labour of their Friends, as to continue in either of these practices, and cannot be brougnt to such a sense of their mis- conduct as to desist from it, they are to be disowned. Friends should carefully avoid vain and idle com- pany, tippling, and sipping drams and strong drink ; for though such as are in these evil practices may not suddenly become drunkards to the greatest degree, yet they are often led on to the greatest transgres- sions ; and even some who have had the good exam- ple of virtuous parents, have, from small beginnings, arrived to a shameful excess, to the reproach and ruin of themselves, and the great injury of their families. 52 DISTILLED SPIRITUOUS LiaUORS. Friends are cautioned against a pernicious custom which has prevailed, of giving rum or other strong liquors, to excite people to bid at vendues to advance the price ; vv^hich, besides the injustice of the artifice, leads to intemperance and disorder; and those of our members who are in trade are cautioned against handing, or suffering it to be handed to persons who come into their shops. Should any members of our society give way to this evil practice, by handing to others, or taking strong liquors themselves at vendues, or countenance or promote any noisy and revelling gathering, they should be treated with as disorderly persons; and Friends are earnestly advised to refrain from any other than a medicinal use of distilled spirits. TAVERNS. The youth, as well as those of riper age, sae cau- tioned against unnecessarily frequenting taverns, and other places of public resort ; that they may not be exposed to noisy company and unprofitable conver- sation, or betrayed into the use of strong liquors ; by which, many have been corrupted in principle and practice, to the ruin of themselves and their families. If any give way to these evil practices, they should be timely and tenderly treated with, in order to con- vince them of their danger ; but if no fruits of amend- ment appear, monthly meetings, after discharging their duty, should proceed to disown them. GAMING AND DIVERSIONS. Friends are not to attend stage plays, horse races, places of music or dancing, or other places of diver- sion ; nor lay wagers, nor be concerned in lotteries, nor practice any other kind of gaming : but should any be concerned in, or give way to, either of these practices, and they cannot, after tender labour in the spirit of restoring love, be brought to a due sense of their misconduct, monthly meetings should manifest their disunion with them by separating them from the society. Friends are advised to be careful respecting the use of tobacco, and particularly to avoid the public use of it in streets, high roads, and other places of promiscuous resort; and it is recomipended to our youth, in an especial manner, to refrain from this unnecessary practice, which is so liable to become habitual, and injurious to health. DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. When any are guilty of tattling, tale-bearing, re- proaching, back-biting, or speaking evil of others, or busily meddling with their affairs, when not con- cerned, tending to excite strife and discord, or cause disesteem amongst brethren or neighbours, they are to be suitably treated with, and, if they do not make satisfaction therefor, they should be disowned. Friends are exhorted to act with due circumspec- tion, that, in their conversation and conduct amongst men, they may do nothing to the hurt or reproach of any ; and should a Friend hear of a scandalous and injurious report of another, he ought to discounte- nance it, by showing the reporter the evil and injus- tice thereof; and then, without further spreading it, he should go to the person whom it concerns, or advise him of it, that he may have an opportunity to clear himself, if innocent, or make satisfaction, if guilty ; and should this private labour prove ineffec- tual, the overseers ought to be informed, that he may be treated with consistently with our discipline. HIRELING MIiriSTRY. Asf it is by the immediate teaching and influence of the Holy Spirit, that acceptable worship is per- formed, and gospel ministry brought forth ; as this powerful influence is the essential qualification for the work; and as the gift is divine, the service is freely and faithfully to be performed, without any view to reward from man. Should any Friends be so regardless of this testi- mony, as to contribute to the support of an hireling ministry, monthly meetings are to labour in love and tenderness to convince them of their error ; and, if their endeavours prove ineffectual, and the offend' ers persist in their unfaithfulness, they are to be disowned. MARRIAGES. Young or unmarried persons, in membership with us, before they make any procedure with a view to marriage, should seek for right direction in this im- portant concern, should early acquaint their parents or guardians with their intentions, and wait for their consent ; by which they may be preserved from the dangerous bias of forward and uncertain affections. Proposals of marriage are to be presented in wri- ting to the preparative meeting of which the woman is a member, signed by the parties, in substance as follows : To the Monthly Meeting of- We, the subscribers, A. B. son of C. & D. B. and F. G. daughter of H. & I. G. purpose taking each other in marriage; which we hereby offer for the approbation of Friends. (Signed,) A. B. F. G. And the said written proposal is to be forwarded by the preparative to the monthly meeting, where the couple intending marriage shall not be required to attend personally to make their proposal. If no 58 MARRIAGES. reasons appear to prevent it, their said intentions should be minuted, and inquiry made concerning consent of parents or guardians; whose consent should be either personally expressed, or sent to the monthly meeting in writing; and it is advised that it be presented to the monthly meeting in which the proposal of marriage is first introduced. Should the parties be members of one monthly meeting, two Friends are to be appointed to inquire into the man's clearness for proceeding in marriage; and a similar care should be taken by the women's meeting, concerning the woman. If she be a widow, having children, two or more men Friends should also be appointed to see that their rights are legally secured. Should the parties be members of different monthly meetings, the man, either at the first or second mionthly meeting, is to produce a certificate from the monthly meeting to which he belongs, expressive of his c learness from other like engagements. At the second monthly meefing, they are to be present, separately, in their respective meetings, and should the committees report, that there ap- pears to be no obstruction to their proceeding, the meeting is to leave them at liberty to accom- plish their marriage according to the order of our society ; but it is not to be done on the day of the monthly meeting nor on the first day of the week. Marriages should be accomplished with a gravity and weight becoming the occasion ; and the parties MARRIAGES, 59 and others Concerned, are to exercise due care that no cause of reproach take place by any intemper- ance, or disorderly conduct, but that all conduct with that order and sobriety which become our religious profession. And for the assistance of those immedi- ately concerned, two men and two women Friends are to be appointed, by the monthly meeting, to at- tend at the marriage, and also at the house where the parties may gp after the meeting ; and should they, or other Friends, observe any inconS'istent conduct, they ought, as soon as they conveniently can, to ad- monish those who are disorderly: and the Friends appointed to attend at the marriage, are to report to the next monthly meeting whether it has been con- ducted according to good order, and whether the marriage certificate is handed to the Recorder. ■ Friends are advised to avoid making expensive entertainments, and inviting large companies. Marriage implies union, as well in spiritual as tem- poral concerns. While the parties differ in religious principles, they stand disunited in the main point, even in that which should increase and confirm their mutual happiness, and render them helpmates and blessings to each other. Where it is otherwise, the reciprocal obligation into which they have entered, becomes their burden. With whatever felicity they may have flattered themselves in the beginning, they find themselves disappointed, by the daily uneasiness accompanying their minds, and imbittering their en- joyments. The perplexed situation of the offspring of such